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Chapter 325

「First, I need to gather information,」

Lenia thought as she began to act. The port city on the southern edge of the sand and wind country of Chandra was teeming with various races and species, brimming with life and desires. Amidst the lively hustle and bustle, Lenia keenly sensed the ominous breath of disease permeating the nation, like a sigh from diseased lungs, predicting a future where the desert would be soaked with blood.

「It’s fine to dive into the heart of the problem, but I’m not here to fix this country’s issues. My plan is to find suitable personnel and move on to the next location quickly.」

Although foreigners were not uncommon in this city, it was rare to see a girl like Lenia—who, despite being over twenty, appeared very young—walking alone. She attracted curious, lewd, and suspicious glances, which she found merely unpleasant but knew how to ignore.

For now, Lenia decided to start by finding temporary lodging. She had been informed by the ship captains about high-end accommodations for foreigners. Utilizing money to secure safety and convenience was part of Lenia’s strategy for traveling alone in a distant land without a reliable backing. Not that her safety was a concern.

Taking a top-class room at the 『Cool Crescent Inn』 recommended by the ship’s captain, and paying a month’s advance, Lenia settled in. The ship voyage had been refreshing, but walking on her own feet through this wind-swept country with its scorching sand was also a novel experience for her. The room, crafted from white stone, was adorned with intricately embroidered carpets and traditional artwork and furnishings, designed to convey Chandra’s culture and traditions to foreign travelers.

「Hmm. This meets the standard.」

Sitting on a wicker chair in the living room of the suite, which included a bedroom, bathroom, toilet, and washroom, Lenia placed her bag at her feet. Propping her cheek with her left hand, she scanned the room. She found no signs of hidden listening tubes or peepholes. If someone could deceive her senses, she would rather recruit such a person for their remarkable skills.

There were no eavesdroppers outside the room either. The inn seemed attentive for now, but if Lenia caused trouble, they would likely inform the city’s authorities. For a while, Lenia could murmur to herself in the room without worry of being overheard.

Gazing out from the balcony, Lenia reflected on the information she had overheard while walking through the city. Listening to every conversation in the port city was an easy task for Lenia, even if strict magical and physical counterintelligence measures were in place from a human perspective.

「Fresh dates, anyone? Buy one bag now and get a freebie.」
「How about coffee made from freshly ground beans? Ours is sweet and aromatic.」
「No discounts here, no exceptions. This isn’t the kind of shop where sweet talk works.」

「A peaceful daily life. That’s fine, but it’s not what I seek right now.」

Though she no longer deemed the daily lives of ordinary people as worthless or dismissible, what Lenia sought now were warriors worthy of her attention or significant catalysts. The former would allow her to test her strength personally, and the latter would let her incite chaos to attract and evaluate strong or intriguing individuals. It took a while for Lenia’s extended hearing and sight within the port city to locate the information she sought. When she did, her long, slender eyelashes fluttered, and her small lips twisted into a sinister shape.

「Hehe, I wonder if I’ll laugh at my luck or be disappointed. This is exciting.」

Rising from the chair, Lenia, dressed in foreign attire, set out cheerfully. Though it appeared to be an innocent scene, the reality was far more terrifying than the march of a great demon king. However, with her newfound tolerance and capacity, Lenia would probably avoid causing the city to vanish from the map. Probably.

The port city of Desarta, a key hub for trade both within and outside Chandra, had seen countless battles for control over its lands and waters. From large-scale clan battles recorded in official history to clandestine skirmishes in the shadows, the number of conflicts was likely unknown to any living person.

The current rulers, the Maffa clan, had governed Desarta for over a century, expanding the city and port facilities through continuous development due to past conflicts, present demands, and future investments, resulting in a complex urban structure. Given the nation’s frequent conflicts, developing the city purely as a trading port was challenging.

Apart from areas reserved for influential figures and wealthy merchants, many parts of Desarta were labyrinthine due to historical factors. These areas housed the city’s impoverished, living amidst discarded food, decaying wood, broken pottery, and glass shards. Among these were those who drank cheap liquor on the streets by day, wandered aimlessly with vacant eyes, or lurked in shadows to pick pockets.

In this maze-like slum, two women were fleeing pursuers. One was a large lizardwoman with scales covering her cheeks and neck, the other a petite camelid girl she was protecting. Some residents, sensing a potential profit, looked at them but quickly withdrew upon noticing the pursuers’ murderous intent. These residents were acutely aware that survival depended on avoiding danger.

The pursuers were dressed inconspicuously, blending in with commoners. Their attire consisted of local traditional clothing, indistinguishable from that of ordinary people. However, one would notice that these pursuers, despite running on the compacted dirt paths, made almost no sound and showed no signs of labored breathing, indicating their expertise in such chases.

The chase led to a narrow alleyway, where the sun’s rays were blocked, creating long shadows. The path, slightly winding, was flanked by dilapidated houses that seemed ready to collapse. At the end of the alley was a pier overlooking a waterway leading to the sea.

「We’ve been led into a trap,」 the leading lizardwoman, Earthima, growled, realizing she had fallen into the pursuers’ scheme due to the fatigue of their escape. Though Earthima’s stamina and mental strength still held, the same couldn’t be said for her companion, who was unaccustomed to such a life.

「Earthima…」

Hearing her name called by the breathless girl, Earthima turned with a reassuring smile. She let go of the girl’s hand and gripped the wide-bladed scimitar hanging from her belt, a blade blessed by the spirits and her lifeline in this dire situation. Her other hand went to her belt, under her wind-resistant cloak, securing the plate armor and gauntlets that were standard for warriors in Chandra, all blessed by wind, water, and sand spirits.

