Chapter 33
Chapter 33
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 33
Chapter Title: Unconsciously Planting a Flag
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Milf Village quickly assembled a pursuit team.
I was the only one who knew the bandits' hideout, so naturally, I joined them.
The pursuit team gathered at the village entrance.
Including Flat, there were ten elite adventurers and knights, each making their final preparations for battle.
Considering the size of the bandit group, it was an absurdly small number, but given the golem's strength, there was no choice.
No matter how many weaklings rushed in, they'd be slaughtered by that golem in an instant.
Originally, Flat shouldn't have been part of the pursuit team either.
I didn't want to drag him into danger, but how could I stop a man whose lover had been kidnapped?
I didn't even have time to persuade him.
That golem... it's probably going to get even more dangerous.
I had a bad feeling that if we left it alone, things would spiral out of control.
"That golem is dangerous."
Apiz Leisia, the branch chief, shared my thoughts and issued several warnings.
"Go on ahead and deal with the golem first. We'll handle things as quickly as possible and catch up."
"Yes."
Apiz had discussed it with me: he'd restrain the Kiss Trading Company and come with trusted allies.
We couldn't risk the cornered Kiss group or Sor's underlings causing trouble.
We didn't want enemy reinforcements interfering midway.
Even though we'd agreed on it, he looked deeply apologetic.
"My daughter has a special item, so she should be fine for now... but as her father, I should be the one going. I have no face to show."
Apiz bowed at a perfect right angle.
"I'm sorry. I'll join you as soon as possible. Please protect her until then."
A special item.
Apparently, the sealed girl had some defensive measure that even let Apiz feel secure despite seeing that golem.
That was a small mercy amid the misfortune.
The pursuit team was nearly ready.
With little time left for talk, I mentioned something that suddenly came to mind.
"By the way, about Sor. How has someone with that personality survived this long?"
Apiz nodded silently.
"This plot they attempted probably happened because they didn't know you were close to young master Gold. If they'd known, they might have eliminated you before the investigation to avoid immediate crisis. They thought the Hart Clan would take you away, but if Gold had returned, he'd have reinvestigated and sided with you instead."
Me, close to Gold...?
Is that how it's perceived...?
"From what I gather, the info Sor and the Kiss Trading Company had was that you dueled Yulis, won, and Gold begged to mediate. That's it."
Any normal person would assume Gold was grinding his teeth in rage at me.
The Kiss Trading Company—specifically Ramnet—thought the same.
Gold's wish right, declared on his name for honor's sake, but personally, he'd be dying to devour me...
That's why Sor cooperated with them.
But there was something that didn't add up.
"Even if their plan worked and I was framed as the criminal, buying them some time, it was only a matter of time. The Kiss Trading Company and Sor would have met ruin eventually. Didn't they foresee even that?"
In my view, the Ten Great Houses were no pushovers.
Setting aside Ramnet, who probably never imagined kidnapping heirs, what was Sor thinking?
She acted like getting past this once would solve everything.
Why? Was it a one-and-done scheme to grab the loot and flee far away?
Even that seemed too sloppy.
"You're right. Even if they got past this, they'd be caught within a month at most. But Sor must have considered all the risks. She's hot-tempered, but not that stupid."
She looked plenty stupid to me.
"Then what was she thinking? Daring to touch the Ten Great Houses' heirs. No matter how lofty Sor's backer's influence, committing such a crime—did she really think she wouldn't get caught?"
"No way. I can't figure that out either. It's like... she just needs to hold out for now."
Apiz saw it the same way I did—Sor acting like surviving the immediate moment was enough.
That attitude probably had nothing to do with the golem.
I didn't know the full story of how a wench like Sor became boss of such a massive organization, but that golem must have played a huge role.
Something felt off.
Like some outrageous entity was lurking behind the scenes.
To frame just me, they kidnapped a Ten Great House heir while holding dozens of knights like Apiz Leisia.
