⟐ CHAPTER 14

The shivering wind had begun to blow by as the forest light grew dimmer for every moment that passed beneath the orange sky as it was beginning to be tainted by the darkness of the night, for the twilight was soon to come. I and the child are now walking towards her village. She began to lead the way towards it even though I don’t really need it, as I could just ask Eve to check the [Map] feature of the [King’s core] and tell me which direction it was because even though we’re following a road, there were plenty of split-offs, and all of them were unlabeled, but the child insisted, so I just pretended to follow her, though she doesn't seem to be trying to trick me because when I asked Eve a few times while following the child.

Also, I don’t know why, but the child had become a lot more annoying than before. After giving her more dishes, her mouth seemed to be running nonstop as she began to tell stories that seemed as if they’ll never end. Well, I don’t mind it much, and I don’t really care, but the child seems to keep on asking me if I get what she’s telling me, so I just pretend to know and kept answering,

“I see.”

“I know right? Even though the other kids don't want to play with me, I don't really care because I know a better place. They don't know what it is because they can’t climb to the very top of the trees, unlike me.”

“Is that so?”

“Yep, you see I’m really talented when it comes to climbing and stuff…”

Her stories lasted for about an hour and a half as the town she lives in, named Kulv, was about three kilometers away from my base, making it quite near mine and therefore a threat. But if things could be resolved with as little violence as possible, I would be pretty glad. And just as I was about to ask Eve again if we were going in the right direction to the town, I saw it. The embers of civilization, light.

“Oh, it seems we’re here, mister! hehe~”

We were still on the road, though, and were still quite a few distances away, but I can see it. The town was what I expected, actually. There was a tall wooden wall that seemed to be made of [Low-Quality Mana Wood], which I guess is only there to ward off wild beasts. And even from here, I can see some of their, what seems to be, two-storied wooden buildings as light was emanating from within through their windows.

“I told you about my big brother, right, mister? Well, now that he’s off somewhere to be part of the army, I have to stay in my Aunt’s house before he comes back. Though I don’t like it, I have to for my big brother.”

And soon, we were in front of the town’s gate. What I came upon surprised me a little bit as it confirmed the technological era of this world. Two men wearing green vests, which had an insignia of a bear and a leaf on top near where their heart was, and as for the rest of their clothing, they were wearing brown. They each were holding what could only be seen as a big rifle of sorts. And a quick inspection showed that I was indeed correct.

[Series-XCVIII Single Shot Breech Lock Anti-Beast Mana-Gun Rifle (E)]: This variant of the [Mana-gun], designed by Dr. Trustiviak, is an average to medium beast size hunting rifle and is a decent model compared to others of the same class. It is an old-time classic with reliable stopping power against low-tiered common beasts and is generally preferred by big game hunters. The weapon is moderately maintained and has fired 104 shots. This [mana-gun] is 25 years old and was created by the Yrarriel Empire Gun Smithery. This weapon is currently equipped by someone.

Magic Damage: 40

Magic Penetration: 50

Effective Range: 200 to 450 Meters

Durability: 26/30

Ammunition: 1/1]

There are guns in this world, or [Mana-gun] as they call it. These weapons are what their name implies, a gun that uses mana as ammunition. In this world, where there were beasts that could tower over trees, easily bite through steel with their teeth and claws, the normal people of this world needed a way for them to be able to defend themselves and participate in this world. So, they managed to create something similar to modern weapons back on earth. And what weapon is easier to use and mass-produce than guns? My curiosity was at its peak as I wanted to do many tests and experiments using those weapons. I know that sooner or later, me and my units are going to be at the receiving end of those barrels, and most likely hundreds, if not thousands, of them. I put those thoughts on hold and returned my focus back to the situation at hand as the guards then shone a light at us.

And while they were shining a light on us, the two guards talked with each other.

“A kid? Is that Lynn? You know, Emyllia’s daughter, and what the hell is that guy next to her? An adventurer? Why is that child with a random man this late?”

“F***ing hell, you don’t think it's that right?.”

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“F***! Hey! You! The man in white! Who are you, and what did you do with that kid?”

It seems like these people know the child, and obviously, I won’t tell them everything I did to the kid, but I still need to answer. So I said,

“I took this child to safety as she was roaming about near the sacrificial site.”

“Wait, you two had gone there? Then are you the one that ruffled up the offering site?”

It seems I said something unfavorable, but these people aren't a threat to me at all. I want to meet up with the town mayor quickly, so I just told the truth.

“You could say that.”

“You bastard! So it was you!”

“It’s that idiot!”

“Raise your hands where I can see them! Rychielle, call up the rest of the guys. Tell them we found the one that made a mess in the offering site.”

“Alright then, keep your eyes on him for a bit.”

“Gotcha, now go!”

The men grew visibly angry as they then raised their weapons and pointed them directly at me and the child's direction. How uncivilized, but oh well, it's not like I care much. But it seems like it's the opposite for the child beside me. I felt her hide behind me after hearing the men shout in anger.

“W-what should we do, mister?”

“Child, you should leave now, and you should probably hide too.”

“W-why?”

She looked at me confused, but I didn't answer her question. I'm sure she'll find out about it soon, and I prefer not to involve an innocent person in this. Thus, it's time to finally split away from the child.

“Just go.”

“B-but, alright then, mister.”

After her confirmation, I then asked the guard who's still pointing his weapon towards me.

“You up there, take the child.”

“Alright, Lynn is that really you?”

“Y-yes, Uncle Miche.”

“Then move away from that man and head straight towards your aunt's house.”

“A-alright.”

And so the child quickly walked towards the town, but before she reached the gate, she looked back at me. She then proceeded to wave her little hand before getting yelled at by the guard.

“Lynn, go!”

“Y-yes.”

Now that she's gone, I can't help but feel weird. Well, I'm pretty sure that's just nothing, and as I waited for them to call up whatever it was they were calling, I got bored. So, I asked the guard who's still pointing his weapon towards me.

“Can I meet your Mayor?”

“No, he's busy at the moment, and also, shut up.”

“It's for a very important matter.”

“Even so, we have to question you first.”

“And how long is that going to take?”

“As long as you don't tell the truth.”

Well, isn't this annoying? It seems my plan has backfired. The guy threatening me isn't even as strong as a [Neutralite Basic], acting all smug. If not for my incredible self-control, I would've mashed his head to the ground. So be thankful, human. But still, this is taking too much time. And so, I walked closer to the man.

“H-hey! What are you doing?! Hey! Stop! I said stop, or I'm going to shoot you!”

“Shoot me, I don't care. Though be prepared for the consequences, as I still need to meet your Mayor.”

“This is the last f***ing warning! Stop!”

“Go ahead and shoot.”

“Fuc—”

And just as he was about to shoot, a man shouted behind him that made him release the trigger.

“Miche, stop! A-and lay down your weapon.”

“What? Captain Brigs, what do you mean?”

“J-just do as I say and lay down your weapon.”

“I-I don't understand?”

“D-do it now!”

Confused, annoyed, and a little bit scared, the guard followed his superior's orders and laid down his weapon. After a quick inspection toward the man who ordered him to do so, I can see why.

“It's good that somebody knows, this will make it easier. Fetch me the Mayor. I need to talk to him about a very important matter.”

“A-as you say.”