Chapter 37: The Ruins of Leocran (2)
Two days had passed since Carlyn arrived at Tumak.
The intelligence team was filled with anticipation after Carlyns report suggested the high possibility of the ruins being the Ruins of Leocran.
However, their investigation still yielded no results.
During his short time there, Carlyn had tried to build friendships with the slave laborers and archaeologists, but they provided no helpful information.
Cedric couldnt approach Carlyn due to the scolding from Theodore. He could only exchange a nod from a distance.
Then, on the second morning, while everyone was having breakfast at the campsite, a member of Heides mercenary squad who was on watch urgently rushed over.
Fifteen armed personnel that appear to be mercenaries are heading this way!
The sudden news caused the mercenaries and slaves to quickly arm themselves, but the approaching group didnt seem eager to engage in combat. The people seemed hesitant.
Whats going on? Are they the Iron Lions Mercenary Corps?
What?
Look at their left arm.
On the approaching groups left arms were small iron lion face decorations.
Carlyn recalled something. The Iron Lions Mercenary Corps was a well-known mercenary group in the northern part of the Empire, consisting of around 200 members, but their reputation didnt match their actual skill.
Even though they were a large mercenary corps, they rarely moved as a whole. It seemed only a small detachment had come.
As the distance closed, tension rose among the people. But the archaeologist stepped forward and called out to them.
Dont worry! Lower your guard, everyone!
Whats this about?
Heide asked, and Theodore grinned shamelessly.
It seems my friend is here.
Friend?
Yes, a long-time friend.
Heide didnt inquire further about how the friend had come. He couldnt reveal that he had been monitoring them all this time.
Instead, he gave an uncomfortable expression.
Did you call another mercenary corps suspecting us?
No, of course not. I havent called anyone separately.
The archaeologist, who had been short and concise, left Heide behind and waved to the Iron Lions Mercenary Corps.
Vegeon! What brings you here?
I remembered you said you would come here.
Vegeon, the leader of the Iron Lions Mercenary Corps, chuckled and looked around.
In a brief moment, Vegeon glanced at Phiri, then with a sinister smile, he licked his lips.
On my way passing through, I thought I might drop by. Didnt know you were still here.
Welcome! Its been a while, hasnt it? Almost four months?
About that. So, any gains yet?
Not yet. It wont be long, maybe a few days. By the way, now that youre here, want to take a look before leaving?
As long as youre fine with it, we dont mind. We were heading back after finishing a job anyway. Everyones okay with it, right?
Yes!
In response to Vegeons question, the Iron Lions Mercenary Corps members replied loudly.
The conversation flowed like a well-written script, with some awkwardness but not enough to detract from the overall picture.
As Theodore and Vegeon laughed and chatted, Phiri whispered to Carlyn.
Kid, you have a good intuition. You got it right.
I was a little surprised myself.
Its not something you can train for. You just have a good eye for people.
Though he had come with hope, Carlyn didnt argue; instead, he found comfort in Phiris nonchalant expression, which seemed to be an attempt to ease the tension.
Wait a minute. The Iron Lions Mercenary Corps and the ruins is this it?
At that moment, a distant memory surfaced deep within Carlyns mind.
* * *
Huh.
Heide entered the barracks with quick steps, exhaling his frustration with a sigh.
It was after he had a conversation with the archaeologist. Phiri, who had been watching, put a cigarette in her mouth.
How did it go?
As expected, he didnt call them because he doubted or distrusted us. They just stopped by on their way, as we discussed before taking this mission.
Heide reported, trying to suppress his irritation.
Due to the squabble between Vegeon and Theodore, he wasnt feeling pleased.
Are they really close friends?
Im sorry. We didnt have time to investigate their personal relationships when we were assigned this mission.
Heide slightly lowered his head.
Though it was inevitable, he had been the one in charge until Phiri arrived.
First, Ill call the team members to check if the surveillance network was compromised.
Alright, but whats the point of checking it now?
Phiri frowned, as if it wasnt the answer she was looking for.
There might be someone who underestimated the archaeologists, but the deed is already done. Well have to inspect it after the mission is completed.
Okay, Ill keep that in mind.
And I trust our people. Theres a high chance they would have informed us in advance.
Listening to their conversation, Carlyn searched his memories.
Back when he was in Valhll, there was a person who had been part of the Iron Lions Mercenary Corps. He wasnt particularly impressive.
He couldnt even recall his name; like an NPC from another game, he had shared his past at a tavern.
They mentioned a disaster at the ruins.
It was a memory from a long time ago, shortly after he started playing the game, so he had forgotten about it.
The story was about the Iron Lions Mercenary Corps, consisting of fifty members, being hired to explore the ruins, but they all died.
After that incident, the Iron Lions Mercenary Corps went into decline, eventually disbanding and operating individually, the character had complained.
It wasnt particularly useful information.
At that time, I didnt know if it was related to Cedric.
As he pieced together fragments from the past, a clearer picture started to form.
In any case, this was an opportunity to improve his evaluation.
Is the mission proceeding as usual?
Nothing has changed. Well see what comes out of the ruins and then act accordingly. Theres more we have to consider now, but it all depends on what we find.
Understood. But
Hold on.
Interrupting Heide, Phiri turned her gaze to Carlyn.
What else should we consider?
It was a kind of test, but Carlyn found it too easy.
I believe they might have ulterior motives targeting the ruins.
Why do you think that? They said they were friends.
Carlyn finally understood Phiris intention.
She asked an easy question not just to explore possibilities, but to find the logic behind his answer.
They have a worse reputation than whats known in the public. Its highly likely that they might have hidden intentions.
