Chapter 309

The Battle to Reclaim Connie Village (2)
After a while, Mr. Gyan and his scouting team returned.
As expected, Connie Village’s surroundings were heavily guarded—though it seemed designed to defend against humans.

“They haven’t considered monster attacks in their defense setup. They’re likely inexperienced in fighting monsters.”

“So, does that mean we could take them all down in one go?”

“Yes, but there’s no sign of the villagers. It’s likely they know we aim to free the village, and if they’ve taken hostages, things could get complicated.”

Ensuring the villagers’ safety is crucial.
Although Young lady Conniette is waiting back at the Trade Guild, I’m sure she’s worried about the villagers.
Personally, I also want to reclaim the Connie Trees intact.
What’s the best way to handle this?

“Plum, what do you think we should do?”

“Me? Shouldn’t you be asking that Gyan fellow?”

“I would like to ask you about this as well, Miss Plum. I’d like to hear a strategy from someone familiar with the abilities of Lily’s monsters.”

After confirming with Mr. Gyan, Plum reluctantly muttered, “I’d rather not, but…” and proceeded to outline a plan.
It’s a solid strategy, one that ensures success.
Though as my bodyguard, Plum likely doesn’t want to involve me in any action.

Still, if we want to guarantee the best outcome, this is the way to go.
I’ll rely on Plum to protect me while I carry out my part.

Alright, let’s begin the operation!

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“Yawn… It’s gotten dark.”

“Yeah. But didn’t the ones at the Trade Guild get wiped out by the Vardmoi forces? We can’t afford to let our guard down.”

“I know, I know. But still… our boss is just…”

“Don’t say it. Honestly, it’s maddening.”

“Yeah, seriously—wait, did something move?”

“What? Are we under attack?”

“I’m not sure, but we should check it—ahhh! Spider web!? Enem—!”

Looks like it worked.
With this, we’ve eliminated all the soldiers guarding the village’s perimeter.
Now, it’s just the ones inside.

All I did was have Talat lace his web with a sleeping toxin and deploy it.
When I asked what kinds of toxins Talat could use, he said he could infuse his web with paralysis or sleeping poisons, so I had it try the latter.
The results were excellent; all the soldiers securing the village perimeter, including the sentries, were now asleep.

Next up is the interior of the village.
Since we lack detailed intel, I’ll leave this part to the Kiblinki Saltas.
They can stealthily gather information under the cover of night.

From their reconnaissance, we learned that the villagers were gathered in one place, guarded by four soldiers.
Nearby, there were also soldiers indulging in a feast.
Around the trees, which appear to be the Connie trees, soldiers were patrolling.

There are about 20 soldiers left in total, roughly as expected.
The issue is that we need to simultaneously free the villagers and secure the Connie trees.
However, the villagers are being held in the open village square, with no cover and bright lights illuminating the area, making a surprise attack difficult.

Here’s where I come in.
Using the Flight skill I recently acquired from the dungeon, I’ll drop Talat right into the enemy ranks.
Even if they don’t panic, Talat’s descent alone will neutralize the guards around the villagers, leaving the remaining soldiers easy to deal with.
The Kiblinki Saltas will handle the Connie trees.

The only risk is if I get attacked while transporting Talat.
I’ll just have to trust my armor and charge through.

Let’s go—operation start!

First, the Kiblinki Saltas made their move.
Once we confirm the commotion near the Connie trees, it’s my turn to drop Talat.
Talat’s body is surprisingly heavy.
Even with enhanced strength, maintaining balance is tricky.

“We’re under attack! The Connie trees are being targeted!”

“What?!”

Alright, now’s the time—Talat, drop!

From my hands, Talat plummeted at increasing speed, snaring soldiers in his web one after another before landing.
By the time he touched down, there wasn’t a single soldier left who could move.
No one even managed to fire an arrow at Talat, and I quickly flew higher into the sky after releasing him, well out of their range.

With this, the village is completely secured.
Victory is ours!

What do you think about this chapter?