Chapter 35 – [Porter] Into the Trap
As I was undressing, I turned my head and looked at the birthmark on my back.
No, it’s not a half anymore.
A black rose that has grown to be recognizable at a glance.
I’ve never had a tattoo or anything like that, but it was engraved on my body before I knew it.
Now I know what this is.
The power to steal the abilities of those engraved with the pattern of roses.
It’s probably the same as the hero’s, but it’s a different ability.
I’ve never seen it, so I can’t be sure.
In any case, it means that it is a very, very powerful force.
And now I’m staying in the cheapest inn in town with all that fucking power.
“Fuck…”
The bug crawled on the floor again, so I stepped on it and killed it.
I don’t know how many I’ve had already.
What do you do when you have great powers? I have no money.
It would have been better if it was the power to steal money.
I had to cut back on my spending because I was spending so much money on that damn bribe.
I’m crazy…
Why would you spend money on something like that?
When the wallet was turned upside down, several coins fell to the floor.
Six This is all my property now.
What if this all falls off? At that time, you have to either give up and look for something else, or starve yourself.
I don’t know if I’m starving, but I can’t find another job.
I’ve been educating two years of Seria, so give up and look for something else?
Absolutely not.
You can’t stop until you make that bitch compliant.
Even if I die, I won’t see someone else intercepting me on the way.
Even if the other side refuses, I intend to forcefully follow.
Suddenly, I saw a piece of paper sticking out of my wallet.
It was the map I got from that strange guy at that time.
When I received it, I kept it in my underwear, but it felt uncomfortable, so I moved it to my wallet later.
What did you say How long has it been on days when the moon is full?
I’m probably talking about the day when the full moon rises, but I think there are about ten days left.
Wait until then? It’s crazy?
After fiddling with the map for a while, I made up my mind.
Okay. Let’s take a sneak peek at what you’re doing.
There’s nothing to do differently anyway.
When I got close to it, the map he gave me was drawn so vaguely that I couldn’t tell them apart.
This building is like that building, and why was it built so densely?
All of them were old houses that looked older than me.
You can see a few empty houses, but most of them were inhabited.
I’m not going to lie, it seems worse than the accommodation I stayed at.
I wonder if I really want to live in a place like this, but since they don’t have money, they’ll live like this.
It was a very pitiful life, but if you think about it, I am no different from them.
No, I don’t even have a house, so maybe they’re better off than me.
But what the hell is there in this place?
He said things like what kind of power he would give me and that he would give me a chance to get revenge, but this place was a slum where I couldn’t even feel the fragments of that power no matter how much I looked at it.
I checked the empty houses once in a while, but there was nothing particularly suspicious.
The placenta was locked in the first place, so I couldn’t check it properly.
Did this bastard give me the right guidance?
That was when reasonable doubts began to arise.
“Yet… The time has not come…”
A familiar voice came from behind me.
“I’m surprised kid. When did you show up again?”
Sure enough, it was the guy who gave me the map.
No, it seems a little different.
I looked carefully for a while, but I didn’t remember the faces of the young men, and I couldn’t tell the difference.
But anyway, in terms of feeling, he was definitely right at that time.
“Have you not heard? They told me to come back on the full moon day…”
“No, it’s the moon and Nabal, and they just passed by?”
It seems that this guy is a bit lacking in head.
Isn’t this something you shouldn’t find out about?
I don’t think there’s anything good about talking like this.
“…”
He suddenly became quiet, as if he hadn’t thought about it until that point.
It seems that the stupid bastard is right.
Better then.
I think I’m going to be fooled, so let’s ask something.
“Hey, but what are you going to call me on a full moon?”
“… That cannot be said.”
“If I don’t know that, what am I going to believe?”
“Hmm…”
Are you worried?
No, if that’s the case, why did you say you couldn’t tell me?
“Hey, just let me know. Because I won’t spread rumors.”
“… Can not be done. Don’t tell me… It was.”
What is it?
Wouldn’t someone answer me if I asked them?
It was such a stupid answer to think like that.
“Who said that?”
“… I can not say.”
“Actually, I was dispatched to monitor whether you are doing well. It’s embarrassing to be so uncooperative.”
“Lu, Luella-sama can’t doubt me!”
What who
I don’t know who it is, but this guy seems to be the boss.
