[WN] Hidden Reincarnated Hero : Chapter 25

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025 Hate It

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Translator : PolterGlast

On the 13th day of my reincarnation, I took Rosalina and immediately entered the dungeon.

There were still bandits in front of the dungeon, but I think they didn't see my face since my hood was pulled low.

I still wanted to keep the increase in our numbers a secret. Having more people than the enemy expects would be a weapon.

 

---Dungeon Move.

"Eh?"

Rosalina looked surprised when she saw the door appear on the wall.

Rosalina's slave contract states that she cannot disclose information about me to others. Otherwise, she has a certain degree of freedom.

 

We emerged on the 4th floor. This was my first time here too, but I had gathered information from the booklet I bought at the guild.

"First, I'll give you this."

I handed Rosalina the Mithril Two-Handed Sword.

 

"I'll use my bare hands."

"Use this sword until your Villager level reaches 10. After that, bare hands are fine."

Actually, I've already planned Rosalina's training. Detailed Appraisal told me the acquisition conditions for a Martial Artist.

First, I'll raise her Villager level to 10. We'll talk about what happens after that then.

 

Rosalina looked displeased, but she accepted using the weapon. Goblins aren't that strong, so her ATK would be pathetic with bare hands.

Rosalina wore a pouting expression. I'm sorry, but it's not very cute. Probably because a Goblin's appearance is like an old child.

Her face has many wrinkles, a hooked nose, and sparse hair. Her appearance is by no means good, but I think Rosalina is a straightforward kid. Even if she's a martial arts fanatic.

 

"Anneliese, can you restrain monsters with Mana Hand?"

"For 4th-floor monsters, there's no problem."

"In that case, protect Rosalina if she gets into trouble."

"Understood."

 

On the 4th floor, I set my job to Explorer, and focused on treasure hunting. I'd reconsider if Rosalina's fighting looked dangerous, but treasure hunting is important for an explorer, right?

Since I lent Rosalina the Mithril Two-Handed Sword, I was equipped with the Steel One-Handed Sword and Steel Shield. It was my first time using a shield, but I intended to get used to it while fighting.

 

A Thread Spider Lv8 appeared right away. With it was a Worker Ant Lv8. It was an ant-shaped monster, about 1 meter tall with a dark brown body.

The Worker Ant's characteristics are its strength despite its size and its ability to spit formic acid. Formic acid reduces equipment durability and temporarily lowers VIT, making it a nasty attack.

 

"Rosalina. Are you ready?"

"Yes. No problem."

I nodded and charged forward. Rosalina ran behind me.

 

First, I readied my Steel Shield and tackled the Thread Spider, scooping it up with the shield to throw it off balance. It was my first time trying it, but I surprisingly managed to throw it off balance well.

 

As the Thread Spider stood on its hind legs, I cut its belly with my Steel One-Handed Sword. The sensation was different from the Mithril Two-Handed Sword. It felt quite hard.

 

I dodged its counterattack and slipped past the Thread Spider.

With the Thread Spider's attention on me, Rosalina attacked it with the Mithril Two-Handed Sword.

 

I blocked the pouncing Worker Ant with my Steel Shield, but my face contorted from the impact on my arm.

It would have been better if I could parry it, but I took the hit head-on, so most of the impact went to my arm. My shield usage still wasn't good. This is what comes from last-minute learning.

Still, the HP reduction was minor. I probably felt the pain because my shield usage was poor.

 

I swung my Steel One-Handed Sword, pulling the Worker Ant away. I glanced over and saw that Rosalina had defeated the Thread Spider.

 

The Steel One-Handed Sword isn't a bad weapon. I'm using a better weapon than other explorers, but it can't compare to the Mithril Two-Handed Sword.

I still feel that the Mithril Two-Handed Sword's attack power is amazing.

 

The Worker Ant made an unpleasant crunching sound and opened its sharp jaws. Was this formic acid!?

Formic acid was spat from its mouth---Item Box!

 

The formic acid disappeared right in front of me. The Worker Ant that spat it looked surprised.

 

Not missing the opening, Rosalina attacked.

The Worker Ant was still alive. It was hard.

I also attacked with my Steel One-Handed Sword, but it still didn't fall.

 

"Take this!"

With a whoosh, the Mithril Two-Handed Sword sank into the Worker Ant's chest, and the Worker Ant vanished.

 

"Rosalina, are you really not used to fighting? Is this really your first time in a dungeon?"

"I always trained as if there were enemies."

