Chapter 71 - The Duty of the Third Son
During the recent campaign, the long-range reconnaissance conducted by the Special Mobile Scout Party has been weighing on my mind. They ventured deep into the middle layer of the Demonic Forest and made numerous new discoveries. They reported the unfamiliar sights with awe. At the time, the urgency of the situation meant that everything unrelated to the primary objective was ignored or postponed. But now, with the campaign concluded, those reports have captured my attention.
I kept the reports they compiled at the time and gathered more detailed information after the campaign ended. One fact emerged: within the Middle Forest, there appears to be some kind of artificial structure—or rather, a ruin. A tall building-like structure, peeking through the towering treetops, veiled by the forest over the passage of time.
――― That report has gripped my heart and refuses to let go.
During the campaign, at the rendezvous point above the waterfall, I encountered the Special Task Force and listened to their report. The shooter among them told me about her observations when she used long-distance [Far Sight]. She reported:
“...It looked like a building, Sir! The sheer surfaces were smooth, nothing like natural rock formations, Sir! And... the ambient mana concentration in that area was extremely high. The long-range scouting magitech tool we deployed turned completely red, Sir!!”
When I heard that report, fragments of my past life’s memories flickered in my mind. Her words made me think that perhaps, before the rise of the current magical civilization, there had been a scientific and technological civilization. I wondered if an overdeveloped science and technology had somehow disrupted the balance, leading to the uncontrollable proliferation of an unknown force called mana. And if the Demonic Forest had been created to restore that lost balance...
A famous anime from my past life suddenly came to mind.
Was this situation similar to that? In that story... the world had rotted away, with acid seas and microorganisms decomposing organic matter and metals, leaving behind ceramics and non-metallic machinery as remnants—which were then unearthed and repurposed... Flying machines relied on engines that were relics of the past, with no means of producing them anymore... But such things don’t exist in this world. So, does that mean this world faced similar conditions, but under even harsher circumstances?
I see. That’s why the Estarians are moving toward returning to nature.
And perhaps that’s also why the forest is thinning in some areas. The places where the ancient Estar civilization flourished, where numerous nations may have coexisted and competed—those areas might now be the deepest reaches of the Demonic Forest. Regions that lagged behind in advanced civilization might have lower mana concentrations. Thinking of it this way makes it easier to understand why the world is covered by the Demonic Forest.
However, this is still just a hypothesis. It might as well be a fantasy. I know better than anyone that no one would believe it. It’s far too lacking in evidence to include in a report to the Prime Minister. No matter how much I ponder it, I can’t easily reach an answer. There’s no concrete proof. But the Estarian girl said something that stuck with me:
“If you reach the deepest part of the forest and can exchange words and emotions with us, the elders will tell you about what once existed in this world. They’ve been waiting for a long time. They think the seed has finally sprouted... perhaps.”
She said something along those lines. However, for us humans, the Demonic Forest remains an unexplored place. While the Shallow Forest is manageable, venturing into the Middle Forest is difficult. Even veteran adventurer parties rarely set foot in that region. Even when the guild requests materials from monsters found there, few adventurers are willing to take on such tasks.
After all, the furthest humans have reached is barely the entrance to the middle layer. The path to the deep layer, as the Estarian girl hopes, is fraught with too many obstacles. But I can’t give up... I’ve been burdened with an extraordinary role by the Prime Minister: to unravel the origins of this world.
“Continue your interactions with the Estarians, and if possible, seek direct communication with their elders.” That was the order I was given. It’s the sole reason I’ve been allowed to remain in my homeland.
It seems I’ve been forced into an inescapable position. But I don’t particularly dislike it. I, too, am deeply interested in understanding the origins of this world. And if the knowledge gained from this endeavor can contribute to the enrichment of the lives of the people, then that would also fulfill my desire.
The civilization we live in is far too underdeveloped.
