Chapter 334: Gladiolus
“Older Sister, Older Sister! The magical barrier at the frontline fortress has manifested! We did it!!”
“Wha—? Really? It’s finally operational…”
The massive fortress constructed at the forefront of the Demon Forest’s development had just received a report that the barrier generation device, relocated from the Holy Capital of the Prava Divine Nation, had finally begun its operation.
Eve embraced Asahi, who rushed over with a beaming face, but her expression turned serious at the content of the report.
“What’s most concerning is that it’s operational without us fully understanding it… If something goes wrong, we won’t have a way to respond.”
“Well, that’s mostly on the Chimiya Family! We just need to focus on maintaining the fortress functions!”
Well, there was no point in worrying about something that was already moving. Eve nodded and turned to ＜リンゴ＞, who was following closely behind her.
“＜リンゴ＞, let’s head to the Command Room. We need to get an update on the situation at the frontline fortress.”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
◇◇◇◇
“Older Sister.”
“Welcome, Iris. Would you like to sit next to me?”
Iris, who silently nodded, was welcomed with a hug by Eve. They walked together to the sofa, with Eve wrapping her arm around Iris’s shoulder.
“The magical barrier is operational?”
“Yes.”
Once seated side by side on the sofa, Eve tightly held Iris’s hand.
Iris’s stress levels had risen slightly due to the unknown barrier device starting to function within her domain. Given ＜リンゴ＞’s example, Eve and the other sentient beings of ＜ザ・ツリー＞ were particularly considerate of Iris.
“Can you tell me the situation?”
“Understood.”
Prompted by Eve, Iris began to display footage of the magical barrier functioning.
“During today’s scheduled check, we confirmed the manifestation of the magical barrier. We conducted several tests, and it successfully blocked standard artillery fire. Additionally, as observed in the Holy Capital experiments, it only reacted to attacks that would cause damage, allowing harmless objects to pass through. Therefore, we estimate that it is currently exhibiting the expected level of defensive power.”
“I see. Thank you, Iris. This significantly enhances the fortress’s defensive capabilities.”
“Mm.”
Pleased by Eve’s praise, Iris wagged her tail excitedly. Although her stress levels remained elevated, they seemed to be stabilizing.
“Now, we need to think of a name for the fortress… You mentioned you had something in mind?”
“Yes. I have a name.”
As the frontline fortress began its full-scale operation, Eve felt it was essential to have a name. Iris then declared that she wanted to choose the name herself. This proactive suggestion delighted Eve, and she eagerly encouraged Iris.
“I would like to name it the Prava Divine Nation Defense Fortress, Gladiolus. Gladiolus is a plant from the Iris family, just like me.”
With confidence, Iris proclaimed this. Indeed, Iris was also known by a different name associated with the Iris flower, making it fitting to name the fortress after it. This aligned perfectly with the initial naming convention of the Five Sisters, which was based on flower names.
Eve and the others from ＜ザ・ツリー＞, having limited life experience, struggled with the act of naming something.
“Oh, that’s a lovely name. ＜リンゴ＞, register the fortress as Gladiolus.”
“Yes, Ma’am. From now on, the fortress will be referred to as Gladiolus.”
With Eve’s command, the map information was updated. The frontline fortress of the Prava Divine Nation was now officially designated as Gladiolus.
“The defensive power of Gladiolus is currently unknown. We plan to conduct a durability test tomorrow. Preparations for a test wall are underway.”
Iris was preparing to fire upon the fortress from the outside, intending to determine how much kinetic energy it would take to nullify the barrier, similar to the tests conducted in the Holy Capital. This would serve as a basis for developing various defense scenarios.
“Also, several hours before the barrier was activated, there was a significant increase in the readings from the magic essence monitoring posts. Therefore, we hypothesize that the timing of the barrier’s activation correlates with that spike.”
In fact, it had been observed that the magic essence concentration began to rise immediately after the magic stones for the barrier were installed.
When Iris consulted the Chimiya Family about this, they suggested that it might have turned into a magic essence hotspot.
“A hotspot, huh… That’s a location with a high concentration of magic essence, right? I believe it’s a point where magic essence is generated.”
“Exactly. The Chimiya Family described it as magic essence seeping up from the ground.”
According to what Iris had heard from her family, it seemed that in the Prava Divine Nation, a hotspot was recognized as a place where magic essence erupted from underground.
Moreover, hotspots were areas where humans felt comfortable, but if left unattended, they could become overrun by amorphous monsters like slimes, eventually leading to the rapid growth of False Green Trees (Treants).
“And it appears that the current fortress has become a very large hotspot. Since the Chimiya Family resides there, it seems that it won’t become a breeding ground for monsters.”
“That’s quite a curious phenomenon.”
If humans lived in the area, slimes wouldn’t spawn. While False Green Trees (Treants) could occasionally appear, it was said to be a rare occurrence.
“The reason for this is still unclear. We may need to conduct comparative experiments at the hotspot someday.”
“Oh, Iris, you’re doing a great job researching! Let’s start investigating the hotspots after we finish the wyvern research! From what I hear, there are many hypotheses we could explore!”
Asahi responded energetically to this discussion. It seemed she was also working on various projects, but she couldn’t keep track of everything.
Well, it might also be that Iris hadn’t been actively sharing information.
Both had a growing task list. There was no need to specifically highlight non-urgent information for public discussion.
“Iris and Asahi, make sure not to overexert yourselves. But Iris, you’re doing a great job with your research!”
“……”
Iris, praised while being petted by Eve, wagged her tail silently.
“Hmm… The magic stones… In this case, it’s possible that the activated magic stones, which have manifested the magical barrier, are attracting magic essence.”
Asahi mused aloud while observing the changes in magic essence concentration.
“Also, Iris. What about the surrounding magic essence concentration…?”
“…Yes. There are fluctuations in the surrounding magic essence concentration. It seems that, in response, the activity of monsters has also become somewhat more frantic. We’ve observed an increase in their movement range and territorial patrol frequency.”
“Oh… So the magic essence concentration indeed affects monster activity.”
Analyzing the sensor data from the Gladiolus fortress, it appeared that the rapid rise in magic essence concentration was causing fluctuations in the surrounding area. Consequently, changes were occurring within the ecosystem, including the monsters.
“Changes in magic essence concentration are affecting both animals and monsters. The behavioral analysis indicates an increase in aggression and territorial maintenance behaviors. We’ll need to strengthen our defensive posture in the surrounding area for a while.”
“Hmm. That makes sense. Magic essence is likely a necessary energy source for monsters, right? It’s like suddenly smelling something delicious to us?”
“The Forest Boar’s magic essence detection cells function as olfactory cells. That analogy is likely accurate.”
A powerful fortress had begun its operation deep within the Demon Forest. What impact this would have on the surrounding area in the future remained unknown to anyone at this moment.
A powerful frontline base has begun its operation. I’m glad the name Gladiolus fits well for a fortress.
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