――――――――――
Race level increased. Gained 1 SP.
Job level increased. Gained 1 SP.
The level of [Intelligence Enhancement] skill has increased.
The level of [Spirit Enhancement] skill has increased.
The level of [Health Recovery Rate Increase] skill has increased.
The level of [Magic Power Recovery Rate Increase] skill has increased.
The level of [Explosion Magic] skill has increased.
Newly learned “Explosion” spell.
The level of [Holy Magic] skill has increased.
Newly learned “Purification” spell.
The level of [Curse] skill has increased.
Newly learned “Petrification” spell.
The level of [Linguistics] skill has increased.
Communication with hostile creatures is now possible.
The level of [Eyes of Death and Chaos] skill has increased.
――――――――――
We somehow managed to win! Phew, that was a tough battle. The experience gained was substantial. I leveled up, so there’s no doubt about it. I even acquired three new spells, so it seems like it was worth the hassle!
“Retreaaaaaaght!”
“Wow! What’s with the noise!?”
“Is that the roar of a monster? It’s quite loud.”
“…I see, so this is the effect of ‘Communication with Hostile Creatures’.”
Just as the battle ended and we caught our breath, a monstrous roar came from the direction of the battlefield. I understood it as a signal to retreat, but it seemed that the others didn’t get the message and only heard it as a roar. When I realized this, I finally understood the content of the recent announcement. This must have been the effect of “Communication with Hostile Creatures”, an ability that becomes available when your [Linguistics] skill reaches level 20.
“We can’t just stand around. The troll king’s forces will be here soon.”
“Really?”
“Why would I lie? It’s like a reset in the war. We need to retreat temporarily too.”
After swiftly skinning the body of the troll night, we immediately began moving. Even though we were a fair distance from Illeves, the main battlefield, we made a lot of noise during the battle earlier.
If that noise were to arouse suspicion and lead to an investigation, it would be troublesome. I couldn’t imagine that either the humans or the monsters would have the leeway for that, but it’s better to be cautious. Besides, it was about time for me to log out and take a break, so it was good timing.
◆◇◆◇◆◇
I decided to check out the three new types of magic spells I had acquired. The first one, “Explosion”, is basically a super-enhanced version of the magic bomb. Its power is good, and I’m sure if I just added spell adjustment to the spell, it would be tremendously powerful.
However, the activation condition is quite peculiar: it consumes half of my health when used. As someone with limited health-recovery options, I’m not too keen on using it, but the flashy appeal of such a technique is tempting. If I get a chance, I’m definitely going to use it!
The second spell is Purification of [Holy Magic]. This spell is specifically designed to annihilate undead beings like me. Indeed, it makes sense for a priest (Apostle), the natural enemy of the undead, to wield such power…. But isn’t it odd that I, an undead, can use a spell that would be disastrous if used against me?
The third one is Petrification of [Curse]. Similar to “Starvation” from [Witchcraft], this spell gradually turns the opponent into stone. Although turning into stone drastically increases defense against both physical and magical attacks, shattering results in instant death. So, if someone like Jigoro or Eiji were to smash my stone-turned opponents, it would be an easy way to eliminate enemies.
Still, it doesn’t turn them into stones instantly, and there are items that can reverse petrification, but it would be incredibly troublesome if used in battle. If I can petrify an enemy, that’s great; even if I can’t, it’s still a significant nuisance. With my [Eyes of Death and Chaos], the chances of success are also high.
“…Glad you’re safe. That’s a relief.”
So, that’s why I took a break. Logging out in the wild is risky, but this time I managed to log out safely, mostly thanks to Shishu.
The method was simple. I used the earth hole spell of [Earthen Magic] to create a hole big enough for all of us to fit in, and then Shishu used her martial technique called [Camouflage Net] with her threads before covering the area with a net made of fallen leaves.
And even though it was not obvious at first glance, she had also set up various traps in the vicinity, creating an environment where people would be hesitant to approach. Still, if someone managed to come in, an Ushi-Oni was waiting right above our hole. If a fight broke out, that would have bought us some time, and if even all that failed, we would have had no choice but to give up. It seems, however, that my worries were unnecessary.
“Hey, Isam-san!”
“Good evening!”
When I logged in, Seventh Armor and Wool were already there. To be precise, everyone’s avatar was there, but these two were the only moving ones. Wool is usually with Shishu, but this time he seemed to have come alone first. It was unusual, but such things happen from time to time.
“We just did a little scouting, and there were no players or monsters nearby. It was peaceful.”
“That’s good to hear. Thanks.”
“And then, we also went to check on Illeves. So… here, take this.”
Saying that, Wool took out a leather bag. This was, if I remember correctly, a bag that could hold items of the same volume as its appearance. Although inventory allows unlimited item storage, operating it is quite cumbersome. Therefore, this bag is handy for using items quickly. I had something similar on my belt that Iris made for me, so I knew firsthand how convenient it was.
However, I didn’t recognize the bag Wool offered. Where did he get it from? Could it be stolen from Illeves?
“From the boss of Persona… uh, what was his name?”
“Are you talking about Usuba?”
“Yes, that’s right! It was from that brother! I got it from Usuba-chan!”
From Usuba? According to our prior strategy, we were to act separately from here… What could possibly be inside it? But, more importantly, there was something else on my mind.
“Haven’t other players spotted you?”
“We met Usuba-chan outside the city, so I think it’s safe. I don’t know how he comes and goes. When I asked, he just said it’s ‘a trade secret’~.”
There must certainly be some clandestine methods popular among the criminal players, whispered about on the bulletin boards. The fact that Usuba found Seventh Armor and Wool in the first place seemed too convenient to be a mere coincidence. There must be some kind of “trade secret” method.
