SWNOVELXO Chapter 451.2: Countermeasures Meeting
"…… Are you sure that no Phantom of a god is involved in this?" (Franz)
"Well, that seems to be the case. I don't know what the basis for that is――But indeed, the Phantom of a god wouldn't operate in secret like this." (Sage)
Sage shrugs her shoulders when I emphasize that point.
I don't know what the basis for that is… It is a waste of time to think about the basis behind that man's words. Of course, he will say something to irritate me again anyway.
What is important is, the facts. If there are no Phantom of a god involved, then we should be able to resolve the situation even if we don't have an ability as powerful as 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》.
The time that 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 can be suspended is short. If the incident escalates further, the citizens will start making a fuss, asking why 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 wasn't called in.
This is going to be risky after all, but there is no choice but to somehow get Spirited Away.
Among the Zeroth Knight Order, Hugh LeGrand is still missing. He most likely has been Spirited Away. Hugh is still young, but he is a promising knight with high combat skills. The fact that he hasn't returned means that we would either need to send someone even more capable than him, or send in enough people to cover his strength.
"We will just have to find a way to actually get Spirited Away. We need experienced members who have high situational judgment skills and can also fight. "Branch Manager Gark (Gark-Shibucho)"." (Sage)
Gark answers gravely to what Sage said.
The Explorer Association is also one of the organizations with many victims of being Spirited Away. Currently, their number of known victims ranks third after Zebrudia Magic Academy and Primus Magic Science Academy. The reason it is only to that extent despite there being a large number of curious Hunters is probably because Hunters are somewhat wary of such rumors.
"Lucia, have you tried the rumor yourself?" (Sage)
"…… I have not tried it yet. I have been busy with the investigation." (Lucia)
Lucia's expression clouds over for a moment, then she quickly raises her head and says simply.
"However, it seems unlikely I will get Spirited Away. You see, as you know, the recent victims tend to be low-level Hunters or students with poor grades. There must have been high-level Hunters who have heard the rumors and tried it, but not a single person who looked capable of resolving this case has disappeared." (Lucia)
"The conditions for being Spirited Away, huh…………?" (Sage)
I have already tried to send some of my knights to investigate, but failed. I don't know if it is a natural phenomenon or if someone's will is involved. But it is a tricky situation.
"Hugh, the knight missing from my Knight Order, is a capable individual who has absorbed a fair amount of Mana Materials. If Hugh can encounter them, then there is no way that all the investigators I sent in would have come up empty." (Franz)
"Fuufuufuu, should we assume that restrictions were put in place along the way? Indeed, looking at the data, it does appear that a wider range of people have been Spirited Away in the past." (Nikolalf)
A large number of people were used to check for the Spirited Away victims. Nikolalf narrows his eyes as he looks over the list that has been painstakingly compiled in the current, overcrowded Imperial Capital.
"It is very interesting. It piques my intellectual curiosity as to what is going on. I would definitely love to encounter this incident myself and investigate it." (Nikolalf)
The expression on the headmaster of Primus Magic Science Academy looks genuinely amused. I cannot help but frown in dismay.
There is no doubt that the headmaster of Primus Magic Science Academy is a brilliant man, but even I, who have known him for a long time, have to conclude that he is borderline a mad scientist. He has been doing things that only added to the chaos during the prophecy incident, but I wish he would think more like someone of his position.
Come to think of it, Nikolalf is also the teacher of one of the members of 《Strange Grief (Nageki no Bourei)》…… Dammit.
"I would love that to happen if possible……" (Franz)
It is frustrating that even though so many people have gathered, there is still no solution in sight. It is extremely troubling in its own way to suddenly have results and in such a chaotic way with 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》――But that man really makes me anxious whether he is participating in the operation or not.
At this rate, it will be some time before I can give His Majesty the Emperor any good news. However, even if it is not immediately resolved, I do not think that this phenomenon cannot be resolved. After all, the Empire has prospered thanks to its great Emperor and its subjects long before 《Infinite Variety's (Senpen Banka)》 birth.
Rather, this is normal, this is the way it should originally be.
Besides…… It hasn't yet been determined that the missing Hugh LeGrand is dead.
