第１６１３堀：敵の今後について (Part1)
Chapter 1613: Regarding the Enemy’s Future
Side: Yuki
Upon hearing from Kirika that she had caught the scent of the dark guild members who had fled toward the sea, I immediately gathered everyone together.
For the record, we met in one of the conference rooms at the harbor’s administrative office.
"Everyone, thank you for gathering on such short notice."
With those words, Kirika bowed to the assembled members.
This meeting was attended primarily by those who had been tracking the dark guild. Members like Seraria and Eris, who were busy managing Weed, were not present. They would receive a report later. It wasn't as if the country was on the brink of collapse, after all.
"I will not waste your time, so I shall get straight to the point. As I informed you previously, I have caught the trail of the dark guild that splintered from the old Vinoshia. While I have not yet pinpointed their exact hiding place, this is the range."
Kirika projected a map onto the holographic display in the air.
"As you are likely aware, this is a map of the entire Rogari Continent. And here are the locations of the major powers..."
Detailed names of countries began to populate the map.
Incidentally, since this map was compiled using aerial footage from familiars and drones, it did not include any locations that had been turned into dungeons. The Rogari Continent was still home to unknown Dungeon Masters and deities, and I had no desire to clash with them unnecessarily. We were sticking to this method for now—though I suppose I might have to deal with that eventually...
As I was lost in these gloomy thoughts, the map zoomed in on the Lithea region.
"First, this is Lithea. Next, the areas affected by the Great Overflow: Suls, Kinauf, and Irinau. And here, further away near Rumel, are the locations of Hinsua and Vinoshia."
Points and names appeared on the map one after another.
Suls and its two neighbors leaned toward the Roschur side, while Hinsua and Vinoshia were closer to Rumel. The map then zoomed in on the area between Vinoshia and the coast, where a series of lines and dots began to emerge.
"These lines represent the routes from Vinoshia toward the sea. The dots along these routes are villages and towns—places they are likely to stop at."
I see. Even if the dark guild members possessed item bags, they weren't exactly as convenient as the item box I used. They didn't stop time, and their capacity was far smaller. Still, being able to carry at least 50 kilograms of supplies significantly expanded their operational range. However, since those supplies were finite, they would inevitably need to resupply at some village or town. Especially with drinking water; no matter how you slice it, a person consumes at least a kilogram a day. If they didn't stop somewhere, they would wither away.
"When you, Master, explored the Vinoshia royal tomb and captured the dark guild affiliates, the splinter group had already been fleeing toward the sea for about twenty days. Based on that, I have projected their range of movement on foot."
A circle was drawn onto the map.
"This is strictly based on travel on foot, and it will vary depending on weather, unforeseen trouble, or their physical capabilities, but it should serve as a useful reference."
Indeed, while there would be a margin of error, it was far better than moving blindly.
"Using this data, I dispatched subordinates to the projected points—the villages and towns—to search, and we discovered the dark guild’s footprints."
A line extended from a specific point, and a text box with photos appeared.
"This is a town where we confirmed the dark guild members stopped about two days ago. Well, calling it a 'town' is generous; the population is under 2,000, making it smaller than the towns in Suls."
As she spoke, detailed information about the town appeared. It wasn't a large area, nor was it known for any particular specialty. Geographically, it sat at a midpoint between various countries, making it something like a post town in Japan. You’d think it would be prosperous, but...
"While this town is indeed a midpoint between other countries and towns, it is only one of several routes. It doesn't seem to be actively attracting settlers."
Exactly. Because other villages and towns existed, it hadn't developed much further. Of course, the more people gather, the more trouble follows, so whether development equates to happiness is debatable. Especially in Weed. While I understand that development is inevitable given the circumstances, none of us exactly asked for this level of busyness. But, I digress.
"Now, that covers the overview of the town. As I mentioned, we confirmed the members resupplied there. This is their two-day range from that point, and there is no doubt they are heading toward the sea."
A new yellow circle was added. Even so, the sea was not yet in sight.
"What I would like to consult you on is what comes next. If we are within a two-day range, capturing them shouldn't be too difficult. The question is whether to apprehend them immediately or to observe them for a while."
At those words, Dressa spoke up.
"Isn't apprehension the only option? Is there any merit to letting them go?"
Well, that’s the logical conclusion. Is there any reason to deliberately let them slip away?
"To see if they make contact with other members?" I asked.
"Precisely. They will likely stop at other towns and villages for supplies, and those places would then be linked to the dark guild. Furthermore, the enemy appears to be posing as ordinary travelers, and their daily travel distance is at most 50 kilometers."
Even so, that’s seven or eight kilometers an hour—basically a light jog. Compared to Dressa and the others, who could move at 60 kilometers per hour, it was slow, but still significant.
"However, they have already been traveling for twenty days, covering roughly 1,000 kilometers. They are within 300 kilometers of the sea."
They were on the verge of reaching the coast. It was fortunate we had managed to overtake them. This was also one of the reasons why the towns and villages were so sparsely populated. The monsters were becoming stronger, and the encounter rates were rising. In some places, sea monsters were encroaching on the land, causing terrestrial monsters to flee, which in turn spiked the encounter rate.
"Therefore, I believe another option would be to wait until we confirm the dark guild has deployed a dungeon before apprehending them."
"Wouldn't that just give the enemy time to prepare?"
Orelia tilted her head as she questioned Kirika.