Chapter 276 - Light Illuminating the Sky
Leaving the city of Exembra, we find ourselves in a landscape where the accumulated snow covers everything in a blanket of white. Even though the snow has mostly melted and the drifts are no longer a meter high, it’s still a fair statement that this place is sealed off by the snow.
Most people wouldn’t attempt an expedition in such conditions. However, the road between Exembra and the Royal Capital remains open, albeit with regular snow removal. Other routes, though, are likely buried under the snow. Only those heading to the Royal Capital or, like us, those who train outside, venture out from Exembra. Our group often leaves the city for training, so the gatekeepers don’t find it unusual.
Incidentally, the main streets and squares inside the city are kept clear thanks to magical devices. As the city grows, the area cleared of snow expands, making life more convenient for the residents. The outer side of the gates must also be kept clear to avoid hindering entry and exit. With greater wealth, the main roads might eventually be kept clear year-round.
As we exit in a convoy of four vehicles, we immediately begin a demonstration in the snow. Everyone gets out of the vehicles to observe.
Magic can turn the impossible into the possible. While most of us have experience using magic for snow removal, I’ll show them the proper technique.
"First, use magic to sense if anyone’s around. Just to be sure."
We’re heading towards the Royal Capital from the east gate. We won’t enter the city but will proceed northwest from there. Beyond the Royal Capital, the roads are buried in snow, so we need to clear them. We’ll practice by using magic on a different road.
I assume there won’t be any pedestrians on the snow-covered road, but we can’t be certain. We need to check.
"The magic we’ll use is wind. Fire would scorch the road, but wind is safer. Aim for a width greater than the vehicles and clear the area up to the point we sense with magic. Ready? Let’s go!"
I spread a net of magical perception along the road, confirming there are no unwanted obstacles. Then, I release a powerful gust of wind, fueled by my magic.
The wind pushes the snow aside, sending it flying as far as my magical perception can reach. The wind magic, crawling along the ground, finally stops at the horizon.
"That’s the idea. The members in the lead vehicle should give it a try later. Efficient magic use is a matter of skill."
"I’ll do it too!"
"I can’t manage that distance, but maybe Liliane can?"
"I have an aptitude for wind magic, so I’m confident. We’ll start the snow removal beyond the Royal Capital with the Ninth Combat Unit."
"Thanks, but it’s a long road. Take turns when you get tired."
We’ll proceed normally to the Royal Capital, and then the real journey begins. Using magic to clear the snow, we’ll push the vehicles to their limits. With our strength, we can force our way through.
We repeat this process, camping in the vehicles, and after a few days, we reach the border of Donditch. The border isn’t heavily guarded unless there’s an emergency, so we should be able to pass through without much trouble.
Our group, presenting ourselves as female mercenaries, should be accepted without too much scrutiny. With the recent surge in people traveling between the Kingdom of Brenark and Exembra, border checks are less stringent. However, as the Kikyo Society, we’re a known entity in the eastern part of the continent, and I don’t expect to pass through without attracting attention.
While we might be able to cross the border, we’ll likely be marked. If anything goes wrong in Tanbury, our involvement could be suspected on our return. We want to avoid any delays.
Thus, we take a path without checkpoints, veering off the main road and advancing through the snow-covered wilderness. The terrain is mostly flat, and any obstacles can be cleared with magic. Despite the challenges, we make steady progress.
After crossing into Donditch, we continue deeper into the snow. The unfamiliar landscape, blanketed in white, could be disorienting, but with a strong sense of direction, we manage. Relying on the terrain and stars, we proceed without issue.
After a series of small adventures, we reach the city of Tanbury. The city gates, visible in the distance, have a slightly different feel from those in the Kingdom of Brenark, perhaps more rustic. The city gates are open as the sun sets, welcoming us like old friends.
The light of the sun is particularly striking, hinting at the approaching spring. The setting sun, casting a fierce glow over the city, seems to set the sky ablaze, stirring a sense of excitement within us.
I can hardly wait to get started.
"That southern city gate has been secured. Show the Kikyo emblem, and we’ll pass through smoothly. The timing is perfect."
As our lead vehicle approaches the gate, we stop just before the gatekeeper. One of our members shows the Kikyo emblem badge, and we’re allowed entry without any questions. It’s satisfying when things go as planned.
We follow our guide to the city center, eventually arriving at an abandoned workshop.
"This is our hideout. It may not look like much, but it’s livable."
"Good work, everyone."
We park the vehicles and carry our belongings inside. The interior of the abandoned workshop is spacious, with chairs and tables scattered about. The air is clean, thanks to purification magic.
"...The underground area seems noisy."
"President, your hearing is impressive. We’ve prepared rooms upstairs, so everyone, please head there."
The workshop once housed workers, so there are many small rooms. We each find a room to store our belongings and then gather downstairs.
"Should we head underground?"
