SSEI | Chapter 2.7

As the two whispered seriously, formulating their strategy, Yuan, who had no expertise to contribute, could only keep his eyes on the enemy.

Then, a different kind of question popped into his mind.

‘Why are they even coming this way in the first place?’

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

The most immediate answer that came to mind was that they were trying to take advantage of their own skills.

Since Osma had an ability that nullified one attack every time she entered a new area, it made sense that she would want to move zones whenever possible.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

It was the same reason Eren Noeul and Sael had been staying in one place for so long—to make the most of their abilities.

But Yuan wasn’t sure if that was the only reason.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

The more he observed them, the more he noticed something… off.

The man and woman crossing through the canola flower field looked uneasy.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

It didn’t seem like they were just trying to gain a better strategic position.

Rather, they looked like they were running away from something.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Could it be that they were in a situation similar to Yuan’s group?

Maybe, for whatever reason, they had decided that they couldn’t hold their ground in the flower field any longer and were trying to move somewhere they believed to be safer.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

And that wasn’t the only thing bothering Yuan.

Just before they stepped into Maze Village, the two suddenly stopped and started talking.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

Thanks to his Jewel Rope, their whispers were easy to catch.

“What the hell? Everything looks fine. The Red One said this place might turn into a total shitstorm, but it’s peaceful.”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“You actually believe that man? He probably fed us fake information just to stop us from escaping.”

“Come on, Osma, you know the Red Man isn’t the type to lie. Either way, keep an eye on the windmill. If something goes down, I bet that’s where it’ll start.”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“Understood. Whatever happens, we have no choice but to move into the village. If we stay in the canola flower field, we’ll definitely get caught up in it….”

Again with the Red Man?

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

What the hell was that guy up to, roaming around on his own after slitting his own partner’s throat?

Yuan was so dumbfounded that his jaw almost dropped open.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

“Uh, excuse me… I just overheard their conversation.”

Yuan quickly relayed what he had just heard to Sael and Eren Noeul.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

The two let out a deep sigh and nodded, their expressions reading something between ‘Of course’ and ‘Again? Seriously?’ It seemed like this wasn’t the first time something like this had happened.

“So basically, that Red One tried to get them to blow up the windmill, and now he’s causing a scene in the canola flower field too…? Wasn’t he talking about how his balls got crushed last match? What’s he so busy living for?”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

Yuan, the very person responsible for that incident, felt an inexplicable wave of embarrassment.

Still, he had to admit—the Red Man sure was active.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

He went around talking to all sorts of people, giving out cryptic advice, warning those headed to dangerous places… If you ignored his questionable intentions, he almost seemed like a diligent, sociable person.

Of course, that wasn’t exactly the kind of description you’d give to a guy who had gotten his own head chopped off twice.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

No, wait—his thoughts were drifting in the wrong direction.

Yuan quickly pulled himself together and focused on what really mattered.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Uh, well, getting hit in that area doesn’t exactly mean you’ll die, right? But anyway, that’s not the important part… I guess we can’t go to the canola flower field now, huh? If what they said is true, then the Red Man is already there. That means we don’t really have a reason to leave this place.”

In other words, all that anxiety they’d been feeling was for nothing.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

The reason why this area had been so deserted was probably because the Red Man had been wandering around warning people.

Of course, he couldn’t have warned everyone, so luck must have played some role too, but still.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Thinking that he wouldn’t have to deal with that guy anymore, Yuan felt a bit relieved.

…At least, until Sael opened his mouth.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“That’s true. It’d probably be better to deal with them in the village. By the way, Yuan…”

“Yes?”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“We came up with a strategy while you were listening in on their conversation. How about you and I approach them together?”

“W-what?!”

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

Just when he was starting to relax, they were talking about throwing themselves into danger voluntarily?

What kind of absurd strategy was this?

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

Seeing Yuan practically shivering in shock, Sael quickly continued.

“If you and I go together, they’ll assume we’re on the same team. While they’re focused on us, Eren Noeul will launch a surprise attack.”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“But… a lot of people already know I was the Red Man’s partner back at the Sanctuary. And what’s the difference between this and just ambushing them now?”

“They won’t recognize you with a paper bag over your head. This village has a structure where certain things are only visible if you cover your eyes, so nobody will find it weird if a floating head like you is wearing one.”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“And using a diversion is much better than a direct ambush. If Sael lands even one hit, Osma’s first-attack nullification will disappear. The moment that happens, I’ll blast her with an explosive round from this spear, and we’ll win. Without a teammate, Malli’s skill is useless.”

Their explanation was thorough, but that didn’t make Yuan any less terrified.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

A ‘diversion strategy’? No, let’s be real—this was just a fancy way of saying he and Sael would be bait!

