Chapter 1109

〈 Chapter 1109 〉 1109. Dark Moon

Na and Instructor Lexi received emergency rations and equipment from the 105th Unit before entering the Rumel Forest.

The 105th Unit is tasked with guarding Rumel Forest, one of the border regions. However, it’s not a large unit. Rumel Forest itself is located in an especially remote part of the borderlands and has been largely neglected for various reasons.

I quietly scanned the 105th Unit with just my eyes. It was different from my own 667th Unit. On the surface, their barracks looked decent, but upon closer inspection, signs of neglect were everywhere.

“…The 667th Unit does have unusually modern equipment. Of course, that makes sense considering the funding gap.”

The 667th Unit was created specifically for the “Battle Mage Project,” which is already on the path to success and receiving all the attention from higher-ups. Plus, with a massive corporation involved, there’s no way they’ll ever run out of funds.

“The discipline here is a total mess.”

Even though someone had arrived at the base, the soldiers of the 105th Unit were moving around lazily, clearly irritated by the blazing sun and bored with their duties.

“I’ve encountered bases like this before while on missions.”

Nine times out of ten, these are punishment units.

Soldiers who caused trouble elsewhere and got demoted end up here. Although this is technically the front line, it’s not exactly the hot zone. Even if this place were bombed into oblivion, there are rear units only a few hours away that could quickly restore order. There aren’t any important cities or facilities nearby either.

And the soldiers know this, so neither morale nor discipline exists.

“Not my problem.”

Na and Instructor Lexi inspected the provided equipment. Everything was in excellent condition, with no issues whatsoever.

After confirming the gear, we prepared to leave immediately. The atmosphere here was unsettling. With troublemakers stationed here, another incident seemed highly likely. Staying longer wouldn’t be wise.

“Are you satisfied with the equipment? I’ve selected only A-Rank items from what we have.”

A middle-aged man with a mechanical right arm approached us. Cybernetic limbs are common in this world, so it wasn’t surprising.

This was Captain Vag of the 105th Unit. His personal farewell felt loaded with intent.

“Yes. It’s well-maintained and works great. I’ll make sure to tell higher-ups we received top-notch gear.”

Instructor Lexi saw right through Captain Vag’s intentions and responded accordingly. He smiled faintly and nodded.

“It’s fortunate to assist the famous Black Panther of the Ross Unit.”

Black Panther of the Ross Unit.

That was Instructor Lexi’s nickname. While I don’t know much about it, I do know that the Ross Unit is a fairly renowned special forces team. I also know that Lexi’s rank used to be higher—she was once a captain before being demoted.

For a moment, Lexi’s expression stiffened. She didn’t like bringing up her past.

“…I didn’t think you’d know about me. Did my reputation reach even here?”

“Being exiled to some backwater doesn’t mean I’ve stopped listening. What surprises me more is that you’re still active duty. After killing your superior, shouldn’t you at least be in military prison?”

Captain Vag chuckled as he spoke.

I knew Lexi had gotten into trouble and been demoted… but surely…


Did you kill your superior? I was slightly surprised by this unexpected fact.

Instructor Lexi shrugged carelessly. “Unlike some people, I actually have skills.”

Captain Vag narrowed his eyes. His thin lips trembled slightly. After hesitating whether to speak or not, he suddenly grinned.


“…Good luck with your mission, lad.”

“Yes, thank you. I’ll complete the mission soon and see you again.”

“Be careful. Rumel Forest isn’t an easy place.”

He turned around and went back into the tent. The moment he disappeared from sight, Instructor Lexi’s face twisted in irritation.

“Useless old man, getting on my nerves for no reason.”

She spat on the ground and grabbed my shoulder to pull me along.


“Let’s go. We’ll probably need to start shooting right away.”

It didn’t take more than 30 minutes to understand what she meant.

Ever since we entered Rumel Forest, someone had been tailing us. Neither Lexi nor I were fazed. Pretending to lead them deeper into the forest, we lured the stalkers further inside.

I wiped the sweat off my forehead. Rumel Forest might be called a forest, but it was essentially a jungle. The scorching sunlight, the suffocating humidity, bugs everywhere, and plants obstructing our view—this environment was truly annoying, just as expected.

“Lexi-nee, are the ones following us from Unit 105?”

“That’s right. You’re learning well without me teaching you.”

“If we’ve been followed less than an hour after entering the forest, obviously it’s them. Their objective is…”

“Me, naturally.” She said it matter-of-factly, but her eyes weren’t calm at all. A restrained murderous intent lingered in her pupils.

I glanced at her again. Her short pink hair, unbelievably pale and soft skin for a veteran soldier, her voluptuous chest and slim waist—she had an extraordinary beauty that wasn’t often seen.

“You’re looking at me weirdly. Not thinking anything strange, are you?”

“It’s you who thinks strangely, nee-san.”

“It’s natural they’re targeting me. It’s happened several times during my military career. Of course, I sent all of them to the other world.”

“…They’re probably after more than just your body. First priority must be the equipment we carry, right?”

All the gear we received from Unit 105 is A-Rank. Some of it is even expensive cutting-edge tech.

