第１８８４堀：未知の崖下 (Part2)
"It’s not even a degraded version like the Haire religion’s method of summoning monsters via Magic Gear. It’s nothing more than a simple vessel for storing mana—a refined product of magic stones, if I’m not mistaken."
"Huh?"
"Eh? And what’s the point of that?"
Indeed. I was just as dumbfounded as the two of them when I first heard it. Why store mana, of all things? But, if one thinks about it calmly...
"...Ah, I see. To us, having a Dungeon Core—an incredibly efficient converter—makes it look like a fool’s errand. But for those without one, something that can store mana is quite convenient, isn't it? In all sorts of ways."
"Yes, Agil is right. Nilua used to say it often: if only we had more mana, we could do so much more. Personally, if I had more mana, I could strengthen my physical reinforcement and maintain it for longer, too."
"Precisely. While it may pale in comparison to a Dungeon Core when it’s just raw mana, it is by no means useless. That is why I suspect the Clearstream Church has some ulterior motive, though we have yet to grasp the specifics."
It seems the other side isn't letting their true intentions be uncovered so easily. Still, there is no doubt that they have begun to move in earnest.
"Mana, huh? It’s true that if you have plenty, the possibilities are vast."
"True. There are so many ways to use it. Though, since the applications are so diverse, it’s impossible to even guess their intent."
Indeed. Because the uses are so varied, Yuki and the others are currently at a standstill regarding the purpose behind the creation of these artificial magic stones.
"That is the situation. There has been movement, but we are far from understanding the whole picture."
"I see. So, like us, it’s a matter of steady, painstaking investigation."
"At least it’s easier than dealing with people, I suppose."
That much is true. Dealing with people doesn't guarantee they’ll speak the truth, and there are always complex backgrounds to consider. But, setting that aside...
"Now then, Agil. Since you’ve come to speak with me, I assume the survey of the surrounding area is complete?"
"Ah, yeah. That’s right. How about you, Wazfi?"
"I am finished as well. As always, there are no signs or traces of monsters on the surface. The only reactions were within the river itself. The other researchers have finished collecting their samples, too."
I cast my gaze toward the researchers Wazfi brought; they are already loading their equipment and samples into the containers.
"Very well. Then we shall begin moving in twenty minutes. See that everyone is prepared."
"Understood."
I nod at the unit’s response and turn my attention to Wazfi.
"And what of the researchers and the escort soldiers?"
"I’ve checked their status during roll call, and no one has reported any particular ailments. Did you notice anything, Lady Agil?"
"No, they look the same as always. They’ve taken bathroom breaks, and no one is complaining of urgency or stomach pains. In other words, the environment poses no immediate problem for human habitation."
"Hmm. We are fine as well, so there is no obstacle to continuing the investigation."
"Were you worried about poison or something similar?"
"No, Rurua warned me. She said that in an environment like this, it wouldn’t be strange for someone to fall ill. You know, like you mentioned earlier—the walls looking as if they might collapse at any moment."
"Ah..."
Wazfi looks up at the cliffs once more. To the casual observer, it is merely a wall of stone. But to those who know, it is a looming precipice—a place where one never knows when the earth might give way or what might fall from above. It is, in a sense, a place of despair.
"For those with claustrophobia or the like, the stress might be quite severe."
"Even in a place this vast?"
"Well, one could view it as being trapped beneath a cliff. Regardless, we know there are no immediate issues, but one never knows when the mind might falter. As someone in charge of a unit, keep a close eye on your subordinates' mental well-being."
With that warning issued, we continued our journey southward, trekking along the base of the cliffs. Unlike the desolate wilderness above, the ground beneath the cliffs appears to be teeming with greenery. Yet, there are no monsters to be found, and so the expedition team continues to press forward into the unknown.
I wonder if many people will understand that reference these days?