I am mercenary Ansia, a mercenary who has just arrived at Lv 21. At the age of 38, single with only three partners. Traveling for eight years, taking on hundreds of tasks of all sizes, with a compliance rate of 97%.
As for my real name, I have long forgotten it in the midst of repeated adventures. Traveling on the mainland requires only a simple title, even a resounding title, such as Wolf of the Wilderness, Black Meteor, etc. Who would spend that effort remembering the adventurer's full name. Full name, that's just one luxury item among those self proclaimed nobles. Just like the one I admire the most among the eleven heroes in history, the 'Rain Maker', people only remember his nickname and achievements. His life and real name have long been submerged in the heavy history.
I am somewhat famous on the mainland. Of course, it is more attributed to my three companions, the hunter Kayed of Lv18, the black wizard Manhua of Lv13, and the white wizard Lehua of Lv10. A small group with an average Lv of 10 or above is already enough to become a leisure object for others in various taverns on the mainland.
Because in the pre Nasional era, a warrior above Lv18 was already one out of ten, and a mage above Lv10 was eligible to become the enemy's top sniper target. Nowadays, more and more people are taking risks. Although the standard for statistics has been lowered, the actual intensity is not much different from that of the pre Nazin era. It's just that everyone has become more powerful.
However, we all know that this is not enough, and we find it inadequate in every aspect. Heroic worship can inspire a person to move forward, but when witnessing heroic figures with one's own eyes, one learns more about humility. Especially seeing those legendary figures - the Seven Warriors. But at that time, what I received the most was disappointment
Recently, I have had an additional companion on my journey who calls himself Wuruo. According to him, that was the name of an Eastern style adventurer whom he greatly admired after retiring. And he himself is Swordsman Lv12, a quite rare Eastern type profession. But in terms of professional nature, it's not much different from me as a mercenary.
He was rescued from serious injuries during the journey, and with the help of Lehua's healing magic, he is now able to move freely, although there are still many injuries that have not healed. After all, white magic is only an emergency treatment during battles, and for most injuries, it is better to let it naturally recover. Moreover, magic requires long periods of rest and meditation to recover, or consumes extremely expensive medicines. For travelers who don't know what will happen in the next moment, it is necessary to retain more reserve strength at the minimum. As for 'dealing with all difficulties in the best possible condition', it is just a theoretical suggestion. Experienced travelers know that it is impossible to achieve it unless they stay at home obediently.
Wu Ruo is a quite witty person and knows a lot about things. I can't help but admire his many opinions and opinions, even though I have wasted nearly a decade and witnessed them firsthand.
And his smile, as gentle as the early sun, as the alternative tranquility in a drizzle, even as a man, I would be fascinated by it. His boldness, his courage, and his confidence are all my ideal forms. It seems like my ideal future is already standing in front of me, which makes me a little jealous, but more convincing.
But he seems to have an unknown secret as well. He didn't say anything, and we didn't ask either. It is not wise to explore a friend's past in a situation where there are repeated chance encounters while traveling on the mainland. Talking too much is a burden for oneself and others.
on the mainland. Talking too much is a burden for oneself and others.
I remember during this period, Wu Ruo's most surprising viewpoint to me was his view on Black Sheep. He said that although the Black Sheep catastrophe brought countless disasters, the true goal of the Black Sheep was only the core of power in the old era. Breaking all accumulated habits and drawbacks, and eliminating corrupt power organizations, from this perspective, Black Sheep is actually good. In exchange, the current mainland has a completely new appearance. Although there are some rules left over from the old era, it is not difficult to change the current situation as long as someone with the heart is willing. This is an opportunity for progress and change for the entire mainland, just as it is now an adventurous era.
But how many people have been displaced, and how many innocent people have died under the hands of bandits. I'm just answering, no matter what the leader of the Black Sheep, General Bahn, was thinking at the time; No matter from what perspective the consequences of the Black Sheep Catastrophe are, the cost is simply too high.
He smiled and didn't answer, and I was so happy that I no longer argued against this opposing opinion. We all understand that each other's arguments have their own correctness, it's just a matter of who believes which viewpoint is more important. Continuing in a situation where no one can persuade is just the beginning of a dispute.
