Chapter 79 - Paying the Tab
The Kikyo Society is as busy today as ever, investigating newly dominated territories and negotiating with newly affiliated groups. We can’t afford to neglect our original business plans, and the efforts of all our members to handle everything are truly commendable. Our non-combat personnel, especially those in the Secretariat and Intelligence Units, have been working tirelessly and deserve all the praise. Of course, we’ve been paying generous bonuses too. We believe in rewarding effort and results. It’s only right.
Time has passed, and the hectic pace is finally easing up a bit.
I, as the president, have been traveling to various places and find it hard to get the leisurely time I used to have. Still, our earnings have significantly increased, and the Kikyo Society is brimming with energy. The enthusiasm of our new members, especially the younger ones, is both heartwarming and reassuring.
While our numbers have grown, so has our territory, and we’re once again facing a shortage of personnel. But we won’t lower our training and education standards just because we’re short on hands. We need the apprentices and new members to step up and work hard.
Meanwhile, the civil war in Retnark has reached a stalemate.
The New Revolutionary Army, once thought to be in a strong position, lost a major battle in Exembra and has lost its momentum, now matching the military regime's forces. Both sides are worn out from the conflict, and it will take a considerable amount of time for them to recover.
For the time being, there won’t be any major military moves, but the internal situation in Retnark is likely to remain tough. How long will it last?
It doesn’t concern us directly, and if it does, the residents of Exembra will take care of it. It’s a pity for the people of Retnark, though. I wonder if there will be more immigrants and refugees from the old Brenark, especially from Exembra.
As I was preparing to go out in the evening, I was approached by Graylease from the Intelligence Unit.
“Yukari-san, are you going out?”
“Yeah, just for a bit. I’ll be back before it gets too late.”
“Is Valeria not going with you?”
“No, she’s out on another errand. Is something wrong?”
“No, I was just concerned. It seems someone has been snooping around the Headquarters lately. We don’t have much information yet, but please be careful when you go out.”
People are always poking around our area, so I’m not too worried. I’m not one to hide just because someone might attack me. Still, it’s a good reminder, and I’ll keep an eye out. Better safe than sorry.
“I don’t think there will be any problems, but I’ll keep it in mind.”
“Thank you.”
I was seen off by the other members who were still at the office and headed out. I could feel more eyes on me than usual, and I detected a few people using Physical Enhancement Magic around me. If they want to pick a fight, I’m ready. It’s just like any other day.
Today, for the first time in a while, I had dinner with Torietta-san from the clothing store. We exchanged opinions on recent fashion trends.
It seems that in the northern kingdom of Berliza, hats are becoming popular among both men and women, and this trend is gradually spreading to Exembra. I hadn’t noticed it much, but now that it’s mentioned, I do see people wearing such hats from time to time.
“Hats, huh? That’s interesting.”
“Exactly. I thought it might be a good idea to incorporate hats into your wardrobe and wanted to get your opinion.”
Torietta-san has become my unofficial stylist, and I’m glad for it. She has much better taste than I do.
I didn’t have any strong preferences for hats, but we discussed which styles I might like and how they might pair with my coat.
When it comes to hats, the first one that comes to mind is a Garbo hat, also known as a cloche. It might actually go well with my elegant long coat.
The Kikyo Society has members of all types, and it would be fun to see them wear hats that suit them. Berets, hunting caps, Tyrolean hats, cowboy hats, ten-gallon hats, top hats, and newsboy caps... maybe a bit too much.
Sometimes, it’s nice to have a casual chat unrelated to work.
We enjoyed our meal and conversation for a while, and before it got too late, we called it a night.
“I’ll treat. I always come here with Kikyo Society members, so I’ll settle the bill while I’m at it.”
“Thank you. I’ll look forward to your next visit. I’ll have some options ready for you to try.”
“Looking forward to it.”
As we left the restaurant and walked a bit, I spotted someone wearing a stylish hat. They must be fashion-sensitive.
After parting ways with Torietta-san, I walked along, thinking about trivial matters, when I sensed an odd presence.
“Troublesome.”
I didn’t think it was a mistake, but it seemed I was gradually being surrounded.
They were carefully moving to form an encirclement, but my magic perception was able to detect the group using Physical Enhancement Magic perfectly. They might be the same people I sensed earlier.
I didn’t feel like fighting, but if they wanted a fight, I had to give it to them.
I wanted to finish this quickly, so I chose a direction with fewer people, making it easier for them to attack.
As I walked away from the busy streets and into a narrow alley, I found an open space.
There were construction materials and piles of gravel, probably for a new building.
They might have thought I was distracted and moved closer. I sensed their presence approaching rapidly.
Suddenly, I was attacked from behind. I dodged the swift, silent approach and grabbed the attacker’s arm, slamming them into the wall. The first fool hit the wall with a thud and collapsed.
Next, two attackers came at me from both sides. I dodged them by taking a step forward and kicked one in the leg, then swept the other’s legs out from under them. They wouldn’t be getting up anytime soon. It was a shame I couldn’t see their faces, but they all had masks on.