You wouldn't pull that without serious backing.
"...A powerful existence."
Apiz muttered.
"Pardon?"
"You've heard, right? Powerful monsters suddenly appearing around here."
"...Ah."
Come to think of it, Gold mentioned something massive lurking around Milf Village.
Monsters like Yuna and the Red Rat started appearing because of it.
"I think that thing influencing the monsters is the golem from earlier. And it, not Sor, probably wanted the heirs."
"I think so too."
"I don't know who's controlling the golem... but I have no confidence in beating whatever's behind it."
Whatever's behind it.
Apiz was thinking of something beyond the golem too.
Sor pulling off these desperate acts because she trusted that existence.
An existence Apiz admitted he couldn't beat.
Honestly, same here.
I'm going to pay them back for what they did, but the golem itself aside, if whatever's behind it shows up... what then?
"You could lose your life in an instant, so be careful—extra careful."
The branch chief before me was a monster himself.
For a man this strong to say that much meant I needed to be even more cautious.
"I will."
"Good... One last request. I'll reward you generously."
I wouldn't refuse rewards.
Barely suppressing a grin, I asked my final question.
"One thing I still don't get, Branch Chief... I understand Sor somehow got this power by chance, but what was her motive?"
She has power. Great.
But why pull this crap?
Normally, you'd hoard that power for personal gain.
If she wanted success, there were classier ways than banditry or crime.
The heir kidnapping might be the golem's idea, but the other crimes felt personal to Sor.
Apiz smiled.
"Best to ask her directly."
Probably personal grudge, he added, looking up at me.
Yeah. Then I'll ask her myself.
Directly, on her body.
I won't let it slide easy.
I'll make sure she learns: strike first, get struck back.
Unreason with unreason. Evil with evil.
"Then let's proceed as planned."
"Yes. Please handle the Kiss Trading Company with young master Gold. I'll... definitely take care of the bandits and the golem."
I had insurance too.
Grinning at the massive stat points I'd held back until now.
Apiz stared piercingly, then suddenly spoke.
"Fine. I'll give your reward now."
"Pardon?"
Reward.
For completing the escort mission.
There were various rewards, but the big one was the branch chief's skill.
He's giving it early?
But could I learn a skill right now?
He placed his hand near my heart.
Something surged in; I nearly recoiled instinctively, but sensing no harm, I held still.
Thud.
......!!
It felt like flames coursed through my veins.
A blocked channel of power was opening up.
"I roughly cleared your mana circuits in a hurry."
"Mana circuits...?"
Oh.
Does that mean I can learn elemental infusion now?
Fire sword possible...?
"Not perfect yet, but as an Outsider, you should manage basic magic."
"Hoo..."
I was thrilled inside but played it cool.
"Also, remember that technique I mentioned before?"
The previous one: Know Thyself and Know Thy Enemy.
Master it fully, and no foe, however mighty, could defeat me.
"I figure you'll get the knack soon enough."
I'd half-mastered it already.
Used it hastily in that brief clash with the golem.
Full activation... not confident yet.
"Really, last thing... please take care of my daughter again. She's careless, leaving communication artifacts lying around, but she's precious to me."
"Leave it to me."
The long talk ended.
The pursuit finally begins.
Then a hesitant voice came from in front of me.
"Shall we depart now? Dre."
.....
I'd been having what looked like a conversation with Apiz, but actually, I was mounted behind Flat, strapped tightly to his waist.
......Not cool at all.
Fuck it.
I've herded these before, right?
A lizard running on two legs.
[Grrrrrr...]
At least a horse you could ride properly, but what is this thing?
They say it's faster than a decent horse—is that true?
"Good luck to you too, Flat."
"Thank you."
"Then let's go, pursuit team!!!"
I raised my voice, and everyone got into position.
This is kinda fun.
"Depart!!!!"
"Let's go!"
Thud. Flat lightly kicked the side with his heel, and the lizard grumbled like krng but stepped forward steadily. Charyong, was it?