I don't have a destination, so I let Wu Ruo lead the way because he seems to have a place to go back. During the journey, we take care of each other and exchange experiences that we are willing to share with each other. From the countryside in the northeast to the towns in the north. On this day, we arrived at the most prosperous city in the past in Beilu - Wellings City.
The bustling and bustling lower city area, located in the outer city, has experienced the baptism of the Black Sheep Cataclysm. The highest ranking feudal lords of the Northern Land, the Duke of Wellings, are fortunate to continue to rule this city. Although it is not like before, located in the highest and most prosperous position on the northern continent, the residents who come and go have a standard expression of diligence on their faces. Caravans and adventurers shuttle between the streets and alleys, creating a lively atmosphere that brings a sense of hope. This is also a common phenomenon in the lower urban areas of various major cities, where low or even tariff free lower urban areas are the most important key point in stimulating commerce.
In the city of Wellings, we found a relatively affordable tavern. I ordered food, wheat tea, and wine at the bar as usual, and five people sat at the same table, repeating the tasks we had to do every day to fill our stomachs.
The food may not be delicious, but it is also not difficult to swallow. The wine at the entrance is as light as water, but fortunately it can quench thirst. The portion that happened to fill me seven tenths of my stomach disappeared from the table, and the feeling of hunger was thrown before the next meal. I habitually observe the people around me and calm down to adjust my body. And the wheat tea is handled by two wizards, because according to them, alcohol can erode magic, but I think this is just an excuse.
The big man who had just walked in was very conspicuous, with his barrel like body occupying most of his sight. A hand axe tied around my waist was the only weapon for the opponent, and I began to think in my mind about having the same type of strong person.
"Mercenary Anxia?"
The other person walked up to the table, looked at me and asked, I just nodded. It should be someone related to the city of Wellington, with two knights wearing Wellington's standard armor and control over my whereabouts from outside. Only the local snake has such a way. This makes me admire, after all, the lower areas of all towns are always mixed with dragons and snakes, and it is not easy to achieve this level of control. We have only just entered the city gate in less than half a day.
Seeing my response, the other person rudely pulled up a chair and sat down. "Hello, I am General Mazken?; B? Marcina, Lv1. First time meeting."
With a confident attitude but not impolite, I looked at the man in front of me without doubting his ability to become a general. Although Lv is only 1, it can be considered a new general, but just playing the profession of "General" can scare away many petty thieves. After all, people on the mainland know how difficult it is to become a general. A new general is definitely not equivalent to a novice young man. He has gone through countless career paths before.
Someone once roughly calculated that the Lv plus of various professions he had experienced before becoming a general would definitely exceed 99. And in the past fifty years, I have only heard of two generals, one General Bahn of the Black Sheep Knights, and the other being the man in front of me.
It took me a long time to answer. Is there anything I need?
However, during this period, we have been observing each other, trying to obtain more information about the man in front of us from his appearance and demeanor.
Upon hearing my answer, Mazken gave a meaningful smile before continuing, "I hope Your Excellency and your companions can join our crusade this time. With the addition of mercenary Ansia, it will increase the morale of the crusade. It will be easier for us to achieve our goals."
Shake the glass and deliver the remaining wine to the stomach in one breath. After sliding the liquid into my throat, I asked where the target was.
"The underground city of XXX Demon King! Now we have gathered nearly a thousand troops and will depart soon. We expect to complete the mission before this J-Day and return triumphantly."
XXX Great Demon King? This is a very familiar name. In recent years, to scare children, besides using the name of the Black Sheep Knights, it is this XXX Great Demon King. According to rumors, he has done everything that should not have been done by humans, and obstructed everything that should have been done by humans to the end; In addition to burning, killing, and looting, his underground city also devoured the lives of countless adventurers.
However, the authenticity of the rumors makes me quite skeptical, after all, I can be considered a victim of a legendary story. When I learned the truth, I was truly disappointed for a while. But on the other hand, those named after the Demon King are not considered normal people anymore. I have some interests in this regard.
"Will you take on this task?"
Rare! It's really rare, no one would care about such a thing. Although the time spent traveling together was not long, there were still a few tasks taken along the way or by detours, such as delivering goods and escorting. He always silently helps us complete tasks together, and it doesn't take much time anyway. But it sounds like this time may take a lot of time, he probably has his own plans.