Those bastards must be planning to kill us and steal this equipment. If we die, it’ll be recorded as a mission failure and disappearance. Officially, the equipment will be listed as lost in Rumel Forest—a perfect way to make money.

“It’s not just that. Captain Vag reeks of corruption. He probably wants us out of the picture as a precaution.”

“What do you mean, ‘precaution’?”

“Like if we find evidence of his misconduct in this forest and report it to higher-ups? This is just suspicion for now, but he’s likely involved in smuggling. There aren’t many ways to make money here besides that.”

For Captain Vag, the best scenario is for us to die in Rumel Forest and fail the mission.

“How should we deal with those bastards trailing us? They’re getting closer.”

“Are you seriously asking me that?”

“No, but the decision-making authority lies with you, doesn’t it?”

Just because Instructor Lexi has been nice to me doesn’t mean I should misunderstand the difference in our positions.

“That’s true. Well, we should remove anything that interferes with the mission. Accidents can happen to them as well as us.”

“What method should we use?”

“You figure it out. Shouldn’t this be easy for you?”

Instructor Lexi decided to leave it to me while staying put. This was familiar; she often gave me tasks citing experience.

I looked around.

Sniping is impossible. There’s too much interference—dense trees and unknown plants blocking the line of sight.

Engaging them directly wouldn’t be bad, but it’s inefficient.

“I’ll use Trap Magic.”

“Trap Magic? Is it the military-grade Illusion Magic I know?”

“Yes, Air Trap.”

Air Trap is a 2nd-Class Military Illusion Magic used by the Freecell Army. One of the military-grade Illusion Magics taught to me earlier by Instructor Venus.

Air Trap, simply put, is an invisible magical trap.


Ha, ha… setting up magic traps on empty air, walls, or the ground—it’s all the same to me.

“Hmph. With my current level, I can maintain an air trap without a medium for about three hours. That should be more than enough time.”

The downside of air traps? They’re easily triggered by those sensitive to mana.

“But after months of research and modification, no one below mid-tier mage level will notice this trap. And there’s no way our pursuers have mages that skilled.”

Why would such valuable talent rot in some exile squad?

“They aren’t using magic to track us. They’re following physical traces left on the ground. Guess we’ve got a decent ranger on their side.”

At least it makes predicting their movements unnecessary. Convenient.

I open my astral senses and activate my 18 mana conduits. Mana flows smoothly through them, transforming into intricate seals. A smirk forms as I feel the unobstructed flow.

“Five months of nonstop work—researching spells, enduring mana essence treatments… It’s hell, but I can’t deny how fast I’ve grown.”

With my current mana reserves, 17 air traps are my limit. But ten should suffice.

So, while moving with Instructor Lexi, I set up the traps.

—

Olock, the platoon leader of Squad 105, frowned at his subordinates’ snickering.

“Shut up already. Can’t you see I’m straining my eyes searching for clues?”

The five men stifled their laughter under Olock’s glare, though smiles lingered on their faces.

“Still nothing?”

“The sniper’s leaving minimal traces. Direction… this way.”

“Haha, you’re incredible, sir. Even a sniper can’t escape your tracking skills!”

“I told you to stop laughing.”

“You’re smiling too, sir.”

“…”

Olock couldn’t argue; he was indeed grinning. Laughter bubbled uncontrollably despite his efforts to suppress it. His body and mind were electrified with excitement.

A rare chance to make big money had arrived.

And then there was the beautiful woman they’d been sent after—a rare sight in this forsaken borderland.

Starving greed and lust were finally about to be satisfied. How could he not laugh?

“But sir,” one particularly worrisome subordinate spoke up, “didn’t the major say she wasn’t just any ordinary woman? What if we end up being the ones taken down?”

“This is the Rume Forest. What’s there to worry about?”

They knew this forest like the back of their hands. Under the guise of training, they’d smuggled goods through here countless times. When hunger struck, they hunted within its confines. The Rume Forest was their home turf.

“We have the advantage here. Plus, the major gave us some tactical grenades. If you want out, leave. Just don’t expect anything if you do.”

“N-no, I’m not backing out!”

As soon as the hesitant man finished speaking, another chimed in eagerly.

“But sir, wouldn’t it be a waste to kill her after having her once? Why not capture her and bring her back to camp? I’ll take good care of her!”

“You idiot! Don’t you know the inspectors visit occasionally?”

“Keeping her hidden in the Rume Forest could work, right?”

“The major said explicitly not to let her live. Personally, I think someone like her deserves to be enjoyed long-term… but orders are orders.”

“Then… can I go first this time?”

“Gralton Private!”

“…Yes, sir?”

“Don’t cross the line.”

“…Sorry, sir.”

Even as they joked around, they continued moving without pause, brushing aside familiar plants and chasing faint trails.

Ping!

An unfamiliar, eerie sound froze Olock in his tracks. He felt a sharp gust of wind brush past his hair.

“Wind? In this jungle-like forest?”

Instinctively turning his head, Olock’s eyes widened in shock. There lay Gralton Private, collapsed on the ground with a clean split across his skull.

Thud.

“……”

Paralyzed by surprise, everyone stood rooted to the spot.