Chapter 193 - A Suspicious Shack
We set off early in the morning, avoiding the eyes of the city.
We moved quickly, heading south instead of the southwest route to the Abandoned Road. It’s a bit west of true south, but it’s manageable.
Despite our high hopes, the scenery remains unchanged as we drive through the endless grasslands and cross several bridges over rivers. In the distance, the forest marks the border between the Brenark Kingdom and the small states.
While the forest’s borders fluctuate, it’s a suitable border due to the lack of significant mineral resources or tourist attractions. Probably, no one cares much about it.
Historically, there have been no issues in this border area, and despite the proximity to the border, there’s no militaristic presence. There are no fortifications, not even a small shack, and no border guards. We occasionally pass a few people, but the number is limited. The vast land and the peaceful atmosphere are evident.
By noon, we reach the forest’s edge and take a break.
We decide to have a light meal and reconfirm our immediate plans.
"The country we’re entering is called Narctopress, where aggressive beastmen are in control. Be on your guard."
While we usually think of the region as a cluster of small states, each has its own name and characteristics. However, we’re not here as tourists.
Despite the warning, everyone seems relaxed. Most of them are visiting a new place for the first time.
"Our destination is far from any town. We’re unlikely to encounter anyone other than those involved in drug production."
"There might be unusual magical beasts. I’m eager to fight."
Ophelia fiddles with flames playfully, and Albert swings his hammer to loosen up. While Albert would deny it, Ophelia has a boyish personality, driven by curiosity. Albert is more of a mischievous friend. They’re a restless pair.
"A bit of trouble could be good for morale."
"They’re aggressive, but they won’t attack immediately, right?"
"That could be fun, too."
Liliane speaks calmly but bravely, while Mia remains slightly uneasy but vigilant. Violante is smiling at everyone’s casual demeanor. They make a great team: a calm warrior, a supportive younger sister, and an observant older sister.
"Onee-sama, your hairstyle is beautiful."
"Thanks. Come here."
I gather her semi-long hair, combing it through my fingers. The smooth texture is comforting, and the scent of the high-quality shampoo from Epic Junebel is delightful. A citrusy aroma fills the air.
I usually tie my long hair with a hairpin or let it flow freely. For this trip, I’ve adopted a more practical hairstyle, thanks to the magical ribbon. The black velvet ribbon, imbued with a powerful lightning-avoidance enchantment, needs to be worn in the hair to be effective. I’ve tied it into a simple ponytail, which feels appropriate for the warm spring weather and the southern climate.
My travel attire is more casual. Instead of my usual dark coat, I’m wearing a moon-white, long cardigan-like coat, a simple V-neck long T-shirt, and culottes, with short boots. The only formal touch is a large teardrop-shaped sunglasses to cover my eyes.
The others are similarly casual. Valerie, in particular, is wearing a similarly styled coat over a T-shirt and shorts.
After styling Valerie’s hair to match mine, she heads into the forest, full of energy. The rest of us relax on the grass.
The green meadow is dotted with purple Kikyo flowers, a common sight around Exembra in spring. Lying on the grass, I close my eyes, enjoying the floral fragrance and the warmth of the sun. It’s a rare moment of leisure, and it feels good.
After the break, we continue along the border, avoiding entering the forest.
According to our information, our first destination is a remote area near the border, far from the center of Narctopress.
However, we have several potential locations for drug production sites in the southern states, and we’re unsure which, if any, are the right ones. The information is somewhat vague, which is understandable given the nature of our former adversaries. We don’t have the time to check all the sites, so our chances of success are lower.
Even if the fields we’ve identified aren’t valuable, Lily’s ideas and skills might make them useful. Establishing bases in various countries has its benefits. Planting seeds in multiple places might yield unexpected results in the future. For now, we’re treating this as a mix of a business trip and a sightseeing tour. The outcome is uncertain, but we’re keeping an open mind.
