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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 10
Chapter Title: Mercenary World (2)
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Having lived countless lives, I'd naturally gone through just as many ordeals.
Thanks to that, I'd met all sorts of people and passed through innumerable groups.
One thing I'd learned from all those experiences?
No matter the organization, there were always scum like this—pathetic, utterly foolish humans.
"You, ugh?!"
His name was... Marvin, right? Whatever.
The other two finally reacted, scrambling to their feet and grabbing their weapons.
I just pressed my sword even closer to the guy's eye, baring my teeth as I spoke.
"Don't you think eyes that can't judge people properly are unnecessary? Right? Or maybe it's that tongue of yours that's the issue? Since we're already at it, I'll let you pick one."
"Get your hand off him right..."
"I'm talking to Marvin, so shut your trap. If you two want to head into the dungeon instead, I might even lend a hand."
"Urk...!"
"Or how about we play for keeps? I don't care if all three of you rush me at once. Might drop to two the second we start, though. What do you say? Gonna show me that hotshot skill of yours?"
Even with my blatant taunts, none of them could stand up to me properly.
No matter how much skill befitting A-rank mercenaries they had, their pathetic antics kept them rooted in place.
These guys never changed, no matter how many times I saw them. It was almost nostalgic.
I was seriously considering teaching at least one of them a lesson when a voice interrupted.
"Ervin, could you ease up a bit?"
Herman, the branch chief, said it without moving an inch from his spot.
His tone and demeanor showed no real intent to stop the fight—and honestly, there wasn't any.
Brawls like this were commonplace in the mercenary world, and even if something happened to this trio, it wouldn't derail the expedition plans.
He was probably just speaking up to avoid the hassle of cleanup as the one in charge.
I sheathed my sword, turned, and gave Herman a light nod.
"Sorry for interrupting the proceedings."
"No harm done. Take your seat again."
With that, Herman tuned out completely, signaling he was done intervening.
The other mercenaries did the same. If anything, they weren't hiding their disappointment that the fight hadn't broken out.
Most mercenaries thrived on the rowdy chaos, after all.
My mentor Douglas was no different.
"Couldn't you have at least poked out an eye? Seeing you provoke him and then let your guard down like that—you won't last long. Helping you retire early wouldn't be so bad."
He was the one who'd drilled into me: Never let your opponent look down on you. Hit back harder than they hit you. In this line of work, the winner takes all.
If I'd let such blatant provocation slide, he'd be throwing a fit.
Not that I disagreed with him—I'd acted accordingly...
"Didn't want things getting too noisy and delaying our departure."
"Hahaha, fair enough. You did mention leaving your daughter home alone. Good reason."
Douglas laughed heartily, clapping a hand on my shoulder and lowering his voice.
"Still, those fools don't know their place. If you want, I can step in for you. As party leader, it's my job anyway—no need to worry."
"No, thank you, but I'm good. Can't bother a senior over trash like that. I can handle them solo."
"Right, right. Knew you had it covered. Haha."
Douglas chuckled again, thumping my shoulder a few times before turning away.
The trio was glaring daggers at me, just as expected, but I ignored them. Right on cue, Herman cleared his throat and addressed the room.
"We'll depart in about thirty minutes. If you're not here by then, we'll consider your contract forfeit. Any questions beyond what I've said, come see me."
No one approached Herman as he headed back to the counter for a breather.
Everyone here was a battle-hardened mercenary, after all.
Douglas glanced around at them, stroking his chin with a puzzled look.
"Speaking of which, that's surprising. A natural-born warrior like you—I figured you'd sign up for the deep dive."
"Eh, the reason's obvious."
I felt a twinge of pleasure at his high praise and made a circle with my thumb and forefinger.
"Money makes the world go 'round."
"Ah, got it. Yeah, can't be helped. Raising a kid solo ain't easy."
"Plus, I'm hoping to snag a gift for Lize."
"Haha, dungeon souvenirs for your daughter? Word of advice: Won't hear good things about it."
His tone carried the weight of experience.
Dungeons were definitely weird spots for kid gifts, if you thought about it normally.
Lize had been sword-obsessed lately, so on the way back, I'd grab something else too.
"I get it, but it's a shame. Wanted to see your skills up close."
