第１７６４堀：鍛冶屋としての意見 (Part2)
Furthermore, Stasia-ane-sama possesses considerable personal prowess, and her ability to wield magic means she can stand against most monsters, which is a significant advantage.
Therefore...
"To give a concrete example, take Rock Golems. Swords and bows are ineffective against them. In other words, you need hammers or maces for that."
"I see. Indeed, swords would likely shatter before they could finish off such an enemy."
"Exactly. That said, it seems their Item Box reserves are limited, and monsters of that caliber aren't exactly numerous."
"That’s true~. Or perhaps the elite soldiers take care of them, or maybe there was a mage unit assigned to that task."
"I believe Aslin’s prediction is correct. There’s no way they would send weak, conscripted soldiers to hunt down powerful monsters."
"Indeed, that would lead to excessive attrition among the troops. It would be pointless when they are about to head into a war."
Well, with this many people gathered, the probability of being attacked by monsters is fundamentally reduced.
Even if they were attacked, as we just discussed, they could be annihilated by the attacks of elite individuals or specialized groups.
Therefore, I suspect their current equipment is merely the bare minimum.
"What about the weaponry held by the higher-ups? You don't have any actual samples of those, do you?"
"As expected, I do not. ...Though, I suppose I could always steal them."
"Brother wouldn't want that. Besides, if they can't even escape from Brother’s trap dungeon, the performance of their equipment must be mediocre at best. And the same goes for the skill of those wielding it."
"That is certainly true."
Stasia-ane-sama nods without refuting Firia’s assessment.
Honestly, the fact that they are even bothering Brother is just pathetic.
"Now, Aslin. Show me that armor of yours."
"Oh, sure~! As for the material, it’s animal hide."
"I see."
As I receive the armor from Aslin and inspect its craftsmanship, it is just as she said: a product made from animal hide without any special magical enchantments. Its defensive capability is exactly what one would expect from such materials.
"It’s nothing special. It’s the kind of gear a beginner adventurer in Weed could barely afford. Well, considering the nature of a march, I suppose it’s a safe choice. For an average person, marching in iron armor would be a death sentence."
I’m not joking; this is the reality.
Unless you are a knight who has been rigorously trained from the start, a peasant who has only done a bit of training would collapse immediately if they tried to march while clad in iron armor—especially since they lack horses.
And once they collapse, their own allies would strip them and kill them.
It’s good money, after all.
It’s a lesson in not wearing equipment beyond your station.
"Indeed, it is only natural for infantry to be equipped this way."
"That’s right~. You don't see many adventurers wearing full-body plate armor. So, Firia, now that you’ve had a look at the whole picture, what are your thoughts? Or rather, your professional opinion?"
"I haven't examined every single piece in detail, so I won't speak in absolutes, but it’s not much different from the nations in the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance. Infantry rely on bows and slings for long-range, and spears for melee. It feels like melee equipment specifically tailored for monster suppression. While the craftsmanship is a bit crude, the basic structure of the weapons is the same, and there’s no evidence of any special technology being utilized. Therefore, regarding the conscripted soldiers..."
Firia pauses to take a breath.
"They cannot be a threat to the Weed army."
She states the fact plainly.
Well, it’s rare for conscripted soldiers to be a threat in any scenario, but that is especially true for Weed.
We have firearms, so the difference in numbers is not exactly absolute.
Of course, it would be dangerous if they managed to close the distance by pretending to be allies, but that applies to anyone. If they are embedded within the enemy ranks, there is no way they could slip past our gunfire.
Whether they are wearing leather or iron, our weapons will pierce right through them.
"I see. That is news worth celebrating."
"Well, this means we can afford to be considerate should an emergency arise."
That’s right.
The fact that the opponent is weak is, in itself, good news.
After all, it gives us a reason to hold back.
No one wants to turn people into a beehive if they don't have to.
When technological levels are evenly matched, you inevitably have to deliver the killing blow.
In this manner, Firia and the others continued to investigate the enemy’s technological capabilities.
Blacksmithing is surprisingly lucrative; it is a specialized skill, after all.
Unless you are truly detested, you will never go hungry.
Well, that’s not to say it’s without its hardships.
I just hope they haven't been dealt a raw deal in this war.