Eran, a young man with a sharp gaze, entered the group camp near the entrance of Alku Village. He looked disheveled, worn out from having just completed his solo mission.
It had been three years since Eran joined the Band of de Sun. It didn't take long for him to prove himself as a valuable person to the group. His skill with both daggers and his stunning speed, combined with his keen instincts and brilliant fighting skills, contributed greatly to the group's missions. When on the field of battle, Eran became one of the figures that the other members relied on.
With the addition of Eran, for three years the Band of de Sun became stronger and more efficient in carrying out their missions as mercenaries.
They completed mission after mission in various places. Their rise as a skilled and reliable mercenary group attracted the attention of many rulers across the continent. Tales of their bravery and brilliance spread quickly, bringing about the Band of de Sun's ever-increasing reputation.
"Hey look who's here," said one of the Band of de Sun.
"Eran!"
The soldiers immediately surrounded him.
"What's with your appearance, my friend? It's so messed up."
"Ah, you guys never mind, here Take a some meat," Eran said as he handed over a large bundle.
"Wahh, you're the best Eran."
After that Eran visited Theo's camp. The golden-haired man smiled when he saw Eran.
"Am I disturbing you?" asked Eran.
"I guessed right, it was you. I was just about to come to you."
Eran was tired, so he sat down on a rock that was used as a chair.
"What's wrong? You look messy, did the mission fail?" asked Theo.
Eran let out a long breath. Then threw a large bag filled with gold coins. The payment for the mission Eran completed.
"I'm so tired," Eran complained.
"Was the mission difficult?" asked Theo.
"There was no problem with the mission, but there is something I want to tell you."
"Hmm...What is it?" Theo knew he was getting serious.
"Wait, where are the others?"
"Taneaya and Catallina are in the village, the others I don't know, they seem to be hunting animals," Theo explained.
"Good, here, take a look," Eran handed Theo a leaflet. Then Theo looked at it.
"Cult extermination mission in Hollowfield village," Theo said, reading the contents.
"I found the leaflet on the mission announcement wall in Starastok city after I took the reward from the guild, it was pierced with other leaflets," explained Eran.
"It's just a mission leaflet from the village of Hollowfield, there's nothing strange about it other than the date it came out three years ago," said Theo.
"You know, something interesting happened..."
"What was it?" asked Theo curiously.
"On the way home, when I left the city, I was followed by 5 city guard soldiers, then when I reached a deserted road they intercepted me."
Theo was surprised when he heard Eran's explanation.
"Continue?" Theo asked curiously.
"They asked me to hand over the leaflet, but I refused, and you know what happened, they attacked me," explained Eran.
"Did you kill everyone?" asked Theo. Eran rubbed his face.
"No, I managed to take down 3 of them, and then when I fought the rest I was overwhelmed. When I had a chance to avoid the fight I ran away, but they kept chasing me until I finally decided to jump into the Tossing Rill River," Eran rubbed his forehead and then continued, "It seems they are not ordinary soldiers, they are very strong."
Theo paused for a moment to think. He couldn't believe that Eran was overwhelmed, meaning that what Eran was facing was no ordinary soldier. "Do you remember their characteristics?"
Eran rubbed his chin as he recalled. "Hm...I just remember there was a white eagle crest on their armor, like the crest of the Heirs of de Wind but a different color, or they were soldiers of the Satascar kingdom."
"You're not wrong, but it's more like the coat of arms of the town of Starastok," Theo explained.
Theo looked thoughtful as if there was a serious problem.
"Alright then, I can't stand the condition of my body, I'm going to take a shower and then sleep," Eran excused himself while lifting his lazy body.
"Then how..." Theo hung his words hesitantly and then continued, Eran seemed to be waiting for Theo's next words, "Rest Eran, you must be tired," Theo continued. Eran stepped away and left the camp.
Theo seemed to be still thinking. "What's there, like something that should be covered up? It seems like this is worth investigating."
Theo moved from his place out of his tent. He stepped in search of the small dark-haired man amidst the many greetings from his subordinates. Theo approached one crowd.
"Theo! You want to play!" said one of the people from the crowd.
"Not today. Have you seen Cain?" asked Theo.
"Ah, he seems to be up there," replied another subordinate, pointing at the small hill behind their camp.
Theo headed up the hill and when he reached the top, he found Cain lying down and enjoying the view.
"Theo," Cain said in surprise, "you're not here, what's wrong?"
Theo looked down, looking exhausted.
"Tung...wait a minute, let me...I'm breathing," Theo said exhaustedly while wiping his flowing sweat.
"Hahahaha...you look so weak, here," Kain said while throwing a small container of drinking water. After drinking, Theo lay down next to Kain looking at the ceiling.
"The view is really beautiful."
"You're right."
"Eran was the one who told me about this place,
"He is unique," Theo said, and Cain nodded in agreement.
"Kain, I have something to tell you." Kain changed his position to sitting after hearing Theo's serious words.
"What?" After that, Theo told him all the contents of his conversation with Eran earlier.
"What do you think, Kain?" Theo asked after finishing the story. Kain seemed to think for a moment.
"What if we take this mission? I don't dare to jump to conclusions, but I think something is wrong, first, this mission is a direct request from the village, we know that if the village wants to submit a mission they have to go through the city government first, and the city will issue the mission. In this case, it's not, isn't that suspicious?" Kain explained. While looking at the mission leaflet from Hollowfield village.
"What if this is related to the political interests of the Satascar kingdom," Theo argued.
"Hmm...Maybe not the kingdom, but you know yourself anyone who establishes a cult will be immediately eliminated by the Holy Order. Isn't that forbidden?" Theo nodded in agreement with Kain. "I'm more suspicious if this cult is being used for the benefit of the city government," Kain rebutted.
"Makes sense, I wonder, is the mission of Hollowfield village also in every city in Satascar?"
"I don't know. Let me take this mission," Kain bargained.
"Mmm...Who are you taking with you?" asked Theo.
"I'll take Taneaya," Kain replied.
"Are you sure? I don't think she'll want to set foot in Satascar territory again," Theo explained, but Kain smiled.
"She'll come if I bring Eran along," Kain replied confidently.
"What about Gorstag, don't you always go on missions together?" asked Theo.
"No, this time I need people who can move fast, let Gorstag join your mission," said Kain while standing up to stretch his body.
"Are you sure?" asked Theo and Kain nodded. "But Eran just finished with his mission, I think he needs a break," said Theo disagreeing.
"I'll try to talk to him later."
"Alright arrange it however you want," said Theo who also stood up. Then they left the hills.
"When will your team leave for the Blanchill city mission, Theo?" asked Kain as he picked up some grass from the road to play with in his mouth.
"We're just waiting for Catallina to finish with her administration at the Alku guild, so I don't know when," replied the handsome man as he wiped his golden hair back.
"Alright then," Kain concluded as he descended the gentle, rocky hills.
*****