Gather Divine Coins and Gacha! - Chapter 256

 Late at night... Is this the first time I've been awake at this hour since I was kidnapped before?

With autumn approaching, the faint sounds of insects can be heard, but other than that, it's quiet.

It’s only natural, but there are no silhouettes visible within the range of the window.

The mansion's security is only at the front slope, gate, and garden... Moreover, I'm dressed in all black—a black dress and black jacket—so I won't be noticed.

"Seria, this is a confirmation. The first thing you should prioritize is not being noticed by anyone. Think of that before speed."

In the dimly lit room, Seriana gives the final confirmation.

"Got it!"

The delivery to my father is a sealed letter. It's said that nothing significant is written, but the purpose this time is to test the secret transmission between the Riana territory capital and the Zelquis territory capital. It seems that the knight order keeps birds for messaging, but considering the abundance of monsters, it's uncertain if they're practical.

However, this time it seems to be anticipating a scenario where humans are the opponents, and it might be part of the preparation for a potential future attack on Seriana. Riesel, August, and of course Alex know about this, but the soldiers guarding the mansion do not. ...This might be the most important errand I've undertaken so far.

"Alright... I'll be off."

"Without overdoing it, make sure it's done right. Take care."

With Seriana's voice at my back, I head out the window.

And quickly ascend.

◇

"Wow...!"

Leaving the capital and flying smoothly west along the highway, the stars are truly magnificent. There's supposedly a star that never moves, like the North Star. I wanted to see it, but I don't think I can find it like this.

Come to think of it, isn't this the first time I've gone out at night in such a relaxed situation?

I end up doing unnecessary rolls and spins.

When I look back, the lights of the capital are already out of sight, and I've passed through the farmland area.

In this country, except for the western part of the continent, traveling at night requires being prepared for life-threatening dangers, even for the very skilled. Because of that, I sense no human presence on the ground. The scene often depicted in stories, where people keep a bonfire going all night, is unlikely to be seen in this region.

Instead... I see monsters here and there.

In the forests I pass over and even some that have wandered out of them. Now, a pack of monsters on the grassland beside the highway seems to have noticed me as I travel at a considerable speed and are chasing after me. It's not just a matter of avoiding the forest during the day; it's dangerous everywhere at night.

Since the priority of this mission is not to be seen by anyone, I can't use the glowing "Red Bee's Sting" or "Fairy's Eye." I'm compensating with Akame and Shirojita... but I can't gauge the strength of the targets.

Seeing as they’re forming a pack on all fours, they're probably wolves, but these ones don’t have long-range attack capabilities. Ignoring them might not be an issue, but it's annoying to be chased, and if I drag them near a town or village, they might cause trouble.

As a knight of this territory, even if only in title, how would it be if I let that happen?

"Let's leave them in the dust."

It's said that normal wolves can run at over 50 kilometers per hour and can sustain a slower pace for long-distance chases. Monsters would have even higher capabilities. So, I’ll speed up to a pace they can’t hope to match and make them give up.

"Alright!"

With a breath and a surge of determination, my speed increases rapidly, and the sound of the wind rushing past grows louder. Realizing they can’t keep up, the wolves howl, but they're quickly left far behind, their cries fading in no time.

The highest speed I've ever reached was when I kicked a demon. That was around 100.

Seriana once reached an even higher speed in the royal capital... but let's not count that.

This area is hilly, and when traveling by carriage, we couldn't go very fast, but I'm flying in the air, several dozen meters up, with no obstacles in sight and no one around. The weather is good, and there's no wind. It's perfect for a top-speed challenge!

...I can do this! Top speed!

However... as my speed increases, so does the wind resistance. I shield my eyes with my arm to block the wind, but this is pretty tough! It's not like I can set up a windshield like on a bike, but maybe I should ask Rob to make me some goggles. Of course, with a snake emblem!