Then you should use it right away.
“It’s not up to you to decide, it’s up to Luella-sama. OK got it. I’ll tell you that he refused to answer.”
“Now, wait a minute… !”
She didn’t know who Luella was, she didn’t even know what he was doing, but she was in a hurry.
I’ve never seen such a smart kid in the world.
“Okay. Please tell me one by one.”
“Yes, you fellow, how are you in human form?”
“Huh?”
… Huh?
“You mean you made another doppelganger! Don’t trust me! It can’t be!”
I didn’t say anything, but a man who suddenly starts to pay a fever by himself.
I felt like I heard something very dangerous.
Didn’t he just say he was human?
… Is this a baby monster?
Damn it, I was talking to a monster!
I didn’t notice because it was like a person!
“… Why are you not talking?”
He looked at me, still huffing.
No, I was suddenly at a loss as to what to answer.
My thoughts are out of order.
Monster… Why are monsters in human form?
Come to think of it, the soldiers were talking about doppelgangers.
Aha. It’s this guy.
So if I catch him, I can catch a piece too?
That’s probably what Hero and the others are aiming for, too.
No, you still haven’t caught this clumsy guy?
I don’t understand.
Judging from this guy’s state of intelligence, it seemed like it wouldn’t be a problem to coax him out and bring him to the lord.
Then, since the hero has nothing to do, he will start again.
It’s not bad.
“… I am not a doppelganger Luella-sama is not suspicious of you, so let go of your anger.”
“That, right… He can’t be like that…”
As soon as I answered roughly, the guy’s tone brightened noticeably.
Be a doppelganger
Knowing that fact definitely made me feel awkward.
I don’t know if the dumbness had anything to do with it, but more than anything, this guy was awkward with his face.
There is little expression on his face.
Even the occasional facial expressions are out of context or artificial.
If I didn’t know, I would have thought he was just a strange person, but when I thought that he was not human, it was definitely suspicious.
“It is still too early to rejoice. Ruella wants to know how things are going.”
“Oh, is there still time?”
“Is it Toda now?”
“No!”
As if he had no doubt that this could be a lie, he obediently revealed everything he knew.
After hearing all the stories, I thought.
I’m sorry!
What the fuck overthrow a human city? The first step of the Great Invasion?
In the middle, he showed signs of embarrassment, but he was fooled in moderation, probably because he was so angry.
Anyway, that’s what he said.
This guy is a doppelganger created by restoring ancient technology, and it is said that he came here as the vanguard of a revolutionary plan to capture human cities without war. His mission is to promote division and conflict within the same race, and realize a surprising plan in this city to subdue the enemy using the enemy.
To this end, he said he would gather those disaffected by society and turn them into fearless warriors using a magical mist that heightens their emotions.
So, in the end, to sum it up in one line, it was a sign that they would swallow the city while making humans hit and beat and fight each other with magic.
Why did he uselessly increase his words, I think he seemed to be repeating only the part he remembered what he had heard.
Anyway, it sounded funny because it was said by a bit of an idiot, but it was a very risky plan.
If I get more entangled here, I’m sure I won’t be able to get out of here.
But after hearing the story, I thought it was an opportunity.
Couldn’t this be used as an excuse to lure the Hero party?
No, there is no need to lure them all.
Ceria.
You can bring that bitch alone.
Then the rest will come on its own.
“Hmm…”
“What are you doing?”
I looked around.
Dense building.
You can’t easily look inside.
Yes, that’s right.
As I listened to his story, a plan came to my mind.
Of course, there are ways to safely dedicate this guy.
Then, since it’s my achievement, I’ll be rewarded for this and that, and the warrior won’t be able to knock me out easily.
In common sense, this is a much better way.
However, if you throw a gambler once…
Maybe this is the chance to finally taste this first year.
Until now, the guard was so stubborn that I couldn’t even think about it, but I think I can change the situation if I do well.
A sure reward and a safe road. Uncertain rewards and risky roads.
My answer has already been decided.
“I have a request for you…”
And I was in front of Hero’s inn.
When I looked inside, there was only Seria inside.
Good. As expected.
We decided to change the plan if the hero arrived first, but luckily Seria and Arin arrived first.
They must have arrived first and are waiting for the hero.
But there is no Arin.
Because an urgent call came in from the church.
