第１８８６堀：位置と数値が指し示すもの (Part2)
"No, it’s better to leave it as a mystery for now. Either way, we can't make a move yet."
I voiced this conclusion and returned the screen to the world map, highlighting a specific point. It was at the southern tip of the map, a single dot marking the open ocean.
"This is the center point I calculated based on the variance in magic density. The concentration here is likely the lowest. Which means..."
"That it might be the source of the magic depletion..."
"The margin of error is still quite high, and even if we call it a 'survey of the surrounding area,' the range of that point on the map covers hundreds of kilometers. I could use a few more fixed-point observations."
Next, I displayed a series of blue dots, distinct from the red one. These were the locations I wanted to investigate. Even at a glance, there were at least ten of them.
"There are some in the north, too."
"Naturally. I have to verify whether the magic density increases as we head north."
Yuki, however, didn't change his expression, staring at the northern region with a serious gaze.
"That’s not it. I’m saying the cause might be in the north."
"Eh? What do you mean by that?"
"As you said, Comet, it’s understandable to be suspicious of places where magic is disappearing, but if the depletion is a result of it being gathered elsewhere..."
"Ah, so you're saying the places where it's being collected are just as suspicious."
It was a blind spot. He was absolutely right. I had assumed the cause lay where magic was scarce because it had been drained, but if it were being harvested, then the hypothesis that areas with high magic density were the culprits was equally valid.
"Exactly. Well, usually one assumes that if something is being gathered, the surroundings will run dry, but that’s a matter of scale and method. That said, as you noted, Comet, that doesn't guarantee it's the right answer."
"True. Either way, we lack information, and I have to admit that whether it's south or north, it’s still difficult for us to reach those locations."
After all, both pointed toward the open sea. That meant we would have to traverse the ocean. While it wouldn't be impossible to go by aircraft carrier or destroyer, we couldn't make such a decision lightly. If a ship were lost to an unforeseen accident, it would be a massive blow, and the personnel required to operate those vessels are equally irreplaceable. We must be fully prepared before setting out.
Or perhaps...
"Would it be easier if we could use aircraft?"
"Only if there’s no risk of being shot down. I think it’s less dangerous than the sea route, but we have no idea what kind of threats might be in the sky, either. Besides, reconnaissance is one thing, but for a full-scale investigation, we’d still need a fleet capable of landing."
"You're right."
If we were just looking at the site from above, that would be one thing, but to actually investigate the area, we would undoubtedly need a base of operations. If it's out at sea, a carrier strike group would be the safest bet.
"There might be some hidden landmass out there, which would make things easier, but..."
"Is that so? If it’s land that even Luna couldn't find, I can only be on guard."
"I get that. Still, ships are expendable, after all."
"Well, it’s a trade-off, isn't it?"
The premise of what constitutes an advantage shifts depending on the circumstances. Is it the enemy's territory, or is it our own ships?
"Phew. For now, there’s no point in hashing it out further. We don't have enough data. Fortunately, Aslin and Firia are currently passing under the cliffs of the New Continent, heading for the southernmost point. We should see something new there."
"That’s for sure."
They can measure magic density. Whether Yuki's and my views or predictions are correct or incorrect, there is no doubt that our answers will be reinforced to some extent. And, if I may add, it would be wonderful if we could also grasp the true nature of the magic-related problems on the New Continent—the Demon King and the Great Stampede of monsters.
"I think it goes without saying, but keep this conversation between us. We shouldn't tell the others just yet."
"I understand. Everyone is busy with the New Continent, and things haven't settled down elsewhere. I can't cause a panic by sharing what is, for now, mostly just my own speculation."
It was still only at the stage of a hypothesis. Nothing was confirmed, and if something capable of causing world-scale magic depletion truly existed, it wouldn't be anything trivial. Yuki feels the same way; I don't believe our current forces are enough. Whether by air or sea, I don't think we can conquer it while our strength is dispersed. When we do head out, it must be with the full might of Weed.
We may have finally caught the scent of the cause behind the magic depletion. Even so, reaching it is still a story for another day. First, we must deal with the problems right in front of us.
And, as it turns out, our journey through each of the continents was not without purpose. It was a method to ensure we could arrive at our destination without taking unnecessary detours.
Though, who knows when we’ll actually reach our destination.