shinsori
patreon
I Have Tamed a Spider Monster - Chapter 269, Chapter 270, Chapter 271
🕑 Added 2024-12-05 08:12:04 +0000 UTCA Task Before Digging for Skill Crystals
Negotiations with the Kiblinki Saltas went smoothly.
They agreed to assist in exchange for rare vegetables, fruits, and seeds available in the upcoming season.
While I was initially worried it might not be enough, it seemed like the ultimate reward for them.
Since the goal was to set traps for potential enemies waiting beyond the gate, we decided not to use the Lumite Grand Wing this time.
Instead, we borrowed an armored vehicle from the Adventurers’ Guild.
Apparently, Alizée had discussed the matter with Melanie, who agreed to help in the hopes of loosening the threads of espionage woven through the city.
However, this also meant Melanie would be accompanying us.
Given her rumored strength, that shouldn’t pose any issues.
The plan was announced in advance.
I put up a poster at the store stating, “Closed due to the proprietor heading to a dungeon.”
It reeked of a trap, but Melanie predicted that any factions monitoring me would likely take the bait, as such an opportunity to exploit a breach in my defenses would be rare.
Melanie is as much of a battle-minded strategist as the rest of them!
On the morning of the operation, Melanie arrived to pick me up in the armored vehicle.
True to its name, it was a sturdy, magically powered vehicle with plenty of horsepower.
However, its passenger capacity left something to be desired.
“Hmm, including Melanie as the driver, the maximum capacity is 12.”
That presented a bit of a problem.
Although Melanie had secured the largest vehicle available, it could still only hold 12 people.
This meant we’d have to limit the number of guards, leaving Plum wracking her brain over the dilemma.
“Yes, that’s the main issue. With Lady Lily and Talat onboard, that leaves room for only 9 others—four of the Wildcat Claws team and Miss Plum.”
“I see. Will it be possible to bring the Kiblinki Saltas onboard as well?”
“Well, it’ll be a bit cramped, but if they stick to the ceiling, we can avoid reducing the number of passengers.”
“You heard her. What do you think, Kiblinki Saltas?”
(No problem. We’ve originally lived clinging to cave walls and ceilings before.)
“Good. Then I’ll bring along four of my battle maids. That should be enough for defense.”
“Understood. Lady Lily, since you’re the decoy, you’ll sit next to me?”
“It’s not ideal, but there’s no other choice. Let’s also reinforce the vehicle’s glass with Talat’s threads.”
“Yes. Let’s do that.”
With that, the team for this operation was finalized: me, Talat, Melanie as the driver, Plum, the Wildcat Claws team, Plum’s four battle maids, and the Kiblinki Saltas.
We decided to only bring two of the latter to avoid weakening the city’s defenses or alerting the enemy to our plans.
Even with this setup, I felt confident in our team.
Now, it was just a matter of seeing how the enemy would respond.
----------
Assassin Bait
The armored vehicle carrying us exited the eastern gate of the city and proceeded along the main road.
As soon as we passed through the city gate, the Kiblinki Saltas reacted.
It indicated that someone acting as a messenger was positioned just outside the gate.
We didn’t yet know which faction they belonged to, and even if we did, it wasn’t wise to make the first move.
We excel at strategies that lure enemies into traps.
As we progressed down the road, waiting for our opponent’s move, we reached a spot where a forest bordered the right side of the road.
It was undeniably a prime ambush location.
(Contractor, there are humans lurking in this forest.)
"Really? Can you tell how many?"
(Roughly 30. All of them are preparing magic.)
So, if we approach the forest, we’ll immediately be hit by magic.
Hmm, but this spot is ideal for luring them out.
While I was deliberating on what to do, Melanie grinned mischievously and spoke up.
"Lily, let’s go ahead and take all their magic head-on."
"Are you sure, Melanie? The armored vehicle might get damaged."
"This level of attack won’t leave a scratch. Just watch."
With complete confidence, Melanie pressed forward in the armored vehicle.
As we tried to pass by the forest, the vehicle suddenly hit something hard and came to a stop.
Looks like they made their move.
"Melanie, can we back up?"
"Of course!"
As Melanie reversed the vehicle, it only moved a short distance before stopping again with a loud clunk.
Definitely a deliberate obstruction.
"Ah, looks like we’re targeted."
"Seems so. And this armored vehicle’s defense is really reliable, right?"
"Absolutely!"
