Chapter 267: Pump Up
“The town in the northern part of the Piata Empire has fallen.”
Amagio Silverhead listened to the report from Ringo with a grim expression.
“Finally, huh? Whether it’s fortunate or unfortunate, the folks from the Prava Divine Nation are currently reorganizing their front lines…”
“Is this in real-time?”
“Yes, Commander. It’s live footage.”
The displayed video showed the town being ravaged. Muscular, ape-like Threat Creatures had invaded in droves.
At first glance, they appeared to be large apes. However, they were indeed formidable Threat Creatures. Standing over 3 meters tall, a single swing of their arms could demolish a house. And they moved in packs.
At the center of the swarm was a particularly large individual—the Boss Monkey leading the group.
“This is quite the situation…”
“It seems this species is rarely seen in the Demon Forest of the Afrasia United Kingdom. There were records in the Forest Country (Lebresta). They appear to inhabit a wide area. They are believed to be a type of Threat Creature called ‘Pump,’ standing 2 to 3 meters tall. They form packs led by a Boss Monkey and manage vast territories. This particular group seems to be relatively small in number. They may have been pushed out due to a power struggle or expanded from a previously small territory. Either way, we can expect frequent attacks like this on the outskirts of the Demon Forest in the future.”
“Indeed, the absence of hunters is having a significant impact. It’s not immediate, but the problems will arise months or even half a year later. It’s the kind of trouble that strikes when you least expect it.”
Amagio let out a deep sigh. This information, of course, had not reached the Kingdom of Repuitari. Not only that, but even the Piata Empire, the nation directly affected, was unaware. It would be weeks before the higher-ups learned of this situation. By then, the surrounding villages and towns would likely be in ruins.
“Ah!”
Just as the Pump appeared prominently on the screen, the video cut off abruptly. It switched to another feed, but as the Pump swung its arm down, the transmission was lost once more.
“It seems the Recon Bots are also being targeted. Their signals are disappearing.”
“These creatures can see electromagnetic waves, can’t they?”
Perhaps due to his own ability to perceive electromagnetic waves, Amagio shifted his gaze in the call screen’s direction. There was likely a relay device set up nearby.
“Are there really that many species capable of seeing electromagnetic waves? It never posed a problem before…”
“Akane and Asahi are calculating probabilities. Asahi suggests that their strength as Threat Creatures and their dependency on Magic Essence might influence this, but without evidence, it’s merely speculation. No reactions to electromagnetic waves have been observed in the Rain Kroin or Selket. Of course, just because we haven’t observed it doesn’t mean they lack organs that respond to electromagnetic waves.”
Among the large Threat Creatures, only the Wyvern and Spirit Turtle had shown reactions to electromagnetic waves. The Rain Kroin, Worm, Selket, Big Moss, and Mountain Boar remained uncertain. Given that the Rain Kroin had already undergone dissection, it was highly likely they did not possess such organs.
“In any case, it seems they have some method of locating the Recon Bots. Even those that were on standby became targets as soon as they activated.”
“Weren’t there bird-type bots?”
“They were crushed by throwing.”
“Thorough, aren’t they?”
Three hours had passed since the invasion of Threat Creatures into the northern part of the Piata Empire. All the infiltrating bots had been destroyed, and information had ceased. Currently, only high-altitude drones or reconnaissance satellites could provide footage. However, due to resolution and frame rate issues, the accuracy of the information had significantly declined.
“Hmm… Setting aside the bot issue for now, Amagio, should we send help? I’m not good at making these kinds of decisions…”
How to handle this information weighed heavily on Eve’s mind as she tilted her head, looking to Amagio for guidance.
“Ah, well, that makes sense. You don’t have much experience in society, do you?”
Feeling somewhat awkward at the observation, Eve nodded.
“I have hardly any experience in either my original world or this one…”
“I understand. I’ve regained my memories too. I was a recluse myself. Regardless of the pros and cons, I know that much. So, in situations like this, it’s better to consult with me. I’ve been navigating human society for years.”
While it might be more useful to create a specialized AI, Amagio prefaced his thoughts and began to speak.
“In such cases, what we need to remember as the leaders of the organization is our purpose. That will determine how we respond to the situation at hand. In this world, most matters become simple when you strip away unnecessary information.”
Those were words from a Duke who had led the kingdom for many years.
“Simply put, Eve. What is your objective?”
“……”
The objective. The ultimate goal.
Eve pondered seriously. What did she want to achieve moving forward?
“Ultimately, I want to survive. To live on, and as happily as possible. That’s probably my goal. Right now, in this world, that’s all I have.”
“That’s a broad but good goal. Naturally, not dying is essential, but the desire for happiness is commendable. The criteria for determining happiness or unhappiness are clear. When making choices, you should always keep that in mind.”
Without the constraints of society, Eve, who had been cooped up in The Tree, had no other aspirations.
However, when it came down to it, everyone, regardless of their circumstances, likely shared similar desires. With fewer distractions, Eve found it easier to think simply.
“Now, regarding the choices. As leaders, while making choices is important, narrowing down the options is equally crucial. Present the limited choices and select the best one. Yet, with a bit of thought, most choices can often be reduced to two options: to act or not to act.”
“To act or not to act. In this case, it would be whether to intervene in the Piata Empire or not.”
“Exactly.”
There was no need to overthink it. If they chose not to intervene, they could either leave it be or continue gathering information. If they decided to intervene, they would need to consider whether to send forces, provide supplies, or simply share information. While there were many options, the essence of the decision became straightforward when broken down. And if they found themselves hesitating, it likely meant they lacked sufficient information.
“Choices… Choices… Is there any merit in intervening…?”
“Indeed. Considering the presence or absence of merit is the most straightforward approach.”
“Hmm… For now, as The Tree, what would be the merits of intervening in the Piata Empire? Ringo, can you think of anything?”
“Yes, Commander. I will respond. There are no merits to intervening in this situation.”
“There are none.”
“Yes, Commander. There are none.”
Eve’s eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected response. Amagio chuckled at her reaction.
“The Piata Empire has almost no diplomatic relations with the Kingdom of Repuitari. It would be difficult to send reinforcements from Repuitari. It would likely be perceived as an act of invasion. Thus, any intervention would have to be as an unidentified force or as Paraiso, but that would still be nothing short of an invasion.”
“That’s… true…”
“Socially, it would not be met with praise.”
Even if it were an act of goodwill, a large-scale military intervention would inevitably attract criticism.
“As for the targets of assistance, it would likely be the villages and towns near the Demon Forest, but the number of people involved isn’t very large. At most, around 10,000 to 20,000. There’s no expectation of an increase in that number.”
“Isn’t helping people a significant merit?”
“Yes, Commander. By conventional ethics, one should help at all costs. However, the circumstances in this world are different.”