Chapter 40: The Ruins of Leocren (5)

As soon as they emerged from the tunnel, they saw a chaotic campsite. Signs of intense battle were evident everywhere.

Xiaoming was slightly impressed. It wouldn't have been easy to create such a scene with a small number of people in a short time.

In the heavy atmosphere, the agents hung their heads with solemn faces.

Heidman was staring blankly at the sky, his eyes bloodshot with rage.

'He's quite the actor, isn't he?'

It's not easy to bring out such emotions, and even knowing it's fake, it felt real.

In the silence, the slaves were only watching carefully. Theo, who cleared his throat, cautiously approached.

"J-Just what happened here?"

"…You already know. The Iron Lion mercenary group betrayed us."

Heid's voice was cold, yet it trembled slightly as he barely contained his anger.

Of course, everyone present knew that Theo's question wasn't about that. It was an indirect reprimand, blaming him for the situation.

Theo, knowing this, slightly bowed his head.

After a moment of silence, Heid sighed deeply and spoke.

"During the guard duty, we spotted the Iron Lion mercenary group. They asked us to clear the way, so we did, but something felt off."

Theo nodded heavily. They were the additional people encountered in the tunnel.

"When I was about to gather the guards and head down, twenty-two more arrived."

"T-Twenty-two?"

"Yes. We assessed the situation and started to resist, but with a nearly three-to-one disadvantage, we were quickly overwhelmed. We had no choice but to use the bombs."

"B-Bombs? How did you get those?"

Heid looked at Theo with a disdainful eye.

"After completing a previous mission, I received them as payment instead of money. I kept them for emergencies."

In fact, Theo's question wasn't strange. Bombs were so rare that most mercenary groups couldn't carry them.

"During the process, the deputy leader and several members sacrificed their lives."

Heid's voice was hoarse, filled with sorrow and indignation.

Theo, who had heard the general situation, closed his eyes tightly.

"…I'm sorry. It's all my fault. I, I brought in those scoundrels."

Heid, who had been silent, sighed deeply again.

"Since it's already happened, what can we do? It's not like you called us because you didn't trust us. The Iron Lions are scoundrels."

Heid's words made Theo unable to lift his head, his eyes darting around.

Of course, it wasn't a coincidence but because he had called them.

"I, I can't compensate for the lives lost, but I'll do whatever it takes to make it right."

Heid looked at Theo silently. Theo seemed even more anxious.

His mind must be complex.

If we can't control our anger and draw our swords now, he would be a dead man.

Relief and gratitude for being alive, along with guilt, and the fear of possibly dying again, all coexist.

"Let's get out of here first. There might be more Iron Lion mercenaries around."

"T-That's a good idea."

Heid's words made Theo's face brighten.

"The tunnel might be a bit dangerous, so let's go to the silk tent."

Theo nodded quickly, seemingly anxious about the possibility of more remaining members.

At that moment,

Rumble— A faint vibration came from underground. I thought it was the sound of the stone gate of the ruins closing.

Then, rumble— The ground shook as if an earthquake had struck.

Everyone lowered their stances to maintain balance. With the sound of dirt falling, the tunnel behind them collapsed.

A chill ran down my spine.

'If we had been a little late, we might have died in there.'

No, that's not right. There was no warning of death.

It seemed more like a mysterious effect of the ruins, given that it was a place of 'healing.'

"Let's move quickly. Gather what you need and go."

Heid's words made Theo nod blankly.

In any case, my plan was a perfect success.

Now, Theo will spread the infamy of the Iron Lion mercenary group in the north.

It doesn't matter if they are already doomed, but it's important that we are on the opposite side.

With many mercenaries having left for the west, the reputation of Heid's mercenary group, which held off 52 with just 14, will rise.

We need to gather more mercenaries and deploy agents to expand our influence.

With Theo's trust, if he discovers another ruin, he will call us.

Of course, this is a secondary benefit.

* * *

Phiri recalled his conversation with Kallin.

"What do you think is the reason?"

"The first reason, as I mentioned earlier, is that we can continue to use Theo."

"…."

"It's a secondary benefit, but his capabilities have been proven. When he discovers another ruin, he will commission us. We can also handle the trade of artifacts."

Phiri raised his hand.

"I understand what you're saying, but ruins aren't that easy to find."

"I know. But there's a possibility."

"Right. In any case, that's not the main point."

Phiri sighed and took a cigarette.

"The reason should be valid. Otherwise, I'll be very disappointed."

"Of course. The second reason is that there's no need to disband Heid's mercenary group."

"What do you mean?"

"Expand the mercenary group."

Phiri furrowed his brow.

Kallin only smiled slightly. Phiri felt a sense of urgency inside him. He wanted to hear the detailed reasons.

"Most mercenary groups have headed west. But we know something is happening in the north."

"Ah!"

Phiri's eyes widened.

"Whether it's the empire, another country, or demon worshippers, they are definitely plotting something."

