Chapter 87 (1/2)
Volume 1
V4 Chapter 17
「The Hidden Village」Part 1
Early the next morning, before the sun appeared in the sky……
The base of the mountain the Dragon King’s Tree sat on was covered in mist that created a truly breathtaking view.
Once we said our farewells to the Dragon King, who was still bathing in the hot spring, I invoked 【Transfer Gate] to take us to Rhoden’s capital, the closest location I knew to the Blade Heart Clan’s village.
The breathtaking scenery of the Dragon King’s Tree piercing the sky was instantly replaced an open prairie that was half converted to farmland.
The capital’s southern wall was barely visible from where we stood and the morning fog could be seen blanketing the cityscape.
The still drowsy Ponta let out a big yawn on top of my helmet before she slid down a little bit.
When I looked back, I could see the nearby forest that surrounded the Calcutta Mountain Range.
Since the Blade Heart Clan’s hidden village was located at the base of one of those mountains and there was no direct route there, Chiome led the way.
While only a few monsters would appear in the shallow sections of the forest, groups of bandits would occasionally set up their bases here.
“The bandits set up base, but they should all be cleared out soon……”
Chiome began her explanation about the area as she brazenly made her way into the forest’s depths.
This place was a suitable thieves den thanks to the closeness of the capital and the distance from the major highways.
If they were going to be cleared out soon, then……
“Chiome-dono, does your clan police this area as part their territory?”
When I said that, Chiome stopped walking and looked back at me.
“What do you think a ninja’s usual work is?”
While I was confused by her sudden question, I thought about their behavior so far and answered her.
“Isn’t it to gather intelligence and free your captured brethren?”
Chiome smiled a little at my answer.
“While that is certainly part of it, bandit hunting is my main job since knives and metal ores are rare commodities in my village and bandit dens are easy prey for the clan. The agents we have placed throughout the city collect information on the bandits and relay it to the village, and then the ninja corps is dispatched to attack their base.”
Ariane seemed rather impressed as she nodded at Chiome’s explanation.
Given the dangers of stealing in the capital under the watchful eyes of those in power, it was the wiser choice to attack bandits outside the city.
Based on what I saw of her during the raid of the Etsuato company, it wasn’t hard to imagine Chiome cutting down average people without much difficulty.
“Chiome-dono, how do you avoid suspicions about the People of the Mountains and Plains’ involvement when you take the bandits’ supplies after killing them?”
“It’s thanks to our agents. When news of bandits spreads through the city, they stage a fake attack and claim that they killed the bandits when they escaped. Everything is fine as long as the rumor of the claim spreads among the humans. When people are sent to investigate the bandits’ base it appears as if they had moved. Thanks to us, the damage caused by bandits around the Calcutta mountains is rather minimal.”
Chiome’s tail rose proudly as she said that and resumed making her way through the forest.
The People of the Plains and Mountains lived a more robust life then I imagined.
We cautiously made our way towards the mountains, moving through the undergrowth and trees until the scenery eventually opened up.
Somehow we were already halfway up a small mountain.
The ground became more rocky and ragged we passed over the top and descended into the deep ravine beyond it. When I looked into the depths below, I could see a thin layer of fog between the nearby mountains.
Chiome pointed to a mountain on the opposite side of the ravine then looked back at us.
“Beyond that mountain is the true Calcutta Mountain Range. Because strong monsters dwell in that area, humans rarely set foot there.”
Nodding at her explanation, I glanced at the mountain upon understanding her intentions.
The trees were sparsely placed in on the mountain, so it should be easy to transfer there.
“I think I can reach the opposite mountain from here.”
Ariane and Chiome nodded before they placed their hands on my shoulder as if they were used to it. Once they were ready, I invoked my transfer magic.
“【Dimensional Step]”
My view changed instantly, we were now facing the open area behind the opposing mountain, I could even see where we had been standing when I looked back.
“The village is just beyond these mountains, let’s go.”
I nodded when Chiome urged me on and continued to trek deeper into the mountain range.
The Calcutta Mountain Range was literally several mountains connected to each other. However, in-between the peaks and valleys were areas of densely packed forest.
Just as Chiome had said, the figures of fierce monsters would appear every now and again, raising the danger of the trek even higher.
The three of us weren’t having too much difficulty advancing, but if humans encountered even one of the monsters we came across, they would label this land uninhabitable due to them being constantly preyed upon.
While those that lived here wouldn’t have to worry about human encroachment, they did so at the risk of their own lives.