Was it like shadowboxing? So, there's such a thing as image training in this world too.

 

"Anneliese. How was Rosalina's fighting?"

"Her fighting was incredible, considering it was her first time wielding a sword. To be honest, she looks more impressive than Master."

"Ugh... that's a little hurt..."

I'm a man who became a Hero of the Two-Handed Sword, you know. Thanks to the Mithril Two-Handed Sword, though. Then again, was my sword technique really that bad?

 

"Oh, no, no, no. I'm sorry, it's my fault."

Perhaps because I said I was hurt, Rosalina flustered in an amusing way. She was kind of cute, like a small animal.

 

"It's not your fault, Rosalina, don't worry about it. This is my problem."

Now that I've rented a house, I intend to work harder and pay the monthly rent. Why did my language become so stiff?

 

*

 

We advanced through the 4th floor, but I haven't found any treasure. I think if it were easily found, there would be no appreciation for treasure, but it's better to find it than not.

 

Now, it's our umpteenth battle.

"Hup!"

Rosalina dodged the formic acid, swung the Mithril Two-Handed Sword, and the Worker Ant vanished.

She then rushed to support me, who was fighting a Thread Spider. Yeah, our roles are reversed.

 

I've lent her the Mithril Two-Handed Sword, and my job is Explorer, so my attack power isn't high. Still, I can't accept losing to a Villager.

 

Rosalina's blow was the finishing move, and the Thread Spider vanished. Rosalina's movements are getting better and better. Is it just my imagination that I feel that way?

 

"The drop items are cotton thread and ant carapace. Both are normal drops."

The ant carapace Anneliese picked up was an ant's shell, apparently used for armor. It's quite hard, but it can't compare to iron, so it's used in armor for beginner explorers.

It reportedly barely degrades even when exposed to formic acid, so this ant carapace armor is useful when exploring floors with ant-type monsters. In that regard, it surpasses iron.

 

Compared to other explorers, we had considerably less combat time and advanced quickly.

We reached the boss room and waited behind a party that was waiting in line. Here, I checked my status.

 

【Job】 Explorer Lv9

【Skills】 Dungeon Move (Low), Treasure Hunt (Low)

【Unique Skills】 Detailed Appraisal (Medium), Item Box (Medium)

 

My Explorer job just reached Level 9. My skill proficiencies also increased.

 

Rosalina's Villager job reached Level 9 quite a while ago. I think it's about time she reached Level 10. Villagers still don't have skills, but Rosalina's combat sense is excellent. My initial feeling that she was a combat maniac seems to have been correct.

 

"Let's grab a bite to eat."

I didn't bring out grilled pond squid. It's out of stock. I haven't been able to restock it.

Instead, I took out water and dried meat. I thinly sliced the dried meat with a dagger and handed it to Anneliese and Rosalina.

 

"I forgot the pond squid today. Please bear with this."

All this is the bandits' fault. Because of them, I can't even buy food from stalls anymore. I need to settle this quickly.

 

"No, this is normal."

Anneliese smiled. Ah, she's cute.

 

"What is pond squid?"

"Rosalina, you don't know pond squid?"

I learned about pond squid for the first time after coming to this world, but I knew what squid itself was.

To Rosalina, who tilted her head and said she didn't know, I explained that pond squid are caught in ponds and taste delicious when grilled.

 

"It's very delicious, so I'll let you try it next time."

My mouth waters just thinking about it.

"Is that alright?"

"It's not expensive, so it's fine."

"I'm looking forward to it!"

Rosalina smiled, showing her fangs.

 

"Tch, he brought a Goblin with him."

Huh? Did he just say something?

 

One of the 6-person party waiting in front of us spat on the floor.

So what if she's a Goblin? What did Rosalina do to you?

 

I won't do anything. I won't, but I hate it when people discriminate based on appearance or race. I despise it.

For now, I'll glare at him. They started it, so glaring back is fine.

 

"What do you want?"

"Hey, stop it."

The one who picked a fight was a Wolf Beastman. A Bear Beastman stopped him.

A party of all beastmen. The leader seemed to be the Bear Beastman.

 

"I'm sorry..."

Rosalina drooped and looked down, disheartened. It's ridiculous to be treated like this just because she's a Goblin. At the very least, Rosalina can communicate, and she hasn't caused any trouble to anyone here. There's no reason for her to be taunted or criticized.

 

"Rosalina, you didn't do anything wrong, so you can lift your head. Small-minded people are everywhere."

