Chapter 55
vflxZAfter the final exams, the academy entered a long vacation.pLa
gwNThe atmosphere was lively with the arrival of the break.pZM
mecD6cSome were preparing to return home, while others planned to stay to make up pending subjects.mXc
eLgE1“And you, what will you do, Luina?”XvX
V7gQ9o9“I plan to go back home. Even though they say the situation in the family has improved, I want to help at least a little while I can.”Gf2IWZI
KjWZ5Well, although the Bercheff family was slowly improving, the monsters in the north still hadn’t completely disappeared.w06
Jf0“And you?”lLU
LaJ“I also plan to return home. There are things I need to do. When do you plan to come back?”wmlrt
OIU7l2“Why do you ask?”FECW9m
papbdWhy indeed… ‘Because you need to be back before Andromalius is summoned.’mfeCK5
ZO6IF“I was just curious.”3lYp
XqXdn“I plan to return about two weeks early to prepare for the next semester.”nYOF0Ns
3IujaJ“I see.”jDxLf9w
6IjdSo even without intervening, her participation in the fight against Andromalius was assured.34Ubvgs
H7AFyi“If you ever need my help later, don’t hesitate to contact me.”PE4C4
l86F5Z“There’s no need.”rfXfO
l6Y50“Take this. It’s a direct communicator. Its range is at most 3 km.”mX6T7r
sSx2yGB“Then it’s useless?”S1iHLi
aogUHThe distance between Bercheff and Pellenberg easily exceeded thousands of kilometers.RZ7g6M3
0BkPP“Just take it for now. This…”JMEiwpm
dDspIt was a measure for future situations in the academy, not just for the vacation. Fernan held back.OO5ci4
Kswh“This what?”VDzUYX
v4LG9“Nothing. Have a good trip, number one student.”0WL3Zc0
ngNtBxB“Number one… I’m still not used to it, but it doesn’t sound so bad. Have a good vacation yourself.”WDgm
xRBAfter saying goodbye to Luina, Fernan returned to the guild office.5Pm9d
qeczChRSince he would be away from the academy for quite a while, there were many things he needed to sort out.dg8Rkr
YQC“Didn’t you already have everything arranged?”YcynO
vNJp4Hyde looked at him strangely upon seeing him still busy.xFuv5
XskXHhU“These aren’t guild matters, it’s something else.”2d1yh
Cxy“The materials?”GeT
RNkTk“Exactly. I need to make sure everything arrives correctly to the family, that it’s loaded on the ship, and check the rest of the materials.”uIb2r
D5JYPfOf course, although normally nothing should go wrong, it never hurt to make sure.jOHrDyd
56O“Prepare a transport circle to the family.”pul
p9RCQX“You’re not going by ship?”Akb
x9bzs0z“Time is money. And don’t lose sight of even a single detail of Aint Armian’s movements.”Lq79W
rPVM7PFernan reviewed the documents related to the sea dragon.oyZWGw
aGSYP***wcSCP
arG52— So… are you going back home?Me1v2ps
TFg6y3“No.”knC8u0v
Swqx7yLThe sea wind, heavy with salt, blew strongly. Aint was at the stern, looking out over the vast sea.uhS8
rT4“My father would be genuinely happy about my achievements. And so would the vassals.”bhphj
DfI22Although Armian had fallen, those who remained were more united than ever.MW4
xYLih6f“That’s why, if I go back, it will be hard to leave the family again. Better to stick to my original plan. Besides, I already sent a letter to the territory.”7CqN
Sf8l8nThe ship sailed steadily toward the southeast.76v
iT3WaIts destination was not Lutar, where the Kingdom of Armian was founded, but the southern continent of Pandrein.31y
HglrW1— Pandrein is a land with many areas still unexplored by humans.ViJDWX
pdMaZ2T— That’s why there are more monsters, and stronger ones.cEKwB
PWvSR— It’s the most suitable place for you to experience real combat.KGYq
OqTQY5“I understand.”E2J
uQ4VAint nodded.XYrr
5aSFms“But isn’t that information from a thousand years ago?”AxK2tZ
WjlX— Huh?oQNdG
fjQN3For the first time, Gardner seemed confused.WVhO
9lO1g“Still, I don’t think it’s wrong. Even after a thousand years, I’ve heard Pandrein is still pretty underdeveloped.”xe0Y0u
H0EjDVAlthough it had developed a lot compared to back then, everything was relative.RBVQ4h
0u1H— That’s exactly what I meant.cQAKaYn
RMUrBcYDays later, they arrived at the port of Ramons, a coastal city in the Kingdom of Frazia.gOVVpWw
6d2uef“At first glance, it doesn’t look much different.”xdXXVy
yJzLOQq— Pandrein has less population than Lutar, but there’s always been some exchange.Nmdtz
ueItdie— By the way… Frazia, that name doesn’t ring a bell.EyKMdf
oZ4Ar“It’s a kingdom founded about 500 years ago.”nGCg
