The Story Of The Second Son Of The Baron Family [EN]: Chapter 34

The initial plan was straightforward: establish a large base near the mine by excavating a tunnel with an entrance within the Terra Barrier, then extract magic stones. However, a closer look revealed the plan’s inherent complexities.

Firstly, the tunnel needed to be 10 kilometers long and wide enough for two carriages to pass comfortably. It also required significant depth to prevent collapse from the impact of monsters moving above. Given such an extensive tunnel, the underground base itself would be village-sized.

“Fortunately, we haven’t encountered any subterranean monsters yet. We only need to account for indirect impacts, which simplifies things somewhat.”

To date, dozens of monster species have been identified within the Terra Barrier, but none exhibit mole-like burrowing behavior. While such creatures might exist, those like Sandworms primarily inhabit deserts, making their presence in the monster lands unlikely.

“A tunnel… How deep underground are we talking?”

“We should aim for at least 10 meters to ensure safety from the monsters, right?”

A depth of 10 meters—a height that often triggers human fear. Constructing a tunnel at that depth using only shovels and pickaxes seemed impossible.

Even with round-the-clock shifts, estimating the progress or the time required to build a 10-kilometer tunnel and a massive underground base with manpower alone was futile.

However, this world, while lacking advanced science, possessed magic. Knights wielding shovels and pickaxes imbued with magic could work as if digging through soft sand, even in solid rock. While the knights might grumble, they were unlikely to refuse cooperation, given its importance to the Terra Barrier’s defense.

“Do you think this is feasible?”

“It’s certainly more promising than trying to hold off monsters on the surface without any defenses.”

“Hmm… Let’s develop a detailed plan first. Then, we’ll submit it to the Magic Tower and await their response.”

Once initiated, they had to commit fully. Failure would necessitate accountability, likely falling on the Magic Tower. Evan’s presence—a key figure from the Magic Tower, not an Imperial aide—indicated the Magic Tower’s leadership in this mine development. Therefore, caution regarding new methods was essential.

Thump-

The Scorpion relentlessly launched flames—or rather, long spears. The target was a massive, upper-tier monster. Long-range accuracy was challenging, but the sheer volume of shots meant that even misses often struck monsters behind the primary target.

“Nice!”

“It’s definitely making a difference.”

“We’re pouring magic stones into it, so it should be this effective!”

Each spear fired represented a significant financial investment. Of course, the Terra Barrier wasn’t a money sink. The abundance of upper-tier monsters, rare inland, ensured profitability.

For instance, troll blood was a vital ingredient in wound-healing potions, ogre tendons were ideal for bowstrings, and upper-tier monster leather was strong and flexible, perfect for armor.

Additionally, though rare, Behemoth horns were magical materials that were invaluable, serving as catalysts for lightning magic. However, their value was somewhat diminished by the need for magic stones, which were equally precious, to power the Scorpion.

“I’m glad it’s performing as expected.”

“It’s a relief. But we can’t afford to be complacent. The moment we do, we’ll revert to our previous situation.”

Ild was correct. Even if the Scorpion proved its worth and became renowned as a weapon against upper-tier monsters, complacency would allow the monsters to adapt and return stronger.

They were already making preparations, such as replacing the Scorpion’s firing line with ogre tendons and inscribing magic circles on some spears to create more potent magic spears. However, they needed to innovate, not just improve existing methods.

After extensive testing, a Scorpion operation manual was created, and new recruits began training. But soon, they might have to discard that manual.

Count Pongke’s performance was gradually declining. While still better than initially, his operational range was noticeably shrinking. This made the Scorpion’s performance even more critical.

However, there was good news. Evan’s report must have been positive, as the Magic Tower requested a detailed plan for the new mine development method. Casualties were also decreasing, and other positive developments were occurring. As summer transitioned to autumn, the annual autumn expedition approached.

“Do we really have to go?”

“I know, right? Everyone’s seen it. The upper-tier monsters aren’t holding back anymore. Plus, we can eliminate more of them with the Scorpion, so why force this autumn expedition, which will inevitably cause heavy losses?”

This year, opposition to the annual autumn expedition was strong. With Count Zeke absent and Count Pongke uninterested in internal affairs, decision-making fell to the six knight commanders, three squad leaders, and Wonder. Uniting ten opinions was never easy.

