Chapter 162
Chapter 162. Torpus Rock Salt Mine 3
It seems they had imagined escaping secretly.
I explain the situation to Sarhas and the others, who remain dazed.
Though to be precise, their only task is to work—or rather, it's mostly me (or more accurately, Merlock) who'll be laboring.
The explanation ends quickly, and I activate [Earth Spirit Summon: Merlock] with [Multi-Chant], calling forth twenty-one small spirits.
I've summoned many when discovering Zoptom, but this is the first time I've summoned so many at once.
The sight of them lined up could almost be called spectacular, but combined with their small armadillo-like appearances, it also somewhat resembles a toy store display. Their oddly dignified expressions only made it worse.
Shaking off the thought, I give instructions, and the Merlocks eagerly vanish into the ground.
Sarhas watches the scene with curiosity.
"Can spirit magic summon this many at once?" "Lower-tier spirits have a high base summon count. Beyond that, it depends on [Spirit Fellowship] rank and additional mana."
Sarhas seems impressed, but in reality, [Spirit Fellowship 4] has a limit of seven spirits—no matter how much extra mana I pour in, I couldn't summon more.
However, I have [Multi-Chant]. If I push myself to my mana limit, I could summon around fifty. Though, my mana would bottom out, making it impossible to extend the summon duration, and Merlock's combat ability is fairly low. Not exactly practical.
The presence of the Merlocks grows distant as they reach their destination.
Soon after, tremors reverberate through the Torpus Rock Salt Mine.
The voices of the beastmen's den carry this far, gradually growing louder.
"Shall we go, then?"
At my urging, Sarhas and the others nod nervously.
Perhaps sensing the disturbance, most of the beastmen have already fled, leaving their den eerily quiet.
We pass through the den, feeling a few lingering gazes.
Near the crossroads, beastmen and human slaves huddle together, wearing uneasy expressions as intermittent tremors continue.
From the right tunnel—the source of the tremors—soldiers and miners returning shove aside the slaves blocking their path and flee the mine. Only a handful of miners and soldiers remain, staring down the tunnel alongside the slaves.
They must be worried, but the Merlocks are only collapsing uninhabited tunnels.
No fatalities so far, and the distance should keep the effects from reaching here.
Either way, I'm grateful some miners stayed.
Without experts, things might not have gone smoothly.
Now, let's begin.
I scan the slaves gathered at the crossroads, searching for a suitable target.
Spotting the human slave who confronted me earlier, I signal Sarhas with a glance.
"Do you know his crimes?"
"Murder. A fallen adventurer turned bandit who terrorized the highways."
"I see. Then let's use him."
I separate a controlled Zoptom.
Guiding it along the ground to the man's feet, then up to his mouth, I slip it inside and release it.
A tiny amount—but what will happen?
The man seems to be plotting something, subtly eyeing the exit.
With soldiers guarding the door, escaping unnoticed would be impossible.
Yet he keeps watching for an opportunity—until suddenly, his demeanor changes.
He lets out a sudden scream, blood gushing from his mouth.
Perhaps the scream triggers more pain—his body stiffens as he collapses, the surrounding slaves hastily backing away.
No one dares approach the man's ghastly expression, watching from a distance.
I feign surprise while observing him.
A small black stain has formed on his chest.
Did the Zoptom pierce through? Honestly, I didn't expect it to grow this much.
If he'd just collapsed, I'd have considered finishing him off—but this should suffice.
The speculation proves correct when a miner mutters:
"Look… his chest…"
Drawn in, everyone stares at the man's chest.
A black stain spreads across his tattered clothes.
At the miner's gestured order, a nearby slave timidly lifts the man's shirt—then lets out a short scream and falls back at the sight of sharp spines protruding.
The miners… seem surprised.
From their reactions, only a handful must have known. The soldiers too. Otherwise, they wouldn't have guarded areas with Zoptom deposits.
Either way, it's time.
