Kamisama Shop de Cheat no Kaori

Chapter 140. Three Companion And The Pride Of The Vigilantes

Now that we’ve confirmed the Goblin Hazard, charging in with this many people is reckless.

Everyone nodded in agreement to the words of Shurla, the lizardwoman warrior, as we switched from colony annihilation to reconnaissance.

From there, we split into teams for action.

I’m with Horn, Trumpet, and Baritone. Probably the strongest team, excluding the two lizard warriors. Maybe Shurla was being considerate.

The two lizard warriors split up and joined different teams. Even though they’re a couple, they made this decision—truly battle-hardened warriors.

With the remaining vigilantes and beast hunters, we formed six teams to scout separately.

Our group’s assigned area was further from the nest.

“Listen up, girlie. You absolutely can’t get caught by them, got it? But you’ve got a job to do. They’ve likely spread out over a wide area, so make sure to investigate that thoroughly. That’s your job, understand?”

“Yes.”

“Yeah.”

“Got it.”

“I understand.”

Shurla nodded in satisfaction at each response.

“Then, as planned, scout the route and return to town.”

Each squad acknowledged and scattered.

We also began moving, leaving the nest behind.

We headed in a direction perpendicular to the town.

As we moved across the dry land with sand swirling in the air, I spotted something moving ahead. I’m probably the one with the best eyesight, so I was the first to notice.

“It’s probably a group of goblins.”

“I can’t see them. Which way are they headed?”

“They’re coming towards us.”

“I see…”

Without anyone needing to say it, we stopped and formed a circle.

“What should we do?”

“Did it look like a group we could take out?”

“I’d say around 30 to 40, but with all the obstacles, I can’t say for sure.”

“That’s a tricky number.”

“Think we can handle them?”

“Not without backup.”

“Hmm.”

Trumpet’s cautious opinion made Baritone frown.

If there are around 30 to 40, we could probably wipe them out with a preemptive strike using sorcery. But what if another group was nearby? What if they attacked us in waves?

Eventually, we’d wear out and get wiped out.

We can’t take that risk.

“We have no choice. Let’s move north and let them pass.”

Everyone nodded at Trumpet’s decision. We kept low as we moved north when we saw a cloud of dust rising ahead.

“…! Another goblin group ahead! A large one, probably just under 100.”

“What?!”

“Are they riding horses or something?”

“No, but they’re running for some reason.”

Horn jumped onto a nearby rock, shading her eyes with her hand as she stared at the dust cloud.

“Oh no! They’re chasing a pack of Stone Coyotes! They’ll be here any minute!”

“What?!”

Horn jumped down from the rock, and she, Trumpet, and Baritone exchanged looks for a few seconds before nodding.

“Alright. Horn and I will take on the ones in front.”

“Understood. I’ll go back.”

“Huh? What are you all talking about?”

Their words were so confusing that I spoke without thinking.

“We’re going to act as decoys to draw them away. In the meantime, you, Lalaila, will escape.”

“What?!”

“Leave it to us.”

“That’s not what I—”

“Listen, Lalaila. Elves have a high chance of becoming vessels, right?”

“Huh? Well, that’s what they say.”

“Then we can’t let them capture you.”

“Then let’s all—”

“Impossible. We can’t all hide. If we get spotted, we’ll be wiped out for sure.”

“But…”

“I have a daughter, you know. She’s about your age, at least in appearance.”

“…!”

“We have a duty and a responsibility to protect the town.”

“If I hadn’t come…”

“You’re wrong, Lalaila. We brought you because we decided you’d be more help. It’s not your fault.”

“At least let me go back and take out a smaller group…”

“That’s impossible. We’re already in a position to be pincered. And we’re running out of time. Got it? Once the goblins spread out, hide and run. There are too many of them, and they’re spread thin. Run for your life, understand?”

“This can’t be…”

Each of the three vigilantes handed me something—split branches with their names on them.

“These are a kind of token. Every vigilante has one. Deliver them to the Vigilante Headquarters.”

“That means…”

“They’ll reach our families. We’re counting on you.”

“I…”

I couldn’t say more. I had no right to mar their resolve. All I could say was:

“I understand… I’ll deliver them for sure. But come back safely.”

“Haha, I’ll try.”

“I’ve always had a knack for surviving, you know?”

“I’m not gonna die that easily.”

The three stood up firmly and ran in different directions.

May the spirits protect them!

Horn and Trumpet shouted loudly, leading the pack of Stone Coyotes. The goblins, noticing the scattered coyotes and the two humans, roared in anger.

In their simplicity, they fell for the trick and changed direction, heading west.

I waited for the right moment and started moving south. I didn’t go straight; I took a route that brought me a little closer to the nest. As I carefully moved, I saw the group we spotted earlier moving south, likely led by Baritone.

Ignoring the tears that wouldn’t stop, I clenched my teeth and pressed on.