Kays Translations

Chapter 157: Sage and Sword Saint

Early in the morning, the samurai appeared in the village with valuable information. The Imperial Army that appeared in the city of Keimos has occupied the Lord's Manor and is still increasing in numbers.

At that moment, a reconnaissance operation, proposed by the samurai, was set in motion.

Reconnaissance Team:

- Village Chief: Appraisal and telepathy base station operator

- Kana: Stealth specialist

- Roa: Eavesdropping and earth magic specialist

- Tōuya: Guard duty specialist

The four members chosen for the reconnaissance team are currently confirming their respective roles. I take on the role of the appraiser, Roa handles information gathering, and Tōuya is in charge of guarding.

To share the "Stealth" skill, it's enough for Kana to be in physical contact while the skill is active. Since we move while in contact, this is considered suitable in terms of the number of people.

"Kana, don't push yourself too hard. If something happens, return immediately using the teleportation gate, and you can ignore us."

"Yes, I understand. Level-wise, I might be a burden. I don't want to let you and the others die after protecting me."

"Tōuya and Roa, no reckless actions. Information gathering is the top priority."

"Understood."

"Got it."

After completing equipment checks, we leave the rest to the others and move towards the Lord's Manor.

---

After finishing the teleportation and regaining sight, the familiar situation room is visible. There are no signs of intrusion, indicating that the barrier is still intact.

The stealth skill is already active. As long as no voices are heard, there should be no risk of being noticed.

Concerning the detection-type skills that we were worried about:

During previous verifications, it was confirmed that they don't reach inside the barrier. If activated by a villager, it's an exception, but even if detection skills are used, as long as we are inside the barrier, we won't be exposed.

"Roa, intercept conversations with enhanced hearing... relay everything to Tsubaki. I entrust matters related to danger to both Tōuya and me."

Confirming Roa's response, we start moving closely together. When we reach the entrance, I lift the tent slightly to peek outside—

(What the... Seriously, there must be tens of thousands of them...)

The garden should be incredibly vast, but there are so many people that it's hard to tell. The area outside the broken gate is filled with people.

Peeking at the opposite side... for some reason, the Lord's Manor seems surprisingly quiet. There are a few people around the mansion, but the density is clearly different.

While pondering such questions, it happened when I was observing the surroundings of the mansion.

In front of the Lord's Manor, about halfway between this tent and the mansion, a magic circle-like thing was deployed.

That magic circle rapidly expanded, and soon, purple light was emitted—thousands of people appeared simultaneously. At the forefront was a person clad in a white robe... only this one is dressed quite flamboyantly.

"Both of you... can you see that flashy guy?"

"Yeah, that overly conspicuous old man?"

"I was curious too. Who is he?"

"He's the sage. He's the one who possesses the teleportation magic skill."

The result of advanced appraisal also clearly displays the occupation "Sage." There's no mistake; that person is undoubtedly the Imperial sage.

The group that teleported immediately began moving, carrying large loads towards the densely populated area. They are well organized, with no hesitation in their movements. It's clearly a well-planned action.

(Imperial sages can transport goods as well...)

"What should we do, Village Chief? Should we take them out right away?"

"... Yeah, but let's observe the situation first. If it comes to killing them, I'll handle it. Tōuya, I'm counting on you for support and reinforcement."

"Understood. Just give me the signal—wait, someone else is coming. Could that also be one of the executives?"

By the time the group dispersed, a knight-like person emerged from the Lord's Manor again. I don't know why, but it's another old man. The knight is wearing luxurious armor and has a ridiculously large two-handed sword on his back.

(Amazing... he truly gives off a holy warrior vibe. Wait, is he the Sword Saint?)

The Sword Saint approaches the sage and starts talking about something. They seem to be exchanging opinions while gesturing, and there is an air of composure in their expressions, occasionally showing a smile.

"Roa, tell us about the content of their conversation. I want to pick up information in advance."

Probably, killing them would be possible anytime. Their levels are undoubtedly high, but... that's just a general standard. It's one or two levels compared to the people of Nanashi Village. Moreover, it's a conversation between the two executives; it should be treated as a matter of utmost importance.

Having made that judgment, I convey it to Tōuya and focus on information gathering for a while.

◇◇◇

"Village Chief, this... it’s completely hopeless, isn't it?"

"Yeah, in various ways, it's good that we listened to their conversation. That guy... no, that guy alone is a complete enemy. We must definitely take him down here."

The exchange between the sage and the Sword Saint continued for about five minutes. It has now ended, and the sage has teleported away.

To summarize their conversation briefly:

- The main purpose of the plan is to occupy Keimos territory and relocate all Imperial citizens here. The majority have already come here, and with three more round trips, the relocation will be complete.

- The Hero seems to be going to occupy the city; he is not here. Also, the name of the saint was not mentioned, so her whereabouts are unknown.

- Once the occupation is completed, a plan seems to be in place to summon orcs to the former Imperial territory. It's unclear how many places they plan to attack, but the sage said, "It can be done in two days." There seems to be some secret we don't know about this.

Well, up to this point is acceptable.

—No, not good, but I understand what they are trying to do. It's likely easier to defend this location than one sandwiched between two countries. In any case, I can comprehend that it's a strategy considered after various considerations.

But from here on, the contents were absolutely unacceptable.

Those guys are planning to meddle with Nanashi Village as well. From their conversation, it seems entirely like the whims of the sage... they clearly mentioned transferring to the development site. Currently, they are gathering the city's residents and seem to be searching for those who have been to the development site.

(This is bad. If they find the person we turned away before...)

I check the status of the sage I appraised earlier. Looking at the conditions for teleportation magic within, if they find someone who has been to the development site, they might attack it all at once. If tens of thousands of soldiers teleport in... there will undoubtedly be casualties.

The old man has firmly resolved not to let only the sage die.

Kennosuke

Level 70 

42 years old

Occupation: Sage

Unique Skill: Book of Wisdom Level 4

Can read a book containing the principles of the world.

The range of readable content expands with level.

Targets: Monster Edition, Dungeon Edition, Geography Edition, History Edition

Skill: Teleportation Magic Level 4

Can instantly teleport to places visited once.

Can also teleport to places based on the memories of others.

The number of people capable of group teleportation increases with level.

Skill: MP Consumption Reduction Level 2

Reduces MP consumption by 20% when using magic.

Seiji 

Level 73

44 years old

Occupation: Sword Saint

Unique Skill: Holy Sword Art Level 4

Proficient in sword handling, power increases.

Effect improves with level.

Can summon a holy sword for automatic tracking attacks.

Summon limit: 8

Skill: Body Strengthening Level 4

Skill: Super Recovery Level 3

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