"Why do you ask this?" Lehua's curiosity never diminishes, especially the gossip rumors and standard little woman mentality. But in the most urgent moments, her white magic always works its best, which makes it difficult for me to seriously dislike her.
Faced with Lehua's question, Wu Ruo smiled bitterly and said, "No one would attack their own home, right? At least I can't."
Home, a term of nostalgia. Wait, home! What does this mean?
Standing up, Mazken's expression revealed everything, and he clearly understood the meaning of what had just been said. "You are a subordinate of the XXX Demon King!"
We looked at Wu Ruo together, nodding instead of answering. Mazken turned his head to face me, although he didn't say anything, I could see incomprehension, contempt, and doubt in his face.
"They were not aware of it."
Wuruo weakly explained, which made the general's face calm, after all, I am not notorious on the mainland. But this also made Manhua question, "Why didn't you tell us?"
"You haven't asked me before."
"But why did you say it again at this time? Isn't it okay to keep it hidden like this?"
"Why do I hide this proud background! I come from a dungeon and I am a member of the XXX Demon King's team!"
Looking at Wu Ruo's expression, he is no different from the past. He proudly faced his own background with infinite confidence. These facts all prove that he is not ashamed of his background.
"Mr. Anzia, please hand over this man to us. The city of Wellings does not tolerate the existence of sinners."
Faced with Mazken's request, I thought for a moment and the answer I gave was a slow shake of my head. This action caused a little anger and also aroused a lot of curiosity.
The hand axe at the waist was swung out, and the sword that caught it was the boundless long sword. Without any continuous movements, Mazken just looked at us. Everyone immediately grabbed the handle of their melee weapons, and even two wizards took out daggers.
In close combat, the unarmed general faced five fully armed men and women. The wizard also abandoned the use of magic and chose cold weapons. If he insists on attacking, Mazken will never be able to retreat completely. Given this situation, smart people should choose to temporarily avoid it.
Slowly retract the axe to avoid causing us too much reaction. Mazken left with a smile of admiration, which was also the situation I was most worried about happening. Just looking at his confident performance, I feel that the days ahead will be difficult.
Escaping should be the only way, right? The cost of capturing that general alive is too great for us, and even the possibility of success is a question. I have some self-awareness about this. However, with our whereabouts being tracked as soon as we enter the city, how far we can escape is another question. It seems that war is also unavoidable. But I can't stop running, waiting for death is not my personality.
We stood up, packed our bags, and prepared for another escape. Wuruo looked at me with confusion and asked, "Why?"
I cannot watch the man I admire die before my eyes. I answered him with such a smile.
Tie the commonly used long sword back to your waist and look at your prepared companion. I told them, let's go, it's time to escape from Wellings City.
I don't know how long I've been running away, and I don't know how many people have been injured by the knights of Wellington under my hands. I never mind who I kill, and I have also injured many so-called good people in other populations, as long as there is a need. Worms are people like me. As long as I take on a task, no matter who is right or wrong, I only focus on completing tasks that can be paid. Bad things, I think I have done them too.
And now, as expected, the Wellington City team chasing behind is sticking behind in a ghostly manner. If we stop and give them enough time to play tricks, the moment when we are declared to have failed will come faster.
After more than twenty engagements, General Mazken also clearly stated that as long as we surrender everything, we can ensure the safety of others. I believe he has the ability to keep his promise, but I don't want to do what he says. I would rather be separated from Wuruo after escaping their pursuit. I cannot abandon my friends just for my own safety in such a situation.
Fortunately, with Kayed's help, we were able to hold on until this point. Mazken fully demonstrated his strength as a general, and the number of advantageous personnel made us suffer a lot. Every time we engage in a battle, the opponent always uses the exact number of people we can win. Faced with such a large number of people, we cannot easily escape or win, while others continue to hide deep.
Our main purpose is to escape. Faced with wave after wave of attacks, the enemy always does not forcefully attack or obstruct us, but only truly blocks our progress. This tactic does indeed consume our physical strength and torment our spirit.
The physical strength of the two wizards is also approaching their limit, and the slowing down speed is proof. The big net scattered by Mazken slowly gathers, and we in the net will have no way to go.
