Mushoku Tensei: The Sword, the Magic Hat, and the Love System

Deep in the forest, a small lake shimmered quietly, nestled against the towering cliffs of the Red Dragon Mountain range.

A natural habitat.

At this hour, one would expect birds, beasts, or magical creatures to dwell here.

But tonight, within a radius of dozens of meters, stood over ten tightly packed tents. The rainproof coverings were worn out, the anchoring ropes rusted, and they were arranged in a semi-circle around a few small wooden cabins. Numerous torches lit up the area, casting bright flames across the trampled ground, exposing yellowish-brown soil beneath the dead grass.

Humans had driven away the wildlife and claimed this haven.

Over thirty figures stood by the bonfire, silently facing a single seated, slender man.

Beneath his foot lay a burly bearded man, easily twice his size. Yet the weak-looking man had his head shoved into the mud. He appeared unconscious.

"How many times do I have to say it? Calling you here isn't just for roadside robbery. It's for that thousand-gold bounty! So why do I keep hearing about shady business behind my back? Secretly contacting the north to deal in slaves? Is that what Boss Night Lion asked of you?!"

The slender man, Banbao, had a sharp, almost androgynous face. He scanned the crowd with narrowed eyes. None of the bandits dared meet his gaze.

After a long silence, everyone instinctively looked toward the bald man nearest Banbao. The bald one inhaled sharply and carefully spoke.

"Boss Banbao, the guys think that Allen kid's already long gone. Staying here is pointless. We've been dragged from our work and cooped up here for who knows how long. No one's even seen a trace. Maybe... Night Lion's intel isn't so solid—"

Bang!

Blood and brain matter exploded. He looked down in shock and saw that the burly man beneath Banbao's foot had just had his head crushed to mush.

Banbao glanced coldly around.

"You think this is a discussion?"

The bandits stared at the corpse in stunned silence. Banbao continued, voice seething with fury.

"First of all, I can guarantee the intel is legit. Second, don't you dare question Boss Night Lion again. Ever."

His tone then softened, regaining its usual feminine pitch.

"You all were handpicked by Boss Night Lion from the slave markets. He raised you. You should know—he's not the kind of man to abandon his brothers. You think he'd act without reason? There are secrets behind this. I'll make it clear: he's under tremendous pressure. The survival of the bandit group may be at stake."

Murmurs rippled among the group, but the rising noise was cut off by the sharp ring of a drawn blade.

Banbao stabbed his sword into the ground. The hilt vibrated intensely.

"That pressure comes from one of the major powers at the top of the capital. For now, patience is vital. Most of you are mid-level swordsmen—some even upper-level. Why do you think all of us were gathered here from across the Asura Kingdom just to patrol this spot?"

"Do you really believe this is just about robbery? Use your heads."

He scanned the uneasy faces of the crowd, then sighed.

"Alright. Back to your posts. Keep the perimeter secure."

The group slowly dispersed. Soon, only the bald man remained in front of Banbao.

Banbao motioned him closer.

"Still no sign of Black Wolf and the other two?"

The bald man's earlier panic had vanished. With a serious look, he leaned close.

"Still nothing. This tactic only calms them temporarily. They're likely sneaking off to Rigatte to blow off steam. They're used to acting like kings at other strongholds—they won't stay cooped up long. We need to deal with Allen directly."

Banbao turned to him expressionlessly.

"Greyhawk, do you not trust me? Think I'm bluffing with this display?"

Greyhawk hesitated, then sighed.

"I do! But isn't the power pressuring Boss Night Lion just James? He hasn't even officially taken over from Charles. A lower noble like him couldn't pull this off."

"Not James. He's not worthy."

Greyhawk's eyes widened.

"Then who...?"

Banbao's voice was barely above a whisper, yet the weight behind it made Greyhawk's face change dramatically.

"It's Darius."

"Darius?!"

Greyhawk looked around nervously, then leaned in.

"Upper Minister Darius? The First Prince's favorite? That Darius?! No way! He prefers noble girls... Don't tell me he's into Allen now? Isn't he worried that kid will chop his head off in bed?!"

Banbao massaged his temple and shot him a glare.

"What the hell is that brain of yours full of? That's not the reason. But the pressure on Night Lion is real. Otherwise, why would he jump into this mess? James doesn't have that kind of weight."

"Then... if the intel is real, that means Allen Boreas Greyrat is hiding somewhere on the southern slope of Red Dragon Mountain? Shouldn't we expand the search area then? Why stay here? The forest is huge. Interrogating travelers isn't going to find him."

Banbao frowned.

"That's what confuses me too. But the orders we received said to stay here and wait—"

"Who goes there?!"

A shout interrupted them. Banbao and Greyhawk looked up.

Emerging from the shadows beyond the campfire, a small figure stepped forward.

A boy.

Wearing glasses.

Covered in blood.

He smiled and tucked his blood-smeared glasses into his swordsman uniform, its pockets already soaked red. He looked at the camp's assembled members.

"Who are you?!"

Following the path indicated by the now-dead Scarface, Allen raised his hands like presenting merchandise.

"Isn't it obvious? I'm the guy you've been looking for."

(End of Chapter)

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