"It’s fine to chat, but I sense a surge of magic. Spells are coming our way any moment now."
"Got it! Everyone, crouch down and take cover!"
Following Melanie’s instructions, we ducked under the seats and shielded our heads.
Moments later, loud booms echoed as explosions shook the armored vehicle.
Is this really okay?
The explosions continued for a while, and the flames engulfed the vehicle.
This might be too much to endure.
"Melanie, can the vehicle withstand this?"
"It’s designed to traverse lava fields, but it’s not meant to stay in raging flames indefinitely."
"Then it’s our turn. Talat, take care of it!"
(Leave it to me!)
Talat leapt out of the nearest exit, casting ice magic to freeze the flames solid.
Climbing the icy wall, he disappeared into the forest.
The Kiblinki Saltas and the others followed suit, jumping into the forest after him.
It’s impossible to see what’s happening beyond the icy wall.
"What should we do? We can’t see what’s going on outside like this..."
"Leave it be. A band of this caliber is no match for Talat and the Kiblinki Saltas."
Plum answered my concern with a tone of utmost confidence.
She’s probably right, but I can’t help feeling uneasy.
As I worried, about 20 minutes passed.
The icy wall crumbled, revealing Talat and the others dragging numerous cocoons behind them.
Yep, I guess my worries were unnecessary.
(We’ve captured all those who attacked us.)
(We also detained four individuals attempting to send word outside. They mentioned something about the Gaze Church.)
"So, the bait caught followers of the Gaze Faith, huh?"
"Looks like it."
Honestly, just because we left the city doesn’t mean we’re easy targets.
This commotion must have been visible from the city gate.
We’ll wait here until the Vardmoi guards arrive.
----------
Finally, to the Dungeon
After catching the assassins from the Gaze Faith, it seems the surveillance net around us has significantly loosened.
Both Plum and the Kiblinki Saltas confirmed this, so there’s no doubt.
They’re experts in tactics and mind-reading, making them the most trustworthy sources.
With that settled, my goal is clear: to go mining for Skill Crystals.
"Lily, you still haven’t given up on that?"
"Of course not! I’m determined to get my hands on those Skill Crystals no matter what!"
"But aren’t the ones you’re after Magic Sewing and Magic Weaving? Both are skills you can naturally acquire by practicing enough. They aren’t exactly essential."
"Amira is working hard, so I want to support her!"
"Well, that’s not exactly supporting her... but very well. To obtain Skill Crystals, there are two methods: finding them in treasure chests or mining them from ore veins. This time, we’ll focus on treasure chests."
"Aren’t we going to look for ore veins?"
"In older dungeons, ore veins containing Skill Crystals have already been thoroughly excavated. Since there’s no record of veins yielding Magic Sewing or similar Skill Crystals, it likely means such veins don’t exist."
"I see. So, we’ll just search for treasure chests instead!"
When I confidently concluded this, Plum lightly touched her forehead and sighed.
I thought my conclusion was perfect—did I miss something?
"Listen carefully. Treasure chests in dungeons are scattered in various locations. They’re often booby-trapped, requiring caution to open. Furthermore, the chances of finding a Skill Crystal in a chest are extremely low. Are you still willing to go?"
"Yes! As long as the chance isn’t zero!"
If there’s even the slightest chance, I have to try my best!
After all, Amira is giving it her all too!
"Fine, I understand. I’ll contact Melanie at the Adventurers’ Guild. We’ll borrow a magic vehicle for this trip."
"Huh? Why not use the Lumite Grand Wing?"
"It’s far too conspicuous. While it’s easy for us to deal with any attackers, it risks involving bystanders. We should avoid unnecessary battles whenever possible."
Hmm, so no Lumite Grand Wing.
I wonder if the Adventurers’ Guild has a suitable magic vehicle for the job.
Turns out, they do.
The armored vehicle we used last time was designed with defense as a priority, but the guild also has other vehicles with thick armor and excellent cargo capacity.
I checked with Alizée, and it seems the Trade Guild’s magic vehicles have insufficient defenses.
That’s why the Adventurers’ Guild’s vehicle is preferred for this trip.
They might’ve struck some kind of deal behind the scenes, but that’s not something I need to worry about.
What matters is getting a Skill Crystal for Amira!
Once we’ve finished preparing provisions and other supplies, we’ll set off immediately.
Next: https://www.patreon.com/posts/117422292
