By constructing the "Flesh Tree," the prospect of securing a certain amount of food production became visible. Since land reclamation and farming were also being carried out in parallel, it was unlikely to cause any particular problems unless the population surged dramatically.
While there were significant differences in how things worked between "Eternal Nations" and this world, the key points to watch for when considering a nation's prosperity were largely the same. Namely: expansion plans, domestic development plans, military plans, and research plans. Of these, the expansion plan was put on hold for the time being to prioritize the recovery of national power, while the domestic development plan centered on increasing food production capacity through the "Flesh Tree." What remained were military and research.
As usual, Takuto and the others held a meeting that day to determine Mygnoghra's policy, joined by the nation's administrators.
"So, today's agenda concerns research," one began. "While our current ability to spare labor is limited, we consider it vital regardless..."
"Yes. Research yields new technologies. New technologies have always greatly propelled a nation's power. For us, still a minor power, acquiring advanced technology is an urgent necessity."
"That is precisely correct. So, Lord Atou, what kind of technology should we prioritize for research?"
"Well, obviously, it's magic technology!"
"Waku waku."
"Heh heh, indeed, the excitement builds, my King."
As if he had been waiting for this, Atou declared happily.
Both Takuto and Atou harbored extraordinary devotion to domestic administration. Consequently, even in the face of an abrupt situation like this otherworldly transmigration, they possessed a certain insane propensity to constantly pursue internal governance. Where the source of this madness lay was still unknown, but the fact that it did not lead to declarations of world conquest or the annihilation of all living beings was a source of happiness for the elder Dark Elves like Mortar.
"Oh! I too have some knowledge of magic. The prospect of new magical technology does set the pulse racing. So, what specific technology shall we research?"
Even before the King, Mortar had grown much less tense in recent times. Of course, his feelings of fear and reverence remained unchanged, but the bone-chilling terror he had felt when first becoming evil and pledging his fealty to the King was now gone. Therefore, he spoke here in a comparatively relaxed manner.
Perhaps there was another reason: Takuto, as the king, remained silent while Atou, who was comparatively easier to speak with, did most of the talking.
This only further fueled Takuto’s isolation and social ineptitude.
Nevertheless, the meeting proceeded. Of course, it concerned content already approved by Takuto.
The topic was magic research, the area they prioritized above all else.
“It is called ‘Military Magic.’ Normally, your type of magic is used only in individual or small-scale skirmishes involving at most a few dozen people. ‘Military Magic’ expands this scope, enabling large-scale combat between entire armies and allowing magic to exert influence over vast territories. This requires a Mana source, but... well, the finer details can be explained later.”
Even Elder Mortar found himself captivated as Atou spoke with such eloquence.
Originally, he too had been one who aimed for the furthest frontiers of magic. Since becoming the tribe’s chief, he had been swamped with various duties, and his magical practice had been neglected. Yet, his desire to peer into the abyss of sorcery still burned within him.
He prided himself on being reasonably skilled with magic, but only in the context of personal combat. Certainly, someone of his caliber could incinerate a few dozen ruffians in a single blast with fire magic, as Atou described. However, without a miracle, scaling that up to affect an entire army was impossible.
What was the world of magic like in the king’s knowledge? He could hardly contain his anticipation for the unseen wisdom about to be revealed.
“Then, please select several of your people who are proficient in magic. Let them develop this new technology. It is not so difficult a technique. They will be able to develop it quickly.”
“Haha, understood. We will immediately proceed with personnel selection and the construction of a research facility.”
“That would be good. Well, things are about to become busy...”
Atou murmured softly to herself.
Hearing her words, Takuto nodded with a quiet affirmation and, just as always, stroked the armrest of his throne.
=Message===
Research item selected.
Research in Progress: [Military Magic]
―――
Thus, the policy for the research was largely decided.
Given their nation’s current, small scale, researching highly advanced science and technology would yield minimal effect for the enormous effort required. For the present, this was likely the most prudent choice.
Understanding this, old Mortar carefully refined various details regarding personnel selection.
"Then, the remainder is the military. What kind of policy do you have in mind, Lord Atou?"
"Well, naturally increasing the numbers is a given, but for now, we won't be proactively putting much effort into it. Armies consume resources and mana and upkeep costs, producing nothing in return. Why do they even exist, really?"
"That may be so, but without an army, we cannot protect ourselves from external threats. Currently, our warband numbers only about a dozen. Honestly, as forces to guard the King, they are insufficient... If I may be so bold, is it possible for Your Majesty to use your power to create some powerful subordinates?"
