Cam quickly rushes to the other Usagininzoku villages, but he was too late, most of the women and children have already been kidnaped. It’s clear that the powerless Usagininzoku’s were not abducted in order to help with the required manpower for the empire. Their purpose was to be used to satisfy their people after receiving an attack.
As expected, the Hauria tribe could not overlook their fellow species, the majority of their forces were left to guard the Sea of Trees, Cam and a small group chased after the Empire soldiers transport wagon that was heading towards the Imperial Capital.
However, communications with Cam was suddenly cut off after they reached the Imperial capital. No one came to the meeting place that was set up ahead of time.
The remaining people at the Sea of Trees became restless and decided to send out scouts towards the empire.
Results, Cam’s group that invaded the Imperial capital never came out.
Afterwards, in order to invade the Imperial capital and find out Cam’s status, Pal’s group was gathering information on the security of the capital when they noticed that there was a transportation wagon with a large amount of Demi-humans leaving for another town, Pal’s group then put information gathering on hold and went to rescue their comrades.
[However boss, by any chance, have other places also been attack by Majinzoku?]
[Ahh, they’re active behind the scenes here and there? well, luckily I was around and they were all defeated]
If you think about it, Hajime could be considered a God of Plague for the Majinzoku. This is because he doesn’t actually hold any hostility towards their race, it just so happens that their timing is bad, so he ends up kicking them out of his way when they obstruct him.
[Well, I have a rough understanding of what’s going on. First of all, you need more information about Cam who’s in the Imperial capital?]
[Affirmative. And, though I’m sorry boss…..]
[I understand. We’ll be passing by anyways. The fellows that got caught, I’ll send them back to the Sea of Trees]
[Thank you!]
Pal and his group all bow at once. Though Shia mumbled a little, nothing was said.
Hajime noticed it and knew what Shia wanted to say, but he waited for her to say it herself, in the end nothing was said.
Finally, Hajime received a message for the leftover forces at the Sea of Trees, then dropped off Riria-na*the Princess* and Pal’s group off a little ways away from the Imperial capital. Then his party set a course at full speed towards [Harutsuina Sea of Trees].
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Once again Hajime set foot on [Harutsuina Sea of Trees] and welcomed the dense fog which shuts out all light ahead.
Still, if there were no Demi-humans to guide the way, people who were below Hajime’s inhumane level would likely be driven mad. As Hajime led the group, in order to not be separated he placed Demi-humans on the outside to enclose their surroundings.
Strangely Arutena was walking especially close to Hajime, he decided to ignore it and keep advancing. Shia who was walking nearby had an anxious face, suddenly her ears reacted with a ~pico pico~. Shia lifted up her face, then began to stare at what lied ahead.
[Hajime-san, there’s an armed group up ahead]
The surrounding Demi-humans turned a surprised look towards Shia due to her words. Even the kidnapped Usagininzoku in the group were surprised that Shia had managed to perceive something that they couldn’t.
As if confirming Shia’s words, a group of Toramimi*Tiger eared* Demi-humans appeared through the fog with weapons. The armed group had fierce eyes and stared at them, then they sensed that there was a large group of Demi-humans in the group, so they decided to not suddenly attack.
Among them, the eyes of the Toraninzoku*Tiger race* who seemed to be the leader, stopped at Hajime. His eyes were then opened wide in astonishment.
[You, that time…..]
Hajime also recalled the Toraninzoku’s appearance. His name is Ghil*Gil in Endo’s Official translation*, he was the commander of the security force that confronted Hajime the first time he came to the Sea of Trees. Apparently he survived the invasion and is currently patrolling again.
[What on earth do you want this time…..is that, Arutena!? Are you alright!?]
[Ah, Yes. These people and the Hauria tribe helped me]
Ghil tried to ask Hajime’s purpose in a wild voice, and Arutena who was by his side noticed and showed herself. To the words of Arutena, a deep sigh of relief and amazement was heard.
[That’s good. Alfrerick-sama was very sad. quickly, please show him your energetic appearance. …….Boy. You, for what reason did you help us Demi-humans? Though it doesn’t suit you who is arrogant and haughty…..well, you have my thanks]
[There wasn’t a specific reason. it was only a coincidence, a coincidence]
From the atmosphere of meeting an acquaintance, Shizuku’s group had doubtful faces. Shia then explained what had happened quietly, also how she fell in love with Hajime, and their faces showed consent.
[Now then, are any of the Hauria tribe stationed at Fair Bergen? or, a fellow that knows where their current village is located?]
[Mu? If its people from the Hauria tribe, there should be several in Fair Bergen. Though you’ve likely heard, there was an invasion, so many are currently living in Fair Bergen]
[Thats good then. Well, lets quickly head for Fair Bergen]
Hajime says so and urges ahead quickly. With an amazed face again, as usual it seems his attitude hasn’t changed much, Ghil ordered his troops to brace their arms in order to guide them back.
There wasn’t any feeling hostility like the first time anymore, is it because they were saved by the Hauria tribe which Hajime trained, or is it because there’s a great number of people this time…..they were being mature about it and guiding Hajime, though it is convenient that they can get in without any trouble.
At last we’ve reached Fair Bergen, though it has changed greatly. First of all, the huge dignified gate had collapsed, the leftover remains have yet to be cleaned up.
And, the capital of the Sea of Trees which charmed Hajime with its fantastic beauty of nature, was completely destroyed with remains here and there, the air corridors and waterways made of tree trunks were broken down in places.
[This is awful…..]
Someone muttered.
Hajime totally agreed as well. The cold breeze coming from the darkness and Fair Bergen itself contained a gloomy atmosphere.
Then, people who happened to pass by saw Arutena and their expressions stiffens up, it was unbelieveable, afterwards, they exploded into cheers and ran up to them.
They finally notice that there is a party of humans by their side, when they were told of how Arutena was helped by them their expressions were still stiff, but as they embraced one another