「It’s alright, Hadiya. Just stay behind me and don’t fall into the water.」

「Okay. Be careful.」

Hadiya’s trusting eyes looked up at Earthima, who shielded her. Though Hadiya wore a hooded cloak, it was adorned with vibrant greens and blues over a white garment, and she carried no visible weapons.

The tension heightened as the pursuers blocked their escape route. They unsheathed short swords and donned clawed gauntlets, their demeanor turning menacing. Three figures were visible to Earthima, but more could be hiding in the shadows or on the rooftops.

A small ratwoman stepped forward to speak to Earthima. Her ordinary face would blend into any crowd, making her ideal for covert operations.

「Warrior Earthima, this is the end of the line. Hand over Hadiya and we’ll settle this peacefully…」

「Your concern is noted, but I won’t turn back now. Do I seem so careless to you?」

「No, this is the expected response.」

「Then further talk is pointless. You’re not the only ones after Hadiya. Many clans and criminal organizations are driven by greed.」

「You tolerated it until now, but not this time? You’re not supposed to act on personal feelings.」

Earthima sensed that these words were the ratwoman’s personal opinion, likely speaking out of turn. None of the other pursuers stopped her.

「You hit the mark. I’m only human. I can’t always turn a blind eye to everything. So I decided to stop looking away and escape with Hadiya. That’s all.」

With that, the conversation ended, and the fight began. Two young human males threw daggers at Earthima. At the same time, a man with clawed gauntlets dashed forward. Earthima ignored the incoming daggers, relying on her wind spirit protection to stop them mid-air.

The clawed man kicked off the wall, aiming at Earthima’s neck from above. Earthima, without moving, grabbed his right arm and tossed him into the waterway behind her, crushing his bones. Unfazed, she slashed at the ratwoman, who dodged and countered with poisoned needles. Earthima’s tail smashed her into a wall.

The last pursuer, wielding a poisoned dagger, advanced, but Earthima’s thrown stone struck his forehead, knocking him out. Though she defeated three, Earthima sensed more hidden threats.

Earthima remained vigilant, aware of potential ambushes. Suddenly, all the hidden pursuers were lifted into the air, choking silently. Surprised, Earthima saw a small figure approaching—Lenia. The chilling wind from her presence sent shivers down their spines.

「Hello. Looks like you’re having fun. Mind telling me what’s going on?」

Lenia’s friendly approach only increased Earthima and Hadiya’s unease. Yet, Lenia’s appearance suggested she meant no harm.

「Your pursuers seem familiar with covert operations. But rest assured, I don’t intend to harm you.」

「You did this?」

Earthima, still shielding Hadiya, stepped forward cautiously. She couldn’t understand how Lenia had immobilized the pursuers.

「Yes. I judged them to be at fault. They’re not united. I believe three factions sent them.」

Earthima recognized the mention of three factions, though more were likely involved. There was no time to dwell on it.

「……」

「No need to be wary. Let’s talk. You need rest. I can provide a safe place.」

With that, Lenia flicked her wrist, and the pursuers fell unconscious to the ground. Impressed by their numbers, Lenia envied their expendable forces.

「So, what will you do? Fighting me isn’t wise. I don’t wish to cause unnecessary trouble.」

「Why would you help us? What do you gain? Helping us will bring you trouble. Or are you working for someone we know?」

「Hehe, with responsibilities, you become cautious. I don’t demand you take my hand. But it wouldn’t be wise to refuse.」

Lenia’s sudden hand movement aimed at black mist rising from the pursuers. Sensing it, she attacked with telekinesis, dispersing the evil spirit.

「Negajin! They’d sacrifice Hadiya’s life!」

Recognizing the black mist, Earthima grimaced, and Hadiya trembled.

「It’s an evil spirit summoned with human lives. They failed their mission and summoned it as a last resort.」

Hearing Hadiya’s words, Lenia chuckled, appreciating her compassion even in this situation.

「They repay failure with their lives. Classic. Seems your enemies use any means necessary.」

The black mist reformed into a giant skeletal insect, radiating death and fear. Observers fainted from its presence, but Earthima and Hadiya, protected by spirit blessings, only grimaced. Lenia felt nothing due to her transcendent nature.

The giant insect, embodying a powerful curse, attacked Lenia. Its bite would drain life, and its claws and wings induced madness. However, Lenia dismissed it with a snap, crushing it with immense telekinesis.

Earthima, awed, realized Lenia’s immense power. Understanding there was no choice but to comply, she glanced at Hadiya, who nodded in agreement.

「Earthima, we should take her hand. It’s our only option.」

「You’re right. Let’s hope for the best. May the Great Spirit Saifika protect us.」

Earthima sheathed her sword and approached Lenia with open hands.

「I apologize for my earlier rudeness. Please forgive me.」

Seeing them bow deeply, Lenia, feeling no offense, thought it wasn’t unpleasant.

「I don’t mind. Rise. Now, can we talk?」

「We accept your help. But may I ask one thing?」

「Depends. What is it? Speak.」

「I am Earthima, and this is Hadiya. Could you tell us your name, our benefactor?」

Caught off guard, Lenia realized she hadn’t introduced herself. She recalled her parents and Doran teaching her the importance of greetings.

「I see. I should apologize. I am Lenia. I didn’t help you out of pure goodwill, but I’ll provide food and shelter. The rest depends on our negotiations.」

Earthima and Hadiya, relieved by Lenia’s amiable demeanor, decided to trust her, despite the uncertainty.