"Hmm. Subordinates who don't bind the citizens with military service, you mean.
There are various methods available, more or less, but either way, it will consume vast amounts of mana and food. More importantly, creating such a force might draw attention. We frankly have no margin for that."
"So increasing our national capacity is the utmost priority... Understood. I will issue instructions for all members of the warband to undergo strict training."
The War Chief, Gear, replied with a slightly troubled expression.
Atou, judging that there was no need to focus on the military to such an extent in the current situation and no necessity to actively strengthen their forces, tilted his head at this attitude, wondering?.
However, he soon arrived at a point of understanding and addressed Gear with an expression of comprehension.
"Ah, you are concerned about pursuers, aren't you? From what I've heard, there's a possibility that groups like bounty hunters might come?"
"Yes. While it's unlikely the Union would dispatch its own army, as War Chief, I have a certain degree of recognition, as does old Mortar, and bounties are on our heads. Moreover, Dark Elves without rights are worth money."
"Hmm..."
Atou thought for a moment, then sent his gaze to Takuto to seek his judgment.
He had anticipated that pursuers would come for them.
And accepting them as citizens included dealing with such eventualities. Therefore, he had no intention of discussing the matter of pursuers further now.
The issue was how to handle it. He thought that with their current fighting strength it shouldn't be a problem, but considering the future as well, it would probably put their minds at ease to decide on a policy for strengthening their forces going forward.
"We'll create heroes."
Atou, having received the King's words, nodded vigorously.
Indeed, this method would be the lowest in cost and, above all, carried the least risk.
To the Dark Elves who could not fathom the intentions behind the king's words, Atou took it upon himself to provide the explanation in the king's stead.
"Lord Atou, what exactly is this... hero?"
"In Mynoghra, there exist heroes who serve under the king. They are all immensely powerful, with brains as addled as any monster. Due to various restrictions, we currently lack the resources to summon all of them at once, but summoning at least one should be possible."
"Heroes... are they truly that powerful? I do not mean to doubt the great king or his subordinates, of course."
Heroes were special, unique units that existed within 'Eternal Nations'.
It went without saying that Atou himself was one of these heroes, and a favorite of Takuto's.
They were so powerful that in the game, their performance could determine the outcome of a battle. The Dark Elves, who knew nothing of this, could only scratch their heads in confusion.
"Heroes are a cheat."
"Yes, heroes are a cheat."
"A... a cheat? What does that mean?"
"Heroes possess great power from the very beginning. Furthermore, they have a nature where they grow stronger over time. If left alone, they will become ever more powerful."
"Stronger... the longer they are left alone."
At these words, the elder Mortar was astounded. On the battlefield, it was not unheard of for someone blessed by the goddesses of war and fortune to achieve victory and survive. Such individuals might be praised for their deeds and called heroes.
But if someone was born with such potential, and moreover grew stronger through mere experience without any effort, that would truly make them a being worthy of the title 'hero'.
And if such a warrior commanded the front lines, there was no telling how much their presence would bolster an army's strength.
The Dark Elves present felt a barely concealed excitement at the idea of heroes—these beings who grew stronger just by being left alone, possessing abilities that defied common sense.
"In other words, in our current situation where stealth is paramount and we lack the national power to maintain a large army, it is the creation of heroes that will become the cornerstone of our nation's defense."
Normally, to form an army required vast sums of money, time, and personnel.
But if we prepare the heroes that 'Eternal Nations' boasts, that problem is easily solved.
With their powerful abilities, they are sufficient for national defense, and unlike in the game, the cost is for only one person. Their loyalty is high, and above all, they are not conspicuous.
And not being conspicuous means we can buy time.
Time works in their favor. The more time they have, the more powerful the heroes become.
This means that despite being a small nation with limited national power, we can possess fighting strength equal to that of a major power.
Takuto felt the differences between this world and the game in many ways, but on this point, the system of 'Eternal Nations' worked advantageously.
"Oh! What a reassuring individual! With such a strong warrior in the army, morale would reach its peak, and soldiers would perform several times better than usual! Right, Gia?"
"Indeed! That is exactly right, Old Mortar! The strength of the one at the vanguard is the strength of the army! There are countless past examples of a strong and courageous commander overturning numerical inferiority and achieving victory. That we can summon such a person speaks well of our kingdom, and our king!"
With a hero, other nations would think twice and we could hold our own. At the very least, the multiple nations that exist in the southern part of the Idoragia continent would no longer interfere lightly.
