第１４０５堀：冒険者ギルドの魔物専門者 (Part2)
"That is correct. Hivia and I both hail from the If Continent."
"I see, I see. That would mean monsters do inhabit even those lands with such sparse magical energy, would it not? Your deep insight into the subject has been quite evident from our conversation thus far."
"Yes. As I mentioned, Hivia and I specialize in surveying monster ecosystems."
"Indeed, indeed. If you’ll forgive the bluntness, I had initially wondered why two such young individuals were chosen for this task, but now I see the intent behind it."
"?"
I couldn't quite grasp what Kate-san was implying.
"The fact that you two were assigned to guide me must be so that we might study the differences between our respective continents. It may well provide us with unique perspectives for the upcoming Great Outbreak survey."
I think I deserve credit for not blurting out an "Oh."
Well, knowing Yuki-san and the others, they probably did take that into account, but...
The real reason is that Yuki-san, Seraria-san, and the others couldn't exactly spare the time to personally guide Kate-san around. Especially not Aslin.
But, setting that aside...
"Speaking of which, what is your take on this current Great Outbreak, Kate-san?"
"At this stage, it is difficult to say, though we know the scale will be significant. A major power might be able to handle it, but for a smaller nation, it would be nearly impossible. Fortunately, thanks to the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance, the response has been swift. In the worst-case scenario, the nations around Suurus could have fallen. If a Lich or similar entity were to command the Great Outbreak, they would absorb the monsters in the surrounding region into their ranks."
"Absorb? What do you mean by that?"
"Ah, I don't mean they drain their magical energy. I mean they subjugate the monsters and expand their forces."
"That kind of absorption. But is it really possible to subjugate wild monsters?"
"It is rare, but it happens. It is theorized that Liches, through their immense magical power, perform a role similar to that of a Tamer. Of course, we have confirmed that higher-order monsters can organize their lesser kin, so it is likely they possess some degree of communication."
"Does that mean they are following them of their own volition?"
"Goblins and Orcs generally do not challenge opponents they cannot defeat, and they tend to flee from such dangerous areas; it is considered a form of survival instinct."
I see.
It’s true that even in the Great Forest, Goblins and Orcs only inhabit the outer perimeter.
Well, I haven't researched it in great detail myself, but with the help of Yuki-san and the others, that is the conclusion we’ve reached for now.
I had been wondering how monster research outside of Weed was progressing, but it seems they are conducting quite thorough studies.
Honestly, back on the If Continent, a group of Goblins would consist of ten at most. When I heard that the Goblins here have higher-order species like Kings leading swarms of over a hundred, I was shocked.
Though, Steve is the most bizarre case of all, isn't he?
"Precisely. If you are willing, once this current crisis settles down, I would invite you—and the others from Weed, of course—to visit the Dosou Kingdom. Given your work in monster research and the matter of Tamers, I believe we could have a very meaningful exchange."
"That sounds good. Once things calm down, eventually."
"I would love to go."
We answered honestly.
I don't know what the Dosou Kingdom’s true agenda might be, but I am genuinely interested in information regarding monster research.
As for the troublesome stuff, it’s best to leave that to Yuki-san and the others, not Hivia or me.
"I shall look forward to that day. Now, who might that be?"
As we were talking, someone began walking toward us.
This is the Griffin breeding grounds; ordinary people shouldn't be coming here...
"Hey there. Wazfi-chan, Hivia-chan, and Kate. We’ve been called to assemble from up top."
The person who said this was someone we—and Kate-san—knew well.
"Mauve-san!"
Yes, it was Mauve-san, the exclusive adventurer of Weed.
It seems the permit for the Suurus survey has finally been granted.