[Vol. 7] Chapter 83: No Abnormalities… Usually
Some time later, on the outskirts of the village at the foot of the mountain.
The experienced and highly skilled adventurers hid among the trees and bushes, using the foliage as cover while closely monitoring their target.
But the longer they observed, the more puzzled Enrique looked.
“Boss, I’m back!”
[Tree Monkey], a small and agile figure, leaped down from a tree. Without waiting for [Tree Bow]’s orders, he immediately began his professional and concise report.
“First, there are definitely people living in this village. I estimate between 200 to 300 residents. Based on their clothing and behavior, they’re most likely the original villagers of Adelaide Village 192. Unless they’re deliberately disguising themselves, most of them seem to be ordinary people with no combat training.”
“There are two guards at the village entrance, and a simple wooden fence surrounding the perimeter. It looks like a common homemade defense, probably meant to keep wild animals from wandering in, not something designed for military use.”
“In the western part of the village, there’s a watchtower that provides a clear view of most of the area. About twenty armed men are stationed there and in nearby buildings. Their uniforms match the Austre Empire’s rural militia standards. On the surface, they don’t seem like a threat to us, and I didn’t find any signs of hidden sentries or ambushes… That’s all.”
“This sounds just like any normal village…” Sophie commented casually.
For a village of this size, having a small self-defense militia was completely normal.
The Austre Empire, the world's most powerful military nation, was known for its warlike culture. It had expanded its massive territory through relentless conquests, unlike older, more deeply rooted civilizations that had built their power over centuries of governance.
Because of this, the empire followed a semi-military administrative system.
Everything, from naming villages and towns by number, to assigning military trainers, providing supplies and weapons, and forming local militias, was part of this governing style.
In the Austre Empire, the highest authority in a village wasn’t a mayor or village chief, but a militia captain assigned by the government.
Since the watchtower was still operational and the militia structure remained intact, that meant Adelaide City 192 was still under imperial control… or at least, it should be.
"What now, brother?"
Glancing at his sister, who was crouched beside him with her green hair blending almost seamlessly into the surrounding bushes, [Tree Bow] shook his head and thought for a moment.
“Whether the Adelaide City Adventurer’s Guild gave us faulty intel or this village itself has undergone some unknown change, just sitting here watching won’t solve anything…”
“Since there really are people in the village, let’s do this. Miss Violet, I’ll take the team in first to try and make contact with the villagers and figure out what’s going on. The three of you stay outside and keep watch. Qionghua, you stay too. If something feels off, we’ll break out immediately and fire a signal flare. When that happens, I’ll be counting on you all for backup.”
Seeing that the young Tree Spirit man was looking her way, clearly seeking her input and approval, Violet shook her head.
“The plan itself is fine, but let’s adjust the team. We don’t need too many people going in. Just you, your sister, and me, that’s enough. The rest should stay outside, set up camp, and keep an eye on things. We’ll adapt as needed.”
“…Alright, that works too.”
After quickly finalizing their approach, they left Le Qiaoqiao and the rest of [Tree]’s team outside, while the three Legendary-rank adventurers temporarily sheathed their weapons and made their way openly toward the main entrance of Adelaide City 192.
Even though this place was remote due to its proximity to the mountains, seasoned adventurers, who frequently ventured into dangerous territories for all sorts of high-risk missions, were actually more likely to pass through here than through ordinary roadside villages. If this village was really as normal as it seemed, their arrival wouldn’t be anything unusual.
Just as [Tree Monkey]’s scouting report had indicated, two militia guards stood watch at the entrance.
Though they were merely part of the Austre Empire’s lowest-tier armed forces, to be honest, they already looked better equipped than the formal armies of many mid-sized nations.
At the very least, their weapons weren’t crude or makeshift, but proper military-grade spears forged by trained craftsmen. They also wore simple yet standardized leather armor that provided decent protection. Under normal circumstances, it would be surprising for a remote mountain village to have even one set of such equipment, let alone enough to arm every single guard.
“Halt! Who goes there?”
Since they hadn’t tried to hide their approach, the two militia guards quickly spotted the man and two women walking up the village path under the glow of torches planted at the gate. Immediately, they raised their spears in a defensive stance. Their movements were sharp, their discipline unmistakable. These weren’t just some random farmers handed weapons. They’d been professionally trained.
The three adventurers exchanged subtle glances before Enrique, the only man in the group, stepped forward. He raised both hands slightly in a gesture of peace and put on just the right amount of relieved surprise.
“Oh, thank goodness! We finally found the village! Thought we’d have to spend the night out in the wild this time. Haha, no need to be tense, guys! We’re adventurers from Adelaide City. I’m Enrique, and these two are my teammates.”
As he spoke, the green-haired youth, who looked to be in his early twenties, pulled out an adventurer’s badge from his pocket and handed it to one of the militia guards for inspection.
It was a fake badge, crafted for situations like this, issued by the Adventurer’s Guild but only at the Mithril rank. With Enrique’s youthful appearance, the lower rank actually made the disguise more believable, reducing the chances of suspicion.
Using his real name was also part of [Tree Bow]’s deliberate test. While Legendary-rank adventurers were well-known, Adelaide City 192 was a remote mountain village, far from the Layla City. Ordinary village militia were unlikely to have ever heard of him.
In other words, if the guards reacted strangely to his name or showed any unusual behavior, it could mean they weren’t real village militia, but someone else in disguise.
However, the trap didn’t seem to work.
Under the flickering torchlight, the militia youth inspected the badge for a few moments before exchanging glances with his companion. Their guarded expressions relaxed noticeably, and after returning the badge, he gave a small nod.
“Oh, adventurers? No wonder you’d be wandering around here. So, you’re looking for a place to stay the night?”
“That’s right, that’s right! I mean, I don't mind living a hard life, but as you can see, I’ve got two ladies in my team. Can’t really let them sleep out in the cold, can I?”
The militia guard who had checked the badge raised a hand to cut him off, nodding in understanding.
“We get it. This kind of thing isn’t that unusual. But things have been a little… unstable in the mountains lately. I can’t make the decision myself. Tell you what, I’ll take you to see the captain, and he’ll decide. Sound good?”
“Oh… the captain, huh?”
So that’s the one in charge of this village.
Enrique quietly turned his head, using the cover of the night to exchange a glance with the two women again. Then, as if nothing had happened, he nodded eagerly.
“Great! Thanks, boss, we’d really appreciate it!”