Chapter 106: The Master of Heroes (1)

Chapter 106: The Master of Heroes (1)

...Arwin-nim wished for your death, Berg.

...

My breath momentarily stopped at those words.

My heart ached.

Surprisingly, I was shaken by that statement.

Yet Ner continued to speak, incessantly whispering to me.

Her fragrant breath moistened my cheek.

If you died... she said shed be free. She said why would she care if that human dies?

...

Thats Arwin-nim for you. Why are you worried...? I dont really understand, Berg.

...

...Hah.

I let out a short sigh.

A bitter aftertaste followed.

Despite not wanting to, I faintly felt it was something Arwin would say.

During the last hunt, Arwin had asked if I thought she would feel guilty for killing a small creature.

...

I let out a deeper sigh without realizing it.

Ner moved closer, offering me her shoulder.

...Are you okay?

She asked, gently patting my back.

...I didnt want to say it. But its better to know now than hear it later.

...

Gradually, Ners embrace tightened, deepening the comfort.

...Berg. Just like you did... Ill always offer my shoulder. If it gets tough

Its okay.

I finally lifted my forehead from Ners shoulder and straightened up.

I just needed a moment to catch my breath.

I said to Ner.

...Its all in the past.

...Huh?

It makes sense to think that way then. After enduring cruel torture for 160 years... Wishing for my death seems reasonable.

...

I told Ner.

...What matters to me is that she doesnt think about that now.

Regardless of the past, the present was more important.

Ner opened her mouth to speak again, but then swallowed her words.

I told her.

...Lets pretend this conversation never happened.

I had to keep striving.

For the marriage I desired, as a husband, I had to make an effort.

It was the same for everyone, but Ner and Arwin particularly disliked this union.

I couldnt forget this fact.

After all, which noble would want to marry a commoner?

...

I caught Ners attention with my lukewarm response.

Ner.

...

...Lets pretend it never happened.

Finally, Ner nodded in agreement.

...Okay.

****

Deep into the night,

Ner sat awake alone on the bed, her eyes wide open.

In the past, she always found solace in sleeping alone, but at some point, she began to detest these moments.

Being alone meant not falling asleep with Berg.

The empty space beside her felt hollow.

It was almost puzzling how empty it seemed now.

Was it impossible to resist instinct?

Feeling uneasy when not sleeping beside someone who was on her side.

Lately, it seemed to intensify.

She felt anxious when apart from Berg.

Worried about what he might be doing with Arwin, or if some other woman was casting longing glances at him.

This led to an increase in unnecessary questions lately.

Questions a typical werewolf would never ask, she found herself endlessly asking Berg.

Fortunately, being a human, he seemed to take it without resistance.

But perhaps this was also because he was a human.

The cultural norm of having many people around caused anxiety.

Would there be another competitor? Was he getting closer to Arwin? Ner was constantly on edge.

...Hoo.

Ner sighed out loud.

It felt like these feelings accelerated after she became aware of her true feelings.

Unnecessarily looking at him more, trying harder to get closer.Geett the latest novels at novelhall.com

She watched for his reactions to her teases, hoping he would play along.

Her heart raced when they touched hands, and her tail wagged uncontrollably when he called her name.

Still, it was hard to believe.

This was a new experience for Ner.

...If only Arwin wasnt there, it would have been perfect.

As Ners feelings for Berg deepened, her annoyance with Arwin grew.

Jealousy surged, and she began to despise Arwins very existence.

Ner couldnt stand Arwin, who always hovered around Berg, the only one who had been on her side.

Arwin found herself unable to reply to that.

Her mouth sealed shut as he patted her again.

She just nodded and closed her eyes.

****

The next day, we mounted our horses.

The Head Hunter unit members also expressed their anticipation for this mission.

I heard that this reward is new weapons, right?

Shawn said with a laugh.

Finally trying out Dwarf-made weapons.

Jackson spoke to Shawn.

Improve your skills first. The problem isnt the sword when its wielded by someone like you.

Still bitter about your defeat in the last duel?

Shawn teased Jackson with a chuckle, while Jackson could only groan in response.

Soon, Adam Hyung approached us.

Berg. Make sure to get a good weapon. I like this reward.

I nodded.

Then he let out a long sigh.

...After this mission, you might have to stay in Stockpin.

...?

As I looked puzzled, he explained.

...The situation is getting serious. Looks like well all have to mobilize soon.

...

His words made my chest tighten slightly. Maybe because it made me think of someone who might be deeply involved in that battlefield again.

I shook my head.

Lately, it had been getting a bit easier to put those worries aside.

I had enough of my own problems to deal with.

Besides, that relationship was over.

Knowing that, I was finally letting her go.

Then, I turned to Ner.

Ready?

Ner nodded her head.

Next, I looked at Arwin.

Ready?

Yes.

Alright. Then lets go.

As I spoke, the Head Hunter unit started leading their horses.

I exchanged a final glance with Adam Hyung.

After a brief nod, we spurred our horses forward.

...?

As we approached the villages main gate, a strange man suddenly appeared in our path.

Oops, am I a bit late? he asked.

He stood upright, with a sturdy build, straight horns, sharp pupils, deep wrinkles on his face, hair starting to turn white, shabby clothes, and a cloth covering half of his face.

He was a middle-aged dragonian man.

...

I noticed the sword he wore at his waist.

He seemed a confident swordsman, coming alone to a mercenary group armed like this.

Baran spoke to him.

Please step aside. Were in a hurry.

...Huh?

Arwin looked at the man, puzzled.

The man admired Barans response.

Hmm. Even mercenaries speak formally. Well-organized structure, as expected of Adam.

At that, I stopped my Head Hunter unit.

His tone suggested familiarity with Adam Hyung.

This was the first time someone talked about Hyung like that.

Though Adam Hyung and I had been together for a long time, we never delved into each others pasts.

But, having crawled up from the bottom of the mercenary world together, we vaguely guessed that we both had painful pasts.

Without such pasts, we couldnt have made it this far.

So, this man had a connection with Adam Hyung.

Did he know a side of Adam Hyung that I didnt?

...Do you know our leader?

I looked intently at the man.

He didnt avoid my gaze.

I do.

His strong aura was palpable.

You know, Berg. Youre handsome, just like I heard.

...

Dont be on guard. These days, there arent many who dont know you.

He slowly unraveled the cloth around his face.

Arwin gasped.

...Lord Gale.

The man, called Gale, bowed his head to Arwin.

Didnt expect to see you here, Arwin-nim.

I looked at Arwin and the man known as Gale.

A somone acquaintance of Adam Hyung, and now Arwin too.

My wariness intensified.

He didnt seem like an ordinary man.

Yet, despite my caution, he smiled and said,

Berg. Why dont you pause your journey for a moment and have a talk?

The End of The Chapter

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