CH 99

The Red Wolves was the squad I accompanied at the time I met Mayer. They were the very first to see my ability for themselves, and we shared some memories on the way to Nochtentoria Castle too, so most of them looked on me well. “No matter how much I think it over, Vegan is the only one among the regular members whose position doesn’t overlap with our members,” I explained. “Besides, he is someone willing to obey my orders. Him being a melee attacker is a plus too.”

“Agh…” Axion clicked his tongue, failing to come up with more arguments. He counted off his fingers, going over the composition of the special unit. “Position… So you have one healer, one supporter, two melee attackers, one defender. One ranged attacker… Isn’t there a spot for another ranged attacker? I should join you after—”

“We’re going with just six. Will you stop clinging already?” I said and cast him a look of disgust, but unfazed, Axion kept clinging and asking to take him along. I hadn’t a clue why he was being like this. But seeing that I wasn’t budging in the least, even he had no choice but to give up.

It wasn’t long before Vegan came to see me after being briefed by his team leader. “Long time no see Vice-captain. Your inaugural speech was impressive.”

“You embarrass me. It was nothing. I assume you’ve been well?”

“Ah well, I’m always doing well. Heard the vice-captain needed my help, so I hopped over in a jiffy.”

“I’m grateful that you accepted the proposal so readily.”

Although I did ask Axion, I would’ve been left without options if Vegan had refused. I would’ve had no choice but to look for someone else. Fortunately, though, Vegan seemed eager to cooperate with me. After exchanging a light handshake, I expressed my goodwill. “I’m sorry for the bother, but I need you, Vegan. Please look out for us.”

“The Red Wolves and I were resting because of the squad leader’s research anyway. Since I had to do some personal training regardless, I’m happy to gain some experience in the meantime.”

Despite what Vegan said, the experience we would gain would be extremely small for him since he was level 40. It’d be less of a gain and more of a concern, having to lead some kids who were entering a dungeon for their first time. We both knew he was just keeping up manners. I shook my head with a laugh. “It’ll still be bothersome. I won’t forget your toiling, Vegan.”

“There’s no need for that. It’s to put away some of my guilt, so…”

“Guilt?”

A shadow fell across his always cheerful face. “Wipera, from the Blue Flames, was a peer of mine. We joined the Dark Knights together and had a bit of friendly rivalry between us… I never thought he would change that way.”

Who knew Vegan and Wipera had that kind of friendship? It was unexpected. I comforted Vegan, who smiled bitterly. “There’s no need for you to feel guilt over his matter.”

“I know. But… As someone who joined with him, I can’t stop being bothered about not realizing he was going out of control.” I had no reply to that, and it may have shown on my face because he quickly laughed it off.

“Haha! Seems like I brought up something a little too heavy. I just want you to know that I’m grateful to you, Vice-captain.” Vegan chuckled, gesturing as if to fan off the bad air. Then he hastily changed the subject. “I’m sure there’s a role you want me to take since you chose me out of so many spearmen. What do you want me to do?”

Being in his forties, Vegan was fairly old even within the corps and he had the perception to show for it. The question he asked was the one I wanted. With a faint smile, I began, “As you may know, both the defender and melee attacker of our unit are rookies. I think these two are talented enough to become elites of the Dark Knights.”

“You seem to be thinking of training them real proper.”

I didn’t even have to explain. We hadn’t even entered a dungeon, yet I was already convinced I was right in choosing Vegan. “It’s not easy for a talented recruit to achieve large growth, not with the dangers involved in a dungeon. I understand what you’re worrying about, Vice-captain.”

“Vegan, you have plenty of dungeon experience. You’re an exemplary pathfinder as well as a melee attacker. I’m expecting our unit members to learn much from you.”

“You’re giving me too much credit. You only saw me in action for the first time back when we met, yet you’ve seen through so much. It appears you have great observational skills and insight, Vice-captain.”

“Too much credit? I should be the one saying that.”

We exchanged a wily laugh then. This time, Vegan offered a handshake, and I accepted. It was a firmer handshake than before, perhaps because we had understood the other’s intentions.

“Allow me to ease one of your worries, Vice-captain.”

“Then I’ll be in your care for the time being.”