Chapter 98: (hidden)

Chapter 98

Chapter 98 - (hidden)

I arrive at [Sole Fortress] .

I headed to the adventurer's guild to get my reward .

Today is the first day of summer .

Tomorrow is the day I will be introduced to the leaders of a major company in the main office of [Belgart] in the [Demonic Steel City Holkerbaum] .

It was great that I took requests from the guild for a number of days .

This place is north of Holkerbaum . There's no time difference either . Thus it's exactly tomorrow .

While pondering about that, I finish reporting the completion of the requests to the guild .

There are four requests . I toss the bags with the gold coins I received as reward into my item box .

And, after talking with the receptionist non-committally, I left the adventurer's guild .

While looking at my adventurer's card, I go outside the adventurer's guild .

Name: Shuuya Kagari

Age: 22

Title: Dragonslayer

Race: Human

Occupation: Rank C Adventurer

Affiliation: None

Combat Occupation: Spear Warrior - Chain User

Completed Requests: 16

The number of completed requests is 16 .

Once it becomes 30, I will challenge Rank B .

Well then, I will return to [Holkerbaum]...

The fact that I can use a gate is not something I want to show off . I think it's best to not let too many people see it .

As for a place with little pedestrian traffic, I might as well go outside the fortress I guess?

Leaving the fortress, I headed towards the forest .

Checking with Grasping Perception, there are no signs of magic sources behind and in the vicinity .

At that time I talked to Rollo sitting on my shoulder .

"All right . Around here's fine, I suppose . Let's go back, huh? Rollo, if we successfully restore the withered large tree, I might be able to fulfill the agreed promise . " (Shuuya)

"Nyanyaan . "

Rollo makes a spoilt voice . She seems to be happy .

"Haha, you are happy, aren't you?" (Shuuya)

While laughing, I take out the 24-faceted Trapezohedron on the spot .

The symbol of the third gate... ah, the third was the mirror located in the basement of the church .

The one located in the inn is the first .

After turning the 24-faceted orb to make the first symbol appear above, I trace the mysterious symbol of the first gate with my finger as the input .

The gate activates .

Mmh? Was that wrong after all? But, this is my room, isn't it?

Someone's in the room . A trespasser?

It's a red-haired, slender trespasser . They have their back turned on me .

I wonder who it is...

Oh well, fine, let's step through and take it out on them .

"Prepare for battle after passing through the gate . Helme, you are on standby in my eye . Be ready to come outside at any time . " (Shuuya)

『Yes . 』 (Helme)

"Nya . " (Rollo)

Spreading out my overcoat, I pass through the gate and come out from the mirror .

I returned to the room I was staying in at Holkerbaum's high-class inn .

I immediately summon the Magic Halberd in my right hand .

Rollo moves from my shoulder and walks to the left .

The red-haired trespasser is on the other side of the bed .

They are still facing me with their back .

Oh? The red hair's body reacted with a twitch .

It seems they noticed the mirror's light .

While moving their arms, the red hair turns their face this way .

— Eh? Fran?

It's the freckled face of the B-ranked female adventurer Fran .

However, the transparent falcon, usually riding on her shoulder that can be called her trademark, isn't here .

Instead, she's holding out her palms towards me as if releasing magic with a transparent left arm that gathered eyeballs .

What's that? A hole in the transparent palm?

As a round hole with a vortex swirling within opens right in the middle of the transparent palm, the multiple things similar to living human eyeballs are squirming in the hole's surroundings .

It feels like a beam will be released from that gross hole?

Or will the transparent arm be sent flying to perform an iron man-like rocket punch?

Or will it be a mysterious light of the ray system by the eyeballs to put a curse on me with a skill?

Or mind interrogation by violating my brain through memory extraction or such?

... Even the point of the one-handed longsword, she's grasping in her right hand, has been turned towards me .

It's a peculiar stance that makes one feel as if it belongs to some kind of school .

Contrary to her stance, I could feel impatience from Fran's expression .

『Your Excellency, that left arm needs special attention . Mana is strongly circulating within it . 』 (Helme)

I received a warning from Helme .

