Chapter 25: Building Honor (2)

Chapter 25: Building Honor (2)

In the pre-dawn, before the sun had risen, my eyes opened naturally.

Today was a day of battle.

Vague noises coming from outside indicated that it was different from the usual day.

It was a subjugation battle that I had experienced countless times, yet the tension was different each time.

Especially when I contemplated the possibility of losing all my comrades in one fell swoop.

Nevertheless, this pressure was a challenge I must ultimately overcome.

I rose from my seat as usual and prepared to go out.

Adjusting my shoulders and loosening my neck, I retrieved the sword I had left in the corner of the room and fastened it to my waist before setting off.

"...Are you leaving now?"

At that time, a voice came from behind.

When I turned around to the unfamiliar sound, Ner was gazing at me from behind the pillow placed in the center of the bed, her upper body propped halfway up.

For some reason, I didnt expect her to wake up.

In fact, I hadn't intended to disturb her sleep.

It seemed that there was little to be said between us.

"...Yes."

Silence filled the air.

Suddenly, I found myself envisioning what she might say to me later if our relationship were to improve.

Would our parting be imbued with more emotion if we were in a loving bond?

Shelving those futile thoughts, I redirected my attention and turned away once again.

Placing my hand on the door, I exerted force.

"...Hey."

Ner called out to me once more.

Why?

She hesitated for a while.

It seemed like she was trying to say something, but she couldn't make a decision.

I had no intention of pressuring her.

Thats

So

After giving her some time and seeing that she still couldn't speak, I decided to speak up.

I didnt have enough time today. No matter how much preparation I had done, there were things I had to do when I got there.

Ill be back.

Ner nodded faintly at those words.

With that, I turned around and made my way outside.

****

On the way to the campsite, I witnessed some peculiar behaviors.

Several pairs of werewolf couples were outside their houses.

Here and there, simple magic spells were being performed.

I knew that the werewolves were skilled in combat, medicine, and magic, but I didn't expect it to be this common.

Every visible couple was engaged in this practice.

The men supported their wives, while the women placed their hands on the men's backs.

In that state, orange-colored lights were extracted from the muttering womens bodies and entered the bodies of the men who touched them.

Despite my familiarity with werewolves, this was the first time I had encountered such a phenomenon.

At that moment, someone spoke from behind.

"They are sharing their 'Ki'. For the husbands going into battle."

When I turned around, Gidon was approaching me. Adam Hyung was also standing next to him.

Seeing me pause at the unfamiliar word "Ki," Gidon spoke.

"...I believe the vice-captain must have received it as well."

There was a faint smirk in his expression.

I could clearly sense that he knew Ner and I didn't participate in such rituals.

I looked at Adam Hyung.

I didn't want him to worry about my relationship with Ner.

Perhaps this was what Ner was hesitantly trying to convey in the morning.

I didn't have a long conversation with Gidon.

We only exchanged glances.

"Captain Adam, I'm going to check on my soldiers now."

"Yes. See you later."

As Gidon left first and bid farewell to Adam, I watched his retreating figure.

Adam Hyung slowly walked toward me and spoke.

"...I've had a long conversation with Gidon about the operation."

The smile on Gidon's face gradually faded. Ignoring his reaction, I continued speaking.

"Oh, Gidon-nim. By the way, I've heard that your position hasn't been determined yet."

"Even though I've memorized all the plans, I'm considering making my own contributions. Berg-nim, are you hiding behind us?"

I revealed a fact that I hadn't bothered to tell him until now.

"I'm the captain of the head Hancho group."

As soon as he heard the term "captain," Gidon's expression changed.

It seemed he already understood the immense responsibility that came with being the captain of the most dangerous unit.

"...Vice-captain is the captain?"

"That's right."

"...Don't lie. What foolish mercenary group would assign their vice-captain as the captain of the Head Hancho unit, directly confronting the monster leader?"

Adam Hyung clicked his tongue in disapproval.

"Berg is enough. Everyone thinks the same way."

Gidon watched us intently, trying to gauge if we were lying. He seemed to have something in mind as he scratched his head.

"...Haa, are you telling me to believe that the captain of the Head Hancho unit has a subjugation record of 20?"

I didn't bother defending my previous lie. Instead, I made a suggestion to Gidon.

Since things had unfolded in this manner, I thought it might be a good opportunity to release some of my anger, as Hyung had suggested. If I had established a reputation, perhaps these situations wouldn't have arisen.

"Gidon-nim, instead of doubting whether it's true or not, why don't you join us if your position hasn't been determined yet?"

"What are you saying?"

"If you find it difficult to believe in the captain position, why not come with us? I'd like to witness the strength of a warrior who has subjugated 26. It's also a chance for you to enhance the honor you so admire."

Gidon didn't readily respond.

It couldn't be helped.

Even if I proposed joining the Head Hancho unit all of a sudden, only a few would accept it. How many would embrace an offer that doubles the probability of death?

Of course, Gidon, with his subjugation record of 26, might consider it. Moreover, since I had already spoken those words, withdrawing would make him lose face.

As Gidon pondered, Shawn shouted from behind.

Ah, it seems the young master has swallowed by his fear.

Baran, Shawn, and Jackson laughed at Shawn's jest.

Now it seemed that the atmosphere of the mercenaries was rising, not the rigid atmosphere of the military.

I also smiled at Gidon, subtly expressing a hint of disrespect.

I did not avoid the impending fight.

Now, they seemed to realize that we were a mercenary group, not a regular army, and their guard was raised.

Gidon whispered.

As expected, humans are barbaric.

I responded to his whisper.

"If you understood, it would be better to be more careful with your words."

What? This commoner bastard-

Adam Hyung intervened from the front.

"That's enough now. The argument ends here. Berg, stop it as well."

Once again, it was Adam Hyung who made the wisest decision.

That's why I continued to trust and follow him.

Although I sensed that Hyung was on my side, he felt the need to express it from his position.

Because I always showed a respectful attitude towards him in front of the members, I showed my consent to his command.

"Gidon-nim, excuse me. The joke may have gone too far"

"-Enough."

Gidon cut me off before I could finish my sentence, his temper flaring.

It seemed he had relinquished all respect for me.

I smiled inwardly. I could easily see that he had fallen into the provocation.

With a frown, Gidon said.

"Fine, I'll follow. Rather than being a coward hiding behind the soldiers, I can contribute more. Captain, I will accompany the vice-captain."

Adam Hyung expressed concern at Gidon's declaration.

"Are you sure about that?"

"Don't worry. Even if we argued, freeing Blackwood Territory is more important than anything foolish."

"No, it's not about that..."

Adam Hyung looked over at me.

I quietly nodded my head.

Then, with a deep sigh, Hyung said to Gidon,

"Understood. Well, that's settled."

I smiled and spoke to Gidon.

"I'm counting on you."

End of Chapter

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