第１６１４堀：敵がコアを使ってダンジョンを作れるという意味 (Part2)
In truth, there are few leaders who would be content with having the reins of their trade held by another. While I doubt they would openly adopt a hostile stance toward Weed, even I can see that they would at least scramble to secure their own resources as a safeguard for the future.
"No, that’s only natural for a nation. And since they’d try to secure one behind our backs regardless of whether we hide it or not, it would actually be worse if we didn't declare it. In fact, I’m even considering offering them a dungeon core."
"“Hah!?”"
Both Lowel and I were stunned by his sudden pronouncement. I wanted to scream that such a thing was impossible—that it simply couldn't be done—but...
"Think of it this way: by providing one ourselves, we prevent them from using the enemy’s—or rather, the unknown—core."
"That’s true. We have no idea what state that other core is in, after all."
"Hmm. I understand the concern, but what exactly was wrong with that dungeon’s core? Was there some sort of issue?"
"Issue? It was just... outdated system-wise."
"Outdated?"
"Yeah. The one I usually use—the 'Dig-It-Up' system—has a 3D map and the ability to order supplies from Earth using DP. That core doesn't have any of those functions."
"“...”"
Lowel and I fell silent upon hearing this.
"Um, if it doesn't have those, what *can* it do?"
"Exactly. It’s incredibly strange. What else is it capable of?"
"Well, you can still create dungeons based on your intuition, though if your imagery is poor, it won't work and you'll just waste DP. As for supplies, while it’s archaic, it can still produce items from this world."
"Ah... is there any real value in that?"
"Right? Aside from monsters, the dark guilds and major powers could probably manage that much on their own... though I suppose the instant production is a nice perk."
True, as Lowel said, the instant production is convenient, but that’s all predicated on having DP in the first place. Even then, it’s undeniably a lesser version of Weed. Still, I suppose the ability to procure elixirs and the like on their own does hold some value.
"It has plenty of value. Though, if there’s some kind of trap hidden in that core, they’ll suffer the consequences."
"If we warn them about that... well, I can't say for sure, but I think it would go a long way toward preventing them from using it."
"I agree. Most would likely decide that it’s better to have a core provided by Yuki than to risk using a core of inferior performance."
"I see. Then it’s definitely worth discussing. It’s become a bit of a problem that everyone is so dependent on Weed for supplies anyway. Even if we impose some restrictions, they’d be overjoyed to be able to produce their own goods at will."
Indeed, though I don't know the extent of the restrictions he’d impose—knowing my husband, he certainly wouldn't allow them to produce weaponry. That leaves luxury goods and medical supplies, I suppose? Well, we’ve been struggling with supply chains ourselves, so if they can manage their own, that would be a relief.
"Though, if we aren't careful, we might cause an economic collapse regarding the price of elixirs."
"That would be quite disastrous."
"The death toll would drop... but at what cost? We might see a war break out, centered around the guilds that deal in healing magic and medicine."
Yes, if a panacea like an elixir were to flood the market, the value of healing magic would plummet. Organizations like Ritea’s, which rely on selling healing magic, could collapse. They would do anything to stop that—even, quite literally, start a war.
"Let’s discuss whether or not we should actually provide the core."
"Agreed. It could easily become a spark for conflict. That said, if we restrict the use of the core, they might just go off and try to find and possess one on their own..."
"It’s a difficult situation."
"Well, I know it’s not a decision we can make lightly. Fortunately, the enemy is under surveillance, so we have a bit of breathing room."
My husband is right, of course, but I’ve come to realize that the Great Flood caused by the dark guild in Suls has left us with far more troublesome problems than I had anticipated.
Still... my husband seems to be enjoying himself.
The value of the cores is in flux, yet we cannot ignore them. If so, then we must intervene and stir the pot. That seems to be the way of things.