It’s undeniable that such matters are kept secret for good reason. I’m curious, but it’s unlikely that they would divulge such information for free. I wouldn’t if I were in their shoes.
“So, did you find out what’s inside the bag?”
“Yes. It contains a map of Illeves, some rare items not found in Firth, and a letter addressed to you, Isam-san.”
“A map?!”
That was clever of him! We had planned to take advantage of the chaos to enter the city, but our lack of local knowledge was a problem. Although we expected to find our prominent destination easily, this map would ensure we wouldn’t get lost. How grateful I am for this!
The items also piqued my interest. However, I should read the letter first. If only friend chat were available, it would be easier, but it’s not possible during this event.
“Let’s see… what are these guys up to…?”
Usuba’s letter detailed the contents of the bag, the current situation and internal information of Illeves City, and the activities the “Persona” guild had undertaken since infiltrating the city. The information was valuable and appreciated. There was no reason to complain. The issue was what they had done.
What’s alarming is that each of the six “Persona” guild members seems to have killed at least one NPC of equal or higher level. While the other five assassinated NPCs amidst the chaos of the war, their leader had made his move before the war. This made uniting players and NPCs more challenging, and, as a result, the city’s security had become significantly stricter.
No, really, what are they doing!? I’m glad my plan worked out well in the end, but I’m more confused than anything! I mean, wouldn’t criminal acts inside the city warrant the city “Punishers” to act? Escaping… would be impossible, so they must have gotten away, but how did they do it? I don’t understand!
“‘Please break the gate quickly, I want to go on another rampage soon,’ he says…? Really, such an unreasonable request.”
And so, they seemed to be hungry for blood, eagerly awaiting the next opportunity. Despite the situation they had caused, far from reflecting, they were seeking new chaos and a chance to battle… That’s exactly why it was worth teaming up with them!
“I must respond to his request as much as possible.”
“Hey, Isam-san? Did I just hear you talking to yourself, or am I imagining things?”
“Breaking the gate~, are you serious~?”
As Wool said, breaking the gate would be extremely difficult. Not only because of the high durability of the castle gate but also because, in the end, players and NPCs were cooperating with each other. Even with me and my companions joining in the fray, we wouldn’t make much of an impact in the overall battle situation. Dominating the battlefield alone is a feat for the heroes of myths; it’s absurd for one of the countless players to do so.
Besides, I strongly felt that the troll king might be able to break through forcefully soon enough without us rushing. Even the troll knight, who was two ranks lower, put up a dangerous tough fight in a surprise attack against nine players and two pets. Hence, this guy’s boss should easily blow away the gate.
Originally, the plan was to wait for the monsters to destroy the gate. Yet, why am I attempting this challenge? The reason is simple.
“Of course, I’m fully aware of the difficulty. But, it’s also fun to try. We’re playing a game, after all, why not seek some romance?”
“Romance, you say… That’s reckless, isn’t it?”
“Hmm~? What are you talking about?”
It was Shiitake who just joined in the conversation. Ah, good timing. Let’s hear her opinion too.
“If you read this, you’ll understand.”
“Hmm? This is a letter? Let me see… pffft!”
Shiitake burst into laughter after scanning the letter for a while. It was probably because she realized the absurdity of what Usuba was doing and his request.
“Why not, let’s do it! It’s definitely going to be fun!” Shiitake said.
“Eh… are you on his side?”
“If we’re going to do it~, we need a proper plan~, right~?”
In response to Seventh Armor’s disbelief, Wool was trying to steer the conversation towards something constructive. Yes, quick thinking is always good.
“Then let’s start by checking the items in the bag. There might be something useful in there.”
“Indeed. Usuba would likely have prepared something.”
Following Shiitake’s suggestion, I pulled out the items from the bag. Most were items I had never seen before, and I had no idea what any of them were. Therefore, Shiitake and I, who both had the [Appraisal] skill, started examining each item one by one.
“There’s a variety here. This is an intermediate-level potion, and this is a monster-attracting incense. It would be convenient if we could make these ourselves.”
“Yeah… Oh! Look at this! This!”
“Hmm?”
I took the red cylindrical item that Shiitake handed to me and appraised it. A name even I recognized was written there.
――――――――――
Dynamite Quality: Good Rarity: C (Common)
Used mainly in construction works and mining as an explosive.
It is dangerous for amateurs to use, and use without permission is prohibited.
――――――――――
As expected of the mining city of Illeves. It even had such dangerous items. They must surely be used for mining.
However, I was curious about how Usuba had gotten his hands on this. He definitely didn’t have permission, and it was hard to believe he had bought it. He must have stolen it. Such a bad guy. Fuhehe…
“Are we supposed to use this to bring it down?”
“Maybe, but how do we get it close to the gate?”
I had no knowledge about explosives, so I couldn’t gauge the power of this dynamite. Even if I had known about them in real life, such information wouldn’t have been useful since it might not work the same way in the game.
This left me clueless about where to place it to destroy the gate. Was it enough to light the fuse and throw it, or did we need to stick it to the gate and detonate it? I couldn’t make a decision.
“Why don’t we just give up? Cooped up in this hole, twisting logic won’t change what’s impossible.”
“Umm… Hole? Cooped up…?”
Wait a minute. We have a map, and if we do this with that… No, impossible? No, no, with her power, it should work. It seems worth a try.
“Listen, everyone, I’ve come up with a plan.”
“Seriously?”
“Yes, seriously. Big time. We need to start preparing right now. You’ll help, right?”
“Sure.”
“Leave it to me!”
“Alright, I’m in!”
Fufufufufu! Usuba, I’ll respond to your wild idea, alright!
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