Haji, Yue, and the Haulia tribe advanced within the [Raisen Great Canyon].
Several demonic beasts tried to attack them but to no avail. Those that tried to assault the Rabbitman tribe had their heads blown off with a flash without exception.
Every flash was accompanied by a gunshot. The Rabbitman tribe looked around dumbfoundedly, as the demonic beasts’ corpses littered the ground like flowers in a flower field. Awestruck by his power, the Rabbitman turned their gazes upon Haji.
Especially one child in particular. They were looking at Haji as though he was a hero from legend.
“Fufufu~, Haji-san. The little ones are watching, you know~? Why don’t you wave at them?” (Shia)
Shia imdiately tried to tease Haji, who was already in a bad mood due to that child’s innocent gaze.
A vein popped out of his head, and Haji silently fired his gun.
DOPANn! DOPANn! DOPANn!
“Awawwawawawawagh!?” (Shia)
With Haji aiming at her feet, Shia frantically jumped around to evade them, making it look like she was tap dancing. Shia’s father, Kam, revealed a wry smile at this spectacle while Yue looked at her with expressionless marvel.
“Haha, so Shia and Haji-dono are already that close. It looks like Shia has already hit that age, huh? Father will feel a bit lonely, but if it is Haji-dono, then I can be relieved.” (Kam)
Even though his daughter was still being shot at, Kam celebrated this occasion as though it was Shia’s marriage day, a tear forming in the corner of his eye. The other tribe mbers also looked at her with a warm gaze, although she was screaming “Help ~!” all the while.
“Wait, all of you. How did you co to that conclusion looking at this situation?” (Haji)
“…. Unbelievable.” (Yue)
It was as Yue said. It seed that the Haulia tribe was rather lacking in the common sense departnt. However, who was to say it didn’t apply to all the Rabbitman tribes…
After walking for a long ti, their group finally arrived at the entrance of the [Raisen Great Canyon]. There was a finely built staircase for as far as Haji could see, even with [Far Sight]. The stairs were built by cutting alongside the cliff face, zigzagging every 50 ters. The [Haltina Sea of Trees] was around half a day’s walk after exiting the [Raisen Great Canyon].
When Haji gazed up towards the rim of the canyon, Shia uneasily asked.
“Do you see any of the empire’s soldiers?” (Shia)
“Hm? What can I say… there’s the possibility that they’ve been annihilated already…” (Haji)
“Th-that is… suppose that the empire’s soldiers are around, Haji-san…, what will you do then?” (Shia)
“…? What do you an by that?” (Haji)
Haji tilted his head because he couldn’t understand what Shia was trying to ask. The ears of the Haulia tribe here perked up because of her question.
“Unlike demonic beasts, the enemy this ti will be the empire’s soldiers, the human race, you know? A human like Haji-san…… are you sure you will be able to fight them?” (Shia)
“Failure rabbit, haven’t you already seen the future?” (Haji)
“Yes, I have. Haji-san was confronting the empire’s soldiers…” (Shia)
“Then what’s the problem?” (Shia)
“I wanted to confirm your resolve. In order to protect us, the Haulia tribe, from the empire’s soldiers, you have to confront other humans. Are you truly okay with that, with fighting against other humans…?” (Shia)
Having heard Shia’s words, the surrounding Rabbitn nervously looked at Haji. The children couldn’t understand the significance of what was happening, but they could guess from the serious atmosphere sothing drastic could happen.
However, despite such a serious atmosphere, Haji casually replied.
“What’s wrong with that?” (Haji)
“Eh?” (Shia)
Haji continued to talk, ignoring Shia’s confusion.
“Like I just said. I have no problem with fighting other humans.” (Haji)
“Th-that…! You’re from the sa race, you know?!” (Shia)
“Didn’t your tribe also get chased out by the sa race?” (Haji)
“That is… well if you put it that way…” (Shia)
“… You’re wrong about my intentions, however.” (Haji)
“Intentions?” (Shia)
Shia tilted her head while the surrounding Rabbitn looked confused.
“Listen, I am employing your tribe to be my guide through the [Haltina Sea of Trees], so I’ll be troubled if any of you die. It’s not like I sympathize with any of you, or have the kindness to do that. Moreover, I won’t be protecting you guys forever. Did you forget that?” (Haji)
“Ugh… I rember…” (Shia)
“That so? I’ll protect you until my business in the [Haltina Sea of Trees] is over. I only act in my self-interest. It doesn’t matter if it’s demonic beasts or humans, if they try to obstruct my path, they will be eliminated. Simple as that.” (Haji)
“I- I see…” (Shia)
Shia could only reply in a disappointed fashion towards Haji’s remark. Even if she saw Haji confronting the empire with [Clairvoyance], that future wasn’t absolute. Other futures seed more probable to her, one of them where they beca slaves under the empire, living a life worse than death. Shia blad herself for the possibility of those futures, even if she knew everyone else wouldn’t bla her for not preventing them. Thus, she had resolved to ascertain the most likely future that would take place.