『Yeah, you can tell from just looking at it . 』 (Shuuya)

For the time being I will try to talk to her .

"... Fran, what were you searching for in my room?" (Shuuya)

"From where did you appear?" (Fran)

Without answering my question, that damn Fran asked one in reverse .

I can't feel any hostility from her, but her attitude is bad . In that case I have to spank her .

Let's get started .

"The one doing the asking here is me though? Why are you in my room? Being ready with that transparent arm and the sword, it's a situation where you couldn't complain even if you were killed by me, but—" (Shuuya)

While stating that, I swing the Magic Halberd at Fran's feet .

"Kuh, wait—" (Fran)

Fran reacts immediately .

She stabs the longsword in her right hand into the floor and nimbly lifts her body up into the air while using the longsword as support . She avoided my Magic Halberd by repelling it easily with the longsword .

Just like that, she lands on both feet on the ground with a *thump*, pulls out the longsword and sheaths it on her back .

At the same time she also hides the transparent arm of her left arm .

Bah, she easily evaded the sweeping stroke of my magic spear .

Her light movements had not a single wasteful motion . I understand from her technique just now . She has remarkable ability .

... At the time of the attack during the previous escort request, she must have observed me without showing her true abilities .

However, from the fact that no counter-attack followed, I judge that she has no intention to fight .

I will try to negotiate with her .

"... Then, can I have you answer my question?" (Shuuya)

"Got it . The reason for trespassing into this room is, of course, to look for your whereabouts Shuuya . " (Fran)

Fran's expression remains still and stiff .

"Hoo... but, what for?" (Shuuya)

"I have business with you, Shuuya . " (Fran)

Lifting the corners of her mouth, she reveals a smile .

She's trying to deceive me...

The slight movements of her pupils and cheeks are unnatural .

Should I try nudging her here by bringing up the topic about the transparent falcon who was on her left shoulder?

Before that, I will ask her normally first .

"Fran, can't you honestly tell me the whole story?" (Shuuya)

"About what?" (Fran)

The one who tailed me for a long time is definitely her, I think .

Do I have to give it to her bluntly?

"Everything . You have tailed me since quite a long time ago, right? Besides, although it's not currently there, there was a "transparent falcon" on your left shoulder, wasn't there?" (Shuuya)

"Wh-, you noticed after all...?" (Fran)

Fran opens her reddish brown eyes wide and raises her eyebrows .

Even her mouth opened slightly .

The surprise shows on her face .

As expected, she has followed me since [Hekatrail] .

"I did . I don't have any intention of letting you get away if you don't tell me everything, you know? Rollo!" (Shuuya)

"Nya,... Gaooh . " (Rollo)

Rollo changes her form into that of the black panther and climbs on the bed .

She threatened Fran by baring her fangs .

RollodeenBlack Panther adopts a stance allowing her to attack Fran from the side at any time .

"Hii, g-got it . I will explain everything . I don't have any intention to fight against you two . " (Fran)

Her lower eyelids stiffen and her mouth has a cramp .

One could call that an expression of dread .

"Well then, starting from you affiliations, ah, even if you are a double agent or such, everything, okay?" (Shuuya)

In addition I tried asking a leading question .

"Wh-!? E-Eh, even this far... Shuuya, just who are you...?" (Fran)

As her eyebrows are lifted once again, her reddish brown pupils sway while shrinking .

She got caught by my words . It seems to be a bingo . The bluff succeeded .

Well, mostly it's according to my predictions though .

"Don't mind it and speak . " (Shuuya)

I said with a threatening tone .

"Y-Yes . I'm an adventurer, a member of the thief guild [Gate of the Calm Demon] and also a spy for [Bloody Long Ears of the White Whale] and [Nine White Great KnightsWhite Nine] . " (Fran)

Uwaah, a triple-agent?

If you add adventurer to it, then quadruple?

She was no mere B-ranked adventurer after all .

Moreover, [Nine White Great KnightsWhite Nine], isn't that a state agency?

"... Such triple-spying Fran, no, I guess your name is doubtful as well, did you gather information about me?" (Shuuya)

"Right..." (Fran)

"Who requested it first?" (Shuuya)

"..." (Fran)

She stayed silent . Shall I threaten her a bit?

