Chapter 364: Responsibility (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 364: Responsibility (2)
When I thought about it, it wasn't such a bad idea to keep living with the name Riehen Schuitz. With my current specs, even if I hid some of my powers, I could earn enough money to retire with just a few more years of work. Of course, I'd have to give up on returning in that case...
But so what?
I'd already adapted. This world was no longer as terrible to me as it used to be, and in recent days, I'd even started to think it was better than my old life. Here, I had people I could trust and people who believed in me—connections I never had while living as Hansu Lee.
But... There's no guarantee that I can hide my identity forever.
I wondered how long I could live as Riehen Schuitz. No matter how careful I was, it wouldn't be forever. Not only was life unpredictable, but there were already too many witnesses. In the end, word of Riehen Schuitz would spread. Even if Raven made a false report, Clown had been there. He'd probably yap about it at the Round Table, about the interesting guy he met. And since Deer was also part of the Round Table, news would inevitably reach the palace.
Besides, I showed him the Gachabone essence.
Although it was a lesser-known essence, after some research he'd be able to identify this essence and find out about the increase in Bone Density it gave users. At that point, he'd realize I was originally much taller. Well, the most decisive factor was something else.
Auril Gavis.
I still didn't know what that old man did to me as he handed me this superficial gift. Put simply, even if I hid my identity and lived in the shadows, I couldn't guarantee my safety that way. So the conclusion I came to was the same one as always. Just as the shaman told me when he predicted my chaotic fate, I had to get stronger so that I could handle whatever came my way.
***
Whooom!
While we were busy discussing the future in the office, the crystal ball on the table began to vibrate.
"It's a military-use message stone directly connected to the command center. I guess we'll have to finish this conversation another time."
Well, Raven couldn't dedicate all her time to us during a war. Honestly, I had also been starting to wonder if it was okay for us to be sitting around talking like this.
"We'll be outside."
"No. There's no need. You are my escorts, after all. Please just stay quiet while I'm on the line."
"If you say so."
Raven picked up the call from command and conversed with them in a businesslike tone, then summoned all the officers in the unit.
"Vice Captain, those people are—"
"Don't worry about them. They are my escorts."
"But, we're in a meeting..."
"Are you going to make me repeat myself?"
Wow, she was really born to be a commander. It's a wonder how a voice so harsh can come out of someone so small.
"Then let's begin the meeting. I've just received orders from Command. They say they haven't detected any signs of enemy life within the walls."
Anyway, as we stood at Raven's side, we were able to get the gist of how things were unfolding. First, it seemed the enemy troops surrounding the lake had up and disappeared. This happened two hours after the entire corps retreated to the warships.
"It could be a trap. To get us to leave the ships of our own volition."
"I'm not sure. I think there's more weight to the theory that they retreated."
"Everyone, please be quiet. Theorizing is pointless. Command has decided to mobilize troops from each unit to conduct a search."
It seemed Raven had already thought about who to send because, without hesitation, she selected the members and sent them off to join the search team. A while later, new information came in from the newly formed squadron.
"There's nothing visible on the lakeside."
First, the lakeside, which had been full of Clown's undead creatures just a few hours ago, was completely empty.
"The second search team has discovered traces of large-scale magic in the area."
Confirmation soon came in that it was a Mass Teleportation circle. Once the Wall of Gold was activated, people couldn't teleport inside, but the reverse was still possible. The command center came to the conclusion that the enemy had retreated.
"Another standby order has been issued. It may be uncomfortable, but we will wait on the ship until the Wall of Gold disappears and the main unit returns. Our state of alert will also remain at this level."
"Yes, ma'am! I will convey that to the adventurers as well!"
Under Command's orders, all troops remained on board and did not venture out to the lakeside.
Shaaa!
Eventually, Wall of Gold ran out of juice and disappeared into mana dust, and we reunited with the main unit once they came back from their expedition. Only after that did we go out to the lake to clean up the battlefield. The main unit waited about a day to confirm the area was safe, and left behind some additional troops as they headed off on another campaign.
"The main unit's objective is to find Noark's base, right?"
"Yes. The entrance, to be exact. It's most likely to be connected to a specific area, like the center of the Crystal Cave. If we can find that place and occupy it, we can study how it was possible for them to get here in the first place."
Jeez, being part of the main unit must be hectic, too, if they're going to search the seventh floor as such a large army.
