[WN] Hidden Reincarnated Hero : Chapter 68

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068 Royal Capital Dungeon 7th Floor Exploration

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Translator : PolterGlast

One day, we had a visitor.

"Though this is a sudden request, I am filled with gratitude for your kind willingness to meet me. I am Sharniini, the President of Golteo Trading Company," he introduced himself politely. I motioned for him to sit on the sofa.

 

He looked to be in his early 30s, with an appearance that made me want to call him "big brother" rather than "mister." He was Golteo-san's son and currently led Golteo Trading Company. He had Golteo-san's resemblance, so he was handsome. Go explode.

 

"I hear my father, Golteo, received a great deal of assistance in Kerniff. Today, I wished to offer my greetings and thanks," he said, smoothly producing what looked like a box of sweets. "These are popular sweets among the noblewomen of the capital. I hope your ladies find them to their liking."

 

"On the contrary, we were the ones who were assisted by Golteo-san. Thank you very much for your thoughtfulness," I replied. The box was indeed a sweets box. The wooden box looked quite luxurious.

 

Today was probably just a courtesy visit, as Sharniini-san left without any specific business discussion. This kind of meticulous greeting must be necessary for merchants. It was a subtle consideration that I couldn't manage.

 

***

 

Today, I intended to head for the 7th-floor boss room, but before that, I had Anneliese guide me to a stall selling accessories. I had visited accessory stalls several times in Kerniff as well, but good items were hard to come by. It seemed good items were also rare in this royal capital. Then I found one.

 

▼ Detailed Appraisal result ▼

Magic Resistance Earring

MIN +7, MDEF +15. Durability 8/8.

 

The Magic Resistance Earring was selling for 5,000 Grill, so I bought it immediately. It was a dull silver earring, so its appearance was a drawback, but it was not a bad purchase.

 

The building surrounding the dungeon entrance, like the Parthenon, came into view. As we walked closer, a carriage stopped in front of the building. I recognized the group of black-haired people who disembarked from the carriage. My former classmates.

 

"Could those be the Heroes?" Gandarvan seemed to recognize them as Heroes.

 

"I heard a rumor that many Heroes have black hair. So, perhaps that is them," Anneliese added. The rumor had reached Kerniff, and even Anneliese had heard it. Since even I had heard the rumor, everyone else must know as well.

 

I saw Sadao Doi, who was one of Shinji Akaba's cronies. I also recognized the other five. I would never forget how they tormented me in Japan.

 

"Master, your killing intent is leaking," Gandarvan warned. I realized he was right; I had been unconsciously emitting killing intent.

 

This must be why jobs like Avenger exist, because people don't forget grudges. I had no intention of seeking revenge, but it was different from forgetting the grudge.

 

"Is something wrong, Master?" Anneliese asked, concerned.

"...It's nothing. More importantly, it's Toi, not Master," I corrected her. I shouldn't make Anneliese worry. I would never forget my grudge from Japan, but revenge was meaningless. So why was I emitting killing intent? I had been subjected to terrible things, but now I was happy to have met Anneliese and the others. As long as they didn't interfere, I had no intention of doing anything. Yet...

 

***

 

Since I had a close-call encounter with Doi, I entered the adjacent Explorer's Guild to calm myself down. Come to think of it, I hadn't really looked around inside the Explorer's Guild before.

 

The wall had the names of representatives of explorer parties who had cleared the 4th floor.

"Are the ones who are erased retired, perhaps?" I wondered aloud.

"Names that are erased belong to those who have retired or died, or who have retired as explorers for other reasons, such as becoming soldiers," Anneliese patiently explained.

 

Other quests were also posted. Among them, there was one offering to buy an Anti-Curse Potion for 50,000,000 Grill. That's less than half the auction price (laughs). Would anyone take on an Anti-Curse Potion quest for that price?

 

I looked at other quests, but most were related to grimoires or treasure chests. There were no particularly noteworthy quests, so I skipped them. If I found items from a treasure chest, I could check the quests then, and I could earn a considerable amount of money just by doing boss runs, so there was no need to deliberately take on quests.

 

"Oh... could you be Anneliese-san?"

"Cecile-san. It's been a while," Anneliese replied.

"It really is you, Anneliese-san!"

 

The woman behind the counter, a female staff member of the Explorer's Guild, had called out to Anneliese. She was a beautiful person with golden hair, a dog beastman. I had noticed it in Kerniff too; the female staff at the Explorer's Guild reception were all beautiful. Was good looks a hiring criterion?

 

"She is someone who assisted me when I was active in the capital," Anneliese explained.

