落とし穴外伝：勇者立つ！ (Part2)
"I agree there's no issue with the plan itself, but the problem lies in the town's layout. There isn't really a space inside the walls to station our defensive armaments."
Checking the data from the dungeonization process allowed me to confirm the structural integrity of the castle and the town's ramparts, but they were designed strictly for human use. There simply wasn't enough room to deploy the arsenal we had prepared in Weed. Besides, having them get too close would be a nuisance.
"I’ve anticipated that from the start. More importantly, I don’t want them meddling with our equipment. To demonstrate our capabilities—much like we did in Sulus—the plan is to deploy an improvised fortress and station our army there."
"Well, that would be for the best."
We come from a different culture, and above all, we possess a level of technology and raw power that stands in a league of its own. Considering the risk of them being intimidated and trying to interfere, keeping our forces segregated is a necessary precaution.
As I was mulling this over, a knock echoed through the room. At my signal, the young kings entered.
"Hero. About... the 'Gate,' was it? We have secured the location as you requested. It is a wide, straight path connecting the castle to the outer gate."
I recalled the map data I had been shown earlier. It would be a tight squeeze, but a tank could just barely make it through. The stone paving would likely shatter under the weight, but we’d just have to repair it later. It was a hassle for us, too.
"Then let us head there immediately. If the decision has been made, we must move as quickly as possible."
"Yes, you are quite right."
The kings nodded at my words. Whether they truly trusted our strength or not, they clearly understood that time was running out. If they had refused us, I had planned to deploy our army somewhere else anyway, so I suppose this was the most diplomatic outcome.
Guiding them was a chore, but it was necessary to navigate this country without incident, so I brought the guards and the kings to the plaza. However, the reality was even grimmer than I had imagined; the place was overflowing with refugees.
I remembered then—they had been accepting more people than they could handle. Soldiers were stationed around the area, forcibly clearing a path through the crowd, and hateful gazes were directed at us from the gaps between them.
"Then, if you would be so kind."
"Understood."
To escape the weight of those refugees' stares, I decided to finish the job quickly. After catching Yuki-san’s eye and receiving a nod, I cast a wide-area recovery spell.
Since I had already secured control over this entire region, there was no need to drop a core; this was simply a smokescreen to make it look like I was the one performing the feat. Plus, it was a recovery spell, after all.
"Ah... ah, my wounds are healing..."
"This is... recovery magic..."
"Look at everyone around us. Such a miracle..."
These voices rose not only from the displaced refugees but also from the soldiers guarding the plaza.
"Oh, this is the power of the Hero... what a warm, radiant light..."
The young kings and their entourage were struck dumb with astonishment. Well, recovery magic is the most intuitive way to demonstrate one's power to the masses. Yuki-san’s experience really paid off here. Rurua-san, in particular, was wearing a wry smile...
*It’s not exactly something to be proud of, but since it’s an act that saves lives, it’s a very effective way to establish one’s standing.*
True enough. It’s safer than showing off raw destructive force. Though, if we’re talking about pure performance, Rurua-san, Lilishe-san, or Hiren would be far more capable than me. But, well, it couldn't be helped.
As I was thinking this, the Gate manifested.
"Oh! So this is the gate that transcends worlds!"
The young kings gasped in awe. It didn't actually transcend worlds, but there was no point in explaining that right now. For the time being...
"Now then, I am going to summon our reinforcements. Is that alright?"
"Yes, we have already been notified. Whenever you are ready."
"Good. Then."
I looked back at Yuki-san once more. The Gate roared to life, and the Weed army began to march through.
The Demon Lord subjugation operation had begun.
What a classic trope! What a magnificent Hero! We’re saved, aren't we?