It’s a brief rest.
Interacting with Kaido and the others had a positive influence on me.
It’s just that I’m saying it in complicated terms; in short, it was a change of pace, that’s all.
“The operational efficiency of the potion factory within the Dungeon is steadily increasing.”
“We’re eight percent ahead of schedule. The workshop for manufacturing potion bottles is also keeping up with production for now. The herb gardens are also making good use of the Dungeon’s magic, so it seems we’re producing a large quantity of high-quality medicinal herbs.”
“Thinking about it this way, wouldn’t it be more efficient to use Dungeons for production facilities rather than defense?”
Once that change of pace is over, returning to work is my everyday life.
I stayed up a little late last night, but we can sleep for about two hours and still function the next day without issue.
“Don’t say that. Honestly, I didn’t expect to achieve this much. Originally, it was designed as a military facility, so there were instances where the Machine King and the Giant King had Golem workshops and blacksmithing workshops. However, this is the first time I’ve seen a Dungeon equipped with such thorough production processes from raw materials.”
Now, I’m checking the stock and production speed of the potions being made in my Dungeon.
I’m struggling with securing personnel, but even so, we have the minimum staff to operate.
In the current situation where we don’t know what day war will break out, it’s best to stockpile as many resources as possible to support the war effort.
“That’s true. Well, it’s good that we’re getting results. The defense facilities are also completed at a minimum, if not fully, and I’m borrowing personnel from Instructor Fushio. How’s the food supply?”
“Since public order is stable, food is being continuously transported from Japan. We’re paying with rare metals that can be created through alchemy, so perhaps the alchemists need some treats. Still, being connected to Earth makes the war much easier. We can trade with vast farmlands in peace. Our demands and their demands align, so there’s little worry of betrayal. While it might be problematic to trust them too much, it’s still a huge advantage. Honestly, with this much stockpiled, think of how much the burden on the people can be reduced.”
The contents of that stockpile are diverse.
As the gateway to Earth, I have also prepared food supplies.
War is, in any case, a bottomless pit for money.
It can be considered the foremost non-productive activity.
We do it because it’s necessary, but the loss of personnel, materials, and environmental destruction are all actions that will come back to bite us after the war.
I’m struggling to reduce that burden even slightly.
“First, priority should be given to the Dragon King who will be going to the front lines, then to Instructor Kio, and then to Amili-san. The remaining half will go to the headquarters’ stockpile division, and what’s left will be managed by us.”
“Understood. We’re still far from our goal, but at this pace, we should reach it by next month.”
I’m paying a considerable amount to reduce that burden, but it’s still within manageable limits.
The swift actions of not just Japan, but also various foreign countries clearly indicate how much they want to engage with us.
Even now, tankers are reportedly gathered at a certain port in Japan, waiting for entry.
One great power has even created a dedicated fleet for that purpose.
To avoid any debts, I’m making payments as promptly as possible.
However, I’m paying with substances that exist on Earth, not with the strange fantasy substances.
MAO Corporation’s funds aren’t infinite either.
I know that cash payments will reach their limit quickly, which is why I’m using fantasy power to compensate.
That fantasy power is alchemy.
The majority of them work on the continent, and as soon as the rare metals they produce are created at our teleportation circle, they are transported one after another.
“Next month, huh…”
Even maintaining that pace will take until next month.
“Is something bothering you?”
“Ah, frankly, time is nothing but an enemy to our opponents. We’ve already received information that they intend to launch a war. Considering that, I think we need to attack swiftly to prevent them from preparing as much as possible.”
“Considering the size of their army, I think we’re already plenty fast. Our ability to collect resources is abnormal. Airplanes and ships alone overwhelm their transportation capabilities, and the information transmission capability called the internet creates a decisive difference in the speed of information exchange.”
I’m not thinking of it as slow.
However, I do feel anxious whether it will be in time.
“Ah, there’s no doubt we’re fast. We’re so well-supplied that if war were to break out right now, we could sustain a protracted conflict. In terms of production speed, they are essentially facing an entire world as an enemy, not just one country. However, I can’t shake the feeling that we’re overlooking something.”
In the end, the side with superior overall capabilities wins a war.
They have united powerful nations in Isal, forming an unprecedentedly large army in history.
In terms of numbers, the Demon Lord’s Army is at a disadvantage.
However, in terms of quality, we have the overwhelming advantage.
How much of a difference will this make in military strength?
It’s too much of an unknown factor.
On top of that, we’ve secured potions for recovery, food, and materials for repairing defense facilities.
Aside from personnel, which is difficult to resupply, we’ve prepared as much as possible.
However, I still feel like it’s not enough.
I clasp my hands in front of me, clenching them tightly.
“Hey now, don’t put so much tension in your shoulders.”
A gentle, soft palm touches my hands.
“You’re doing your absolute best. As a new general, you’ve already taken actions that surpass a passing grade. Trying to do any more would be reckless, don’t you think?”
Looking at Keiri, the owner of the hand, she smiles with a sense of resignation.
“Worrying also has its limits. If you become anxious, your subordinates will too. Be as bold as the Oni King.”
