Chapter 181 - High-End Magic Tools of a Grand Organization
From the park, a noticeable change occurs in the area shrouded in red mist. The mist, centered around the Clad Family’s main estate, gradually thins out.
"Is this a purification spell?"
It certainly looks like it. The toxic fog is slowly being dispelled, and the air is returning to normal. It can’t just be a visual effect. The effectiveness of purifying such a potent poison is impressive, but the range is far too wide. Even Siegrune, who can use high-level purification magic, couldn’t purify an area that vast. The Clad Family might have an excellent purification mage, but this seems beyond the capabilities of any single individual.
"It might be a stationary magic tool. Given the Clad Family’s main estate, it wouldn’t be surprising if they had such equipment."
I’m curious about how much money it took to prepare something like this, but at least this foils the enemy’s plans. Even as the entire area is purified, the red mist continues to spew out. It’s purified as it spews, but the source of the toxic fog is clearly visible. It seems there are multiple sources.
Furthermore, another large-scale magical fluctuation is felt. It’s a powerful wave of magic that intimidates the surroundings. The last purification spell felt powerful, but this one is on a different level. The area that was once shrouded in red mist is now rapidly enveloped by a thin, glowing membrane. The faintly luminous, transparent film stands out in the night’s darkness.
I can’t believe it, but reality must be accepted. We’ve seen something like this before; there’s no mistaking it.
"...I’m impressed by the barrier magic. To possess something like that..."
"The Clad Family might have even more power than we’ve heard."
"To match such a thing, one needs not only military might but also political influence. That’s not my style. I think we should aim for a different kind of organization..."
Let’s put the direction of the organization aside for now.
Barrier magic. On a small scale, it might be classified as a magic tool for creating a barrier, but it’s still an extremely powerful and valuable item. Barrier magic tools, except for the smallest ones, are usually managed by the state and used by the military. This is likely a result of Exembra’s unique autonomy in the underworld.
With such a formidable defense, the enemy will have no way to counter. It’s a special kind of magic. To break it would require a ridiculously powerful spell, and there’s no one capable of using such a spell. The only option would be to exhaust their mana with large-scale spells, but given the Clad Family’s thorough preparation, they likely have ample magical stones to sustain their energy.
With the enemy’s plan thwarted and their defenses solid, the Clad Family will soon launch a counterattack. The forces outside will systematically eliminate the Gandrault Gang without worrying about the main estate’s safety. It’s only a matter of time.
After the purification and defense, people started emerging from the main estate, showing their calm. They seem to be using recovery spells or potions on the scattered personnel. They move methodically, treating those affected by the poison.
Soon after being treated, the members, now revived, begin to destroy the magic tools that continue to spew poison. They seem surprisingly sturdy, but they’re not indestructible. Once destroyed, the trap will be completely neutralized.
"It seems like we don’t need to lend a hand or worry about them."
I came here out of concern for the younger sister, but it turned out to be unnecessary. It might be better to recall the Ninth Combat Unit from their reconnaissance. We weren’t asked for reinforcements, and it’s not good to move around openly in someone else’s territory. If the Clad Family can handle the situation and launch a serious counterattack, we have no need to interfere.
Moreover, the Kikyo Society is currently fighting the McDallian Family and other combat units. Seeing the Clad Family’s trump cards, the purification and barrier magic tools, was not a wasted effort. Let’s move on.
"Shall we return?"
"Yeah, there’s no place for us in this fight against the Gandrault Gang. I’ll call Liliane back."
After a moment’s thought, I send a low signal flare. Since we’re on a hill, there’s no need to launch it, and it might be seen by the McDallian Family and other combat units. Without a mage for communication, we have to be cautious.
While waiting for the Ninth Combat Unit to return, there’s no significant activity. Inside the barrier, the rescue operations have concluded, and the members are working hard to destroy the magic tools. There’s no other visible movement from the Clad Family or the Gandrault Gang, at least within our line of sight.
"Hey, Yukarinowe-san!"
Yukarinowe waves cheerfully from the Jeep window, responding to the signal flare. She must have been on her way back. I confirm with her briefly.
"Sorry to cut it short. It seems the Clad Family doesn’t need our help."
Liliane, looking at the large glowing membrane, seems quite intrigued.