At first, the speed was underwhelming—faster than a horse? Better if I went alone?—but it accelerated, soon reaching speeds terrifying even for my superhuman body.
I unwittingly hugged Flat's waist tighter.
Don't misunderstand. I don't like guys.
But survival first.
Enjoying the rushing wind, Flat spoke.
"Is it really that place?"
"Yes."
I chuckled at Flat's question.
No wonder the bandits, silent during our approach, would show up soon.
Sor's hideout.
It was right there in the Valley of the Gods.
More precisely, a cave nearby.
"As far as I know, Sor's a mage, yet she made her hideout where magic weakens..."
Magic weakens near the Valley of the Gods...
Sor's personal combat power was nil anyway, so it didn't matter if magic weakened.
"Her own power is worthless, so she must rely entirely on that golem."
Were the bandits there now?
Probably, but would they stick with Sor's plan to the end?
Sor didn't trust the bandits.
Actually, she despised them.
They were just disposable pawns to use and discard.
Confirming once more: the black curtain behind the Kiss Trading Company, bandits, and wealthy elite crimes was Sor.
The brat had real talent for scheming.
Her foul temper and impulsiveness held her back, but her organizational skills were impressive.
Yet why charge so recklessly with that talent?
She could've played it smart and lived comfortably forever.
What was that woman's real goal?
Apiz said personal grudge—what grudge?
...Whatever. I'll see her soon enough. No need to guess.
As I thought earlier, I'll ask her body directly.
Just you wait, Sor.
Grinding my teeth at the second bitch after Yulis, Flat glanced back slyly. When my eyes asked what?, he bowed his head.
"Dre."
"Yes."
"I'm sorry."
An apology for trying to betray me.
"Apology accepted. Enough now."
Flat had truly been swayed by Ramnet, and the guilt was eating at him.
I'd told him multiple times to drop it since he kept apologizing.
"But I..."
"Anyone threatened with a blade to their lover's throat would choose the same."
Plus, per Apiz, Flat faced family threats and promises of success.
Carrot and stick combo—gotta acknowledge that.
"Dre...!"
Save the emotions for later and watch the road.
Not scary at this speed?
I simply pointed ahead, then casually said what I'd kept hidden.
"I'm glad too."
"Pardon?"
"Your betrayal had a good reason. So I don't have to kill you."
I blurted out the truth carelessly.
But social butterfly Flat would smooth it over.
Seemed like he was shivering—cold, I guess.
Charyong was indeed fast.
A place taking over an hour on foot would take just 15 minutes at this pace.
El was kidnapped about 20 minutes ago, so it'd been a bit over 30 minutes total.
Hope she's safe...
***
"Where is this?"
Sor scoffed at El's curt question.
"Where else? My hideout."
We entered a narrow-mouthed cave, but inside, it opened into an impossibly vast space.
Not just stadium-sized, but tunnels branching everywhere like an anthill.
Glowing metal ores lit the interior brightly.
"Move faster."
A rope—no, stone writhing like a living snake—bound El tightly.
No mercy in the binding; the hard stone dug mercilessly into her soft flesh.
Yet she showed no pain, walking tall and proud.
Irritated, Sor glared, then suddenly slapped El's cheek.
Drip.
Sudden, unreasonable violence.
Blood trickled from her split lip, but El showed no fear.
"Oh? Putting on a brave front?"
"Why are you doing this?"
Sor, eyes bulging blankly, exhaled sharply and shoved her face close, muttering with gleaming eyes.
"Why? Why should I explain? Spoiled nobles like you think the world bends to your whims?"
"What..."
Sudden outburst. El frowned as someone approached.
The crossbowman from before and a burly brute.
"Hey, boss. Isn't that girl from a Ten Great House? You sure about treating her like this?"
The brute sounded displeased, but Sor was nonchalant.
"This? She's dying soon anyway. What does a Great House matter?"