Of course it’s a lie.
He disguised his doppelganger and made him lie that he had been contacted.
First of all, he told me to return after delivering the message, but it seems fortunate that Arin was not there.
I’ll notice soon and come back. It’ll take a while though.
“I’m back.”
He appeared in front of me in the form of a warrior.
Good. Appearance is perfect.
“You must have cast all the magic, right?”
“I am sure.”
The location problem has also been resolved.
Then it’s time to start fishing this year in earnest.
“Just do what I said before. Don’t talk too much needlessly.”
“… Is this really helping Luella-sama?”
This idiot asked a rather sharp question, as if his intelligence had suddenly increased.
“You don’t know, but they are the Hero group. How do you think trapping them in a trap is a nuisance to Ruella-sama?”
“Yo. This… Warrior! Are they the ones who defeated Hans!”
He was furious and shuddered as if he were about to run away.
It’s a bit awkward to say such things in the form of a warrior.
“Okay. If you do well, you can take out one of the hero’s party members. Luella-sama will like it too.”
“Indeed! But if you’re going to do it, wouldn’t it be better to kill the hero?”
… Why did you suddenly get your hair better?
“Heroes are hard because they are quick-witted. It’s all because there’s a plan, so don’t spit it out.”
“Yeah, that’s right. All right.”
I didn’t know the doppelgänger, but he replied that he knew anyway.
“You just have to do as I say. Make sure to bring them to that building.”
“All right. Leave it to us! For Luella-sama!”
Yes yes I don’t know what it is, but try your best.
The doppelganger in the shape of a warrior jumped up and strode into the dorm.
Fuck… This is the most heartbreaking moment.
Can that bastard do well?
He ordered me to shut up in case things go wrong, but he’s such an idiot that I don’t trust him that much.
Okay. When did I move thinking about the future?
If not, just die.
“Eric? Where is Yuni going and why are you alone?”
Seria looked at him and asked curiously.
“… Found.”
“Did you find it? What? … Maybe a doppelganger?”
“Okay.”
“Really? Where are you?”
She jumped up at the good news.
It seems that he has not yet felt a great sense of incongruity in the appearance of the hero.
No, you must have felt it, but the news he brought was more shocking, so you must have put it aside for a while.
“I have to go now.”
“Wait a minute, Arin left the church saying he had an urgent business. She will come soon, so let’s wait a minute.”
“… I have to go now.”
Her eyes narrowed for an instant.
Shit, did you notice?
“Eric. Where is Yuni?”
“… I have to go now.”
Caught! You said you were caught!
This idiot. I forgot it in the end
Since Yuni was captured, my scenario of trying to entice the two of us to go rescue him first completely collapsed.
Can’t you do this easy?
“… Okay. I’ll get ready, so wait a minute.”
As she said that, she gently grabbed the staff.
That bitch, that’s what she’s going to say and attack!
As expected, I can’t believe the strategy of using others.
From now on, I’ll have to plan a strategy that only I can act on.
It’s okay, but this is what I expected.
Now that this has happened, I have no choice but to go with the second plan.
I threw a rock hard at the window.
Clink!
“What, what!”
“All right!”
It’s a sign to run away.
Thank god. I didn’t forget this.
The idiot even said something that didn’t need to be answered and quickly ran away.
“Also! At there!”
She briefly conflicted with the direction the stone flew and seeing him run away, but it seemed that she decided to prioritize the doppelganger.
Even while leaving, he must have thought that he should leave a trace of himself, so he left his coat behind.
“Whoa…”
Will I be able to escape?
For some reason, it seemed like this would happen, so I told them to come to the building in advance if something happened to run away.
I don’t know if that guy will be able to properly carry out a difficult operation like manned, but he told me that if I’m not sure, I can just run to the promised point.
As long as you don’t get caught along the way, you’ll be fine.
If you don’t get caught…
Still, since it’s an urban area, that crazy bitch won’t be able to use magic.
It’s time for me to leave as well.
Shall we go play the poor victim?
Before moving to the appointment point in advance, I suddenly had an interesting idea.
It’s a pity that I enjoy it alone.
Let’s invite the audience too.
I quietly placed the map I received from the doppelganger on top of Seria’s coat so Arin or the hero could find it.
Ceria.
Let’s see the end today.
