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Chapter 148.1

Chapter 148.1. Nidhogg And Mercenaries

-???’s POV-

The artificial island, the headquarters of the religious organization Yggdrasil, was always calm no matter what. Even during typhoons or monster attacks, everyone remained composed.

The believers had a strong faith in their leader, believing her power would protect them.

So, they lived quietly on the artificial island, and the ordinary people spent their lives peacefully, like a calm sea.

The lower-ranked believers who lived near the pier would go out on fishing boats every day, catching fish and lining them up at the fishing port while their engines hummed.

The intermediate-ranked believers would receive the fish, and transport them to the skilled advanced-ranked believers and magicians. The advanced-ranked believers were busy with tasks such as creating magic tools and managing the organization.

Occasionally, a ship would arrive carrying the magical tools they produced and transporting essential goods, causing a bit of excitement. Politicians and wealthy individuals would visit, adding to the liveliness, but for the most part, it was quiet. There were few conflicts, and people lived peacefully.

However, today there was a noisy visitor, and a crowd had gathered at the pier.

An armored landing ship, modified from a ferry, was docked at the pier, and military armored vehicles and transport trucks got unloaded from the cargo hatch.

The transporting people were well-built individuals who seemed accustomed to rough work. Those who tried to ask them something were intimidated by their sharp gazes and remained silent.

Amidst the onlookers observing the intruder who had appeared in this peaceful land, a person wearing eerie-style enchanted armor descended from the ship like a ghost.

“Phew, it’s starting to get cold. We were fortunate to arrive before winter. The sea breeze is chilly, unavoidable. Brrr, it’s freezing.”

“That’s right, Captain. The sea wind was so cold. I had no choice. It’s so cold.”

The man shivered, hunching his shoulders in response to the cold sea breeze. Behind him, a woman followed with a displeased expression.

“Come on, get off the ship quickly. It’s all because of you that we had to run away to a place like this. Do you even realize it?”

“Well, it was beyond my control. Somehow, that guy knew about me. Right, Captain? I’m not at fault, am I?”

Captain Ymir, Annal, and Elli descend from the ship’s gangway. It was already October, and the wind was cold, their breath visible.

Watching their subordinates disembark one by one, Captain Ymir shrugged his shoulders.

“Eri, please don’t blame Annal so much. Annal indeed is not to blame. I couldn’t have imagined that they would see through him just because he used magic.”

“I-if you say so, Captain… I understand.”

“Yeah, right? It’s not my fault, am I? By the way, why did that brat know about me?”

“Don’t get carried away!”

With his hands behind his back, Annal gives her a dubious look, and Eli kicks him away. But Annal is right.

Anna had been acting secretly as instructed by his captain. If their enemy knows his abilities, his effectiveness diminishes. So he tried his best not to attract attention.

However, that red-haired, cheeky brat saw through his as Annal. It was extremely perplexing.

“Perhaps you haven’t met before, Annael. I think he knew about you as a piece of knowledge.”

Narrowing his eyes, Ymir said in a chilling tone.

“Oh, so I’ve become famous, huh? It’s going to be difficult for me.”

“For now, there’s nothing else to do but lay low. Relax until things calm down.”

“This island seems boring. I’m worried if there’s a tavern or not.”

“You can take your time and look for one, right?”

Dispelling the cold atmosphere, Imir laughed and patted Annael on the shoulder.

Annael dropped her shoulders with a look of despair, and Eri snorted.

The reason Ymir and the others were here is simple. They were exposed as mercenary group members during the Tokyo Incident and became wanted.

Of course, Ymir and the others always wore the Disguise Ring to conceal their identities. They also made their subordinates have the Disguise Ring to avoid being recognized.

However, because their names get registered as mercenaries, they were targeted for arrest. Ymir and the others had to escape, splitting their groups into smaller groups and taking extreme caution not to leave traces.

It would end there for mercenaries, but the Imperial Army persistently pursued them. They seemed to have a sophisticated information network, and it took several months to shake off their pursuers.

“Hey, move aside quickly.”

“Oh, sorry about that. Please, go ahead. I’ve cleared the way.”

“Tch!”

A man wearing a robe, with his hood, pulled deep, steps off the gangway, clicking his tongue in frustration. His hands and legs peeking from the hem are unnaturally thin and bony.

“Is this the destination? This gloomy place?”

“Yes, this is it. You are safe here. Please, feel free to relax.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes, the substitute doll prepared by Annal is set to remain as a corpse even if it dies. No one would suspect a swap.”

Ymir bows respectfully, while the robed man looks around, barely concealing his annoyance.

“Is the reception… that?”

“Yes, we’ve been expecting you. It is an honor to greet you, esteemed one. Please, get in the car. I will guide you to the palace.”

“Yes, we have been expecting you. Your Eminence, it is an honor to welcome you. Please come to the car. We will take you to the palace.”

Yggdrasil followers approach with cheerful smiles, speaking to the robed man. The embroidery on the robe’s chest depicts five leaves. The fewer leaves, the stronger the individual—a mark of the higher-ranked believers.

The number of leaves also signifies that they are aware of the hidden side of Yggdrasil.

“…I don’t need flattery. Just guide me to the presence of the leader.”

“Understood. Let’s depart immediately.”

They get into the car and head towards the palace, a wooden structure supported by slender wooden pillars at its center. Upon arrival, the robed man swiftly enters the presence of the leader.

A curtain is drawn in the back, and faint figures can be seen. Several believers are seated beside, creating a serene atmosphere.

“Oh my, welcome, welcome. It seems like you’ve had quite a long journey. You’ve become so thin. Hehehe.”

In a teasing tone, the man with the hood clenches his mouth in frustration but quickly opens it to speak.