第１８０３堀： 魔物とはなんぞや？ (Part1)
Chapter 1803: What Exactly Is a Monster?
Side: Agil
"Hmm, so the negotiations went well, then?"
"Yeah, there weren't any real sticking points. Oh, though they were quite surprised by our reformation program for the rebellious prisoners from the Church."
"I imagine so. Spending time and resources on those who would bring us harm is not something people usually consider."
"Exactly. If it were an order from above, that’s one thing, but when they’re hostile of their own volition, it’s just too much of a hassle."
People who are convinced of their own righteousness are truly a nuisance.
Back when I was presenting my findings as a researcher, there were always those who dismissed me simply because I was a woman, or because I looked like a child.
Because they focused on those superficialities, they wouldn't even bother to read the data I’d prepared.
But, putting aside old grudges...
"How is Fiora doing? You were left in charge of the fort while Tori was away, right?"
"Yes, but it wasn't for a very long time. More importantly, there has been no movement from the monsters."
"“Yeah...”"
Tori and I both let out a sigh at those words.
It’s true—ever since we built this fort, there hasn't been a single monster raid.
Well, it’s not zero, but there hasn't been a single mass migration of monsters heading north.
In the last ten days, we’ve only seen three groups of fewer than ten, and seven lone stragglers.
Yes, it’s far too few.
It’s so quiet that the rumors of this being a wasteland teeming with monsters feel like a lie.
"I’ve been assuming it’s just because the fort is still new, but as an expert, what do you think?"
Fiora’s gaze turned to me.
"Hmm, it’s hard to say. As you said, not much time has passed. We’ve sent out survey teams, but their findings are just as sporadic. We’re actually struggling more with finding the monsters than anything else."
"I knew it. It’s a fact that they were moving north, though."
Yes, there’s no doubt about that.
When Tori led the sortie from the southern town, she scattered them thoroughly and brought back both materials and intelligence.
"The direction was correct, wasn't it?"
"It was."
"It was. And yet, they aren't coming."
Since they aren't showing up at all, we’re at a loss.
"The only thing we can do is continue reconnaissance with drones..."
As Tori mentioned, we are using drones and familiars for scouting.
Since Weed is short on manpower, drones and familiars are invaluable because they allow us to monitor the field without deploying people.
Well, their capabilities are limited, but for surveillance, there’s nothing better.
However...
"Ah, that’s right. If you’re scouting with drones, shouldn't you be able to confirm the presence of monsters?"
"Unfortunately, even when we spot them, it’s just small groups or individuals, not a horde. And our range is limited to about thirty kilometers square at best."
It’s not as if we haven't been doing exactly what Fiora is suggesting.
Yet, we still aren't seeing results.
"I see. And what about surveys beyond thirty kilometers?"
"I’d love to, but right now, the safety of the perimeter is our top priority. Our primary objective is to prevent a massive influx of monsters into the southern town. Everything else is secondary. We’re short on local survey teams, too. It’s a real headache."
Tori answered with a wry smile.
Hearing that, Fiora’s expression turned troubled.
"Things rarely go as planned, do they?"
"Well, that’s just life. Problems don't get solved that easily. Oh, by the way, Fiora, you’re scheduled to provide support in the north, aren't you?"
"Yes, they need someone capable of taking command."
"Right. That’s against the humans, isn't it? Well, I’m human too, though I’m still stuck in this form."
I looked at my own youthful appearance.
In a job that requires a certain level of gravitas, this appearance is always a hindrance.
Still, I’m married and happy with Yuki and the others, so I’m a winner in life—I can’t complain too much.
"That is something that cannot be helped. But you will come if there is an emergency, won't you?"
"Well, yes. We’ll all go if it comes to that. That said, I’m not one to walk into a situation where trouble is inevitable."
"It’s such a pain, isn't it? Even though Agil is so reliable."
Tori said this as she scooped me up into her arms.
In the past, I would have been angry at being treated like a child, but Tori is my friend, and we share the same husband.
My best friend is the same.
I don't feel belittled, and Tori is so soft and fluffy that it’s actually quite pleasant.
Though, Rurua, Samantha, Eris, and Jessica are on another level of soft—I can see why men lose their minds over that.
"Only friends like you say that, Tori. To strangers, I’m just a child. They mistake my appearance for weakness and try to look down on me. It’s best to avoid those situations. Though, I don't mind if they underestimate me—it works in my favor against enemies."
Yes, those who underestimate me are easy to handle.
Especially in war, where results are the only thing that matters.
In verbal sparring, people get frustrated and resort to force, which is annoying, but in war, only the outcome is judged.
But, moving on.
"So, that’s why our surveys of the southern lands and the monster situation have stalled. Well, there’s still a chance they might start moving north again. It’s only been ten days, after all. Given the sheer number that swarmed the southern town, I suspect they’ve just temporarily exhausted the area."
"Temporarily exhausted?"
"Yes. We’ve confirmed that monsters naturally occur from mana pools. If that applies to this land, then by wiping them out, we’ve created new mana pools, which should eventually spawn more monsters that will head north."
"I’ve heard that theory, but it’s always been a mystery to me. Why don't mana pools form right where we kill the monsters? Why do they only appear in nature? And why don't monsters just pop up inside the towns?"
"That’s a great question, Fiora. It’s a point of debate even among us researchers. To put it simply: the answer is that we don't know."
"Is that so..."
Yes, we really don't know.
Conversely, I’ve read in documents that there have been rare cases where monsters suddenly appeared inside a town.
However...
"I can offer some theories, if you’d like to hear them? They’re the same ones held by Comet, Narjia, Taizo, and Zargis."
"Please, I’d love to hear them."
"I want to hear them too."
"I’m sure you already know, Tori. But think of it as a review."
I walked over to the whiteboard as I spoke.