Volume 6 Chapter 55 Chemical Ninja Technique： Dust Concealment Technique
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
When I returned to Kasgar Capital, the sun had already dipped below the horizon.
I remembered the suspicious spot — the front square by the main gate.
Something was off immediately. The area that used to look like a trash dump was now clean and orderly, as if someone had worked hard to erase all signs.
Even after dark, work continued. The sharp smell of burning acetylene lamps filled the air. An old stone pedestal in the center of the square was bathed in orange light, glowing faintly in the darkness.
A statue was about to be moved onto the pedestal. It was transported on a cart—was it a komainu? A shisa? Its design was unlike the familiar Hachiko statue back in the Imperial Capital.
The statue held a crystal ball carved with a complicated magical pattern. That had to be the teleportation stone.
Since they were still installing it, it seemed they barely made it in time. The fact they worked through the night meant they planned to activate it tonight.
Now and then, patrol soldiers passed by, muttering naive phrases like, “Thanks for working late,” before moving on. They seemed like good people, but didn’t they suspect something? Why rush to prepare the square like this?
Or maybe those soldiers were allies. That thought made me uneasy.
The adjustment work after placing the statue on the pedestal wasn’t going smoothly. About three robed magicians stood together, quietly debating.
Curious, I checked the magic formula on the crystal ball. I couldn’t grasp all the details, but it looked like they needed to set it at a precise angle on the flat pedestal. A few centimeters off might be okay, but not much.
The pedestal was an old relic, so leveling or coordinates shouldn’t be a problem. Maybe the trouble was the angle?
The magicians pulled out long telescopes attached to measuring devices and started observing the stars.
There was a star like Polaris here, but it was dim and slightly off. For exact north, they would need a stargazer skilled in astronomy.
After some time, they came up with an answer that was surprisingly precise. No wonder professional stargazers might become obsolete if this worked.
If the Larse Empire hired them, they had to be top-notch.
Now, should I just destroy everything? No, storing the crystal ball in my magic bag was easier—a simple job.
But wait, it was repelled? It’s strange for a lifeless object to resist—there had to be a barrier or enchantment blocking me.
Of course, this must be a precious item, made by a lost technique. Security measures were natural.
I might have to enter the barrier and break it from inside.
If only the area were empty. But the workers—who probably had blood on their hands—were all gathered around, not working. Strict security was in place. For enemies, this was expected. That teleportation stone was the linchpin of their plan.
Even if I sneaked in and reached the statue, breaking it would surely get me caught.
This was the perfect moment for the Phantom Thief Skull Mask to shine.
While I changed into the disguise, a new robed man arrived from the inn.
His hood covered his entire head, making him look suspicious.
Could he be a Summon Hero?
Watching his gait, I could tell. His movements were full of careless openings, like someone from a peaceful world. He must have come here easily and was incredibly strong—probably in unbeatable mode. I envied him.
If I stepped out now, I’d have to face him. Could I win?
There was only one Summon Hero. If I could take him out by surprise, maybe I had a chance.
But no, I couldn’t do it. I didn’t have the will to kill.
I’d already killed several soldiers in this world, so I wasn’t soft. Still, I understood my own limits.
If my heart wavered now, I’d fail at the last moment. It was better not to push myself with half-hearted resolve.
I had to strike right after he teleported. He’d probably remember this teleportation stone and jump to a base. When he returned, he’d bring fellow Summon Heroes. I had to disable it before then.
As if tracing an invisible panel, he vanished.
Now, it was my turn. I moved silently toward the statue and carefully chipped out the crystal ball with a regenerative mithril bar.
After a few gentle taps, it popped out surprisingly easily. Since it was a precise magical tool, it was probably broken. Too bad—but I’d keep it as a reference.
At least now, I could breathe easier. The teleportation stone was useless.
”Hey! Suspicious person! Who are you?” someone shouted.
”State your name!” others demanded.
The workers surrounded me, daggers hidden but ready.
This was more intense than city guards. You guys must be knights from somewhere, right?
I expected this. These veterans, used to trouble, were tougher than a Summon Hero in some ways.
