Chapter 234 - Launching a surprise attack (1/2)
”So, this isn't exactly a country, but rather a meeting place, or one could say an intersection point between various dungeons and countries where everything and anything can take place?” [Ash]
”That's correct. It doesn't really have any official name, and different countries called it by different names, but the most popular one so far is ”exchange land”, because many exchanges took place here. Transaction between merchants, both legal and illegally. Cultural exchange, money exchange, even slaves. This exchange point here doesn't have any ruler nor nobility governing it. One could say this place is akin to the ”cursed land” just a dungeon away from our headquarters, in fact, some scholars, like Mrs Aries little sister, Lisa do agree that this place here as well as the cursed land share some resemblance as well as history dating back to the creation of Achalasia itself” [Saint Louis]
”The similarity doesn't end there though. Both exchange land and cursed land share similar properties. The mirage, light and dark affinities in both of the land are higher as compared to other countries which are both reflected by the ground having elemental colour of these three elements, both having mysterious origin and history, both land abandoned, and coincidentally, just like how one could get to the new headquarters of the new religion through the cursed land, one could go to the holy palace part through the holy dungeon connected by this exchange land here” [Seraph]
”Though I heard unlike here, the cursed land is inhabitable” [Linda]
”That's correct. One could even say that the cursed land behaved almost similar to that of the dungeon, with random monster spawning almost regularly, and just like dungeon, you would be safe to travel there by using the main road. Though, random treasure chest keep on spawning as well, thus, making that spot a heaven for adventures and mercenaries alike” [Saint Louis]
”You learn something new every day” [Ash]
Currently, the four of us are roaming around waiting for Alaric to collect some info about the situation inside the holy palace. Here I am thinking he doesn't have any sort of connection just like me, but I guess I was wrong. The Ministry of Defense of Estel have few regular information brokers here that he wanted to utilize to full extent. Just when we are about to sit down and talk about the old teaching
”Any news?” [Ash]
”Big one. The Holy Palace prince and his convoys, they are here” [Alaric]
”!” [Other]
Now that's some big news alright. In a way, one could say our objective is already completed. To get the news of what's happening inside the holy palace, but
”Tell me where he is” [Ash]
”You couldn't think of...” [Linda]
”Bold one aren't you. Let me warn you, the guards guarding that prince is nothing to take light of” [Seraph]
”I knew you would say that, so here is the other information I manage to get. I even manage to heard where he is going shopping before setting out to his next destination” [Alaric]
”Estel, am I correct” [Saint Louis]
~Nod~
”Well, I sincerely don't want to trouble the other, but since this is a free land, what are the probabilities that other passerby will meddle with our affair?” [Ash]
”If the prince were in trouble and decided to pay any random stranger handsomely, then chances are almost nill, but I do recommend doing it somewhere secluded” [Alaric]
”Got it. I guess we should start planning then, is everyone ok with this?” [Ash]
”I hope this will turn fine” [Linda]
”I'll help, but do exempt should you interrogate him. Can just erase the memories should he see me but better not take any unnecessary risk” [Saint Louis]
”Then leave the interrogation to Alaric and me” [Seraph]
”Thanks, but first, we need to capture him” [Ash]
As I listen to Alaric giving out his intel, I couldn't help but to notice that something are staring at us. That thing have been doing it ever since we left the dungeon. Well, that thing wouldn't stand in our way, so I should just ignore it for now
”I see. Going to the slave auction house next” [Ash]
”The way to that place can be pretty secluded depending on route taken, and I believe he will take the road where passerby rarely use as to avoid any unwanted gaze” [Alaric]
”Perfect for us. Guess he didn't want any unwanted attention is a fortune for us” [Seraph]
”But this also shows he has the utmost confidence in his guards” [Linda]
”True, plus, we need to make it quick or else trouble will follow us” [Saint Louis]