NOVEL NEXT Chapter 659
“For the sake of justice!”
When Yulien heard that they were registering a mercenary group named after themselves, only one word echoed in his head.
‘Embarrassing!’
Moreover, the one leading the group was Ghislaine. He couldn’t fathom why it was named after himself.
Yulien stammered a question.
“G-Ghislaine? Why are we naming the mercenary group that?”
“Because we have to.”
To Ghislaine, it was a matter of course. Yulien should grow up boldly. The center of the world must unconditionally be Yulien.
He was the hero destined to save this world.
If Deneb just properly awakened, the people of the world would naturally bow down and serve her.
However, for Yulien to become a hero, he had to make a name for himself and showcase his true abilities.
Deneb and Kyle burst into laughter upon hearing the name of the mercenary group.
“I think it’s fine?”
“Yeah. Ghislaine will leave later, right? You do it. I’ll pass it on to you.”
Though it was embarrassing, Yulien couldn’t refuse anymore. This was because Ghislaine’s staff was waving right in front of him.
From spending a few days with Ghislaine, Yulien realized one thing: Ghislaine was someone who didn’t make sense. He always insisted that he was right.
Unable to win against Ghislaine, Yulien slumped his shoulders in defeat.
The manager guided the group to an open space and said to Ghislaine.
“We can only provide a mid-level rating. Beyond that, there’s no one who can test you. For a higher rating, you’ll need to go to a large city.”
“Well, that’s enough for now.”
“You could get the highest grade if you’re at the 5th Circle… Are you a 5th Circle Master?”
“Not quite, I’m just at the entry level.”
The manager tilted his head, sounding as if he was relaying what he had heard from someone else.
“Well, even if it’s the entry level, it can still be considered high grade. Can you show us some 5th Circle magic?”
Ghislaine put on a displeased expression.
“Hey, are you really asking for more magic after seeing my terrifying lance of magical power?”
“Ah, no. I can tell you have skill, but I need to know the circles precisely…”
The manager, sweating profusely, didn’t back down. He knew well that mages were eccentric and timid, but he had to get confirmation.
“Sigh… This really is an untrustworthy world.”
Ghislaine shook his head a few times and took out the lance of magical power again. This time, instead of creating several small ones, he focused his magic into a single, gigantic lance.
Upon seeing that, the manager was taken aback. Just looking at it gave off a sense of immense power.
“W-Wow… That’s really incredible! I’ll give you the highest grade we can issue here. But the circles need to be engraved on the mercenary badge… Is this 5th Circle magic?”
“Of course it is.”
“Could you show us a more famous spell that I don’t know?”
“No way.”
“Why not?”
“My magic… once cast, it’s bound to draw blood.”
“…”
Ghislaine didn’t understand magic. So no matter how much he was asked to show it, he couldn’t.
However, the manager was quite persistent.
“No, I need to engrave the circles!”
“…I refuse.”
“You can’t refuse!”
“…”
As Ghislaine remained silent and pretended not to hear, the manager, frustrated, pounded his chest.
“Is it hard because it’s 5th Circle magic? Does it consume too much mana? Then how about showing us 4th Circle magic?”
“…”
“3rd Circle! You can show us something simple from the 3rd Circle, right?”
“…”
“Alright! 2nd Circle! Just show us a Fireball! Just 2nd Circle can give you a mid-level mercenary badge!”
“…”
“1st Circle! 1st Circle Light should be okay, right? Does Light also need to draw blood?”
The manager’s stubbornness flared up, insisting he needed to see at least 1st Circle magic.
However, Ghislaine gritted his teeth and continued to pretend not to hear. He would never lose a battle of wills.
Eventually, the manager’s suspicion exploded.
“Hey! Are you even a mage?”
Ka-boom!
The lance of magical power that Ghislaine summoned smashed one side of the building next to the open space. The sudden demonstration of force startled the manager.
Ghislaine frowned deeply and said,
“What else would this be if not magic?”
“Ah, no, it’s magic alright! I just wanted something else to show because I need to write the circles…”
“I don’t want to show it more because you keep doubting me.”
Ghislaine insisted stubbornly. To be honest, he really wanted to show off, but he just couldn’t.
Fortunately, the widely spread image of mages in society really helped. It was a relief that the perception of mages hadn’t changed for a thousand years.
The manager was teary-eyed.
‘Seriously, mages are all kind of off.’
In the end, Ghislaine managed to receive a mid-level mercenary badge marked 5th Circle.
Although the upper grade couldn’t be issued here, being marked as 5th Circle would ensure recognition wherever they went.
“Let me see the others. I’ve called for mid-level mercenaries, so please wait a moment.”
Ghislaine shook his head.
“These guys can use mana. They’re at the knight level.”
“What? Seriously? They look so young!”
“I’m serious. You can check.”
