Akatsuki Translations

【Satellite City-State of Aruto】

One of the satellite cities connected to the City of Greed. Its size as a city is average. Unlike the City of Sins, there is no dungeon within or near the city. However, it is famous for the production and processing of timber harvested from the forested region of the Apas mountain range to the north of the city.

While the number of priests blessed with the power of spirits is limited, the city can always secure a stable amount of magic stones via the City of Greed. Therefore, the city’s infrastructure, developed through magical machinery, is well-established, and the lives of its citizens are very stable. In other words, it was a relatively peaceful city-state.

However, that day, a shock ran throughout the city.

It was news of the attack on the mobile fortress, the Island-Eating Turtle.

The attack on the Island-Eating Turtle, a pivotal point in the logistics of all cities centered around the City of Sin, Greed, was undoubtedly a major crisis. The Turtle not only transports the magic stones produced in Greed but also handles the transportation of goods produced by the 【Farms】, responsible for food production.

The city had reserves, so a single trade disruption wasn’t catastrophic, but hearing the news, everyone’s face turned pale. They were terrified and outraged by the attacking bandits.

“We must strike down the wicked thieves at once!”

Such voices naturally arose.

“Capture them! Subdue them! Find them and kill them!”

At the city center, the temple, people swarmed, echoing calls for the slaughter of the thieves. It was an unusual scene. However, it was natural, given that their lives and livelihoods were at stake. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the priests promptly announced the formation of a punitive force. Otherwise, the heated atmosphere might have even sparked a riot.

The situation, with citizens surrounding the temple, was temporarily quelled. However, tension remained palpable within the city.

“Fuck… what the hell have they done?”

Inside the city, amidst the tense atmosphere, a man let out a small scream.

His name was Kusharu. A hobbit and one of the city’s residents.

He was a merchant selling items, ranging from suspicious magical tools and antiques to even the belongings of adventurers. Occasionally, he would sneak into dungeons, acting like a thief to source his goods, which drew the ire of the Adventurer’s Guild. Recently, he was even banned from entering Greed.

However, this man was secretly causing even more significant problems.

“After all the guidance I provided them, those dumbasses did whatever they pleased… Damn it…” – Kusharu

By “them,” he referred to the bandits who attacked the Island-Eating Turtle.

This man was secretly connected to the bandits who attacked the Turtle.

For outcasts living outside the city, items and food only available within the city were scarce. Kusharu sourced these items as a merchant, sold them to the bandits, and made a profit.

It was a complete betrayal to this city-state and all surrounding nations. But blinded by quick money, he committed a grave error, oblivious to its implications.

And now, this uproar was the result. He was now trying to turn his back and flee from the frenzied citizens.

If it was discovered that he was aiding the bandits, he would be captured as one of their accomplices and face severe punishment. Being judged by the law might be the lesser evil. Otherwise, he might be lynched and killed by the citizens.

Cursing the bandits in his heart, he approached the main gate of Aruto. Though it was dangerous outside the city, it felt safer than staying inside. Trying not to let his haste show, he addressed the gatekeepers.

“Leaving the city? Why?” -Guard

“Business. Heard about an interesting ‘relic’ discovered in a new dungeon.” -Kusharu

“Don’t know what it is, but a stingy merchant like you won’t be able to afford it, Kusharu.” -Guard

Ignoring the gatekeeper’s sarcasm, he smugly thought about how his merchant status allowed him to leave the city without raising suspicion. Exiting was as easy as always.

He’d live quietly in another city until things cooled down. Fortunately, he had savings from his dealings with the bandits. Thinking of it as a kind of vacation, with these cheerful thoughts he,

“Oh, excuse me for a moment…”

“Eh? Who’re you?” -Kusharu

“Kusharu-san?”

“Whatta ‘bout it?” -Kusharu

The next moment, the blonde girl in front of him smiled, and a sudden impact hit the side of his head. Kusharu blacked out.

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Arriving a day later than planned and getting involved in a very troublesome situation, Ur and his group somehow reached the satellite city of Aruto. Upon their arrival, and at the main gate,

“Well then, I’ll leave the interrogation to you. And make sure to send all the information you get our way.” -Diz

A “crackdown” was taking place.

At the same time Ur was processing his entry into the city at the main gate and filling out the necessary paperwork, this had occurred. The knights from the Knight’s Order were escorting away a man captured by Diz and Shizuku, glaring at him with fierce expressions. It was the arrest of a spy in the satellite city of Aruto, based on the information Diz extracted from a captive she had taken on the turtle.

“How did you know that the guy who the bandit we captured was talking about was the informant, Shizuku?” -Ur

“His ‘sound’ was very calm.” -Shizuku

“Even though he was trying to leave the city, huh? I see.” -Ur

Normally, anyone going outside the city, no matter how skilled, would be nervous. It’s a place without the protective walls of the city and without a barrier to keep out monsters. If someone is calm, it’s not because they’re used to it but because they lack alertness.

Or, perhaps, they perceive greater danger inside the city than outside.

“But, by sound? Did his voice give him away?” -Ur

“It seems my ‘ears’ have improved recently.” -Shizuku

“Ears……. 【Reveal Thy Name】.” -Ur

Ur pondered for a moment, then directed his adventurer ring-clad finger at Shizuku. As per the chant, the ring performed an 【Analysis】and revealed Shizuku’s mana.

“It’s increased. It’s at 【Two Marks】now.” -Ur

“My.” -Shizuku

Compared to when checked with Greed, Shizuku’s mark count had increased by one. With another intertwined mark, this made it【Two Marks】. It was evidence of her gaining magic power and growing. As a result, her physical abilities were enhanced, and her senses developed.

“So, your hearing has improved…” -Ur

“As for you, Ur-sama?” -Shizuku

“【One Mark】as always. I knew that though.” -Ur

“Marks don’t increase that easily. Shizuku is just unusual.” -Diz

Then, Diz, who had been negotiating with the Knight’s Order, returned.

“The attack report has already been transmitted to other cities from the turtle that returned to Greed earlier. This means that the information will spread and cause commotion.” -Diz

Therefore, there shouldn’t be many trying to leave the city under these circumstances. They had a general idea of the spy’s physical appearance and name from the surviving bandit.

“But I didn’t expect to encounter him at the entrance. Thank you, Shizuku.” -Diz

“No, it was thanks to Diz-sama’s swift actions.” -Shizuku

They were competent women. Everything was resolved by the time Ur returned from the paperwork. He felt a bit out of place, but he had gotten used to it after being constantly compared and berated by Glen.

“So, what will we do next? I think we won’t have a problem entering Aruto.” -Ur

Usually, entering a city from outside takes time. Sometimes, one has to wait at the main gate for a whole day. However, Ur and his group have “rings,” proof of being affiliated with the Adventurers’ Guild. They were the lowest tier copper ring, but just showing it visibly eased the gatekeepers’ attitudes, proving its immense effectiveness. They’ll likely receive entry permission soon.

“For now, let’s find an inn.” -Diz

“Understood, my lady.” -Shizuku

And so, after such an eventful journey, Ur and his companions were set to enter the city.