Chapter 33: Escort (3)

Chapter 33: Escort (3)

Escort (3)

The swirling snowflakes were gradually subsiding. In the early morning, the lightly falling snow made the desolate mountains look lonely.

Of course, objects couldnt have emotions, so it must have been because of my own feelings.

Strictly speaking, this mission was close to failure.

The four agents would have scattered in all directions. Phiri wouldnt be able to save everyone in these mountains.

In fact, I couldnt even guarantee Phiris survival. There were many worrying aspects.

After all, the leader in the game was a devil worshipper.

Im not certain right now, but

I couldnt exclude the possibility that this mission was a plot to eliminate Phiri.

Negative thoughts overwhelmed me, and my emotions became complicated. Was it all futile and in vain?

I knew from the start that this mission wasnt highly likely to succeed. I anticipated the risks.

Yet, my heart was complicated, probably because this was the first failure I might face.

For the past three years, there had been dangers, but no failures. The missions had always been successful, thanks to the dukes careful considerations.

Perhaps I had come to believe that I could always succeed, despite the hardships.

No, its not all bad. This could be a valuable experience.

I thought that for a moment.

I sensed devil worshippers guarding their positions far away. I quickly hid myself.

There were three of them.

Considering their movements and current positions, they seemed to be on the outer edge of the encirclement.

There were fewer people here compared to when I entered this area.

It was probably because of Phiri and the other agents.

Thinking about it, I felt a bit annoyed.

It wasnt an unreasonable feeling. I had been through a lot because of those guys for the past few days. And it would probably continue.

Should I take care of them?

When moving with Phiri, I had passed by without leaving unnecessary traces.

But not this time.

Of course, it wasnt without risk.

However, considering the situation, it was a task I could reasonably attempt. There were also some logical reasons for doing so.

This area was the outer edge of the encirclement. The main group would be chasing Phiri and the agents from the inside.

The probability of strong opponents being here was low.

Besides, drawing their attention here could also be helpful for Phiri and the agents.

Phiri said she would leave the decision to my judgment. What would she do in this situation? She probably would have taken action.

With half my heart resolved, I closed the distance a bit. I could decide after observing them closely.

Yes, thats it.

The guys I approached didnt look particularly powerful. Of course, I couldnt be certain just by appearances, but

Even their minor postures and attitudes irritated me. I could handle them just fine.

I also sensed another encirclement farther away, positioned on the left and right of these guys.

There was some distance between them. I wasnt sure about the frequency of their communication, but it was a risk I could take.

After all, situations like this required taking risks.

Swift and quiet.

I approached the guys from behind discreetly.Ñøv€l--ß1n hosted the premiere release of this chapter.

After preventing any sounds from spreading with the Winds, I sharpened the edges of the Winds blades.

Normally, I refrained from using Winds for offensive purposes.

Partly because I needed to improve my physical skills, and partly because I wasnt yet fully skilled with winds.

It wouldnt work against opponents stronger than a certain level. However, it was more than enough for these guys.

They were low-level enemies, chatting casually. Their deaths were instant, and the sound of winds was buried in the gusts.

Simultaneously, the three men whose throats I slashed couldnt even scream before falling to the ground.

Blood splattered among the falling snowflakes, staining the snow under their bodies red.

I instinctively checked their belongings, as there might be useful information.

Wait.

Even if some of the agents or Phiri survived, did they notice these guys identities?

I doubted it.

They hadnt had a chance to properly confirm their identities while fleeing.

Thats why both Phiri and the Chief initially thought there was no need to organize the branch.

The leader might suspect that we interfered with the Empires Stratagem they were preparing.

I didnt bring up the devil worshippers tattoos; it wasnt necessary and would be hasty.

I kept silent, allowing the leader time to think.

Its not an easy mission, and the situation has changed a lot.

.

What do you think we should do?

The leader asked for my opinion. He was a middle-aged man, and it seemed like he would be someone I could communicate with.

Although they valued the opinions of field agents, I was a newcomer on my first mission.

Agents who had survived for a long time must have had their reasons for doing so, right?

First, we need to stop pretending to be part of this Merchant Guild.

Instead of answering, the leader fell into thought. Meanwhile, Mohen glared at me sharply.

It seemed like he was telling me not to speak recklessly and unnecessarily provoke them.

The leader hesitated for a few seconds before nodding heavily.

Yes, youre right. Its meaningless.

The leader let out a deep sigh.

We should abandon the guise of the Merchant Guild and either search for and assist our allies or retreat quickly. Either way, we should withdraw to the branch.

Although he seemed to think of them as the Empire, his thoughts were quickly changing.

It felt like the conversation was heading in a good direction.

We should retreat. We need to organize the branch.

Carlyn! Be careful with your words. Who asked for your judgment?

Unexpectedly, Mohen intervened, saying something he had heard from Phiri before.

While Mohen was staring at me, seemingly unable to contain his anger, the leader intervened.

Quiet. Who told you to interfere? Im listening to the field agents opinion.

.

Mohen closed his mouth tightly. His shoulders seemed to tremble in anger.

I concluded the conversation.

Vice leader granted me full authority.

Well, she said she would leave the decision to me in the future, but in a broad sense, that was what it meant.

Mohen looked like he couldnt believe it, but he didnt have the courage to speak up again.

The leader nodded.

Then let it be so. If the Vice leader trusts you, and your words are not wrong.

Nadmo.

Enough. I wont listen to objections.

In response to a question from an agent, the leader, Nadmo, firmly shook his head.

Discard everything and only take what we need. From now on, well return to the branch at full speed.

I let out a sigh of relief internally. I was a bit worried when coming here, but things went smoother than I expected.

If the leader had been someone who wouldnt listen, the situation could have become quite complicated.

Amidst everyones busy preparations, Nadmo didnt forget to take care of me.

You look exhausted. Is it okay to leave immediately?

Yes. I think I can rest briefly while moving.

In the meantime, can I lead the agents?

You can continue to do so.

Alright then.

Nadmo nodded with a satisfied expression.

I rode on the spare horse. After this, I couldnt expect anything, as the situation was highly unpredictable.

We wouldnt immediately retreat after organizing the branch.

We might move to some hiding place to exchange information. All I could do was hope for Phiri and the allied agents safe return.

As I was thinking that, I heard the sound of the system message updating. It had been a while since I heard that sound.

[You gain Stratagem experience. You reach Stratagem Level 5 and acquire the Resourceful Savior trait.]

The word Savior caught my eye. It meant that someone was saved; that person must have succeeded in escaping.

A strange feeling surged as I realized I had a hand in it.

Although I was someone with no presence, something like a sense of camaraderie seemed to emerge.

The heavy heart I had felt, thinking it was a failure, seemed to lighten a little.