Chapter 34: Escort (4)

Chapter 34: Escort (4)

Escort (4)

[Carlyn]

Age: 16, Stratagem Level 5Traits: [Death Avoidance], [winds], [Ironman], [Mysophobia], [Worst Condition], [Devils Blood], [Eccentric Actions]Titles: [Quick-witted Impersonator], [Skilled Assassin], [Persistent Shadow], [Resourceful Savior]

In the past three years, Id grown quite a bit.

Even if I could only see the traits, Id definitely improved compared to before.

The Inexperienced Trickster had become a Quick-witted Impersonator, and the Inexperienced but Calm Novice Assassin had changed to a Skilled Assassin.

Through infiltration missions, I acquired Persistent Shadow and even gained a new trait from this recent task.

On a separate note, I had some doubts about the Resourceful Savior trait when I first saw it.

Unlike other traits, there was no explanation that it gives any Stratagem experience.

It just says that when rescuing someone, your mental and physical abilities are enhanced compared to usual.

At first, it seemed like a trait that didnt quite fit with the values of Stratagem. Rescue missions were rare.

It might be useful for guarding missions.

In any case, it wasnt a bad trait. Once the main story began, there would likely be many rescue missions.

And it had been a while since my Stratagem level increased.

As I got used to the dukes missions, I didnt notice much growth in my abilities, so it was quite rewarding.

Even though it was the same practical experience, it felt a bit different.

Anyway, despite this growth, my mind wasnt at ease.

After escaping from the Kiberun mountain range, ten days had passed. The mission was handled promptly.

Upon arriving in Kahalin, I immediately spoke with Nadmo and the Chief, and we quickly organized the branch.

We couldnt go directly to the Imperial capital, so we decided to find a nearby hideout to lay low.

It was hectic.

Clearing an entire Merchant Guild in just one day was no small feat. Some losses were inevitable.

In any case, some agents stayed in Kahalin, waiting in case Phiri and the other agents returned.

However, by the seventh day, all of those agents had also withdrawn from this location.

There was still no news from Phiri and the agents.

It was strange, considering that something with the label Savior had appeared. I thought at least one person must have survived.

The only contact with the leader was just once. Security was important.

Since there were many people, some of the personnel were sent to other branches.

Mohen was also among them, and he didnt pay any attention to me here, maybe because I had revealed part of the truth.

But a few people, including the Chief and me, were waiting here.

Perhaps it meant to offer support or join us when news from Phiri arrived

In reality, after ten days, my expectations werent very high.

Should I have taken the risk and helped Phiri?

A small regret crossed my mind, but it was a pointless thought.

If I had done that, I might not be alive now.

I hadnt talked about the devil worshippers yet.

It would be dangerous to talk without Phiri. If Phiri really didnt come

I felt like I would have to bring it up when I meet the duke later. I closed the book with a sigh.

It was a tome about devils and their followers.

I had brought it from the dukes mansion and was examining it to find the symbols I had seen.

But I found them quickly enough, and I couldnt focus.

Lets do some training.

In a cave far from Kahalin.

The artificially constructed cave was quite large and had a place for training.

As I was about to take out my sword, Winds Sense caught a strange sign at the entrance of the cave. Three people were there.

Who could it be?

Just a passerby? Or could it be agents from the spy division in the Imperial capital?

After all, the vice-leader was missing, so it was natural for someone higher-up to come and investigate the situation.

In any case, there was no need for great concern. Even if they entered the cave, they could only come inside by operating the hidden mechanisms.

I sharpened my sense sensitively.

Among the three, only one person walked confidently into the cave and deftly activated the mechanisms.

Creek. With the sound of rolling stones, the entrance opened, and at that moment, I couldnt help but widen my eyes. The person who entered the cave was Phiri.

Vice-leader?

Phiri raised the corner of her lips slightly.

Did you wait long?

I genuinely felt glad. Phiri was a good person, and her life here depended on me.

Phiri looked quite tired, but she smirked faintly.

Call me big sister. (+)[1]TLN: Noona/Nuna = Big Sister

Phiri whispered softly as she stepped out of the cave.

Phiri said as she plopped down on the bed, which had accumulated some dust despite being an old place.

I used Winds to clean up the dust.

You mentioned it earlier as well.

Tsk. When adults say something, youre supposed to say thank you and listen.

Thank you.

Phiri turned her body toward me while lying on the bed, and with one hand, she lightly brushed her long hair behind her ear.

Honestly, I was really worried.

Is that so?

Yeah. Even though youre quick-witted, you were still a rookie when you first came out. And to help Toun Zaha and suggest going back to the branchwere you really the one to do that?

It was Nadmos judgment.

Anyway. What matters is that your opinion is aligned with theirs. You did well.

Yes. Thank you.

Phiri looked at me with narrowed eyes while still lying down.

Ugh, why are you so serious? Forget it. Im going to sleep.

I hesitated slightly in my spot. Should I talk about the devil worshipers now?

There was a slight twist in the Winds with Phiri joining late.

Why? Do you have something to say?

Phiri chuckled ominously as I didnt leave.

Why? Are you so happy to see your big sister after such a long time? Do you want to spend more time together?

Actually, theres something I want to talk to you about.

Phiri sensed something amiss in my serious tone and sat up slightly.

What is it?

I found some clues that could raise suspicions about who those people might be.

What?

I carefully brought up the tattoos I had discovered and the possibility of them being related to the devil worshipers.

It was a story that was hard to believe just by talking about it, so I had to show the book as well.

Even so, it was hard for Phiri to believe, and she had a perplexed expression.

Isnt it just a coincidence? It doesnt necessarily mean they collected human skin.

Im confident in my memory.

The story of the devil worshipers was unbelievable, so I deliberately spoke with a confident tone.

Phiri, with a half-doubtful face, asked sharply,

Wait. Set that aside for now. Why didnt you report it earlier?

It was a question I expected in that brief moment.

At the time of the escape, we were in a hurry, so there was no time to talk about the tattoos. Plus, I didnt even know if they were related to devils.

And what about afterward?

Among the people here, you and I were the only outsiders.

Phiris face contorted.

Are you suspecting our own people?

There was displeasure in her words. It might have been a hasty remark.

They had built up a long-standing relationship with Phiri longer than me. But it was an inevitable situation.

I already reported it only to Phiri because the leader was involved with the devil worshipers. There had to be a reason why I reported only to Phiri.

Confirming it just before Phiris arrival lacks persuasiveness.

She should have gone directly to the Chief instead of heading to the entrance of the training place.

But there are advantages to provoking Phiris displeasure.

I had two reasons for telling her.

Anyway, it was a part I had to talk about, and it might make Phiri more cautious.

The internal enemy.

It was a simple throwaway line, but the important thing was to plant that seed in Phiris heart.

When the time came to deal with the leader, it might be slightly easier for her to accept it than if she heard it later.

Moreover, she was the vice leader, so she might sense something strange in the leaders actions.

The Chief will be displeased.

Im willing to accept that.

Omission of information. The Chief would naturally think that I didnt trust him.

Phiri let out a deep sigh at my words.

Ah, fine. Its understandable that youd have doubts. After all, they were a group of over a hundred people. But be more careful from now on. Dont say anything without solid evidence.

Yes.

There was displeasure in Phiris words, but there was also concern. I took her genuine advice to heart.

And now, it was time to bring up the topic I had prepared.

1. TLN: Noona/Nuna = Big Sister