Foreigner Volume 7, Chapter 117

Volume 7 Chapter 117, Magic Sword ~ 25

　Derek, the deputy leader of the Academy of the Wise's patrol team, was spending time with a strange companion―a man named Zelphys, who claimed to be a member of the Holy Sword Clan, and who took turns watching the tree in the center of the crater where he thought his target, Satoru, was. Derek, who had taken over the watch with Zelphys in the early hours of the morning, arrived at his position and quickly looked around.

　What was there yesterday was not there.

「The trees are gone!?」

　There is a considerable distance from the outer edge of this crater to the center. Even so, there are no obstacles, and the mysterious tree that had an overwhelming presence was seen only to say that there was something there, but it is completely gone.

　Derek carefully returned to Zelphys, who had been on guard just a few moments before. Zelphys, who was probably trying to take a nap, noticed Derek before he could call out to him and asked him what was going on.

「Oi. The tree is gone.」

「Say what. Certainly, the morning mist was so thick just a few minutes ago that I couldn't see it, but...」

　Zelphys also showed a small sign of agitation, and the two returned to their watch positions, indicating each other. The morning mist that had been bothering Zelphys seemed to have subsided, and although it was cloudy, the crater could be seen in full view.

　Zelphys knew immediately that Derek was right. There was one tree in the center of the crater that should have been there but was not there.

　Derek was about to take out his telescope when Zelphys stopped him. The sky was still overcast, but it was definitely lighter than yesterday. Zelphys had noticed that the thin sunlight was causing reflections on the lens. Derek was horrified to hear this. It was simply lucked that he had not been found out so far.

　Zelphys, who had been carefully looking around, muttered something to Derek.

「I don't know how many are out there, but they are out there.」

「Can you see them?」

　Derek muttered half stunned. Even though no obstacles were blocking his view, it was impossible for a normal person to see a human figure 15 miles (20 km) away. Even the trees in the center of the area were no more than grains of wheat. However, Zelphys said nothing of the sort.

「There is a physical art called 【Farsightedness】 that has not been handed down to the general public. It is an art to improve one's own eyesight. It's not as good as the telescopic, but I can see reasonably well. It only improves your own eyesight, so there is no danger of getting caught in their wards.」

「I see what you mean: ......」

　Of course, there will still be limitations. Zelphys say it is not as good as a telescopic tube. Even so, it is surprising that the Holy Sword Clan can use art that has not even been popularized in the Academy of the Wise.

　Zelphys looked away and breathed heavily. "What's the matter," Derek said, trying to restrain himself. Zelphys knew that he had expended a considerable amount of magic power. The 【Farsightedness】 art must require a lot of magic power, even though it only lasted for a short time. But even so, it is still an advantage to have this kind of art in one's possession. Derek shuddered at the thought of the unique advantage of the Holy Sword Clan.

　Suddenly, Derek took out his telescopic tube again. Zelphys looked reluctant, but Derek shaded his cloak around him and peeked through it. This way, there would be no reflection as long as there was no direct sunlight coming in. Zelphys was also impressed by Derek's quick thinking.

　Derek carefully peeked in and found that there were indeed a few people, albeit only a pea-sized number.

「Hmm. They're moving.」

「What's the direction?」

「Probably that way ― southwest.」

　No dangerous bridges to cross. If they continue in this direction, they will cross the Horwood valley and head for Ares. Derek quickly put away his telescope. There was a reason why they were heading toward Ares. Sheryl, the leader of the team, had arranged for the magical tools Satoru and the rest had acquired in the labyrinth to be delivered to the Academy of the Wise. So there is nothing strange about that, but one question remains.

「So they're walking. I was talking about riding on a flying dragon.」

「That would be a blessing. No extra hassle.」

「Pretty much.」

　It is not expected that Minerva the flying dragon has been conceived and is unable to return to the flying dragon. The two quickly pulled up to the encampment and packed up their belongings. If Satoru and the rest were heading this way on foot, they can expect to spend about a koku and a half (six hours), but there was no guarantee that they would not have to travel in the flying dragon. Derek and Zelphys should retreat as soon as possible and look for the next watchpoint.

「I'm going to leave now. I have to pass on the information to the others.」

　Zelphys, who had packed his bags ahead of Derek, quickly got up and thanked Derek. Derek, who was aware that he had not done much to be thanked, smiled and waved his hand at Zelphys.

「Ahh. I'm moving on too. If I see you again somewhere...」

　Zelphys looked a little sour when Derek lightly told him to put his load on his horse.

「Hopefully, you'll just ignore me.」

　Derek looked at Zelphys's offer for a moment, and then he realized one thing and smiled wryly.

「Kuku, I see. It would be bad for all kinds of things if it were discovered that I am a member of the Holy Sword Clan.」

　The Holy Sword Clan is a secret matter known only to a very small portion of the royal class. Zelphys, as a subordinate of the clan, is supposed to collect information from all over the country and convey it to the clan. In other words, he is a spy. If his face and name are known, he is useless as a spy. Zelphys did not move his face, but Derek could tell that he was upset. However, Derek lightly shrugged his shoulders.

「...... Don't worry, I ain't going to do that. I'll have to contact them anyway for target movements and such. I'll see you soon anyway.」

　Although it has not functioned properly for several decades now, the Patrol Division's Watch List Task Force, to which Derek belongs, also includes counter-intelligence matters in its job description. Derek was originally invited to the Academy of the Wise because of his talent in this area. Although he was previously involved in a minor dispute in a different department and was sent to an off-duty position, his skills are not rusty. He also understands the subtleties of counterintelligence.

「Well, that would be the case. Now, then I'll excuse myself.」

　As soon as he said this, Zelphys sprinted off through the forest at an unbelievable speed. In no time at all, his back was out of sight, and Derek was stunned.

「 ...... He's one hell of a guy. He's a lowly member of the Holy Sword Clan, so I can't say I'm surprised.」

　Even Zelphys, who claims to be a lowly member, can make full use of such physical skills. If it came down to a one-on-one fight with him, Derek doesn't think could win at all. He wonders how good their master, the head of the clan, would be with the sword. He can't even imagine.

「Oops. I'll have to cover my tracks too.」

　Derek quickly set about covering the campsite. Although they were in the woods off the main road, leaving traces of the latest encampment would arouse their suspicions if they accidentally wandered into his camp. Such a mistake must be avoided.

　After quickly but successfully covering his tracks, Derek exhaled and picked up the reins of his beloved horse.

「Well, the die is cast. Now it remains to be seen whether the ogre, the snake, or the demon king will emerge.」

　The legendary king of the demon race, and the first hero of the Holy Sword Clan, was the one who defeated him. Although his name has not survived, he is still an ally of the clan, which has continued to this day. Moreover, the High Mentor of the Academy of the Wise, the representative of sorcery in the modern age, is directly running for the office. Under normal circumstances, even a big guy like Satoru would be no match for him.

　Derek found himself feeling a little excited, and quickly left the encampment.

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