Chapter 156

Chapter 156 \nI received a letter from Ashley during my stay at Malta-san’s mansion. The content was a request for me to meet her at the castle. It was most likely related to the transfer circle I took. With the festival around the corner, I decided to go the next day. \n

After breakfast, I left the inn and headed to the castle as Shwartz, not Shaft, as requested. Therefore, I must make sure there was some record of Schwartz entering the city. And there was also the assassins to worry about. Since entering the capital, I’ve kept an eye on the map to see if anyone trailed me. So far, I haven’t seen anyone yet. 

Did they give up on me, or did they plan something more elaborate this time? I didn’t know. But as long as I took on Schwartz’s identity, I had to be vigilant. 

I left the capital through the highway while I took note of the radar. No one left after me. I double checked using thermal and it corresponded with the map. I checked the sky just to be careful, but there was not even a bird. I couldn’t be too careful. Afterward, I slowly swerved into the overgrowth of trees. From there, I found a place hidden from view and set my avatar to Shwartz. 

Because I would return to the capital as Schwartz, I needed to make sure that no one saw me switch personas. 

I attached a silencer to my Five-seveN and inserted one of the magazines I smuggled out of the training ground. I wanted to confirm the nature of the training rounds and their effect in this world, or if it’d just be similar to the training grounds. 

First, I went up to a certain large tree and shot one round. Since the silencer was attached, the sound came quiet like a small wind. It left a bullet hole in the tree. I approached and examined it and I found it didn’t fade away. How about its attack power? Was it zero? I changed my target to a leaf on the three. I fired and it bursted into pieces.  

So… It did have some power. \n

From there, I started testing it on various objects of different sizes and thicknesses so I could figure out its properties. As a result, it showed that the training rounds had a low penetration and packed about the same force as a barehanded punch. 

I eventually tried it on my own. It became numb for a while due to the shock and pain when the bullet struck. It had no killing ability but it may be useful enough as a long-range disabling weapon. At least, for a semi-auto weapon. If I were to use it in a full auto setting, it’d pose a threat. Overall, it would be useless against monsters, but may prove useful in an urban setting. 

After I confirmed what I wanted, I holstered the pistol. Another thing that had to be done before I head back was to summon the TYPE-74 and collect the second transfer circle on its bed then place it in a gift box. I did that then returned to the capital. From there, I went to the castle in the first district. 

The festival had an entry fee that would rise with each day with the first day’s charge being relatively cheap. So, many of the citizens participated in the festival as well for commemorative purposes. Merchants from the 3rd and 2nd districts would also set up stalls in the 1st district, mainly centered around Hirashia. All along the main road where people filled with expectations for the festival tomorrow. 

“Who will be attending tomorrow?”

“Last year, it was the prince. Maybe His Majesty will make an appearance this year?”

“Gahaha! You guys, can you see? Come get some of my perfect stuff!” \n“The Rafflesia will return for this occasion! So, I guess it might be the second prince?” 

“Did you hear? ‘Black Mask Shaft’ is coming to the capital!” 

“That magic stone and weapon, suitable for a leader role!” 

“Then the huge mana stone that’ll be exhibited on the third day was really unearthed by Shaft-sama!” 

“It seems that many good magic weapons will be up on the second day!” 

“That’s right! We should try and get our hands on the ‘Shadow Edge’!” 

“Where is the ‘Black Prince’ staying? I’d like to at least get a glance at him.” \n\n“D-Ranked adventure Schwartz. HEre under the request of Ashley Zephanel to enter the castle.”

I handed over my guild card. 

“Confirmed, please wait.”

The guard received my guild card and headed to the lookout hut by the bridge. I could see a booklet-like file inside. The guard came back once he confirmed.

“You appointment is confirmed. You can proceed now. Show your guild card after you cross the bridge. Also, please leave any kind of weapon and tool bag here.”

“Got it.”

I took my card and crossed the bridge.