The log walls encircling the village had transformed into sturdy fortifications, and the houses of the residents had changed into neat and robust structures. The village paths, previously covered with dirt and grass, were now all paved, presenting a clean appearance.

It seemed as if it was modeled after the capital city of the empire.

“Hehe~ It’s a village protected by Matapju; it should be like this, shouldn’t it?”

Even after unleashing the entire mana within his body to control the mana, Matapju, with a face free of any sweat, chuckled.

Thanks to drawing not only the mana stored in the patients but also the mana permeating the entire village, a massive transformative spell became possible.

Although it reflected Matapju’s taste, which diverged from the simple preferences of the village residents, it made the village defenses even more robust.

“Matapju-nim, what in the world is this…?”
“The earnest money concludes it. Let’s defer handling other issues until after sorting out the land ownership of this territory,” Matapju said, leaving the belatedly awakened village chief behind and strolling away nonchalantly.

In reality, having used up all the intricate mana stones, Matapju felt light on his feet.

Matapju hummed, “It’ll be just right if I go now.”

Although the day was approaching evening, it was still too early for the emperor to retire to bed.

If anything, the later the time, the better. It would be a delightful sight to summon a different Bridend lord at a late hour.

Matapju covered his mouth and chuckled wickedly.

‘I’ll make his night restless today.’

Matapju was looking forward to seeing the expression on the face of the leader of the high-nosed noble faction, different Bridend, as he received the land from the emperor.

He was excited at the thought of engraving in his mind the sight of the leader of the haughty noble faction failing to control his expression, and he was eager to recall it whenever there was an opportunity.

Matapju immediately unfolded the teleportation magic. After setting the coordinates to the imperial palace, Matapju snapped his fingers. Matapju disappeared from the village.

As soon as Matapju’s presence disappeared, the Crople Mercenary Unit revealed themselves.

The mercenaries who had been watching Matapju from all directions gathered at the main gate.

“Finally, he’s gone.”

Karun shook his head with a disgusted face.

Although they hadn’t exchanged many words, it strangely felt like their spirits were drained. The members behind him empathized together.

“He really did it splendidly. Truly Matapju-like.”

“Forget about the aftermath and just do it first. That’s definitely Matapju-like.”

“Our sister, who anticipated such Matapju, is indeed amazing.”

“Oh, I agree.”

“Quiet.”

When Karun pulled out the greatsword he had been carrying on his back, the mercenary unit collectively fell silent.

Following him, Vireta, who was carrying a burden on her hunched back, walked towards them.

Vireta naturally stood by Karun’s side, facing the mercenary unit.

“I think we’ve roughly figured it out thanks to Matapju’s splendid work.”

The atmosphere of the Crople Mercenary Unit, which had been bustling, suddenly changed in an instant.

Amidst the sharpened and sharp atmosphere, enhanced by the sharpness and keenness before going on a hunt, Vireta slowly straightened her waist.

Ki-ick. Behind her, the village gate opened.

“Capture all the mice that came into view.”

Led by Karun, the Crople Mercenary Unit rushed out of the village like arrows. Dozens of mercenaries scattered into the darkness. Each of them pursued the scent of the prey they had caught.

The spies who had been lurking around the village, waiting for the villagers of Ashu to die, would by now be fleeing for their lives, tracked by the mercenary unit.

It was all thanks to Matapju’s unnecessarily flashy and eye-catching massive magic.

“It seems arrogant.”

With a hint of contempt, Vireta swept her waist, where the scabbard was attached.

Ki-iik. The village gate opened wide as the mercenaries dispersed into the darkness.
If Different Bridend had planted wizards around the village in case of unforeseen circumstances, the trackers would not have been chased like prey as they are now.

However, Different Bridend, who was considering the possibility of betrayal, did not disclose the “resource of treason” to anyone. Especially, wizards sensitive to the flow of mana would have been even more untrustworthy. He was a greedy, selfish, and cunning person.

‘Well, if there wasn’t Shaga, there wouldn’t have been such variables.’

The presence of the doctor who went to the hidden village for a business trip was naturally kept a secret by the villagers who feared the wrath of Bridend the Lord. It was an established fact that the closed village, which has been hiding in accordance with Bridend’s instructions, would not seek help from the outside.

‘Logical.’

Vireta recalled the gold badge with the scorpion pattern that she demanded as a reward.