That day, when I introduced the Prime Minister to the Estarian girl, I declared that I could not leave the territory of my knightly house. The Prime Minister agreed. As he gazed at the Shallow Forest spread out below, he said to me:
“You’re the only one in the entire world who has established a connection with the Estarians. I can’t bring you to the capital. I understand that. I also understand why you’ve even kept your aides at a distance. Well, if you’re to be the bridge, then that makes sense. After hearing the circumstances, it’s clear that you’re their life savior. Even if I wanted to use this, I’m completely unprepared. This can’t be made public. Of course, I’ll have to inform His Majesty the King and the Crown Prince. Still... the world, huh? Troublesome, but fascinating. ...I order you, as the kingdom’s Prime Minister:
One, report everything about the Demonic Forest in detail, leaving nothing out.
Two, strive to establish contact with the Estarian elders as much as possible.
Three, gather as much information as you can to understand this world.
This is a significant reason for you to remain in your homeland and a role granted by royal decree. I have high expectations.”
The weight of those words, royal decree, leaves me no room to refuse. The idea of being the commander of the knightly house’s Guerilla Unit writing reports to the kingdom’s Prime Minister is somewhat terrifying. But since the Royal Guard Staff Officer—that guy—is the one relaying the messages, I suppose it’s fine. He’s my classmate from the Magic Academy, and we’ve exchanged letters a few times. He’s an excellent choice as an intermediary.
Silence fills my office. Rarely does anyone come to the office where I carry out my duties. The people of the Fortress know that unless it’s an emergency or a mission report, disturbing me during work is pointless. That’s why they leave me alone.
――― I process the mountain of official documents one by one.
Aside from my time as the commander of the Guerilla Unit, I must assist with equipment research and the administrative duties of the knightly house. Finding personal time has become exceedingly difficult. Without pausing my hands, I lose myself in thought. I recall the existence of a certain letter.
Come to think of it...
The Royal Guard Staff Officer—that guy— wrote to me, asking for help in finding the whereabouts of My Friend. My Friend... is still in hiding.
That guy... is now serving as the Royal Guard Staff Officer, which means he’s recognized by those around him. I can’t imagine someone like him sitting idly by during an investigation. His subordinates and agents must already be keeping watch over the capital and its vicinity. Yet, he still hasn’t been able to locate My Friend’s whereabouts, which I find somewhat puzzling.
As I carry out my duties in the Fortress, I ponder these things, letting my thoughts wander.
After focusing intensely on my work, I finally see the end in sight. Though it’s my duty, fatigue has built up. It’s something I must do, but I’m still a man of the knightly house. It seems that taking command in the field and leading the unit suits me better.
I stretch deeply and take a breath.
As I glance around, my eyes fall on the map of the shallow layer of the Demonic Forest pinned to the wall. I study the large map, squinting at the detailed information marked on it. The maintenance of numerous paths is currently underway. The number of huts equipped with magic communication devices has also increased.
Near the hunting grounds used by hunters, we’ve dug holes and built semi-underground shelters with roofs and walls. The roofs are covered with moss to blend in, and the walls are concealed with earth. Only the entrance is visibly man-made. A small stove is also installed, making it a suitable shelter for a small group of hunters. We’ve standardized these shelters and placed them at various points along the paths in the shallow layer.
From points to lines, and then to areas. Bit by bit, we’re beginning to understand the Demonic Forest. The large map of the Demonic Forest before me consolidates this information, particularly for the shallow layer. At the request of the large villages at the edge of the forest, the first squad of the Guerilla Unit’s shooter squad set out today.
A magical beast had been sighted.
Even if it’s a false alarm, we can’t afford to be careless. If we neglect our response, we’ll lose track of what’s happening in the forest. Besides, we’re also using this opportunity to carry out maintenance in various areas. With this request, the maintenance of the main path in the eastern part of the shallow layer of the Demonic Forest within our knightly house’s territory will be completed.
This will significantly improve the accuracy of information in the eastern shallow layer.
―――― It’s a good thing.
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