Kays Translations

Chapter 26: Night Watch

"...The information obtained through 'Revelation.'"

"Jurg, Rolo, quickly check the Pentagram Barrier shrines!"

"Got it!"

Unusually agitated, Saran's instructions prompted Rolo and me to dash under the night sky immediately.

Despite the hustle and bustle, the number of adventurers was still insufficient. Losing the barrier placed on Malhas would be a matter of life and death.

"We'll check from the highway side! When we exit the arch, I'll go clockwise, and you go counterclockwise!"

"Understood! Be careful!"

Passing through the arch with the village's name engraved, Rolo enhanced me with a wave of his finger, providing strengthening magic. Despite the moonlight, "Night Vision" was quite helpful.

As always, he's a thoughtful guy.

With gratitude, I moved toward the first shrine. The shrines, where stones were placed, were strategically rearranged, with the center being the planned location for the church in 'Pioneer City Malhas,' including the new city district.

As the name 'Pentagram Barrier' suggests, the shrines were arranged in a pentagon around the village.

"One is safe. Alright... next!"

After confirming there was no damage or signs of tampering, I rushed again. Nevertheless, I expected the two on the highway side to be safe. The enemies come from the forest - an unexplored area. If so, they would likely target the shrines placed on the border with Malhas.

"Two is safe too. Alright..."

Moving towards the third shrine, which had the highest probability of being targeted, I ran. I hoped for nothing, but the future Fimia saw was not explicitly stated. However, since I'm here, it probably won't be too distant in the future.

I ran with all my might through the forest, which used to be an unexplored area. Soon, this place would also be part of the 'Pioneer City.' Malhas is changing, and hopefully, for the better. So, I can't let that fool interfere with it.

With such thoughts, we arrived at the third shrine.

A bad feeling tends to come true.

But, fortunately, it seemed to have been avoided without becoming decisive.

"Albert!"

I launched a tackle towards the side of the former leader, who was raising his sword at the shrine.

"Huh? Wha...!?"

With a voice mixed with surprise and screams, Albert bounced off and flew away. My tackle wouldn't be endured even by a Greyback Bear. Of course, I also blow away a human wearing armor.

"Haa, damn it. I somehow made it in time."

"Wovo... Obobo."

Albert, slammed into the thick trunk of a tree, was vomiting from the impact. He's a tough guy, even half-baked... well, he managed to overcome difficulties as our comrade. He shouldn't die from this.

"Jurg... why are you here?"

"I'm on the night watch. Any complaints?"

I'll keep silent about 'Revelation.' After all, this fool is a human who has been 'endowed with wisdom' by 'Wise Beasts.' I can't afford to give more information than necessary.

Moreover, this fool doesn't seem to know much about our former comrades, as he didn't catch on when I arrived. He probably knows about 'Saint' Fimia’s 'Revelation.'

“Jurg! ...Albert!?"

"Yeah, I found a suspicious person. I'll handle the patrol."

For good measure, I put on a light act. A smart guy like Rolo should understand.

"Well? What should I do with this guy? Destroying the barrier is a serious crime, you know."

Under the kingdom's law, destroying barrier facilities—stones and shrines protecting cities and villages—is a serious crime that threatens national security. In most cases, it results in either a death sentence or, for attempted crimes, a criminal marking for a life sentence of forced labor.

Now, what about an attempted crime?

"You guys are to blame!"

Albert, who picked up his longsword, shouted angrily as he stood up.

Well, if he resists, it'll be convenient to kill him.

"I have no intention of engaging in dialogue. Come at me; I'll turn you into minced meat right away."

Lifting the war club mace, I glared at Albert.

You haven't forgotten, have you? The insults you hurled at Rolo and the subsequent expulsion... I haven't forgiven you for that.

"That's enough, Jurg."

As I prepared to strike with killing intent and tension in my legs, a cool voice echoed.

When I glanced, Saran, accompanied by Fimia, had appeared.

"Rolo, restrain him with magic."

"Okay."

With a snap of Rolo's fingers, magic chains, faintly shimmering, crawled up from Albert's feet and bound his body tightly. Was it 'Chain of Bindings'?

It's one of Rolo's favorite spells... I haven't seen it in a while.

"Stop it! Let me go!"

"Hey, Saran. Wouldn't it be better to kill him here?"

"For the leader of 'Mercia,' aiming to form a new national party, to kill the former leader of the affiliated party would be detrimental to our reputation. Honestly, from a crisis management perspective, it would be better to kill him, but..."

In Saran's line of sight were other adventurers who had come to check on the commotion.

Well, Albert was shouting loudly, so it's not surprising if the people in 'New City' heard it.

"I will take responsibility and handle it on my end."

"...Whatever. For now, I'll camp here and keep watch."

We managed to stop Albert, but it's necessary to be thorough. Also, if I, driven by anger, enter the village, the villagers might get scared.

"Understood. Rolo, bring Albert along."

With a slight nod, Saran said only that and turned away, walking briskly without looking back at the bound Albert.

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