Chapter 308

The Battle to Reclaim Connie Village (1)
For now, we successfully accomplished our first goal: reclaiming the Trade Guild.
Next up is Connie Village, said to be home to the Connie Trees.
But what should we do about these captives?

“Mr. Gyan, what should we do with the prisoners?”

“After discussing it with the Trade Guild, they’d like us to secure them in the backyard. Talat’s web can’t be cut, right?”

“It can’t be cut by ordinary means. Even trying to melt it with fire is futile. Oh, Plum, can your Rune Sword cut it?”

“I tried, but it’s no use. Tarachnathos truly is a Calamity.”

Plum laughed heartily, but doesn’t that make Talat sound genuinely dangerous?
It’s almost as if she’s saying there’s no stopping Talat if he goes on a rampage.
Honestly, that might actually be the case.

“Understood. We’ll handle the prisoners accordingly. Now, about us—our next destination is ‘Connie Village.’”

“That’s right. They’ve arranged for us to use a carriage. It would take a full day to get there on foot.”

So, it’s quite far.
Even so, I’m worried about being spotted while traveling by carriage.
I’ll have the Kiblinki Saltas keep an eye out along the way.

(We’ve found some watchers keeping tabs on us.)
(There’s another group over there.)
(There are a lot of them.)

Yeah, I figured we were under observation.
I’ll instruct the Kiblinki Saltas to capture only those heading toward the Connie Village.
Even so, it seems like the numbers will be considerable.

“As expected, the Kiblinki Saltas show no mercy.”

“You’re familiar with them, Mr. Gyan?”

“I’ve sparred with them several times. They can read your thoughts, dodge every attack, and immobilize you with their web. Truly terrifying monsters to face as enemies.”

Ah, I thought as much.
That’s the general consensus, after all.

“Still, as allies, they’re immensely reliable. I hope they remain on our side.”

“I feel the same.”

Mr. Gyan smiled faintly at my reply.
It was probably the best reassurance I could give.
While I doubt Marquis Vardmoi would ever become my enemy, the future is uncertain.

“Captain, the village is in sight!”

“Alright, stop the carriage!”

After being jostled in the carriage for half a day, we arrived at the Connie Village by dusk.
However, there was no sign of life in the village.
At this hour, you’d normally see cooking smoke rising, but there was none at all.
Something definitely feels off.

“Given the situation, we need to prioritize the villagers’ safety and secure the area swiftly...”

“What should we do? Shall I take care of it again?”

“No, if we rely on an outsider like you for everything, it’ll tarnish the army’s reputation. Let us at least handle the initial reconnaissance. If circumstances demand it, we may have no choice but to leave the suppression to you.”

“Understood. Please be careful, Mr. Gyan.”

Mr. Gyan issued orders to his subordinates, who began scouting the village.
According to Plum, about half of the soldiers accompanying us this time specialized in reconnaissance.
Though they were clad in full plate armor when we arrived, they’ve now switched to lighter gear for easier movement.
I just hope they return safely.

What do you think about this chapter?