Chapter 150: Escape from the City
“Even if there’s a hideout outside the city, how do we get out? When we fled the Imperial Capital and arrived at the harbor town, we could enter normally, but now that a capture request for fugitive slaves has been issued, they’re probably checking at the gates.”
“Would it be enough if we could get out without passing through the gates?”
With the capture request for fugitive slaves in effect, it seems impossible to leave the city through the gates. If that’s the case, then we just need to avoid them altogether.
“I wish it were that easy.”
Ivan seems to be in a bad mood for some reason. Building a house can be done quickly, and sneaking out of the city should be simple enough.
“If we could just fly over the walls, would that work? But would we get spotted?”
Rio raises a valid concern, but it’s not impossible. Unless someone is looking up at the sky, they probably wouldn’t notice us. Still, it’s best to be cautious.
“Then this is the perfect time to use spatial magic.”
“Right. Let’s use Teleport.”
“…Huh?”
The change in Ivan’s expression during our conversation is amusing.
“I’ll head out to memorize the coordinates outside the city right away.”
“Got it. I’ll stay here and keep watch.”
“I’ll be back here anyway, so take care.”
“Woof!”
“Oh, Nil is coming too. Let’s go together then.”
Having finally mastered Teleport after much practice, it’s time to put it to use. I memorize the coordinates of the dilapidated warehouse where we are currently located using spatial magic, then head outside the city. I pass through the main street and the city gates without any issues; the gate guards don’t say anything as I walk by.
After traveling along the road leading to the Imperial Capital for a while, I spot a forest thick with trees to the east. It’s close to the city, so there might be some people coming and going. Expanding my presence detection into the forest, I pick up a few human signatures. They could be adventurers on some quest.
It seems we’ll have to venture a bit deeper. If we’re spotted, it could lead to trouble. Once I’m far enough into the forest that I’m out of sight from the road, I once again memorize the coordinates using spatial magic.
“We can think about where to build our house later… I’ll be going back to pick up Rio and the others, but what about you, Nil?”
“Woof!”
When I ask, Nil barks and begins to climb up a tree. It seems he wants to enjoy a bit of forest bathing while he waits.
“Ha ha, just stay put and wait for us.”
“Woof!”
Even if Nil is found alone, he has the tamed monster tag, so he should be fine. I focus on the coordinates I memorized in the city and activate Teleport. Just as my vision blacks out for a moment, I find myself staring at the familiar figure of Rio.
“Whoa!”
“Wow!”
Ivan falls onto his backside, and Phonia perks up her ears, making a strange sound.
“Welcome back!”
“I’m back.”
“Oh, where’s Nil?”
“Ah, he’s enjoying some forest bathing. After being by the sea for so long, he might be missing the forest.”
“Ha ha!”
“Is it… really usable…?”
“I told you, didn’t I? I’d take you outside the city using Teleport.”
“But, spatial magic… that’s a legendary spell, isn’t it?!”
“It’s not that amazing, is it?”
I shrug at Ivan’s enthusiastic praise. It’s not that exaggerated. Even some princesses can use it, and I’m sure there are others who can as well.
“There must be others who can use it, right?”
Rio seems to be thinking the same thing and asks Ivan.
“I’ve never heard of anyone! Well, I’m not well-versed in magic, but I know how rare spatial magic is.”
“Oh, really?”
“That’s quite a detached perspective!”
“Well, you see…”
“That’s true.”
Rio and I exchange glances and shrug.
“I’m not really interested in whether others can use the magic I can.”
“My master could use spatial magic too, so I don’t really see it as that rare.”
“I-I see…”
Suddenly, Ivan’s expression softens as he gently pats Phonia’s head. Perhaps he’s escaping reality for a moment. The dimensional box is also a form of spatial magic, but now that I think about it, I’ve never seen anyone other than my master use it. Maybe it really is rare.
“Well then, let’s get going. Is there anything we should take with us?”
I glance around the room, but all I see are a few tattered changes of clothes and a holey fur blanket that seems to be serving as a makeshift bed.
“All I have are some clothes and the fur…”
“I’ve got just this much too.”
Both of us gather what we can carry in one hand, and we’re ready to go. Hmm, I should prepare some better clothes for them later. Ivan can wait.
“Could you hold my hand? The target for Teleport needs to be covered in magic power.”
“Ah, okay, I understand.”
“Alright!”
Ivan nervously takes my hand, while Phonia grips it with an excited expression. Rio hugs me from behind.
As I focus my vision on the coordinates for Teleport, I check to see if anyone is around. Looks clear.
“Here we go! ‘Teleport!'”
As I utter the command word, Teleport activates. In an instant, we find ourselves in the forest. The scent of the sea that lingered just moments ago is replaced by the rich aroma of nature.
“Whoa… this is amazing…”
“Wow!”
“Let’s find a spot where we can hide and set up camp.”
After reuniting with Nil, who has come down from the tree, I encourage the two dazed companions to start searching for a suitable campsite.