Still, each was weaker than Mr. Escalion. I had seven ultimate techniques I developed to outwit him.
I activated the laughter bag I had prepared. Mechanical laughter echoed loudly, confusing the strong men.
Though veterans, this was new to them. Their experience made them even more thrown off.
For the finale, I used the flour smoke screen. On dry nights, dust explosions could occur, making me vanish like a ghost. It was dangerous—even I felt nervous.
The smoke rose thick and white, glowing under the acetylene lamps in the dark. It was so powerful even I wondered what was happening.
As their vision clouded, I slipped between them, leaving only the laughter bag behind.
I thought it wouldn’t explode in the damp night, but fire spirits drawn to the lamps set it aflame.
They were relentless, always playing with anything flammable.
The dust exploded—big and loud.
The blast wasn’t deadly, but the flying rubble was dangerous.
I was thrown into the air but rolled forward to soften the fall. Level 4 training paid off. My body was so tough it could win every Olympic gold.
As long as I avoided immediate death, Dragon God’s Herb could fix me.
My shoulder dislocated, some minor injuries, and a ruptured right eardrum. Not too bad, but Uno gave me a lot, so I’d better not be stingy with the herb.
The people in the square were high level, so no one died. But even with leveling, eardrums weren’t trained.
Some had their eyeballs pop out, causing panic. I wondered what that looked like to them.
Do popped-out eyeballs heal by pushing them back in? If they weren’t enemies, I’d want to use Dragon God’s Herb on them.
The castle was in chaos. Horses in the stables were running wild. Had I caused this?
Still, with this, the castle’s security was locked down for a while. A good wake-up call for those growing complacent.
Maybe I should meet Ms. Shirakaba and exchange information.
Even if I stopped the teleportation ambush, the enemy army had crossed the river. They’d attack normally next time.
The evacuation operation had to continue tomorrow. I felt I’d done enough for today.
The hardest part was Tizzy handling negotiations, but I didn’t feel like I was doing much.
Recovering mineral resources could wait for when there was time. That was fine by me.
* * *
”The return of Lord Kuzuryuu!”
A Summon Hero appeared in a flash of light at the teleportation gate in Tenan’s Fountain Square. He threw back his hood and struck a confident pose.
”Huh? Was I the only one waiting? Didn’t I say it was tonight in guild communication? You should’ve been ready!” he said.
”Ah, well, Shiraku and the others suggested attacking before dawn. The higher-ups agreed too,” the other replied.
”The higher-ups? You mean that blonde brat? They’re just window dressing, right?”
”Well, actually, everyone seems to like them. Isn’t it cool to live loyally in another world? Like the Shinsengumi.”
”Tch! The Shinsengumi were just misfits. While I’m sneaking into enemy territory struggling, you guys are playing knights. What a bad luck.”
They walked loudly, chatting without a care for the late hour, heading toward the headquarters building.
Residents trembled in their homes, half afraid of the Summon Hero from another world, half curious.
They were easy to fool, but if anyone cheated them, they punished harshly. They paid well, so as long as you didn’t anger them, they were good clients. That was their view.
* * *
”What’s with that huge torch? It’s like a campfire. Burn it all!” Kuzuryuu said excitedly as he saw the big torch lit before headquarters.
”It’s like a ritual before battle. They even brought bone-in meat. Pretty tasty,” his companion added.
Preparations were moving steadily. Summon Heroes who had just woken gathered fully armed around the torch.
—
”Good work on the infiltration. This operation depends on you. I’m counting on you.”
A nobleman in shining armor approached Kuzuryuu. His tone was lofty but not unpleasant.
”Leave it to me. Kasgar is full of weaklings. This’ll be easy,” Kuzuryuu said confidently.
Kuzuryuu bowed deeply, shaking his right hand with a thumbs-up, showing his enthusiasm. The nobleman nodded lightly, then flipped his cloak and returned to the platform.
”Huh? For someone like Kuz, that attitude seems surprisingly humble,” someone whispered.
