Chapter 156: Unbelievable Souvenir Story

365th Day in another World – 50,881 points

Three days after the secret meeting

Today, Nanashi Village is exceptionally peaceful. The morning comes as usual, and everyone heads out for work.

The Merry Trading Company has also closed its shop, and everyone has moved here. Not only the warehouse but also the shop is protected by a barrier, ensuring there’s no worry about the store being looted.

Melinard and Merimas have started living with their families, beginning their dreamed-of adventurer life. Today, they leave with excitement as always.

(I feel like I’ve forgotten something… well, it’s fine. I’ll remember eventually.)

On the side of the settlement, things are going smoothly as usual. The only change is that we’ve surrounded the tenement area with a barrier. This was suggested by Rado, with only one entrance and increased security measures at night, serving as a precaution.

Although no monsters appear in the areas we’ve cultivated, there’s a potential risk of creatures entering from the surrounding forest. This measure ensures the peace of the pioneering villagers and serves as an evacuation point if needed.

And so, seeing off everyone and contemplating, “Where should I visit today?” while heading towards the teleportation gate—someone unexpected appeared from the still-distant gate.

As that person noticed me, they ran towards me with full force, waving their hand. Moreover, they brought an utterly ridiculous souvenir.

“Village Chief, long time no see!”

“Oh, you were the samurai after all. Is the parting with your companions settled? By the way, did I teach you how to use the teleportation gate?”

“Yeah, I’m totally free now. Besides, I’ve used the teleportation gate in the dungeon many times. Also, since no one was at the shop, I took the liberty to use it.”

“Ah, sorry about that. It’s not like I forgot… It’s just that…”

It’s been about 20 days since we parted, hasn’t it? He doesn’t seem surprised at all to see this place. Either he’s dull or has strong nerves… he’s still quite a unique guy.

“Anyway, it’s seriously bad news.”

“Oh, you finally realized. How is it? It’s developing quite well, isn’t it? Starting today, the samurai will also be doing their best, right?”

“No, no, it’s not about that… The bad news is about the town. Just a little while ago, the Imperial guys appeared with a massive army.”

“Huh… did that happen in the northern town? Or is it the capital, Bistria? It can’t be… Keimos, right?”

“Of course, it’s Keimos. I hurried here to convey that.”

(The Empire came to Keimos…? And with a massive army? What on earth is happening…)

If they’re jumping over the northern territories and the capital… Unexpectedly, I couldn’t process the samurai’s words.

—Finally, when I became a little calmer, I somehow understood the situation.

According to the information the samurai knew:

– The Imperial army appeared around dawn today. It’s unclear where they came from, but they’re currently based at the Lord’s Manor. (Not confirmed by the samurai himself)

– A vast number of armed Japanese people conquered the gates to the north and south of the town. The residents were being gathered at the northern gate.

– Japanese residents in the town are being guided to the Lord’s Manor. Those who don’t resist are being treated fairly gently, without being restrained. The samurai was also told to head to the Lord’s Manor.

– The town’s guards and adventurers showed some resistance, but surrendering due to the overwhelming numbers. Most of them are captured alive.

“… I see, this is seriously bad. If things go wrong, all the guys from the Empire might come.”

“In any case, the number was ridiculous. You don’t see that many people gathering even in Japan. It’s like a massive event venue.”

“Hey, Samurai, I’ll apologize for bringing you here suddenly, but I’ll call everyone in the village now. Please explain it again later.”

“Totally okay, leave it to me!”

◇◇◇

Thirty minutes later —

I brought back the dungeon team with telepathy and gathered the key members for an emergency meeting.

“That’s how it was. That’s all the information I know.”

After the samurai’s explanation was over, Rado immediately spoke up.

“Village Chief, first, we’ll send scouts to the entrance of the forest. Also, deploy the security team to the settlement. Let’s have the settlers wait in the tenement area just in case.”

“Yeah, get that arranged quickly. I don’t think they’ll come all the way here suddenly, but… just in case.”

“If anything happens in the pioneering settlement, I’ll send a telepathic message. I’ll take my leave now.”

With a barrier covering the entire village, unlike the settlement that only has it around the outer perimeter, there’s a slim chance, but it’s not definite that the sages won’t teleport here. Well, leaving it to Rado should be fine. He’ll surely handle it well. I’ll put up a barrier around the tenement just in case.

“Now, then… This is quite surprising, but what would be the wise course of action? No need to rush, everyone, take your time to think carefully.”

It’s not a problem with an easy answer. I thought it would be best to stay calm for a moment and decided to take some time to think.

“Village Chief, Is it okay to get the opinion of a newcomer like me? If not, I’ll stay quiet.”

“No, it’s totally fine. In fact, you, the samurai, probably know the local situation best. I’d like to hear your opinion.”

“Is that so? Then, I won’t hold back. First—”

According to the samurai, reconnaissance on-site should be the top priority.

Are there any villagers with exploration or stealth skills? If there are, they should accompany them to scout the area with a small group of elites.

Especially, stealth skills have an effect on the targets touched while activated, making them ideal for reconnaissance. The ideal formation includes stealth and appraisal, along with one of the village’s main forces and someone with eavesdropping skills.

The samurai hasn’t mentioned anything about the village’s skill holders yet. Despite that, he spoke as if he knew everything. I found out later that he had been fantasizing about the village and his own exploits every day and night.

(Although his tone and appearance seem light, is he actually a great strategist?)

“Well, that’s about it. Even though it’s essential to consider various things, understanding the opponent’s initial move is crucial right now. Regardless of whether we take action or not, gathering information is the top priority, I think.”

While saying this, the samurai waits for everyone’s reactions. His expression is calm, and there’s no sign of hesitation.

“Well, Samurai-kun, that was impressive. I also agree with your opinion. There’s a teleportation gate at the Lord’s Manor, and there are tents, so it’s perfect. … How about you, Tōuya-kun?”

“Sakura-san, I also agree. Village Chief, Kana-san, and also Roa-san seem suitable. Depending on the limit of the stealth skill users, if possible, take me along too.”

With the endorsement of the supreme commander and the legion commander, the samurai’s strategy is about to be executed immediately.

“Alright, let’s gather more information from Kana and decide on the number. While we’re on-site, ask the reinforcement team to prepare!”

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