第１３５２堀：大氾濫の情報 (Part2)
"So, that means there’s a Dungeon Master on the other side."
The realization that I was facing the same kind of existence as Yuki sent a shiver down my spine.
However, Raiya continued the conversation with a calm demeanor.
"It’s certainly possible it’s a dungeon, but isn't it strange for such powerful monsters to emerge from one? If it is a dungeon, they would need to accumulate DP, just like here in Weed. Was there a dungeon there to begin with?"
Ah, he’s right.
A dungeon is a mechanism that stores DP to fortify its base.
"Wait a moment, Raiya. Come to think of it, we haven't heard the scale of this Great Stampede. Is it something we can handle ourselves? Or is it just a group of goblins?"
Now that I think about it, I knew a Great Stampede had occurred, but I hadn't heard the extent of it. I needed to know the composition of the monsters as well.
"Well, according to the guild staff from the western town that was attacked, it’s twenty percent goblins, thirty percent orcs, twenty percent trolls, twenty percent golems, and a wide variety of others—they’ve even confirmed a lich."
"A lich leading them? That means it’s a military-grade legion."
"That’s the same level as the one we dealt with."
As Mauve noted, a Great Stampede led by a lich implies the presence of a commander; it’s a level of threat that can’t be handled without a national army. That is precisely why Mauve and his companions are hailed as heroes for having repelled one.
"What are the numbers?" Raiya asked coolly.
"They say about ten thousand."
"..."
That’s absurd.
It easily exceeds the total number of soldiers the Principality of Suls possesses.
"So, that means the point of origin hasn't been investigated yet?"
"Indeed. The information is chaotic."
"Since the intelligence isn't solidified, the Adventurer's Guild is hesitant to officially label it a 'Great Stampede,' correct?"
"Aye, as Curse says. A Great Stampede is something every nation would be wary of. With a scale this large, instead of sending troops when asked for help, some countries might decide to prioritize fortifying their own defenses."
...Defending one's own country is only natural.
However, that puts the Principality of Suls in a dire situation.
"For now, why don't you relay this information to Riel? It doesn't seem like we’ll be gathering any more intel."
"That is already taken care of. Before I spoke with you, Yuki-kun, I had already ordered for this information to be passed on to Riel."
"I see. Then the rest depends on what judgment Riel makes."
"Whether to move as a coalition or an alliance—that is not something we can dictate. What do you think should be done, Yuki-kun?"
"The answer depends on what kind of outcome you want, but personally, I would prefer to move as an alliance."
"The reason?"
"Because it’s a perfect opportunity to inform countries that aren't aware of the Great Stampede. Besides, if it’s a request from Weed..."
"You can turn it into a repayment for the trouble caused to you, Yuki-kun?"
"Yes. Though, I don't know how effective they’ll be as combat power against monsters. Also, it will take time to assemble."
Hmm. As Yuki said, mobilizing an alliance would stabilize the situation in terms of raw military strength. But it would take time to gather them. The only comfort is that there’s no fear of being refused once the request is made.
As I was thinking this, Rurua spoke up.
"Grand Master. Assuming we consult Alstaire-sama regarding reinforcements, what is the status of the western town that was attacked?"
"...The western town was crushed by the Great Stampede. The lord, the soldiers, and the volunteers fought desperately to help the townspeople escape, but the castle gates were breached in less than half a day, leading to a chaotic melee. The refugees are being sheltered in the northern town. This comes from the guild staff in the western town, so there is no mistake."
The western town has already fallen...
"We must have a meeting with Alstaire-sama immediately!"
With those words, Rurua left the conference room.
We have to deal with this as quickly as possible, or the damage will spread.
I understand that, but it’s a difficult situation.
For now, we headed to the General Administration Building while waiting for Rurua’s report.
Yuki seemed to be following Rurua to join the discussion with Alstaire.
In the meantime, I have to get in touch with Seraria, Eris, and Ratz.
A massive outbreak of monsters from nowhere.
Is it a dungeon?
And how will Weed move in response to this?