”Shut up! Don’t call me Kuz!” Kuzuryuu snapped. “A boss who genuinely cares for their subordinates is rare. They’re still young, but they’re a good person, don’t you think?”
”Well, it’s fine, but I’ve heard the rewards are great, and the chivalric story is a solid choice. We’ll celebrate a historic victory and become true heroes of legend.”
Maidens dressed like Valkyries served meat still on the bone and wine to those heading to battle. Since it was before combat, the wine was diluted with water but flavored with ginger and honey, so it didn’t taste too weak.
When the military band began blowing the horn, some soldiers—perhaps caught up in the moment—started forming scrums and singing.
The summoned Heroes buzzed with abnormal excitement. Killing many humans legally—that’s war.
”There’s no way we’ll lose. We’ll crush them with overwhelming force. The only problem is the taboo against murder.”
”They aren’t fools either. Each struggles in their own way.”
”The popularity of chivalry games comes from one thing: as long as you stay loyal, you don’t have to worry about unnecessary things.”
”It feels like a real battle. I know it’ll be easy, but it’s still tense.”
”The enemy isn’t a monster, but a human. If they raise a sword at me, killing them is inevitable. That’s the way of the battlefield.”
”Treat the enemy like NPCs in a game.”
”I’m ready to die, so it’s fine to kill.”
As they prepared themselves in the remaining time, the summoned Heroes exchanged quiet talks while time slipped by.
When a soldier watching the stars from the tower struck a gong, the nobleman on the platform stood.
”Gentlemen, the time for battle has come. We will reclaim our lost land honorably with swords. This battle is just and holy. The gods will favor us, and we shall triumph. With your extraordinary strength, you will compete for glory and become true heroes.”
The maidens behind him smiled softly.
”Uoooooh!”
”Long live Your Excellency Little Castor! Banzai!!”
”Long live yakiniku!”
”May-May, please marry me!!”
”Me too! Me too!!!”
The Heroes were caught in a strange mood, excitement bubbling late into the night.
”Line up three at a time! Get in formation! Attention!”
Along the path to the fountain square, torches were lit. Though it was midnight, people had woken and watched the procession with curious eyes.
They looked at us like a festival attraction.
In a world with little entertainment, we’re like idols to them.
In front of a teleportation stone carved like a water dragon, the summoned Heroes formed a perfect three-column line. Behind them, soldiers followed their lead.
”Depending on the situation, I’ll send reinforcements. But mana potions are expensive, so don’t waste them. I’ll leave that judgment to you, the one on the front lines.”
”Leave it to me. With four parties, capturing that castle will be easy. We might not even need magic potions.”
Kuzuryuu felt a rush of excitement unlike any in past battles.
”Maybe I’ve always been a brave general… maybe in a past life. The flickering torchlight blurs the line between fantasy and reality.”
”Or maybe it’s just the spices mixed in the wine.”
”Uoooh! Sage Team, First Squad, assemble! Let’s move out!”
First, he teleported to Kasgar with three sages who could use teleportation. Then, the four sages each took three powerful martial artists.
Kuzuryuu thought sixteen people would be enough to win, even without a piston transport. The fewer they take, the more rewards they keep, right?
”Hey, Kuzuryuu, why aren’t you teleporting?”
”Ah, ahh. Huh? The teleportation stone for Kasgar isn’t showing up on my menu! Where is it?”
Kuzuryuu frantically scrolled through the menu, but it wasn’t there.
”Seriously? I messed up.”
”You want to teleport without registering the teleport point? That’s a common mistake, but why now?”
”No! I checked it multiple times!”
Desperate, Kuzuryuu kept toggling the menu as if it could fix itself. Did he really forget to register it?
A sharp chill ran down his spine. Cold sweat poured like a waterfall.
A glorious army clad in shining armor. A golden-haired young noble emerging from the dark night. They all stared at him, waiting for an explanation.
His spine stiffened. A sudden pain clenched his stomach.
Unable to hold the stress, Kuzuryuu collapsed to his knees.
As the other sages explained the situation, people’s expressions changed—some angry, some mocking, many different reactions.
