The Frontier Alchemist ~ I Can't Go Back to That Job After You Made My Budget Zero

As usual, Hippopo's ride is smooth and easy on the rider while moving at high speed.

We exchange information briefly on the Hippopo.

"Did you see Harold's wound?" I ask the two men behind me.

"Yes, those were sword and spear wounds. I see them in my future vision, too. The enemy are human soldiers.

"A lot of people in armor," Roa tells me as he leans forward and looks ahead.

"I knew it! Harold said we were being manipulated. Maybe the enemy is military, maybe it's one of Harold's people. Kalin asked me to do a reconnaissance mission, so I'm going to take a guess, but I'm going to do it without any casualties if possible."

"If that's what you say, Master Rust, then I have no objection."

"Yes, Roa, too."

Thank you.

My proposal is hardly the safest way to protect the people of Harbor Fulton and its inhabitants.

If you care about Harberfulton, it is best to reduce the enemy's strength while you are away. And I can do that.

But I came here to inform you of my friend Harold's wish, which he entrusted to me before he fainted. Harold wanted to tell you that the oncoming enemy is one of our own who is being manipulated by something, and that he needs your help.

He wanted to protect that wish. I am sure the same is true for Kareen. Because she was not told to destroy the enemy.

And Ary and Roa accepted my wish with a resounding yes. That's probably a sign of trust from both of them.

So I move not to destroy the enemy, but to get information to help.

Of course, it may not work.

I am prepared to take responsibility in that case.

If things go wrong, I will do everything in my power to deal with the situation before it harms Harbaughton.

I will quietly make up my mind to do so.

Worst of all, I am determined to stain the earth with the blood of Harold's friends.

"Curle."

Sailuke, who had moved from my shoulder to the top of Hippopo's head, turns to me and cries. I've worried you. I must have looked scared.

"Thank you. "Yeah, I'm fine."

I whisper softly so that only Sailuke can hear me, and pat his head lightly instead of thanking him.

"Cu......"

Sailuke still looks worried.

I was about to answer him.

Ahead of us, we can see what appears to be a faint haze on the horizon.

It is a cloud of dust created by the march of the army.

"Based on Mr. Hippopo's speed, I calculate that it will take two and a half days from here to Haverfulton at the average speed of the army's march.

We gratefully accept the advice of the competent Ary.

Thus, we discover the enemy closing in on the city of Harbakhton.

The predicted conflict has begun.