"No, the air down there is poor. Wait here."
"What’s going on down there?"
"They’re interrogating someone. I can tell from the sounds."
"I knew someone was there, but I’m impressed you can hear them."
I have exceptional hearing.
As we talk, three women, including our guide, come up from the underground.
"President, everyone, we apologize for the late welcome."
"It’s fine. You’ve been busy. Please give us a status update."
Despite the desire to commend their hard work, it’s best to wait until the mission is complete.
"Actually, the situation has changed further."
"Further?"
I can’t help but ask. The others from Exembra must feel the same way.
Sitting in front of us, the two members of the Intelligence Bureau begin their explanation.
"You’re aware that our agent was eliminated by the Ljungberg Family. This sparked a conflict with their successor, leading to numerous casualties on both sides, plunging the city into chaos."
"Normally, the city’s influential figures would mediate such conflicts, but our buyouts have left them largely absent. They’re on extended vacations, so they can claim ignorance about any incidents. As a result, the situation is out of control."
"Well, that’s not so bad... but there’s more."
"The real issue is that a third party has entered the fray."
Interesting, another organization.
"It’s unlikely that such a force would appear out of nowhere. It suggests that one of the power brokers invited them."
"Exactly, President Liliane. The timing is too convenient. The third party has an overwhelming advantage, and if they win, the one who brought them in will come out on top."
"If that happens, our buyout efforts will have been used against us. That’s unacceptable."
Precisely.
We orchestrated the situation to prevent the city’s power brokers from intervening, but someone has betrayed us and used our plan to their advantage, possibly alone or with others.
"The Ljungberg Family isn’t the only target now."
"We need to settle scores with the traitors. The agent’s death won’t be in vain."
"Have you identified the third party?"
"They’re being interrogated in the underground. We’re trying to determine their origins and goals."
First, we need to know who they are, their size, their commander, and their connections in Tanbury.
"I understand the current situation. How about the other members?"
"One is out investigating, and another is guarding the agent’s subordinates. They won’t return anytime soon."
"We’ll rely on the information they can gather."
"Yes. We’ll continue the interrogation."
"Thank you."
There’s not much we can do immediately. We have some information on the Ljungberg Family, but acting now would only benefit the third party.
The priority is to eliminate the third party, capture the traitor, and then deal with the Ljungberg Family. This is the best course of action.
The extra work is frustrating, but we’ve dealt with worse.
With the sun setting, we prepare dinner together. As we eat, the interrogators return with their findings.
"So, the third party seems to be on par with the Ljungberg Family."
"They’ve been planning their move into Tanbury for some time. Taking control of this city would elevate them as a major force in western Donditch."
"They’re exploiting the conflict between local factions to weaken them and then sweep in. Our efforts provided the perfect opportunity."
"They’re underestimating us."
What can we do? We’re in a different country, and our reputation in Exembra doesn’t carry the same weight. Even if we had used our name openly, it wouldn’t have intimidated these criminals.
Fighting isn’t about names; it’s about action. It’s frustrating, but taking down these arrogant foes will be satisfying.
"At least our bribes have kept the authorities at bay. That preparation was wise."
"Indeed, things are getting interesting."
"Two enemies mean twice the fun. This is a good turn of events."
Paula and Liliane smile. They understand.
For us, this means more stress relief. What’s lucky about this?
This is our first visit to Donditch. Let’s make the most of it.
"So, shall we start tonight? Any information?"
We’re not in a rush, but we’re not here to dawdle.
"The Halmstad Family is planning another attack tonight. Want to watch?"
The third party is the Halmstad Family. We don’t need to remember their name, as they won’t last long.
We agree to the proposal and follow our guide into the night. The streets are quiet, with few people out in the tense atmosphere.
We drive to a large building in the city center, park the vehicles, and climb to the roof. Of course, it’s an unauthorized entry.
"The attack has already begun."
"Wow, they’re really putting on a show."
The night sky is tinged red with flames. The fire must have been started with oil or some chemical.
"Setting a building on fire is quite bold."
"They’re not thinking, just acting on impulse."
"Is this the Ljungberg Family’s compound?"
"Yes, it’s likely to be completely destroyed. I expected a direct assault, not a fire."
Moreover, it’s their main residence. This complicates our plans.
"Onee-sama, it’s not over yet."
The burning building is surrounded by members of the Ljungberg Family, many of whom have managed to escape. Families, women, and children are among them.
Suddenly, a group of men, numbering in the dozens, appear, casting spells and attacking.
They don’t just use magic; they also attack with blades, showing no mercy. They’re even targeting non-combatants. They’re more ruthless than we are.
"They’re relentless. They must have a grudge."
"Maybe. But it seems they enjoy playing with fire. We should exploit that. They’ll love it."
"Hehe, you’re right! Let’s move in once their hideout falls."
The observation is over.
We’ll make the sky even more vividly red.