Chapter 27:

Hidden Corridors

Brought into my Unfinished Game World


Suzaku's unfinished warning still hung heavy in the air when Kuria finally broke the uncomfortable silence.

— We should worry about that on our way, Kuria said gently. We still have a long road ahead of us.

Bolg Nir straightened in his chair, his red eyes brightening with an idea.

— Actually, we could use the shadow corridors.

The table fell silent. Alpha looked at the young demon with confusion.

— Shadow corridors?

— They are a network of passages that only demons know about, Bolg explained proudly. We use them to access the main roads quickly. They could take us directly to the Demon Lord's dominion without having to travel the entire distance on foot.

Dave floated closer to Alpha, his expression shocked.

— Ask him since when these things exist, Dave said urgently.

— Since when do these corridors exist? Alpha asked.

Bolg settled back in his chair, clearly pleased to share his knowledge.

— They were created after we began using the Horizon Canvas. When the Demon Lord first sought to build friendly relationships with other nations, his greatest obstacle was the sheer distance required to reach the main roads. Diplomatic missions were taking weeks just to travel to neutral meeting points.

He paused, taking a sip of his milk before continuing.

— So the Demon Lord used the Horizon Canvas and various magical anomalies scattered across the land to forge these passages. They connect distant locations through dimensional rifts, allowing us to traverse great distances in mere hours rather than weeks.

Dave stared at Bolg in disbelief. Another major element of this world that had developed completely without his input or knowledge.

Suzaku leaned forward, her eyes narrowing.

— If these passages are so convenient, they must be heavily guarded.

Bolg nodded thoughtfully.

— Indeed they are. However, I could simply act as though I captured all of you and am bringing you back to the Demon Lord. The guards would not question a successful capture mission.

Kuria tilted her head, considering this plan.

— That is actually quite believable. A young demon returning with valuable prisoners would draw praise rather than suspicion.

Alpha looked around the table, gauging everyone's reactions.

— So we pretend to be your captives until we reach the demon territory?

— Precisely, Bolg replied with growing confidence. Once we are through the corridors, I can release you near the Horizon Canvas without anyone being the wiser.

Dave floated closer to Alpha, clearly intrigued by the tactical advantages of this approach.

Suzaku was quiet for a long moment before finally nodding.

— It could work. And it would save us weeks of travel through dangerous territory.

— Then we are agreed, Alpha said, rising from his chair. We should get some rest before tomorrow. This plan will require all of us to be convincing in our roles.

The group made their way upstairs to their respective rooms, each lost in thought about the deception they would soon need to perform.

Morning light filtered through the tavern windows as the group gathered for breakfast. They had decided to stock up on supplies before attempting Bolg's plan to use the shadow corridors.

As they stepped onto the bustling streets of Glitter Woods, Kuria immediately took Bolg's hand in hers.

— Stay close, she said cheerfully. We do not want you wandering off and getting into trouble.

Bolg's face flushed red with embarrassment.

— I am perfectly capable of walking through a town without supervision, he protested.

— Of course you are, Kuria replied with a warm smile, maintaining her grip on his hand. But humor me anyway.

Behind them, Suzaku followed several steps back, her sunset-colored eyes fixed on the back of Bolg's head with an intensity that could melt stone. Every few seconds, small wisps of blue flame would flicker around her fingers before she forced them to die out.

The group made their way through the market square, weaving between stalls selling everything from dried moonberries to enchanted trinkets. Crystal hummingbirds darted between the awnings, their wings chiming softly as they searched for nectar in the flowering vines that decorated many of the vendor booths.

Alpha and Dave separated from the others to visit the local blacksmith and armory.

— We need to check if there are any upgrades available, Dave said as they approached a sturdy stone building with smoke rising from its chimney. Plus Bolg is going to need proper equipment. Kid's practically defenseless without his armor.

Alpha and Dave separated from the others to visit the local blacksmith and armory.

— We need to check if there are any upgrades available, Dave said as they approached a sturdy stone building with smoke rising from its chimney. Plus Bolg is going to need proper equipment. Kid's practically defenseless without his armor.

The blacksmith, a burly woman with soot-stained arms, looked up from her anvil as they entered.

— Welcome, travelers. What can I forge for you today?

Dave floated closer to examine the displayed weapons and armor, then paused.

— Alpha, remember our deal. Don't steal stats before buying stuff first.

Dave sighed but nodded.

— Yeah, yeah. I agreed to your terms before we set out. I'll play by the rules.

Alpha approached the blacksmith's counter.

— I need heavy armor that would fit a young teenager. The strongest protection you have available.

The blacksmith raised an eyebrow and looked at Alpha strangely.

— Heavy armor? For a child? If you really need to protect someone that young, it would be better for him to stay light on his feet with leather armor. Heavy plate will just slow him down and tire him out.

Alpha tried to maintain his composure.

— I understand your concern, but we specifically require the heaviest protection possible. The dangers we face are quite severe.

