The 9th Class Swordmaster: Blade of Truth

Chapter 43: The Guidance Mercenary Gang

The Guidance Mercenary Gang was a legendary force in the annals of warfare across the continent. Yet, curiously, their base remained unknown to all. Or rather, it would be better to say that they didn’t have one to begin with. They were known to operate on a commission-based system, constantly moving from one place to another.

But that's just a rumor.

Karyl, accompanied by Suan Hazar and Aidan Hamil, had left Tatur, making their way towards the southern part of the continent.

Aidan couldn’t help but notice the mischievous smirk on Karyl's face. He hesitated for a bit, but still asked. "W-Why do you look so happy?"

Karyl’s smile widened. "No particular reason. I’m just happy to have you along for the journey. It's nice that our connection from Tatur continues."

Unlike Karyl, Aidan found himself lost in a whirlwind of thoughts. Damn it... What a mess. Zouk will probably report back fine... but it's true that just leaving Tatur all of a sudden is a problem. Nothing seems to go according to plan. What kind of kid is this? Ugh, just looking into those eyes... it gives me shivers.

Those eyes seemed to see right through his very soul. Even someone as skilled in deception as him felt a sense of vulnerability in Karyl's presence. There was only one person Aidan could remember with such eyes—an unforgettable person who had once been his mentor.

Crazy. To think that I’ve gone crazy enough to compare a seventy-year-old man to a twelve-year-old kid. Aidan shook his head, trying to dismiss such absurd thoughts. Sadly, he knew that however special he may be, Karyl couldn't possibly comprehend the depth of wisdom and experience his mentor possessed.

"Sir Karyl, why are you seeking the Guidance Mercenary Gang?" Aidan finally spoke, breaking the prior silence.

There were too many peculiarities. Knowing the whereabouts of the elusive and secretive Guidance Mercenary Gang, and being a person of his caliber, it was clear that Karyl wasn’t there for a simple commission.

"I am going to hire some people."

"People?" Aidan cocked his head in confusion at Karyl's unexpected response.

"Yes. I've acquired some land and need capable people to manage it. Although I've made some preparations, I expect flies to swarm in a few months."

What kind of nonsense is this? Going to the Guidance Mercenary Gang to just hire guards for your land? Aidan couldn't hide his incredulity. It would be a miracle if you don't get immediately beheaded for such a trivial request.

Aidan had no doubt about Karyl’s skill. He even saw him kill Curan. Indeed, Aidan believed Karyl could hold his own against any average sword expert in a one-on-one fight. However, the Guidance Mercenary Gang was on a completely different level.

They were the most formidable swordsmen on the continent. If one were to ask who among the five existing sword masters was the strongest, the unanimous answer would undoubtedly be Kuwell MacGovern. Aidan thought the same. But if the question was about overall combat prowess, rather than just pure swordsmanship, the answer might change.

In such a scenario, the name that would come to mind as the only person capable of standing a chance against Kuwell MacGovern was none other than Gordon Fabian.

Gordon Fabian was the leader of the Guidance Mercenary Gang and one of the five sword masters. His reputation came not just from his skill but also from his monstrous strength. The tale of him tearing an ogre's head in two with his bare hands was well-known across the continent.

While reaching the realm of a sword master might make such a feat seem easy, Gordon Fabian had done it solely through his raw physical strength, without relying on magic. The fact that he possessed magic in addition to his formidable strength was enough to instill despair in those who aspired to master the sword.

What is he thinking...? Aidan couldn't fathom Karyl's intentions, his gaze fixed upon him a puzzled expression.

"We have about a week more to go. Time is of the essence, so make sure to rest whenever you can."

Karyl spoke of the Guidance Mercenary Gang's base—something that was unknown even to the royal court—as if he were simply returning home. He even had the gall to estimate the time it would take.

***

Aiden Hamil was at a loss of words. The week Karyl mentioned passed in an instant, as they relentlessly rode south. The journey had been grueling, with little rest and everyone's condition worsening. But now, all that became insignificant as, after Karyl’s precise estimate, he beheld the gargantuan fortress along with its majestic splendor.

