第１７６１堀：誰が管理しますか？ (Part2)
"In that case, there’s no need to go out of our way to establish a place for the residents to form a separate nation. We can just bring them over to Weed via the Gate."
"Well, I think I’ve made it clear why we aren't deploying in front of the southern town. Besides, I have no intention of denying the southern town its right to self-defense. We, Weed, are merely acting as collaborators for Ohe."
"Well, that’s the safest route. Getting too deeply involved could lead to unnecessary trouble later on. And besides, Yuki, this is just a stepping stone for your expansion into the south, isn't it?"
"I suppose so. I had hoped that if I could gain recognition from Ohe here and secure some land, things would go smoothly—and as it turns out, the permission was granted without a hitch."
"So, there’s no reason to force the creation of a base, then."
"Right. My original duty—or rather, the duty of those of us who officially became Dungeon Masters—is to investigate and counter the mana depletion phenomenon. With monster behavior becoming so erratic across a continent of this scale, this is the perfect place for us to gather solid data. Things have settled down in Haiden and Zurable, so it’s difficult to make any moves there under the guise of chaos."
It’s true; the recent calm in Haiden and Zurable means that any new action by Weed would require navigating a mountain of tedious red tape. This new continent, currently embroiled in the chaos of war, is the perfect alternative, but...
"Yuki, I hate to be the one to say it, but that assumes we have the surplus personnel to spare, doesn't it?"
"That’s exactly why I’m looking for someone to handle the management."
At present, Weed is suffering from a shortage of talent. We are busy negotiating and interacting with various nations, managing our own diverse enterprises, and we’ve only just established the Glass Port Town. In such a climate, it’s unreasonable to demand both an expansion into new territory and the deployment of troops for war. Things have quieted down a little, but we certainly don't have the luxury to spare.
"I understand the situation, but what exactly would this 'management assistance' entail? I can't commit to anything until I hear the specifics."
"You're right, Reye. Though, to be honest, I haven't fully ironed out the details yet..."
As Yuki said this, he turned to the monitor and began explaining the functions of the fortress.
"Basically, what I need from this fortress is for it to serve as Weed’s base on the new continent, to dispatch troops to reduce the number of monsters reaching the surrounding areas and the southern town, and to provide support to the northern coalition. Oh, and the investigation into the mana depletion phenomenon, of course."
"Doesn't it feel like the main objective has been relegated to an afterthought?"
"Well, as long as the situation on the new continent remains unstable, we don't exactly have the time to spend leisurely on research."
"I suppose that's true. Oh, but I can't handle the management side of things. I’m already tied up gathering information on the various investigation zones."
It’s true; Comet is busy working with the other research members to collect data on suspicious locations. The list is endless—the Great Forest adjacent to the Lancer Magic Academy on the If Continent, the Great Mountain Range between Haiden and Zurable, and the Blue Hole in the ocean, just to name a few.
"Like I said, I’m not asking you to do everything. It’s mostly just managing the defense of the fortress and the southern town while we’re out in the field. Ratz and Eris will handle the movement of supplies and such."
"I see. That much, at least, is manageable."
If that’s all it is, it wouldn't exactly be a side job for just anyone, but it’s certainly within the realm of possibility. Just as I was thinking that:
"Oh, if it’s just that, I can do it."
It was Reye who raised his hand. It was rare for him to be so proactive about this sort of thing.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. When you say 'troops,' you mean Weed’s troops, right? My sister has been making me participate in command training, telling me that I might need to lead in times of crisis, and my brother has taught me well about the capabilities of a Dungeon Master. I think I can handle it."
"I see. I don't have any objections. What does everyone else think?"
Yuki checked with the surrounding members.
"Wouldn't that be fine? My role is mostly just swinging a sword, after all."
"Yes, I think it’s a good idea."
"Agreed. We’ll be showing our faces there for the monster and mana depletion surveys anyway, so we can provide support on that front."
"If he says he’ll do it, why not?"
And so, it was decided that Reye would take on the role of assistant manager for the new continent’s southern fortress. Incidentally, his sister, Deryu, didn't show any particular reaction to the news.
A dungeon requires a manager—that much is essential. Even more so when it’s an exclave. That is why we recruit candidates from among our battle-hardened members. I wonder if anyone still remembers Reye?