Chapter 36: Ruins of Leocran (1)

Chapter 36: Ruins of Leocran (1)

Intelligence organizations often disguise themselves as mercenaries.

It provided them the advantage of having the freedom to move without arousing suspicion wherever they went.

Additionally, mercenaries had access to information that could only be obtained within their world.

For mercenaries, combat, and war mean money.

Like merchants attracted to the scent of money, mercenaries were drawn to conflicts and disputes.

Both aspects were beneficial for intelligence organizations agents to utilize.

Even the allies agents in Tumak were posing as a small mercenary group.

They were currently tasked with exploring the ruins and providing support and protection for the mission.

Therefore, it was not we who discovered the ruins.

Our mission was to handle the employer and ensure the safe extraction of whatever was found within the ruins.

Phiri and I played the roles of members and vice-leader, respectively, joining the team after completing different tasks.

The Haisens Imperial Intelligence Agency leader had delegated full authority to Phiri.

Just investigate the ruins and proceed if the conditions are favorable, or leave it alone if they arent.

This small mercenary group had undergone verification of their abilities and gained a considerable amount of trust, making them suitable for the exploration mission.

These mercenaries could be used for other tasks as well, so we were advised to consider that while acting.

In this situation, there was nothing I could do.

There was no reason to object. Even if it made me uncomfortable, I had no choice. The moment I became a spy, I abandoned all hesitation.

If they wanted to criticize me, let them. I must accept it. It was not like I hadnt done dirty work before.

Anyway, I had no idea what was related to these ruins. It was due to the employer not providing any information.

Mercenary leader, Heide, said that we should be cautious of archaeologists in the area.

It was not uncommon for mercenaries to turn against their employers and become thieves.

After hearing a brief explanation of the situation, we proceeded to examine the site.

* * *

The scene was filled with dust and dirt, as they were excavating the underground for the ruins.

Four agents were helping with the exploration support as part of their mission.

Considering the workforce of four slave laborers, there must be around fifteen workers in total.

I sighed inwardly.

I, too, was assigned to help with the exploration starting tomorrow, thanks to my Mystic ability to perceive the internal structure and situations in real-time through Winds.

Since someone else had eyes, I couldnt just use Winds to inspect the place cleanly. I had to get my hands and body dirty.

Now was the time to avoid it. I followed behind Heide, pushing the dust away with winds.

After a brief examination, it didnt seem like they were randomly digging. There appeared to be some direction to their efforts.

From a distance, I spotted a middle-aged archaeologist giving instructions.

He wore the typical explorers hat and vest, with a backpack on his back.

At a glance, it was evident that he was different from the slave workers in terms of attire. Beside him was a boy who looked about thirteen years old.

Seems like hes not a slave.

Judging by Earths standards, he had a coffee-colored skin tone, typical of the Western natives.

Strangely enough, he wasnt dressed in slave laborer attire, but rather, he wore clothes similar to those of an archaeologist.

Usually, western natives do not venture outside their tribes.

Heide whispered.

Therefore, those found within the empire were more likely to be slaves. It was a rare sight.

Hes an assistant brought along by the archaeologist. It seems like hes being raised as his successor.

As we got closer, the archaeologist, who was giving orders to the slave laborers, noticed us too. He looked at us curiously and approached. His stance was guarded, just like Heide mentioned. It didnt seem like he wanted to reveal that Heide had penetrated deep into their ranks.The original appearance of this chapter can be found at Ñøv€lß1n.

And then, I felt a sense of strangeness.

After a brief contemplation, I realized what it was. He didnt appear impatient.

Neither did the employer nor the slave workers.

Mr. Heide, what brings you here?

A few days ago, I mentioned that additional personnel would be arriving, and Im currently giving a briefing on the situation.

I see. Is this child also?

Yes, hes Kael, a young one were raising. He may look young, but his skills are impressive.

Hmm, I see. He may look young, but considering its Mr. Heides word

While the archaeologist and Heid were engaged in their work-related conversation, I pondered the reason for my uneasiness.

Amidst various thoughts swirling in my mind, I felt a gaze on me.