As we drive, we spot a sign of a path through the rocks. This is a decoy; the real path is a bit further ahead, where the terrain is more challenging.
We become more cautious and drive the jeeps carefully through the winding, poorly visible path.
After a while, Mia, who had gone ahead for reconnaissance, returns with a report.
"It’s not a drug field. There are a few shacks, but there are guards, so I couldn’t investigate further."
A sneak attack could take out a few guards without revealing our identity, but this is just a preliminary reconnaissance.
"A miss. How many guards were there?"
"Two outside, one in the forest behind. There are more inside the shacks. The two outside were playing cards and not paying much attention."
Even if they’re not fully alert, we should treat them as guards. They’ll respond if they see us. This remote area with guarded buildings suggests some illegal activity.
"It could be a storage facility, separate from the production site."
"We need to be careful. If it’s related to the Clad Family or Anastasia Union, getting involved could cause trouble. The Intelligence Bureau was cautious this time."
"It’s probably related to the Snake Head Society. I confirmed their snake emblem."
The others consider the possibilities. Mia adds the missing information.
"If it’s snake-related, it’s unlikely to be the Clad Family or Anastasia Union."
"It could be remnants of the Snake Head Society who fled Exembra or those who were already active here. It’s best to avoid unnecessary trouble."
"What do you think, Onee-sama?"
Hmm, it’s intriguing. What are they hiding in these remote shacks? Even if it’s not directly profitable, my curiosity is piqued. The more I think about it, the more I want to know.
Avoiding trouble would be the wise choice, but everyone else is equally curious. Unresolved questions can be mentally taxing, and there doesn’t seem to be significant risk. We might as well investigate.
"I don’t want to leave without any results. But revealing our identity as the Kikyo Society would be too risky."
Even in casual attire, we wear Kikyo crests and badges. Our faces and names are known, especially mine, who is a well-known figure in the underworld of the eastern continent, though it’s not a pleasant thought.
"We should avoid unnecessary killings but also avoid retaliation. A stealthy approach, then."
One member stands out for the task.
A small team can take down a few guards without revealing our identity. However, for a more efficient and non-destructive approach, we have a specialist. She follows Mia’s lead, and the rest of us, leaving the junior members to guard the vehicles, follow her.
We navigate the uneven terrain and reach the edge of a clearing. Ahead are the shacks, made of wood, a style unfamiliar in stone-dominant Exembra. Despite their worn appearance, they seem structurally sound.
In Exembra, buildings are mostly stone, constructed with magic, which is faster and cheaper than wood. The different construction methods reflect the cultural differences, and it adds to the travel experience. Yes, these details are fascinating.
As I’m lost in thought, the stealth operation begins.
From a distance, it’s hard to see what’s happening, but with prior knowledge of the attack method, the situation is clear.
All the guards are simultaneously incapacitated, restrained by shadows.
"Impressive. She even got the guard in the forest."
"It’s a versatile skill, even if it’s not flashy."
This is a specialty of the Intelligence Bureau’s Graylease: Shadow Magic. It extends and manipulates shadows to influence targets. By touching a target’s shadow, the mage can perform actions like pushing, pulling, and constricting. The range is long, and with sufficient skill, multiple shadows can be controlled simultaneously. The movements are discreet, especially at night, but the power is limited. It can’t sever bones, for example, but it’s a powerful and subtle magical ability.
The guards, restrained by extended shadows, fall unconscious. Mia and Graylease confirm the area is clear and signal us to approach. We move in for the next steps.
"I’ll handle the main building. Mia, take the left, Graylease, the right. The rest, stay alert for any newcomers. Check the surroundings for traps. If there are any magical devices, they’ll be easier to spot. Valerie and Albert, check the back."
I give the instructions in a low voice, and everyone nods in agreement.
Based on the sensed magical auras, they haven’t noticed us yet. We proceed cautiously, ready to investigate this mysterious Snake Head Society-affiliated facility.