Chapter 1

Chapter 1

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Beyond the forest, fire illuminated the night sky with an orange glow as it burned a path from the forest to the village.

Oh, Solars. I thought I could smell something burnt.

Akku, a mercenary with one eye, gazed at the scene and murmured, If its visible from here, it must be a sea of fire. He turned his head and asked Captain, didnt you say that you were the only swordsman around?

The bearded man he called captain leaned against the tree, his brows furrowed.

He looks like a mage with a sword. I saw him with my own eyes, dont you believe me? Akku added

The captains eyes seemed ready to draw a sword at any moment.

Akku flashed him a submissive smile. Of course, I was just wondering. Just wondering.

Unlike him, the captain was from the Imperial Army. Despite being a deserter, the captains sword skills were genuine.

Captain, if thats the case their companion, a burly man watching the forest next to them hesitated, then asked Shouldnt we change our plans? This mage seems quite formidable

Akku interjected, Thats what I mean, Captain. That looks like the direction of the kobold camp. If hes capable of burning down an entire camp by himself, wouldnt it be better to retreat?

The captains brow furrowed even deeper.

Encouraged by the captains silence, he added with a chuckle You dont have to risk your life for a side job. That mage didnt seem to have much on him anyways.

Hmm. The captain finally let out a sigh.

The reason he had formed a mercenary group with these pathetic people was to protect the village from the kobolds. It seemed like a dangerous job, but the reality was different.

Kobolds, those small monsters, rarely ventured out of the forest and were so timid that if one or two were poked with a sword, they would be busy running away in fear.

In exchange for this mercenary service, they had unlimited access to free food and drinks making this a lucrative business.

Besides, there were plenty of side jobs to take.

Wandering mercenaries would claim to be able to eradicate the kobold camp, but none had succeeded. This was due to the fact that kobolds would become blinded with rage when their hiding place was threatened and would turn into real monsters who defied death.

Aware of this fact, the captain and his men would wait on the path and prey on the battered and bruised mercenaries who would come running back after failing to eradicate the kobold camp. It was an easy matter to dispose of the bodies in the forest as the kobolds would dismantle them. They were only interested in the flesh and didnt care much about the belongings. New novel chapters are published on

It was a mutually beneficial relationship. And today, too, that was the plan. Until they saw that sight.

You stupid idiots. At the words of the leader, the bald man and Akkus shoulders tensed. If hes really burning kobolds alive, is the side job a big deal? If he succeeds, it looks like we wont have any side jobs from tomorrow on.

The two men stared at him, eyes wide.

The captain clicked his tongue and continued, Thats why we have to shut that mages mouth. The villagers should not know that the kobolds are gone.

The two men nodded.

The captain shrugged. Then we can continue to act as vigilantes of the town. Perhaps you will be recognized for your merits and be officially appointed.

As expected of our leader Akku said in admiration.

The bald man muttered again, But can we win? And the red mage?

Thats why we have to do it now, you cowardly bald head. Is magic a miracle that can be used indefinitely? The captain clicked his tongue and cut himself off. He cant recover his magic now, hes at the end of his ability. A magician without magic is more helpless than a child.

He motioned, slitting his throat with his thumb. All you have to do is stab the mage with a knife. Ive seen a lot of mages die in vain like that on the battlefield.

If he has any magic power left?

Red magic takes a long time to cast. So, if you notice something strange, I will throw the knife right away.

Finally, the bald mans eyes sparkled. He nodded firmly, Okay, Captain.

Hiding his true intentions, the captain patted the bald mans shoulder. His last words were a lie. He planned to make his two subordinates scapegoats to create an opportunity for him to stab the mage. He believed in his own swordsmanship. Dont worry. Theres no way a great mage would come to such a remote place. I heard all the real mages are locked up in the tower. So if we just

Suddenly, the captains voice trailed off and he lowered his body as he stared into the darkness. Shh, theyre coming.

The bald man and Akku were startled and crouched down on both sides of the path.

Even though they werent properly aimed, it was enough to sweep away the ambushers.

Help! Save me-!

Perong! Hwarur-!

The last flame engulfed the bald man, now soaked in tears and snot. The surroundings became brighter thanks to the flames.

The captain looked up at the mage, trembling H- How His lips barely moved. Ice and fire at the same time?

It was a question that could be asked since he was from the Imperial Army and had frequently seen mages. It was a commonly held belief in the Empire that mages specialized in only one type of magic. They were very sensitive about their knowledge and never interacted with mages from different schools believing that knowledge and spells defined their identity.

How it doesnt matter. The mage muttered as he picked up the captains sword Because Im a scoundrel. His tone was mixed with annoyance.

Scoundrel? The captain asked bewilderedly. That became his last word.

Kwajik.

The mage mercilessly swung his sword at the captains neck. Sickening bastards The mage sighed once again, bending to search the captains body. A very familiar gesture.

Soon, a small pouch was in his hand. The mage forced the pouch open and briefly clicked his tongue. The sword was good, so I had expectations. Just a few coins. The captains belongings were disappointing.

The captains belongings were disappointing, but the mage meticulously searched the bald man and Akkus pouches. It was clear that if the captain was this poor, his subordinates would not have much more. He picked up a few slender pouches before finally turning away from the bodies.

Suddenly, his gaze turned to his hand. Now, I dont even tremble anymore. With a bitter tone, he picked up the kobold chieftains head again. Here we go.

The chieftains head was also frozen solid. So many troublesome things The mage used the sword that belonged to the captain as a staff and limped forward. The bodies were left in the same place.

***

Squeak Boom!

The door of the tavern violently opened. The chaotic noise in the tavern cut off suddenly as if it had been cut with a knife. The eyes of the patrons all focused on the man who opened the door as if to break it down, but no one yelled or got angry.

Not only did the man look like he had come back from hell, but he was carrying a large, grotesque head in his arms. The face of the monster still showed the pain and fear he must have felt at his last moment. The man entered the hall and headed for the counter ignoring the gazes of the men. With a bang he set the monsters head down.

The muscular tavern owner, who had been dozing off, raised his head and burst into laughter You really got rid of the kobolds. I didnt even expect it. Thank you.

The man did not respond to his greeting. Instead, he raised his right hand and dropped the sword onto the counter.

The owner frowned, You met the mercenaries. Are they all dead?

Yes.

Well done.

The man stared back at the owner, his eyes calm and steady. You havent forgotten the cost of the quest, have you?

As promised, lodging at our bar is free for life. If you want, you can collect the reward fee and give it to me. Its hard to live, so there wont be many.

Thats all right. I want to sleep comfortably. The man sheathed his sword.

Understood. Shall I prepare a hot bath for you? Right away?

The man replied without turning around. Keep it coming until I say stop. He limped up the stairs.

The owner, who was looking at his back, suddenly added. Come to think of it, I never asked. What is your name?

The answer was short this time too. Ian.

****

Lets hang this head on the wall!

You look filthy ugly!

Does he look like you? Are there any kobolds among your ancestors?

The sound of chattering echoed through the floor. Its filthy noisy, really. Ian clicked his tongue as he sat in the bathtub. Even so, he was rubbing all over his body with his hands. It was his third bath already so the filth should be gone, but he still felt uncomfortable.

If I had at least one cucumber scented soap, I wouldnt have a wish. Ian muttered to himself and suddenly laughed, A bastard who has no wish, fuck

His biggest wish was to return to his original world. He stared at the ceiling covered in spiderwebs, In the first place, it wasnt like I was downloading illegal content. The reason he ended up in this world devoid of hygiene and human rights, was an event that happened about a year ago.