The mercenary, whose leg was broken by Gillian's attack, fell down screaming.
In response, five other mercenaries who had been watching stood up, exuding an ominous aura.
"You nobles must have lost your minds."
"You think we're scared just because you're nobles?"
"Guess you've never heard of us," a third added, pulling out his weapon and advancing.
These mercenaries were known as the "mad dogs" for a reason: if something displeased them, they'd fight without hesitation, noble or not. The Cerberus Mercenary Corps was a group of rebels who wouldn't submit to control, often causing trouble for employers and lowering their success rate.
"It's true; they're as reckless as they say," Ghislain said, a cruel smile forming on his face.
They were perfect for the job—brutal, undaunted by anything. Such fierce personalities were exactly what he needed to face the mindless monsters in the Forest of Demonic Beasts.
Ghislain glanced at Gillian and said, "Don't kill them."
"As you wish."
Gillian confronted the five "mad dogs," each wielding a weapon. Despite their numbers, they were no match for him. Within moments, the mercenaries lay on the ground, clutching broken limbs.
The remaining mercenaries, some just waking from their tents, grabbed their weapons and surrounded Ghislain and Gillian.
"Don't think you'll leave here unscathed."
"Messing with us? You better be ready for the consequences."
"Got some nerve for a noble kid." a third jeered.
Realizing Gillian's skill, the mercenaries grew cautious, no longer treating him as an easy target. Their attitude shifted to that of hunters warily circling a predator.
Amused, Ghislain observed the change.
"Didn't expect this from you all."
Though reckless, they instinctively cooperated in the face of danger. It was clear why they were still in business despite their notorious behavior.
"That explains why your group hasn't disbanded despite your reputation. Enough fighting—go call your captain."
"What?"
"I plan to hire you. Breaking all of you would be a waste."
"You crazy bastard!"
The mercenaries, baffled by his audacity, couldn't believe what they were hearing.
With only one escort, this young noble dared to strut around so arrogantly.
"Let's just cut him to pieces."
"Don't expect to leave here alive."
"We live out here for a reason. Die here, and no one will ever find your body."
They closed in with malicious intent, eyes gleaming with cruelty. Gillian slowly drew his sword, thinking,
'Perhaps the young lord misjudged. Maybe we should look for another group.'
It was clear to him there was no way to hire these people civilly. He'd decided to kill them all if necessary; after all, they were isolated and away from witnesses.
Just as tensions were about to explode, a young man stepped out of a tent beyond the crowd.
"Who's looking for me?"
His appearance alone seemed to calm the mercenaries, who took a step back.
The most striking feature was his fiery red hair, which seemed to blaze. His rebellious gaze warned that provoking him would come at a steep price.
Ghislain looked at him and asked, "Are you the captain?"
"Yes, I'm Kaor, captain of the Cerberus Mercenary Corps."
"I'm here to make a contract."
"And you thought it was fine to leave my men in this state?" Kaor growled.
"Are you upset that your little hazing didn't work out? It's best to keep pranks to a minimum. Mess with the wrong person, and you'll end up dead."
Kaor faltered slightly under Ghislain's cold gaze before scowling.
"Think I'm scared of you because you're a noble? I could kill you right here and flee to another country."
"I like your boldness."
Ghislain smirked. "You've kept me waiting long enough. Let's cut to the chase—I want to hire you to develop the Forest of Demonic Beasts."
Kaor raised an eyebrow, unable to hide his disbelief.
"The Forest of Demonic Beasts? The one in Perdium's territory?"
"That's right. I intend to develop it."
"Is the lord of Perdium seeking people for this?"
"No, it's my project."
"And who are you?"
"I am Ghislain Perdium, the estate's heir."
Kaor was taken aback before bursting into laughter.
"The infamous scoundrel young master? A brat like you wants to develop the Forest of Demonic Beasts? Hah!"
After a lengthy laugh, Kaor glared at Ghislain.
"Get lost. I have no intention of doing something that dangerous under some noble kid. I'd rather join a territorial war."
Although the Cerberus Mercenary Corps frequently took on risky jobs, they chose missions based on the competence of their employer. Working under an inexperienced young noble would only increase the danger.
Ghislain smirked at Kaor's response.
"Seems you're more of a coward than I expected."
"What?"
"You're not afraid of nobles, but the monsters in the forest scare you?"
