Chapter 17

"Krest...? What's wrong?"

"Eh? What do you mean?"

Caught off guard by the sudden question, I tilted my head, and Gorga turned to me with a stern expression.

"Your face looks pretty serious. Did something happen?"

...It seems my expression gave it away.

I forced a wry smile to relax my face, then answered Gorga.

"I found some orcs to the north. A lot happened after that."

"Orcs... Did they attack you?"

From my demeanor, he quickly arrived at that conclusion.

"Well, yeah. But it wasn't because I was seen while using Assassin."

"Is that so? Anyway, I'm glad you're not hurt."

Gorga let out a relieved sigh, and I continued.

"Anyway, I'll tell everyone the details later. I'm going back to my room. Sorry for worrying you."

"It's no big deal."

"I was thinking of having dinner in the meeting room and talking about it. Can you let everyone know?"

"Sure. Take it easy."

After hearing Gorga's response, I headed home.

On my way back, I told the people of various races I passed the same thing I told Gorga.

This way, the leaders of the various races would get the message.

Back in my room, I let out a small sigh and sat down in a chair.

...Finally, I could relax.

Ever since I was attacked by the hooded man, I had been on edge...

I leaned back in the chair and put my hand on my forehead.

Still... to think such a man exists.

Recalling his overwhelming strength, I couldn't help but sigh.

...Can I become strong enough to beat him?

Such thoughts crossed my mind, and I shook my head.

If I can't win, I can't protect everyone in the village.

I can't afford to have weak thoughts.

First, I need to figure out what to do next.

Obviously, I need to become stronger, and for that, I need the gacha.

My gacha update is the day after tomorrow.

When it updates, I should be able to get new skills.

But there's a problem.

How much can one or two skills close the gap with the hooded man?

Skills are generally powerful, but how much can they change things?

The next gacha update is crucial, but I can only pray to the gods for what comes.

Still, is the hooded man an orc?

The magic and oppressive aura he emits... I've never felt anything like it before, and it's unsettling.

Is it due to the difference in strength, or is there another reason?

I was lost in thought for a while but slapped my cheek.

...There's no point in thinking about things I don't know.

I can speculate all I want, but right now, it's more important to gather and share the information I have.

Dinner time arrived, and as planned, we gathered in the meeting room.

Before we sat down, the food was laid out.

"Thanks for bringing it over."

"No problem! I'd do anything for you, Lord Krest!"

I thanked the dryads who served us, and they smiled happily.

Once everyone's food was set, the dryads left the room.

I turned to everyone who had gathered.

"Let's talk while we eat."

With that, I started eating, and the others followed.

...They won't start eating until I do.

After we had eaten for a while, I said softly,

"While investigating far to the north of the ogre village, I discovered an orc town."

"Orcs, huh."

Orphe's murmured words.

Everyone looked thoughtful.

"What happened there?"

Livia tilted her head, looking worried.

I hesitated about how to convey it.

If I say I was attacked, it might make everyone more anxious, but I can't lie either.

"There were lizardmen. The town itself was hidden by magic or something, and the gate opened to match the words... and for that brief moment, I could see inside."

"So, it's usually hidden?"

"Seems so. Is there magic that can hide an entire town?"

When I said that, Livia put her hand to her chin in thought.

Then, Vanya raised her hand.

"They must be using some kind of concealment magic or ability."

"...Is it possible to cover an entire town?"

"Possible with something very powerful. We can't do it, but... at most, we can hide a single building. I don't know the extent of the town, but covering an entire village is quite difficult."

"Is that so..."

I was surprised that the vampires could do it, but even for them, a single building was the limit.