I signal Sarhas with a glance, and they disperse, blending into the crowd to whisper.
Like ripples, the words spread without their meanings understood.
And the moment they reach a miner's ears—
"ZOPTTOOOOOM!!"
One miner shrieks, scrambling to flee. Others follow, and soon the slaves join the chaos.
The soldiers guarding the door try to close it but are knocked aside, overwhelmed instantly.
The clamor fades into the distance, leaving only the tremors from below and the dying man's groans.
Sarhas watches in shock, then suddenly looks down at the man.
"When he dies, what happens to the Zoptom?"
"Not sure. Even if it reverts, it's still inside him. Shouldn't be dangerous."
Sarhas nods, then strangles the man from behind.
Too weak to resist, the man twitches briefly before going still.
As Sarhas lays the former bandit down, I gesture to him.
"Let's remove the iron balls. They'll slow us down."
"Yeah, please."
I crouch by Sarhas' feet, using [Operate Energy] to examine the shackle's mechanism.
Simpler than the collar. This'll be quick.
Inserting a hidden tool into the keyhole, I unlock the first one effortlessly.
Working on the second, I casually ask:
"You're surprisingly kind."
I feel Sarhas' gaze shift above me.
"If there's no saving someone, I'd rather ease their passing. Any adventurer would. Even for a criminal."
"Noble mindset."
In such situations, many might feel the same.
But most wouldn't dwell on it. Especially not for a fallen bandit—who'd surely done the opposite.
"More importantly, I didn't expect a riot."
"Slaves would've realized eventually. If a riot was inevitable, better to use it now."
"Maybe… but some are minor offenders or born slaves. You understand?"
From outside, clashes suggest soldiers intercepted the rioters.
I toss the unlocked shackle aside and stand.
"They'd have died regardless. Overwork, soldiers' blades, or Zoptom tearing them apart from inside. No time to vet each one, and our help has limits. Saving everyone? Not even a god could manage that."
Sarhas doesn't argue, sighing quietly.
For a moment, I think him naive—but no.
His core is rigidly principled. Even knowing the man was scum, he won't bend his own morals. His disapproval of the riot stems from the same.
And I get his point.
The bandit aside, the riot wasn't the only option.
We could've left quietly and returned to remove the Zoptom.
Minimal casualties, no slaves slaughtered by soldiers.
But [Earthwalk] can't carry other matter.
Even Merlock would take ages to collect it all. More slaves would die in the meantime.
And the strain would be excessive. Not worth the effort.
So I incited the riot.
Collapsing the mine renders the Zoptom irrelevant. Months of repairs buy us time to collect it safely.
And the slaves belong to Viscount Fasden, not the soldiers.
Even if they riot, they won't be killed if they don't resist. Plus, repairs will need labor. Post-suppression, harsh punishments would waste manpower.
As Sarhas noted, some were deceived or born into slavery.
This was the only way to give them slightly longer lives without overburdening myself.
Then I glance at my hands.
Not a huge debt—but my hands are still free.
"Found another task."
Entering the human den, Sarhas and the others follow, puzzled.
Scanning the diminished crowd, I search for one face.
Only the too-weak or non-rioters remain.
But Jake isn't here.
He wasn't at the crossroads—maybe he joined the riot or was swept up in it.
Just in case, I probe ahead with [Presence Detection], but soon hit a dead end.
The side tunnels here hold slaves waiting to die. The mine's discarded of the discarded.
He wouldn't be—I turn to leave, then freeze.
A faint presence.
No different from the others—a slave like tattered cloth.
Yet it stirs memory.
Before I know it, I'm hurrying over.
[Appraisal] confirms it: Hymes, Lasmel's chancellor.
Emaciated, barely recognizable. I'd heard he was executed—but sent here instead…
Hymes is on death' doorstep.
Overwork has sapped him past recovery. He won't last.
Sarhas and the others gather, noting my reaction.
"You were looking for him?"
