Pondering of the Upcoming Attack

I also thought it was impossible to sneak into the hole with such tight security. No way, no how. Well, we could distract them to get down, but we lack the knowledge of what even down below is. 

It took two days before we could get close to the towering buildings around the supposed castle. Ikuto entered one of the holes in the towering building. As I glanced closely at the supposed castle, I discovered a deep waterless moat surrounding the structure. It seemed that I had to access it from below to get there.

I remembered the layout of New City that Ikuto had brought. There was indeed an entrance to the castle down there. 'The problem was what came after.'

"The castle is filled with the upper ranks of goblins, from what we've observed. So are the surrounding high-rise buildings. The security is highly restrictive to the extent that sneaking in unnoticed is not possible."

I understood why the instant I saw it with my own eyes.

Underneath one of the towering buildings was the door to the underground of New City. After going through the passageway while avoiding innumerable goblins, I came across a wide, high-ceilinged space. It was bright despite the absence of holes. That must be because of the thin objects flying all around it. I'd never seen those. They were measuring from 10 cm to 30 cm. 

Anyway, the area was filled with many statues of the same goblin that were climbable. They varied in size. And above, below, or beside them there were always goblins keeping an eye on the surroundings for intruders like us.

'—Yeah, it's nearly impossible,' I had to make the same decision as Ikuto and the others. 'I might be able to confuse them as I make my way into the castle. To make them unaware that a human is the intruder. But then what? I'm not knowledgeable on what's beyond this area.' This space is only in front of the castle, according to my estimation. If I managed to get in, I'd have to worry about the situation of the area in the castle as I searched for the room where the king was. Then, well, nothing. I'm not the one who should be negotiating here.

The group split up to find an alternative way, but after the fourth day was over, there was no result. 'Only regarding the alternative way, that is.'

We then return to the group left in Old City.

***

It had been decided that they'd force their way in. I suppose that was just the way we volunteer soldiers operated. They once requested a formal meeting with the king, but unsurprisingly, it was flatly rejected. Even worse, they were threatened with being killed.

If the king is wise, I consider Manabu's offer to be a very helpful one. It benefits all of his citizens. Actually, it improved them greatly. 'But I still had my doubts...' While the king may show interest and go as far as to accept it, could Manabu carry it to the king?

Spearhead's expedition for over months showed results, of course. Things as basic as the layout of the city, the people who inhabit each area, their quirks, and occasionally special events where the king himself goes out on the town among his subjects. The special event become the deciding factor for this mission.

The Spearhead Clan diligently noted down the schedule of their expedition. At the moment, they had their eyes on Damuro of goblins, Cyrene Mines with kobolds, and Rhodekia, the former capital of Arabakia, now becoming the den of orcs. Each of them is represented by a race, and considering this expedition, I assume Spearhead is emphasizing the pinnacle of their races alone.

Strolling on the Flower Garden Street of Alterna, I thought about all that in peace when— "Heya, warrior," a hand clapped me on the shoulder. Glancing at the face of the woman, I found Fuka in a casual outfit, grinning. It was slightly revealing, though. "What are you pondering about, hm?"

"Just about the matter of the upcoming attack," I turned my attention to the front.

"That so?" She came to walk next to me. "That Death Spots sword looks fine on you. And that armor upgrade. You sure are muscular."

"Thanks for the compliments."

Indeed, the massive butcher knife had been sized to fit me without changing its appearance and quality. The center of gravity matched me as well. It was solid work, if I do say myself. My armor was certainly heavy for most people, but I had the muscle to carry them lightly. There weren't any accessories on them, giving them a plain impression. Well, I certainly don't care.

"You want to go to a small bar? I'll pay for it." Fuka suggested, gesturing her pointy finger to a certain direction.

"Sure." I knew which bar she meant.

It was a quiet little bar. Ken and I had used it a few days ago when he was fighting with Suzune. The drinks weren't bad either.

"Whiskey." Fuka ordered.

"Same here."

The seemingly unkind guard silently prepared our drinks.

"Manabu is a boring guy," Fuka said while we wait. "But he's clearly capable. This assault operation won't be hard to pull off."

"Oh, yeah?"

'Yeah, no. The clan members are too few.'

'Masumi's group, was it? They still haven't passed on any news until now. With them around, the possibility of us pulling this plan off successfully increases quite a lot. In terms of numerical advantage, at least. They seem to be on par with Honami's party at best. They came to Grimgar at the same time.'

Too many expedition members wouldn't make it greater for certain, however. First of all, I don't see many locations on the map where so many volunteer soldiers can settle down inside New City without the residents knowing. Our goal is not to slaughter all the goblins, or not even one if possible. The king will refuse to negotiate instead.

'—oh, well, with his fame, Manabu should be able to bring in appropriate groups to help. No matter how you look at it, we don't have enough people to carry this out.'

I was free to quit the expedition if I thought that it was too dangerous to me.

"Kiyotaka-kun," Fuka called out. Her grin was always playful. She'd only enhanced it more. "You're fascinating, you realize?"

(Bruh, was it overused?)

"That's sudden."

She just laughed. "You know being in the volunteer soldiers results in us barely taking care of ourselves. We only fight, fight, and fight. But we're still humans... Hey, if I say I'm pent-up, do you get what I imply?"