Chapter 175: North End City
“…You wish to conduct an investigation in the Demon Forest?”
“Yes. The ecology of the monsters inhabiting the Demon Forest is incredibly fascinating. I wish to actively pursue this research.”
The guild master of the Adventurers Guild, located in North End City, was currently in a meeting with a representative from Paraiso, the ruling entity. The representative was a tall woman with fox ears and a tail, characterized by her brown, curly hair. It seemed she was responsible for external affairs for the stationed forces of Paraiso.
“…Is this a request for us to provide our information?”
“No, we only require a guide. The investigation will be conducted by us.”
In North End City, adventurers and the monsters they hunt are the lifeblood of the town’s survival. Even though they were under military control, it was not something they could simply accept without question.
However, the representative from Paraiso had never displayed such an arrogant attitude.
“The primary focus is the investigation. We do not intend to hunt every monster, nor do we wish to take away your livelihoods in that regard. We recognize that you adventurers possess the most knowledge about the monsters and the Demon Forest. Therefore, we request your cooperation. Of course, I promise that appropriate compensation will be provided.”
They had subdued this town of adventurers by force. Thus, the residents held a certain level of respect for Paraiso. The fact that they did not resort to unreasonable violence against the townsfolk and even provided necessary supplies like food and cloth contributed to their favorable reputation.
The guild master pondered. The Adventurers Guild was an organization born out of the need to unite rough and violent adventurers through strength. They possessed powers that set them apart from ordinary citizens, battling monsters daily. If they were to resort to violence, the townspeople, who did not engage in such conflicts, would stand no chance.
Yet, if the adventurers acted recklessly, the town would quickly fall into chaos.
The Adventurers Guild maintained order in North End City by suppressing strength with even greater strength.
“…Understood. I will arrange for our most rational members to accompany you. However, those entering the forest must possess at least a minimum level of skill.”
“That will not be a problem. Their basic capabilities are on par with the soldiers who subdued this town.”
The soldiers who had taken control of North End City were the Communicator Androids, humanoid machines with fox ears and tails, who regularly patrolled the streets. They had a proven track record of efficiently neutralizing any resisting adventurers.
“I see. Then, there should be no issues. There may be some with a rebellious spirit among them, but…”
“That is not a concern. We will suppress them.”
“…Very well.”
The guild master understood that, despite his inclination towards strength, he was still the head of an organization. If Paraiso made a request, he knew he had no choice but to comply, no matter how bitter it felt.
Most adventurers would likely harbor no ill will towards Paraiso, having demonstrated their power. However, a portion still resisted.
In particular, among the pure adventurers who spent most of their time in the Demon Forest, there were those who could not accept Paraiso due to their pride.
“As for compensation, since we have not acquired sufficient currency from this town, we will primarily provide goods. We plan to open a store within a week, where we can also provide currency for use.”
“Ah… I see. If you are willing to supply goods to the guild, then payment in gold would be acceptable. Please select from there.”
Despite having taken control of the town, Paraiso had not engaged in any acts of plunder. This meant they did not possess cash. Upon reflection, that was indeed the case.
Also, this was the first he had heard of them opening a store. What did they intend to sell?
“We will discuss the store separately, but we primarily plan to offer food and daily necessities. Rest assured, we will take existing merchants into consideration.”
“Ah… If you can manage that, I would appreciate it.”
The guild master felt increasingly out of control. He sighed, realizing that his preparations for the meeting had been in vain. He had come expecting a struggle, but it seemed unnecessary.
There was little need for negotiation.
“Furthermore, we will construct a supply base for the research team on the outskirts. Is there any concern regarding land use?”
“Feel free to use any land outside the walls, as long as it’s not directly on the main road. Inside the city, it’s often managed by the commercial guild. As you can see, we cannot even sleep properly within the walls.”
Due to its proximity to the Demon Forest, monsters occasionally appeared in the surrounding area. Indeed, it would be difficult to live comfortably outside the confines of the walled city.
“I see. Then we will proceed with the base construction as we see fit. By the way, while we have made various requests until now, we plan to gradually lift those restrictions. The activities of the self-defense force will soon be permitted to resume. In exchange, our patrols will be reduced.”
“…Understood. What will your position be moving forward?”
The de facto leader of North End City was the Adventurers Guild. There was no lord. While the commercial guild held some power, it paled in comparison to the influence of the Adventurers Guild.
How would Paraiso fit into this power structure?
“Well, think of us as a sort of lord. However, we will primarily leave your governance as it has been. We will only intervene if we clearly perceive signs of rebellion against us. For instance, if you were to fail in suppressing a resistance against us, we would dispatch an operational force.”
“…So, it’s understood that you will not interfere lightly?”
“That understanding is correct. Our goal is not oppression or exploitation. If anything, it is land. Fortunately, the Afrasia United Kingdom has plenty of land, doesn’t it? In that sense, we believe we can coexist with you. If you resist, we will suppress you. But fundamentally, you may operate as you wish.”
This was perhaps the first time some of Paraiso’s objectives had been conveyed. The guild master struggled to comprehend their intentions.
“Will communication with the royal capital and other towns, which has currently ceased, also be resumed?”
“We will allow it. We will soon begin to improve the roads. Travel will become easier in the future. Ah, there’s no need to worry. While we have already subdued other towns, they are similar to this one. You will gradually return to your daily lives.”
It seemed it would take time for the guild master to fully grasp Paraiso’s hands-off approach.
North End City was bordered by a lake to the north and west. This served not only as a source of water but also as a crucial barrier against monster invasions.
To the east, about 2 kilometers away, heavy machinery dropped from Gigantia was beginning construction.
This was being controlled by a strategically deployed AI. The AI selected for this task was the O-Class AI, Cosmos, which had been created by copying Olive’s Neural Pattern. However, instead of using a Brain Unit for control, a large computational device utilizing Photonics neural networks was chosen.
This computational device was roughly eight times larger than a Brain Unit but could quantumize all information, allowing for flexible backup and integration of external functions.
For the investigation into the Demon Forest, numerous terminals would need to be operated. Using a Brain Unit would risk losing valuable information if that unit were to be destroyed. Therefore, they opted for an electronic circuit-based computational device that allowed for easy backup and real-time synchronization. This also required a high compatibility electronic circuit-based Photonics element for control and coordination.
In terms of cognitive flexibility, this device possessed computational abilities comparable to a Brain Unit, meaning that prior operational experience could be effectively applied.
Cosmos would be responsible for manufacturing devices for the infiltration investigation moving forward.