No wonder it couldn't be found. Who would have thought that the elusive Mercenary Gang was based in such an unbelievable location? Aidan felt an overwhelming urge to report this discovery.

If I could just secure a contract with the Guidance Mercenary Gang... no matter the cost, it would undoubtedly change the landscape of the continent. But... How does this kid know such an important secret?

Sensing Aiden’s thoughts, Karyl’s lips widened into a grin. Stop worrying already. Just the fact that I’m here already eliminates any chance Olivurn had. Moreover, the method I'm about to use is something he could never do.

Even if Olivurn were to somehow learn about my plan, the Guidance Mercenary Gang's base would vanish within two days. Aiden gulped nervously as he stared at the imposing fortress. Suddenly the ground beneath the three of them quaked, it was as if the fortress itself was moving towards them.

And indeed, there it was. That's the airship of the Guidance Mercenary Gang... Seeing it in person is really different, huh? This is why their base couldn't be found. How could anyone have thought that a mere Mercenary Gang had something that even the empire lacked? Aiden thought, turning his gaze away from the moving fortress and onto Karyl.

"It’s no wonder it couldn’t be found. The airship only descends to the ground in order to resupply only for 14 days out of 365."

Though Karyl said it casually, the real mystery lay not in the airship's existence, but rather in how he even came to know about this secretive landing site.

It's been a while, Karyl thought to himself as he looked at the fortress, a sense of fresh nostalgia washing over him. Oh wait, from his perspective, isn’t this a first? Without hesitation, Karyl strode confidently towards the fortress.

***

"Who are you? What brings you here?" a voice demanded.

"Perhaps the better question is how, don't you think? Aren't you more curious about how someone discovered the hidden supply location of the notorious Guidance Mercenary Gang? A location so carefully hidden away from the continent?"

"You bastard..." Two guards positioned at the entrance of a cliff spoke with caution lacing their words.

It was very strange, as it was pretty clear that this intruder wasn't just someone who had lost his way. The sound of swords being unsheathed filled the air. "State your purpose."

The Guidance Mercenary Gang, as elusive as they were, had an equally unusual method for accepting assignments. Given the scale of the tasks they undertook, such as exterminating monsters or participating in international conflicts, all communication was done strictly through letters managed by the branches in each country. Even the empire, known as the strongest on the continent, adhered to this secrecy.

It was bizarre then, for a mere child to stand before them, unfazed by the swords pointed at him.

An airship crafted by ancient dwarves. Indeed, its performance is exceptional enough to evade even the surveillance of the Wyvern Squadron of the principality. Yet, it's not perfect. The reason it descends to the ground for 14 days each year isn't solely supplies but rather for the airship itself.

"I've come to see Captain Gordon. I have a request for him.

The guards exchanged uncertain glances, confused as to how to respond to Karyl's request. Even within the renowned Guidance Mercenary Gang, the chain of command was strict, and as a result, the guards weren’t sure how to handle such an unexpected visit.

Then, all of a sudden, a cheerful voice came from within the fortress.

"If you know so much about the Guidance Mercenary Gang, surely you know that we only accept requests through our branches."

Karyl looked up. He is... The Vice Captain of the Guidance Mercenary Gang, Jaygun.

His bright blonde hair and noble demeanor seemed out of place for someone serving under a Captain known for his brute strength, it was more akin to what one might expect of a noble from the capital. The guards quickly bowed their heads upon his arrival.

Indeed, he carries himself with a certain dignity. Karyl thought, his lips widening into a grin.

Jaygun Luke. He had first seen him in his previous life, at the royal palace. He is a traitor.

Despite being shrouded in secrecy, could such a massive fortress truly remain hidden from all eyes, especially from the empire?

It's because there was an implicit understanding between certain nations.

Why? Because they needed their strength, a power too potent for any one place to possess. The moment Gordon Fabian died, the Guidance Mercenary Gang immediately landed their airship and pledged their loyalty to the empire. That meant Gordon had already been in league with the empire while he was alive.

