CH 106

“It looks like we don’t have time for the testing phase. Should we go right away, Rust?”

“Yes Master Halhammer. Let’s go.”

“Then I’ll take this stuff with me on my riding beast. We need two assistants, right?”

Says Halhammer while looking my way, and I lightly nod before speaking.

“I need two volunteers. I swear on my medallion you will be safe, but please keep in mind we are still going to a battlefield nonetheless. Raise your hand.”

I say to the provisional members, and just as I thought, Shellrule immediately raises her hand. Not long after, someone else hesitantly follows her.

“What is your name?”

I ask the man raising his hand. He’s the one I thought was very thorough while making the preparations to make potions.

“My name is Koto.”

“Very well. I’ll be counting on you, Shellrule and Koto. Well then, Master Halhammer…”

“Ou! Look alive you two! The chief will protect you even if it gets dangerous, so don’t cause any trouble!”

Says Halhammer while taking Shellrule and Koto with him.

I see them off while grabbing the new magic item that will be the main piece of our plan, before leaving with Ahri.

“Ahri, do you have any more information about the enemy speeding up their march?”

I ask while bringing out Hipopo and helping Ahri climb on top of it.

“We are certain that they are marching a lot faster, but they seem to be in a big hurry. Roa also says it’s causing their formation to break.”

“Hm…”

I’m confused by the enemy’s actions. There has to be a reason why they’re in such a hurry that they’re throwing away the advantage of a proper formation.

It’s like they know they’ll lose if I finish this magic item.

“A traitor…?”

“What are you saying?”

Says Ahri in response to my muttering.

But just as I’m about to answer, Halhammer calls out to me from the back of his twin-headed elephant. Shellrule and Koto are sitting behind him.

“Rust! We’re ready.”

“Understood, Master Halhammer! Hang on Ahri, we’re about to depart!”

I tell Hipopo to start running, and both riding beasts run through the streets of Habbafulton.

Seilook also flies down and takes what’s now its default position on top of Hipopo’s head.

It’s not long before I can see the newly built walls. Kalin is standing near the gate, fully armed and with her soldiers. For some reason, Harold is there too, and he’s wearing his eye-patch.

“Rust! You’re here!”

“Lady Kalin, Harold… What is…”

“We’ve been getting updates from Ahri and Roa. I can see you’ve come up with a way to neutralize the enemy.”

Says Kalin while looking directly into my eyes.

“I’m ready. I’m just a little nervous because we haven’t tested it.”

I answer while shrugging.

“Sorry Rust, I know I’m being selfish.”

Says Harold, sounding distant.

“Those are you comrades right? Don’t worry about it. Just leave it to me.”

I say while pointing outside the gate, where I can see the enemy in the distance.

“They’re here. Rust, I know you, and I know you’re ready to take all the blame if this plan doesn’t work, right? You don’t get that luxury, I’m taking half.”

Says Kalin while lightly tapping my shoulder with her fist.

“If it comes to that, let me in on it too. It’s thanks to you that I can still fight.”

Says Harold, while smacking my other shoulder.

“Kalin… Harold… Thank you.”

I say while rubbing my shoulders. I guess they saw right through me.

“But this won’t fail.”

I say while signaling to Halhammer.

Halhammer, Shellrule, and Koto bring me a big barrel with a lot of potion inside it. I open it, and take out the magic item I made just for this.

It’s a magic stone the size of a fist, but it’s obviously not just some magic stone. Inside it is a very fine three-dimensional magic circuit, especially made for this.

I put this magic stone in the potion barrel, and it sinks.