"No, but I know him. All priorities just changed. We're taking him too."
"A human?!"
The one-eyed beastman vehemently objects.
Suppressing irritation, I rise slowly.
"Didn't you hear? All priorities changed. Understand?"
Locking eyes, the beastman stiffens.
His lips move soundlessly.
Sarhas intervenes.
"Understood. We've no complaints. Let's take him."
As he reaches for Hymes, the one-eyed beastman snaps to action.
"Wait, I'll carry him! Can't have you doing that!"
He hoists Hymes effortlessly.
Rough but not careless—though his attitude leaves me uneasy.
"Your name?"
"Rizai. Former C-rank."
"A rookie?"
"Y-yeah… how'd you know?"
He's surprised, but even without [Appraisal], it's obvious.
I've seen enough battles—and grown myself.
A gaze makes me turn.
Sarhas watches silently. He's weathered his share of hell—hence his strength.
Ah, same as me. That's why he intervened earlier, treating me as an equal despite my youth.
Nodding to Rizai:
"Rizai, he's your responsibility."
"Leave it to me. Not a scratch on him."
His firm reply contrasts his earlier attitude.
◇◇◇◇
In the end, Jake wasn't found, and we left Torpus Rock Salt Mine.
Unhindered, we pass through the gate, where white moonlight bathes Lasmano Fortress. The moon hangs low—past midnight.
Gazing at the inner wall's gate:
"No one here, just bodies. Broke through, huh?"
"With collapses ongoing, the soldiers must've panicked."
As if affirming us, clamor rises from the commercial district.
Civilian casualties there would be regrettable—but most are miners, slavers, or guards. Hardly defenseless. The weakened slaves stand no chance.
Though I incited the riot, many were criminals. The outer wall must hold.
Pondering this, we climb a scarred hill—until a shriek halts us.
Turning, I look up.
On a moonlit balcony, a white-haired knight rages.
His incoherent orders send nearby soldiers into chaos.
"The inner wall breach… his fault?"
"Can't deny it."
That mess would cripple any command.
I thought him competent—but nepotism, perhaps.
He knew everything. Hope he didn't think himself safe.
Manipulating remaining Zoptom, I load it into [Penetrate Gale] and fire at minimal power.
An invisible wind bullet strikes his mouth. He swats at it like a bug—then screams.
The enlarged Zoptom tears through his throat, blood painting the moonlight.
Unfazed, the attending butler and soldiers flee.
"The incompetent commander's gone. How's the battle?"
"How did you—never mind. Doubt the fighting troops even heard him."
"Pity."
Sarhas smiles wryly at my lament, eyeing the chaos.
"The slaves are barely hanging on. Breaking through is unlikely. A few might escape, but most will be suppressed."
"Won't take long to quell. Then let's—actually, it's risky out there. Let's arm up."
Gesturing to dead soldiers, I summon Merlock to retrieve the Zoptom from the knight's mouth and rebury it.
Honestly, I relied heavily on Merlock this time.
Without them, finding and collapsing the mine would've been harder. I'd reward them with [Handy Soil], but prying eyes forbid it. They'll have to wait till the labyrinth.
Also, I only half-destroyed the mine. Overdoing it would scatter Zoptom, causing more harm. The undamaged tunnels known to the viscount will keep repairs busy, halting Zoptom incidents. Later, Merlock can collect the rest.
Apologizing inwardly, I dismiss Merlock as the beastmen regroup.
Sarhas eyes the open south gate.
"How do we breach the outer wall? With this chaos, adventurers will prioritize guard duty. Miners might be conscripted—extra vigilance."
"True…"
[Leaping Rabbit] can only carry one at a time, and unlike during infiltration, soldiers are alert everywhere. High risk of exposure.
Breaching the wall would require sealing it afterward to avoid detection. [Earth Wall] could do it, but its plain appearance would stand out against stonework.
A slave riot versus a mage aiding slaves—the latter invites far more trouble.
