第１９２９堀：当時の動きを改めてみる (Part1)
Chapter 1929: Re-examining the Movements of the Time
Side: Comet
Today was supposed to be the New Continent meeting, but I can’t help but wonder why we’ve been summoned here.
Honestly, I’m swamped. Between the monster and environmental data that Aslin, Dressa, Nina, and the others keep bringing in, and the fact that Agil and her team are currently out on assignment, I’ve been pulling double duty monitoring the Blue Hole and the Great Mountain Range. It’s been hectic.
"And yet, you were more than happy to participate when it came to the Hero Suits, weren't you?"
"Oh, did I say that out loud?"
Yuki had appeared behind me before I even noticed.
"It’s written all over your face. Well, I suppose there’s a difference between a hobby and a job."
"Exactly. I can work on things that interest me without ever feeling tired, but grinding through routine tasks? That’s what drains me. Even if the data is important, it’s still just routine."
When there’s no sign of change, it might be interesting in a vacuum, but the passion fades, and you just start to go numb. Development work, on the other hand, keeps my brain firing on all cylinders, so I can actually enjoy that.
Well, unless the data happens to spark some sudden inspiration, but that flash of genius hasn't visited me yet.
"So, for me, or rather..."
"Why did you gather us all here?"
"Yeah, I’d like to know that too."
Before I knew it, Agil and Hivia had joined the circle.
"Well, I think you can tell just by looking at the members present..."
"I see. The survey team that’s been heading to the New Continent. Though, it is a bit strange that Aslin and Firia aren't here."
"Ah, those two were in the meeting just a moment ago. I’m currently holding the data from the survey team, so I imagine that’s not what this is about. Besides, they were originally tasked with staying back at Weed to study the monsters."
I see. That makes sense; Aslin and Firia definitely would have been at the previous meeting. They’re probably exhausted and still working through the follow-up discussions. It’s no wonder they aren't here.
"Actually, thinking about that, shouldn't you be discussing future plans with the people on that side, Yuki?"
"I’ve already spoken with King Giada and the others. At the end of the day, it’s just a matter of maintaining the status quo—continuing the current operation. There haven't been any major shifts. Though, the one silver lining is that Oe’s production capacity is finally starting to recover."
"That’s a relief. Well, trade with the southern countries has resumed, so there shouldn't be any issues with food, but relying entirely on external sources is always a gamble."
Agil is the first to express relief at Yuki’s answer. Having led armies and defended towns, she’s likely felt the weight of those food crises firsthand. I understand the value of being able to produce our own resources, too. I never thought I’d be setting up farmland using hot stones in the White Forest, but securing food is just that difficult.
"So, since you’ve gathered us, does that mean you want to hear about the monster-related side of things, Yuki?"
"That’s right. That’s part of it."
"You’re being awfully cryptic, aren't you?"
Yuki is usually surprisingly straightforward. He often says that beating around the bush just makes things harder to understand. I agree that if something can be understood concisely, that’s the better approach. That’s exactly why this feels so out of character for him.
"It’s not so much being cryptic as it is that things are still unclear. Have you heard the reports from the north?"
"By reports, do you mean the story about Vilia going on a rampage against monsters while wearing the Hero Suit?"
"You were watching that in real-time, weren't you?"
"Yeah, yeah. The Hero Suit performed beautifully, didn't it? Wait, is that what this is about?"
"It’s not about the evaluation of the Hero Suit’s test run. You’re collecting data on that, aren't you? On the monsters, I mean."
"Ah, that."
I’m starting to see where he’s going with this. Still...
"I’m sure you realize this, but I don't think you’ll find any definitive answers just by asking us."
"I know. Even so, gathering fragments of information often leads us closer to the truth. It’s not a waste. I want to update the information, and I think there’s value in sitting down face-to-face with you all to hash things out."
"Haha, that’s optimistic. But then again, research is just a cycle of prediction and observation. Eventually, you arrive at the result."
Exactly as Agil says. We researchers make predictions, observe the results, analyze the discrepancies, fill in the unknowns, and strive for the ideal outcome. Sometimes inspiration strikes when you’re alone, sometimes when you’re out in the field, and sometimes during meetings like this. But to reach that spark, the accumulation of data is essential. And since the data we’re observing is for the sake of achieving our goal, the hints to the answers are hidden within it. A quick meeting won't magically provide the answer, but I can see why Yuki wants to hear it—especially now that a bit of new information from the north has surfaced.
"Well, we’ve certainly collected data on the northern monsters. But it’s only from that one battle Vilia fought. We ended up skipping the original travel itinerary to prioritize gathering information on the towns and rescuing the victims."
"That was unavoidable."
Exactly. Vilia and her team suspected the demi-humans might be captured, so they chose to fly and cut down on time rather than endure a forced march. As a result, the data we would have gained from traveling through the north is practically non-existent. We basically ignored the monsters along the way.
"Comet is right. The only combat data we have from entering the north is from that one skirmish Vilia had. There are still things worth looking at, though... do you need me to explain?"
"Please."
Even though Hivia says there isn't much to report, Yuki still insists on hearing it. When he puts it that way, we have no reason to refuse. There’s always value in talking things through to organize the information.
"Well, it’s a request from my husband, so I’ll talk as much as you like."
"I appreciate it, Agil."
"But, as Comet and Hivia said, don't you already have the combat data from the north, Yuki?"
"I do. But we sent the biological data—the monster tissue samples—over to you, didn't we?"
"We haven't figured out everything from those yet, either... but very well. I’ll begin the explanation."
With that, Agil pulls up the footage of Vilia’s recent battle and the topographical information onto the conference room monitor.
"First, let me report the situation again. The battle took place on the road to the town of Uea, at the three-kilometer mark. The area is a grassland. The monsters consisted of 130 Orcs, 20 Ogres, 30 Goblins, and about 20 Wolves."
"Hm? There were Goblins and Wolves, too?"
"According to the video analysis and Vilia’s account, yes. If you look closely, you can see them. Look here."