Having cut off the last breath of the Priestess, the surrounding area was finally cleared.
Though the battlefield had seen war, there weren’t many bodies.
User corpses typically vanish before a minute passes unless in special circumstances.
The field, which had been damaged from the battle’s impact, was gradually returning to its original state.
The Venom Guild had retreated, and Soobin, who had been chasing after them, had pushed forward, bringing the day’s battle to an end.
Thanks to this, the field where I had jumped into the fray was now a tranquil place, as if nothing had happened.
As I swallowed the tasteless recovery potion, I suddenly felt a little irritated.
[A Cross’s Whisper]
– I heard the news.
– They say you’ve joined the prison faction mercenaries.
– The Venom Guild has taken a heavy blow. It’s a little disheartening.
A total of five guilds had applied to participate in the Ancient Kingdom Territory Siege.
These guilds were more famously known as the “Crusaders” rather than by their individual names.
Cross, Venice, and the Ministry of National Defense formed the core of this alliance, which was why it had that name.
While the name may sound humorous now, they were once fearsome beasts who dominated the fortress battles.
Before the current dual power structure was established, they once controlled a third of the continent.
The nickname ‘Cross’ belonged to the Guild Master of Cross among these guilds.
He was a leading figure within the alliance.
He was also a regular customer who consistently employed my services.
Though the frequency of his requests has decreased sharply now, this implies that there was a time when he was a major patron.
So he should understand well…
The meaning of what I’m doing now.
Leaning against a tree, I took out my dagger and began toying with it between my fingers.
“The Venom side hasn’t said anything, really. I ran into Lady Immaeng recently.”
– I didn’t reprimand you either. It’s just that there was a sense of regret. You didn’t participate much in the sieges, did you?
“To be honest, it depends on my situation. I haven’t made any promises, have I? I’ve fought alongside Cross before.”
– That was quite a while ago. Ideally, I’d hoped you’d join us again this time. It’s hard to shake off the thought of why now of all times?
Ah, it’s clear now.
Cross is threatening me.
He wants me out of this war.
The first one to hear about my participation must have been the Guild Master from the Venom Guild, who likely shared the information with the alliance, reaching Cross’s ears.
The important thing is that no other guilds contacted me separately.
It’s a matter of protocol.
After all, I was participating as a mercenary.
It wasn’t without reason that Immaeng started asking if I had “settled down.”
It’s unnecessary to excessively provoke someone who could become an ally in the future.
They were gauging the line on how to handle me.
“As you know, I do jobs that are profitable.”
– You won’t be receiving any bonus for success. So, it’s not exactly profitable, is it?
“Hmm. You seem pretty confident.”
– Isn’t it obvious from an objective standpoint? Please step back from this mission. We will cover your penalty, and we will overlook today’s incident.
That word…
And that sentence bothers me a little.
“Are you saying you’ll ‘overlook’ this?”
– Yes. We believe there was no intention from Lady Gawol.
“Exactly, what wasn’t supposed to be intentional?”
– There is some sharpness in your words, isn’t there? You advocate neutrality, don’t you? Why provoke us unnecessarily?
“Well, after the next siege battle, I was planning to become unaffiliated again.”
– This is important to us. We’d prefer not to bring up hostile matters.
Cross is pushing quite forcefully.
Even though his words are polite, it basically means things will get hostile if I don’t comply.
To be more forthright, they might issue a bounty for me.
Let me think. Cross isn’t a particularly incompetent person.
Even back when I was being treated as a sniper in the community, he recognized my value and never hesitated with money.
He understood my skills well even before my Arena win.
“Hmm…”
Let me set my wounded pride aside for a moment.
Though his words are arrogant, it concerns my long-term profits.
I need to approach this rationally.
What I stand to gain by sticking this war out is the mercenary profits.
What I stand to lose is the loss of a long-term customer.
Since there’s still plenty of time till the fortress battle, stepping back won’t mar my reputation.
Rationally speaking, it appears parting ways with Soobin is a consideration worth exploring.
But no, that’s not an option.
It’s a choice I cannot make.
– I await your wise judgment.
“No, there’s no need to wait.”
– Is that so? Then, the penalty payment immediately…
“That’s not necessary.”
Did he feel impatient?