Just as I was thinking this, Raven let out a long breath. "Still, I'm glad this ended without any major casualties."
It wasn't without major hiccups, but at least no one had died or anything. Now that this particular mess was resolved, I was starting to feel that it was finally over.
"I really hope nothing else goes wrong before we return to Rafdonia."
Hey, be careful what you say out loud.
Raven's grumble left me uneasy, but I was sure nothing else would happen. We had a lot of troops now.
Just then, a line written on one of the documents on the table caught my eye. "...Patrol squad?"
"Ah, that? I guess the higher-ups had a lot of opinions about this incident. Even if it was a small team, no one noticed the enemy until they already infiltrated our base."
"So they decided to deploy patrol squadrons?"
"Yes." Raven provided a short answer since she was busy, then went back to her paperwork.
Huh, doesn't she get bored staying holed up here? I'm getting so sore that my saliva is starting to taste sweet.
"Mister, are you bored?"
"It could be a trap. To get us to leave the ships of our own volition."
"I'm not sure. I think there's more weight to the theory that they retreated."
"Everyone, please be quiet. Theorizing is pointless. Command has decided to mobilize troops from each unit to conduct a search."
It seemed Raven had already thought about who to send because, without hesitation, she selected the members and sent them off to join the search team. A while later, new information came in from the newly formed squadron.
"There's nothing visible on the lakeside."
First, the lakeside, which had been full of Clown's undead creatures just a few hours ago, was completely empty.
"The second search team has discovered traces of large-scale magic in the area."
Confirmation soon came in that it was a Mass Teleportation circle. Once the Wall of Gold was activated, people couldn't teleport inside, but the reverse was still possible. The command center came to the conclusion that the enemy had retreated.
"Another standby order has been issued. It may be uncomfortable, but we will wait on the ship until the Wall of Gold disappears and the main unit returns. Our state of alert will also remain at this level."
"Yes, ma'am! I will convey that to the adventurers as well!"
Under Command's orders, all troops remained on board and did not venture out to the lakeside.
Shaaa!
Eventually, Wall of Gold ran out of juice and disappeared into mana dust, and we reunited with the main unit once they came back from their expedition. Only after that did we go out to the lake to clean up the battlefield. The main unit waited about a day to confirm the area was safe, and left behind some additional troops as they headed off on another campaign.
"The main unit's objective is to find Noark's base, right?"
"Yes. The entrance, to be exact. It's most likely to be connected to a specific area, like the center of the Crystal Cave. If we can find that place and occupy it, we can study how it was possible for them to get here in the first place."
Jeez, being part of the main unit must be hectic, too, if they're going to search the seventh floor as such a large army.
Just as I was thinking this, Raven let out a long breath. "Still, I'm glad this ended without any major casualties."
It wasn't without major hiccups, but at least no one had died or anything. Now that this particular mess was resolved, I was starting to feel that it was finally over.
"I really hope nothing else goes wrong before we return to Rafdonia."
Hey, be careful what you say out loud.
Raven's grumble left me uneasy, but I was sure nothing else would happen. We had a lot of troops now.
Just then, a line written on one of the documents on the table caught my eye. "...Patrol squad?"
"Ah, that? I guess the higher-ups had a lot of opinions about this incident. Even if it was a small team, no one noticed the enemy until they already infiltrated our base."
"So they decided to deploy patrol squadrons?"
"Yes." Raven provided a short answer since she was busy, then went back to her paperwork.
Huh, doesn't she get bored staying holed up here? I'm getting so sore that my saliva is starting to taste sweet.
"Mister, are you bored?"
"A little?"
"Then do you want to go on a walk together?"
"Then who will protect Raven?"
"There won't be a problem. That woman will stay behind, anyway."
Erwen's words triggered Amelia. "...Says who?"
"How touchy. You can go take a break once the two of us get back."
Ugh, they're going to end up fighting again.
"Both of you, stop it. I don't want to go on a walk." I mediated between the two and then slumped back into my chair to pass the time. Boredom set in even more.
Anyway, a patrol squad, huh?
It may have been an impulsive idea, but it seemed better than sitting here like this. At least I'd be outside walking around while on patrol. And since I'd run into a ton of monsters, it'd give me the XP I'd been missing.
I might even end up hitting level seven.
I didn't have to think it over for long. "Raven, what do I have to do to join the patrol squad?"
"...You can't."
"Huh? Why?"
