Sword, Magic and Academic Society

Chapter 220 - 

A day had passed since Viz and I came to the taskforce headquarter in the Eclair's military garrison. 

We had yet to get a grasp of the culprit's outline. 

All the roads that could be used by carriage have been heavily patrolled and blocked off, so it's unlikely that they've escaped outside the perimeter. 

The carriage that had been our prime lead, which we had traced from Ado, had its trace fallen apart nearby Mingua, a major city south of the Town Lupan. 

The army members of Mingua Garrison had also run a thorough investigation that lied between Mingua to Ado, exploring every nook and cranny, however there had been no findings. 

Now, Tim-san himself had gone along with his team to comb through surrounding forest and mountain to search for any suspicious signs. 

Meanwhile, Viz and I, since we hadn't been asked for any more information, took the bike on a ride to look for any clues ourselves as well, but it appeared a futile result. In the end, we returned back to the taskforce headquarter in Eclair to see if they'd found anything.

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"Did you really cover that much ground in such a short time…? Your mobility is astonishing… But it's unexpected that we still haven't found anything with all these people involved. This isn't just a rat we're chasing. If they’re hiding somewhere deep in the mountains, I believe we'll flush them out eventually, but…"

Airu-san crossed her hand in contemplation, her expression steep, as she stared at the new map placed atop the table. 

This was the detailed map that Coco had been making up using the techniques of Geography Research Club, though due to some this and that reason, it was now a nation project. And since the primary tool for measure and mapping and all was developed by Fey, Dragoon had been proactive in expanding the covered region, and Eclair City, which was a strategic location even as a military point, had been covered in that by extension. 

The map, spread out on the table, displayed circles of 30km, 50km, 100km, and 200km radius centered around the town of Ado. It was immediately clear that all the possible carriage routes crossing these circles had checkpoints set up.

In addition, the map also marked the location where the carriage might be hidden, which Tim-san had been currently going out to investigate, or where the deployment of the army was done and in which form. 

Before the prevalence of new maps, the countryside maps were often simple sketches with details entirely based on Mapmakers intuition and experience, and only covering stuff like how long it takes to travel from Village A to Village B using adult's step as a measure. The strategic value of these maps were clear. 

"There had been many people, like me, who had doubted if there really was any need to invest such finance and manpower for a mere simple thing like a map... but I guess, it's the kind of thing that you never know until you use it for yourself."

It appeared Airu-san had also realised the importance of maps, adjusting her evaluation. 

I guess, it made sense from her perspective. As the local, why bother putting funds on stuff that they have covered in their head? The balance could also be used for furnishing garrisons with better equipment and all. 

However, a detailed terrain map was far more reliable than one's experience, granting a fresh view that allowed them to pull or reform deployment of troops. 

By visualizing everything, the big picture becomes clear at a glance, and there’s much less chance of discrepancies in individual understanding. Even for her, this map should have shed a new light on Eclair and its outskirts, which should have been like her garden.

"Well, that's really a fantastic thing, truly. If only we had this—no, even the map of just our region would actually give us a great insight on our management of territory, and its development."

Viscount Valcus murmured with shiny eyes while Airu-san expressed her genuine admiration. Oh, and Count Capion hasn't been around since our first meeting, citing that he must lead the police squad for investigation.

Airu-san promptly cut that line of thought for Count Valcus. 

"This is a military secret so far, hence you can only have permission to view. But to possess is another matter, at least it's impossible for the time being as there is a risk the map can fall into the enemy's hand, exposing our defense to them. Am I right, Allen Rovenne-san? Since it's something you have worked out." 

"M-my goodness! Is this also a discovery of you, Sir Allen Rovenne?! Indeed, no wonder you're the supernova of this generation. It's a feat beyond many to achieve what you did—"

A slew of flattery echoed from Viscount Valcus when he heard that. Even though it wasn't even comparable to the the map apps you could access from anywhere at Earth. It wasn't much of an achievement for me. 

Airu-san's concerns were understandable, but I really think delegating this as a military secret was killing the geography field that could have attracted more with its popularisation. After all, to make it easier to learn about terrain—why else would we bother to come up with detailed maps, if not this?"

"...No, it's the work of my friend Coco, alongside the Geography Research Club that has been spearheading the progress. I had only helped out in establishing the club. But anyway, this *basic map* is merely a prototype. Coco and I believe it would be better to popularise them for further advancement."

As a matter of fact, Coco and I had already discussed implementing various ideas, albeit we first required a detailed map before we could move forward.

I tried to explain the situation, though Viz, he had been next to me, shrugged in wryness.

"...Another of your military secrets, huh, Allen? The Geography Research Club—correct me, but isn't this what you and Coco had set up after riling yourself up at the beginning when everyone barely knew each other? Sheesh, are you and military secret some sort of childhood friend? ......You know what, I am not even surprised anymore."

...You really are showcasing your memorisation ability huh, to bring up such a past event. 

Well, I was genuinely quite interested in Coco since he had hailed from the family that compiled the Canardia Monster Encyclopedia, and then during summer vacation, we hit it off well—alright, maybe our passionate research was too much that it made everyone reel back. 

In fact, Coco had to be the one of the most shy people, and he, too, was taken aback by my adventurous ideas, but that cover soon melted away when I continued to pester him with ideas and he began to weave his own words into the conversation. 

