As soon as Windowflower brought back the information, they began to check the situation.

''Thank you for your hard work, you're always very helpful. Did you get any information on the location of the bandit's base and internal structure?''

Yes, Ryota-sama. We have already received information on the bandits' base of operations, as well as the status of the other villages and the evacuation situation.

　Before the departure of the window flower. How did this happen, I confirmed with the chief (Osa) how he hired the mercenaries.

　According to Chou, Simon's demon extermination is usually not a problem. Even so, there are times when the increase in the number of demons is greater than the number of demons exterminated.

　In that case. The chief will discuss with the surrounding villages and send a representative from each village to the city's chief of staff to arrange for an exterminator to be sent to the city.

　An exterminator will be chosen to go to the city and will be accompanied by Simon and his son on occasion.

　The reason for this is so that they won't be able to see their footsteps, and they will know that there is an exterminator from the Alpes Guards.

　The ex-mercenaries who attacked the village this time were cheap for their reputation. Still cautious, Simon suggested that we check out the mercenary group first.

　However, the arranger rushed to say that they were so popular that their schedule might be filled, and the people sent from other settlements who were in a hurry decided without investigating. That's how things started.

　The ex-mercenaries did some serious extermination work and gained the trust of each settlement. Furthermore, they were friendly with Mix and the others, so they were well received by the residents. The chiefs took a liking to this band of mercenaries and began to request them frequently.

　But the mercenary group was really bandits. From the beginning, it was probably for the purpose of previewing the daughters they were going to kidnap and the places they were going to attack. Finally, the ex-mercenary group was ready, and during the last request, they made a suggestion.

''We've been very careful as well, but most people don't like humans staying here for long periods of time, do they?　The mercenary group has grown in numbers recently, so how about all of us getting rid of them for a short period of time?　If I can just borrow some water supply and a well, I'll camp outside, okay?

　It was a fishy suggestion, but Simon wasn't there because he had finished showing his face.

'Don't worry about the price, it won't change because of the large number of people but also because of the short time frame. ─ Don't worry about the price, it's not going to change as it's a large number of people, but it's only for a short period of time. For a short period of time, we can earn money for the trip and move to another city before we lose our jobs.

　The people who had come for the request liked the proposal and went back for confirmation. The chiefs who were confirmed also went along with the proposal.

　Moreover, the day after the mercenaries arrived, Simon, the watchman, would become my mentor. As a result, the village was taken by surprise without noticing the suspicious movements of the ex-mercenaries.

　In other words, I was one of the causal factors in this situation.

　I know I'm not responsible for the chief's decision. But I couldn't leave the dead Simon and the affected communities to fend for themselves. In the end, I decided to take out the bandits and get back the people and property that were kidnapped, so I asked window flowers to scout the area.

''What was the damage to the other villages?''

Yes, sir. 'The damage was to the kidnappers and their money and goods, the burned dwellings, and only a few of the killings. They probably didn't want to resist and deliberately let them escape. However, based on the information from the refugees' conversations, everyone who went to the city to make a request is dead, except for Miss Midia.

　There are many arrangers in the city. Without a client who knows the location and what he looks like, it is impossible to identify the wanted man.

　We don't know his face, his name, or even his location. That's why it's so easy to cut off the headlines. The mercenary group could just change their name and move to another free city and that would be it.

　But Simon and his son knew the arranger because he and his son only accompanied them once. Even in the midst of a crushing run, the reason why they purposely (deliberately) targeted Simon and Midea is clear.

　There are probably some slavers who are suggesting or conspiring with him, and are also connected to the arranger. There is no doubt about it. I'm not going to be able to say that I'm not going to be able to do anything about it.

　And I heard that I visited the largest village around. Since the raid failed, I'm afraid that the revenue will be less than planned or even in the red.

　Not only is there not enough money to cover the cost of the attack, but Midea, who knows the man who made the arrangements, is still alive. If that's the case, we're going to attack again when there's an opening, and we're going to make sure that we collect the shortfall and keep her quiet. It's just a theory, but it's a good enough reason to crush the bandit. I've been asked by Simon to take care of Midea.

''Window flower, you could text and call without wavering, couldn't you?　It's not an investigation, but they gave me something called an exterminator's license to help with the investigation. I can't take it away from you. In that regard, I need a favor from the Goddess, please set up a communication.

