Chapter 37: The Ruins of Leocren (2)

It had been two days since Kallin arrived at Tumak.

The intelligence unit was brimming with anticipation due to Kallin's report that the site was likely the ruins of Leocren.

However, the exploration had yielded no results.

In the short time, Kallin had also formed friendships with the slave laborers while working, but no useful information had come from them.

Cedric, having been scolded by Theod, could not approach Kallin and only exchanged glances from a distance.

And on the morning of the second day.

While everyone was eating at the campsite, a mercenary named Haid, who was on guard, rushed over.

"Fifteen armed individuals, presumed to be mercenaries, are heading this way!"

The sudden news made the mercenaries and slaves stop eating and quickly arm themselves.

However, there was no particular sign of combat intent from the approaching group. People began to murmur.

"What? The Iron Lion Mercenary Group?"

"What?"

"Look at their left forearms."

The left forearms of the approaching individuals had a small iron lion face decoration.

Kallin searched his memory. The Iron Lion Mercenary Group was a mercenary group he was familiar with.

'Having hoped for the empire for the past three years, I've learned a lot of information.'

A large mercenary group in the northern part of the empire, with about 200 members, known for their poor quality despite their fame.

Even for a large mercenary group, it was rare for the entire group to move at once. It seemed only one squad had come.

As the distance closed, the tension rose, and an archaeologist pushed through the crowd and shouted.

"It's fine! Everyone, stand down!"

"What is it?"

Theod smiled boldly in response to Haid's question.

"It seems my old friend has arrived."

"An old friend?"

"Yes. An old friend."

Haid did not ask how the friend had come, as he could not reveal that he had been monitoring them.

Instead, he showed a slightly uncomfortable expression.

"Did you suspect us and call another mercenary group?"

"No, that's not it. I didn't call anyone separately."

The archaeologist, who briefly dismissed the question, turned to Haid and waved at the Iron Lion Mercenary Group.

"Vejion! What's going on?"

"I remembered you said you were coming here last time."

The squad leader of the Iron Lion Mercenary Group, Vejion, laughed and looked around.

For a moment, Vejion scanned Phiri up and down and licked his lips with a lecherous look.

"I just stopped by on my way, not expecting you to still be here."

"Great! Great. How long has it been? Four months?"

"About that. So, have you found anything?"

"Not yet, but it won't take long. A few more days. How about you take a look since you're here?"

"If you're okay with it, we don't mind. We were on our way back after finishing our job, so is everyone fine with it?"

"Yes!"

The Iron Lion Mercenary Group answered loudly in response to Vejion's question.

The conversation flowed smoothly, like a well-rehearsed script. There was a bit of awkwardness, but it wasn't noticeable.

While Theod and Vejion laughed and chatted, Phiri whispered to Kallin.

"Kid, your instincts are good. You were spot on."

"I was a bit surprised myself."

"Instincts can't be trained. I have a good eye for people."

Kallin didn't argue, even though he had come here hoping for this. He understood that Phiri was trying to ease the tension.

'Wait. The Iron Lion Mercenary Group and the ruins... Is this it?'

At that moment, a memory deep in Kallin's mind suddenly surfaced.

* * *

"Huh."

Haid entered the tent with quick steps and let out a sigh of frustration.

He had just returned from talking with the archaeologist. Phiri, who had been watching, put a cigarette in his mouth.

"How did it go?"

"Of course, they didn't call us because they didn't trust us. They said they just stopped by on their way, as we discussed before hiring us."

Haid reported, suppressing his irritation.

He was in a bad mood because Theod and Vejion had accused him of overreacting.

"Are they really old friends?"

"I'm sorry. We didn't have time to investigate their personal relationships after accepting the mission..."

Haid slightly bowed his head.

It was an unavoidable situation, but he had been the leader until Phiri arrived.

"I'll first check if our surveillance has been compromised."

"Enough. How can you check that now?"

Phiri frowned, seemingly disappointed with the answer.

"Someone might have let their guard down because it's an archaeologist, but the damage is already done. We'll review it after the mission is complete."

"Understood. I'll keep that in mind."

"And I trust our people. It's more likely they were contacted in advance."

While listening, Kallin searched his memory.

He had recruited a character from the Iron Lion Mercenary Group during a quest. The character wasn't significant.

The name was forgotten, but like an NPC in another game, he had talked about his past in a bar.

'They called it a ruin disaster.'

He had forgotten about it since he hadn't played the game for long.

The story was that the mercenary leader and fifty members had moved out but were all killed.

After that incident, the Iron Lion Mercenary Group declined and eventually disbanded, with members operating independently.

It wasn't particularly useful information.

'Back then, I didn't know it was related to Cedric.'

The fragmented memories were gradually piecing together into a picture.

In any case, this was another opportunity to impress.

"Will the mission proceed as planned?"

"Nothing has changed. We'll act based on what we find in the ruins. The risks have increased, but it depends on what we find."

"Understood. I'll relay that to the members. But..."

"Wait."

Phiri interrupted Haid and turned to Kallin.

"What else should we consider?"

It was a test, but Kallin found it too easy.

"They might be targeting the ruins in reverse."

"Why do you think that? They said they were friends."