“If it’s real, then there’s no need for a duel.”
Normally, mercenaries would assess their rank through duels. Since there were mid-level mercenaries here, they would be able to verify that rank.
However, those who could use mana didn’t need to duel. The fact that they could use mana alone proved their skills.
Even knights could become bandits in this era. There were quite a few mercenaries who could use mana.
However, most of them were middle-aged people who had experienced many hardships. It was rare for young and promising ones to be mercenaries.
The manager opened his eyes wide in disbelief and waved his hands.
“L-Let’s see!”
Upon hearing that, Yulien drew his sword and infused mana into it. Kyle did the same.
A bluish mana enveloped their swords. Even if the 5th Circle magic couldn’t be verified, the manager could definitely tell that this was mana.
“Y-You’re serious? How could such young guys…”
One claimed to be at the 5th Circle, and the other two were mana users. Rare talents had come to the mercenary guild.
The manager smiled widely.
“Great, great. I’ll issue mid-level badges to both of you.”
The manager started to act friendly with them. Mages were eccentric, and he didn’t want to get close to them, but those with such skills were different.
Connections were important among mercenaries. There was no downside to getting close to young and promising friends.
While the manager was making a fuss, Ghislaine pointed to Deneb and said,
“Give that one a mercenary badge too. As a mid-level.”
The manager blinked.
“That person looks… like a priest?”
“Yeah, let’s not bother with tests anymore.”
“Wait a second, can a priest register as a mercenary?”
“Why not?”
Deneb also blinked in surprise. There was no law in the church that forbade being a mercenary.
Of course, there wouldn’t be. No priest would ever do something as ridiculous as that.
However, throughout history, there had been those who helped others with the money earned after taking on jobs.
If they insisted they were mercenaries, they could definitely be called mercenaries.
The manager, confused, said,
“Then, how should we determine the rank…?”
The criteria for determining ranks in mercenary guilds varied slightly by kingdom and city.
This place borrowed standards from other large cities’ mercenary guilds. But there had been no criteria for priests in that guild either.
Ghislaine nonchalantly said,
“I told you I want it as mid-level. If she can use Divine Power, it’s enough.”
“C-Could I see the Divine Power?”
At the manager’s words, Deneb reached out her hand. A faint but bright light began to emanate.
The manager, bathed in that light, felt his fatigue gradually lift. It was undeniably real Divine Power.
‘Incredible!’
Whether the Divine Power was weak or strong didn’t matter. The fact that someone who could use Divine Power was joining the mercenary group was what mattered.
Two knight-level swordsmen and one priest, along with a seemingly powerful but deranged mage. The group was small but quite well-rounded.
Moreover, they were all young. If they continued to develop their skills and survived, they would undoubtedly become an extraordinary mercenary group.
The manager, acting even friendlier, extended his hand to Ghislaine.
“My name is Jackson. I’ll issue the mercenary badges right away. The group registration will be done soon too. Let’s get along well from now on, alright?”
“Haven’t we already been getting along? Anyway, let’s get along.”
Ghislaine readily shook his hand. Jackson immediately turned to Yulien and Kyle, bowing as he asked for their hands too.
It seemed that the mage, claiming to be the vice captain, was handling the practical stuff, but the captain was, after all, Yulien.
After the tests were done, Jackson brought out light refreshments.
“The making of the mercenary badges will take a little time. Do you want me to find you some requests?”
“Sure, I’d prefer something that pays well.”
To say it pays well means it’s that much more dangerous. The more dangerous it is, the more they can improve their skills. It also helps in quickly gaining fame.
Jackson showed a list of requests currently available in the mercenary guild.
Ghislaine skimmed the list and frowned, feeling unsatisfied.
“Eww, they all seem mediocre. Is there nothing more dangerous?”
Jackson looked slightly troubled.
“Hmm, there are no significantly lucrative jobs right now. Surely nothing dangerous would pop up in this town?”
This was a small city. Most requests for mercenaries were just for nearby guards or escorts.
“Tsk, I guess I’ll have to wait a few days. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll just do the escort work and move to another city.”
“Even if you wait, I doubt there will be any jobs that meet your demands. It’s your first request, so how about handling a reasonable request while gaining experience?”
“Nah! If I want to get famous quickly, I need a job that’s both profitable and intense.”
“Tsk tsk, I’ve seen a lot of guys who meet their end that way.”
Though Jackson clicked his tongue, Ghislaine didn’t budge. He was someone who did things decisively.
Ghislaine and his party spent several days at the mercenary guild, eating meals and even training in the open space like they owned the place.
Although Jackson hinted that it was time to go, Ghislaine insisted he was there to receive requests.
Of course, if he behaved too brazenly, bad rumors could spread, so Ghislaine casually handed over some money as a usage fee. Thus, Jackson reluctantly let them stay.
On one of those days, someone stormed into the mercenary guild.