The blacksmith shook her head.

— Listen, I have seen plenty of young fighters come through here. Trust me when I say that mobility beats protection every time when you are dealing with smaller frames. A child cannot handle the weight distribution of full plate.

Dave floated behind Alpha, growing impatient with the discussion.

— Just tell her it doesn't matter what type of armor it is, Dave said. I can manipulate the values however I want anyway. Light, heavy, doesn't make a difference once I'm done with it.

Alpha sighed and turned back to the blacksmith.

— You are right. I will take a full set of light leather armor sized for a young teenager. And I also need heavy plate armor for myself.

The blacksmith nodded approvingly.

— Much more sensible. The boy will thank you for it later.

After completing the purchase, Alpha carried the equipment to a quiet corner of the shop while Dave got to work. The process took several minutes as Dave carefully transferred stats between the various pieces, redistributing the values to create the optimal protection for Bolg while enhancing Alpha's existing gear.

When Dave finished, Alpha returned the now-empty adult armor to the counter.

— Here is the heavy armor back. I decided I do not need it after all, and you can keep the money as payment for your services.

The blacksmith picked up one of the pieces and immediately frowned. She turned it over in her hands, testing its weight and examining the metal closely.

— This armor... it has lost all its enchantments. The protective spells are completely gone.

Alpha remained silent, unsure how to respond.

The woman set the armor down and looked at Alpha with understanding in her eyes.

— You are a life bender, are you not?

Alpha nodded slowly.

— I am grateful you purchased the items before using your abilities on them, she continued with a slight smile. Most life benders I have encountered simply steal what they need. Your honesty deserves recognition.

She reached under her counter and pulled out a small glass bottle filled with clear liquid.

— Take this as a token of my appreciation. It is a refillable lesser healing potion. It can mend minor injuries, and the contents will restore themselves each time you fill it with clean water.

Alpha accepted the bottle gratefully.

— Thank you. Your kindness is much appreciated.

He tucked the potion safely into his pack before heading back into the morning sunlight.

Alpha and Dave made their way to the outskirts of town where the others were waiting. Kuria still held Bolg's hand while Suzaku maintained her watchful distance, her eyes never leaving the young demon.

— Here, Alpha said, approaching Bolg with the leather armor bundled in his arms. This should fit you properly.

Bolg stared at the equipment, his red eyes wide with surprise. He opened his mouth as if to speak, then closed it again, clearly struggling with how to respond.

Kuria squeezed his hand gently.

— Just say thank you, she prompted with a warm smile.

Bolg straightened his shoulders and looked directly at Alpha.

— Thank you, he said quietly, his voice filled with genuine gratitude. I should wear it with pride.

He took the leather armor and examined it more closely, his brow furrowing slightly.

— Though I must admit, I am not accustomed to wearing something so light. This feels rather... insubstantial compared to my previous armor.

Alpha's expression grew apologetic.

— I am sorry about that. I could not do much about the weight difference. The blacksmith was quite insistent that lighter armor would be better for someone your size.

Bolg said nothing, but his expression grew darker as Alpha's words sank in.

With their preparations complete, the group finally departed from Glitter Woods. Bolg took the lead, guiding them along a narrow path that wound deeper into the forest. Silverleaf moths fluttered between the branches overhead, their wings catching fragments of sunlight that filtered through the canopy.

— It will take a couple of hours to reach the nearest shadow corridor, Bolg explained as they walked. The entrance is located behind a waterfall, hidden from casual discovery.

Kuria adjusted her pack and looked around at the towering trees.

— How many of these corridors exist throughout the land?

— Dozens, perhaps more, Bolg replied. The network spans across multiple kingdoms, though most humans remain unaware of their existence.

As they continued deeper into the woods, Suzaku moved closer to the group.

— We should discuss our coordination tactics, she said. If we encounter other demons in these corridors, we need to be prepared to work together effectively.

Bolg slowed his pace slightly, his red eyes growing serious.

— I must insist upon one condition before we proceed further. Should we encounter any demons, you must use lethal force only if absolutely necessary. Otherwise, I will be forced to cease my assistance to you.

Alpha looked at him with surprise.

— You want us to spare demons who might try to kill us?

— I want you to remember that not all demons are your enemies, Bolg said firmly. Many are simply following orders, just as I once did. They do not deserve death merely for being in our path.

He gestured toward the group with growing confidence.

— Besides, with a demon of my rank, two S-rank adventurers, and a life bender, it should be quite simple to subdue any lesser demons we encounter. There is no need for unnecessary bloodshed when we possess such overwhelming advantages.

A voice suddenly echoed from between the trees, sweet and mocking.

— Do not hold back against me, sweety!

An arrow whistled through the air, flying past Bolg's ear and streaking straight toward Kuria's head. Without thinking, the young demon's hand shot up and caught the projectile mid-flight, his red eyes wide with shock.

Don.Coals
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