A Task Before Digging for Skill Crystals
Negotiations with the Kiblinki Saltas went smoothly.
They agreed to assist in exchange for rare vegetables, fruits, and seeds available in the upcoming season.
While I was initially worried it might not be enough, it seemed like the ultimate reward for them.
Since the goal was to set traps for potential enemies waiting beyond the gate, we decided not to use the Lumite Grand Wing this time.
Instead, we borrowed an armored vehicle from the Adventurers’ Guild.
Apparently, Alizée had discussed the matter with Melanie, who agreed to help in the hopes of loosening the threads of espionage woven through the city.
However, this also meant Melanie would be accompanying us.
Given her rumored strength, that shouldn’t pose any issues.
The plan was announced in advance.
I put up a poster at the store stating, “Closed due to the proprietor heading to a dungeon.”
It reeked of a trap, but Melanie predicted that any factions monitoring me would likely take the bait, as such an opportunity to exploit a breach in my defenses would be rare.
Melanie is as much of a battle-minded strategist as the rest of them!
On the morning of the operation, Melanie arrived to pick me up in the armored vehicle.
True to its name, it was a sturdy, magically powered vehicle with plenty of horsepower.
However, its passenger capacity left something to be desired.
“Hmm, including Melanie as the driver, the maximum capacity is 12.”
That presented a bit of a problem.
Although Melanie had secured the largest vehicle available, it could still only hold 12 people.
This meant we’d have to limit the number of guards, leaving Plum wracking her brain over the dilemma.
“Yes, that’s the main issue. With Lady Lily and Talat onboard, that leaves room for only 9 others—four of the Wildcat Claws team and Miss Plum.”
“I see. Will it be possible to bring the Kiblinki Saltas onboard as well?”
“Well, it’ll be a bit cramped, but if they stick to the ceiling, we can avoid reducing the number of passengers.”
“You heard her. What do you think, Kiblinki Saltas?”
(No problem. We’ve originally lived clinging to cave walls and ceilings before.)
“Good. Then I’ll bring along four of my battle maids. That should be enough for defense.”
“Understood. Lady Lily, since you’re the decoy, you’ll sit next to me?”
“It’s not ideal, but there’s no other choice. Let’s also reinforce the vehicle’s glass with Talat’s threads.”
“Yes. Let’s do that.”
With that, the team for this operation was finalized: me, Talat, Melanie as the driver, Plum, the Wildcat Claws team, Plum’s four battle maids, and the Kiblinki Saltas.
We decided to only bring two of the latter to avoid weakening the city’s defenses or alerting the enemy to our plans.
Even with this setup, I felt confident in our team.
Now, it was just a matter of seeing how the enemy would respond.
What do you think about this chapter?