"About our promise—"
After deliberation, I voice my thoughts.
Sarhas agrees, grinning.
"Then we force our way."
The beastmen nod, having steeled themselves.
With Sarhas' decision, we'll sneak through the commercial district to breach the outer gate.
Playing to strengths, I'll lead as apology.
Behind me: Sarhas, then Rizai carrying Hymes and the boy Urk, the large beastman and the Zoptom witness, with former E-rank Segert at the rear.
Emerging cautiously into the commercial district, angry shouts echo everywhere.
Peering down an alley, miners and slaves brawl fiercely. No soldiers in sight—likely voluntary suppression.
In a normal town, slaves might've had it easier. But this is a fortress—most here are rough miners.
A sudden cheer draws my gaze to a brothel's second floor, where merchants and women watch the spectacle.
Warning the others to watch above, we backtrack and take another route.
Only Sarhas and I have scout skills, but the beastmen navigate by hearing.
Honestly, I expected little beyond Sarhas—but their instincts impress.
We reach the main road near the outer gate without incident. Almost there.
Turning to announce this, I freeze.
Down a distant alley, a slave boy staggers.
More lost than walking.
Sarhas' group notices, but only Urk reacts.
Meeting my gaze, he nods and dashes off.
Ah, Urk met Jake.
He must've guessed my intent when I entered the human den.
I'll leave it to him. One more child won't burden us much.
"Was he the one you sought?"
"Yeah."
Watching Urk, I answer Sarhas.
The others seem conflicted about more humans, but with their comrade acting and their leader allowing it, they stay silent.
Urk reaches Jake—who screams.
The unexpected reaction stops Urk. Jake flees—straight onto the main road.
His cry for help draws gate guards.
Stunned, I hear Sarhas murmur:
"He's asking for help?"
"…Seems so."
Following onto the road, we find Jake unconscious, surrounded by guards.
Beaten by those he sought help from, it seems.
As I stare, the guards notice us. More converge from the gate.
Sarhas steps forward calmly.
"Segert and I will take point. Eshin, Nargus, support! Rizai, Urk, guard the humans!"
"Got it!"
At his command, they charge.
Left behind, I join Rizai and Urk, studying Jake.
The scream makes sense now.
Glowing eyes approaching in the dark would terrify anyone.
A silly reason, but rooted in guilt.
When we first met, Jake struggled to gauge my distance. Overwhelmed, he later mirrored the humans' disdain.
He likely doesn't truly hate beastmen—just conformed to survive. No sense of self.
Glad I realized before taking him. He'd have been dead weight soon.
Sighing, I dodge a slash.
Rizai cuts down a staggering soldier as I survey the battle.
Twenty-plus guards against four beastmen.
Sarhas is formidable, felling foes despite favoring a one-handed sword. At full strength, he might've soloed the gate—but his comrades lag.
Segert, former E-rank, holds his own. The amateurs struggle even one-on-one despite superior physique.
More guards wait at the gate. If they join, even Sarhas might be overwhelmed.
Time to end this.
Stepping forward—something moves in my periphery. A gust sweeps the battlefield.
Guards at the gate and those fighting collapse like puppets with cut strings.
The beastmen freeze at the sudden silence.
Only Sarhas and I grasp what happened.
"Here to fetch me, Phil?"
The weight on my shoulder chirps, red eyes meeting mine.
The white streak racing in earlier—now I get it. Came all this way?
[Tracking Pursuit] lets him find me anywhere. After half a day stationary, he checked in.
But why now?
Sylvic's stay was similar, and we're not overdue.
Counting days, I realize:
"Did you think I meant to return before moving the last stone?"
A tail flicks my cheek accusingly.
I'd meant before placing the seventh—miscommunication.
As I explain under tail admonishment, Sarhas approaches warily.
"That monster…?"
"My ally, Phil. A Hunter Fetch. And mind your words—he understands, and you don't want him angry."