The petite child was looking at me curiously.

He seemed around sixteen, just like me, and I wondered if he was also a mercenary like others of our age.

Theres something vaguely familiar about him.

Have I seen him before while playing games?

I searched my memory but couldnt recall anything specific. It could just be a false impression or my memory being hazy.

I should try to get acquainted with him.

He was the successor to the archaeologist, and if I handled it well, I might gain valuable information about the ruins.

When our eyes met, I smiled at him, and he responded with a shy smile in return.

It was a good start.

Then, please feel free to explore.

After parting ways with the archaeologist and returning to the barracks, Phiri asked,

How many real mercenaries are there among them?

While pretending to be knowledgeable, they would just carry me around like a porter or a servant.

To stand out, I needed to align myself with their preferences, making me an excellent free laborer for them.

Instead of telling him about this cruel reality, I spoke with a boastful tone.

Well, I am quite good at fighting.

Really?

But I also do a lot of menial work. Im better than them, but still.

Whispering as if sharing a secret, the boy smiled and nodded.

I knew there was something tired in your face.

It was just chronic fatigue, but I forced a wry smile.

But what are you looking for here? All I heard was that youre here for ruins.

The boy slightly pulled back his upper body, revealing his psychological resistance through his actions.

Did I act a bit rashly?

Mr. Theodore asked me not to say anything.

At times like this, its best to take a step back.

Well, I guess theres no other choice. But can you let me know later if you find any clues about the ruins?

Sure.

I returned to focusing on my swordsmanship without saying anything further. The boy, who had been keeping silent, seemed hesitant to speak.

It seemed like he lacked experience in making friends.

If I tell you, you must never tell anyone else. Can you promise that?

Of course. My word is as heavy as lead. I tell all the members in the mercenary group here, even the leaders secrets.

The boys uncertain expression brightened up upon hearing my response.

To be honest, I dont know for sure.

Oh, come on, what is it?

But Mr. Theodore and I have been constantly chasing traces of Leokren. Its probably a ruin related to Leocran.

Leocran?

He was one of the closest friends of the founding emperor and the chief physician, known for his healing Mystic.

That was valuable information. Phiri would be quite pleased to hear about it.

Leocran, a friend of the founding emperor. There must be many valuable things inside the ruins.

While I was lost in my thoughts, the kid seemed to interpret my silence as ignorance and confidently spoke up.

Leocran is.

Oh, I know. Hes a friend of the founding emperor.

Huh? You know about him?

Ive studied a bit.

The kid looked surprised for a moment, then he seemed a bit uneasy. His pupils shook slightly.

You must not tell anyone!

Of course! Dont worry.

Wait a minute.

In the game, there was another person who possessed Mystic, aside from the founding emperors friend.

Could it be?

By any chance, whats your name?

Me? Im Cedric, huh?

At that moment, the kid jumped to his feet, furious.

Ill go first! Lets talk later!

In a hurry, the boy ran towards the campsite. Beyond his figure, I caught a glimpse of the archaeologist.

He looked restless, trying to search for the kid.

The archaeologist looked at me and the child as he approached, then he began to say something.

Even from a distance, it looked like a scolding.

However, I had no time to worry about that.

Cedric. The mad saint Cedric? It wasnt just a random feeling. I must have seen him in the game.

Why didnt I think of this before?

The boys young age had thrown me off at first. But considering his age and skin color, it made sense.

Moreover, although he had one missing eye, the mad saint Cedric also had the Mystic of Healing.

He used to hate mercenaries.

Memories from three years ago began to resurface, a bit hazy but still clear enough.

It seemed that something significant had happened to him during his time here.

His hatred for mercenaries and acquiring the mystic of Healing.

Even the nickname Mad Saint seemed to have some connection to our mercenary group.

But the mystery remained. If Phiri had come here, then Cedric couldnt have survived.

Hmm, maybe some butterfly effect occurred because of me.

It was also possible that another agent came here in Phiris place.

In any case, I wondered what had happened at this ruin.

As I raised my sword, the moonlight reflected on the blade, giving it a weighty presence.

1. TLN: Hyung