Chapter 37: The Ruins of Leocran (2)

Chapter 37: The Ruins of Leocran (2)

Two days had passed since Carlyn arrived at Tumak.

The intelligence team was filled with anticipation after Carlyns report suggested the high possibility of the ruins being the Ruins of Leocran.

However, their investigation still yielded no results.

During his short time there, Carlyn had tried to build friendships with the slave laborers and archaeologists, but they provided no helpful information.

Cedric couldnt approach Carlyn due to the scolding from Theodore. He could only exchange a nod from a distance.

Then, on the second morning, while everyone was having breakfast at the campsite, a member of Heides mercenary squad who was on watch urgently rushed over.

Fifteen armed personnel that appear to be mercenaries are heading this way!

The sudden news caused the mercenaries and slaves to quickly arm themselves, but the approaching group didnt seem eager to engage in combat. The people seemed hesitant.

Whats going on? Are they the Iron Lions Mercenary Corps?

What?

Look at their left arm.

On the approaching groups left arms were small iron lion face decorations.

Carlyn recalled something. The Iron Lions Mercenary Corps was a well-known mercenary group in the northern part of the Empire, consisting of around 200 members, but their reputation didnt match their actual skill.

Even though they were a large mercenary corps, they rarely moved as a whole. It seemed only a small detachment had come.

As the distance closed, tension rose among the people. But the archaeologist stepped forward and called out to them.

Dont worry! Lower your guard, everyone!

Whats this about?

Heide asked, and Theodore grinned shamelessly.

It seems my friend is here.

Friend?

Yes, a long-time friend.

Heide didnt inquire further about how the friend had come. He couldnt reveal that he had been monitoring them all this time.

Instead, he gave an uncomfortable expression.

Did you call another mercenary corps suspecting us?

No, of course not. I havent called anyone separately.

The archaeologist, who had been short and concise, left Heide behind and waved to the Iron Lions Mercenary Corps.

Vegeon! What brings you here?

I remembered you said you would come here.

Vegeon, the leader of the Iron Lions Mercenary Corps, chuckled and looked around.

In a brief moment, Vegeon glanced at Phiri, then with a sinister smile, he licked his lips.

On my way passing through, I thought I might drop by. Didnt know you were still here.

Welcome! Its been a while, hasnt it? Almost four months?

About that. So, any gains yet?

Not yet. It wont be long, maybe a few days. By the way, now that youre here, want to take a look before leaving?

As long as youre fine with it, we dont mind. We were heading back after finishing a job anyway. Everyones okay with it, right?

Yes!

In response to Vegeons question, the Iron Lions Mercenary Corps members replied loudly.

The conversation flowed like a well-written script, with some awkwardness but not enough to detract from the overall picture.

As Theodore and Vegeon laughed and chatted, Phiri whispered to Carlyn.

Kid, you have a good intuition. You got it right.

I was a little surprised myself.

Its not something you can train for. You just have a good eye for people.

Though he had come with hope, Carlyn didnt argue; instead, he found comfort in Phiris nonchalant expression, which seemed to be an attempt to ease the tension.

Wait a minute. The Iron Lions Mercenary Corps and the ruins is this it?

At that moment, a distant memory surfaced deep within Carlyns mind.

* * *

Huh.

Heide entered the barracks with quick steps, exhaling his frustration with a sigh.

It was after he had a conversation with the archaeologist. Phiri, who had been watching, put a cigarette in her mouth.

How did it go?

As expected, he didnt call them because he doubted or distrusted us. They just stopped by on their way, as we discussed before taking this mission.

Heide reported, trying to suppress his irritation.

Due to the squabble between Vegeon and Theodore, he wasnt feeling pleased.

Are they really close friends?

Im sorry. We didnt have time to investigate their personal relationships when we were assigned this mission.

Heide slightly lowered his head.

Though it was inevitable, he had been the one in charge until Phiri arrived.

First, Ill call the team members to check if the surveillance network was compromised.

Alright, but whats the point of checking it now?

Phiri frowned, as if it wasnt the answer she was looking for.

Phiri stood up from her seat.

The leader might actually come. Especially the part about heading west left a strong impression on me. You read the current better than I expected, huh?

Youre too kind.

No, its true. We need to expand our search range from what we originally planned.

Ill take care of that.

Heides reply made Phiri nod.

No, Ill do it. We dont have many people, and they might find it strange if we suddenly expand our scope. This way is more certain too.

* * *

During lunchtime, Phiri returned with the information I already knew there were 37 additional members.

Fifteen were nearby, and a group of twenty-two, including the leader, was a bit further away. A total of 52 Iron Lions Mercenaries were on the move.

With such a large force mobilized, any successful outcome would be a well-earned achievement.

I had devised a strategy, and the overall situation was under control, but my mind was in turmoil because of Cedric.

Mad Saint Cedric.

The name was an odd juxtaposition, indicating how enigmatic of a character he was.

While he appeared as a benevolent healer when using the mystic Cure, he also committed indiscriminate murders. He showed no clear criteria for his actions.

As a result, the nickname Mad Saint stuck with him. He possessed the power to live up to such a title.

I wish he could be on my side.

The mystic Cure was more than just ordinary medical care; it was a true Mystic.

There was another thought as well.

If I could manage it well, maybe I could find a solution for the Worst Condition penalty trait. Yes, what if I was able to save Cedric and make him an ally?

However, I couldnt come up with a clear solution even after deep contemplation.

It might be better off without him becoming the Mad Saint.

A sinister thought crossed my mind. It was because many kind NPCs had died at Cedrics hands.

In truth, when I weighed it, those people were more important.

Huh?

At that moment, a brilliant idea struck me. I had been considering Cedric too narrowly.

If I added Theodore to Cedric, a solution might present itself. That could be the way for me to utilize it.

Kael! Where are you going?

I abandoned the pickaxe I was using for work and dashed toward Phiris quarters.

The question from a nearby slave laborer echoed in the empty tunnel, sounding futile and mournful.

* * *

Whats going on at this hour? What happened?

Phiri was about to stand up when Carlyns sudden arrival interrupted her.

Thats not it.

Then what is it?

We need to save them.

As though time had frozen, Phiris movements came to a halt.

The air in the barracks turned icy cold.

Who?

The archaeologist and the child. We should save them.

Phiri furrowed his brows and let out a deep sigh.

She seemed momentarily angry and disappointed. Perhaps she thought young Carlyn couldnt be cold-hearted.

However, that wasnt the case. Phiri gathered her thoughts and resolved to confirm and scold if necessary.

Why did your resolve weaken so suddenly?

Carlyn saw the cold glint in Phiris eyes that he had never seen before. It exuded an unmistakable intensity.

However, he wasnt fazed at all.

While running over, he had already organized his thoughts.

He must persuade her. Only Vice-leader Phiri here had the authority to change the mission.

Thats absolutely not true.

Is that so?

Do we need to dissect the belly of a hen laying golden eggs?

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

It was more like an excuse. It would have been better to honestly say that he felt sorry for them.

That alone isnt a convincing reason, and you know it.

Phiri maintained her composure as she observed Carlyn with sharp eyes. There was no change in his expression.

It was clear there was another reason.

Suddenly, Phiri discovered a sense of anticipation growing in her heart rather than disappointment and anger.

It was Carlyn who had shown his worth when they came to Tumak. What could he be thinking now?

Carlyn nodded confidently as if he could read Phiris inner thoughts.

Yes.