Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken novel Chapter 21

Bordering the Great Jura Forest, was the Count territory of Falmas Kingdom.

On this frontier existed those willing to protect the area.

Their main forces consisted of a knight order under the control of the Count.

Although the members usually only consist of 100 people, the Count declared a state of emergency. Those who had retired were recalled, and the numbers were now nearly three times than the usual, with 284 people.

The next largest force here was the Adventurers from the Freedom Association.

They had taken requests to hunt monsters threatening the land in the vicinity.

However, this was not an urgent matter. And, naturally they finished the request without any difficulties.

To serve as lookouts around the Count's territory, mercenary were hired.

Although some were talented, many were still just novices. Thus,when the monsters started to move, they all were employed to scout the surroundings.

However, in reality, they didn't treat their work seriously. The main cause of which being the fact that Count Nidol Maigam had been stingy with money used to employ them.

So, who can subdue the monsters if the Free Association didn't take the request?

Normally, it was the job of the Knights.

However!

"Fools! When the Knights leave the territory, there is a chance for the cities to be attacked?!!! Who will protect the Town?!!!"

So, the frightened Count did not permit their dispatch.

Money was a problem. Moreover, The Knights could not move in order to protect the town.

Further, complaints came from villages.

They complained about damage caused by monsters that neither the adventurers nor Count did anything about...

However, the Association in this case, can't receive a subjugation request due to a single rule.

The circumstances involved did not allow it to so easily accept.

After all, if you going to hunt for rank "B+" monsters, multiple adventurers of the same rank are needed (At least 3 or more people).

Even if 10 adventurers with rank B tried to subdue it, even if they were successful, there would surely be casualties.

Furthermore, just because a sighting was confirmed, it didn't mean that the subjugation can be begin immediately.

Normally, there was not many rank "B+" Adventurers stay at the frontier; the problem was that monsters would appear too frequently.

Thus, they were unable to effectively move between requests.

They'd receive the request, subdue the target, and then come back. The time involved between each step became a problem.

To patrol the village, an organization responsible for subjugation was necessary.

In response to these circumstances, reluctantly the Count Nidol Maigam set up an organization.

He called it, Frontier Garrison. Its member consisted of 30 people.

Moreover, they mostly consisted of criminals charged with trespassing on private property, disorderly behavior, or small-time violent crimes.

So, it's actually a facility for small miscreants. A correctional institution.

They were servants of the Knights, at times; and, they served as opponent for the Knights mock battle.

Thus, their service was meant to rehabilitate them. They choose a person among them as their captain (or rather, they were forced to choose), and were sent as guards of villages.

For Count Nidol Maigam, the plan looks appealing because it not only can solve the villages' problem.

Even if they had died, his wallet wouldn't suffer.

It's the extent of his plans that he doing, but.....

"Fumu, sly dog. Well, to gain our freedom, we should accept it graciously!"

The man named Youmu said.

Due to his appearance,

Originally, he had not wanted to merely end up as a small miscreant.

He hoped he can become the boss of the back streets/slums, but it seems the world didn't let this man take the center of stage.

Later, the Frontier Guards led by him showed a remarkable results, and he became the frontier villages' savior.

Fuze.

Belonging to a small kingdom Burmund, he was the Freedom Association Burmund branch guild master.

His former ability as Adventurer was upper rank "A-". He was a remarkable Adventurer.

As he promised to Baron Belyard, he immediately, conducted his own investigations.

As a result, in response to a report from the information section, it seems there were no movements in the Empire.

But it didn't mean that the Empire wouldn't move later........so he had concluded.

Thus in the future, they should continue observing the Empire.

It's not work that they normally do, but there was no other choice. It's his decision.

Then, the news from the Investigation Team was received.

When he entered the room, he slowly sat on the sofa.

Their confidential discussion was set to be held in the drawing room.

On the sofa facing him, sat there three people”two men and a woman.

They were Adventurers with a B rank.

Excelling in covert operations, Gido. With his job as "Thief", is a man with excellent information gathering skills.

Outstanding in defense, Cabal. With his job as "Heavy Warrior (Fighter)", his role was that of the tank. He enjoyed goofing off, but was polite when working.

Specializing on particular magic, Ellen. With job as "Magic Spell User (Sorcerer)", Skilled in diverse magic, but excellent with Movement-based magic. Carefully providing support in order to increase the survival rate of the Party. They were all noteworthy individuals.

They were the team that was ordered to inspect the cave where Veldora was sealed.

His first thought was, please come back safely!

To begin with, the proper level of that cave was rank "A-".

Actually he wanted to do it himself, alone. But, because of his responsibilities as the guild master, he cannot move freely.....

Meanwhile, the other rank "B+" Adventurer were not asked to inspect the current situation of Veldora.

The reason they were requested was because of their high survival rate and high information gathering capabilities. Rather than during subjugation, if they were sent to collect information while avoiding battle, their abilities surpassed those of other rank "B" Adventurers.

However, if something were to happen to them, it would be his fault.

It was an obvious violation, since him as the branch chief himself had ordered them.

But, it was absolutely necessary for them to check.

That is why, the one who most pleased with their return, was Fuze.

"Let's hear the report."

Fuze, never showed emotion in discussion ordering questioning.

He was grateful in his mind; but he didn't express it in words.

The trio were familiar with this trait

"All I hear is "Wasn't it tough?""

"I want to quickly take a bath...."

"It was tough; it was hard to mediate the quarrel between Danna and NÄsan, I thought I would be easily trampled to death...."

That was their typical reaction when reporting their findings.

However, their faces were serious.

And then they started the report.

Battle with monsters in the cave.

The guardian, having deceived the Storm Snake's (Tempest Snake) senses, they removed the seal on the door and entered.

Confirmation of the disappearance of Veldora...

Inside the door, they investigate for about a week, but could not confirm the presence of any living thing.

And, the most curious detail.....

"And, that. After we concluded the investigation on the inside, the Storm Snake was nowhere to be found!"

"That's right! Since I can't use any withdrawal type magic indoors, I spent many hours planning our escape from the Storm Snake... but it was all pointless!!"

"I was just thinking that I'd be able to mix illusion magic and heat manipulation as a decoy! But, no... On a serious note, I worried that although we were able to get here, we won't be able to get out, but..." That's what they reported.

Heck, what was that thing? That was a monster of rank "A-". It was the strongest presence inside the cave.

Probably, I would not win on my own against that monster.

That was precisely why; the probability of success in this mission was greatly reduced.

Fuze thought so.

Again, what is happening in the land? At the moment, that was not something to think about. So Fuze concluded.

"Well you guys. Have a nice break for three days. After that, once again, I want you guys to investigate the forest!This time, it is not necessary to enter the cave! I want you guys to investigate the surroundings thoroughly, and carefully! So, go!"

"I'll go! See you!"

"What? Three days!!! Give me more rest please~!"

"Hey hey..... Anyway, I guess it useless no matter what I say?