Episode 64 – A Critical Threat (4)
“The side is inevitably where our strength will be weaker. And yet, you’re volunteering to go there?”
“To be honest, it’s for the higher pay.”
“Hmm…”
At Cruiger’s candid mention of pay, Zumun, the orc warrior and Supreme Commander appointed by Agor, let out a thoughtful hum.
Although hired as mercenaries, the pay varies according to the terms of the contract.
Since Agor’s contract promised additional payments for fighting in more dangerous areas with more enemies, Cruiger’s statement was appropriate as the captain of a mercenary band.
This very topic of the side area was indeed the subject at hand. If they willingly positioned themselves in the relatively more dangerous side area, it would naturally result in more rewards.
‘Nothing suspicious here, right?’
Of course, Cruiger had his own intentions. To act as advised by her in the treacherous battlefield.
She had said, contrary to the thoughts of the others, that the side would actually be safer. She emphasized that to increase survival rates and gain accomplishments, they must be placed there.
“Very well. If you’re volunteering to go there, it’s a good thing.”
Zumun genuinely neither doubted nor rejected Cruiger’s words. But just as Cruiger slightly relaxed in relief at how well things were going,
“Was this plan devised by the human woman?”
Until now, Marcela had quietly listened, sitting aside without a word. Now, she spoke.
Cruiger flinched as he met her inscrutable gaze.
“Of course, we discussed it together and decided.”
“Fascinating. While pay is important, willingly heading into danger isn’t easy. I’ve taken the liberty of observing your past accomplishments. Though I don’t have all the details, I noticed you’ve intentionally avoided battles involving large-scale forces.”
Marcela had indeed shown peculiar interest in her from their first meeting.
But Cruiger was somewhat startled that Marcela had conducted an investigation on them despite being so busy.
This clearly went beyond mere interest.
“It sounds like you’ve found a way to secure both profit and victory.”
“That is…”
“Could you bring her to me? I simply wish to discuss tactics.”
Finally, Marcela took the initiative, requesting to meet her.
Cruiger was at a loss. Not only was she the one orchestrating and giving plans, but as a mere mercenary, refusing an order from such a high-ranking noble was impossible.
Though he wanted to refuse in his heart, Cruiger eventually nodded and responded affirmatively.
“I don’t understand it. There must be some devious intent. Even the commander Zumun doesn’t seem too fond of him.”
“Such unnecessary curiosity. We’re busy preparing for the imminent war, yet this one’s focusing his attention on irrelevant matters. Does he not want to win?”
Upon returning, Cruiger was compelled to relay the situation to her.
She merely smirked in response. Despite a higher demon showing peculiar interest, her calm demeanor shocked Cruiger.
“Are you truly not worried?”
“It’s fine. Nothing… will happen.”
Cruiger didn’t know her true identity.
What kind of cells composed her seemingly ordinary body? How immense was the consciousness she commanded?
Thus, he couldn’t help but worry about her, an invaluable strategist aiding him in achieving his dreams. Yet, she remained dignified.
‘Anyway, he’s going to die soon anyway.’
Most of all, she didn’t intend to let Marcela survive the upcoming battle.
As both an offering for Syla’s vengeance and as data to measure the combat power of her most powerful creation, Marcela had to die.
Since she planned it that way, having a brief conversation with Marcela was effortless.
“I’ll be back. Please wait.”
In the end, she left with only a sword, heading alone toward where Marcela and the vampires were stationed.
Helplessly, Cruiger watched her retreating figure with a troubled gaze.
“Don’t worry too much. Given the important war ahead, it’s unlikely those vampires will cause trouble in someone else’s territory.”
“Logically, that’s true, but Grash, you know well that this is a land where the weak rarely survive. Common sense and law only favor the strong.”
Grash cautiously spoke to Cruiger, who sighed and shook his head.
“Strength… This world knows only strength. The weak are taken from, and the strong take. As you know, I was weak, and I’ve already lost everything because of it. I don’t wish to repeat it.”
For Cruiger, she was undoubtedly a gift from the heavens.
Ever since meeting her, the ambitions and hopes he thought lost had resurfaced. By following her counsel, he had not only survived but also rebuilt a force to reclaim his territory. Among mercenaries, they had become the stuff of legends.
Even now, despite sensing that she concealed something from him, he believed they would continue their journey together without needing to uncover it.
Even if they couldn’t reclaim their territory and exact revenge, it didn’t matter. As long as he could reach greater heights with her, rather than wallowing as a defeated wretch.
His thoughts had progressed this far.
“Though orcs and humans can interbreed…”
“Tsk.”
Of course, it wasn’t yet time to openly express it. He himself hadn’t fully grasped his own feelings.
So when Grash muttered something, he was startled and exclaimed.
*
“This is quite an entertaining event.”
As Cruiger sighed at the mercenary headquarters,
The lone journeyer, her, was already nearing her destination.
Actually, unlike Cruiger’s concerns, she found the current circumstance rather interesting.
Even though she governed a massive hive that controlled thousands of territories, occupying a portion of the continent, it was filled with monotonous daily activities.
Laborers tirelessly expanded the nests and gathered food. Warriors prepared for the impending war at the frontiers or hunted within the territories.
In this barren land, new sungrass grew, and nests endlessly produced more warriors, expanding endlessly.
That was all there was.
Even with her immense mind and self-awareness, repeatedly witnessing the same actions countless times was inevitably tiresome and dull.
After all, the core of her identity stemmed from an ordinary human.
Except for brief interactions with individuals like Syla and Rozalyn, there was little to ‘stimulate’ her socially. In this world, only this persona truly fulfilled that.
A human woman amongst mercenaries, though with extraordinary talents.
In the Demon realm, her status provided the ‘stimulation’ she desired endlessly.
Though others might not understand, her natural uniqueness—born from a combination of various factors—made this inevitable.
“Captain of the knights summoned me, I hear.”
“Enter.”
When she arrived at the vampire encampment,
The vampires guarding the entrance were momentarily startled by her assertive and unwavering attitude.
But since their superior had summoned her first, there was no reason to stop her.
The informed guards promptly opened the way for her, allowing her to naturally enter and meet Marcela.
“I’ve been interested in you from the start. And that interest has only grown the more I investigated and gathered information.”
Marcela, who was waiting, didn’t bother beating around the bush.
Alone with her in the large commander’s tent, their eyes locked, clearly scrutinizing each other. Neither found it strange.
‘I wonder what kind of conversation will entertain me.’
Even the Hive Mind, with its immense collective consciousness and powerful mental strength, couldn’t read minds. Thus, she awaited Marcela to reveal her true intentions, which would fill this short-lived yet desirable moment of ‘fun’ where she couldn’t relax even for a second.
