Chapter 148

Chapter 148

Investing Through the Status Window.

Episode 148: Back To The East (5).

“Move quickly!”

The supervisor, Klaqalu, who held an important position within the group, was urging his subordinates to empty the secret hideout in the big city of Cartlie and leave. Upon hearing his scolding, the subordinates hurriedly moved to take out the luggage.

“Damn it, look at your feet, will you?! I said move quickly!”

The group that had left in the evening should have returned long ago, yet even as the morning sun slowly rose, they still had not come back. It was then that Supervisor Klaqalu realized something had gone wrong.

At a time when they were almost fulfilling their quota without issue, such an event had to occur.

Even those who went to the scene were considered elite figures within the group. The fact that none of them returned suggests that the Ducal House might have been directly involved. No matter how capable they were, they couldn’t possibly match up to the Ducal House.

…Weren’t we supposed to observe as long as we weren’t provoked? Why the hell are things going crazy all of a sudden? Damn it…!

However, the situation had already erupted, and the supervisor needed to quickly manage the aftermath to avoid any complications. Fortunately, it seemed they hadn’t tampered with the hideout, indicating that they probably did not know about this place yet. However, since there was a possibility that those who were captured could divulge information about this location, it was wise to wrap things up quickly and leave.

At the crack of dawn, they hurriedly loaded their cart with the luggage and headed for the city gate as quickly as possible. A crowd was already gathered at the outer gate, waiting for it to open.

The supervisor felt anxious seeing the long line, but outwardly feigned composure. He couldn’t risk looking suspicious to others. After what felt like an eternity, the city gate slowly began to open.

It’s done…!

Though they faced an unexpected incident, if they managed to leave the city safely, they wouldn’t be severely reprimanded. The higher-ups would likely agree that there was no avoiding the Duke’s involvement. And hadn’t they already received the hint to quickly wrap things up and leave if there were signs of trouble?

The long line began to gradually thin out as it exited the city. The group pulling the cart was also getting closer to the main gate. Fortunately, it seemed there would be no inspection.

…At the moment when passing through was almost within reach, the supervisor faithfully performed the role of a kind merchant group leader.

“Hoho, thank you for your hard work.”

Just as he was about to pass through the main gate with a cheeky smile, someone near the checkpoint was giving instructions.

“Hold on.”

“…Yes…?”

“We will need to take a quick look at your cargo.”

Ah. The supervisor felt his heart sink, wondering if they had been caught, but he forced a calm smile. Of course, they had to be prepared for any situation.

“Hoho, it’s nothing.”

Then he quickly glanced over his subordinates, letting them know to be ready to fight if necessary.

Fortunately, it was a light inspection, as stated. Someone opened the container holding the orbs, but they deemed them mere decorative orbs and casually closed the lid again. There, the supervisor secretly sighed in relief.

“Pass.”

“Yes, thank you for your hard work.”

The heretic group, having completed the inspection, passed through the main gate and exited the city as quickly as possible.

Damn, that was a close call…!

If caught, death was certain. According to the rules within the heretic group, if discovered, all witnesses must be eliminated. In other words, if they were caught at the city gate, it meant they all had to die right there. The supervisor was also prepared for that.

Fortunately, they managed to leave the city safely. Although many subordinates had died and they didn’t fulfill their quota, the conclusion was relatively tidy.

Soon, the blessing of the Demon God will descend upon this land!

If we just transport the goods properly, the day when all living beings in this land are freed from death will come even closer.

“Let’s take a break.”

While the cultists were calming their startled hearts and catching their breath on the quiet roadside, a group slowly approached.

The mercenaries initially pretended to pass by nonchalantly, then suddenly surrounded the heretics.

“What is the meaning of this?!”

“Capture them. If they resist even a little, you may kill them.”

Then came the ruthless and cold command from a young man who seemed to be the leader. There was not even a speck of mercy towards the opponent.

At that moment, the supervisor was sure that their identity had been discovered. Denying it would be useless.

The opponent was likely someone connected to the Duke’s family, so escaping was not an option.