Kallin finally understood Phiri's intention.

He was asking not just for a possibility but for the reasoning behind it.

"They are of lower quality than their reputation suggests. There's a high chance they have ulterior motives."

Even the experienced Phiri was momentarily surprised by Kallin's answer.

"How do you know that?"

"Because I studied the empire."

Phiri was genuinely impressed.

"Remarkable."

Kallin continued, unperturbed by the praise.

"There will be additional personnel."

"Of course. The numbers are similar on the surface. We also have slaves."

"How many do you think?"

Kallin's question made Phiri raise an eyebrow playfully.

"Why are you asking me? I'm the deputy leader. I'm just here to listen."

"Sorry."

"Still, since you asked, I'll answer."

Given Kallin's good performance so far, this was a minor mistake.

"Probably another squad. Even among scoundrels, there are those who get along. More than that would be risky."

Phiri looked at Kallin's expression and tilted his head.

"Why, do you think differently?"

"Personally, I think there are more. The leader of the Iron Lion Mercenary Group might be here too."

"The leader? Seriously?"

"According to Deputy Leader, at least two squads should be involved, but that's also risky."

Kallin spoke with confidence.

"They are low-quality mercenaries. They might have been worried about leaks and reported to the leader instead of taking a gamble."

Phiri considered the possibility and posed a thought-provoking question.

"Human desires are unpredictable. Why would they call the leader?"

"The excavation might fail. Rather than taking a big risk, they might settle for a smaller gain."

While Kallin's thoughts were more practical, he was confident because he knew the future.

Kallin continued.

"Also, the north is relatively peaceful now. Many mercenaries are heading west. The Iron Lion Mercenary Group might be planning a big score under the leader's direction before moving west."

When Kallin finished, the tent was silent.

Haid was amazed by Kallin's insight, and Phiri wore a satisfied smile.

"Did your instincts kick in again?"

"Yes."

"Good. There's no harm in trusting someone with good instincts. Your reasoning was excellent."

Phiri stood up.

"The leader might really be here. Especially the part about moving west was impressive. You read the situation well."

"Thank you."

"We need to expand our search area."

"I'll take care of it."

Haid nodded, but Phiri shook his head.

"No, I'll do it. With so few people, they might get suspicious. This way is more reliable."

* * *

When Phiri returned at lunchtime, he confirmed what Kallin had known: there were 37 additional members.

Fifteen nearby, and twenty-two, including the leader, a bit further away. A total of 52 members of the Iron Lion Mercenary Group were involved.

With such a large number, it was a given that any significant discovery would cause trouble.

They had a strategy and a rough plan, but his mind was still troubled. It was because of Cedric.

The mad saint Cedric.

The term "mad saint" was fitting because he was so unpredictable.

He healed people with a mysterious power, appearing as a sage, but also killed indiscriminately.

From a player's perspective, he didn't distinguish between good and evil NPCs.

His actions seemed random.

That's why he earned the nickname "mad saint." He had the power to do so.

'If we could make him an ally...'

The healing power was not just comparable to a doctor; it was truly a "mystery."

There was another thought.

Could this be a way to resolve the "worst condition" penalty trait?

Hmm, is there a way to save and ally with Cedric?

Despite deep contemplation, no clear solution came to mind.

'Perhaps... it might be better if the mad saint didn't exist at all.'

A chilling thought also crossed his mind. So many good NPCs had died at Cedric's hands.

In the end, those people were more important.

'Huh?'

At that moment, a brilliant idea struck him. He had been too focused on Cedric alone.

Adding Theod to the equation opened up possibilities. They could use this to their advantage.

"Kale! Where are you going?"

I threw down my pickaxe and ran to Phiri's tent.

The question from a nearby slave laborer echoed hollowly in the tunnel.

* * *

"What's going on at this hour? Did you find something?"

Phiri was about to stand up when Kallin suddenly appeared.

"That's not it."

"Then what is it?"

"We need to save them."

It was as if time had stopped. Phiri's movement halted.

The air in the tent turned cold.

"Who?"

"The archaeologist and the child. It's better to save them."

Phiri's expression darkened, and she let out a deep sigh.

For a moment, she felt anger and disappointment. The young Kallin seemed to lack the necessary coldness.

But he wasn't that kind of person. Phiri composed herself. It was better to confirm and then reprimand.

"Why? Did you suddenly become soft-hearted?"

Kallin had never seen Phiri's cold, piercing gaze before. The aura she exuded was intimidating.

But he was not fazed.

He had organized his thoughts while running.

He had to persuade her. Only Phiri, as the deputy leader, could change the mission.

"Absolutely not."

"Then why?"

"Why cut open the hen that lays golden eggs?"

Phiri immediately understood what he meant, but it was far from enough.

It was more of an excuse. It would have been better to be honest and say he felt sorry for them.

"That's not a good enough reason, and you know it."

Phiri maintained her cold demeanor, observing Kallin sharply. His expression remained unchanged.

There was definitely another reason.

Phiri realized that her feelings were more of anticipation than disappointment or anger.

Kallin had been showing his true worth in Tumak. What would he come up with this time?

Kallin nodded confidently, as if reading her thoughts.

"Yes."