第１８３９堀：南部の魔物と資源について (Part1)
Chapter 1839: On the Monsters and Resources of the South
Side: Aslin
"Big Brother, excuse the intrusion~"
"Pardon our interruption~"
With those words, Firia and I stepped into Big Brother’s office.
"Oh, welcome."
"Welcome~"
"Welcome."
"Glad you could make it."
Big Brother greeted us as he always does, accompanied by Ria, Prol, and Nina. As for Orelia and the others, they had already begun preparing tea. Honestly, they’ve completely settled into their roles as Big Brother’s secretaries.
"So, this is the report regarding the monsters and materials from the New Continent, right?"
"Yup. We’ve managed to compile the information, so we brought it over~"
"We’ve also managed to turn some of the materials into finished products, too."
I handed over our report, sending the digital data along with it.
"Right. I’ve received both the physical report and the data. Thanks. Orelia, prepare copies for everyone."
"Understood."
Orelia moved to print copies for everyone in the room, while Hovis and Yayui arrived shortly after to serve tea and sweets. Today, it was castella cake.
"I’ll read the details in the report later, but is there anything you two want to tell me now?"
"Yup, there is."
"Indeed there is."
If there wasn't, Firia and I wouldn't dream of bothering Big Brother while he’s working. We’ve grown into capable women who know how to handle business properly, after all.
"Alright, let’s start with you, Aslin."
"Okay. So, I want to talk about the monsters we captured alive in the New Continent. Remember how I mentioned they were in a state of confusion at first?"
"I remember. You said it was difficult to communicate with them, even for you."
"Right. Well, that’s changed. Or maybe I should say they’ve calmed down. We can communicate now. Even the scorpions and worm-types that don't speak a language are starting to listen to us."
"That’s impressive. What about the humanoid types? You mentioned there were Orcs and Ogres, right?"
"I spoke with them, but they said they were overcome by an insatiable hunger and have no memory of what happened afterward. They weren't attacking their surroundings; they were just heading north, so I suspect..."
"It’s highly likely they were being guided, then."
"Yeah. It’s possible there was a Lich or a commander-type capable of causing a Great Stampede among them, but I can’t say for sure, can I?"
The monsters all shared the same story—that they had no memory after the hunger took hold—which makes me think their memories were intentionally wiped. Still, there could be other causes, so it’s hard to be certain.
"And since their habitat is deep in the south, near the southernmost tip, if the mastermind is moving upward..."
"Then there’s a possibility of a second wave of attacks."
"Yeah."
Well, it’s hard to say—it’s not like we can easily bring every monster under our command, and the attacks on the southern towns have been sporadic, if you can call them that. It’s not like they were focusing all their strength on us, so it might be something else entirely. That’s why I had to bring it up.
"But personally, I get the strong feeling that the monsters weren't trying to start a Great Stampede, but rather, they were running away from something."
"What makes you say that?"
"Because the monsters have returned to normal. Monsters in a Great Stampede fight without regard for their own lives, especially if the mastermind is still alive. Plus, a significant number of them have moved into the forest."
"Ah, that’s a fair point. The Adventurer’s Guild, including Milly, has also noted that the numbers weren't concentrated enough to be a true Great Stampede."
"That’s what we’ve gathered from this incident. In a real Great Stampede, the monsters usually shout the name of the one who brainwashed or commanded them, so this feels different."
"I see. To summarize: something is driving them to migrate, but it lacks the characteristics of a Great Stampede."
"Exactly. The details are all in the report~"
"Thank you."
Big Brother patted my head. I’m currently in a smaller body to match Firia and Labyris, after all. Lately, Shera, Dressa, Vilia, and I have been growing quite a bit. Big Brother and Seraria don't say anything about it, but since I’m here, I might as well ask.
"Hey, Big Brother. This is a bit off-topic from work, but can I ask you something?"
"What is it?"
"Is it a problem that I’m using a doppelganger body that’s small, like Firia and Labyris?"
"It’s not a problem at all! Aslin is cute either way! And you do your work perfectly!"
Firia chimed in before Big Brother could even answer.
"Yeah, she’s right. Seraria and I don't see any issue with it, but did something happen?"
"Well, sometimes it’s easier to get through to people when I’m in my adult, larger form."
"Ah, I see. Outside of Weed, that’s how it goes. But I assume the others are providing follow-ups or explanations beforehand, right?"
"Yeah, they do that. But people still seem surprised when I’m so small."
"That’s true. Prol and Yayui look young too, so that happens to them as well."
I glanced at Prol and Yayui. It’s true—they aren't as small as Firia, Labyris, Hiiro, or me, but they do get mistaken for children sometimes.
"But Prol and Yayui do their jobs so well that no one ever looks down on them."
"Indeed. Aslin-sama, I don't think you need to worry about it. If anything, you should use it to your advantage. It’s rude of them to underestimate you, after all."
"Haha, I suppose that depends on their attitude. But as Yuki-sama and Prol-san said, there’s no need to worry. You do your work perfectly, Aslin-sama."
They both assured me that my size wasn't an issue.
"Okay, I’m glad. I’ll keep doing my best."
"Yeah, keep at it. So, what about your report, Firia?"
"Yes! I’ve tested various materials, not just from the monsters, but also from the ores and the plateau itself. And I’ve discovered something..."
Firia pulled a weapon out and placed it on the table.
"Is this a knife?"
Nina murmured as she looked at the weapon.
"It’s more of a dagger. It’s designed primarily for combat."
"I see. So it’s not meant for skinning or cooking, then."
"Exactly. And there’s this, too."
Next, she pulled out a gauntlet.