As it looks like she has expressly been giving my information away, I will show her, though it might be a bit nasty .

Just in case, I will deceive her by chanting...

"I see, then I have to punish you . Oh, Light God Lulodis, representing the beam of light which serves as light of my judgement, materialize the punishing spear of light— Shining Chain Lance!" (Shuuya)

— <Chain Spear of the Ray SystemShining Chain Lance> .

Matching it with a false chant while remembering the face of Claude, I activate the skill .

A light spear was created . The lightning-like light spear clashes with the one-handed sword Fran is grasping in her right hand .

"Kuh—" (Fran)

The one-handed sword is immediately driven backwards .

The light net, which was generated from the light spear, wrapped up the sword like a spider web and Fran had no other choice but to let it go .

The light spear carries the one-handed sword to the wall behind while surrounding it with the net . The one-handed sword, which was stitched to the wall by the net of the light spear, became a decoration .

Aah, damn it!

Won't the costs of the room's repairs go to me?

— I reflect a little .

Fran glares at me while her right hand trembles .

"Even light magic..." (Fran)

As expected, her mask apparently cracked after a sudden magic-like skill .

"... Are you in any position to show such a face? It doesn't change the fact that it was you who trespassed into this room, Fran . I think not getting killed is more preferable . Besides, I told you to tell me everything . I don't plan to allow you to stay silent . " (Shuuya)

I consciously show a sadistic, cold expression while making a smiling face in the shape of a crescent moon .

『Your Excellency, her butt...』 (Helme)

The dangerous, sadistic girl that dwells in my left eye ends up reacting, but I lock out the dangerous conversation from my mind .

"... Understood... At first it began with me receiving a direct request from Clydosuss who is a leader of the [Hekatrail] branch of [Bloody Long Ears of the White Whale] . The content was to probe for information by slipping into the adventurer Shuuya's proximity . And, if he's a bad influence towards [Bloody Long Ears], to kill him . Those were the orders I received . " (Fran)

Fran talks reluctantly as if she has given up .

Not Marquis Chardonnay, but Clydosuss of [Bloody Long Ears of the White Whale], huh?

I have met her once in [Hekatrail] .

At the time when I was invited by a dark guild .

I refused by telling them that I have no interest, but...

Clydosuss .

That apparently wicked bitch even ordered to kill me if I'm a bad influence...

Don't give such orders . Good grief, what an annoyance .

"... I see . That fellow was the one who requested it, eh? How are the other two, [Gate of the Calm Demon] and [White Nine] related to me?" (Shuuya)

"Those two are nothing special . All that they wanted me to do was to simply report about the mysterious spear user . Using Rino several times, I contacted [Bloody Long Ears of the White Whale] . Do you need to know the details of those communications as well?" (Fran)

"Obviously!" (Shuuya)

I say while roughing up the end of the word a bit .

"Got it . Being attacked by bandits during an escort request, Shuuya repelled them . The true identity of the guys who attacked was [Owl's Fangs] . Furthermore, the dispute between fellow dark guilds in [Holkerbaum] intensified . [Owl's Fangs] and [Scales of Gaia] clashed completely . Both sides' leaders were annihilated and a large amount of soldiers died . After I investigated the events related to that, it was connected to Shuuya . And, you disappeared from the inn here . That's what I told them . " (Fran)

I see...

I guess she didn't obtain definite proof of me finishing off the leaders of [Owl's Fangs] .

Fran's expression hasn't changed much .

There's no unnatural mannerism either . I judge it not to be a lie .

I think that she's predicting that I have been the one to defeat them to some extent, but she didn't point that out .

"... Okay . Understood . Is that everything?" (Shuuya)

"Yeah, that's all . " (Fran)

"So, what's that left arm? Fran, you are no human?" (Shuuya)

"I'm half human and half ghost . A part of my left body half changes into ghost by birth . And, the name of the transparent falcon is Rino . He is my familiar from a skill . He is useful for reconnaissance and regular communications . " (Fran)

Hee, a half between human and ghost, huh?