“If things had been like this last year, maybe, but we need to continue the expedition at least through this year.”

“Exactly. We can eliminate more upper-tier monsters thanks to the Scorpion, but we’ve only been using it in actual combat for two months.”

“Consider this: the increased aggression of upper-tier monsters might be due to population growth. Perhaps monsters struggling to compete are rushing to the barrier in search of food?”

The debate raged. The ‘autumn expedition’ carried significant weight. Everyone present had participated in past expeditions, and there had never been a year without one during their time at the Terra Barrier. The fear of the unknown winter, based only on records, was palpable. The six knight commanders were evenly divided, fiercely opposing each other.

The magic squad leaders remained silent, awaiting Wonder’s decision. Unlike the knights, who lacked a clear leader in Count Zeke’s absence, the magicians looked to Wonder and were hesitant to act without his guidance.

“May I speak?”

Amidst the heated debate and the magicians’ silence, Ild, who had been quietly observing, stepped forward. Given his age and experience, he was one of the Terra Barrier’s elders, so everyone paused to listen. Continuing the discussion as it was would clearly be unproductive.

“First, to be blunt, I believe we should proceed with the autumn expedition as planned.”

“Ild!”

“You’re right.”

Predictably, reactions were mixed. Ild raised a hand to quiet them and continued.

“Everyone, calm down. You’re not wrong. As you said, we’ve eliminated more upper-tier monsters than usual, whether due to changes in monster behavior or the Scorpion’s effectiveness. Everyone here feels it, both physically and in terms of numbers.”

“That’s right. The number of additional upper-tier monsters we’ve killed likely equals the number we killed during last year’s autumn expedition. I don’t understand why you still favor an expedition that will cause extreme damage.”

Last year’s autumn expedition, in which Renil and Ild participated, resulted in heavy losses, with only about half of the 140 participants returning alive. The annual expedition was necessary because the Terra Barrier’s defenses were previously insufficient to reduce the upper-tier monster population.

But now, things were different. Changes in monster activity and the Scorpion’s deployment had increased their kill rate, and they were confident in withstanding even a major attack. He couldn’t understand why they were insisting on the inefficient autumn expedition.

“Now that Count Zeke is absent, we must protect the Terra Barrier as safely as possible until his return. We shouldn’t create unnecessary risks ourselves.”

“Are you suggesting we sacrifice people for that reason alone…?”

“Besides, the sacrifices won’t be as great as you fear.”

Ild produced a piece of paper from his pocket.

“You all know what this is.”

Map 2, developed by Renil using engraving and improved with senior advice. Everyone recognized it. It had proven highly effective in recent defenses. The map had become an essential tool for commanders, one they couldn’t afford to lose.

“If we distribute the map to the leaders of each group participating in the autumn expedition, we can minimize losses. If we can identify nearby monsters before engaging, the expedition will be much safer.”

When even Wonder, who had been listening intently, agreed to proceed with the autumn expedition, the pro-expedition side gained a 7:3 majority. The opposition could no longer object, and the discussion shifted to participant selection and departure dates.

“Renil, what was it like last year?”

“Well, it was easier because I went with Ild, but managing the psychological aspect was challenging. Unlike the barrier, the roles of humans and monsters are reversed.”

Having participated in last year’s autumn expedition, I decided to remain at the Terra Barrier this year. However, one of my classmates, Laurent, was assigned to the expedition, potentially his last, and would venture into the monster lands.

“Don’t worry too much. As Ild said, he’s taking a map, and he’s been instructed to avoid dangerous situations. It will be much safer than last year, and more people will return alive.”

“… I hope so.”

Many things had changed since last year. The Scorpion was deployed, methods to enhance the barrier’s defenses were being explored, and experience was accumulating. However, all these improvements were within the Terra Barrier. The only change for the autumn expedition was the map. Laurent seemed anxious about heading into that unknown territory.

“Definitely.”

“I feel a little better hearing that from someone experienced. Let’s grab a drink when I get back safely. Oh, you’re an adult now, right?”

“I’ll be twenty next year. I’ve been an adult since last year.”

“You’re getting defensive. Does having a coming-of-age ceremony automatically make you an adult?”

Several days later, a group departed from the Terra Barrier. Unlike last year, when I was among them, this year I watched them leave, a sense of unease lingering within me.