That's Right (2)
There's an old saying that's been around forever in mech stories: Is bipedal walking even useful? With something as excellent as tracks for ground mobility, wouldn't it just be more efficient to stick with those? Honestly, it's hard to deny.
That's exactly why it pisses me off even more.
"Wouldn't it be more efficient to replace the lower body with caterpillar tracks?"
That's right. But.
"There are way more cool ones with two legs than with tracks."
Of course, I admit there are some cool ones with track lower bodies too. But overall, the legged ones win in the coolness department. And I prefer the side with more cool designs.
"If you're gonna obsess over efficiency, why not slap tracks on a weapon instead of a human upper body? Then it's just a tank. You gonna end up producing nothing but tanks if you chase efficiency?"
"No, that's not—"
I admit some people love that stuff. Tastes differ, and even I enjoy branching out to other flavors sometimes. The problem is just one thing.
"I don't like it."
The moment someone tries to shove their tastes down my throat. That's when agreement turns into denial, drowned in irritation.
Blood rushing to my head must've cleared it instead. I didn't know what tools they had, which could put me at a disadvantage, but they didn't look like they had numbers on their side. If I mobilized everything I had, I could win.
"So, negotiations have broken down, I take it."
"Such a good vibe going... and poof."
As we shifted into combat stance, the spies did the same. They glanced at the rope that had bound me earlier and nodded to each other.
"Heard he crumpled a knight's armor barehanded in Phoenix County."
"Don't stand in front."
The enemies scattered immediately. Then they tossed something at the ground, and smoke-like fog started blanketing the area.
It might reveal their positions, but blocking our vision completely? Their intent was clear.
They want a quick finish.
I'd guessed right—they'd researched plenty of tactics against Vespia's magic-heavy nobles. Unless it was a total surprise on a mage, your position would get exposed anyway, so obscuring vision even briefly was smarter. Block spells with the smokescreen, then rush us inside it. One or two wrong moves, and we're done.
In that case.
I instinctively knew it was time to use my cherished backup. My hand slipped into my pocket.
Sensing we were calmly preparing in the smoke, the cautious foes made their move. One dashed low from my left, in my line of sight. The other vanished from direct view, striking from anywhere but straight ahead.
"Sorry, but if you won't join the Empire, we're ordered to kill you on the spot."
"One chance. Regrettable it's come to this, Baron."
A spy wrapped something cloak-like around his arm as a shield, charging with a dagger. Footsteps echoed from behind too, similar setup.
My senses, honed from dodging Professor Reina the instant I'd cause trouble at the academy, roughly pinpointed them. I yanked the item from my pocket, smashed it on the ground, and rolled back fast.
"What? No magic tools on him..."
The spies panicked and swung their cloths, but too late. Had to catch them off guard.
They'd expected magic reinforcement or evasion first. No way they'd anticipate me pulling my everyday self-defense carry from my pocket. And honestly, this was my first time using it for real.
"Cough, just... powder?!"
"Coward!"
"Two-on-one isn't cowardly?"
They flailed their cloaks in a hurry, but it happened too quick—they'd inhaled it anyway. Ignoring their coughing complaints, I grabbed one, hoisted him up, and hurled him at the other.
My farm-honed strength tangled them perfectly. Then I cast a spell.
"Useless— this cloth blocks magic...!"
"Try it."
It was an attack spell, but not that kind. Activating golem magic in mid-air, mana gathered into rock. I spoke quietly toward them.
"Heard of golem magic's big feature?"
Unlike most spells that vanish once mana runs out, golem magic leaves the created rock behind even after. Handy trait—could even use it like a 3D printer.
"Nullify it. Go on."
Stone shower incoming.
Rocks plummeted toward them under gravity, the ground-shaking impact dispersing the smoke. I clicked my tongue, eyeing them.
"Missed."
