第１８９６堀：崖下調査の報告と可能性 (Part1)
Chapter 1896: Report on the Cliffside Survey and Future Possibilities
Side: Yuki
"Exactly. I’m interested, too. A new shop, huh? Speaking of which, Yuki, have you had a chance to look over the survey report for the southern region?"
Agil’s sharp remark cuts through my thoughts.
It’s not that I’ve been slacking off, but I suppose my pace has slowed down a bit.
"No, I’m still in the middle of reading through it. Give me a little more time."
With that, I refocus my attention on the survey report Agil handed me. My mind had been drifting toward Orelia and the others' shop, so I decide to read it over once more.
Not that there’s anything groundbreaking in it. Honestly, the report sent on the very first day of the survey was the most eye-catching. In other words, there hasn't been any significant change or new discovery since then.
If I had to point out one thing, it’s that they found an exposed mineral vein about three days ago. That’s the kind of thing you only find at the base of a cliff where the strata are visible.
Still, it’s not suitable as a base of operations.
While there is a river, it’s not meant for a town, nor is it capable of supporting massive water consumption. At most, it’s 100 to 200 meters wide, and the base of the cliff is 600 meters wide at its widest point. Digging a diversion channel to create a reservoir is virtually impossible.
That means we’d have to use the water as it flows. If we were to dump wastewater directly into it, we have no idea what kind of impact that would have. We could build a purification system, but there’s no space for it without carving into the cliffside. If we were going to undertake such massive construction, it would be far easier to just use the land in the wilderness.
"I’ve reread it, and there’s nothing particularly new. Finding a mineral vein is fine, but given the environmental changes and the logistics, I’m hesitant to use it."
"Well, I share that opinion. Still, at a glance, even just the exposed portion holds over ten tons of reserves, so it might serve as a backup in an emergency."
"That’s a fair assessment. And the footage hasn't changed much either. So, what’s your take, Agil, having seen the site yourself? Should I ask Wazfi or Hivia about the monsters?"
"No, the monsters are limited to those found near or in the water. There’s been no change since the last report, so my word is sufficient."
"I see. And as someone who has seen the site, what do you think?"
When I ask again, Agil sets down the tea they were drinking and adopts a serious expression.
"In my view, the fact that there is *no* change is the biggest problem."
"No change. You mean the environment at the base of the cliff?"
"Exactly. Yuki, you mentioned earlier that there’s an underground water vein, right?"
"I did. Otherwise, a river wouldn't just appear out of nowhere at the base of a cliff. It’s not like there’s a river above creating a waterfall, right?"
"Correct. That’s not the case. I climbed down the cliff at the starting point, and there wasn't even a single drop of water."
"I figured. I have the data from the survey starting point. It doesn't look like it’s been raining during the rainy season, either."
"Rainy season? Ah, you mean a period when it rains?"
Agil tilts their head at my words. Ah, right—they wouldn't be familiar with that kind of specific environmental phenomenon.
"Yes. On Earth, there are times when it rains even in the desert. Sometimes, that creates temporary rivers and flows."
Well, Japan has a rainy season, a specific time of year for it.
"Hmm. So, there’s a possibility that it’s just not raining in the wilderness right now? But you concluded that it *doesn't* rain there. Why is that?"
"It might rain, but not enough to create a river at the base of the cliff. The reason is the footage from above the cliff."
As I say this, I use Call to send Agil the footage Firia prepared earlier. Agil opens it immediately.
"I have this as well."
"I’m sure you do. Zoom in. Are there any traces of water flow?"
"Traces of water flow... Oh, you mean there are no signs of water damage?"
"Exactly."
As expected of the brilliant Agil; they grasp the point with just a hint.
That’s right. There are no traces of water flow above the cliff. When it rains, water that hits the ground flows from high to low, regardless of the volume. Once the rain stops and the ground dries, traces of that flow remain. You can see it everywhere, especially on exposed earth rather than concrete.
"Even if it rains there, it doesn't seem to gather enough water to form a river. If you zoom in, you can see tiny trickles, so it’s not like it *never* rains, but..."
"Indeed, you’re right. But the volume is truly minuscule."
As Agil says, there are only sparse marks, about as much as you’d see if you tipped over the cup they’re drinking from.
"In other words, the water source is definitely underground. I suppose the vegetation in the wilderness confirms that as well."
"I think that deduction is correct. But let’s move away from the rain in the wilderness for a moment. We’re talking about the environment at the base of the cliff."
"Right, my mistake."
That’s right. Agil’s point was that the lack of change is the issue—the potential anomaly.
"The environment at the base of the cliff hasn't changed at all over the last 700 kilometers we’ve traveled south."
"Yes, it’s written in the report."
"Regarding the vegetation, I’m not an expert, so I can’t say for sure, but I don’t think there’s much change there either. Though, the medicinal herbs on the plateau are more interesting."
"I imagine so."
For Agil, things that serve as research material are far more exciting than topography or environment. That’s the difference in our fields of expertise as researchers; Agil’s work has always been the creation of magic tools, centered around magic swords. Still, the fact that the plateau’s herbs piqued Agil’s interest shows how unique they are.
Come to think of it, I wonder how the analysis of those herbs is going? Rurua mentioned wanting to conduct human trials and medication experiments—have there been any results? No, not enough time has passed. Experiments like that require a significant duration.
"So, considering all that, along with the satellite photos Luna took... let’s take a look."
That’s right. I’m in the middle of hearing the report on the south from Agil. I pull up the satellite data provided by Luna. The New Continent is long and narrow, feeling somewhat like a combination of North and South America on Earth. The central region isn't an isthmus; instead, a vast forest spreads across it, and beyond that, the wilderness stretches out into view.