"I am Toi. Anneliese tells me you assisted her, for which I am grateful," I said, conveying my thanks to her. It was only natural, since my Anneliese had been helped by her.

 

"No, I couldn't do anything for her..." Cecile replied. It wasn't her fault Anneliese was cursed, nor was the subsequent accident.

 

"Your curse has been lifted, Anneliese-san. That's wonderful," Cecile said.

"Yes. Master Toi here gave me an Anti-Curse Potion, and I was able to successfully remove the curse," Anneliese explained.

"An Anti-Curse Potion!?" Cecile exclaimed, clearly surprised by the expensive item.

 

We talked for a while, but then Cecile's superior cleared his throat, signaling our departure. The Heroes were probably gone by now, so we headed to the dungeon as well.

 

We used Dungeon Move to teleport from the 1st floor to the 7th floor and began our exploration. Bath took the lead, guiding the way. Our destination was the 7th-floor boss room. Having Bath was truly helpful, as he could guide us to our destination via the shortest route. And if I set Explorer as my sub-job, I could see the path we took on my map. I could even draw a map.

 

Now, for the monsters.

 

"What is that?" Anneliese asked. It seemed to be a monster she didn't know.

 

"Gandarvan, do you know what that is?" I asked.

"No, it's a monster I've never seen before," he replied.

 

It was completely black, and at first, I thought it was a shadow, but it seemed to be the actual body. Its shape was amorphous, constantly changing as it floated.

"Is it a ghost?" I blurted out.

 

"A ghost... Indeed, it doesn't seem entirely unlike one," Anneliese commented. It seemed ghosts also existed in this world.

 

"If that monster is not really a ghost, so perhaps a Wraith?" Gandarvan suggested. This was the perfect time for Detailed Appraisal!

 

Hmm, hmm. It was definitely a Wraith. Its level was 25. It seemed difficult to defeat without magical attacks, as physical attacks were mostly ineffective.

"I've never seen a Wraith before. This is troublesome," Gandarvan noted.

"It seems to have a life-draining attack, so Gandarvan, please be especially careful," I warned.

"Understood," he replied.

 

Then I had a thought; I wanted to verify something, so I offered to handle this one monster alone.

"I will intervene immediately if it gets dangerous," Anneliese stated.

"Alright, that's fine," I conceded.

 

I changed my main job to Reincarnated Hero and my sub-job to Assassin. "Holy Sword Summon!" I then activated Stealth and approached the Wraith to see if it would detect me. Wraiths reportedly react to life force. I figured life force meant HP, so I was checking if my HP would be detected despite Stealth.

 

I slowly approached, but the Wraith didn't react to me. However, up close, its form was truly amorphous. It squirmed and wriggled. Once I confirmed it wouldn't react, I swung my holy sword widely. Slam! The Wraith vanished, leaving behind an unpleasant sound.

 

"Wow, the holy sword is really effective! The holy sword is the strongest against Wraiths!" I exclaimed. The Wraith was defeated in one hit by the holy sword and a Vital Point Strike from Stealth.

 

"Splendid, Master," Gandarvan and the others commented as they approached.

 

"I wish I could keep the holy sword out all the time, but it's time-limited. If we struggle, Lin and I will take turns summoning the holy sword and holy spear to fight. Anneliese's magic is also available, so we should be fine," I decided.

 

With that strategy, we defeated the Wraiths without a problem. Since the Wraiths' levels were low, we didn't struggle at all.

 

On the other hand, as expected, physical attacks dealt almost no damage. Gandarvan and the others' normal attacks only dealt 1 to 5 damage. At this rate, it would take all day to defeat them.

 

As we proceeded, slaughtering Wraiths with my holy sword, Lin's holy spear, and Anneliese's magic, our levels increased.

 

"Ah..." Anneliese's gasp of surprise made me turn around, her cheeks flushed.

 

"What's wrong? Are you hurt somewhere?" I rushed to Anneliese's side.

 

"Um... my job evolved," she stammered.

"What!? Really, Anneliese!?" I exclaimed.

"Yes. It evolved," she confirmed.

"Whoa! Congratulations!" I cried, lifting Anneliese and spinning her around. She was light and soft.

 

"T-Toi-sama. We're in the dungeon," she said, blushing.

"Oh, right. Hahaha," I chuckled, putting Anneliese down, but I was still delighted.

 

"So, what job did you evolve into?" I asked eagerly.

"Yes. The evolved job is Sage of Love," she replied.

"Whoa!" (All of us exclaimed)

 

I was surprised, but so were Gandarvan and the others.