Sor yanked the stone rope, grabbed El's hair, and shook wildly.
El groaned in pain, and Sor cackled delightedly.
"Kill her??? Weren't we selling her high? Why kill? The Houses will figure out what happened to their heir. What then, after poking those monsters?"
"What're you doubting? Don't you trust me?"
This damned wench.
The brute's name was Thomas.
He utterly despised the brat before him.
If not for that mysterious damned golem protecting her, he and the real boss would've beaten, raped, and sold her long ago.
But that mystery was too strong.
Even her trash-like glare couldn't be challenged...
But not this time.
Ten Great House? What madness to touch them?
Until recently, he'd thought Clarir was just some noble kid impersonating a Great House.
Thinking back chilled him to the bone.
Thomas disliked messing with nobles anyway.
Kidnapping them wasn't easy; unlike civilians, nobles forced the kingdom's hand for face.
He followed because the real boss had plans, but otherwise, even that wouldn't fly.
And now Ten Great Houses?
Did this little girl even have a plan?
Or any guarantee of their safety?
Reading Thomas's mood, Sor scoffed.
"So, what happened to that haughty Clarir bitch? The pretty one?"
"Ah~ the pretty one."
A smile crept onto Thomas's grim face. Just recalling her let him forget this mess briefly.
Clarir had unseen beauty, but who'd think the plain glasses girl was so stunning.
Eye candy indeed.
He wanted more, but her magic prevented it.
Heh heh heh. As he leered disgustingly,
"Vulgar."
A childish yet clear voice echoed.
Sor and the bandits gaped, then grinned.
"Ooh! Up close, you're a total babe too, missy."
Childlike build wasn't his taste, but a beauty rivaling Clarir.
El retched in disgust at the compliment; fire flashed in Thomas's eyes.
Hot-tempered by nature, he forgot her Great House status momentarily.
"You fucking bitch!"
Whoosh!
Pot-lid hand aimed at her tiny head, but El stared fearless.
Chill.
Something halted Thomas.
Just a little girl... what?
Not just strong charisma. Something else.
Like an ant before a dragon—the gap in class.
As if their very 'species' differed...
"Hey. Who said act on your own?"
"What?"
Furious at cowering before a brat, and her snark, Thomas growled. But only briefly.
"What? What did you just say back, you fuck?"
Rocks floated around Sor. Thomas instinctively knew they'd kill him, backing away.
"N-no, I..."
"Hey, Thomas. Boss Sor has it figured out."
Grinding teeth, he followed his crossbow buddy's mediation.
Thomas vowed to kill her someday, swallowing his rage.
"Retard fuck. Your thoughts are transparent. Muscled guys are all horn dogs."
El gave Sor a pitiful look at her cursing.
"No camaraderie?"
"Camaraderie? Does that fuck look like a comrade to you?"
Slap slap. Not hard, but humiliating palm to El's cheek.
"Haa..."
"...A sigh? Wanna die for real? Huh? Don't you get your situation..."
[Hey.]
The mechanical voice made Sor and El flinch simultaneously.
[Boring. Enough. Move faster.]
"Tch. Got it."
Plenty of time. Smirking bitterly, Sor stepped on.
Dragging El, they reached the cave's deepest, highest point.
A altar-like spot held a massive iron cage with an ice block big enough for two people.
No, two people were inside the ice.
Asita and Clarir.
"E-El!"
"Asita!"
Voices clear despite the ice. Asita sniffled calling El; El smiled in relief.
"Am I invisible?"
"Ah. Good job, Clarir. Great self-defense..."
Smack!
El's body tilted.
Sor slapped her again.
"You..."
Clarir's voice chilled, but Sor ignored.
"Hey. Quit stalling and come out? We're not leisurely."
"Why should we? The longer you delay, the worse for you."
"Ha."
Sor pressed her face to the ice, voice sinister.
"Think my ally can strip this ice soon, with your power sealed? Heard you're not ready for artifacts yet."
