第１８１９堀：新大陸南部は難航中 (Part2)
It doesn't really matter, but I've heard that food acts as a substitute for magic power replenishment, making magic power crucial.
"Given it's a wilderness, both the two monster researchers and the Adventurer Guild share the opinion that replenishing magic power through food will be difficult. Monsters in barren lands are, by nature, quite aggressive."
"Ah, that's a common observation."
"I've heard as much."
Monsters inhabiting desolate lands, places seemingly devoid of life, carry an image of being not just strong, but outright unruly. Their numbers may be few, but they are proportionally formidable.
"Thus, it's become clear that communication with these monsters is difficult. Even humanoids like Orcs are agitated, and it seems undeniable that they are suffering from magic power depletion."
"I see~. But if their magic power is depleted, then why are these monster hordes, these floods of creatures, appearing?"
"It's strange. A contradiction, even."
Monsters cannot be born where magic power is absent. Yet, they are being born and advancing northward. It's quite perplexing, isn't it?
"Could there truly be a Demon Lord, or something similar, at play?"
"We can't say for sure about that. There are, after all, various reasons for magic power depletion. Taizo and Zargis suggest that the wilderness inherently possesses little magic power due to its scarcity of life, including plants, so we can't make a definitive judgment. Furthermore, if there were a Demon Lord or some orchestrating figure..."
"...the battle in the southern town was far too easy, and this current lull is suspicious."
"Kaya is absolutely right~. It's not a state of depletion severe enough to cause monsters to die out; a harsh environment seems the most plausible explanation."
"It's quite complex, isn't it?"
After hearing Tori's full account, I could only offer such a sentiment. Such matters are beyond my expertise, after all.
"...And what did Yuki say upon hearing all this?"
"He simply said there's nothing to do but continue steadily, as always. Well, the initial objective of defending the southern town has been managed, so there are no issues there. The remaining question is how the participation of the intercontinental exchange allied nations will unfold, as we seek to expand our investigations and defenses."
"Ah, that's the crux of it."
"That's still difficult to achieve quickly. After all, it involves dispatching armies to claim new territory. It's akin to establishing Glass Port Town, so it won't be simple. I anticipate they'll face considerable challenges with organization."
Indeed, as Kaya mentioned, my explanation delighted the leaders of the great nations, not only with the prospect of new lands but also with the chance to expand into the New Continent. However, they were informed that their departure wouldn't be swift. Even we are struggling to this extent; and while we arranged the exterior of Glass Port Town with the Dungeon Master's skills, it still took two or three months to populate it and make it truly functional.
"Well, it's certainly not a simple matter. But their positive outlook is a good sign."
"I don't think there's much to worry about there. Opportunities to secure land on a new continent are exceedingly rare, after all."
"Each nation is enthusiastic and has immediately begun deliberations. For now, they're relaxing at the resort hotel, but it's been decided that Yuki will compile and report any detailed information as it becomes available."
"Yes, I heard that. The more information we have, the easier it will be for each nation to formulate countermeasures. As for the north, though..."
"Speaking of which, has the disguised army already departed?"
"Yes. They've departed, operating under the pretense of having occupied Oue. Of course, we have our own companions accompanying them, and I don't believe betrayal is a concern. They appear to be individuals who were already dissatisfied with the Clearstream Church, and the Kingdom of Giadana will likely base its judgment on the success or failure of this endeavor. Baron Shiana's Kingdom of Budeak probably doesn't hold them in high regard either..."
"There's no doubt that turmoil will erupt over there. I hope we can glean valuable information from it. As for the envoys..."
"Kagura and Mikos will be handling that. It'll be after the party at Glass Port Town concludes."
Ah, so it was. The conclusion of this party won't signify the resolution of everything. There's still much to be done regarding Oue, or rather, the New Continent. Investigations into Uusano and Aae are also set to commence. It truly feels like everything is just beginning~.
Hmm, the road ahead is long.
Indeed, it's only when nations from each continent become involved that significant progress will truly begin, and the southern region will largely remain static. While maintaining our hold, our attention will be fixed on the movements in the north.
Tori, while commanding the fort, is engaged in various tasks such as investigation and establishing new bases. Meanwhile, Riel and Kaya are focused on maintaining public order and agricultural development within Weed. As for Kaya, she might well lead the agricultural development efforts.