Volume 13 Chapter 13 Base Attack
Al quietly put the guard near the tent to sleep in the same way, quickly gagging and tying them up. He let out a sigh, then carefully looked around the rocky area with the door, avoiding the nearby horses.
He noticed several small round holes, about 2 centimeters (0.8in) wide and 2 meters (6.56ft) high, close to the ground. The holes were too small to see through, but it was bright inside, suggesting they connected to a room carved out of the rock.
He wasn't sure what it was for, but he leaned in to see if he could hear anything inside. However, it was very quiet. There were no voices at all. The only sounds he could hear were breathing... it seemed like snoring.
'Naresh, I took care of the guard. The people inside the rock are really quiet. They seem to be sleeping.'
He sent a 'Telepathy' message to Naresh but got no reply. He guessed Naresh was talking with Desmond and the others. They had thrown the carcass into the well last night.
If the people inside were involved in that plan, they might be resting now.
'There are horses on the other side, so if we approach on horseback, they might get excited and make noise. I'll use the 'Fly' spell to come get you, so just wait.'
Without waiting for a reply, Al sent a 'Telepathy' message and headed toward where Naresh and the others were hiding. With Naresh, Desmond, and 2 knights, they could quietly bring everyone back using the 'Carrier' spell twice.
* * *
Al successfully brought the four of them into the enemy base using the "Carrier" spell, surprising them. He explained the situation again. The spies inside the rock didn't notice anything strange; only their soft breathing was heard.
"Wow... you really know what you're doing. You're like a skilled assassin or something."
Desmond muttered in disbelief as he looked at the two tied-up people. This was probably why the "Conceal" spell was forbidden. Al couldn't explain he knew the spell, so he just smiled vaguely.
"I think they're sleeping, but it could be a trap. There isn't much movement, so I can't tell how many are inside or the layout. There might be multiple rooms."
Al explained. Naresh, Desmond, and the other followers nodded in agreement.
"I'd like to threaten the tied-up guard to get some information, but I doubt they'll talk easily. By the way, is the door locked or anything?"
Desmond stood in front of the door, naturally taking the lead. He nearly hit his head on the ceiling. Al cast the "Sensory Boost" spell's "Night Sight" and used the "Shield" spell on all four of them.
Then, he looked at their faces again.
"I'm not sure if it's locked, so I'll try 'Open Lock.' Is that okay?"
"Got it. Al, please do it."
It seemed like Naresh and the others had already discussed the plan for the entry, as they nodded silently.
'Open Lock'
Desmond quietly tries to open the door. But, there seems to be a trap on the door, and it makes a loud creaking sound.
Al, Naresh, and Desmond widen their eyes, quickly glance at each other, and rush to peek inside.
The room is about 4 meters (13 ft) square with white walls. Stairs lead down at the back, and on the left and right walls, there are two levels carved out with straw inside.
On the lower level, six people are sleeping uncomfortably in leather armor. The two sleeping on the upper level are probably magicians.
"Don't resist! Move and I'll kill you!"
Shouting, Desmond and Naresh jump out with force.
'Piercing Spear'
'Spasm'
The fight is decided in an instant. Al's 'Spasm' spell stops one of the Tempest magicians, but another magician launches three 'Piercing Spears' at Desmond, Naresh, and Al.
Just as the spears are about to hit, a hexagonal shield of light appears, shimmering and making a high-pitched metallic sound as it deflects the attack. This is Al's pre-cast 'Shield' spell.
As a result, Naresh and Desmond reach the two magicians without taking damage and point their swords at their throats. Naresh's squire also readies his spear against the stunned men below.
"Okay, I understand. I won't resist anymore. I'm Fletcher, a magician from the Tempest Kingdom, Marquis Prentis's second magician corps. I wish to be treated as a prisoner of war."
One of the magicians raised his hands to show he had no intention of resisting. Desmond and Naresh exchanged glances. The term "prisoner of war" he mentioned had a slightly different meaning than usual.
It was a term used in wars, meaning to surrender to an unbeatable opponent and pay a ransom to be released instead of fighting back. This man likely didn't have the mindset of a spy.
If he thought this place wouldn't be discovered and neglected that kind of training, it was a naive decision. Al, aware of the previous negotiations with Lord Veil, felt quite surprised.
Of course, unlike with barbarians, it's uncommon to kill all opponents in human wars. Captured people often pay a ransom to be freed.
However, in this case, the Tempest Kingdom and Sylvester Kingdom weren't at war. What they did was simply a crime, so he should be considered a prisoner.
Naresh and Desmond communicated silently for a while. But eventually, Desmond gave a light smile and nodded, and Naresh opened his mouth.
"I understand. However, I cannot make that decision. Since you have made that request, I will inform His Excellency Viscount Parker. But, you must honestly explain what you were doing here. Also, until the situation is clear, you will be put in mouth and hand restraints. Is that okay?"
Without a mouth restraint, a magician can cast spells anytime. It's not as simple as disarming a regular knight.
The magician named Fletcher nodded seriously. But instead of arresting them, are they accepting their surrender? Naresh and Desmond must have a plan.
"What about you?"
"I am also a magician... I will become a prisoner of war."
In response to Desmond's question, another magician lying on the upper level looked defeated and dropped his shoulders. He seemed to understand the situation better than Lord Fletcher.
Realizing there was no way out, the two magicians gave up their resistance. The other six also accepted their fate and allowed themselves to be tied up.
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Donate me
Support Me with USDC
(ERC20)
Support Me with XLM
(Stellar Lumens)