“Haha, it is good to clear any misconceptions. Please leave it to us to guide you through the [Haltina Sea of Trees].” (Kam)
Kam laughed cheerfully. Rather than acting under a naive sense of justice, Haji treated this as a give and take situation, giving him a renewed sense of security. His face said it all.
Their party had gradually reached the stairs. Haji went ahead of them to scout the situation. When they had escaped from the empire’s soldiers before, the Haulia tribe hadn’t gotten the chance to eat or drink anything. Unexpectedly though, the Haulia tribe remained on their toes, as though they were still in pristine condition. The rumor that demi-humans, who were unable to use magic, had higher physical strength and endurance seed true.
At long last, Haji’s group had escaped from the execution ground, the [Raisen Great Canyon].
When they peered over the cliff-
“Oi, oi, seriously? There are survivors! Even though I was reluctant to stay here on the commander’s orders, it turns out I can bring back a good souvenir~.” (Random Soldier)
There were around 30 imperial soldiers. Behind them, there were many carriages and tents set up. All of the soldiers were dressed in Khaki-like uniforms and equipped with either a sword and shield or with a spear. They turned towards Haji’s group in surprise.
However, that only lasted for an instant. Their eyes imdiately shone with delight when they saw the Rabbitman tribe.
“Platoon leader! The pale-haired Rabbitman is also there! Isn’t she the one that the commander wanted?” (Random Soldier)
“Oh ho! It looks like we hit the jackpot. Your orders are to kill everyone but the pale-haired Rabbitman!” (Platoon Leader)
“Platoon leader~, there are so won in that group. Can’t we have a taste of them? We’ve waited here for 3 days! Please overlook it~…” (Random Soldier)
“Geez. Just don’t keep all of them. If it’s only two or three, then it’s okay.” (Platoon Leader)
“As expected of platoon leader! You really do look out for us!” (Random Soldier)
For the empire’s soldiers, the Rabbitman tribe wasn’t a threat in their eyes, they only focused on which of the won in the group they wanted to toy with later while they advanced. Seeing those soldiers, the Rabbitman tribe could do nothing but tremble in fright.
Among those clamoring soldiers, the man called the platoon leader finally notice Haji’s presence.
“Ah? Who are you? It looks like… you’re not a Rabbitman.” (Platoon Leader)
Haji, deeming it impossible to just avoid this confrontation altogether, simply responded-
“Aa. I’m human alright.” (Haji)
“Haa~? Why is a human together with Rabbitn? You even ca from the canyon. Oh, are you a slave rchant? How did you hear about these Rabbitn? What a great business spirit you have to even co out here yourself. However, these Rabbitman belong to the empire, so please move aside.” (Platoon Leader)
The platoon leader made the most obvious assumption about Haji’s circumstances, thus believing that he had the authority to order Haji around.
Of course, there was no need for Haji to listen to him, as that platoon leader’s assumption was way off the mark.
“I refuse.” (Haji)
“… Did you just say sothing?” (Platoon Leader)
“Are you deaf? I said I refuse. These guys are mine now. I won’t give you even one. I recomnd you to pack up and go back ho now.”(Haji)
He thought what he heard was a mistake, but that man was defying an imperial order. The platoon leader grimaced in fury.
“… boy, mind your words now. Is there sothing wrong with your head to not recognize who we are?” (Platoon Leader)
“I know who you are. Is YOUR head on right?” (Haji)
The platoon leader glared at Haji. The other Soldiers also glared at Haji, creating a tense atmosphere. As the platoon leader scorned Haji, he suddenly noticed a petite figure behind Haji’s back. Even inside that tense atmosphere, Yue’s beauty shone just as brightly, imdiately enchanting the platoon leader. He smirked lustfully.
“Ah~, I see. I finally understand now. You’re nothing but a naive, ******, little boy! Let teach you the horrors of this world. That young miss over there, now isn’t she a little beauty? After I chop your limbs off, I’ll play with her in front of your eyes until I’m satisfied, then sell her over to the slave rchants after I finish you off!”
Haji creased his brows in utter wrath. Even the expressionless Yue couldn’t help but express extre disgust that anyone could tell. Yue extended her right hand, prepared to eliminate the trash that dared violate her presence.
However, she was stopped by Haji. Dumbfounded, Yue could only hear Haji say-
“In conclusion, you are my enemy, right?” (Haji)
“Ah?! Do you still not understand your situation! You ******* should be trembling on the ground seeking forgive-!?” (Platoon Leader)
DOPANn!!
The irritated platoon leader was unable to finish his sentence. Reason being that his brain was no longer operational. With a big hole in the middle of his forehead, his brain leaked out from behind his head, and he collapsed just like that.
The other soldiers could only stare dumbfoundedly at the platoon leader’s corpse.
DOPANn!
One gunshot was heard, but six of the empire’s soldiers collapsed. In actuality, Haji had shot at six soldiers scattered across the field, but due to his insane stats, abilities, and weapons, the six gunshots resounded as one.
Naturally, after seeing their leader and comrades collapse, the soldiers panicked and turned their weapons towards Haji. Even though they didn’t understand how they died, they understood who had killed them. Their personality aside, as expected of the empire’s soldiers, their capabilities on the battlefield was the real deal.