"That’s true. But barrier magic is pretty impressive, isn’t it?"
She’s matter-of-fact about it. There doesn’t seem to be any particular attachment to the Gandrault Gang. The barrier magic is what’s capturing her interest. Valeria also seems equally fascinated.
"I’d like to test its strength."
"Then let’s give it a try?"
Valeria nods with a mischievous smile in response to Liliane’s playful tone. They’re a dangerous pair, even if it’s just a joke.
"...Let’s not."
I voice my caution. Barrier magic is something you rarely see except in real combat. Some of the girls, especially the new ones, might be curious. The deputy leader, unlike the easygoing leader, remains vigilant. It’s reassuring to see.
"By the way, Liliane, you mentioned a suspicious place. Did you find anything unusual?"
"Well, there was an area with no magical reaction, which is odd. It looked like a normal house, but wouldn’t it be strange if there were no living magic tools inside?"
It’s suspicious. It doesn’t make sense. A household that doesn’t use magic tools is almost unheard of. Basic living tools are essential and not excessively expensive. Even the bare minimum would produce a magical reaction.
If there’s no reaction at all, it’s likely that the magic is intentionally being blocked. Otherwise, it’s almost impossible.
"An odd situation. Let’s check that house on our way back."
"Sure, let’s do that."
"Sounds good."
Liliane and Valeria seem excited. They seem to get along in strange ways. A little side mission won’t hurt. Knocking out some suspicious characters on the way would be fine.
Just as we were about to get into the vehicle, another intense magical reaction swept through. Multiple reactions, almost simultaneous, and in a chain reaction.
"Onee-sama, look at that!"
"Hey, Yukarinowe! Look!"
I don’t need to be told, but their panicked voices draw my attention immediately.
"...What is that? What’s happening?"
Looking at the Clad Family’s estate, the area within the barrier has become murky, as if filled with dust. It’s like a cloud of dirt, but it appeared silently and suddenly. The barrier magic might have blocked the sound. The disturbance is likely due to the intense magical reactions we just felt.
"Did the Clad Family do that? No way. They were attacked!"
The glowing barrier seems to lose its luster, confirming the attack. The barrier magic is gradually losing its power. Whether the attack was too powerful to maintain the magic or the magic tool was damaged, it will soon disappear.
It’s not just a dust cloud. The worst-case scenarios come to mind.
"The barrier will disappear soon. Liliane, can you blow the dust away with the wind to prevent it from spreading into the city?"
If it spreads in the city center, secondary damage is likely. If it can be removed, it should be done. Liliane, who isn’t great with support magic, thinks for a moment before suggesting a compromise.
"It’s tricky. I can probably scatter it upwards, though."
"That’ll do. The barrier is about to break. I’m counting on you."
Following Liliane’s movements, a wind vortex begins to form, enveloping the fading barrier. It looks like a gentle tornado.
"It’s disappearing!"
As the barrier vanishes, the dust is neatly lifted upward. It’s a beautiful sight. With this, there should be no significant damage.
The Clad Family’s estate, now clearly visible, is in ruins. Most of the buildings are destroyed, reduced to piles of rubble. Large craters scar the ground. The dust that was blown away must have been inside the barrier.
To put it bluntly, it’s devastating. The members trying to destroy the poison-spewing devices and those providing aid are likely buried under the debris. The scene is one of despair.
The extent of the damage to people and property is unknown. What happened to Balgar Clad and his associates? What about the young girls from Anastasia Union? Given the Clad Family’s preparation of high-end magic tools, there might still be a glimmer of hope.
Seeing the large craters, it’s clear this was caused by an explosion. It’s no coincidence. This was intentional.
Anger rises, and my body heats up.
"Look over there. People are coming out."
"Onee-sama, let’s go."
I regain my composure at their voices. Liliane points to the house with no magical reaction. A group of people, carrying clubs, are emerging. Are they going to finish the job?
"Those guys! Let’s go!"
There’s no time for hesitation. We all rush to the Jeep and speed off.
This chapter aimed to showcase the usefulness and potential of magic tools. More will be introduced in the future.
Next, a hint of what’s to come. The next sub-chapter, "The Man Who Cuts Through the Clouds," will continue. Stay tuned!