"Everyone! I suggest you build caves like this within the mountains on both sides of the Fjord. They would have enough ventilation shafts and multiple underwater passages. Combined with Magic Pattern Cabinets, they could become permanent outposts—your ears and eyes watching the battlefield."
In a reception room in Roseburg, Tierney stood with five High-Ranks, including Harald, the lord of Breyak, and Kaomani, a High-Rank Sea Lion warrior. Pointing at a drawing of a cave on the floor, he explained his idea to the Sea Beastmen.
"But Tierney, hidden currents churn within the Fjord. Ordinary observation magic patterns are completely useless there. How do you plan to monitor anything?"
"Didn't you order Magic Pattern Cabinets that scout through sonic magic? My suggestion is to place them at some of the cave's entrances and exits, then have Finless Porpoise Clan Mages monitor the seawater from inside the cave. That way, they can stay in contact with you through Magic Mirrors." Tierney spoke with great confidence. "And the Magic Pattern Cabinets don't have to be placed only at cave entrances. They can be set up on the seabed as well."
The Sea Beastmen exchanged glances. None of them thought much of his idea. Although the Finless Porpoise Clan used sonic magic, they did not use it as one would use one's eyes. They emitted subtle, nearly imperceptible waves, then judged the situation in the water through the reflected echoes.
The Sea Lions and Walrus-folk did not understand such a complicated process either, so they did not dare judge whether Tierney's idea could actually work.
Yet Tierney failed to notice the High-Ranks' misgivings and continued on his own. "Besides caves like this, you could also set up hidden troop caves to store food. Then the caves could serve as your forward positions. Add multiple