And for their plan to actually work, Sael had to land a hit on Osma.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

But considering how Sael was nearly as frail as Yuan, it didn’t seem like the most reliable strategy…

As Yuan hesitated, feeling more uneasy than ever, the two started trying to reassure him.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

“Come on, don’t worry so much! Worst case scenario, we just die. No big deal, right?”

“…You’re not making me feel any better! A-and, uh… what’s the success rate on this plan, exactly?”

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“If you start thinking about probabilities, you’ll never get anything done. And besides, even if things go south, you can just release your neurotoxic mist.”

“Oh, right… This clam can emit poison mist, huh? But if it goes wrong, that means Sael will—”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“Sael can be knocked out for a bit, it’s fine. I’ll finish things off from a long distance.”

These two had already made up their minds.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

In the end, Yuan let out a half-resigned sigh and nodded.

Eren Noeul secured him onto Sael’s backpack, making sure he wouldn’t fall off.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

While Eren Noeul moved into position for a sniper attack, Yuan and Sael slowly stepped onto the road.

The moment they walked into plain sight, the other side paused, their expressions wary.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

But after a brief whispered conversation, they soon approached.

Of course, Yuan’s hearing was sharp enough to catch their words.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“That’s Sael, isn’t it? Walking around alone… Looks like he got his ass handed to him.”

“He’s carrying something on his back. His teammate might be severely injured and fused with a weapon.”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“Eh, it’s Sael. Not much to worry about—he’s not really cut out for fighting. I’ve got a solid weapon on me right now, so I’m confident I can take him out in one go. As for the other guy, well… looks like he’s got no limbs, so whether he’s fused with a weapon or not, he’s not exactly a threat.”

“True enough. Still, I’ll take the lead. Even if they seem weak, it never hurts to be cautious.”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

…Yep. Completely underestimating us.

If only they’d actually let their guard down, that would’ve been nice.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

But that Osma woman—she might have been looking down on them, but she wasn’t slacking off on her defenses.

Sael glanced at Yuan, clearly expecting him to relay what they had just said.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

But Yuan?

Yuan kept his mouth shut on purpose.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Let’s see how well they handle this. If they lose, well… tough luck.

Since Yuan refused to say anything, Sael let out a sigh, then stepped forward boldly, approaching the two.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

Once the distance between them had closed a bit, Osma drew her sword and aimed it at them.

“Stop. Don’t come any closer.”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“Oh, hello! No need to point your sword at me like that. We just have a question.”

Sael raised both hands in mock surrender.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

However, he did not drop his weapon—his other hand still held a loaded crossbow.

Despite that, Osma didn’t seem particularly bothered. She just tilted her head slightly, watching him.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Maybe she thought demanding him to drop his weapon was unrealistic.

Or maybe… she was just that confident she could handle them, armed or not.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Either way, it seemed like she was willing to talk.

Behind her, Malli poked his head out and spoke up.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“You have a question? Funny, we’ve got one too. Hey, did you hear anything about the windmill blowing up?”

“The windmill…? Oh, right! I nearly died trying to stop someone from activating the machine there. And because of that, my partner ended up like this.”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“Your partner? Oh yeah, you were teamed up with Eren Noeul, weren’t you? But why is she so quiet? Normally she’d be ranting and fuming by now.”

“No language extractor…? I looked around for one, but I couldn’t find it. It’s kinda frustrating, but what can you do? Gotta make do.”

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

…So that’s the cover story they’re going with, huh?

Sael must have gotten the idea from Yuan’s silence earlier.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Deciding to play along, Yuan resolved to stay quiet and simply listened in on their conversation.

“Anyway, since we answered your question, mind if we ask one? Is the Red Man up to something? The guys messing around at the windmill kept bringing him up.”

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Oh, don’t tell me that was his doing too? We thought he figured something out and was giving advice, but now it turns out he was the one setting everything up and acting innocent?”

“You ran into him?”

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Yeah, back at the canola flower field. That place is a total disaster right now. The bastard woke up the White Calamity of the Flower Field, and now everyone’s fleeing for their lives.”

While the two grimaced in frustration, Yuan caught sight of something—

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Eren Noeul had taken position on top of a nearby building.

She was hidden well enough that an ordinary eye wouldn’t spot her, but thanks to Yuan’s Jewel Rope, he could see her clearly.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

The tip of her spear, loaded with an explosive round, was aimed right at them.

She was just waiting for an opening.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

Yuan shook his head vigorously, signaling Sael.

Sael caught the signal and whispered softly toward the clam.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“Got it. That guy’s always causing trouble… Anyway, we’ve got what we needed, so we’ll be on our way now, Eren Noeul.”

Of course, he wasn’t actually talking to Yuan—he was saying it for the enemy’s benefit.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

They were going to pretend to retreat, then launch a sudden attack to break Osma’s first-strike nullification, giving Eren Noeul a clean shot.

…Of course, there was no guarantee the enemy would play along.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text