“Mercenary! I’m looking for a mercenary!”
A young man entered the guild. He had a gentle and soft demeanor. His clothes were a bit dirty but made of quite luxurious material.
“What do you need?”
Jackson asked, stepping forward, and the man hurriedly spoke.
“I need a great warrior to step into a duel. Please introduce me to a skilled mercenary.”
“A duel? Could it be… the Rax Merchant Group? Is it going to be Prince Rio of the Rax Merchant Group?”
“Y-Yes, that’s right! Has the rumor already spread this far?”
Jackson frowned, looking regretful.
“We’ll accept the request, but no one will likely step up.”
“T-There isn’t much time left. Isn’t there a skilled mercenary?”
Jackson glanced back, noticing Ghislaine and his crew finishing up their training and sitting at a table eating.
The food had been brought over by a staff member from the nearby inn.
‘Seriously… what is this place? It’s like a restaurant…’
While mumbling to himself, Ghislaine approached and asked,
“What’s going on?”
“We’re looking for someone to go into a duel.”
“A duel?”
“Yeah, that merchant group has gotten into a squabble with a lord. So the lord has called for a great warrior to duel… well, it is indeed the kind of risky thing you like.”
“That isn’t the kind of risk I desire. These duels aren’t even really helpful.”
Ghislaine quickly lost interest.
What he wanted were jobs involving violent fights, not some political risks. Those were just tiring and a pain in the neck.
Moreover, in such a small territory, it would be tough to even improve skills through a duel.
Rio, catching Jackson’s attention, implored,
“Please, find a skilled mercenary for us. There’s not much time left.”
“Uh… I’ll take the request, but getting involved with the lord… well…”
“We’re the wronged party. The lord is falsely accusing us and putting us in a tight spot. If people hear our story, surely someone will help us.”
Even as Rio pleaded for compassion, Jackson awkwardly shook his head with a forced smile.
“I’ll at least talk to the mercenaries, but it won’t be easy. Please be prepared for that.”
“Whaaaah…”
In the end, Rio broke down and began to cry. Seeing that, Deneb quietly commented.
“It seems… this person is suffering an injustice…”
“Tch, here we go again. That’s his side of the story. You have to listen to both sides to know for sure.”
“Y-Yeah?”
“Exactly. People can only speak from their own perspective. It’s impossible to know if they are truly wronged or if they’re just making excuses. If you’re going to intervene, you should have a clear understanding of both sides first.”
Ghislaine professed earnestly. No matter what others said, he was proud that he always acted rationally.
Hearing their conversation, Rio shouted out in frustration.
“We are truly wronged! It’s a false accusation! Don’t speak like that if you won’t help!”
Ghislaine clicked his tongue and shook his head. He had met many different people while working as a mercenary.
Among them were a lot of greedy individuals. Whenever they faced trouble, they would always scream that they were the victims.
Now was an even harsher time than the future. He couldn’t just trust one-sided statements.
Yulien, Deneb, and Kyle admired Ghislaine’s icy demeanor.
Until now, they hadn’t thought this way. When others asked for help, they were only busy rushing to assist.
‘That’s definitely Ghislaine.’
‘We need to learn that level-headedness.’
‘What if the merchant group really did something wrong?’
While the three were lost in admiration, Rio continued to wail.
“Waaah! Is there really no justice in this world?!”
Rio truly looked wronged. With such a gentle and good natured face, it was heartbreaking for everyone watching him.
Yulien and Deneb bit their lips as they watched him.
They wanted to help. They wanted to resolve this person’s troubles.
But both of them held back. Had they not promised Ghislaine not to act like fools anymore?
Jackson helped Rio to his feet. It seemed like the Rax Merchant Group was bound to fall apart soon.
“Alright, I’ll at least see if I can find someone. If you’re in a hurry, maybe you should try somewhere else.”
With a defeated expression, Rio replied,
“I don’t have more than a week left. When am I going to go elsewhere to search?”
“I truly wish I could assist, but I can’t.”
With Jackson’s gentle refusal, Rio murmured as if resigned.
“If only we had discovered a ‘gold mine’ on our land…”
Hearing that, Ghislaine suddenly perked up.
“Wait, a gold mine?”
“Y-Yes! Part of the gold mine on our territory overlaps with our land. The lord is trying to take it and falsely accused us…”
Ghislaine took a step closer, grabbing Rio’s hand tightly.
“How painful it must have been under the tyranny of such a wicked lord.”
“Huh?”
“We are a mercenary group that only does righteous work. Our goal is to eliminate evil. After hearing your story, it seems like you’ve truly suffered injustice.”
“Huh? Earlier you…?”
“Ah, we will assist you.”
At those words, Rio’s eyes widened in surprise. Ghislaine smiled brightly at the astonished Rio.
“For the sake of justice.”