The Third-Rate Academy Villain Who Refuses to Become a Beggar

"That's true."

"Are you trying to become a mercenary?"

"I wanted to experience mercenary work during the vacation."

"Mercenaries sure seem easy to everyone. Every Tom, Ditch, and Harry wants to become a mercenary for fun."

Barosu's lips twisted upward. Just as Aint's brow twitched, he continued.

"But you're not just anyone, so I understand. Hey."

"Yes, yes! Mr. Barosu!"

The guide, recognizing Barosu, answered in a tense voice.

"He doesn't need to take the test. This friend is the runner-up of the academy's first year. You can register him directly as Level 3."

"Runner-up, you say?"

"Yes, his skills are certain."

Thanks to Barosu's testimony, the mercenary registration was completed in an instant. A silver tag with the number 3 engraved on it was placed in Aint's hand.

"Thanks, that was easy because of you."

"No need to thank me. With your skills, it would have been just a matter of sooner or later anyway. If you're done, please move aside. I have business to attend to."

"Sure."

As Aint stepped aside slightly, Barosu immediately took his place.

"Where's the Abelar Subjugation request?"

"Are you planning to participate in that?"

"Yes. I plan to lead the entire mercenary band."

"With your direct participation, this subjugation will surely succeed. I'll register Barosu and the entire Black Spear Mercenary Band."

"Thanks."

After finishing the registration in an instant, Barosu stood up.

"If you're looking for mercenary work worth doing, you should also join the Abelar Subjugation. With your skills, it wouldn't be bad."

"What exactly is that?"

"Get the details directly through the guild."

Barosu brushed past Aint and left. Aint sat down in front of the guide again.

"Abelar Subjugation? What is that?"

"It's a domain that has been devastated by rampaging monsters. The domain has now become a monster's lair, with an estimated number of monsters nesting there close to five hundred."

Therefore, the Kingdom of Pragia had made a large-scale request to the mercenary guild, and so far, about three hundred mercenaries had applied to participate.

"It's dangerous, but the reward promised by Pragia is quite substantial, and above all, a gorgon has been discovered."

"A gorgon?"

A gorgon was a monster with horns on its head and its entire body covered with metal scales harder than steel.

Its front legs resembled those of a lion with sharp claws, and its tail was made of a snake—a large beast.

It was undoubtedly a formidable opponent.

But it was also popular because its carcass could fetch a large sum of money.

"That's why as many as three hundred mercenaries have gathered."

<That's very tempting.>

<A gorgon is a stronger monster than an ogre, and with hundreds of monsters, a chaotic battle will unfold. It's perfectly suitable for experiencing war.>

With Gardner's comment, Aint nodded.

"Then, can I also participate in that?"

"Of course. The participation restriction is Level 3 or higher, so Aint, as a Level 3 mercenary, is absolutely welcome."

That day, Aint received the request for the Abelar Subjugation.

It was exactly the request that Gerhard had seen through the prophecy book, where Aint would encounter the demon species.

***

The gathering place for the subjugation force was a place called Ginchef.

A small barony that lived in daily anxiety due to its proximity to Abelar, which had been devastated.

Three hundred mercenaries and five hundred royal soldiers gathered in one place.

Waaaaa—

The domain residents cheered for the subjugation force that had gathered to eliminate the source of their anxiety.

"Level 3 mercenary, Aint. Identity confirmed."

Aint, after being confirmed by the receptionist, joined the ranks. The mercenaries, sprawled everywhere in a level that could hardly be called orderly, were munching on the meat and bread they had been given.

"Please come this way for meals. Let's fill your stomach substantially before heading into battle."

Aint went to the meal station, received his ration, and sat down on any chair to eat. It wasn't particularly good.

'I realize once again how excellent the academy's dining halls were.'

<Of course. They've gathered the best talents; they can't feed them cheap food.>

That's when it happened.

"It doesn't seem to suit your taste."

Someone sat down beside him.

"Barosu."

"So even the great bloodline has refined taste, it seems."

"I'm just not used to it. But who are these people?"

It wasn't just Barosu who sat nearby. Thirty mercenaries. The aura they emitted was quite impressive.

"My subordinate mercenary band. The Gray Spear Mercenary Band is quite famous in this industry."

He had heard of them.

A mercenary band formed by mercenaries chosen by the Mercenary King for his disciple.

Since its establishment, it had handled more than dozens of requests but had never failed once.

"You don't know much about mercenary work, right?"

"Naturally, since it's my first time."

"If you want, you can join us and move together."

"What? Is that okay?"

Barosu nonchalantly tore into the meat.

"You won't be a burden, and you're an Armian."

"If you're looking at my family, there's nothing to it now."

"But I don't think it will continue to be nothing."

"On what basis?"

"The basis that you went from 38th to runner-up in one semester. The basis that you beat me."

I'm just extending a hand to be friendly.

"I only believe in the skills I've experienced. And you beat me. I really like strong individuals. And someone who has set foot in the mercenary industry is also a fellow mercenary."

With a smile full of goodwill, Aint pondered for a moment.

<It's not a bad idea to accept. As you said, they're veteran mercenaries, so there will be much to learn.>

<While you would be considered strong anywhere on the continent, you never know what might happen in the field.>

<Especially since it's your first time, I think it's good to be prepared for any contingency.>

"But will it be okay? The prince won't like it."

"Even the imperial family can't touch me."

<How arrogant. How dare he insult the imperial family?>

'It's not Armian but Schwaben.'

Aint calmed Gardner, who was getting agitated.

"In that case..."

"Great, Aint. It seems we can get along well."

Barosu shook hands with Aint, smiling brightly.