How to Survive as a Genius Spy in the Game - Chapter 119: The Western Archipelago (1)

Birds flew over the plains strewn with corpses. The gliding birds descended to the ground and pecked at the corpses.

It was a place where war had passed. The atmosphere grew more grim as one went down.

It was because of the civil war. The scenery was different from Sorenson’s. That place was relatively quiet.

In the ominous atmosphere, we tried not to pass through cities as much as possible during our travel.

We also encountered groups of defeated soldiers. We tried to avoid them, but we were noticeable since we were riding in a carriage.

There were two types.

Those who politely asked for food, and those who tried to rob us at first sight.

However, their reactions were the same when refused. For the defeated soldiers, food and the carriage would make their eyes go wild.

‘They probably haven’t been able to eat or rest properly.’

Mary and Osten were a bit surprised, but Aron and I had no trouble repelling them.

It was a coincidence that we saved a middle-aged man in the process.

He was an old soldier from the polite group of defeated soldiers, but he was different from the others.

He tried to stop his comrades who showed hostility.

The result didn’t change, but his effort to stop the defeated soldiers alone to protect us was impressive.

Of course, that alone wouldn’t have made us let him join our group. But there was another reason.

“You said you’re going to Rothrom? That’s my hometown.”

“Really?”

“I only had two ships.”

“Come with us then. I’ll take you to your hometown. Or were you perhaps thinking of rejoining your army?”

The old soldier shook his head.

“No. I have to go home. I’m very tired, in body and mind. I don’t have the strength to move anymore.”

“Then ride with us.”

“Are you sure? My comrades…”

“It wasn’t you who attacked us, right? You even tried to protect us.”

“Ahem. I think you would have stopped them even without me.”

That wasn’t wrong. But it was important that he tried to act that way. He was prepared to die.

“It’s the thought that counts.”

Although it was a sudden offer, the others didn’t seem reluctant either. His courageous act to protect us was admirable.

Anyway, the reason I decided to take the old soldier with us was because of the ships.

The Western Archipelago. An island of pirates. It won’t be easy to find a ship to go there.

It will cost a lot of money or we’ll have to put up with some trouble. This connection should be enough to help.

“Thank you. I’m Perion.”

After finding hope in surviving, the old soldier extended his hand with a brightened face toward my words.

I shook his hand with a smile.

“I’m Carlyn.”

Not long after the carriage departed, Perion looked at me carefully and opened his mouth.

“I’m sorry for trying to make excuses… but please don’t hate them too much. They were once upright and kind young men.”

“I understand. Hunger can make people eat even humans. War, especially defeat, is a painful thing.”

Perion looked at me with a surprised expression.

“Have you experienced war?”

“Yes. I participated in the war against the Empire.”

It wasn’t the West, but the Empire side, so it wasn’t a lie. But Perion’s face became a bit cautious.

“Are you by chance a nobleman?”

The skill I showed earlier wasn’t great, but from Perion’s perspective, it would be different.

If I had that level of skill at a young age, it would be natural for him to think that. I shook my head.

“No. I was just a knight’s squire of little importance. After the knight I served died, I’ve been working as a mercenary.”

“So there was no civil war on your side?”

“I’m from Rohalak. Since the Empire occupied it completely, there was no chance for a civil war.”

“…I see. You must have suffered a lot.”

Perion nodded with a sad expression. From the West’s perspective, it wasn’t a pleasant story.

As we talked, I learned that Perion had only participated in the civil war. He avoided conscription into the war against the Empire through money.

“Back then, I didn’t know why almost no one returned unscathed. Most were either physically or mentally unwell.”

“It seems you’ve realized it now.”

“Yes. It was hell.”

Perion’s hands trembled.

“Yes. It was hell.”

I echoed him. It was an act to shorten the psychological distance between us. He would be the one to sail us to the archipelago, after all.

After a brief silence, Perion intentionally changed the subject. It seemed he disliked talking about the war.

“But how did you become a mercenary? You even have a child with you.”

“Well, since my homeland became part of the Empire’s territory, I had to leave. The child isn’t a mercenary. I’m just escorting her safely. She lost her parents and is going to her relatives.”

It was a lie I blurted out suddenly, but my companions didn’t look flustered. I had roughly explained to them what we would be doing during our journey.