"Just got the skills fitting an A-rank, that's all."
"Once the low-level survey wraps, come find me. I'll make room as leader. Ah, if your daughter allows it, that is."
Some things never changed with him—he never listened.
I nodded ambiguously in response, but I had zero intention of following him.
Job done, straight home. No reason to crawl back into that hellhole.
He probably didn't mean it seriously anyway.
...Probably.
We killed time chatting idly until departure neared.
A few like me or Douglas had brought their own horses, but most boarded the guild-provided wagons.
From here, it'd take... about two hours, right?
Miss Lize already.
I missed her bad enough already, but for a brief moment of respite...
"Rookie, why the low levels?"
Some lives wouldn't stay quiet no matter what.
Isaac spurred his horse over the moment we set off, grinning toothily.
I really didn't want to get tangled with him.
Unlike the others, he wasn't someone I could brush off easily.
"Scouting relics in the shallows."
I gave a vague answer to avoid more hassle—ignoring him outright would've been worse.
Not that it was a lie.
My real goal was claiming the Majeriol Hero's Tomb's key relics first, faster than anyone.
Anyone dungeon-savvy would react the same if I said it outright.
"Relics are way better from the depths. This ain't your first dungeon. Just hit A-rank, huh? Nah, that's not it."
Isaac stroked his chin thoughtfully, then narrowed his eyes sharply.
"You know something, don't you? Volunteering for low levels—only one reason comes to mind."
"Cut me some slack as a single dad raising his daughter."
"Ah, so that's why you're with the old man..."
I'd spotted an escape route, but another snake lurked there.
Even playing dumb, he sniffed out the vibe perfectly—same as always.
Clung like a leech till his curiosity was sated, too.
This was exactly why I avoided him.
But I had backup now to rein him in.
"Enough. Keep that up, and your rep stays in the gutter."
"Why care about reps? More importantly, old man, you really like this kid, huh? Mind if I test his skills?"
"I said no bullying. Play at your level, rookie."
"Hmph. To me, he's S-rank material. Smells different from the rest, no matter how he hides it. Call it a newbie exam."
I wasn't even thinking S-rank—back off already.
Same old annoying bastard, past and present.
Something to hook his interest...
"That spear—hasn't it seen some years?"
"Hm? Oh, yeah. Haven't found better."
He drew it out, and sure enough, it bore the marks of age.
Edge was still sharp, but wanting better was natural.
And timing was perfect.
"I'll get you something superior... if you leave me alone?"
"..."
Isaac clamped his mouth shut, eyes widening slightly at me.
That was his rare shocked face—one of the few times that smirking mouth closed.
But it was fleeting. Soon, his gaze sharpened like a spear tip.
"Thought you were a fool, but damn, you hide your claws well. Now I get why the old man's so chummy."
"No more chit-chat. Yes or no? Ideally, the painless way."
"Hah, fine. Bring me a spear worth my time. I'll pay proper. But."
"Break it, and we spar? Deal."
Snatching his line, he bared his teeth in a feral grin.
Then spurred away without another word, back to his spot.
Underestimating Isaac without grasping the full party lineup was a mistake.
Nah—might be a win.
If it kept him off my back, worth it.
"If that idiot picks a dumb fight, I'll back you."
"Thanks. No gift to return—invite you home?"
"Sounds good. Pinel, right? I'll swing by post-expedition."
Joking, but he accepted eagerly.
To onlookers, it looked like bonding. For me, it was all for Lize.
Wanted the sword master's eyes on her talent.
And maybe some casual pointers.
...
...Alright, fine. Bragging about my daughter was the goal.
Anyone got beef with me hyping Lize? Step up.
Not even a full day yet, and I was going nuts missing her.
If I could use magic, I'd pop home quick—but sadly, this body rejected it entirely.
"Ugh, seriously..."
Douglas stepped away to chat with someone else. I'd been reminiscing about Lize peacefully, but irritation bubbled up fast.
Prickling stares from the wagon behind wouldn't quit.
No need to check—the trio, obviously.
Just wanted a quick dungeon dip and out. Why so many pests?
If they were dumb enough to think they could jump me inside without witnesses...
No.
Like slapping someone begging to cry?
I bared my teeth in a savage grin.