Volume 4 Chapter 32 We're Planning To Surprise Attack, But...
After finishing our investigation, we returned to the mercenaries who were waiting in a place away from the bandits' hideout.
When we informed them about the kidnapped people, some were angry, some were not very interested, and others had different reactions.
In any case, we can't abandon these girls.
So now, we need to both destroy the bandits' group and rescue the prisoners at the same time.
Some will directly confront the bandits to draw attention.
Others will ensure the safety of the hostages and help them evacuate.
These roles are very simple, but for mercenaries, it's easier to move when things are simple.
Most of the mercenaries here usually work alone or in groups of three to four people. There are about ten of them now. It's not possible for this many people who are meeting for the first time to coordinate a sophisticated operation.
So, if we let everyone know what they're good at from the beginning and understand each other's areas without interfering too much, that would be good. Then, if we decide on simple roles, we won't need to think about unnecessary things.
So, right now, we are hiding in a spot just barely out of sight from the bandits' hideout.
The hideout is surrounded by steep rock walls, and there's only one way in from the front. But there's a pretty well-made wooden gate, and there are guards standing watch.
In this situation, sneaking in unnoticed is a little difficult. But if we rush in without a plan, the gate will be closed right away, and we'll struggle to attack.
We could use magic to blow it away, but that was rejected. The gate looks very strong, so it would take a very powerful magic to blow it away.
Aina had learned a suitable magic, but this plan was rejected. It seems that there is a fear of the magic being detected if there is a magician among the bandits.
I was doubtful if there were magicians mixed in with bandits, but apparently there are magicians who don't take on any particular job, don't become mercenaries, and end up wandering off the right path because of the power they possess.
It is said by Mikage that it is not uncommon for a magician to lend a hand to a group of bandits or be hired as a bodyguard for a criminal organization. In fact, it seems that she has dealt with such magicians.
If it was just a matter of wiping out the bandits, brute force might be enough. But this time, rescuing the prisoners is also involved. Ideally, we want to take the form of a surprise attack.
So, a quick attack that is ready immediately and has the power to break down the gate neede.
As a matter of fact, there was a clue.
And so――
"Are you ready?"
I told the other mercenaries, like Mikage, Kyunei, and Rudel, that the group riding in the carriage with me seemed very motivated.
However, the group in the other carriage seemed a bit unsure. They may have the motivation, but they look at me with suspicion.
I know that my proposal may not be easily accepted by those who do not know my achievements well. Even so, they are not complaining because Mikage, who has the highest rank among us, has approved it.
I understand their feelings.
If I were in their position, I would definitely be complaining, "What was this guy talking about?".
However, given the circumstances, they should hold back their dissatisfaction for a little while.
"I'm not very enthusiastic about this,"
"Haha, well, I understand that, really."
"In that case, I would prefer not to take any more risks."
Kyunei's glare towards me is a sign of her dissatisfaction with what I'm about to do. Having been through this once before, I know what's going to happen next.
"...Still, it's a matter of life and death. I can't agree, but I can understand. Alright, I'll endure it."
"I appreciate it. So, Aina. Are you ready?"
"...No problem."
Although nodding, Aina seems nervous. Compared to the first time we hunted monsters together, there's a much heavier atmosphere around us now. She's just like me. While she has experience fighting monsters, she's never fought against humans with murderous intent.
I know this is different from training.
I'm not skilled enough to hold back against someone who's out to kill.
That's why I have my own thoughts about the outcome that awaits us.
And I have some hesitation about putting that burden on Aina as well.
"You can wait here if you want. No matter what anyone says, I won't blame you."
"No... I've decided to follow you, so it's a path I'll eventually have to take. I've also made up my mind."
Aina swallowed her saliva, mustering her strength as she spoke firmly.
"Alright. Then... let's begin!"
I burst out from my hiding spot, sprinting towards the gate with full force.
The bandits on guard noticed my movement. Suddenly, there was a commotion near the gate, and it started closing. Even at my top speed, by the time I'd reach it, the gate would likely be firmly shut.
Ignoring this, I continued running and swung the black spear I held in reverse grip overhead. At the same time, I activated 'Enchantment - Weight Increase'.
"Let's go, Gram!"
'Understood!'
"Chargeeeeeee!"
With the spear now incredibly heavy, I hurled it with all my might.
And then...
――BOOOOOOOOM!
As soon as Gram, turned into a black arrow, hit, the gate exploded with a loud crashing sound. The shockwave knocked down the bandits who were guarding the gate, sending them rolling on the ground.
What remained were the scattered remains of the gate and several bandits lying on the ground. There was nothing left blocking the hideout from the outside world.
"Alright! That was perfect! Wait, ouch, it hurts!"
I clenched my fist and struck a victory pose, but the pain coursing through my body made me kneel on the ground in agony. As expected, the recoil from throwing the super-heavy spear had come back at me. I was prepared, but it still hurt.
"Oh no! Are you okay?"
"Sorry! It hurts so much! I feel like crying!"
"Geez, you always do reckless things! Think about the person who has to heal you!"
Despite Kyunei scolding me, she quickly used Healing magic on me.
"Haha! That's our Black Blade for you! This is it, this is what I wanted to see!"
Somehow, there's a guy who's unusually high-energy. When I turn my head towards the voice, I see Rudel looking at me with sparkling eyes. Gaddis, who is next to him, only looks a bit surprised.
Even if they haven't seen a spear thrown by super heavyweights, they must have witnessed the scene where it pierced through the floor of the royal palace and invaded the lower floor. If it had been a grand stone gate, it would have been impossible, but since everything is made of wood, they thought it could be managed.
On the other hand, the mercenaries, who were full of distrust until a moment ago, were now in shock as they looked at the destroyed gate. I kinda understand how they feel, really.
"What are you standing around for!!"
"""!?!"""
The mercenaries snapped back to reality with Mikage's encouragement.
"The enemy's formation has not fully recovered yet. Now is the perfect opportunity for a surprise attack! We can't afford to miss this chance!"
The mercenaries remembered what they had to do and their eyes sparkled with determination. They quickly sprang into action after recovering. Each of them drew their weapons and ran forward together.
"Yukina-kun, you can move now!"
"Thanks. I can handle the rest on my own."
After receiving some healing from Kyunei, I continued to heal myself. This way, both me and Kyunei could move freely.
The mercenaries who had gone ahead had already reached the destroyed gate. Everything was going according to plan. As originally arranged, we split into two groups and entered the hideout.
"Now, shall we go too?"
Finally, I looked around at Mikage and Rudel. After confirming that everyone nodded firmly, we all ran forward together.
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