169 Episode 49: Journey To Hirakata Park (1/2)
”This is the first time someone brave enough to attack us in broad daylight appeared here in Osaka. No one has ever done that before,” Maple mumbled as she picks up one of the insignia that one of the guys who assaulted us dropped after he was killed.
”Is that a famous insignia in the Magician World?” I asked since this is the first time I have seen that thing.
”No. This is unfamiliar. This is the first time I have seen something like this as a mark of a group or an alliance. I assume they are a newly formed group or might be some magician cult fanatics. Either one of them or none of them. It doesn't matter though since they decided to attack us, that means they are enemies.”
”Then we should stick together once we get into Hirakata Park. Since this is their home base, we can't just easily trust other people here. Even if they say they are helping us since they are part of the Magician Society, we shouldn't expect some help from them since this is a private mission. We should be vigilant.”
”You are right. Let's get going before the reinforcements of the enemies comes in. We can't afford to keep on fighting all day.”
We made sure no reinforcements are lurking anywhere from our blindspots. I even double-check using [Insight] which ensured that we have no pursuers.
”Did you detect anyone?” Maple asked.
”None, we have no pursuers. It looks like we defeated most of them when they attacked us.”
”Good, let's get going.”
...
During our walk to reach Hirakata Park, I can see a few people following us which prompted Maple to use her flying knives to do the work. It was troublesome at first since there are multiple people that we might mistake as an enemy but with the help of my observations and proper judgment, we managed to remove the enemies hiding in the shadows.
It was a good thing that Maple is quite well versed in Osaka, or else, we might have gotten lost already.
”Hirakata Park is already up ahead. Check if there are enemies. If there are enemies, be sure to tell me to obliterate them immediately.”
”Affirmative,” I said before activating the ability, [Insight].
Although my [Insight] ability can't differentiate friend from foe, due to the reason we are in Osaka, I already locked on to the people who have highly dense mana in their body and seems to be strategically positioned somewhere near us. That way, anyone who has a high mana count in their body but not part of these people can be spared. We can't afford to hit and kill civilians.
”I spotted 5 people, 2 northwest, 1 east, 1 northeast, 1 north!”
”Good! Let's dance!”
...
When all the enemies I mentioned were taken down by Maple, we finally arrived at the entrance of Hirakata Park. Since Hirakata Park is an amusement park, we have to pay money. Luckily this time, I have money to spare which made Maple sigh in relief.
As soon as we passed through the entrance, a strange feeling creep into my body. It was like I passed on something solid but invisible.
”Did you feel that Maple?”
”Indeed. I think that is an invisible barrier that triggers the owners in case a magician or someone else has entered.”
”So we are spotted already here? We are now notorious?”
”From the enemy faction, yes. But to the people here who just came to enjoy the attractions of the place, that is unlikely. But we can't be too sure.”
”We have no time to worry about the enemies, time to gather some information so that we can get out of here as soon as possible.”
For starters, due to the lack of information, Maple has to activate her Mana Scan ability while I have to activate my [Insight] to get any sort of info. However, as soon as I activate it, I saw lots of people blended in the crowd, a few people who can use magic. What is more than that is that they are in a populated area and they can easily ambush us if necessary.
However, before I can even do it, staff from a ride suddenly drag me away from Maple. Maple was also dragged away from me by another staff that is managing another ride.
”Hey, sir, please have a ride in this roller coaster! I am sure you will enjoy things here!”
”What the f*ck is wrong with you?! Who cares about a roller coaster! Don't bother me and unhand me now at once!”
I was surprised by the strength of this guy. He can easily drag me out like he is pulling nothing! But that doesn't mean I have to comply. Besides, I don't want to puke while riding the roller coaster.
”Just try it, sir! I know it will be a pleasant experience for you!”
”...Wanna die, right here, right now? Because I am willing to do it if you don't unhand me,” I said before releasing pressure using my amplified mana.