I ruffled Rosalina's sparse hair.

 

"What did you say, you bastard!"

"Small, small. Just shouting, so small."

"You son of a..."

The Wolf Beastman stood up, but the Bear Beastman grabbed his shoulder.

 

"You were the one who picked a fight. If you don't want to be talked back to, then you should change your behavior."

This Bear Beastman, he was surprisingly reasonable. I don't dislike adults like him.

 

"You shouldn't provoke him either."

Yes, I was reprimanded. This is probably where I fall short. When I see trash, I can't help but say something. That's why at school... No, let's not think about that time.

 

I didn't answer and let the Bear Beastman's words wash over me. I don't think he was waiting for an answer anyway.

If they don't say anything, I won't say anything either. If they hit me, I hit back. That's all.

 

"Look, it's open."

The boss room door opened, and the six of them went inside. The Wolf Beastman, who was pushed from behind by the Bear Beastman, glared at us until the very end, so I glared back.

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[WN] Jitsuwa 3-Domedatta : Chapter 34

Chapter 34

(Kyle Calendar Year 504: Age 11)

Alteration: The Phantom First Battle ②

Translator : PolterGlast

"Alright, it seems everyone's here. Night will fall soon. We'll waste time here and attack the town before dawn.

Even if there are guards in the town, there will only be about 30 of them. Once we kill them, it's open season."

 

"Yeah! Makes my blood boil!"

 

"Once we raid the town, gold and women will be ours for the taking!"

 

"We'll be living the good life for a while!"

 

The bandits voiced their desires one after another.

Among them was a group who watched them with bitterness.

 

"What do we do? We couldn't take down the underboss in the end, and we've come this far."

 

"Those guys have guards watching in shifts at night. There's no opening."

 

"Did the guy who ran to inform them make it safely?"

 

Yes, the former farmers were desperately trying to protect the barony in their own way. They had tried to assassinate the underboss and escape with their squad to report the situation, but they couldn't.

All they could do in the end was to pretend they had been attacked by a beast and have one of their fastest comrades run to inform them in the middle of the night.

 

"If it comes to this... we have no choice but to apologize with our lives."

 

Cornered, they had made a desperate decision.

 

***

 

The town of Est before dawn.

Almost everyone was in a deep sleep, and the town was enveloped in a quiet, deep darkness.

 

A very small light appeared a little away from the main gate.

Responding to it, a light also appeared above the castle gate.

 

"Alright! It looks like the guys who infiltrated during the day did a good job!"

 

"The castle gate will open soon. Once it does, go inside and wreak havoc! Kill anyone who wakes up!"

 

They crept up to the castle gate.

Soon after, the castle gate began to open with a low sound.

 

"Go!"

 

The bandits started sprinting towards the gate.

Their blood was boiling with excitement for the hunt that was about to begin for them.

 

"Now is the time to repay the kindness of Lord Turnip Baron!"

 

"We're not beasts!"

 

"We'll apologize with our lives!"

 

At that moment, the former farmers who were at the very back charged at their comrades (the bandits) while shouting.

 

"Tch! Those scumbags, we brought them along as meat shields for when things got rough, but they're idiots.

Slaughter them along with the rest!"

 

Following the leader's instructions, some of the bandits turned back and attacked the traitorous farmers.

 

The traitors were about 30 who had moved first, and about 20 who followed belatedly.

Against amateurs (farmers), the bandit group could easily handle them, even with half their numbers.

 

That was the moment.

In the still dim pre-dawn light, a sudden flash of light fell directly above the bandit group.

 

"You unruly rabble! The price for attacking the town of Est is your lives!"

 

"Don't hit the farmers!"

 

Along with the two voices, arrows rained down from two locations: the castle gate and the bushes on the side.

Those who were sprinting towards the castle gate in particular were showered with arrows from close range and fell one after another.

 

As the bandits panicked and scattered in the sudden rain of arrows, a gentle light, which was completely different from before, intermittently illuminated the surroundings.

 

"Cavalry, charge!"

 

At the same time, the same order rang out from two locations: the castle gate and the side.

 

"Break through the enemy's formation, penetrate the center, then deploy to the rear and surround them! Don't let them escape!"

 

A disciplined group of cavalry charged into the flank of the bandits, trampling through their center.

The bandits were first knocked aside by the cavalry's charge and then trampled by the hooves of the following horses.

 

Those who faltered became prey to the spears and swords from horseback, and those who fled in confusion were surrounded by the cavalry that had deployed to the rear after the breakthrough, and were helplessly cut down.

