Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 360: Eradication Operation Begins
During the three days before the operation to eradicate the Assassins’ Guild, the group gathered every detail they could and discussed each possibility at nightly meetings.
Those meetings took place in Caxart, where the dragonfolk strike force was waiting. Tauro and Ragune traveled between the two cities using [Spatial Transfer] and [Dimensional Corridor].
On the night of the operation, the dragonfolk reserved an entire tavern and assembled there for the final briefing.
“That concludes all the information we’ve obtained,” Malak said after finishing his report.
“We have removed three suspected sites from the target list,” said the commander, a dragonfolk veteran possessing [Great Hero]. He shifted markers across the map. “The warriors freed from those assignments will reinforce the attack on Hitter Trading Company.”
“The overall plan doesn’t need major changes,” Tauro said. “Our greatest problem remains the lack of information about the lord’s mansion.”
He unfolded an old floor plan of the estate.
“You managed to obtain one, Lord Tauro?” the commander asked.
“It dates from the mansion’s original construction. Several wings have since been renovated, so parts of the current layout may be completely different.”
“Even so, this is extremely useful. Basements and sewers are difficult to relocate completely. Any hidden passages added later would probably connect to this underlying structure, so we can predict their likely routes.”
The commander traced several lines on the plan.
“When the operation begins, a specialist will break the estate’s wards. Another warrior will immediately search for hidden passages, and earth-magic users will seal every escape route.”
Tauro was impressed. The dragonfolk expedition veterans possessed a remarkably broad range of abilities, including skills normally associated with scouts and thieves.
“Then we should begin moving everyone,” he said. “Ragune, please open [Dimensional Corridor].”
Ragune created the passage. On the far side, Tauro took the dragonfolk by the hands and transported them in groups to Bomen’s territorial capital with [Spatial Transfer].
Aboveground, moving so many people consumed vastly more magical power than dungeon-assisted transport. This was one of the most demanding uses of Tauro’s ability yet.
After several trips, he drank a magic-restoration potion, rested briefly, and resumed the transfers.
“Ugh… It’s been a long time since my stomach hurt like this.”
Tauro rubbed his abdomen.
“Are you all right?” Ragune asked. “Only one group remains. Hold on a little longer.”
She had also consumed too many magic-restoration potions while repeatedly opening, closing, and crossing [Dimensional Corridor].
They exchanged strained smiles and completed the final transfer.
Ragune emerged in an abandoned building on the outskirts of Bomen’s capital and closed the corridor behind her.
“That’s everyone,” Tauro said. “Disperse to your assigned positions. The simultaneous assault begins in exactly one hour. Those assigned to the lord’s mansion will move with us.”
The dragonfolk nodded and scattered through the city. Every warrior had memorized the map and moved without hesitation.
“Ragune, Ankh, let’s go.”
Tauro’s group joined the [Great Hero] commander and the warriors assigned to the estate.
They concealed themselves in the woods behind the mansion until the appointed time.
“I’ll neutralize the ward.”
One dragonfolk specialist began chanting.
The instant the barrier collapsed, the assault team surged into the mansion without waiting for further confirmation.
Tauro and his companions watched tensely from the trees as the dragonfolk moved.
At the same moment, flames and small explosions appeared at several points across the capital.
Every unit had begun its attack on schedule.
“W-What’s happening?” Viscount Bomen shouted from his bedroom when an explosion shook the estate. “Don’t tell me those fools caused another failure during their research!”
He initially mistook the noise for an accident.
“My lord, take shelter! Intruders have entered the mansion!” a servant cried as he rushed into the room.
“Don’t panic. No one can enter this estate without permission and leave alive. The Assassins’ Guild’s Four Heavenly Kings are here, along with the warriors dispatched from the north. The disturbance will soon be silenced.”
Viscount Bomen spoke with complete confidence.
At the mansion’s entrance, an alluring woman dressed like a courtesan confronted three of the attackers.
“I’m Manu the Illusionist, one of the Assassins’ Guild’s Four Heavenly Kings. The moment you look upon me, my illusions invade your minds and place you under my control.”
Certain that she had already won, she addressed the nearest warrior.
“Now, foolish intruder, tell me why you came here.”
“An illusionist?” the dragonfolk commander replied. “I possess [Great Hero] and complete resistance to illusion and mental interference. My companions are highly resistant as well. Tricks of this level can’t even slow us.”
None of the three moved according to Manu’s command.
“Impossible! Among the Four Heavenly Kings, only one person can resist me. The only others should be our guests from the north!”
As shock twisted Manu’s face, the commander confirmed that she had nothing more to offer and cut her down with a single stroke.
“No… I may be the weakest of the Four Heavenly Kings, but the others will destroy you… Gah!”
With that thoroughly conventional final warning, Manu died.
“She claims to have been their weakest,” the commander told his companions. “Remain alert and eradicate every enemy in the estate.”
The dragonfolk continued deeper into the mansion.