A powerful individual in times of war greatly influences battlefield morale.
For example, a duel with an enemy's champion. Valor on the battlefield. The resounding war cries.
The mental damage these inflict on the opposing army is not small.
"One warrior worth a thousand" is a well-chosen phrase. With a hero in the army, their power is multiplied many times over.
That was how Old Mortar and Warrior Chief Gia and the others judged the situation.
That was the misunderstanding they made.
"Ah, I forgot to mention it, but I am also one of the 'Heroes.' And you all seem to have a slight misunderstanding, so let me correct it: we heroes are—"
Atou dropped that absurd statement with a perfectly straight face.
Everyone was surprised, but since she serves at the side of the great king, they accepted it as only natural that she would be a hero.
Then, for some strange reason, Atou stood up from her seat at the table and began walking briskly toward the forest outside the palace.
The throne and meeting table are located in a simple palace with no walls.
As her area of coverage was not large, Atou’s figure after leaving the royal palace was clearly visible… Then, after quietly stopping, she suddenly began to extend eerie tentacles from her back. Those slender tentacles, moving strangely like writhing wireworms. The moment the Dark Elves saw this and were reminded once more that the girl called Atou was connected to entities of darkness…
The trees before them were literally mowed down.
"She is called a ‘Hero’ precisely because she possesses the power to annihilate an entire army single-handedly."
"HUH-HUH-HUH-UH!?"
With sharp cracks, the trees broke and fell upon one another. With a single sweep of the tentacles she unleashed, more than a dozen trees were snapped from their roots.
Old Mortar groaned involuntarily at the staggering offensive power, while Gear instantly understood the force behind that sweep and gaped in astonishment. They had misunderstood. They had conceived of the existence of a Hero solely in individual terms. As a peerless warrior. As an unparalleled being. A Hero was not so simple a thing.
A monster equivalent to an army. One elite force walking the battlefield. The ultimate military asset capable of overturning the tide of war. That was the Hero for whom Mynoghra boasted.
"As long as I can continue to gather power in this manner, I can deal without issue with nations around the size of those in the Great Cursed Realm’s vicinity. The two major nations lie far to the north of here. Currently, there is no reason for them to send large-scale forces." Atou retracted the tentacles she had been waving moments ago—who knew how the mechanism worked—and returned at the same brisk pace as before. Those who now understood her power greeted her with awe.
"Even so, this is not even one-hundredth of my peak strength… Have you realized the power of a Hero?"
"S-So… so magnificent a power!"
To think it could be this powerful! I've come to understand Atou's strength anew, and above all, the greatness of Takuto Ira!
Hehehe! I'll destroy all of Takuto's enemies. So you can be at ease about the military. As long as they're not on the offensive, with me here, there's absolutely no problem.
She sits in a chair and puffs out her chest.
She has an expression that says "How about that?" But certainly, with her here, Mynoghra's military strength should be secure.
Moreover, I'm convinced that no matter who comes after us, she could easily defeat them.
The eyes of the Dark Elves lit up with joy. Another one of their worries had been dispelled by the power of their great king.
Atou.
Yes, my king!
The king called out to Atou, who had been proudly puffing out her chest.
That alone made Atou even happier, and with the innocent smile of a young girl, she beamed and turned to her beloved king to reply energetically.
But contrary to her expectations of receiving praise, her hopes were dashed.
Make sure to clean up properly.
...Okay.
What the king said was, "Why are you destroying the forest without permission?!"
At this point, everyone became calm.
Honestly, there was no need to destroy the forest at all.
Rather, considering the cleanup effort, it only added extra work.
Atou walked dejectedly towards the trees she had destroyed.
It was too pitiful to watch, so old Mortar and Gia decided to call the warrior band to help with the cleanup.
Atou, with tears in her eyes from being scolded after expecting praise, worked on clearing the lumber. Old Mortar watched her back and thought.
This single girl possessed power equivalent to an entire national army, and that power only continued to grow with each passing day.
Chewing on this fact, the Dark Elves worked to clear the vegetation, their expressions indescribable.
=Eterpedia===Atou===
[Atou of the Filth]Battle Unit
Combat Power: 5, Movement: 1
"Destruction Affinity +2""Dark Affinity +1""Chaos Affinity +1"
"Evil""Hero""Fanaticism"
※This unit has a certain probability of acquiring abilities held by defeated units.
=Eterpedia===
[Hero]Unit Ability
-The unit is immune to mental penalties.
-The unit cannot become the property of another nation.
-The unit gains +2 experience each turn.