"......"
Sor grinned.
"Come out now, less pain. Later, you'll beg for death."
Grinning ear-to-ear mockingly, Clarir smiled brightly back.
"Could you move that ugly mug? Makes me nauseous."
"...Okay. I'll slice you piece by piece."
Sor giggled, anticipating screams.
That moment.
"Nice hobby, but get the job done right."
"Ah."
El startled at the thick male voice. When'd he get here?
A man sat on a protruding rock by the bars.
Huge build, long hair, holding a liquor bottle, eyeing Sor.
Unlike other bandits, he exuded real power and dignity.
Jag.
Originally a warrior from a native tribe in distant woods unrelated to Milf Village.
His tribal name meant "shines"; he shone even among his strong kin, far beyond ordinary folk.
Unlike the others, Sor smiled instead of scorning.
"Oh, partner. When'd you arrive?"
"Just now. Watching if you'd betray."
"......"
She inwardly clicked her tongue at the joking tone. Sharp as ever.
But so what?
She had the ultimate ally.
'With that, everything goes my way, no matter what.'
Jag was skilled, but mere human—no match for her ally.
And the ally said,
[Hurry up. Controlling this is annoying.]
[Prepare at least a dragonkin next time.] Grumbled the golem.
[Closer to the main body, I could devour that ice whole.]
"...What are you?"
Clarir asked the golem unflinchingly, even at "devour".
The golem crackled with static laughter.
[Ask your ancestors.]
Ancestors.
Ten Heroes.
One supreme worst existence tied to them.
"Could you be... a subordinate of the 'True Demon King'?"
[Huh?! Comparing me to that trash? Not even him, but a subordinate?!]
"......"
Calling the True Demon King trash.
What was this thing's true nature?
"Wait."
Jag halted Clarir.
"Something's coming."
"What? No trackers. Can't use detection magic here. Who'd know this spot?"
Asita suddenly hiccuped at the no-detection-magic mention.
No one noticed; Jag stood.
"Strong one. I'll go."
Jag glared at Sor mid-stride.
"Don't think you hold all the reins."
"Yeah yeah."
Ignoring her perfunctory reply, Jag left.
Sor grinned at Asita and Clarir in the ice.
"Wanna play a game?"
"Huh?"
As Asita questioned, Sor's fist slammed El's solar plexus.
"Ugh."
As El crumpled, Asita screamed.
"Stop iiiit!"
Ignoring the cry, Sor just announced.
"I'll keep beating this little bitch from now on. Want to save her? Come out anytime."
Sor chuckled at wide-eyed Clarir and teary Asita.
"Let's see how deep your friendship runs."
***
Jag emerged at the entrance and couldn't hide his shock.
Five hundred strong—at least ten at rank 6-7 adventurer level. Massive force.
Most writhed with severed limbs or massive wounds.
More absurd: only a dozen foes.
Among them, a raggedly dressed adventurer stood out; Jag knew instantly.
The strongest was the seemingly shabby one.
Boom!
Jag leaped.
Kaboom!!
"Gyaaah!"
"Kragh!"
Bang!
Bang!
Landing shock alone smashed two veteran adventurers into the distant wall.
Jag glared at Yedre.
"I remember you, Outsider."
"......"
"My name is Jag."
He now held a greatsword.
A weapon that could shatter boulder-sized monsters in one swing.
"A duel..."
Clang!
Attacking mid-sentence. Jag squinted but blocked.
Or so he thought.
Whoosh whoosh.
"......!"
His elbow burned. Then he saw his severed greatsword flying... and beside it.
His severed arm.
Jag realized.
He'd lost.
"Gaaaaah!"
Thomas, legs already gone, drooling, muttered blankly at Jag kneeling in pain.
"M-monster..."
"That line's kinda cliché, no?"
The ragged adventurer—Yedre the Outsider—flicked blood from his blade.
"Jag, huh... You're pretty strong."