"We've already chosen all the members. Besides, in general, a mission can't be changed once it's assigned—it's a matter of principle. Otherwise, everyone will only ever try to take the easy missions. There's also the issue of fairness."
Oh, I see.
I nodded and asked another question. "But isn't there still away?"
"...Mission reassignments are possible at the discretion of the unit commander."
What the—were you just messing with me? How mean.
"That commander is you. You can just change it—"
"I said no. I'm not going to do it."
"...Huh?"
"I said I'm not going to do that for you. Who knows what trouble you'll cause out there?" Raven put her foot down without so much as glancing my way.
Of course, that wasn't a big problem. I wasn't the type to give up like that. "Haha! That's what you're worried about?" When I laughed like none of what she said was a big deal, Raven looked confused.
What is that look? This is the problem with nerds. It's like their brains are so dense that they can't do any flexible thinking.
"The problem is you wouldn't be there. So we can go together!"
When I offered a solution, Raven narrowed her eyes and looked me up and down. Then she posed an unexpected question. "I'm only asking this because I'm curious, but is there a similar race to barbarians in your world?"
Ah. Uh. Um...
In the end, I did get to join the patrol squad. This was because Raven was a pragmatist.
"Let me join!"
Silence.
"Let me join! I promise not to cause trouble!"
More silence.
"Let me join!"
This was Barbarian Parrot Mode. Once I employed the technique to which I owed a lot of my success in the Crystal Cave all those years ago, Raven was forced to stop ignoring me and gradually react.
"Ugh, why are you so stubborn about the weirdest things?!"
"Then let me join!"
"I said no! And if I haven't said yes in over four hours, you should know to take a hint and stop!"
"I don't know about any of that, just let me join!"
Sigh...
Once your opponent stopped expressing their anger and instead sighed, that was a promising sign that they were growing resigned. I continued to exploit that opening and eventually Raven gave her permission, likely concluding that this was better than being distracted from her work for the rest of the mission. That didn't mean she succumbed solely to my tenacity, though.
"Ugh, honestly! Why are you being so stubborn?! You just have to stay put for a few more days!"
"...Because there are monsters outside."
"What?"
"I told you. I have to get stronger."
"Ugh, honestly... What am I supposed to do if you say that?"
And that was how I was given the OK. Of course, I did not manage to get Raven to come along with me. I told her I preferred to go with her, but Command wouldn't allow it.
"I'm the only wizard who can use Wall of Gold here. I have to stay behind just in case something happens."
Come to think of it, she was a valuable resource. "Then I'll leave Emily or Erwen here."
"If that's to guard me, there's no need. I was already doing fine without you, Mr. Y—I mean, Mr. Schuitz."
Hmm, I'm still worried, though...
"I'm fine, really. Just don't cause any trouble out there. In particular, don't use Giantization. And don't neglect your patrol duties just because you're killing monsters. And..."
I had to sit through a long list of warnings like some kind of trainee before Raven finally contacted her higher-ups to change my mission. It was only then that I was able to leave the barracks. Coincidentally, there was a patrol squadron about to head out.
"You must be the new additions. It's an honor to meet you, Miss Tersia." When we arrived at our destination, the leader of the patrol squad started by confirming our specs. "Blood Spirit, since archery and elemental magic are your specialties, you can stand in the center of the formation... Are the two of you close in combat?"
"That's right."
When I nodded, the team leader asked about our abilities in more detail. Amelia, who was an Agility-based damager, was placed on the left wing of the formation.
"Hm. Judging by your heavy armor and shield, it looks like you were in charge of the vanguard."
Excuse me, how could this small body ever take a beating?
Before I could be branded as a tank, I hurriedly cut him off. "I'm usually the one destroying things."
"...Sorry? Then your shield?"
"It's just for decoration." I put the shield in the sub-space and grabbed Kraul's Demon Grinder with both hands. "I will stand on the right."
After all, it wasn't like I could let loose and use Giantization if we got into a fight. So I deserved to sit pretty and enjoy a close-range damage dealer position at least once, right?
"A little?"
"Then do you want to go on a walk together?"
"Then who will protect Raven?"
"There won't be a problem. That woman will stay behind, anyway."
Erwen's words triggered Amelia. "...Says who?"
"How touchy. You can go take a break once the two of us get back."
Ugh, they're going to end up fighting again.
"Both of you, stop it. I don't want to go on a walk." I mediated between the two and then slumped back into my chair to pass the time. Boredom set in even more.
