Chapter 46 [Count Vazari's Territory 3 Diversionary Force (Part 2)]
The execution day for the retrieval operation was set on the night before the slave market, the night all slaves were brought to Vazari. Currently, I and the slimes are sneaking into Count Vazari's mansion. Once our task is complete, Keen and the others will ignite the flames. Following that, the demi-humans will carry out the retrieval operation, Sley and Win will stall the count's army under their command, and then we plan to escape. Now, shall we begin our mischief?
"Rai, can you and the slimes soak all the bags of wheat here in water?"
"Yes, Master, it's no problem."
"Then go ahead. Wet wheat either rots or germinates. In either case, it won't be useful. Also, after you finish, absorb the water that has flowed onto the floor to delay the discovery."
"Yes, Master."
Following my instructions, the slimes proceed to soak the bags of wheat one after another. When the work is mostly done, I send a telepathic signal to Keen.
"Keen, is everyone in position on your end?"
"Oh, Master, we're ready anytime."
"Good, go ahead."
"Yes! Keen, let's do this!"
I asked Keen and the others to create panic among the residents, just as they did in Balen. Nighttime fires are perfect for instilling fear. This time, I emphasize prioritizing chaos over harm to individuals.
Around the time we hiding in the count's mansion see the flames, I gesture for the next move.
"What is this smoke about?"
"My lord, please look outside! The town is engulfed in flames! Even this mansion is on fire!"
"Hey, quickly, put out the fire... ugh, eugh... cough, cough..."
What I did wasn't anything significant; I just threw a bunch of smoke canisters. I also added some chili peppers to the fire to enhance the irritating smoke.
"My lord... cough... come this way, quickly... ha... soldiers, what are you doing... whoof... urgently summon them... ha."
Once I confirm the count and his people have left the mansion, I send the slimes into the mansion. It's to absorb the water poured on the smoke canisters to cool them down before absorption. Leaving remnants of Earth's items in this world would be awkward. The slimes, including Rai, eagerly head out to collect the remnants, considering leveling up through absorbing smoke canister debris as a reward.
"Horn, can you see flames rising everywhere? Take advantage of this chaos to rescue the slaves. Hurry!"
"Yes! Immediately!"
"Sley, Win, it's about time for the count's deployment request. Use earth magic to cleverly interfere with the army's mobilization."
"Understood. Confirming the flames, and since the movements of the soldiers are becoming hectic, we'll execute the operation as soon as we confirm their deployment."
...
Keen's disruption unit unleashed fires as planned. Despite the news of Balen reaching Count Vazari's territory and some level of security being implemented, there were plenty of vulnerabilities for a lizard to infiltrate. First and foremost, Keen's objective was disruption. They chose less guarded places for arson, focusing on areas of lower importance. With the ability to summon fireballs at a distance, they efficiently ignited several places simultaneously, progressing through the work smoothly.
What's unbearable is the residents. Witnessing flames suddenly erupt from seemingly ordinary walls and warehouses where they don't recall any flammable material, the residents trembled in fear. Though there was almost no harm to people, the meaningless and chaotic arson heightened the anxiety and confusion among the residents.