 

"Hmm, a splendid charge, and then immediately deploying to the rear. As expected of my best disciple."

 

Commander Weiss fought on horseback himself, watching with admiration.

 

The cavalry led by Darek, despite being few in number, were remarkably disciplined and scattered the bandits.

Responding to this, the mercenary corps' cavalry moved flexibly, driving the bandits into a dead end.

 

It was as if it were a pre-arranged exercise.

 

"Why is he here!?"

 

"Shouldn't he be at the border?"

 

"Shouldn't there be no soldiers in the town either?"

 

Some of those watching the battle unfold from a short distance away were bewildered.

 

"At this rate, we won't be able to fulfill that person's deep scheme!"

 

"It can't be helped. Let's retreat, just the few of us."

 

"We can get the better of them next time."

 

"Someday, we'll definitely trip them up!"

 

While cursing, they disappeared somewhere.

 

"Lord Darek, your timing and brilliant tactics were superb."

 

"Commander, your response to our strategy was also masterful, as expected."

 

Before anyone knew it, the two were fighting side by side on horseback.

 

Recently, Darek had even reached the rank of [Sword Saint], and the mercenary corps commander was at an even higher rank of [Sword Demon]. There was no one who could stand against these two.

 

Since the bandits were also serious criminals, there was a high possibility that they would not be forgiven even if they surrendered.

Therefore, they resisted desperately, but their swordsmanship was ultimately amateurish.

Reckless strikes were easily parried or deflected, and they received fatal counterattacks without a moment's delay.

The two of them continued to pile up the corpses of the bandits one after another.

 

"R-run!"

 

"Run where?!"

 

"How should I know?! Anywhere but where those guys are!"

 

The bandits desperately fled from the two swordsmen's attacks, scattering in disarray.

The cavalry surrounding them relentlessly pursued and cut them down.

 

Those who fled towards the town were also struck down by the rain of arrows. Other than surrendering and prostrating themselves, there was no way for them to save their lives.

 

***

 

I watched the two of them in action from above the castle gate, along with the mages who had gone out with me.

This time, I had done nothing.

 

During the day, it was Raymond-san who had seen through the bandits who had infiltrated disguised as laborers.

It was Commander Weiss who had drawn out their plans and prepared a perfect ambush.

It was my brother Darek who had deceived the enemy and secretly laid the ambush.

 

My brother had captured a suspicious villager on the outskirts of town the day before, heard the details of the situation from him, and prepared the ambush to coincide with the attack.

 

In this way, the bandits were almost completely annihilated.

Except for the former farmers who had betrayed them and started the fighting.

 

"Without regard for your own safety, you returned to the right path. I thank you."

 

They prostrated themselves while weeping at Darek's words of comfort.

 

These were the 50 who had first raised the banner of revolt against the bandits.

Behind them were about 30 others who were also former farmers but had betrayed the bandits later and looked rather ashamed.

 

"We were struggling to eat in our harsh lives and strayed from the path.

However, we have not forgotten the kindness of Lord Turnip Baron and the others. We had no idea it would come to this..."

 

"You will be given a chance to atone for the crimes you have committed. The day you can return to your hometown and your families will come before long."

 

"We will never forget your repeated kindness and favors!"

 

They sobbed again and broke down in tears.

But Darek's words did not become reality.

 

If they were handed over to Viscount Hiyorimi, they would likely be executed immediately to silence them or as scapegoats.

 

It was decided that they had all died, and later they were forced into hard labor in the mines for a certain period.

Although it was forced labor, they were paid properly, and especially the 50 who had responded first were given a certain degree of freedom of movement.

 

And their families, who had been persecuted in their village as part of the bandits' group, were secretly guided by Darek's arrangements and taken to the town of Est, where they were sheltered.

 

Later, they would be reunited as a family in the town of Est.

As citizens of their new home, the Estol territory.

 

Years later, on the battlefield, there were many soldiers who protected Darek from danger at the cost of their own lives.

 

They stood bravely against the overwhelming enemy offensive, fighting fiercely without faltering even when seriously wounded.

Replacing their fallen comrades, they stood in the line of fire one after another, fighting like vengeful spirits until their strength gave out.

 

"I can't go on... the rest... I leave it to you."

 

"Have I finally repaid your kindness...?"

 

"Thank you..."

 

They all scattered with smiles on their faces.

These were the future images of the former farmer bandits whom Darek had sheltered and saved.

-----

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