Anyway, a patrol squad, huh?
It may have been an impulsive idea, but it seemed better than sitting here like this. At least I'd be outside walking around while on patrol. And since I'd run into a ton of monsters, it'd give me the XP I'd been missing.
I might even end up hitting level seven.
I didn't have to think it over for long. "Raven, what do I have to do to join the patrol squad?"
"...You can't."
"Huh? Why?"
"We've already chosen all the members. Besides, in general, a mission can't be changed once it's assigned—it's a matter of principle. Otherwise, everyone will only ever try to take the easy missions. There's also the issue of fairness."
Oh, I see.
I nodded and asked another question. "But isn't there still away?"
"...Mission reassignments are possible at the discretion of the unit commander."
What the—were you just messing with me? How mean.
"That commander is you. You can just change it—"
"I said no. I'm not going to do it."
"...Huh?"
"I said I'm not going to do that for you. Who knows what trouble you'll cause out there?" Raven put her foot down without so much as glancing my way.
Of course, that wasn't a big problem. I wasn't the type to give up like that. "Haha! That's what you're worried about?" When I laughed like none of what she said was a big deal, Raven looked confused.
What is that look? This is the problem with nerds. It's like their brains are so dense that they can't do any flexible thinking.
"The problem is you wouldn't be there. So we can go together!"
When I offered a solution, Raven narrowed her eyes and looked me up and down. Then she posed an unexpected question. "I'm only asking this because I'm curious, but is there a similar race to barbarians in your world?"
Ah. Uh. Um...
In the end, I did get to join the patrol squad. This was because Raven was a pragmatist.
"Let me join!"
Silence.
"Let me join! I promise not to cause trouble!"
More silence.
"Let me join!"
This was Barbarian Parrot Mode. Once I employed the technique to which I owed a lot of my success in the Crystal Cave all those years ago, Raven was forced to stop ignoring me and gradually react.
"Ugh, why are you so stubborn about the weirdest things?!"
"Then let me join!"
"I said no! And if I haven't said yes in over four hours, you should know to take a hint and stop!"
"I don't know about any of that, just let me join!"
Sigh...
Once your opponent stopped expressing their anger and instead sighed, that was a promising sign that they were growing resigned. I continued to exploit that opening and eventually Raven gave her permission, likely concluding that this was better than being distracted from her work for the rest of the mission. That didn't mean she succumbed solely to my tenacity, though.
"Ugh, honestly! Why are you being so stubborn?! You just have to stay put for a few more days!"
"...Because there are monsters outside."
"What?"
"I told you. I have to get stronger."
"Ugh, honestly... What am I supposed to do if you say that?"
And that was how I was given the OK. Of course, I did not manage to get Raven to come along with me. I told her I preferred to go with her, but Command wouldn't allow it.
"I'm the only wizard who can use Wall of Gold here. I have to stay behind just in case something happens."
Come to think of it, she was a valuable resource. "Then I'll leave Emily or Erwen here."
"If that's to guard me, there's no need. I was already doing fine without you, Mr. Y—I mean, Mr. Schuitz."
Hmm, I'm still worried, though...
"I'm fine, really. Just don't cause any trouble out there. In particular, don't use Giantization. And don't neglect your patrol duties just because you're killing monsters. And..."
I had to sit through a long list of warnings like some kind of trainee before Raven finally contacted her higher-ups to change my mission. It was only then that I was able to leave the barracks. Coincidentally, there was a patrol squadron about to head out.
"You must be the new additions. It's an honor to meet you, Miss Tersia." When we arrived at our destination, the leader of the patrol squad started by confirming our specs. "Blood Spirit, since archery and elemental magic are your specialties, you can stand in the center of the formation... Are the two of you close in combat?"
"That's right."
When I nodded, the team leader asked about our abilities in more detail. Amelia, who was an Agility-based damager, was placed on the left wing of the formation.
"Hm. Judging by your heavy armor and shield, it looks like you were in charge of the vanguard."
Excuse me, how could this small body ever take a beating?
Before I could be branded as a tank, I hurriedly cut him off. "I'm usually the one destroying things."
"...Sorry? Then your shield?"
"It's just for decoration." I put the shield in the sub-space and grabbed Kraul's Demon Grinder with both hands. "I will stand on the right."
After all, it wasn't like I could let loose and use Giantization if we got into a fight. So I deserved to sit pretty and enjoy a close-range damage dealer position at least once, right?