Ghostifying a part of her left body, how interesting .

That transparent falcon Rino is a skill .

You might say it's the perfect skill for scouting and transmitting information .

"... A half, huh? No wonder that you masked your left arm . Where have you sent Rino now?" (Shuuya)

"He's been dispatched to the base of [Gate of the Calm Demon] for the regular report . " (Fran)

Hmm, I see .

I guess I have heard to some degree what I wanted to hear .

"So, will you kill me according to the order you received from Clydosuss of [Bloody Long Ears]?" (Shuuya)

"No, far from it! If you can turn a blind eye on me, Shuuya, I will have them allow me to withdraw from this matter . " (Fran)

"I see . Rollo, you can release the mode already . I don't mind if you relax some, too, Fran . " (Shuuya)

"Nya . " (Rollo)

Rollo changes back into her original cat form and returns on my shoulder .

"Roger..." (Fran)

Fran collapses on the floor with her butt and thighs on the ground .

It was a slightly cute, girl-like behaviour .

She was apparently nervous and at her wits' end .

"Even so, can you please not distribute my information readily? Ah, for you it's your job, Fran . Well then, just as before, please only circulate that I'm a normal adventurer and a mysterious spear user . No blatant following me after this either . Can you give information to [Bloody Long Ears of the White Whale] with such an undertone as well?" (Shuuya)

"Understood . " (Fran)

"If you lied and distribute different information about me by using intermediaries, I will definitely search for you after spilling the information about you to all thief guilds and hunt you down, Fran . " (Shuuya)

"... I understand . I will keep my promises . " (Fran)

Although I said so, I don't have any particular intention to take Fran's life .

I don't know whether she will really circulate the information as I told her to do it, but even if she lied, I will forgive her since she's a beauty .

Besides, she's an excellent spy . She might be useful in the distant future .

"Then, since I got business, see you again?" (Shuuya)

I leave Fran behind in the inn room and go outside .

I have to hand in the requested items I collected to the priestess .

Should I go to the adventurer guild or the priestess' house?

Wait, before that I should take a quick look at Popobumu who stayed behind in the stable .

I call out to Popobumu .

Although it's been a long time, Popobumu was full of energy .

"Nnnn, nya . " (Rollo)

While giving off a throaty voice, Rollo climbs on Popobumu's head right away .

"Will you not mount Popobumu now?" (Shuuya)

I grab Rollo at the scruff of her neck and return her on my shoulder .

I left the stable after lightly stroking Popobumu's body .

The priestess' home is that way . I leave the inn's grounds and walk on the main street .

I head towards the temple that looks like a run-down house on the first glance and where the priestess lives by going across the plaza with the withered Large Tree of Holker .

When I entered the temple, the priestess was holding a broom and sweeping .

As usual, the bonsai altar, located in the middle, is beautiful as it was illuminated by the light from the ceiling .

"Yo, Priestess Marin . " (Shuuya)

I call out to her with a light tone from behind .

"Ah, Shuuya-san! You came back . That means..." (Marin)

The face of Marin, who turned around, immediately bloomed with a smile .

"Yes, that's right . I gathered all the requested items . " (Shuuya)

"Oooooohhhh!! Really? In such short time... that's far too amazing . As expected of you, Shuuya-san . " (Marin)

The priestess jumps up and down in excitement .

She runs up to me with her Buddha statue-like earlobes shaking .

Her swelling breasts shook as well .

Surprisingly she does have breasts .

I didn't know since she was wearing a loose, tattered robe that was making sloshing sounds .

"So, won't you come together with me to the adventurer's guild? It's because I accepted a request, you know . Please receive the raw materials there . " (Shuuya)

"Sure, I will go right away!" (Marin)

I headed towards the guild at a trot together with the priestess .

The guild's formalities are finished smoothly .

The request that took a long time is complete with this .

The two items, which I handed in from my item box, were passed into the hands of the priestess .

"With this it will be finally possible to revive it . Let's immediately go to the Large Tree of Holker!!!" (Marin)

"Yeah, let's . " (Shuuya)

"Nyanya~n . " (Rollo)