"The display made that clear. I'll watch my tongue."
Sarhas warns the others, then convinces Phil to relent—though my cheek keeps getting flicked as we head for the gate.
But Urk calls out:
"What about him?"
Glancing where he points, I shake my head.
"We leave him. Can't help those who push away help."
"I see…"
Urk looks concerned but accepts.
Unexpected. He endured human slaves' scorn too. Yet he wanted to save Jake.
Sarhas must've been their pillar, keeping him unbroken.
(Rizai's a bit twisted, though…)
"What?"
I tell the scowling beastman it's nothing and move on.
Less than a day after infiltrating Torpus Rock Salt Mine,
we slip through the unmanned gate under moonlight, mission accomplished.
◇◇◇◇
There should be little difference between the gate's inside and outside.
Yet as the wind hits us, the sprawling grasslands evoke something indescribable.
Underground so long, even I'm sentimental—so Sarhas' group must feel it tenfold.
But the fortress looms behind us. No time to linger.
Urging them on, we head south along the road from Lasmano Fortress.
Soon it curves west—toward the Sylvic-Fasden highway I've traversed often. No business there now.
Claiming we'll retrieve supplies, we veer east into the grasslands, detouring far to avoid pursuit before returning to the hills.
Thanks to Ezeteni leaves, our supplies are untouched.
Holding my breath against the stench, I pull out the backpack.
Sarhas' group has wisely retreated from the odor.
Smiling wryly, I scan the area.
No signs of people or monsters—no fortress clamor either.
Meeting Sarhas' gaze, I nod.
"We're safe now."
Tension finally breaks.
At my declaration, the beastmen roar.
Some embrace, others share triumphant shoulder pats. Even stern-faced Sarhas softens.
A bit excessive, but I'll allow it.
Turning away, I unwrap the cloth around me and check the research documents.
[Preserve Item] worked—no damage.
Relieved, I stash them and retrieve a healing potion.
Kneeling beside Hymes on the grass, I carefully administer it.
It won't cure his exhaustion, but should heal minor wounds and muscle damage. Proper treatment waits for the labyrinth—but his awakening worries me.
Hymes returned to Volber expecting execution. Learning he's been taken from the mine, he might try to go back.
Phil joins me, peering at Hymes.
"His name's Hymes. I want him brought back safely. Highest priority—can you guard him?"
Phil glances at the beastmen, then flicks his tail in assent.
Nodding, I change topics.
"Speaking of, how's the other one? Safe alone?"
"Kyuu."
Another chirp, tail wagging more emphatically.
Hard to interpret, but Phil can return quickly—probably fine.
Standing, I find Sarhas approaching.
"Thank you. We owe you our lives, Alan."
"Al—? Ah, right. Don't mention it. I promised escape, yet left the fighting to you."
"Don't dwell on it. Your ally felled most guards."
Phil puffs up proudly at Sarhas' praise.
"Now that Zoptom's exposed, Viscount Fasden's taken quite a blow."
"Perhaps. Salt demand won't vanish. Prices may drop temporarily, but they'll recover."
"Maybe. And the Zoptom panic won't last."
I smile wryly.
He's sure I'll remove it. The Merlock summons and riot must've tipped him off.
Whatever he thinks, I had my reasons.
However reviled, Zoptom is magical metal. Potentially useful—if not, it can be stored. Worth collecting regardless.
"By the way—"
Sarhas' expression hardens.
"How should I explain the village's decision? We'll go anywhere, but prefer avoiding towns."
"No worries. I live deep in the Deep Forest—like a village."
"In the forest? Not the outskirts?"
"Yeah. But let's discuss en route. We're still too close."
"Understood."
Sarhas gathers the others, briefing them on the journey ahead—grassland dangers and precautions.
Listening, I glance back at Lasmano Fortress.
Less than a day there, yet it taught me plenty.
Torpus Rock Salt Mine—a wretched place.