Assassin Bait
The armored vehicle carrying us exited the eastern gate of the city and proceeded along the main road.
As soon as we passed through the city gate, the Kiblinki Saltas reacted.
It indicated that someone acting as a messenger was positioned just outside the gate.
We didn’t yet know which faction they belonged to, and even if we did, it wasn’t wise to make the first move.
We excel at strategies that lure enemies into traps.
As we progressed down the road, waiting for our opponent’s move, we reached a spot where a forest bordered the right side of the road.
It was undeniably a prime ambush location.
(Contractor, there are humans lurking in this forest.)
"Really? Can you tell how many?"
(Roughly 30. All of them are preparing magic.)
So, if we approach the forest, we’ll immediately be hit by magic.
Hmm, but this spot is ideal for luring them out.
While I was deliberating on what to do, Melanie grinned mischievously and spoke up.
"Lily, let’s go ahead and take all their magic head-on."
"Are you sure, Melanie? The armored vehicle might get damaged."
"This level of attack won’t leave a scratch. Just watch."
With complete confidence, Melanie pressed forward in the armored vehicle.
As we tried to pass by the forest, the vehicle suddenly hit something hard and came to a stop.
Looks like they made their move.
"Melanie, can we back up?"
"Of course!"
As Melanie reversed the vehicle, it only moved a short distance before stopping again with a loud clunk.
Definitely a deliberate obstruction.
"Ah, looks like we’re targeted."
"Seems so. And this armored vehicle’s defense is really reliable, right?"
"Absolutely!"
"It’s fine to chat, but I sense a surge of magic. Spells are coming our way any moment now."
"Got it! Everyone, crouch down and take cover!"
Following Melanie’s instructions, we ducked under the seats and shielded our heads.
Moments later, loud booms echoed as explosions shook the armored vehicle.
Is this really okay?
The explosions continued for a while, and the flames engulfed the vehicle.
This might be too much to endure.
"Melanie, can the vehicle withstand this?"
"It’s designed to traverse lava fields, but it’s not meant to stay in raging flames indefinitely."
"Then it’s our turn. Talat, take care of it!"
(Leave it to me!)
Talat leapt out of the nearest exit, casting ice magic to freeze the flames solid.
Climbing the icy wall, he disappeared into the forest.
The Kiblinki Saltas and the others followed suit, jumping into the forest after him.
It’s impossible to see what’s happening beyond the icy wall.
"What should we do? We can’t see what’s going on outside like this..."
"Leave it be. A band of this caliber is no match for Talat and the Kiblinki Saltas."
Plum answered my concern with a tone of utmost confidence.
She’s probably right, but I can’t help feeling uneasy.
As I worried, about 20 minutes passed.
The icy wall crumbled, revealing Talat and the others dragging numerous cocoons behind them.
Yep, I guess my worries were unnecessary.
(We’ve captured all those who attacked us.)
(We also detained four individuals attempting to send word outside. They mentioned something about the Gaze Church.)
"So, the bait caught followers of the Gaze Faith, huh?"
"Looks like it."
Honestly, just because we left the city doesn’t mean we’re easy targets.
This commotion must have been visible from the city gate.
We’ll wait here until the Vardmoi guards arrive.
What do you think about this chapter?
Nice. Those bastards bite the bait and get caught. ??
Thanks.