Chapter 78 - #77 Devising plan (2/2)
Tomorrow, I will be able to acquire some treasures and most likely a lot of gold. I might be able to finally upgrade my special class and also expand my businesses in the Capital after this mission is done. I wonder if some of them will die during this mission...
I thought while looking at the ceiling and also while ignoring the voices around me teasing Poney.
.
.
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The next morning...
---In the commander's tent---
”Here is the map. It should be a genuine one” The bald man named Uncle Bill said while handing over a map to Gozuki.
”Good, let's hope that everything is as it should be. By the way, why was that guy limbless?” Gozuki put the map into his pocket before asking with a confused expression.
”That kid already arrived with him like that. I also asked out of puzzlement and he said that he simply doesn't need them and also to stop him from running away. When I asked about his arms, he replied ”so he couldn't crawl away” with a straight face but he still ultimately told me that it was also to reduce his weight. I really like that kid, haha.” Uncle Bill explained with an amused smile.
”Yeah, it looks like we don't need to worry about him sparing anyone” Gozuki muttered with a wry smile.
---Akashi's POV---
”Alright, this is the map of the tombs. Remember it thoroughly, there are also some traps shown in it but you still have to be careful.” Gozuki said when he unfolded the entire map of the tombs on the table in front of us
”Looks like there are more ways how to get to last rooms.” Green muttered while holding his chin.
”But there are far more traps in the other hallways, it would be much faster to take the middle way that leads through the entire tombs and its levels. We will be able to get to the last rooms much faster this way.” Cornelia added with a thoughtful expression.
”Then it is decided!” Poney immediately said with a big smile and her fist raised up high.
”No, shrimp, it isn't. We can't be sure about those traps, like father said, we will need to be careful no matter what and even if there are fewer number of traps, it doesn't necessarily mean that they are less trickier than others. We also have no idea what kind of traps they are.” Najasho replied to Poney's excitement with the bucket full of ice and Poney's head and shoulders immediately dropped down.
”How about splitting up into groups?” I asked while looking at the map, although with my intelligence I already remember everything highlighted on the map.
”That's too dangerous, we don't know how strong they are, that's also the reason why I will be going with you this time.” Gozuki replied with closed eyes and folded arms.
”I think it's better to make small groups of at least 2 people. These traps won't be a that big problem but it can still split us up. I imagine that even they wouldn't want to fight us while we would be all together.” I said and everyone glanced at me with a slightly surprised expression before glancing at Gozuki.
I guess they don't usually talk back. That's also one of a few things that are limiting their growth, they don't make their own decisions. And even if they do, once Gozuki tells something, they think that it's sacred. However, they don't look like they have been brainwashed, at least not with the drugs. I guess 8 years living with someone who is taking care of you will change you. After all, isn't this the same thing as with Kurome?
I thought while taking a glance at Kurome who was at Akame's side while gently smiling at me.
”I also think that those traps serve more to split us up rather than kill us.” Akame's voice resounded and everyone widened their eyes while looking at her.
”...True enough, but what makes you think that even small groups won't get split up?” Gozuki nodded his head with closed eyes before opening them while looking at me.
”Usually in big groups, you don't focus on not getting split up since it's a large group and even if you get split up, there is a big chance that you will end up with someone else. However, if they really aim to split us up all with those traps, they will be able to do it. If we will just focus on keeping close to only one person, there is a much lesser chance that we will get split up, at least those 2 people.” I told him how I see it.
”...Alright, everyone, make teams of 2 people. There will be 4 teams and I will be going alone. Anyway, we will still take the middle hallway as a group but just focus on not getting separated from your partner, don't focus on other teams.” Gozuki decided and said aloud.
”Yes!” Everyone nodded and acknowledged his words with a low shout.
I glanced at Kurome and she coincidentally also looked at me at the same time. I could see that she was feeling conflicted, she wanted to go with me but she also wanted to make sure that nothing happens to her sister.
After a few seconds of hesitating, she slowly approached me.
”Aka-” Kurome wanted to say something but she was interrupted.
”Looks like we are going to team up once again, Akashi!” Poney exclaimed with a cheerful smile while extending her fist to me.
”Kurome, how about going together~!” Akame suddenly hugged Kurome from behind and asked her with a bright smile.
...Why does it feel like getting ċȯċkblocked?
I thought with a dumbfounded expression while looking at Poney's fist.
”Hm?!” She saw that I wasn't reacting so she waved with her fist a bit.
”S-Sure...” I answered with a forced smile and bumped the fists with her.
”I- Alright!” Kurome also looked shocked for a moment before looking at me with pity and then nodding to Akame.
I should have just followed Gozuki's instructions and not meddle with their strategy.