
The merchant's horse-drawn carriage sped towards the entrance of the city of Voracity. Inside, Kayn and Fiera were neutral as if the arrival of the two of them was no big deal. And on the other hand, me, Elie, and Liana walked into the forest following in Hughess' footsteps.
As planned, the four of us will separate from Kayn and Fiera. We can't enter the city as normally as the two of them, it's because there's a possibility that the gate guards are aware of Hughess' identity. He is currently wearing a mask and hooded robe that covers his head, but just in case we will avoid eye contact with the guards as much as possible. Therefore, our only entrance is by secret passage. Or rather, the path we made ourselves.
Just as we entered the city of Vestille, we will also enter the city of Voracity through the underground passageway that Hughess made using his Alchemical magic. That's why we hid in the woods near the wall and made our way from there. The distance is quite far from the wall, about 50 meters. But its safety is much more prolific than making it near a wall.
"After we get in make sure you don't get scattered. This is your first time entering the city of Voracity, so it could be dangerous if you get separated and lost" Hughess said.
"Yes, we know that."
"And Zayn, I understand how you feel about your relationship, but don't think about going on a date on the sidelines of a mission" Hughess said.
"W-what are you saying?! How could I do that, right?! Right, Elie?!"
"Bec-yes ... I'll try to hold back."
Eh? Was that a warning for me or Elie?
"It's good that you understand" continued Hughess smiling.
I can't believe that this ever-relaxing Hughess could be as annoying as Zero. This is not good for me.
"Anu, Brother Hughess ... About the guy we're gonna meet, what kind of person is he?" Ask Liana.
From our conversation with the merchant, you should have imagined it, right?" Ask Hughess.
"Eh? So the guy you're talking about is the one we're gonna meet?" Ask Liana again.
"I'm surprised, you've realized that now?"
"I-I thought it was just a pleasantries."
"That's a big chit, and not everything I said was true" Hughess said.
"How many lies?" My toot.
"One by three."
After saying that, we immediately rushed into the hallway that Hughess had made. As before, he immediately closed the hole where we entered so that no one was aware of the existence of this passageway. Could be bad later if suddenly someone comes in while we're walking in it.
It only took 10 minutes for us to truly be under the city of Voracity. With this, we have actually entered the city of Voracity. But, I was afraid that the news of the existence of a special group of magicians of the king in this city was really real. It is likely that they could have realized our arrival by using magic. Therefore, just in case I use aura-busting magic on each of us. At least, with this we can escape the middle-class detection magic. But this would be useless if they used top-tier magic.
The vibrations and sounds that echoed on the ground felt increasingly stronger. It indicates that above us there is a crowd, which means we are already in the city. Thanks to my sharpened sense of hearing, I can hear it clearly. And Hughess' detection magic is also quite useful for finding such information.
We stopped at one corner of the city. I don't know where this is, but the noise and vibrations on the ground above us have disappeared. Hughess also immediately used her Alchemical magic once again to make a stairway to the surface.
Once again, we showed up in a deserted alley in one corner of the city. Hughess really gets a quiet place like this easily.
We immediately came out of the underground passageway and closed our entrance back as usual. People's voices are getting clearer here. And from one of the streets in the alley, we went out into the crowd.
"Well, welcome to the city of Voracity" Hughess said.
Perverted after getting the light back, the view of the bustling and very lively city was plastered before our eyes. Many people interact with each other. Several adventurers walked among the residents. And some people dressed as knights walked leisurely in the crowd.
Buildings are mostly three-story, merchant kiosks that sell a variety of goods, and several restaurants that provide a variety of food typical of this area. As far as I can see, the city is really beautiful. The mood of the residents also seemed bright, as if they knew nothing about the attacks of the demons on the southeast coast.
All I can say is, this city is like a city in general. But their calm in the midst of a crisis is a questionable one.
"This city is awesome! Since I've never been to another city before, this is my first experience!" Elie said enthusiastically. "If this wasn't a mission ...."
"Let's just relax, Elie, you can do that next time, right?" Liana asked while trying to calm her best friend.
"Ah, that's right. Once all this is done there is time to do just that!"
"A-ah, y-yeah ... That's what I meant earlier," continued Liana.
As long as the two of them enjoyed the beauty of Voracity city, I could only stand behind them with a lot of thoughts.
"This city doesn't look like it's in a critical moment, does it, Hughess?" My toot.
"As you may think, it seems that civilians have never been informed of the attack. Or maybe, they act as if they do not know and ignore those who are victims in that place," Hughess said half-whispering.
"If so, do they really believe in the ability of the Imperial Paladins who have been protecting this city for two months?"