4KYBgWith vast lands, abundant resources, and heavy investment in mercenaries, it was created to survive among powerful monsters.aSam
Czi67aAfter the Empire, it was the strongest nation on the Pandrein continent.VGkW
Wuk7aG— First register as a mercenary, then look for a suitable mission.fKZv
sULDKN“Yes.”xd8WY
3h0Ramons was the largest commercial city in Frazia, and as expected, it was crowded. The mercenary guild headquarters was ten stories high and bustling.aFj6
WdnThe first floor looked like a tavern, like in other guild branches.msht
9ICm5dIThere were dozens of tables, a bar, and a large central pillar that also served as a notice board, covered in missions.Pqp6kQ
7exDpIn one corner were the counter and receptionists.8dKKTBl
lJiAint went straight to the counter.p0w
i94BbaH“Welcome. How can I help you?”RPiXz
4xqk5“I’d like to take the exam to become a mercenary.”mBMG5F9
gEaCq“Could I have your name and identification plate?”3Pp
8wcqe“Actually, my name is Aint, I don’t have an ID plate, but I do have this.”6LrkRK
beCAint showed his academy student ID. Although it didn’t contain much detail, it bore the seven stars that symbolized the academy.HKI
sd0wbb“Are you a student of the academy?”nSfwj
nmpXb1Upon seeing the ID—almost impossible to forge due to the complex magical engravings and the Empire’s control system—the receptionist’s eyes changed.C3Tf
HzIJP“Yes.”NPI0
JOcOxH“If you don’t mind, may I ask what year you’re in?”G0T1zqX
XlNU98V“First year.”tpQuiH
en6“First-year students automatically receive a rank 4 plate. If you wish to rank up, you can take an additional exam. If you’re interested, let me know.”xHChFlh
CZaJust as Aint was about to respond, remembering Gardner’s advice that with rank 4 he wouldn’t be able to take on missions of a suitable level—pn6ye5
wcammh6“I’d like to take the exa—”U6O
uLMkLIi“Huh? Aint?”oJXbo
IbhA shadow fell behind him. It was a muscular man with short brown hair, black eyes, and several small scars.pyjUe
4vmoNq“Varus? What are you doing here?”61ZZ5Sq
V8k“That’s what I should be asking you. I came because I feel at home here.”xH0CFZ
zrG2BczNow that he thought about it, Varus Dene was a disciple of the Mercenary King, an almost legendary figure within the guild. That he would come to the guild during the break wasn’t strange at all.Y56zW
8isy8“True.”hVY1Y5
dEz“You want to become a mercenary?”kSob
OaH6qu“I want to try the work during the vacation.”dvj
o2onI“Wow, the profession is really underestimated. Now anyone wants to try it like it’s a hobby.”wPrv9h
LwAp3gThe corner of Varus’s lips curled in a mocking smile. When Aint frowned, Varus continued,AAsTJj
fCaChy“But you’re not just anyone, so I get it. Hey, you.”ZBIIUD
sNW“Y-yes, Sir Varus!”dRm1E6
Bd23bThe receptionist, recognizing him, tensed immediately.Iwf9
piBkbx“No need for the exam. This kid is the second place in the first-year academy ranking. You can register him directly as rank 3.”S4Qh4E
1RGY“Second place?”O8q
sHShn“Yes, his skill is undeniable.”lyu
BPVThanks to Varus’s backing, the registration process finished quickly. Aint received a silver plate engraved with the number 3.Qcd
PnmsY0j“Thanks. You made it really easy for me.”O31BBZ
64vwtA“No need to thank me. With your level, it was only a matter of time. If you’re done, step aside, I have business to attend to.”S5nY
qucs“Sure.”ML1Ho1
NFxbrsMAint stepped aside, and Varus immediately sat down.GGi2TwZ
mesp“Where’s the request for the Abellar subjugation?”P8TKWRD
1Jm3ub“Do you plan to participate?”4tt
FllT“Yes. I plan to take my entire mercenary unit.”bSKSJnF
218y“With you leading, this mission is sure to succeed. I’ll register the entire Black Lance Squad.”gEolNh
9uhQzdC“Thanks.”xUU6
BFAChAfter quickly completing the registration, Varus stood up.vUR
HY7iZ8“If you’re looking for a suitable mission, you could join the Abellar subjugation. With your level, it would be good for you.”mWLypP
wPiXkEZ“And what exactly is that?”EkF
jtE“Ask the guild directly.”82TXpVT
5WrVarus brushed past Aint’s shoulder as he left. Aint returned to the counter.mzjYN
vv1PLS“The Abellar subjugation… what exactly is it?”WH7x
IuALMn“It’s a mission to reclaim a territory overrun by monsters. The area is now infested, and it’s estimated there are nearly five hundred monsters settled there.”8boctQD
