Imperial Capital VIII-1

Rina looked rather taken aback, as if she hadn’t expected to be refused.

"Relax— I didn’t help you just because I wanted something in return. I’m hiring you because I truly respect your abilities."

"…Understood. I accept Tarou’s proposal."

Rina seemed slightly dissatisfied, but it looked like things would work out.

"Are you heading back to the battlefield again?"

"Yeah, that's the plan. I'm going to try to stop the war, but I might end up fighting against the people of Entsi."

"I'm prepared for that. Besides, I'm no longer one of those people from that town. At least, Tarou-san doesn't seem to mind. Be cautious, and fight with all you've got."

Without saying anything in reply, she simply answered with her gaze alone. She had wanted to say something, but couldn't figure out what to say...

"Rina, what on earth is Taro talking about?"

Just as the conversation had just come to a halt, Noel, quite drunk, suddenly burst in.

"You're already this drunk—cut it out, be reasonable."

After helping the drunken Noel and calming the commotion, everyone decided to head back to their respective rooms to rest.

Late at night, alone in my room, thinking.

The time has come to truly join the fray.

Probably, some people will die as a result of the battle.

There had been people who died in past battles. No matter how long it takes, I still can't get used to it. Maybe I shouldn't even try to.

This is probably why I'm said to be unsuited for combat...

A few days later, I found myself in a battle zone where the Empire had just claimed victory again.

The team this time was the same as last time—me, Alek, Noel, and Coil.

"Taro, what's our objective?"

"From our previous investigation of the palace, we've determined that the manufacturing site for the human body mithril is almost always located near or within the palace itself. Moreover, it seems only Noiman can create it."

"According to what Greg told me, he appears to be somewhat of an oddball even within the kingdom. He's highly competent, but seems to have no subordinates or close companions."

Perfect.

The fewer people who know the methodology, the easier it will be to prevent the spread of the technology.

"Our objective is to secure Neumann and destroy his research facility and findings. Alex and I will infiltrate and carry out the destruction of the main facility and secure Neumann."

"What about me?"

Noel protests.

"There's a possibility of intense combat. I want you to stay near the palace and be ready to assist with evacuation if needed."

"Understood!"

"Let's start moving toward the palace from tomorrow!"

Having received everyone's approval, we decided to begin our actions from the next day onward.

However, the situation quickly changed.

A noisy sound came from outside the tent.

Rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I stepped out to find Coil and Alex already outside.

"What's going on?"

"It seems the kingdom has begun a large-scale invasion."

"Here?!"

"No, it's the battlefield to the east of here. It looks like the mining site where the war just began."

"Why are we still fighting? Isn't it over already?"

"Maybe they're using their last strength to seize just the magic stone mining site. We've only managed to hold part of it so far..."

Coil gathered and combined information from the soldiers and adventurers.

It seems the kingdom is deploying most of its forces to reclaim the mine.

High-ranking officials from the nation are reportedly involved as well—Noiman included...

This is truly the final showdown.

"Everyone, change your plans. Noiman is the main problem. As long as he's around, human soul stones could be developed anywhere. Capture him and stop the production of human soul stones. That way, the creation of powerful weapons will halt, and the kingdom will find it difficult to continue the war."

"I agree. It's much easier to find him on the battlefield than searching all over the kingdom."

"I can join in easily, so that works for me!"

"I'll handle gathering intel in the chaos."

"Alright! Let's go!"

Though the destination changed abruptly, they quickly prepared and moved to another battlefield.

With the magic four-wheeler speeding ahead, they headed toward the battlefield where the kingdom was advancing.

Thanks to the relatively short distance between battlefields, they arrived at the next one within a day.

The battlefield was clearly in utter chaos.

Blood and oil still scattered everywhere, weapons left untouched, and the ground still torn open from digging.

The acrid smell of burning flesh hung thick in the air.

Everyone grimaced at the horrific scene. How could it have come to this...

Thanks to prior intelligence, they arrived without hesitation at the location where the imperial forces were stationed.

Every soldier was utterly exhausted.

"For now, let's go see the managers of this battlefield. I want to share our combat objectives."

After receiving everyone's approval, they headed toward the largest tent.

As usual, they entered with the imperial decree displayed prominently.

Several familiar faces were inside.

The strongest-looking guard who had served the Empress, the nobleman I had blown away during my time in the Empire, and several others.

It seems the Empire has also assembled considerable forces in preparation for a full-scale war with the Kingdom.

The matter quickly circulated, and although a few objected, freedom of movement was granted.