第１８８５堀：自然の不思議 (Part2)
"So that’s how it is. In other words, there’s actually water beneath our feet, unexpectedly?"
"That’s the gist of it. Though the depth varies, and the spots where water exists might just be isolated underground pools. If the rate of consumption outpaces the recharge, they’ll dry up soon enough."
Digging a well is always a bit of a gamble, truth be told. Of course, by properly surveying the terrain and geological features, you can tilt the odds in your favor to some extent.
"To get back on track: the fact that there are rivers at the base of the cliffs implies there’s a massive water source beneath the wasteland."
"Exactly. When you think about it, it’s strange that the wasteland remains a wasteland. Especially when the plateau is so lush and green."
"Yeah, now that you mention it, that is bizarre. It’s green above and green below, yet the middle is nothing but a barren stretch."
Ria’s observation draws nods of agreement from Prol and the others. It certainly is an oddity, though...
"Well, there are various reasons for that. Soil composition plays a big part."
"Ah, you mean things like water retention?"
"Precisely. If the ground is primarily sand—like in a desert—it can’t hold onto water. That said, even soil will eventually break down into sand. You could haul topsoil onto a desert, but in an arid zone, it’ll turn to sand in no time. You’ve heard the stories about how difficult it is to turn deserts green, right?"
"I have. But, and this might sound strange, haven't there been cases recently where people stopped desertification and successfully greened the land?"
"There have. Cases where waste was utilized to succeed in greening. But we can discuss that when we actually start our own greening efforts. The point is, the current state of the wasteland is a mystery."
"Oh, right. Well, we aren't going to figure anything out just by looking at it, but there’s no doubt that some kind of system exists to send water up to the plateau."
Indeed. If the plateau is overflowing with greenery, there must be a system in place to deliver water there. And whatever that system is, it either has no effect on the wasteland or its impact is negligible.
"Lord Yuki, pardon the interruption, but based on what you just said, are the river areas within the wasteland currently being greened?"
"“Ah.”"
At Prol’s pointed question, Taiki and I both let out a synchronized exclamation.
"Come to think of it, we haven't really looked closely at that. Do we have the data?"
"Luna’s satellite imagery confirms there are rivers of various sizes, but they’re too far away. We’ve only surveyed the rivers that overlap with our defensive lines to ensure we have a water supply."
I immediately pull up the data stored on my computer and project it onto the large monitor in the office. These large screens are incredibly convenient for sharing information, so they’re standard equipment not just in my office, but in the Weed office and conference rooms as well.
"I always think this, but it really is convenient."
"If you think so, should we install one for you, too?"
"The power situation is a bit tricky, though. Plus, I’m about the only one who can actually use the computer."
"I see. That wouldn't be much use then. How about a projector instead?"
"Oh, that would be a huge help."
A projector uses mirrors to reflect and cast an image from the source material, so it wouldn't require as much technical knowledge as a computer. I’d still have to create the original materials, of course.
"Now, as for the rivers..."
"Right, right. Hmm, well, I suppose there is more grass than you’d expect for a wasteland, but..."
"It’s nothing like the plateau, the cliff base, or a normal forest."
"It’s more like a savanna, isn't it?"
"Yeah."
It’s just sparsely overgrown with grass, with very few trees to speak of. Not zero, but close to it.
"It’s certainly different compared to the environment at the base of the cliffs or up on the plateau."
"It really is. It’s strange how such a drastic difference can exist just because of the elevation, even if it is the same land."
"I couldn't agree more."
Prol and Orelia seem to share the same doubts as they look at the river data. Still, this alone doesn't explain anything, but it’s something we need to keep in mind and stay vigilant about.
"Make a record of this."
"Understood."
Yayui continues to handle the documentation as always. Looking back at it later might lead to some new discovery. It’s important work.
And so, after a bit more casual conversation with Taiki, I returned to my duties. The mysterious environmental state of the New Continent’s southern region—the split between the upper and lower levels.
Well, the wasteland itself is a mystery, too. Will we eventually unravel the secrets of this great wilderness, or does it have something to do with the monsters?
I haven't the slightest clue!