"Looks like. In any kingdom, civilians mostly see only the soldiers who protect them on one side. In their eyes, protecting the citizens from the enemy was the duty of the soldiers. Because no matter what happens to them, civilians will just ignore it. It was because it was their duty to sacrifice their lives for the sake of the kingdom."
"The Imperial Paladins sacrificed for them, but they just had fun with what they had. Their personalities are really bad ...."
"But that's just a temporary assumption. Therefore, our job is to investigate this oddity."
"That's so ...."
It's quite annoying, having to fight for the sake of people like them.
After enjoying the beauty of the city, Hughess led us to meet the spy. Because it's been a long time since Hughess went to the city of Voracity, she doesn't know the location of that person. Therefore, we need to ask some merchants and passers-by.
After half an hour of searching, we finally arrived at our destination. A fairly simple workshop. Not many, rather this place is very quiet. One reason may be that this place is on the outskirts of the city and hidden behind multi-storey buildings. But for a spy, a place like this is a perfect fit.
"Aleesha's workshop the craftsman?" Elie read the sign above the building.
"Yes, this is the place. Although I don't know, but I think this is the place" Hughess said.
"How can you think like that huh?"
"It's free to think here, we're going in" Hughess said.
At a certain pace, Hughess led us into the humble building. Instantly when entering, the smell of smoke and hot embers spread out. As expected of a workshop in another world, his forging atmosphere was so pronounced.
"Ah, welcome!"
A girl's voice emerged from behind the room, like an employee greeting her customers. Moments later, a girl who seemed to be the same age as Hughess appeared from behind the door of the room. He had long hair in his back pigtail with a large pair of glasses on his forehead. For a girl, she has pretty decent muscles. It can be seen from behind his clothes.
"Welcome to Aleesha's workshop! Is there anything I can help you with??"
Hearing the greetings from the girl, Hughess approached her and replied kindly. Like when you meet an old acquaintance.
"For a long time, Aleesha" Hughess said.
"Eh? Do I know you adventurer sir—
When Hughess took off her mask, the girl realized at once who the guest she was meeting was. With a surprised and slightly moved expression, he leaped in excitement.
"Hughess, is that you?!! That really is you?!! Really, really Hughess?!!"
Beyond my expectations, when I realized that it was Hughess, she immediately jumped up and shouted uncontrollably. I panicked a little, but Hughess just laughed a little at the girl's behavior.
"Yes, it's Aleesha. You've changed a lot, especially your height."
"Haha of course, who do you think I am? After all, didn't your height not change much after these few years?"
"I-it's disrespectful, I've grown at least a few centimeters," replied Hughess smiling angrily.
"Yes, it's up to you" he said. He then looked back at Hughess, precisely towards the three of us. "Then, are the three of them also members?"
"Yes, these are your juniors" Hughess said, gesturing for an introduction.
I quickly realized it and started introducing it as usual.
"Magic Knight No 13 The Monster, Zayn Endarker. It's nice to meet you."
"A-ah, Magic Knight no 15 The Stalwart, Elizabeth Bathory. Hello to you."
"Magic Knight No 14 The Diablo, Liliana Rosweiss, greetings."
Hearing our introduction, the girl stared in surprise.
"Why did you meet like that, so stiff," he said. "After all that name, Endarker? Is it possible that you're the son of the great chief?"
"Yes, that's right."
Apparently, he knew my father too. I don't know why that's enough to make me feel relieved.
"And these two girls, is it possible that you two are nobles?" Ask again.
"Yes, how do you know?" Ask Elie.
"There's no need to be formal, just talk as usual. In this kingdom most people who have last names are nobles," he said. "If you ask me why I know you're royalty, the answer is because of the way you speak and introduce yourself. It was very polite and a little boring. Next time behave like ordinary citizens if you want to hide your noble status."
"B-good ...."
"In addition there is a problem what with the master anyway, to send Endarker to the kingdom of Voracity. He knew about the rumors."
"Well, I still don't understand the way the master thinks ...." Hughess.
A rumor? What does he mean by that rumor? What is possible about the relationship of the Endarker clan with the Voracity kingdom?
Well, that can be asked another time.
"Good job to get here safely. For now, you come into my place" he said, taking us in. "Well, I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Aleesha Makrovic, the Alchemy craftsman."
"Alchemy Artisans?"
"To be more precise, a Blacksmith or a blacksmith who uses Alchemy magic in the manufacture of items."
So, she's just like Hughess? A user of Alchemy magic?
It doesn't seem like she's as strong as Hughess, nor is she weak. Although many Alchemy users were classified as weak, he seemed to have the ability to fight.
While introducing ourselves, Aleesha led us to a secret room. And once again, this used Alchemy magic to make its way. And behind that secret door, an underground passageway was visible. And after we entered it, we saw a room that was quite large under the ground of the building.
"Welcome to my private room, my dear juniors."