If he really wanted me to back down, he shouldn’t have approached like this.
If it had been any other mercenary, even if they were offended, they would have pulled out.
No. Even I might have pulled out a year ago.
After all, the pressure from large guilds was burdensome.
Still, I would have smoothed things over by showing some ‘respect’ later.
For their side, having a rift with an experienced mercenary was painful.
Admittedly, the Cross of old had that kind of influence.
But I’m different.
The increase in my standing doesn’t match the decline in Cross’s influence.
If word got out that I backed down at this level, my value as a mercenary would be damaged.
There’s no law stating a mercenary that bows once won’t bow again.
In short, Cross lacks the power to control me.
“Seems like you’re mistaken: I’m not weak enough to tremble before a mere Crusader. Even Iris doesn’t treat me this rudely.”
– Ah… I see your point. My apologies. I’ll visit you soon.
“Yes, do make an effort.”
And with that, the spilled milk is spilled.
In this war, regardless of others, the Cross Guild must surely be completely crushed.
Although we’ve declared open war, I haven’t exactly planned what to do next.
This isn’t a war I fight alone.
While it’s true that I can have a significant impact, it’s impossible for an individual to decide the outcome entirely.
If it were possible, I’d have created my own siege guild long ago to monopolize the profits.
That said, objectively, the enemy’s forces are superior.
Even if I harass the rear lines, it won’t counterbalance the numerical disadvantage we face on the front lines.
And they surely know me, so they’ll prepare accordingly.
Thus, for now, I’ll focus on what I want to do.
Strengthening our forces is Soobin’s responsibility, and I plan to join after adjusting my condition.
I’ve been given rest until tomorrow morning for my rehabilitation training.
“Wow, Traveler! The last Arena showed significant growth for Player Luche, but this sounds like ‘me too!'”
The opening game between Luche and Traveler had just begun in the Pro League.
I was enjoying some snacks I had prepared while watching the games—vanilla ice cream in a paper cup.
With the Arena championship prize money, and the distribution funds from the Bed of Despair, plus the gold coins plundered from the New Continent, Da-eun had never had a more loaded wallet.
At this level of luxury?
I deserve it.
“The opening game wasn’t ordinary. Q Prime leads 1-0. Sigma’s next choice is… Player Camellia!”
“Player Camellia certainly made a remarkable impression in the secondary league. Will her innate physique continue to impress in the premier league? Let’s all keep an eye on her.”
Camellia was someone I had fought against recently.
During the second round of preliminaries, she had used a warrior but lost badly to me.
She lacked experience for someone of her skill level.
She hadn’t fully showcased her potential, leaving a strong impression.
“By the way, there’s a fun anecdote about Camellia. She received a lot of criticism after being eliminated during the Arena preliminaries.”
“Many even said she shouldn’t have participated.”
“Yes, but when Player Gawol ended up winning the championship…”
“Fan reevaluation began. Although the results were unexpected.”
“I guess she must’ve felt wronged. Let’s hope she displays all her capabilities this time.”
Oh, this is embarrassing.
Still, the mention of Gawol in the commentary always had a sweet resonance.
Camellia looked full of menace on the camera.
This reminds me of old memories; I used to look like that when I fenced.
Hmm. Guess I’m overthinking.
Before my mood dampened, I took a bite of the ice cream.
The soft, sweet flavor spread across my palate.
In this aspect, being female wasn’t all that bad.
In the past, a single bite of ice cream wouldn’t have brought such satisfaction.
The happiness from “taste” was incomparably greater than before.
A pleasant sensation was still spreading in the depths of my chest.
As long as it’s not ramen, anything tastes good.
I don’t hate ramen, but I’ve simply eaten too much of it.
“The preparations of both teams are complete.”
“Interestingly, the next battlefield is the Duel Corridor. A victor’s survival battle where 1v1 duels continue until one team is completely wiped out.”
“Player Camellia must feel like she’s been put on trial. Just as we mentioned this, Camellia has been chosen as Sigma’s vanguard!”
“The first examiner is… the Assassin of Player Sparrow!”
At the moment both teams confirmed their opponents,
The white warrior Camellia’s teeth audibly gritted.
Hmm… There seems to be considerable enmity here.
Did something bad happen between them?
I hope it resolves peacefully.