Although he is still young, he is a member of the glorious Royal Guard, and I cannot imagine him just standing there doing nothing and letting himself be killed. If Hugh can escape from the Spirited Away incident, we will be much closer to resolving it.
"Anyway, we now know that out of all the rumors out there, the 『Haunted classroom that cannot be opened 』 is one that leads to Spiriting Away. We should thoroughly investigate the classroom to see if there are any spirited away signs. That would be the domain of the Divination and Mystic Arts Institute or the Relics Research Institute." (Franz)
If the Spirited Away was caused by bandits or Monsters, it would be the domain of the Knight Orders to resolve the problem, but that is clearly not the case this time. Those two organizations, which have long been researching mysteries and Treasure Shrines in the Empire, are perfect for the task. The academies have likely already conducted an investigation, but perhaps they may be able to see something new if they check it again with experts.
Finally, as the meeting is about to end with each organization promising to work together to resolve the situation, a subordinate who has been waiting outside the room comes into the room.
I have ordered them not to come in during the meeting unless it is absolutely necessary. As I turn to look, wondering what is going on, one of my subordinates reports to me in a whisper.
""Commander Franz (Franz-dancho)", I have received a message from the members monitoring 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》." (Knight)
"………… What is it?" (Franz)
I am conflicted about putting 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 under surveillance when we are this short on manpower.
I must do whatever it takes to resolve this situation without using 《Infinite Variety's (Senpen Banka)》 power. However, that man's power is too great for us to completely ignore him.
The reason for putting him under surveillance is to prevent that man from moving, but at the same time, to get some clues from his behavior that might lead to resolving the case.
This is an unthinkable act as a noble of the Empire. It is far too pathetic to expect anything from his power while trying to keep him away from it. It feels like I am licking《Infinite Variety's (Senpen Banka)》 boot.
However, it cannot be helped. It cannot be helped. If we use 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》, the Empire will be underestimated more and more, but if we are unable to resolve the incident without 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》, that would be a major problem. And it would be impossible for other nobles to skim through 《Infinite Variety's (Senpen Banka)》 crumbs, something that is tantamount to sipping mud.
I endure the *mukamuka* sick feeling in my stomach and urge my subordinate to continue. I am unsure what to make of my subordinate's report.
"………… A Hunter, perfect for resolving this case, you say?" (Franz)
"Yes. We have at least asked her and secured her cooperation but…… What do we do?" (Knight)
Instead of using 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》, use another Hunter. Isn't that putting the cart before the horse?
In the first place, the Explorer Association is also fully cooperating in resolving this case. Among the cooperating parties, there is another Level 8 Hunter, who is of the same rank as 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》――《Abyssal Fire of Destruction (Shin En Kametsu)》. But unlike cases involving powerful Monsters going on a rampage, this case is not something that can be resolved just because there is a high-level Hunter.
Is there such a thing as a Hunter perfectly suited to resolving the case?
Saya Kuromizu, the 《Little Witch (Yaen Saiden)》. I have heard the story of a high-level Hunter who came to the Imperial Capital due to complicated reasons, but――.
Among high-level Hunters, there are some with talents that cannot be measured by common sense. I know that, but…… The fact that that man recommended her is what bothers me.
Don't tell me there's something else going on?
………… That's no good. I am becoming too skeptical.
At the very least, any Hunter is better than that man. Preferential treatment for high-level Hunters is also a national policy. Even if she is a Hunter from another country, it wouldn't be a bad idea to meet her face-to-face.
I clasp my hands together and say while suppressing various emotions.
"Very well. I need anyone's help right now. Anyone other than that man, that is. Bring her here." (Franz)
§
――And then, just for a moment, I, Franz Argmann, regret that I am going to meet that person. I regret it and am shocked by that fact.
The atmosphere in the conference room where the countermeasures meeting is being held instantly becomes tense. "Branch Manager Gark (Gark-Shibucho)" frowns. "Professor Sage (Sage-kyoju)" has a stern expression on her face, while "Headmaster Nikolalf (Nikolalf-Gakucho)" is stroking his beard and looking composed, though his eyes aren't smiling. Not only the staff of the Divination and Mystic Arts Institute and the Relic Research Institute, who are accustomed to various mysteries on a regular basis, but also the collaborators from private organizations, all feel the change in the atmosphere.