It was an issue that their leader and intelligence chief, Haisen, had personally investigated.

To understand and prevent it, or to use the opportunity.

"By exposing the atrocities of the Iron Lion mercenary group and mixing in our heroic deeds, we can grow into a large mercenary group in the north."

"Expand our influence…."

"Kahalin's branch has been dismantled. Even if Father reorganizes it, it will start from scratch. It will be difficult at first."

"Use Heid's mercenary group as a bridge to gain trust and reputation?"

"Yes."

Phiri smoked in silence, deep in thought. It was a brilliant plan.

Mercenaries seek out good mercenary groups.

By embedding agents among the new mercenaries, the loss of the Kahalin branch becomes insignificant.

We can even exert greater influence in the north than before.

A reputable mercenary group. It means less suspicion and more freedom of movement compared to the branch disguised as a merchant guild.

Such an intelligence network is priceless. It can't be easily created with money.

"During this process, Theo's role is just a herald. It would be even better if he discovers another ruin."

Kallin's expression was confident.

Finally, after much thought, Phiri slowly nodded. A smile followed a beat later.

"Turning the enemy into a villain and using a mercenary group for a larger plan."

"Yes."

"Are you a genius?"

Kallin also smiled.

"Didn't I say before? I'm smart."

"Right. Father will be very pleased."

He knew Kallin was smart, but to see such foresight.

Phiri was once again impressed by Kallin's wisdom and grateful that he had come to the empire.

And perhaps…

Kallin might become the next intelligence chief of Haisen.

"Sir Phiri."

Phiri was pulled from his thoughts by an agent's question. In the dark night, torches could be seen in the distance.

It was Heid's mercenary group and the archaeologists.

"Shall we begin?"

"Yes."

Now, the plan only had additional steps left.

Pretending to search for missing comrades in the Iron Lion mercenary group's uniforms to create a sense of crisis.

It's not necessary, but important for the future.

Fear and terror will soon turn into dependence on Heid's mercenary group.

Phiri tightened the reins.

* * *

"Three scouts, all taken care of."

Heid's words made Theo sigh in relief. It had happened while he was catching his breath.

Still, the unease remained.

Even after killing 50, nearly 150 Iron Lion mercenaries remained.

Theo was scared by his own imagination.

"Is, is this okay?"

"We can't camp. We need to move again. Is that alright?"

"Of course! I'll tell them to prepare quickly."

The slaves packed up and the movement began again.

Theo, inside the carriage, searched his sleeve and pulled out a piece of parchment he had found in a box.

He had taken it out just 15 minutes ago, but the Iron Lion mercenaries appeared, and he hadn't had a chance to read it.

"What? This is insane…!"

Theo cursed after reading the parchment.

He was filled with deep regret. Returning to the ruins now would be madness.

With the pursuit of the Iron Lion mercenaries and the collapse of the tunnel he had seen with his own eyes.

Theo's anger towards the Iron Lion mercenaries and Bejion flared up again.

He thought he would return after the situation was settled.

Unaware that something left by Leocren was in Kallin's possession.

At that time, Kallin was grumbling on the outskirts.

'Come on, can't you be a bit gentler?'

They were only supposed to pretend to fight, but Phiri had attacked him for real.

It could be seen as a lesson from a senior, but it was too much. He even had a wound on his arm.

Kallin, who had come up with a brilliant idea, couldn't help but feel a bit ridiculous.

Of course, Phiri's actions were aimed at making Kallin stronger.

He thought that with Kallin's intelligence, physical strength was all he needed.

At 16, he was already strong, but Phiri thought he needed more development.

'No one cares about me…'

Kallin, pretending to go to the bathroom, left the formation and checked his surroundings, then rummaged through his belongings.

A silver bracelet appeared. It was a simple bracelet with ancient script engraved on it.

'What is this? I don't feel any magic.'

Without a description like in a game, it was hard to figure out.

What would I feel if I wear it?

Kallin put the bracelet on his left wrist.

At that moment, the bracelet began to act strangely. It didn't glow, but Kallin felt a burning sensation on his wrist.

Then, the bracelet slowly melted and seeped into Kallin's wrist.

'What, what is this?'

The metal bracelet disappeared, leaving only the ancient script on Kallin's wrist.

It looked like a tattoo.

Kallin had no idea what was happening.

'Is this some kind of mystery?'

He quickly checked his status window, but nothing had changed. It wasn't a mystery.

It didn't seem to give him any power or make his body faster.

'…It can't be bad, right?'

It came from a place of healing, a mystery. It must be good, even if he didn't know what it was.

Kallin thought the ancient script on his wrist would be the key to solving it.

He decided to study ancient script soon.

Asking Sedric or Theo what it meant would be a mistake.

At that moment, a system message appeared. He had been involved in the mission, so it was strange that there was no news.

Theo might now have confidence in us.

With anticipation, he turned his gaze. After reaching level 1, he received additional traits every five levels.