I, the “Clock User”, Was Kicked Out of the Craftsmen’s Guild for Being Incompetent, but at the Dungeon’s Depths, I Awakened My True Power – Even Though I Was Told to Return Because They Couldn’t Handle the Work, It’s Too Late Now, and I Will Live Freely as an SSS-class Adventurer V11C2

    Translated by Hamster


---

### Volume 11: The Eastern Frontier

**02: Eastern Border Fortress**


At the Eastern Frontier, a fortress was built to support the frontline—Eastern Border Fortress. Cyclo and his companions arrived at this fortress, which was located just a short distance from the battlegrounds.


They got out of the Fafnir a bit before reaching the fortress and approached the gate on foot.


"---Who goes there! State your names!"


Even from a distance, the soldiers guarding the gate shouted out to Cyclo and his group.


"I am Cyclo Owen, an SSS-rank adventurer! We are here to stay temporarily before heading for peace negotiations with the Demon King's army! There should have been prior notice from the capital!"


"---Show us proof of your identity!"


Upon the soldier's command, he gestured for Cyclo and his group to come closer. Cyclo followed the instructions, approaching the soldier to show his guild card and the insignia given by the country as proof of being a peace envoy.


"...Confirmed. If possible, please keep the insignia in a visible place."


"It would be troublesome if it got damaged in combat. I usually keep it off."


Convinced by Cyclo's explanation, the soldier said no more.


Afterward, the soldier at the gate handed over the escort to a higher-ranking officer, who then led them to a particular room.


"---I've brought Cyclo Owen!"


After the soldier announced this and opened the door, they were invited to enter.


Inside the room, four men were waiting.


"Welcome, Baron Owen. I am the Supreme Commander of this Eastern Border Fortress and the Anti-Demon King Army. That man is the Guild Master of the local Adventurers' Guild. Next to him is the priest from the Skill Selection Cult, and the man standing behind is the guard. ---Since you'll be leaving after a day's stay, there's no need to remember our names."


The Supreme Commander introduced himself without actually giving his name, clearly indicating a desire for them to leave as soon as possible.


However, Cyclo's attention was more on the guard standing behind the priest than on the commander's attitude.


"...That guard is Raven Crowheart, isn't he?"


Staring at the man who looked like Raven Crowheart, Cyclo asked the Supreme Commander.


"...Hmm, I see. I heard that Baron Owen has some history with the Duke of Crowheart's son. Indeed, that man is called Raven Crowheart."


Hearing this, Cyclo felt his blood pressure rise but observed Raven calmly.


He had already sensed something odd with 'Clock Detection' when entering the room. Focusing to verify this, he understood, then turned to face the priest after taking a breath.


"Priest. Why does he... have a magical device embedded in his face?"


The priest's eyes widened in surprise at Cyclo's question.


"I didn't expect you to notice. Impressive."


The priest then explained the situation.


"The magical device in this man's face inhibits regeneration and growth. It's necessary because otherwise, his facial features would change, becoming unrecognizable."


"...Why would he need such a measure?"


"Because he is merely a substitute for the Hero Raven."


"A substitute?"


Now it was Cyclo's turn to be surprised by the priest's words. 


The priest continued, explaining that the real Hero Raven was sent to the front lines as a criminal slave, and this man took up the name in his stead.


And—the real Hero Raven died fighting on the front lines as a criminal slave.


"...I see. So, he's definitely dead?"


"Yes. The magical collar, which served as a slave mark, was destroyed by a demon's skill and left on the battlefield. Unless there's a demon kind enough to destroy only the collars of criminal slaves, we can safely assume he's dead."


Accepting the priest's words, Cyclo took a deep breath before responding.


"Understood. If that's the case, I have nothing further to say to that man."


"That's good to hear. Preparing a substitute was no small task."


This statement from the priest also meant that if it would please Cyclo, they would go as far as to offer the man's life.


Finding the priest's attitude distasteful but not showing it on his face, Cyclo continued.


"...Then, let's return to the main topic. We will stay here for one night before heading to the Demon King's army. We don't need you to show up for the negotiations, nor do we need anything special. Just let us leave quietly."


Upon Cyclo's words, the Supreme Commander nodded.


"Understood. We don't want unnecessary people near the tense border either. If you're going to do whatever you want, that's more than welcome."


The Supreme Commander nodded in satisfaction.


Then, the priest interjected.


"May I have a moment?"


"What is it, priest?"


"I have a request for Baron Owen."


Everyone frowned at the priest's words. Neither the Supreme Commander nor the Guild Master had heard of any request from the priest.


"If it's just a request, then go ahead. Whether I grant it depends on the content."


When Cyclo spoke, the priest nodded and then conveyed his request.


"Yes. Then, Baron Owen, could you use that wide-area destruction technique you showed in the capital to annihilate the Demon King's army on the front line?"


The request was absurd to an extreme.


"You must be joking. That's not something a peace envoy should do."


"Ho, you're right. Then, please forget I asked."


Cyclo dismissed the priest's request outright. The priest narrowed his eyes slightly but withdrew the request swiftly.


"...If there are no further issues, our discussion is over. I'll have a soldier show Baron Owen to your lodging."


"I appreciate your consideration."


Cyclo bowed to the Supreme Commander in gratitude.


Thus, despite the minor disturbance, the meeting with the Supreme Commander at the Eastern Border Fortress concluded without further incident.

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