Even I, who have faced many hardships as a member of the Knight Order, do not remember seeing this atmosphere before.
I do not know what to call a situation like this one. However, my instincts are ringing the alarm. My fundamental instinct as a being from the human race, as a living being.
There is only one possible source of pressure that I can think of. However, this is unbelievable. Though she has not even appeared before my eyes yet――This presence is something more than anything I have ever encountered up to that point――More terrifying.
Strength is not the same as fear. I, who should have learned this truth from that man――Cannot stop trembling.
The door opens. Everyone in the room focuses on what is beyond it as it silently opens.
What is standing there is――A single woman with black hair. Black hair and glowing red eyes. I heard that she is young, but this is beyond what I imagined. Even at the highest estimate, she looks to be no older than 20 years old or so.
However, that is what makes her so frightening. I have learned the hard way from 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 that underestimating someone due to their appearance can lead to painful experiences, but even if I haven't had that experience, I would never underestimate that woman. That woman does not look human in my eyes.
A female Hunter who has been provisionally certified as a Level 9 Hunter, surpassing even 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》, Saya Kuromizu, the 《Little Witch (Yaen Saiden)》.
A creaking sound can be heard. A crack appears under Saya's feet. The crack rapidly spreads from her feet.
A pressure that can even result in the destruction of material objects. As everyone falls silent, I speak in a strained voice.
""Branch Manager Gark (Gark-Shibucho)", it seems…… That the Explorer Association has brought an incredible Hunter to this country." (Franz)
"…… It wasn't this bad right after she arrived in the Imperial Capital………… 《Little Witch (Yaen Saiden)》, what happened?" (Gark)
Saya turns her gaze in response to what Gark said. Her red eyes are just like blood and seem almost sinister.
However, strangely enough, I cannot feel any killing intent in her gaze.
I don't know the reason why I feel this pressure.
Saya opens her mouth. And the voice that comes out sounds tired, contrary to her frightening appearance.
"…… Just, I did some mock battle. And, I just used a little too much power. I am just excited, that's all." (Saya)
Her words and appearance don't match at all. Saya then sighs and continues when Gark and I are at a loss for words.
"The Hunters in this city――The Hunters he trained, are a little too energetic. It really helps that you called me out." (Saya)
I-I see………… Apparently, 《Little Witch (Yaen Saiden)》 isn't as frightening as she looks. At the very least, she won't cause any trouble like the 『Really Dangerous Hunters』 I know.
The question is, why is this Hunter the best suited for this case――.
There, Lucia, who has been observing Saya with her arms and legs crossed, frowns and stands up.
"…… It seems like, our Leader has caused you trouble. Really, even though he is being suspended……" (Lucia)
"!!" (Saya)
"For now, I will verify the other rumors. Considering the number of victims, I cannot imagine there being just one single rumor about someone being Spirited Away——Can I borrow some manpower?" (Lucia)
"Hm………… Right. Lucia Roje, how many do you need?" (Franz)
Although I feel that she is a person with a little too much common sense to be the Imouto of that famous Cry Andrich, it is true that there is a risk in having a Magi continue the investigation alone.
She should have powerful allies like 《Strange Grief (Nageki no Bourei)》, but if she herself wants to borrow people, it would probably be better to lend her some. Besides, although Lucia's investigative methods are somewhat ethically questionable, she is closer to resolving the situation than anyone else at the moment. Adding people with her will also strengthen how we cooperate.
Assuming that a battle might break out, I wonder if she should bring along a member of the Knight Order. As I am beginning to think about this, Saya raises her hand.
"I will go." (Saya)
"………… Eh?" (Franz)
Lucia looks at Saya with wide eyes, who has just said something unexpected.
Thanks for reading! Let's go Lucia and Saya team up as Cry predicted it in the begining of Code's Arc Sasuga Master, he has planned everything! Too bad we didn't see Saya against the other member of First Step It would have been so fun to see them getting beat up but still standing back up because it couldn't be worse than what Cry usually subject them to!
If you are in a generous mood and want to support me, I will be very grateful! : Click here for Ko-fi donation or the button bellow