V9C5

Volume 9, Chapter 5 - Reconnaissance

"Well, where do you think Dad is hiding?" I muttered as I looked at the map.

The map in this world is a bit inaccurate.

With me are the usual faces: Lord Apolito, Mr. Kazanzakis, Colonel Kunihito, Ryujo the Dragon Woman, Old Man Juroji, and Aoi.

"Lord of the End, is that the map?" Ryujo asked.

"Yes, Patria's map is accurate, but maps of other countries are somewhat delicate due to military secrets," I replied.

"What about this one?" Ryujo reached out, and a screen-like display appeared.

"Huh, satellite photos?" It seemed like images taken from high above.

"There are several terminals floating above the skyship Sora-fune, and this is the footage from there."

"This is helpful."

"No, if it can be of use to Lord of the End..."

Ryujo blushed.

"Oh, you can call me Yuuki. It feels weird to be called 'Lord of the End.'"

"Is, is that okay?"

"Yes, please."

"So, then... Yuuki-dono..."

She said, and Ryujo turned bright red.

It's kind of fresh.

I've never experienced this because I've always been alone.

"Alright, let's leave it at that," Colonel Kunihito said with a gruff face.

Aoi and the others seem a bit intimidating.

"Understood," I replied to Colonel Kunihito and Aoi.

"So, even with this, we can't find their ship registration or anything?"

"My reconnaissance didn't find anything either."

"If they were disguising themselves, is there a possibility we can't find them through reconnaissance? For example, making it look like an island?"

"I hadn't considered that. Indeed, if those flying guys are coming and going, we might find them, but reconnaissance over a wide area requires a lot of power, and it's tough to investigate a bit."

Apolito looked troubled.

"Maybe they're disguising themselves with vegetation or something. Size-wise, it's not that big, but it might be big enough to operate as a submarine base and a few combat helicopters."

"In that case, we can send the monsters from the skyship Sora-fune for reconnaissance. There aren't many, but we can use mini-sea dragons designed for underwater exploration."

"That would be appreciated. If they're found, Apolito can investigate the location, and if necessary, we can attack."

"In that case, if we know the location, let me help with the attack!"

Suddenly, Gouou, the Explosive Dragon King, shouted from outside the window.

Everyone was startled.

"Huh? Are your wounds okay already, Lonely King?"

"I told you, I'm not lonely! I got Juroji-dono to heal me!"

He's still in high spirits.

Looks like he's feeling better.

"Well then, depending on the operation, you can join in."

"If I were to end up like that again, it would be a blow to my pride. I'll definitely participate."

Gouou exuded a fierce aura.

It's good that he's motivated, but please don't go for a chase like earlier. Father is skilled at luring in his opponents and crushing them.

"Don't go for a trap like that earlier!"

Mitsuki warned Gouou.

"I'll tear through any traps!"

"For now, follow the instructions. If one place goes berserk, everything will get dragged into it."

Gouou seemed dissatisfied when I told him that.

"Gouou, listen to what Yuuki-sama says."

Ryujo spoke to Gouou as if scolding him.

"...Fine, I get it. Then, Lord of the End, when it's time to finish them off, use me."

Gouou reluctantly said.

Hmm, if Ryujo says it, I'll listen.

This is fine.

"Anyway, the real battle starts after we find Dad's hideout, right?"

I looked around at everyone.