Shota's Isekai NTR Adventure Chapter 2218: Spike (1)
Previously on Shota's Isekai NTR Adventure...
"I’ll let you know if I uncover anything."
That was the last assurance Max provided a few days ago, yet he has not followed up with any updates.
It appears he’s struggled to decipher the essence of the divine energy’s unique stacking properties.
However, other received communications indicate he has been dedicating substantial time within the laboratory.
These aren't so much reports as they are desperate pleas for assistance, as he invariably traps others within the lab alongside him. Concurrently, he consistently requisitions resources whenever he confines himself to his research space.
Consequently, those tasked with approving these resource requests are naturally seeking aid.
Despite this, I’ve had no intention of intervening.
Thus far, his expenditures remain within the pre-approved budgetary limits. Although the simultaneous demand for resources presents a challenge, it’s not an insurmountable burden.
Crucially, his research focuses on a subject of considerable potential benefit to us. The deeper our comprehension of this divine energy, the greater our capacity to wield it will become.
Therefore, I planned to abstain from hindering his progress, provided he didn't transgress a specific threshold.
Furthermore, an entirely different matter has captured my full attention.
"Is this report accurate?" I inquired of the messenger bearing the dispatches.
With a distinct gulp, he slowly nodded, confirming the information.
As he did, I found myself compelled to furrow my brow and re-examine the report.
Following the confrontation with War and the forces of Destruction, the racial alliance dispatched investigators across the continent to probe the widespread corruption energy. After all, that specific faction wasn't the sole instigator of trouble.
When the forces of Destruction launched their assault, they struck simultaneously across the entire continent, leaving widespread devastation in their wake. We exerted our utmost efforts to contain the corruption energy, but certainty about its complete eradication remained elusive.
Consequently, a methodical sweep of the lands by our personnel became necessary.
This particular report should have been a routine update on this ongoing operation. However, it contained an anomaly. Unlike other reports detailing minor pockets of corruption energy, this one presented something extraordinary.
"A significant spike?" I felt compelled to verify my reading.
The scout who delivered the report nodded before stating, "That’s the only appropriate descriptor for it."
The scouts had exercised extreme diligence, sending one of their own back to provide a firsthand account of their discovery.
However, the phenomenon they encountered was so extraordinary that a precise description proved challenging.
"Was there anything you could do about it?"
"None of us dared to interact with it, fearing we might trigger an unforeseen event."
I offered a nod of approval upon hearing this response.
After all, I was aware of individuals eager for results who might have attempted to manipulate this discovered spike. It was fortunate that this particular group of scouts lacked such eagerness to prove themselves, as a disaster might have ensued.
Even I had never encountered a report of a corruption energy spike; therefore, I understood the inherent danger it presented.
There was no way to predict the consequences of rashly attempting to tamper with it.
The paramount issue, however, was the necessity of addressing this spike.
This concentrated surge of corruption energy located in the heart of the land posed an unknown threat, leaving us uncertain about its subterranean activities or the possibility of a sudden, widespread dissemination of corruption.
Thus, despite its perilous nature, we were obligated to devise a strategy for its neutralization.
"Kindly summon the prime minister for me," I requested.
"Are you suggesting we mobilize everyone? Have you lost your mind?"
"Given our complete lack of understanding regarding this phenomenon, that is the only prudent course of action."
The prime minister appeared to disagree with my proposed strategy, but I remained resolute, recognizing that the circumstances had evolved beyond simple matters.
Having successfully overcome three of the Four Omens, only the most formidable among them remained. Consequently, predicting the capabilities of this final Omen was an exercise in uncertainty.
As we have entered the endgame, prioritizing utmost caution is the wisest approach.
"What if an alternative threat emerges?"
"What if this represents the ultimate danger?"
It was evident that our perspectives on this matter differed, yet I harbored no resentment towards the prime minister. Our divergent viewpoints stemmed from considering distinct priorities, leading to our disagreement.
There was no personal animosity between us.
Ultimately, I stated, "My expertise in these matters is more extensive, and my intuition strongly advises this course. It is indeed best to involve everyone to ensure maximum precaution."
The prime minister regarded me with a peculiar expression, but ultimately conceded to my reasoning.
Proposing a course of action was one thing, but now, I was seeking his implicit trust.
Since I was committed to this path, he found himself with no alternative but to acquiesce and follow my proposal. However, he harbored his own intentions, stating, "Given you're going to such lengths, I shall dispatch additional personnel." His tone suggested he was assigning escorts to ensure I wouldn't stir up further trouble. A wry smile graced my lips upon hearing this, yet I refrained from contesting his decision. Compromises were necessary for an accord to be reached. I suspected this situation was more complex than it appeared, making it prudent to resolve it swiftly.