My rock attacks always whiff at crucial moments. Thought I'd nailed it, but these spies rolled aside. Figured my surprise shot was good, but it struck empty air.
Still, the shock slowed them—one half-rising tossed a dagger. I dodged sideways as he yelled.
"Good. I'll end you here!"
"Our Empire's soldiers always complete the—"
No need to hear the end. The instant I saw the miss, I bolted. No way I'd hesitate against dagger-wielders in a 2v1 after whiffing my finisher.
"S-stop, you coward!"
"You lot sneak-attacked a stranger and hid tricks up your sleeves—who're you calling that?"
They stumbled slightly mid-leap, losing balance. I sprinted off.
Trained soldiers for sure—they chased at solid speed. I shut my eyes, hypnotizing myself.
I've screwed up today.
Reina's coming from behind.
She's downed her headache meds.
Grabbed means death.
"Wh-what speed!"
"He's wall-jumping!"
No more stealth—they screamed full tilt, Professor Reina—no, the spies—hot on my heels. Academy chases had me confident in running long ago.
"Damn, didn't think we'd use this here..."
"All or nothing!"
The rear spies pulled something from their pockets and swallowed. Obvious sketchy business. I accelerated toward the factory entrance.
"Wait!"
Then they veered, scaling the factory wall. Mina's merchants and hired guards were inside—suicidal, yet they charged.
"You bastards!"
Only one reason these Cyclops-obsessed fools risked it: stealing the prize over killing me.
Recruitment failed. Assassination failed.
A prolonged fight with all tools and numerical edge might work, but the spies ditched killing Eisen the moment he counterattacked with golem magic—ready for mutual destruction.
"Our core mission: secure the Cyclops weapon."
"More vital than recruiting or killing the baron."
Considering the combat power shown in Phoenix County, a proper kingdom deployment would make Empire moves on Vespia far tougher. Even the Empire's military saw the Cyclops as irresistibly potent.
Thus, despite slim odds, trying to sway Eisen was logical. Failure meant killing him to deny the kingdom power, then grabbing equal strength via Cyclops.
"But killing Arklite Baron now? Bad spot."
Trained by one of the kingdom's five strongest, Reina? His combat prowess exceeded expectations. Initial ambush let them talk; failure would've meant counterattack. They were sure.
No betting on uncertainty. Kill the baron anytime; Cyclops chance? Unknown.
"Territory's still disorganized—prime time."
Once defenses solidified, stealing Cyclops gets harder. Now was last shot, they judged.
Inside, guards rushed them.
"Intruders! Grab 'em! Call reinforcements!!"
"No time for small fry!"
Spies ripped a scroll. Purple clouds—clearly toxic—spread. Nearest guard convulsed in it.
"Agh, aaack!"
"P-poison! Fall back!"
Poison mist scroll. Saved it over using on Eisen, expecting quick response. No hesitation—they cleared the area, securing safety.
No time.
This ruckus draws more guards. Lightning Nexia and Flame Phoenix were here. Drag it out, caught for sure. Spies kept suppressing with tools.
Finally, Cyclops storage. New discovery.
"...New model!"
"You, cockpit! I'll snag a Cyclops!"
Targets set, they ran. Guards charged again, but magic tools flew: paralyzing ropes like on Eisen, freezing drugs. Guards dropped one by one.
"Damn, too many!"
"Board first! Once we're in, we win!"
Boarding triumphs all, they thought, charging.
And.
"Wishful thinking."
A cool, annoyed voice echoed. Golden light swept the area.
"Ahh, my legs, my legs! ...Don't hurt?"
"...Holy magic! No way!"
Downed guards rose one by one. Cheers from outside, crowds incoming.
"This? All paid."
"Catch 'em, it's free."
Spies spotted the source: one woman approaching slowly from the entrance. They uttered her title.
"...Fifth Saintess of Saras Church..."
"Work time, parasites."
Guards' morale surged. Saintess Mina advanced on the spies.