Chapter 291 - Starting the Town Capture from Scratch
With great ambition and hope in our hearts, we arrived at the seaside town.
This is the port town of Rigaheim.
While it's considered a moderately developed town in the region, the current situation, due to its association with a collapsed state, is far from reliable. According to the records, it should have a population similar to a small city, but since the fall of the old Retnark Kingdom, the population in this area has steadily declined.
This is primarily due to significant concerns about security and the economy. Many people have left for places like the Kingdom of Brenark, which has been accepting refugees, leading to a noticeable population decrease. This trend is not surprising given the circumstances.
As a result, despite being a relatively large port town, Rigaheim feels unusually desolate.
While the town center is said to be more lively, the outskirts are clearly in decline.
Abandoned and dilapidated houses and closed shops are common, and there are few people around. Beggars and loiterers are scattered about, creating a decidedly unwelcoming atmosphere for visitors.
The town of Rigaheim, with its pervasive sense of despair and silence, is a place where no bright elements are to be found.
Our group, unbothered by the somber atmosphere, moves through the town with a bold and ostentatious presence. The roaring engines of our vehicles cut through the silence with a loud, intimidating sound.
For the first time, I find myself wishing for those annoying jingle bells on a vehicle. The urge to shatter the oppressive atmosphere of this town is overwhelming. With such a device, we could surely disrupt any mood.
The noise is not just for show; it serves a purpose.
First, to make a strong impression as the new Kikyo Society. Anyone who sees such a bold and flashy group will assume we are dangerous.
Second, to dominate the conversation. People will be so intrigued by us that they won't be able to stop talking about us. In a small town with little to talk about, this is particularly effective.
A casual mention of a strange group of women won't cut it. The first impression is crucial. If everyone knows the Kikyo Society as a group of dangerous women in black and moon-white coats, riding impressive vehicles, it saves us the trouble of introducing ourselves.
Third, it's a signal to our members already on-site. They will surely be relieved to see us.
We pass through fields and orchards on the outskirts and enter the town, which lacks walls or gates. After a short while, a group blocking the road comes into view.
They are a ragtag group, poorly armed and far from elite, but they seem to be trying to protect the town.
They are shouting something, but the distance and the noise of our vehicles make it impossible to hear. From their gestures, they are likely telling us to stop.
"This is Siegrune. That group must be the town vigilantes, just as expected, President Yukari."
"Yeah, we'll just ignore them and plow through."
The vigilantes' confusion must be considerable. This strange group is hard to identify.
They might think we're bandits, but our vehicles and attire are unlike anything seen in this region. Our well-tailored coats and the fact that we are all women should be noticeable.
It's not easy to mistake us for ordinary bandits. Even if a small group of bandits tried to attack a well-populated town, they would likely be repelled.
The identity of this strange group of women is a mystery.
What are their intentions?
What is the meaning of this bold and flashy behavior?
These questions have no easy answers, and the vigilantes' confusion and caution will only deepen.
We, being unconventional, choose an equally unconventional response.
We will leave no doubt that we are dangerous and unpredictable. It's a kind of greeting.
"This is Mary. The Second Combat Unit will spread out to provide defense. No one is to engage from our side."
The Combat Unit members, following Mary's orders, spread out on either side of the convoy to protect the jeeps and support members.
I, Siegrune, Valerie, and Mary lead the way, with Rosabel still driving Delta at the rear.
We slow down slightly but raise the engine noise as a warning.
Ignoring the desperate calls, we charge through the vigilantes. Naturally, no one is actually run over. They scatter and shout in anger.
Despite the swords, spears, and magic attacks from the vigilantes, we easily deflect everything.
Our defenses and combat skills, honed by the Kikyo Society, are more than sufficient. I glance back to confirm the expected outcome.
We continue our imposing march into the town center.
I look around, comparing what I see with the maps and information we have. The attention and focus from the townspeople are expected. We head towards the port.
Turning a corner, the vast blue sea comes into view.
The sky and sea merge at the end of the straight road, creating a stunning scene.
The sea breeze carries the scent of salt, making the experience of being by the sea very real.
The atmosphere is invigorating. For those of us from inland, the non-ordinary nature of the sea is strong. Many of the members who are seeing the sea for the first time are likely excited.
If not for the roaring vehicles, I'm sure we would have heard their cheers.
We continue our majestic procession, arriving at the port and following the light magic signal to a warehouse area.
Heading south, we enter a row of warehouses. The light magic leads us deeper into the area.
As we progress, the atmosphere becomes increasingly eerie.
The warehouses that appear to be in regular use gradually give way to dilapidated, poorly maintained structures.
The previously bustling port and warehouse area still had a sense of normalcy, but the deeper areas are more desolate. The area is reminiscent of the town's entrance, with many beggars-like figures visible.
The dilapidated warehouses are haphazardly modified and used as they are.
The streets are littered with trash and filth, the walls are covered in graffiti and damage, and the area is generally dirty and disorderly.
Thin, dirty children, elderly people, and drug addicts are scattered around, creating a complete slum-like atmosphere.
At the end of this slum-like area is a large, old warehouse, spacious enough for Delta to enter. Compared to the chaotic surrounding warehouses, it is relatively well-maintained, though old. This is our destination.
By the open door of the warehouse, a few members of our group, dressed in black and moon-white coats, are waiting to greet us.
We cross the open space in front of the warehouse, follow the directions, and park the vehicles inside. The interior is larger than expected, easily accommodating all our vehicles.
It's an ideal location for our base, despite the less-than-ideal location.
After the last vehicle, Delta, safely enters and parks, we exchange brief greetings with our welcoming party.
The Intelligence Bureau members who arrived earlier are experienced veterans. They have been diligently preparing for this mission.
"Phew, my back hurts!"
"What's with that old lady talk, Advisor?"
"Who are you calling an old lady!"
"No, that's not what I meant..."
The old lady is teasing the younger members. She must be excited about the sea.
"Everyone, thank you for the long journey. We have beds prepared, so why don't we enjoy the local wine and seafood?"
It's a bit early to be enjoying the sea, but we're not hungry, and Rosabel isn't suffering from serious back pain.
We can indulge a bit after we've completed everything.