Death… Their path now led only to eternal rest.

The supervisor, ready to face death, shouted to his subordinates.

“Offer the sacrifice!”

With his cry, sharp legs protruded from the bodies of all the heretics. Simultaneously, the scene descended into chaos.

Beasts from hell, summoned by consuming the heretical sacrifice, slurped the bodily fluids from the offering. Thus, the demon worshippers became one with the infernal beings as they wished.

Kyaaaaaaaaah!

Fierce cries as if hell itself was summoned to this land sounded. However, contrary to expectations, the spider-like beasts were subdued all too easily.

The female swordsman’s blade swiftly severed the creatures’ legs, and with a single spell, their torsos almost completely burst and melted away. It all happened in the blink of an eye.

!!!!

The demonic beasts resisted, but in front of the weapons drenched in holy water, they couldn’t muster any strength. They were almost toyed with before being cast back down to hell from the surface.

The ground where the beasts’ bodies melted turned black and withered. For a long time, that land would not feel the blessing of the holy spirit.

“Check the cargo.”

After dealing with the heretical group, the young leader, Allen, gestured with a nod. The members ran to the overturned cart, checking some of the spilled contents. Inside the wooden barrels were a considerable number of orbs. Some had shattered from the fall, but most were intact.

“They’re orbs! Except for a few, they’re all intact!”

“…Alright, let’s take them back.”

With this, the heresy in the big city of Cartlie had been completely annihilated.

Vice Group Leader Elizabeth stared blankly at Group Leader Allen sitting opposite her.

Just two days after providing the information, he had achieved his purpose for coming here. Even though the information provided was not properly categorized. Honestly, she didn’t expect him to handle it so quickly. She thought it would take at least five days…

As expected, perhaps.

Maybe she had underestimated him too much. Despite everything, he was a man of 138.

For her, who judged the value of all humans by the numbers she saw, he was the only one whose judgment was on hold. From the start, his number was far beyond her understanding.

The public’s opinion of him was growing increasingly favorable as days went by. Even considering that the rumors were somewhat exaggerated, the Allen-Mercenary Group’s exploits were undeniably impressive. In the midst of this, having witnessed the Group Leader’s excellent handling skills firsthand, it was now time to make the evaluation that had been on hold.

The number 138. Astonishing growth. Abilities witnessed directly.

Putting all these together, an easy conclusion was reached.

…Perhaps, he might become one of the Top 10 in the future.

Just like the noble lady, Group Leader Viola, who was able to see one’s potential, must have realized it early on. That was why she clung to him and refused to let go. There was even a rumor that the Prince desired him…

“So, you’re leaving in two days?”

“Yes.”

Elizabeth pretended to be calm, but she coveted Group Leader Allen. She, who had always obtained everything she desired, had one thing she couldn’t have.

Not that he seemed likely to be bought with money. Would such a person have taken on the Holy Kingdom’s commission, which probably wasn’t much for money?

It would be a lie to say she wasn’t anxious. However, the Elegant Mage did not act hastily. Being smart, she was confident that an opportunity would come soon.

After all, she had already placed a debt on him. For now, that was enough.

“Alright. I understand. It’s a bit disappointing that you’re leaving already. It was nice to have a friend who understood me.”

Allen didn’t have the guts to reject the sudden promotion to friendship in front of the Top 10. Not that there was any reason to do so.

…Seems like she’s trying to get me on her side. Well, I should play along with her tune a bit.

Anyway, this filthy mercenary world was a place where everyone used each other. Today’s enemy might become tomorrow’s friend. Here, there were no eternal enemies or eternal friends.

In that sense, Vice Group Leader Elizabeth was an excellent high-end supply source for Allen. In short, a woman with a lot to exploit.

So, there was no real need to keep a distance.

“I don’t know when we’ll meet again, but anyway, goodbye.”

“Then, see you next time, Vice Group Leader.”

“Give my regards to Viola.”

“Yes.”

Lady Belver smiled deeply.

Somehow, that smile sent a chill through Allen’s heart.

Maybe it is better to just stay away from her…