Rather, they seemed enthusiastic about acting. A bit over the top. But the exhausted Perion didn’t have the mind to pay attention to that.

“Then do you have relatives in Rothrom? I might know them.”

“No. We’re going to the Western Archipelago.”

Perion’s expression darkened. To the people of the West, the archipelago was a place where plunderers lived.

Half of those living by the sea have experienced losing relatives to the plunderers of the archipelago.

In a way, it meant that Mary was a relative of an enemy.

However, since many from the West had fled to the archipelago to escape the civil war, he didn’t show much hostility.

“The archipelago…”

“Yes. By any chance, could you introduce me to a ship? It won’t be dangerous. I’m a person of considerable standing within the archipelago.”

“Hmm. In these times when so many men have died in the war, I doubt there are people willing to go to the archipelago…”

Perion trailed off. But he didn’t miss the implication in my words.

“Hah. I’ll help you. I have to repay the favor. My life was spared, so even if I die after going to the archipelago, it would still be living longer.”

“Thank you. But you don’t have to worry so much.”

“Well, if you’re willing to risk your life going there, I suppose you’ve judged it to be safe.”

“Yes.”

I nodded with a smile.

After escaping the imperial palace, my plan had been quite successful.

I had recruited the named individuals I had in mind and planted the Empire’s eyes in the West.

Although I had been in disguise since meeting Osten, I wasn’t worried.

From Magic Tower in Gorivan to Sorenson, I had secretly exposed my undisguised face to Osten.

And since there was an incident in Sorenson, the Imperial Intelligence Agency would naturally have noticed.

For a while, the Empire and the Devil’s intelligence agency will be keeping an eye on each other in the West.

We arrived in Rothrom without any additional problems. Being by the sea, it was peaceful despite the civil war.

Gazing at the sea of his newfound hometown, Perion exclaimed with an emotional face.

“Welcome to Ash Harbor!”

Osten’s eyes widened as he looked at the sea.

“Wow, amazing. It’s my first time seeing the sea…”

“Huh? Mister, you’ve never seen the sea before?”

“Huh? Oh, I guess not?”

“Geez. You know less about the world than I do!”

“So you’re linking the sea to worldly affairs? Have you been to Magic Tower?”

That was a conversation between Aron and Osten.

After having complex thoughts, seeing these dense kids made me let out a slight sigh.

After working with intelligence agents managed by the kingdom, I had now become the one who had to raise them.

Phew. I feel like kidnapping Marhan.

Of course, it wouldn’t be as difficult as teaching kids. Aron already has basics, and Osten is a mage.

But the feeling of frustration was real.

‘Still, there are 4 years left until the start of the game.’

On the other hand, there were also advantages. Now I could move as I wished without having to watch my step.

That alone was enough.

I also didn’t have to act like usual. Under the Duke, I even had to act out my personality because of evaluations.

It was the same in the imperial palace. Always having to be cautious was really exhausting work.

In terms of being able to live freely as myself, I definitely felt a sense of relief.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. If I want to act according to my will, I naturally have to suffer as well.

First, let me quickly gather people. It’s not many, but I need them to properly operate the organization.

‘Also, teaching requires a mountain of effort.’

I set our departure for the archipelago two days later. My heart wanted to leave right away.

The Western Archipelago. Somewhere beyond the shimmering islands on the horizon lies Casmak Rodri.

However, the journey had exhausted my companions. Aron was fine, but Mary and Osten needed rest.

The same was true for Perion, who had agreed to provide us with a ship. He also had to meet his family.

“Mister, but why is it called Ash Harbor?”

It was Mary’s question. Perion scratched his cheek. He didn’t look proud.

I also knew the legend, although I wasn’t sure if it was true due to the lack of historical records.

“In the distant past, this sea was the first place where the great devil cast his curse.”

Instead of seawater, ash flowed. Schools of fish died en masse, and even breathing in the city became difficult.

The ones who restored the sea were the now-extinct sky whales.

It was a legend that they led all the ash filling the sea and disappeared into the western seas below.

We parted ways with Perion at the sea. After securing our lodging, we dined at the most expensive place.

“I, is it okay to order this much?”

“Don’t force yourself needlessly and leave some if you can’t finish it.”

Aron and Mary were surprised by the fully set table.