''I'm sorry, Ryota-sama. I have already applied for and received permission to do so, if I may be so presumptuous. [Your supply will not increase, but do as you please, I support Ryota's decision].

　You've already confirmed it, right? I've known Windowflower for a long time.

No, thank you. Also, I'd like to change my supply, so ask for something to treat a serious wound. If there's still some capacity left, we can use the rest of the detonator for ammunition.

Yes, sir, that's what I've already told them. Once the beacon is in place at noon the day after tomorrow, it will be dropped from orbit.

''Well.... That's the quintessential window flower!　But I think that reportage (Hou Renso) is important. From now on, could you check with me before contacting the goddess?

　Yeah.
　Very, very good.
　But it's important to check.

　Old men get anxious when there's no communication. We didn't get it wrong this time and we saved a lot of time, so it's not a problem.

　I'm not complaining at all, I swear.

'They are bandits, but I think they are confused and exhausted by the unexpected situation. Therefore, we are not giving them any time to attack tonight. Can you brief me on the reconnaissance information while projecting the base so that we can plan our strategy first?


Confirmation of information on the bases

　The bandit's base was a modified cave that had been created by the erosion of a rocky area. It seemed that they had deployed a small insect-shaped drone, and they had been able to get a detailed picture of the interior.

　There are a few bends and small rooms, but it's almost a straight path. At the far end is the prison and storage room. That's where the abducted women and their money and goods are located.

　Across the passage from the jail at the far end is the first large room. It's the best made room with a desk and documents. It is the room of the slavers and executives, I am sure.

I suppose you use the lights and the fire for food as well as for light, but how do you keep it ventilated?
'The ceiling is thin and there are several small holes in it that seem to be natural.

　The holes in the room are blocked up with stones. But if it's thin enough, it should be easy to blow it up. A few minutes ago, a large room, we blew up the ceiling to get in and overrun it. That would be more efficient.

　I'm alone, and this is a firearm. From the big room, we'll be the first to take out the chain of command. There's only one way in. We won't have a problem clearing out the bandits.

　Plus, we'll be able to get in between the rest of the force and the object of our rescue, and we'll be safe. There was also a place on top of the cave where we could secure a rope. The entry would be rappelling.

　But you'd probably have to shoot before you could go in. But I'm afraid of ricochets to the rescue target. I should have demanded a flash bang as well.

"Big room in the main compound. If there's no rescue target in here, the upper part of the room will be blown up and a surprise attack will be made, separating the rescue target from the enemy forces. I don't think there's any problem structurally, but I'm worried about the possibility of damage to the target if a ricochet or a collapse occurs. Can you calculate the best way to blow it up?

Yes, sir. "Yes, sir. The drilling for the explosives can be done with the help of the drill and the Mogu, and the Mogu can control the collapse of the explosives. We've marked the holes in all the right places, so please set them up there.

'Oh, oh, you're all set and wonderful. Your window flowers are excellent and helpful.

　You're too good at your job, Windowflower. I didn't have to come up with the plan but....

We also have a flash van on board in Japan for such an occasion. Please use it before you go in. It will not affect the rescue target structurally. Also, there is an armored car hiding place 600 meters from the exit of the cave that is suitable for stopping the escape.

　A window flower.
　Don't you want me?
　Ah!　You need physical laborers.

　Window flowers are better than you and I think we should switch leaders I'll make a suggestion to the goddess next time.

"Ryota-sama, your mental health is failing, and I know it's not easy to kill people, but you're dealing with a despicable bandit, and this is a region where there is no legal protection. That's nothing to be ashamed of. I urge you to have confidence in yourself.

　That's where you're wrong, isn't it?
　It's an inferiority complex!

　

　It's pathetic and I don't think I can hold it anymore. I walked out, saying I was going to check my armor. Then I put on the body armor and finished checking the operation of the FA-MAS-G2. The other equipment checks are finished.

　Me, I haven't smoked in a long time... I take out a cigarette and light it with a Zippo.

　I look up and smoke a cigarette.
　To keep the tears from running down my cheeks.

　Thus, while I was hiding and crying, I saw Midia approaching.