Stopping for a brief rest also gave Kayed time to decide the next direction. But the barking of hunting dogs and the noise of pursuers nearby cannot calm us down. If they knew how to keep their mouths shut and track, I would be very grateful. Unfortunately, these trackers who don't know how to conceal their voices seem to have tracking abilities beyond my imagination. At least for now, they are still hanging behind us, unable to shake them off.
Using my water bag to replenish moisture, I looked at the flickering figure behind me. The small traps that I took time out of my busy schedule never worked, at least I haven't heard any howls amidst their noise.
Can you still run? I have a question about the two women behind me.
I don't have the mentality of looking down on women at all, nor do I look down on magic oriented professions, but I believe that if we were following other women, we wouldn't be able to hold on until then. Manhua and Lehua have already demonstrated their abilities beyond their own, but at this moment, they still feel that they are not enough.
Looking back and waiting for the women's answers, the expression of a bitter smile but no words had already conveyed enough meaning.
"Do me a favor!"
After breathing back, Wu Ruo let out a waste of energy, and I looked at him to see what he was going to say.
"Can we deliver these things to my dungeon together and hand them over to the XXX Demon King?"
Looking at the bundle of hair, rolling bars, and dagger he took out of his arms, I looked at him with confusion, but then nodded to signal.
If you are not satisfied with my agreement. He showed the things to others and only smiled when everyone agreed, then he stuffed the things into my hand.
I looked at his reassuring face with more questions. He swung his sword and cut off a bundle of his own hair, tied a knot, and then stuffed it into my hand, saying, "I'm already with you."
Everyone knows what he's going to do next. Kayed grabbed his shoulder and said, "Why?"
Taking two or three steps back, Wu Ruo looked up at the sunlight shining through the treetops and calmly recited, "There is no illness for seven years, there is no need for three years of Ai. If the clouds do not have the heart to go out of the mountain, it is also a poem, and if the poem does not have the heart to spend the flowers and moon, it is not bitter. When one desires to sleep, the day also sleeps, and when one wakes up, the night also rises. If there is no desire to climb the ninth grade lotus platform, there is no sin of falling into 80000 hell. If one lives to the fullest, death is only retreat."
The chasing figure had already appeared not far in front of me, but what occupied my sight was the back of a man charging out with a sword. Biting our teeth, I and the others left in another direction. I'll probably never forget his smile, with blood stains on the corner of his mouth, the final smile.
I didn't see any pursuers behind me. Maybe after Mazken caught the person he wanted, he didn't continue pursuing us. Everyone was panting under the moonlight, and I leaned against the tree trunk, gazing at the remaining four bright moons in the sky.
When everyone calmed down and finished their dry rations, Man Hua asked, "Do we have to keep our promise and go to the underground city of Wuruo?"
I nodded. Lehua asked anxiously, "That's the territory of the XXX Demon King."
I am quite interested in a place where such a man can remain loyal. Besides, we all agreed to send him back to his dungeon together.
Regardless of whether the answer is satisfactory or not, everyone always agrees.
In the previous village where I settled, I inquired about the location of the dungeon. The villagers shook their heads, as if feeling sorry for seeing a group of soon to be adventurers, and even kindly asked if we should order coffins first. According to them, this can be done using better materials, and it also fits better when lying down. I reluctantly declined their kindness. But this was also three or five days ago.
Now our four people are standing in front of this legendary dungeon. This is an inconspicuous entrance with a simple wooden sign hanging next to it, with the scribble "Welcome to Dungeon" on it.
If it weren't for this doorplate and the abandoned sword pile on the side, I would have thought this was just an unknown dwarf mine ruins.
And the pile of discarded swords, according to the villagers, was left by adventurers who were fortunate enough to leave the dungeon alive; Some people also say that it was the residents of the dungeon who threw the weapons of the losers who broke into the dungeon here in order to demonstrate.
No matter what, I crouched down to observe these scrap iron. But only by obtaining these two clues: many gaps and severe rusting. Abandoned for too long, any favorable clues and evidence have long been annihilated by nature and time.
After taking a look at our companions around us and confirming our confidence, we entered a dungeon with an entrance resembling a mine.