Her smile eases the tension in my hands, and then it returns the inclination of my mind, which was leaning towards unpleasant thoughts, back to a horizontal balance.
“Thank you. I appreciate it.”
“It’s nothing. I understand that what you carry on your back is perhaps a bit too heavy. I can’t carry it for you, but I can at least support you when you start to lose your balance.”
Thanking her for taking on that role, I lean back heavily against the chair and take a deep breath.
“…Ah, I rely on you.”
“Yes.”
A slightly sweet and sour atmosphere floats in the air.
The hands that were touching turn into a lover’s embrace, and our faces draw closer.
Only a few centimeters remain until our lips meet.
Just then, I sense the hurried approach of someone from outside the room.
“Timing is so bad.”
“Don’t say that. This atmosphere… something must have happened.”
The presence of the person rushing towards us.
Their aura is greatly disturbed.
This doesn’t bode well for good news.
“Excuse me!!”
After a momentary stop at the door by the guards outside the room, and a few seconds of exchange, the door is flung open.
He was the intelligence officer who handles communication with the continent, if I recall correctly.
Does that mean something happened on the continent?
“Urgent report!! Six white towers have appeared around the Demon Lord’s Castle!! A barrier was instantly deployed, and the Demon Lord’s Castle has been sealed!!”
“What!?”
In a way, that’s almost the worst possible report.
Keiri’s eyes widen, and I couldn’t hide my surprise either.
“What about the Demon Lord?”
“He was in the Demon Lord’s Castle.”
“I see.”
In the Demon Lord’s Army, the strongest becomes the Demon Lord.
In other words, one strongest individual rules the country, enacting a dictatorship.
Therefore, their leader has been sealed away through what can be called a lightning strike operation.
There’s not zero chance that he could break free from the inside if he’s the strongest.
However, to be foolish enough to rely on that and do nothing would be the act of a fool.
“Keiri, please manage this place with Muil-san. Raise the alert level to the highest.”
Therefore, my course of action was decided immediately.
I stand up smoothly and head out of the room.
“Understood. You’re going?”
“If I do nothing here, what’s the point of being a general? You contact the other generals. I’m going to Tufaris. Inform the sergeants, mobilize half of the troops on standby, and enact Type 2 Combat Readiness.”
The things I need to do came to mind immediately. Was it because I had prepared for such a situation?
“Jiro-”
“Hm?”
After giving instructions to the intelligence officer and the guards outside the room, I was about to move to Tufaris via teleportation when Keiri called out to me. Turning back, we shared the kiss that we were unable to exchange earlier.
“Come back safely.”
“Ah, thank you.”
For a moment, I thought I had been kissed by the goddess of victory, and then I activated the teleportation magic.
I was teleported to my office in Tufaris and immediately headed for the bridge.
“Human King.”
“Captain, it’s an emergency. Activate main engine, Type 2 Combat Readiness!!”
“Yes! All hands to emergency stations!! Summon any crew members who are off-duty!! The rest, prepare for departure!!”
There were crew members on Tufaris, gathered through Muil-san’s connections.
I immediately gave instructions to the elderly Dark Elf man at the center.
“Communications officer.”
“Yes!”
“Establish communication with the intelligence officer on the island. Information will be coming in from there.”
“Understood!!”
What I can do now is to quickly prepare our forces.
The enemy has suddenly targeted our leadership.
I understand their intention is to disrupt our coordination.
While considering the methods, I give instructions in parallel.
“Captain.”
“Yes?”
“Take half of the soldiers on the island with me. Please prepare them for boarding. Also, load enough supplies to fill the ship.”
“Understood. I’ll have it ready in one hour.”
“Thank you.”
Honestly, the only ones in my faction who can serve as proper fighting forces are Tufaris and myself.
If that is the case, I should bring as many support supplies as possible.
“Communication network established!!”
“Switch it to the front monitor.”
“Understood!!”
The more time passes, the more disadvantageous it becomes for us.
Still, I must not rush.
First, I need to contact the other generals to share information.
“Ho, I didn’t expect you to contact me so soon, Jirou.”
“Instructor, does that mean the other generals…”
“Not yet. Rather, they are in the process of gathering detailed information. That wild boar has already flown to the scene. While individually he’s a capable fighter, it’s not very effective right now.”
And as expected, the first person I connected with was Instructor Fushio.
He is one of the veterans within this army and, being accustomed to battle, understands the importance of coordination.
The instructor’s face, visible on a corner of the monitor, lacks its usual carefree demeanor.
“So, because the Demon Lord was suppressed, our coordination is falling apart?”
“Indeed. It’s a group made up of strong personalities, so it can’t be helped. However, Raidou said he was gathering troops, so we can assume he intends to coordinate with us. The Machine King is probably inside the Demon Lord’s Castle right now. He’s reinforcing the castle’s defenses, so there’s no immediate worry of it falling if he reunites with the Demon Lord.”
The Dragon King’s impulsive actions.
From that alone, it’s clear that coordination is lacking.
And at this moment, I understood.
The war has begun.
Today’s Word:
Things change subtly when they do.
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Pandora Pandemic Panic – Pandora’s Box Has Been Opened Again, But We’re Fighting Back Through Secret Bases and Other Means!!
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