第１７９３堀：砦は整いつつある (Part1)
Chapter 1793: The Fortress Takes Shape
Side: Tori
"Phew..."
I’m currently catching my breath in my office.
Though, to be precise, this isn't the Weed police station; it’s the fortress constructed in the southern wilderness of the New Continent.
While I say "constructed," it’s not as if the labor was grueling. Thanks to Yuki-san, our Dungeon Master, we simply designated the area as a dungeon and utilized DP to manifest the structure in an instant. Under normal circumstances, building a fortress of this scale would take years, but here, it’s a simple matter of convenience.
However...
"When it comes to the interior and the logistics, we have to do it the old-fashioned way, don't we?"
Exactly. Even if the shell of the fortress is complete, the contents are another story.
Well, we can handle the basics, but we’re still in the preparation phase. We can set up tables and furniture, but we can’t just magically populate the shelves with supplies. We have to bring the goods in, inspect them, and then organize them—all while keeping to a budget. It’s a process that requires careful oversight.
"That much is unavoidable, I suppose."
Vilia responds to my comment, her voice tinged with fatigue.
Although she was dispatched from the Navy to serve as a unit commander, she’s currently helping me with the fortress preparations. Or rather, she’s commanding her unit to handle the setup, which is technically her job, though her primary mission is supposed to be monster investigation.
"By the way, according to today’s schedule, are we done with the areas Weed needs to use?"
"Yes. The command center and the defensive systems are slated for completion. I’ve received word that we are expected to show our faces for the operational tests starting this afternoon."
"Ah, that’s right."
It’s almost absurd that the fortress’s defensive functions will be fully operational in just a few days. I suppose that speaks to the excellence of our troops.
"At the very least, this should reduce the need for night shifts."
"Indeed. Night duty is surprisingly taxing, especially given the sheer size of this base."
You’re right. This fortress was built to be ridiculously large, with the Intercontinental Alliance military in mind. Even with the outer walls, we have to account for monster incursions or damage to the perimeter, which means keeping units deployed for patrols and standby duty at all times. Because the automated defense system wasn't active, we’ve been stretched thin.
The dungeon management system makes tracking enemies easy, but the physical toll of staying awake and on guard through the night is significant. This will make things much easier for the soldiers.
As we’re discussing this, Holie and Taiki-san enter the office.
"I’ve brought him here."
"Pardon the intrusion."
"Thank you, Holie. Welcome, Taiki-san. Thank you for responding to Yuki-san’s summons."
"Not at all. I’ve been curious about the New Continent myself. I couldn't intervene when the war with the Northern Alliance broke out."
"Well, seeking cooperation from Lanks would have been diplomatically disastrous for your country, wouldn't it?"
"Indeed. It would have been a mess. Though, on a personal level, I could have helped."
"Still, calling upon the Hero King of Lanks as a solo combatant... even if you were a student, deploying you in a war would be impossible."
"That’s true. Both you and your brother, Taiki-san, seem to have a penchant for such dangerous situations."
I agree with Vilia. They are the most important people to us, yet they always insist on diving headfirst into danger.
"Haha, well, Yuki-san and I are both 'safety-first' types, you know?"
"Basically, yes."
"But when the moment comes, we’re the first ones to jump into the fray."
Exactly. When everyone else is frozen, they’re the ones moving. I suppose it comes from their wealth of experience, but I’d really appreciate it if they’d at least give us a heads-up before charging in.
"Ahaha, well, let’s just say we move because no one else can. So, in the end, we aren't participating in the war, and our role is strictly southern defense, correct?"
"Yes, that’s what I heard from Yuki-san. However, I was also told that as long as there’s no immediate threat to life, we are essentially free to act as we please."
I imagine he’s relying on his knowledge from Earth—or perhaps just his own intuition. Taiki-san nods, seemingly understanding the intent.
"Understood. Though, unlike Taizo-san, I’m not exactly great with the numbers and logistics. Oh, speaking of which, what about the researchers from Weed?"
"Comet-san and the others are still dealing with the fact that the fortress facilities are a bit... delicate. We can't have them out here until things stabilize, so they’re still in Weed, preparing—or rather, continuing their research."
"I see. But wouldn't the labs in Weed be better equipped?"
"True, but Wazfi and Havia need to study monster ecology in their natural habitat, so they have to be on-site. Comet and Agil are also tasked with surveying the plateau and the natural environment."
"So, field research is necessary. Which means we’ll need a laboratory or a dedicated space here, then?"
"Exactly. We can’t exactly keep monsters and war trophies in our private quarters."
"...Knowing them, I feel like they’d just leave them lying around their rooms anyway."
"..."
At Vilia’s observation, Taiki-san, Holie, and I all fall silent.
People in research fields tend to put tidiness at the bottom of their priority list. They claim they have their own system for keeping things "accessible," but...
"...Well, researchers usually only care about whether or not something poses a threat to them. In that sense, Comet-san and her group are actually quite sensible. They don’t bring dangerous materials into their living quarters."
Taiki-san tries to offer a forced defense.
Bringing dangerous materials home is a no-go—especially since Agil, Havia, and Wazfi are staying at the inn, and they’d be furious if the children were harmed.
...I have heard that Kirue and the others clean up after them, but I really need to get the full story. I’d hate for the children to wander in and get hurt.
"Anyway, changing the subject—Holie told me that if I need soldiers to assist me, I should ask you, Tori-san?"
"Ah, yes. I’ll dispatch about ten of my subordinates to assist with your investigation."
"Thank you."
"By the way, where is Ruth-san today?"
It’s a bit late to ask, but I don’t see Ruth-san, Taiki-san’s captain of the Royal Guard and his close friend. They’re usually inseparable when traveling to other countries.
"Ruth is currently with Yuki-san, gathering information on the New Continent. The situation in Oue is completely incomprehensible, isn't it?"
"..."
There’s really nothing else to say. It truly is incomprehensible.