What's a Sage of Love? I understand "Sage," but what does "Love" mean? That's what I'm really curious about.

 

The Sage of Love job was a comprehensive Mage who could use not only offensive magic but also healing and support. It specifically stated that her healing magic was excellent. Why the meaning of "Love" isn't written there, Detailed Appraisal?

 

"Congratulations, Anneliese!" I cheered.

"Yes. Thank you," she replied. Anneliese and I were both beaming with joy.

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[WN] Jitsuwa 3-Domedatta : Chapter 77

Chapter 77

Southern Gate Defense Battle ⑨

(Day 5 of War)

Emissary from the Underworld           

Translator : PolterGlast

As dusk fell on Southern Gate Fortress, a fast horse arrived.

 

"Urgent news! Urgent news! Please, a swift audience with Lord Takuhir of the Solis Barony!"

 

The messenger was immediately escorted into the fortress and led to the room where those discussing future countermeasures were waiting.

 

"It is fine. Let these individuals also hear your report."

 

Father spoke to Raphael, the Dark Mage, who was prostrating himself.

Present were Margrave Hastburg, Viscount Kilias, Viscount Gorman, Baron Solis, Baron Cornell, Commander Weiss, my elder brother Darek, and myself—eight individuals.

 

"Yes, I report to all of you, sirs. A moment ago, we confirmed the presence of Gryphonia Imperial soldiers retreating from the western Demon Realm border. Their number is approximately 300! They are likely remnants from the Teigun front."

 

They've come!

Then surely... I let out a sigh of relief.

 

"Almost all the soldiers are gravely wounded.

Furthermore, a vast number of monsters are confirmed to be pursuing them.

We could not confirm the exact number due to the danger to our soldiers, but it is a considerable force."

 

"One-tenth of the invading army! What has become of the battle situation?"

 

"The area beyond the enemy lines, leading to the Hiyorimi Viscountcy and the Demon Realm border, is overflowing with monsters.

The messenger from Teigun has likely been blocked by monsters and has not arrived."

 

Raphael replied, clearly intimidated by Viscount Gorman's question.

 

"If Teigun had fallen, I don't believe the wounded soldiers would have returned through such a dangerous path."

 

I answered instead.

 

"Indeed, if it is the town of Teigun, it has sufficient capacity to accommodate an invading force of around 3,000, and certainly to quarter them if they were victorious. We can state with certainty that they have been routed."

 

My brother then added.

 

"Then... Teigun met our expectations and held out, or rather, achieved even greater results?"

 

"I believe it is safe to assume so."

 

I replied to Margrave Hastburg, who had a beaming smile at the good news.

 

"And they violated the taboos of those who dwell on the edge of the Demon Realm. They must have led a large army of monsters to the enemy's camp..."

 

"Your Excellency! I believe we too must quickly gather our commanders and proceed with a response!"

 

Viscount Kilias, usually calm and composed, panicked and interrupted my words.

 

※

 

As an emergency, the nobles were summoned to Southern Gate Fortress.

And Margrave Hastburg stepped forward before them.

 

"A moment ago, a report came from the scouts we had hidden on the west side of Southern Gate Plains.

A detached unit of the Imperial Army that invaded Baron Solis's territory from the west side of the Demon Realm lost many soldiers, and the wounded have fled back to the enemy's main camp."

 

"Oh!"

 

"What?!"

 

Amidst the exclamations of the generals, I noticed one man who, inadvertently, let out a cry of surprise that seemed out of place.

 

"Anyone here would understand the meaning of fleeing back through the edge of the Demon Realm with a large number of wounded.

They have done what should not be done.

From now on, we will move to prepare against monsters invading our territory. Immediately! There is no time to spare."

 

Thus, instructions were given for responding to this urgent and critical situation.

 

＜Policy＞

 

The monsters led by the Imperial Army from the Demon Realm could cross Southern Gate and cause harm beyond it.

In response, it is necessary to quickly dispatch troops to protect nearby farming villages and towns, and to take measures to contain the monsters on the Southern Gate Plains.

 

Scouts must be immediately recalled, replaced by fully armed reconnaissance units, and the movements of the monsters must be confirmed.

 

Dispatch defensive units to adjacent towns and villages.

Urgently construct earthworks on the east and west sides of Southern Gate Fortress.

Absolutely prevent monsters from entering north of the earthworks.

At night, we will focus solely on defense, and at sunrise, we will conduct a forced reconnaissance of the enemy camp to confirm the status of the invading army.