As I thought about the next fool, I suddenly felt heavy.
“This must be an obstruction spell.”
My magic use was hindered, making it difficult to maintain Physical Enhancement Magic. This is a mid-level obstruction spell.
Normally, a mid-level obstruction spell wouldn’t be a problem for me, but this time, I was targeted by multiple spells. It’s impossible for me to counter them all. I can’t use magic in this battle unless I take out the caster. I didn’t bring any magic potions today, so I’m in a bind.
As if on cue, someone approached me confidently from the front.
“So, you underestimated me.”
The Kikyo Society members, including myself, never neglect our combat training. I have skills in close combat. I’ll accept this handicap and face it head-on.
I carefully avoided a forceful strike from the masked attacker, enhanced by Physical Enhancement Magic. I couldn’t use magic, so I had to be cautious. The attacker, growing impatient, lunged at me boldly. That’s why they’re fools.
“Hmph!”
I used their momentum to perform a back throw, slamming them into the ground headfirst.
Adapting to the situation, I was able to take down the next attacker with a single counter.
I dominated the small, open space with just my fists, despite the handicap of not being able to use magic. I found the situation somewhat exhilarating.
As I continued to take down the fools, I realized that most of those I had knocked out earlier were getting back up. This was going to be endless.
The fools seemed to think the same thing.
The masked group stepped back, perhaps realizing they lacked the necessary weapons for long-range attacks. They might be planning to use magic to finish me off.
Who are these people?
Their methods are too sophisticated to be just regular gang members. They don’t chatter and their skills are far beyond those of common thugs.
Moreover, having multiple obstruction spell casters prepared is too much. They seem like a well-organized group hired by someone. I can handle it because of my multiple skills, but I have no idea who hired them. They won’t answer honestly, so I’ll have to let the Intelligence Unit investigate later.
Their stealth and coordination are quite high, even if they’re not as formidable in combat. From their movements and fighting style, they seem more like spies who can handle some combat rather than assassins or combat specialists.
I can probably get through this, but I’ll deal with the rest later.
As I heard the faint sound of spell casting, they started to coordinate, adjusting their spell timing and positions.
Troublesome. If they cast simultaneously, it would be easier to handle.
I avoided high-impact spells and relied on my coat’s defenses for the rest. Still, this was getting tough. My stamina was draining faster than theirs, and someone might come to investigate the commotion. I can’t wait for rescue.
I needed to take action, but without Physical Enhancement Magic, I couldn’t close the distance to attack. So, I had to do something else.
“Go!”
As I dodged the spells, I casually picked up a small stone and threw it, striking a sneaky observer in the forehead.
Even without Physical Enhancement Magic, I can turn a simple stone into a lethal projectile with my Throwing Skill. Don’t underestimate me.
The obstruction spell weakened, likely because I had taken out one of the casters. By chance, but effective. If I can take out one or two more, I might be able to use magic again.
My aim is precise. I’ll keep throwing stones until I hit the target. Fortunately, there are plenty of stones around, so I’ll keep going.
I dodged the rain of spells, looking for an opening to throw a stone. Even with accurate aim, they would try to avoid or block the attack. A straight throw, even if powerful, can be dodged.
So, I used a no-look throw, aiming in a completely different direction. It took out a few, but not the main target.
They became more cautious, hiding while casting spells.
Futile. Hiding won’t help. My magic perception can track them easily. No amount of hiding will save them from my unpredictable throws.
Even if I don’t take them out in one hit, I’ll hit them with the next throw as soon as they show any weakness.
One by one, I took them down, and the obstruction spell pressure weakened. I must have hit the main target. Good, now I can use magic!
I grinned, confident of victory.
“Captain, we can’t hold on much longer. Permission to use equipment.”
“...I didn’t expect to have to use our last resort against such a force. It’s distasteful, but we have no choice. Proceed.”
Just as I was confident of victory, they spoke for the first time. I could hear everything with my keen hearing.
What’s their trump card? What can they do in this situation? They don’t seem like they’re planning to retreat.
Well, it doesn’t matter. I’ve already located the captain. Taking him out will force them to retreat.
Once I could use magic again, I immediately cast Physical Enhancement Magic. It was a bit awkward, but it worked.
I also generated an iron ball, intending to break through the wall where the captain was hiding.
However, my spell casting was slower than usual, and they acted first.
Damn, I need to defend first. I’ll counter with Active Armor and finish this quickly!
Even though I’m caught in the explosion, I won’t be hurt. Still, the smoke is a nuisance.
I would prefer to end this before they use their trump card. The explosion envelops me in flames and smoke. While I’m invulnerable, the smoke is a bit bothersome.
Sigh. The smoke is thick, and I can’t see anything. I’ll disperse it with the wind.
As I tried to cast a wind spell, my vision suddenly narrowed.
“Oh, what...?”
In the next moment, I lost consciousness.