They looked quite adorable in their neat new outfits I had them fitted with. Clothes really do make the person.

“Our boss is a gourmet, you see.”

Osten, who had seen this before during the few times we had meals together, chuckled.

I tried to provide high-quality meals as much as possible.

“People should eat well.”

This was something I learned from Duke Brusek. Nothing can cultivate loyalty as cheaply as food.

Humane treatment is important. Aron and Mary scanned the dishes with wide eyes.

“Well, let’s eat!”

They reacted with fresh expressions every time they ate something new.

After looking at the children fondly, Osten checked my reaction.

“Boss, may I try making something? An idea came to me.”

“We’re leaving in two days though?”

“I’ve been planning it while we traveled, so it won’t take long.”

So that’s why he seemed absentminded during our journey?

It seems his nature as a magic tools maker makes him restless when idle.

It’s just that he had rested for a while after being worked like a slave. Since there was no reason to stop him, I told him to go ahead.

“The atmosphere isn’t good, so go out with Aron when you do.”

“Yes. Thank you.”

After that, I watched Aron’s swordsmanship. I also taught him a new mana cultivation method.

Not the Moonlight Technique. While working under Duke, I also learned an advanced mana cultivation method.

Then I went to inquire about the Western Archipelago. But it was difficult to obtain information from the locals.

Even without that, not many in the chaotic West were interested in the pirates outside the archipelago.

‘Can’t be helped.’

I waited for nightfall. To hear news about the Western Archipelago, I had to go to a larger organization.

Criminal organizations were better than noblemen. The kind that did smuggling like the old Rodri.

Even if the Western Archipelago was a pirate group, they would have connections to these smuggling organizations.

They must have items they need as well.

I went to find the harbor organization with Aron. A place I had scouted with Winds during the day.

We wore masks covering from the neck to the nose and entered through a window.

The few thugs were put to sleep with sedatives. Nothing stood in my way until the room with the organization’s leader.

‘How sloppy.’

I understood. From the moment they took over the harbor, the only threat the organization had to fear was internal betrayal.

They must have already made connections with the ruling nobles.

In fact, if someone like me came, they wouldn’t be able to stop me no matter who stood in my way.

Anyway, as I infiltrated, I gave Aron some guidance.

“When moving alone, it’s better to go straight for the head. That way, you reduce the number of people you have to deal with.”

“Yes.”

“Depending on the mission situation, if you’re confident in your skills, you can also go in directly. The shock will be greater.”

Of course, this time I could only speak since I used Winds. It couldn’t be helped.

Silence was life for now.

I hadn’t revealed my movements since Sorenson. Until I made Rodri the ruler of the archipelago, I had to refrain from exposure.

“Before infiltrating, it’s good to check the exit routes, but after infiltrating, you also need to grasp the structure. There may be a better path or you can find things to utilize in an emergency situation.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“See that window over there? It leads to the alley on the opposite side. It’s also close to the building beyond. Good for an escape route.”

As I said that, a balding man in his mid-30s greeted us with a sleepy face as we walked in.

“Who are you!”

It didn’t take long for the groggy bald man to start using honorifics.

A bit of violence and exuding aura was enough.

“Ah, where are you people from?”

“You don’t need to know that. I want to obtain information about the Western Archipelago.”

“The archipelago?”

“Tell me everything you know, and I’ll let you live.”

As I revealed my threat, the bald man, whose cheek was swollen red from being hit, gulped.

“I, I don’t know the details either…”

Aron, who was beside me, hit the back of the bald man’s head.

“Did you not hear? Brother said to tell him everything you know. You want him to repeat himself?”

“I-I’m sorry!”

He did well even though I didn’t teach him that. When Aron looked at me, I gave him a signal that he did well.

“First, Casmak Rodri from Rasphal is taking over the Western Archipelago at a terrifying pace.”

“I know that. Anything else.”

“Y-yes. But his pace has slowed recently. He’s even lost some of the islands he took over.”

Casmak Rodri was being pushed back. An unexpected situation.

“What happened?”

“A girl named Shahri appeared.”

Shahri? Archmage Shahri?

I frowned deeply. Why was that crazy woman here? I couldn’t understand it.

Shahri was a named individual of the elves living deep in the forests of the southwestern continent.

Author’s Thoughts

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