Even the experienced Phiri couldnt hide her surprise at Carlyns response.
Wow, impressive.
Carlyn didnt let the praise get to him and continued speaking.
I studied a bit because I hoped to join the Empire.
Phiri genuinely admired him.
Thats impressive.
Even though Carlyn was just being praised by her senior, he wasnt fazed by it. He continued with her explanation.
There might be additional members.
Of course. Surface-level numbers would be similar. They have slaves too.
How many do you think there are?
Carlyn asked, and Phiri playfully rolled her eyes.
Why are you asking me? Im the vice leader. Im just here to listen.
Oh, I apologize.
Still, since its our juniors question, Ill answer.
Given his excellent track record so far as an agent, it was a small oversight.
There might be one more team, maybe two. Even among the trash, they can find like-minded individuals. But anything beyond that might be too much and burdensome.
Phiri said that and grinned at Carlyns expression.
Why, is it different from what youre thinking?
Personally, I believe there might be more. There could even be the leader of the Iron Lions Mercenary Corps.
Leader? Seriously?
As Vice-leader mentioned, they would need at least two teams to operate, but even that comes with a significant risk.
Carlyn spoke with a confident tone.
They are low-quality mercenaries. Theres a risk of their secrets leaking, and if I were them, Id report to the leader rather than take the gamble.
Phiri contemplated the possibility and threw him something to think about.
Human desires can be beyond imagination. Still, would they really call the leader?
Because the excavation at the ruins might be in vain. Rather than taking a big risk, they might just take what they can and leave.
In reality, Phiris argument seemed more plausible. However, Carlyn was certain because he knew the future.
Carlyn continued,
Currently, the northern region is relatively peaceful. Many mercenaries have headed west, and the Iron Lions Mercenary Corps might also follow suit, led by their leader.
As Carlyn finished speaking, silence filled the barracks.
Heides face was struck with astonishment at Carlyns insight, while Phiri had a satisfied smile on her face.
Your instincts are working again this time?
Yes.
Good. Theres no harm in trusting those with keen instincts. Your reasoning was excellent too.
Phiri stood up from her seat.
The leader might actually come. Especially the part about heading west left a strong impression on me. You read the current better than I expected, huh?
Youre too kind.
No, its true. We need to expand our search range from what we originally planned.
Ill take care of that.
Heides reply made Phiri nod.
No, Ill do it. We dont have many people, and they might find it strange if we suddenly expand our scope. This way is more certain too.
* * *
During lunchtime, Phiri returned with the information I already knew there were 37 additional members.
Fifteen were nearby, and a group of twenty-two, including the leader, was a bit further away. A total of 52 Iron Lions Mercenaries were on the move.
With such a large force mobilized, any successful outcome would be a well-earned achievement.
I had devised a strategy, and the overall situation was under control, but my mind was in turmoil because of Cedric.
Mad Saint Cedric.
The name was an odd juxtaposition, indicating how enigmatic of a character he was.
While he appeared as a benevolent healer when using the mystic Cure, he also committed indiscriminate murders. He showed no clear criteria for his actions.
As a result, the nickname Mad Saint stuck with him. He possessed the power to live up to such a title.
I wish he could be on my side.
The mystic Cure was more than just ordinary medical care; it was a true Mystic.
There was another thought as well.
If I could manage it well, maybe I could find a solution for the Worst Condition penalty trait. Yes, what if I was able to save Cedric and make him an ally?
However, I couldnt come up with a clear solution even after deep contemplation.
It might be better off without him becoming the Mad Saint.
A sinister thought crossed my mind. It was because many kind NPCs had died at Cedrics hands.
In truth, when I weighed it, those people were more important.
Huh?
At that moment, a brilliant idea struck me. I had been considering Cedric too narrowly.
If I added Theodore to Cedric, a solution might present itself. That could be the way for me to utilize it.
Kael! Where are you going?
I abandoned the pickaxe I was using for work and dashed toward Phiris quarters.
The question from a nearby slave laborer echoed in the empty tunnel, sounding futile and mournful.
* * *
Whats going on at this hour? What happened?
Phiri was about to stand up when Carlyns sudden arrival interrupted her.
Thats not it.
Then what is it?
We need to save them.
As though time had frozen, Phiris movements came to a halt.
The air in the barracks turned icy cold.
Who?
The archaeologist and the child. We should save them.
Phiri furrowed his brows and let out a deep sigh.
She seemed momentarily angry and disappointed. Perhaps she thought young Carlyn couldnt be cold-hearted.
However, that wasnt the case. Phiri gathered her thoughts and resolved to confirm and scold if necessary.
Why did your resolve weaken so suddenly?
Carlyn saw the cold glint in Phiris eyes that he had never seen before. It exuded an unmistakable intensity.
However, he wasnt fazed at all.
While running over, he had already organized his thoughts.
He must persuade her. Only Vice-leader Phiri here had the authority to change the mission.
Thats absolutely not true.
Is that so?
Do we need to dissect the belly of a hen laying golden eggs?
Phiri immediately understood what he meant. However, it was far from enough.
It was more like an excuse. It would have been better to honestly say that he felt sorry for them.
That alone isnt a convincing reason, and you know it.
Phiri maintained her composure as she observed Carlyn with sharp eyes. There was no change in his expression.
It was clear there was another reason.
Suddenly, Phiri discovered a sense of anticipation growing in her heart rather than disappointment and anger.
It was Carlyn who had shown his worth when they came to Tumak. What could he be thinking now?
Carlyn nodded confidently as if he could read Phiris inner thoughts.
Yes.
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