The soldiers imdiately charged forward while the mages in the rear started to chant. However, sothing had rolled into the backline while they charged. It was a black, cylindrical object. What could it be? Though they were puzzled, they never stopped chanting, when suddenly-
DOGANn!!
The “grenade” had exploded. Moreover, shrapnel had consud the backline. Compared to the ones on Earth, it’s power was undoubtedly far stronger. It was only able to be created due to this world’s unique ores.
In one move, 10 soldiers had died. Their hands and feet had been blown off their bodies, their organs splattered everywhere. Seven audible voices could be heard screaming in pain.
Hearing the explosion behind them, the seven soldiers who had acted as the vanguard imdiately stopped their charge. While turning back in confusion, the vanguard was suddenly left with one man. Blood sprayed all around him. In shock, he fell to his knees. He looked to the sky in disbelief. It was no wonder. In only an instant, his companions were annihilated. These were elite warriors. Elite warriors who had complained about being stationed in the middle of nowhere. He looked around only to find himself feeling alone in a living nightmare of disassembled bodies.
He suddenly heard an aloof voice coming from behind him.
“… As expected, there’s no need to use [Lightning Clad]. The usual bullet and firing chanism was enough. The [Combustion Stone] is REALLY convenient though.”
That soldier turned towards Haji in fright. Haji tapped Donner on his shoulder as he slowly approached the lone vanguard. His figure with his fluttering black coat made him look like a grim reaper.
“Hiii! Do-don’t co any closer! I don’t want to die! So-soone, help !” (Random Soldier)
That soldier pleaded for his life. His face distorted in fear and piss leaked from his crotch. Haji looked at him coldly, then slowly open fired in succession.
“Hii!” (Random Soldier)
That soldier prepared for a death that had yet to co. Haji had shot the soldiers who had been severely injured by the grenades. When he noticed he had yet to die, the last surviving soldier timidly surveyed the battlefield, only to find he was truly alone in this disastrous scene of annihilation.
The gun’s muzzle finally aid at the stiffened soldier. His body shook, and with an unbecoming expression, he once again begged for salvation.
“I-I implore you! Please don’t kill ! I-I’ll do anything! Anything!” (Soldier)
“Is that so? Then, please, tell what happened to the other Rabbitn. Even though there should be a lot of them here… have they been transported to the empire?” (Haji)
Haji, as self-centered as always, only asked about the circumstances of the other Rabbitn because it would be botherso to go out of his way to rescue them.
“Wi-will you spare if I tell you?” (Soldier)
“You, do you think you are in any position to demand anything of ? It’s not like I need this information. Would you like to die this instant?” (Haji)
“Ple-please wait! I’ll tell you! I’ll tell you! They’ve probably been transported because we already reached the quota…” (Soldier)
A quota was fulfilled. In other words, after having captured enough able-bodied Rabbitn, the others must have been killed. After hearing that, bitterness painted the Rabbitn’s faces. Haji took a peek at their expression. He imdiately looked back at the soldier, killing intent manifesting in his eyes.
“Wait! Please wait! I’ll tell you anything! The empire’s secrets, anything you want! So please!” (Soldier)
Having noticed Haji’s killing intent, the soldier desperately pleaded for his life. The answer to his desperate plea was…
DOPANn!
One bullet.
The Rabbitn all sucked in a breath. Due to Haji’s completely unforgiving behavior, fear of Haji had awoken in them. Who knew if Shia also felt the sa, but she timidly asked Haji all the sa.
“Wo-wouldn’t it have been okay to just overlook that one person…?” (Shia)
Haji glanced at her with such astonishnt that Shia could only feel as though she had said sothing inappropriate. It looked like the Rabbitman tribe could even forgive the people responsible for the enslavent and genocide of their tribe. When Haji was about to speak, Yue imdiately said-
“… Once they’ve drawn their weapons, even if the opponent wasn’t strong, they’ll beco an inconvenience sooner or later…” (Yue)
“Th-that is…” (Shia)
“… How dare you sha Haji when he protected you and your tribe…” (Yue)
“…” (Shia)
Yue was furious. Even though they were currently protecting them, she wouldn’t forgive anyone who harbored negative feelings towards Haji. Even though they hadn’t intended to disgrace their savior, the Haulia tribe felt ashad.
“Fumu, Haji-dono, I sincerely apologize on behalf of my tribe. We do not bla you for your actions, it is just that we are not accustod to such a sight…” (Kam)
“Haji-san, I am sorry.” (Shia)
Having heard Shia and Kam apologize to him on behalf of their tribe, Haji could only wave his hands to tell them he paid it no attention.
After that, Haji went to where the empire’s horses and carriages were and told the Haulia tribe to hop on. Even though it would only take them half a day to walk to the [Haltina Sea of Trees], since they could use horses and carriages, they should use them. He took out the Magic Powered 2-Wheeled Drive from his [Treasure Warehouse] and linked it to the line of carriages. And so, the party continued their trek towards the [Haltina Sea of Trees].
Yue had used wind magic to drop the empire’s soldiers’ corpses into the canyon before they left. What remained of the battlefield was nothing but a field stained with blood.
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