Chapter 180: Inspection (1)

Seiya’s motorcycle was slowly driving through a large, paved road. A large vehicle that seemed to be a truck came up from behind us and passed us next to my sidecar, honking its horn.

John Dae, who was driving in front of us, slowed down and approached our motorcycle.

「You’re so slow. Can’t you go a little faster? 」

It wasn’t surprising to see John Dae complaining. We were driving on a wide road on a large plain. But Seiya was driving at about 30 kilometers per hour (18.64 miles per hour).

「If we drive too fast and get into an accident, we could lose even more time. 」

「Damn you. I want to get out of Galvano before Bunos’ murder becomes public. 」

John Dae sighed angrily and returned to his usual position. It was true that Seiya’s motorcycle was too slow, but he wasn’t wrong, and I didn’t mind it at all if I thought of it as a leisure drive. Celseus, who was riding in the sidecar opposite me, was also sleeping comfortably.

We continued this safe drive for about two hours. John Dae, who was leading the way, raised one hand and guided us to a side road.

John Dae led us to a motel-like rest area with an old inn and a simple toilet. Seiya stopped his motorcycle, and Colt and Eich got out of their car. Seiya said to John Dae as he removed his full-faced helmet.

「Weren’t you in a hurry? 」

「I want to take a short break because I need to tell you something. We’ll be leaving Galvano’s territory soon. So I must warn you that the checkpoint to cross borders is a pain. 」

「A checkpoint? Can’t we get around it? 」

Seiya frowned. Colt spoke in place of John Dae.

「It’s the times we live in. Leon has set up checkpoints at the borders of all roads that lead from Galvano to Tarmine. We can’t leave Galvano, except under special circumstances. 」

「That’s right. I have a diplomatic pass, but you guys haven’t. 」

Saying this, John Dae casually took out a map from his pocket. He traced the road on the map with his finger.

「If we continue along this road, we’ll arrive at the El Caral checkpoint, let’s say in about fifteen minutes. 」

Eich’s face changed when she heard the El Caral checkpoint.

「Wait a second! Wouldn’t it be better to go through a checkpoint that’s less visible? 」

「You’re right, Eich. The El Caral checkpoint is in a busy area. 」

John Dae nodded at Colt’s words and explained.

「So, as you know, the El Caral checkpoint is a large compound. But that means the inspection of each person is not done properly. I passed through this checkpoint when I came to Galvano this time, and there was a young officer whom was doing his job carelessly while reading a magazine. 」

「Ah, is that so? I see, so that’s why you chose that checkpoint. 」

「Hmm. You’ve done your research. You’re doing a good job, old man. 」

「Who’s the old man here? Anyway, you two will act like you’re accompanying me. Got it? 」

Like me, Seiya had no objections, and nodded slightly at John Dae’s suggestion.

—

After a break, we started driving again towards Tarmine. After a while, the main road, which had almost no traffic jams, narrowed slightly, and we began to see several cars and motorcycles. The distance between us and the car in front became shorter.

John Dae, who was driving in front of us, slowed down and approached Seiya’s motorcycle.

「The checkpoint is ahead. Just in case, will you change your face with Eich’s Earth Magic? 」

「I wonder. Instead of changing my appearance, it will be better to make me and my whole motorcycle invisible…Hey, what’s wrong? 」

While Seiya was coming up with a more cautious idea, John Dae’s complexion suddenly changed while he was staring at the checkpoint about 50 meters away from us. Sweat was running down his temples.

「Damn it! How can it be! 」

「Wha…What!? What’s wrong!? 」

When I asked, John Dae gritted his teeth and said the following words.

「On that checkpoint over there…is Raven! 」

「Raven? 」

I tried to see the checkpoint from the sidecar. Among the young officers was an older man wearing a hat, uniform, and sunglasses. He looked like a sheriff from a Western movie found in Seiya’s world.

「What the heck! Why is he here! 」

「John Dae! Who the hell is that person? 」

「Raven is an inspector who has the “Raven’s Superior”, which specializes in seeing through enemy disguises! 」

…What?! So, that meant…that he was really, really dangerous!!

John Dae went over to Colt’s car and explained the situation. Seiya also approached the car on his motorcycle. Colt, who was listening to John Dae with the window open while holding the wheel, frowned and looked troubled.

「Hmm. Is he really such a tough inspector? 」

「He’s the one I wanted to avoid the most. Damn it! This is unexpected! 」

Seiya snorted out loud after seeing John Dae clenching his teeth. It was just my guess, but I thought he was annoyed that he didn’t think things through more carefully.

「Maybe he’s been reassigned. 」

「Or maybe he’s here to check on the other officers? He’s a superior officer after all. 」

Colt and Eich spoke up. Finally, Seiya spoke up in an irritated manner.

「Now is not the time to talk about that. 」

We looked at the checkpoint ahead, where Seiya was touching his chin as if in thought. The congested cars were gradually moving forward. We were going to reach the checkpoint in a few minutes.

I looked back. There was a long line of other cars behind us.

…We couldn’t turn back at this rate!! Wha…wha…what should we do?!

John Dae said in a panic.

「A…Anyway, I want to avoid fighting with the inspector! It could hinder our future plans! 」

Tarmine wanted to form an alliance with Galvano. If John Dae, a diplomat, were to force his way through the checkpoint with suspicious people, it would be a major setback for their plan.

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