e4WTNoThat’s why the Kingdom of Frazia had issued a massive request to the mercenary guild, and so far, about three hundred mercenaries had already signed up.fwogvS
TRI“It’s dangerous, but the reward offered by Frazia is considerable. Also, the presence of a Gorgon has been confirmed.”xtX2
hJwU“A Gorgon?”zHX
tULlwBZA Gorgon was a gigantic beast with horns on its head, covered in metallic scales harder than steel. It had front legs like a lion’s, sharp claws, and a serpent’s tail.pIiJ
NktA formidable enemy.vrYfcv
FSDQhBut also very valuable—its corpse was worth a fortune.Iwgy
HHnChud“That’s why more than three hundred mercenaries have gathered.”lrmpmS
RMnK— That sounds tempting.o653e
83vFNh— A Gorgon is stronger than an ogre, and with hundreds of monsters in the area, it’s going to be a large-scale battle. It’s the perfect scenario to experience a war.ByLqPJ0
OkidIzAAt Gardner’s comment, Aint nodded.464FU0S
05kFQx“So can I participate?”bl3
NP7“Of course. The mission is for rank 3 or higher, so you’re more than welcome.”c6zqo
PeKLfmThat day, Aint received the request for the Abellar subjugation.MboUPG
937TQ7It was the same one Fernan had seen in the prophecy, where Aint would face a monster of the cursed race.DKf
AXAZkO***dBJGA
oyGY4IkThe place where the subjugation unit gathered was a region called Gincef.9cPa2HL
x0dA small barony neighboring the devastated Abellar, living daily with the fear of being next.0oI
QWMrbWBThree hundred mercenaries and five hundred soldiers from the kingdom had assembled there.mBMka
Dwm“Uoooooh!”CHIp3
3bEiXDAThe townspeople cheered for the troops, hopeful they would eliminate the threat.wabRw
Z5hF9F“Rank 3 mercenary, Aint. Identity verified.”72XK1
Fy6T3Aint was checked by the staff and joined the group. Chaos reigned everywhere; mercenaries were eating meat and bread without any order.F8E
Ku4e“This way, please. We serve food before the battle so you can go in with a full stomach.”nZU0
fJRqAint went to the makeshift dining area, received his portion, and sat in any available chair. The food was bad.AzsHk
NEw‘I can really tell now how good the food at the academy was.’SpzXG4p
BeQGuhg— Of course. If you gather the best talents, you’re not going to feed them garbage.C1Dt
gEJ0At that moment—Ylg
MQi“You don’t seem to like it much.”18dv
lI3oSomeone sat down beside him.WurJX
j28k“Varus.”TCc2b
MsRtDZw“Looks like nobles have refined palates.”Olkb
91RAnqD“It’s not that, I’m just not used to it. But what about them?”hPF
sH2U4It wasn’t just Varus. He was accompanied by about thirty mercenaries with an intimidating presence.9ejKEjh
Hp2n“My squad. It’s called the Black Lance. Pretty famous in this world.”hblgVCy
IoaFAint had heard of them.qxU
NAGQIA squad made up of mercenaries personally selected by the Mercenary King for his disciple.qpZ
2TuM4g8Since its founding, they had completed dozens of missions without a single failure.fkb8
VnxoOp“You don’t know much about mercenary work, do you?”FlgaEC
r1ptQgP“No, this is my first time.”VZ0DI8
WNHr“If you want, you can join us.”YGJ
XAQllfg“Really? Is that okay?”C7gh
PtJocVarus calmly chewed on meat.zinBQa6
5CH71Yq“I don’t think you’ll be a burden. And besides, you’re from Armian.”y5a9K
nID“If you mean my family… I have nothing now.”Qv3h
mHIu4J“But I don’t think you’ll stay that way for long.”tGDnL
C1y“And what makes you say that?”e2lKb
qbCsX“That you went from rank 38 to second place in one semester. That you beat me.”6lvtrtP
ZsVuclHe’s simply extending a hand in good faith.eCig
Yys74“I only trust the skills I’ve seen. And you beat me. I like strong people. Now you’re a mercenary, same as me.”d1Jaon
esR08RAint was thoughtful at that sincere smile.dQ6qD
YXOf— Not a bad idea to accept. If they’re truly veterans, you could learn a lot.EQgC
phugc— Even if you’re strong at a continental level, on a real battlefield anything can happen.iiW
1PGy— And since it’s your first time, it’s better to be prepared.3N0Dz5
baB8“But won’t you have problems? The prince won’t like it.”QF9eS7u
J2Y“Not even the imperial family can touch me.”YhLJRw
vkgg— How insolent! Do you dare mock the imperial family?qmgg
OFuY‘I’m talking about the Schwaben family, not Armian.’LP2U
8tgLqAint calmed the indignant Gardner.RncPl
Y9XJf8“In that case…”DYNRN
twKz“Great, Aint. I think we’re going to get along well.”7oapm9
rRhxbsSVarus grinned broadly and shook his hand.u3l4CR
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