Episode 26 : Overcome walls, physically
After traveling for several days, the two enemies arrived at the magical city of Alden.
High, thick walls surround the city, and people line up at the gates.
"This is Alden. It is a city ruled by the sage who once defeated the Demon King and saved the world, and is home to the most cutting-edge technology on the continent."
Stella explained, pointing to the line of people in front of the castle gate.
"Look at that castle gate. You can see the white arch, right?"
"Yes, there is. What is it?"
"Just by passing through that arch, we can find out a person's criminal history and other information. This has significantly reduced the time it takes to screen soldiers."
People lined up in front of the castle gate pass through the arch and enter the city one by one.
Occasionally, the arch would glow red and soldiers waiting on standby would restrain anyone who passed through.
"Whenever someone who has committed murder, theft or rape passes by, the light flashes red like that. They are immediately arrested by the soldiers as a criminal."
"Eh... does that mean I can't get through either?"
Uta pursed his lips.
It looked fun so I wanted to go through, but I was afraid I would get caught.
"Neither can I. I must somehow get into Alden without going through that arch."
"Oh. Then let's teleport in."
"That's not possible either. Look above the city."
Stolen story; please report.
"above?"
When Uta did as he was told and looked up, he saw a faint, translucent membrane emerging from the gate, surrounding the city.
"That is a barrier that blocks spatial magic. If you try to teleport into the city, you will be hit with a powerful electric shock."
"It looks like a deer trap. How scary."
Contrary to his words, Uta laughed in amusement.
"Well, that aside... let's jump."
"..............?"
Uta grabbed Stella's hand and teleported away.
They crossed the city walls and entered the capital with ease.
"Huh?! Why?!"
Stella makes a fuss at this impossible situation.
"Here you go, hover."
"That's not an explanation! How did you get past the barrier?"
"You don't even know why. You see, it's me."
"That's why I said it's not an explanation! It's really absurd..."
Maybe it's better not to think too deeply about it anymore.
Beyond logic, Uta is truly an extraordinary being.
"I've made it into the city, but what should I do now?"
"You want to meet the Sage, right? In that case, I think we have no choice but to go to the Tower of Sage."
What is the Tower of Sages?
"Yes. It is a magical institution in the center of this capital where many magicians gather to conduct various research. Since this is a city that is semi-independent from the country, the Tower is also the de facto administrative organ."
"Oh, so there's a place like that. Well then, let's go there."
"Suddenly?! The Sage is the most important person in the Tower!? There's no way she'd just suddenly show up and meet me!"
"Hmm..."
Now that you mention it, that's true.
In this world, Uta is an ordinary person with no achievements or status.
Even if you asked to meet with the head of a city, it would be impossible to get an appointment.
"That's true. Kazuha also told me to be polite to those above me... Would it be rude to enter the Tower?"
Because Uta had a careless personality and didn't pay attention to small details, he was often scolded by teachers at school.
Each time this happens, he also gets a lecture from his childhood friend, Kazuha, the daughter of a flower arrangement master.
If I suddenly jump in without asking any questions, I might get scolded again.
"I hate being scolded by Kazuha. She's usually so quiet, but she's really scary when she lectures me... So, what should I do to meet this wise woman?"
"I don't think an ordinary person would be able to meet you... For example, how about obtaining something useful from the wizard of the Tower, and in exchange for that, requesting an audience with the Sage?"
"Oh, I see. So you're going to prepare a box of sweets. That's good."
A good old Japanese culture: attacking with sweets.
That would be considered proper etiquette, and I'm sure Kazuha would approve.
"How about some rare monster materials? Monster skins, fangs, and cores are all essential for magical research. I'm sure you'll like them."
"Well then, let's go with that. I'm glad I brought you along after all. Thank you."
"……you're welcome"
Stella had a complicated look on her face after being praised.
Born to slave parents, and then becoming a member of a group of assassins who did all the dirty work... it might have been the first time in her life that she had received straightforward words of thanks from someone.
(I never thought that the first person to say "thank you" to me was the person I was trying to kill...)
"Well then, let's go find a place to stay for now. It'll be dark soon, you know?"
"...Yes, let's go."
Stella nodded.
To be honest, even she doesn't really understand why she ended up accompanying Uta.
But since we've come this far, let's follow it as far as we can.
(Anyway, I have nowhere to go back to. I'll just have to watch over him and see what happens...)
Stella made up her mind like a priest who believed in God.