Volume 4 Chapter 13 Capture
"We're not sure if it's a wooden chest or something else, but there's definitely something invisible. I sensed it earlier, but they stayed away. They're smart. I was careless."
Captain Jonas nodded at Eric's report.
"We did what we could. This is my first time dealing with this too, though I've heard about it before. At least we found it before any trouble started. We can use 'Detect Invisible' to see it and 'Dispel Magic' to remove it. Should I ask Lord Eric for help?"
This time, Eric nodded.
"It's possible. However, depending on the opponent's strength, it might not be able to be dispelled."
"If Lord Eric can't do it, then we won't be able to catch them no matter what. In that case, we'll have to think of another way. Kane, are you confident in your skills?"
Kane shook his head repeatedly, showing he had no confidence at all.
"Kane, stay here and wait for the healer's girl. Talk to her when she arrives. The rest of us will go capture the target. Al, do your best. If they resist, I'll use magic to handle it. Placida, take care of the other two enemies. I doubt a simple bandit will be a problem, but stay alert. Lord Eric, deal with it if they turn invisible. Al will support you."
"Yes!"
Placida felt very motivated and nodded firmly. Eric and Al also nodded in agreement. Leaving Kane cheering them on by the church, the four of them headed straight to the square where the suspicious three had stopped their carriage.
The square was diamond-shaped, about 40 meters (≈131 feet) on each side, built on a slope leaning northwest. The north and west sides were raised like a rampart, while roads bordered the east and south. The church was at the very southwest corner of this road. As Eric and Al entered the square with two fully equipped guards, villagers and merchants stopped their carts and watched curiously, wondering what was happening. They looked to see where the four were going. At the far end of the square, in the northwest corner, there were supposed to be two carts, but one was hidden by a tent. Three men were preparing a campfire in front of the visible cart.
When the three men noticed Al and the others, they quickly stood up and seemed to discuss something. Seeing this, Captain Jonas and the others moved faster to approach.
"Is there something you need?"
One of the 3 men, Bashel, stepped forward to ask Captain Jonas. He was a magician, wearing a friendly smile, but his body was tense. The two men, Van and Varden, standing on either side of him, were also ready to draw their short swords, clearly on guard.
"I am Jonas from the guard. I need to check your carts."
Captain Jonas and Placida said nothing more and continued to approach the carts. Van and Varden tried to stop them, asking why they needed to do that, but the two just shook their heads silently.
"No, Van, Varden, go over there first."
Bashel pointed at Eric with his chin. Then he looked at Captain Jonas and the others and extended his hand.
'Paralysis'
Captain Jonas and Placida's eyes widened, and they suddenly froze. The Paralysis spell literally paralyzes the target. Since its effect is clear, many magicians try to learn it. However, there is a downside: the chance of the target actually being paralyzed is only about 50%. Of course, this depends on skill level, but because of its uncertainty, opinions on it vary. But this time, it seemed to have worked on both guards.
Eric tried to quickly use 'Dispel Magic' to remove the Paralysis spell because he was caught off guard. However, Van and Varden ran past Captain Jonas and the others, who were paralyzed, and headed straight toward Al and Eric.
'Flash'
'Dispel Magic'
Al distracted Van and the others, while Eric dispel the Paralysis spell on Captain Jonas almost at the same time. Although Van and the others missed their attack, they quickly blinked and glared at Al. The effect seemed weak.
"Tch, this kid did the same thing before, didn't he?"
"Am I going to fall for the same trick twice?"
The two, with daggers in hand, said this as they charged at Al and the others again. Their legs were still a bit unsteady, but they managed to dodge. Eric seemed unaccustomed to using magic while moving, so Al protected him and pushed him back with his back.
'Shield'
Eric chanted, and a glowing hexagonal shield appeared briefly in front of Al. At that moment, someone lunged at Al. As the dagger was about to hit Al's left arm, the shield reappeared with a metallic sound and deflected the attack.
"That was one time; I can block about 2 more times,"
"Thank you, Mr. Eric. Be careful..."
Al and the others desperately fell back. Suddenly, the two attackers let out a loud scream.
"I'm sorry, are you okay?"
It was Captain Jonas and Placida. The Paralysis spell that had been on them seemed to have worn off. The tide of battle turned quickly, and Captain Jonas and Placida knocked down the two Van attackers.
"Phew..."
Al let out a big sigh. Then he hurriedly looked around.
"The magician is gone!"
The magician named Bashel had disappeared. While dealing with the approaching Van attackers, Al hadn't paid attention to what he was doing.
"Did he turn invisible? Lord Eric!"
'Detect Invisible'
Eric immediately cast a spell to search the area. However, he soon tilted his head in confusion.
"There's only one by the carriage."
Al used the Magic Sense spell to scan the area and noticed Bashel hiding behind the carriage. The wooden chest on top of the carriage looked pale and translucent, just like before. This sight made Al breathe a sigh of relief, thinking Ruella could be saved.
Then, Al spotted stakes in the ground at the square's edge, with ropes attached. He quickly went over to check. The ropes led down a 5-meter embankment to a small group of trees, with the village of Roland beyond.
"Sir. Jonas, Mr. Eric, there's a rope over here!"
Al shouted loudly. The 3 of them rushed over.
'Sensory Boost'──Enhanced Visual
Al looked down at the village from the square. He saw a man standing about 200 meters (≈ 656 feet) away.
"There's a man over there..."
Al pointed, but the man's body turned pale and see-through. It must be the 'Conceal' or invisibility spell.
"He disappeared..."
Al couldn't help but mutter that.
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