However, judging by Aiden's expression, it seemed this secret wasn't known even to the princes.

Perhaps... It’s someone close to the emperor. Well, someone like Gordon would have turned a blind eye to it, even knowing that......

Though the emperor still held the reins of power, he too, would be well aware of the empire's situation and would need to decide whom to ally with. After all, Mercenary Gangs were driven by money.

"I've come to strike a deal with the Captain," Karyl declared, slowly raising his head. But before that, I'll make my move. This life won't go according to the empire’s wishes.

"Hmm." Jaygun raised his eyebrows ever so slightly at Karyl's words, his interest piqued.

A deal not with the mercenary gang but directly with the Captain. To meet Gordon Fabian was to risk one's life.

The audacity of the young boy seemed to pique his interest, making him mutter in a low voice, "Interesting."

Jaygun then rang a bell on the airship's wall.

"Vice Captain?" The sound of the bell reverberated, catching everyone by surprise.

Is he letting in an unidentified group without any explanation?

Before everyone could finish that thought, the doors of the airship fortress opened, revealing the Mercenary Gang inside, each pointing their sharp weapons at him.

They're confident. Karyl looked at them, and nodded in satisfaction.

***

"How audacious, you came here on your own accord."

Inside a massive office, grand enough to rival the Emperor's palace, a splendid throne stood in the center. Gordon, resting his chin on his arm, welcomed the strangers who had found their fortress.

"In the three decades since the establishment of the Guidance Mercenary Gang, you're the first to come directly to our doorstep. Sit down."

The floor of the office lacked cushions, but the imposing presence of Gordon made it seem almost out of place to expect any. Looking up at Gordon from the throne, Karyl couldn’t help but think, he died of a chronic illness in my previous life, so this is my first time seeing him in person, but... He's far more monstrous than I imagined.

The leather armor he wore seemed to swell with each breath, as if the man himself was a force of nature. One might wonder if he even needed armor at all.

It would be hard to predict the outcome if he fought against Father.

Even Karyl, upon seeing him in person, doubted whether Kuwell could truly defeat this monster of a man. Standing over two meters tall, Gordon possessed a massive stature brimming filled with a fighting spirit despite his age.

Karyl felt his palms grow sweaty. Am I nervous? He might have been hailed as the Sword Saint in his previous life, but that was still years into the future.

At twelve years of age, it was only natural to tremble before the monster before him. This is certainly a different kind of pressure than from Father. Gordon made no effort to conceal or temper his fighting spirit.

"Hmm..." Gordon closely observed Karyl, who remained seated.

"You," Gordon was a man who had survived countless battlefields and adversities. "What are you?"

Just a single word, yet it sent a shiver down their spines.

As if in response, Aiden Hamil and Suan Hazer instinctively stood up and took a defensive posture, their breathing tense with anticipation. No one laughed at their reaction; responding to killing intent was a testament to their capabilities.

Unlike the two, Karyl remained seated, facing Gordon’s killing intent head-on. Intrigued, Gordon couldn't help but keep his eyes on him, intrigued.

"Have you lost your fear, or are you just bold...?" Gordon smirked at Karyl. "Regardless, you're the first of your kind I've met. What is it that you want?"

"I want to hire your subordinates."

Gordon nodded ever so slightly. "You do know that the services of the Guidance Mercenary Gang do not come cheap, right?"

"Of course I do. In exchange, I'll give you something worth more than all your subordinates combined."

"What did you say?" Gordon frowned slightly at his words. "You hear that? Seems this little guy thinks your worth to be quite amusing."

The members of the Mercenary Gang glared at Karyl, their eyes hungry and ready to devour him at a moment’s notice. But Karyl remained unfazed. The mercenaries, each proud of their own skills and the reputation of the gang, did not take his comment lightly.

"For 365 days a year," but Karyl offered a condition that could sway them. "I'll ensure your airship can stay afloat in the sky."