However his ideas were so fascinating that they'd piqued my curiosity even more, and our conversations expanded endlessly. Eventually, one day, our chat veered off into the topic of maps, and in the heat of the moment, we decided to create the Geography Research Club.

"Uh-huh? Anyway, the only reason this is confidential is because the usage case is limited. I can assure you the same map would be implemented for many things once they recognise its usefulness. And that's what we want. The true end goal of a field called geography lies far beyond the inception of these maps. The key to the development of Geographic Information Science lies in the overlay of maps and data."

We had many debates over the usage of map, or end goal. And I am sure, Viz would one day be stunned silly when Coco's passion reaches a new height. 

As I chuckle to myself, imagining the future, Viz had a dead fish-like look, his facial muscles jumping for some reason. 

"......I am not a mind reader to see what you're cooking, but I really feel pity for Coco. But that aside... you said about overlapping the map and information? Airu-san. There's something I am curious about, so I wonder if you have been informed of the placement of police squad that been deployed at the *first day* of search, preferably the earliest timing if possible?"

"Hmm? Of course, the information has been shared. ...So, you just want to know about... police's placement during the first day, not present?"

At Viz's affirmation, Airu-san scanned a nearby file and then began explaining, using a map and figurine markers to represent the units.

After hearing the explanation, Viz looked at the map for a while, resting his chin on his hand, and then pointed at a route that circled around Lake Eclair, crossed the southern Tesba mountain range, and led out into the Valcandor region.

"Why is there no force around this area?"

The query of Viz was answered by Viscount Valcus. 

"Ah, a few years ago, there was a major landslide just past that Tesba mountain pass. It isn't so easy to clean up that area, and it's still not in a condition where carriages can pass. It’s likely that route was deprioritized because of that."

Ayle quickly added a clarification.

"The military is aware of the situation on the ground, of course. We've stationed minimal forces in the area for containment however."

However the look of contemplation only depended, as he stared at the map.

"...What makes you single out this place?"

Airu-san inquired, however Viz showed hesitation, so I took over the details.

"In fact, Viz suspected about a mole. While the inside might be collaborating with thieves, the deployment of the army must have been unexpected for them too. If we take the existence of mole as true, then the movement of police at the first step should show any clue. It's possible they'd thin out the deployment in a certain place and put it to overlook the thieves. If you hypothesize this situation, and imagine what if only police were sent to search, then this route certainly raises a question. Well, it's all a meaningless guess if there's a roadblock ahead."

Viz hastily jabbed me with his knee.

"T-this is just a guesswork, and nothing!"

Airu-san nodded thoughtfully as she looked at the map but then shook her head.

"An insider who’s privy to the police's investigation plans, huh... That’s something I’d rather not consider. ...In any case, even if the bandits had a method to bypass the blockade and make their way along this route, I still think it would be impossible for them to reach it undetected."

Apparently, as Airu had explained, the roads leading to the shores of Lake Eclair were closely monitored, along with paths too narrow for carriages, residential routes, and even riverways.

"......I really should've expected there would be no holes in the plan. I apologise if my inexperience may have brought any confusion."

Viz lowered his head in apology when a messenger jumped into the room, shouting loudly.

"A message from Deputy Commander Tim! Sir Tim has spotted the traces, assumed to be of culprit, in the southwest forest of Eclair! He has begun the pursuit, and has left behind instruction to immediately dispatch a reinforcement to surround the forest! Sir Tim has also warned to exercise caution as the target is quite a skilled thief! Over!"

"Woah, Sir Tim has already caught up the traces?! Incredible, then it's just a matter of time before the culprit are within his grasp."

An excited shout emerged from Viscount Valcus, however Airu-san's expression visibly darkened.

"An opponent even Tim-san has said to be cautious off? ...I will personally lead the operation on-site. A battle may break out as soon as we're inside the forest, so make sure you two keep your distance from the forest. Have I cleared myself?"

"......Viz has no obligation, but I am a knight too, just provisional? I believe I can be of use—"

I tried to put my point, however Airu-san cut me off with a commanding look, unexpectedly firm.

"I’ve heard of your abilities from many sources. And I have no doubt your detection range, that you have learned under Commander Dew Owiel, can give us an edge on the situation. However, this and that are different. And I believe Tim-san would've said the same thing in my place."

Affirming that neither I nor Viz turned to argue after her command, Airu-san easen her expression.

"I don't know what actually the 'Yuglia's Future' in your words implies. However, since Tim-san hasn't asked you, then I shall follow his path. But you're going to be the future pillar of this kingdom, and are the very 'Yuglia's Future' itself. I believe no machine can be worth risking your life."

Especially your reconnaissance magic, taught by General Dew Over, will certainly be invaluable in this situation. But no. If Tim were here, he would say the same."

Seeing that Piss and I were silenced by the undeniable force in his words, Ayle relaxed his expression slightly.

"Whatever your 'future of this country' means... Tim didn’t ask, so I won’t either. But, you two are the future of this country. There is nothing worth retrieving if it costs you both. That’s how I feel."

Also, I forgot to put note.

2.And you must have seen changes of title like deputy commander to chief commander et cetera of Tim. Yeah, I don't know why that's there.