CH 90

(Ryo POV for the whole chapter)

“It’s as if the landscape hasn’t changed at all…”

Before my eyes, the desert spreads out indefinitely.

The world is a realm of searing heat during the day and frigid darkness at night without any buildings or impediments.

“I would prefer to take a different route on the way back…”

“Then I’d like to head for Europe on the way back.”

“In that case, please make some delicious pastries for us.”

“That sounds greatー”

“Yeah…”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

The members of the “Mercenary of the Fog” in my immediate vicinity are also voicing feeble complaints about the hardships of being in this desert, and the discourse inadvertently deviates.

Yes, as for Shigan, she ended up joining the “Mercenary of the Fog” and is under our care. Although I have no clue where she learned it, she is pretty adept at blending with the group.

Izumi, on the other hand, has some reservations about Shigan spontaneously.

Now, why did we, the “Mercenary of the Fog,” choose to cross the desert? It all stemmed from a contact I received several weeks ago from Kurokiri.

“In other words, Ichiko-san is presently traveling northward through Africa.”

After hearing the whole story from Kurokiri, I replied.

[That’s what things have turned out to be. Therefore, you guys should head west… well, I guess you will meet up with her somewhere in what was once known as Egypt.]

“Across the desert…”

Imagining the world map and the situation in the past, I envisioned the itinerary ahead of us.

[Sorry. However, it doesn’t matter what route you take after the meeting, just reach about 4,000 km from the ‘White Fog and Black Swamp Forest’. If you do so, I believe I can manage things on your side.]

“I understand. But we also have our own operations as the Mercenary of the Fog, and we will prioritize those activities, so it will take a certain amount of time.”

[I know that. Then I’m hanging up.]

“Yes, I understand. Goodbye.

After acknowledging the priority of the activities of the “Mercenary of the Fog,” Kurokiri terminated the communication.

Well, the “Mercenary of the Fog” activities were a good way for Kurokiri to garner experience, therefore it was only logical for him to permit us to do so.

“Now, let’s set off to the west.”

And so we headed west and made our way across the desert.

But now that I am actually crossing the desert, I would like to say, “I will absolutely ensure that Kurokiri will pay for this later!”

Leaving that aside, our current equipment is far lighter than the caravans that traversed the desert in the former world.

There are reasons for this. First of all, water is not a concern for me and the kin, regardless of whether we are in the desert or not, since water is something that can be produced by our skills.

Thus, regarding water, which is heavy and voluminous, there is no problem provided that we have a minimum amount of water.

And as for other articles,

“Miss Ryou, there’s another monster at 3 o’clock.”

The subordinates of the Demon King frequently strike in the region, so we can replenish our supplies by stripping those monsters.

“The scouting team should first search for enemies lurking in the vicinity, while the attacking team should conduct an attack once the firing squad has completed a diversionary attack. If they approach, the close-in squad should concentrate on halting the enemy. The firing squad will focus on firepower in order to eliminate the adversaries in a single blow. As for the medical and welfare teams, please follow the instructions of the scouting team and evacuate to a safe location.”

By using ≪Command≫, I issue instructions to the members of the “Mercenary of the Fog”.

The enemies come into sight. Apparently, the foes are a horde of scorpion-type monsters measuring about 3 meters in height, clad in black liquid.

Judging from their appearance, their master is probably the “Black Water Gushing Oil King”. His dungeon is relatively close to here.

“According to the results of three types of scanning, there are no other hostiles in the area besides the Oil Scorpions.”

“Our firing squad is all set!”

“The close-range squad… is ready…”

“I understand. Well then.”

With my right hand raised, I activate ≪Command≫. Then, while directing my right hand towards the enemy, I declare, “Commence fire!!”

On my cue, the firing squad led by Mugi launches a simultaneous attack, with ≪Flame Javelin≫ bursting out, ≪Windline≫ fluttering chaotically, ≪Mudbolt≫ piercing, ≪Thunder Plosion≫ sending out a flurry of flashes, and some of them igniting the oil on the surface of the Oil Scorpions’ bodies. As soon as one of them ignites into a large-scale explosion, other Oil Scorpions explode in a chain reaction.

This explosion doesn’t have a good effect on us. At this rate, the explosion will spread to us.

“Put up the barriers!”

[[Yes!]]

Following my instructions, ≪Wide-area Barrier≫ is created on the outermost edge, and ≪Mud Wall≫ and ≪Aqua Wall≫ are erected inside it, safely guarding against the explosion of the Oil Scorpions, notwithstanding that considerable vibration and prevailing wind can be felt.

“! There is a Sand Worm in the rear!”

“Izumi!”

“Mun…”

And just as I am momentarily relaxed after having dispelled the Oil Scorpions, the reinforcements show up.

However, it seems that the moment they are within sensing range, they are detected and torn in half by Izumi’s axe.

Yet, if the group had been ordinary humans, they would have failed to realize this two-stage attack by the Oil King and ended up being slaughtered.

“You can’t truly afford to be careless or sloppy…”

I couldn’t help but murmur at the Oil King’s tactics.

“Indeed…”

Une, who is not taking part in the battle, approaches me.

Speaking of which, she is supposed to be the head of the sustenance squad of the “Mercenary of the Fog,” but why does she bear such a sympathetic attitude to our current foes? To her, I believe that combat would simply expose her to danger though…

“But we’ve secured the ingredients for tonight’s meal.”

[[Eh…!?]]

…I suppose it would be wise to be wary of the food Une serves for a while…