The young noble and his trusted subordinates strode toward him.
Kuzuryuu watched, empty-eyed, as if it were someone else’s problem.
Reality really is just a terrible game.
”That’s a huge blunder. If we don’t punish him harshly, the soldiers won’t learn.”
”Yes, exactly.”
A slender sword was drawn swiftly.
”Hey, seriously?”
”Well, after screwing up this badly, it’s no surprise.”
No summoned Hero stepped forward to plead. Had they abandoned him? No, deep down, they were probably glad. Those kinds of people.
Kuzuryuu stared at the gleaming sword reflecting flickering flames and the beautiful young noble holding it.
Even now, it felt like a scene from a movie—not real.
Damn, it’s a bad end, but somehow it’s cool.
There was still a chance to come back from death. But that didn’t matter. Pride? Honor? Silly attachments. There’s something more important than life a man cannot lose.
”I will take responsibility with my life. If I can’t face my comrades after this, then dying is better.”
With a flash, the blade pressed to his neck, and blood began to drip.
Still, the Kuzuryuu didn’t scream or beg.
”Hmm, you’ve got fire in your eyes now.”
The young noble tapped Kuzuryuu’s right shoulder three times with the back of his sword.
”Hey, isn’t this a knighting ceremony?”
”If so, it’s a reward, not a punishment.”
”How cool. He’s doing it so well, I wish I could do that.”
The Hero comrades behind began to stir. Had he become a proper knight? Kuzuryuu felt his body heat up instantly.
”Your life is now mine. Your failure will be repaid on the battlefield with glory.”
The nobleman’s voice was proud but calm. Looking up, Kuzuryuu saw a breathtakingly handsome young man—still youthful, but that made him precious.
He’s the perfect protagonist. If I were to follow a lord, it would be him. No, he’s the only one.
”M-My life in this world is yours! I’ll do anything! I’ll be useful to you, I swear!”
The young noble smiled faintly, then raised his voice to the soldiers.
”So what if one or two of our plans fail? This enemy is not one to be feared in a straightforward fight. Listen: don’t fear failure or hide it. Lessons learned from defeat are more valuable than you think. Our army’s foundation won’t shake from a few setbacks. In the end, only victory matters.”
At that moment, the surprise attack on Kasgar was canceled, and the formal river crossing operation began.
Many summoned Heroes carried large magic bags, easing the logistics burden greatly.
If teleportation wasn’t possible, marching forward on the pre-scouted path was the only option.
In the long mountain expedition to Kasgar, the Totoana Empire’s vassal army had been recently defeated. Though the route differed, the threat remained.
One summoned Hero, Sharock, the strategist, deduced the danger came from long-range sniping using cheat skills.
”Hehehe, that blonde boy seems capable. Supporting him as my lord might not be a bad idea. With my skill to see through the truth, we can’t lose. The real challenge is how to claim the achievements. It’s a competition with my allies. If that scum is a knight, I’ll aim for at least Count rank. When I rise, no one will call me Sharock lightly.”
For a moment, the summoned Hero was stunned by the surprise appointment of a fellow knight, but his rivalry flared.
In the fountain square, the military council stretched through night into day, making plans both absurd and brilliant.
Even among summoned Heroes with the same combat roles, the battle-hardened and intellectual types clashed in values, and this night made the difference clear.
Notes:
• Kasgar – The capital of Duke Mineley Territory. Located in a mining region, it is known for its acetylene lamps and mica windows. The city is bustling, with taverns and merchants, but it lacks the exotic charm of the royal capital.
• Escalion – Male. An old swordsman who claims to be the ‘true Hero.’ He is Mia’s lover and appears to be a human from the same world. Despite his shabby appearance, he is incredibly strong and has a frightening presence. He dislikes humans and has a complicated history with them, including an experiment involving a fox.
• Shirakaba – A paladin who seems to be a skilled fighter. He’s introduced as someone with a strong defense and healing abilities.
• Tizzy – Claims to be Duke’s daughter, a noble with advanced magic skills. MC and Ms. Shirakaba lover.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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