If they are in disarray due to monster attacks, or if their forces are noticeably depleted, we will seize this opportunity to launch a surprise attack, sweep them away all at once, and push them back across the border.

 

Thereafter, we will launch a large-scale monster extermination operation throughout the Southern Gate Plains, burying all monsters that have invaded human territory.

 

＜Response＞

 

Instructions were given to each unit in response to this policy.

 

◯ Defense of Nearby Towns and Villages

 

"Barons Kreutz, Bold, and Herald, who have combat experience with monsters and have spare capacity, shall be in charge.

Prepare immediately and depart as quickly as possible."

 

"Understood!"

 

The three nobles, upon being told which towns and villages they were responsible for, immediately left the room and began preparing for their departure.

 

◯ Reconnaissance Unit

 

"Viscount Hiyorimi, disperse fully armed units to various locations and quickly recall the lookouts.

Proceed with preparations urgently before darkness falls, and after that, enter the earthworks built today and maintain strict night vigilance."

 

"Understood, then, I will now proceed..."

 

Viscount Hiyorimi also rose from his seat.

 

◯ Earthwork Construction

 

"Baron Cornell, with your earth mages, immediately construct earthworks. On both sides of the earthworks built today, deploy vast earthen walls. It's a race against time. A rough construction is acceptable.

Do not let a single monster pass beyond it to the north."

 

"Understood. The matter is urgent. I would be grateful if we could borrow earth mages from Baron Solis as well."

 

Having received Father's permission, Baron Cornell rose from his seat.

 

◯ Earthwork Defense

 

"Noble Allied Army First Army, defend the newly built left earthwork. The Fourth Army will take charge of the right side.

 

Until the earthen walls are complete, protect the construction unit, and after completion, conduct vigilance and earthwork reinforcement in shifts within the unit.

Be mindful not to neglect coordination among yourselves. Do not spare bonfires, and do not create darkness.

 

The safety of the north from here depends on your valiant efforts."

 

"Aye!"

 

The generals belonging to the First and Fourth Noble Allied Armies stood up.

 

◯ Surprise Attack Unit

 

"All others, prepare for a surprise attack on the enemy army at dawn tomorrow!

Rest in shifts and do not neglect preparations for sortie!

This will likely settle the matter. I expect great things from your actions tomorrow."

 

"Aye!"

 

All the remaining generals rose from their seats, their faces a mixture of tension and exhilaration.

 

The rapid, yet full-force, response was perfectly natural for those living on the edge of the Demon Realm and those who knew the terror of monster attacks.

The Gryphonia Imperial Army, unaware of the taboos of the Demon Realm, was far too complacent.

 

※

 

"It's nothing but unpleasant reports since earlier! In the first place, those wretches boasted that Teigun was as good as an empty fortress, and that it would fall easily if we advanced!"

 

The First Prince Glorious slammed his wine cup, cursing at his silently prostrating attendant.

 

"Earlier this evening, there was also a report that those holed up in the fortress were frantically building earthworks on the battlefield. What do you think of that?"

 

"..."

 

"You don't even know that...?"

 

The First Prince sighed and looked around.

 

"The enemy cavalry may have suffered greater damage than we thought.

Therefore, it may be an earthwork aimed at dealing with our cavalry." One determined individual answered his lord's question.

 

"Then why are they lighting more bonfires than necessary? Their movements are completely visible to us, aren't they?

We have been constantly manipulated by the cunning schemes of those wretches. Do you think they would do something so transparent?"

 

"..."

 

"You, take a lookout and go see for yourself! You shall not return until you have an answer that satisfies me!"

 

"Yes, Your Highness!"

 

The attendant, answering briefly, left the tent in confusion.

If it were simply as he said, our response would be easy too.

 

If we levy all the cavalry from the incompetent Earls under our command and integrate them with the Imperial Guard's Iron Cavalry and cavalry, we would have around 4,000 cavalry.

 

The enemy's cavalry is probably around 2,000. We just need to overwhelm the enemy with twice their mobile forces.

The useless Earls and their remaining forces can be used as arrow fodder for the enemy archers.

 

Now that our forces are significantly reduced, if the enemy were to hole up in the fortress and engage in a siege, we would lack a decisive attacking force.

However, if they were to set up camp and come out onto the battlefield, our cavalry would have superiority in numbers and training, and there would be room for tactical maneuvers.

 

At that very moment, screams and confused shouts erupted from a nearby allied camp.

For into their camp, from the darkness, came messengers to lead them to the underworld.

 

This was the beginning of what would be called the "Night of Bloody Nightmare."

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