"You bastard…"
As the two glared at each other, the tension in the air grew thick. Gillian readied his sword, while the other mercenaries gripped their weapons, poised to attack.
After a moment, Kaor turned away with a sneer.
"A brat like you isn't even worth killing. Pay up for the medical costs and get lost."
He planned to ignore Ghislain entirely, unwilling to even acknowledge this reckless noble.
Just then, Ghislain called out softly to Kaor's back.
"I challenge the captain of the Cerberus Mercenary Corps to the 'Acknowledgement of Moriana.'"
Every mercenary in the vicinity went slack-jawed at those words.
"W-what?"
"Does that noble kid even know what he's saying?"
Kaor halted, turning to glare at Ghislain with incredulity.
Even Gillian was taken aback, his voice rising in protest.
"Young lord! What are you talking about?"
The "Acknowledgement of Moriana" was an ancient mercenary challenge.
The rules were simple: each participant stood within a small circle, their arms bound together, with only a single dagger between them. Mana was prohibited, and stepping out of the circle counted as a loss.
Though the rules were straightforward, experienced mercenaries avoided this duel due to the confined space, which left little room for dodging, meaning even a few stabs could prove fatal. It wasn't uncommon for victors to die shortly afterward from their injuries.
Kaor's eyes narrowed as he glared at Ghislain.
"Do you even know what you're asking for, you noble brat?"
"I'm well aware. If I win, you'll follow me."
This challenge was often a life-or-death duel among mercenaries. Only someone truly unhinged would suggest it, but refusing the challenge was considered an admission of inferiority.
If a mercenary captain like Kaor turned down the duel, he would lose the respect of his men, leading to the eventual collapse of his command.
After all, Kaor had seized his position from the former captain by this very method.
'This should be interesting!'
The mercenaries, who were initially shocked, quickly grew excited. Watching a young noble challenge their captain was bound to be entertaining.
In a typical mercenary group, they might have laughed off Ghislain's challenge. But these men weren't typical—hence the "mad dog" moniker.
Goaded by his men's gleeful expressions, Kaor gritted his teeth.
"You're not a mercenary, yet you dare to use our methods? Do you intend to steal my position, you noble brat?"
"I'm not interested in your lowly position. I just want to prove that I'm no brat. What better way than using mercenary rules? Don't you agree?"
Kaor's eyes gleamed with deadly intent.
Turning down the challenge would shatter his authority among his men. Given the kind of people under his command, it would be the end of him.
"Heh, fine. If you, a noble brat, want recognition through mercenary rules, I won't argue. You won't regret this when you're dead?"
"Of course not. But if I win, you'll accept my offer."
"Deal. Your guard and my men will bear witness to this duel."
"I agree."
As Kaor prepared for the duel, Gillian stepped forward, blocking Ghislain.
"This is madness! What are you thinking?"
Gillian's face was flushed with anger. He understood now how Belinda felt; his young lord seemed determined to court disaster.
'Why does he keep taking such reckless risks?'
Though entering the Forest of Demonic Beasts was daring, gambling his life like this was beyond comprehension.
But Ghislain met his gaze calmly.
"Gillian, this is something I must do. I know I don't seem reliable now, but trust me."
Gillian's words faltered, caught by the look in Ghislain's eyes. This wasn't the gaze of someone seeking thrills or desperate to prove himself.
It was a look that only someone with true conviction could hold.
Unable to argue further, Gillian nodded reluctantly, stepping back.
But he wasn't about to let his master face danger alone. His eyes sharpened with resolve.
'If a single blade touches him, I'll cut Kaor's head off and slaughter everyone here.'
Gillian gripped his sword, gathering mana and focusing all his attention.
If Ghislain seemed like he might be wounded even once, he was prepared to split Kaor's head open and eliminate everyone here.
Whether he understood Gillian's resolve or not, Ghislain entered the small circle with Kaor, their hands bound together.
Kaor glared at Ghislain with blazing eyes.
"Are we done with the theatrics? There's no chance to back out now. I'll teach you just how foolish it is for a noble to choose a mercenary's way."
Kaor fully intended to kill Ghislain.
For a noble to choose the mercenary duel was an extreme act of arrogance. It was an insult, and he had no intention of letting it slide.
With the preparations complete, Kaor shot Ghislain a menacing look.
"Did you pick this up somewhere and think you could just charge in? I've done this five times."
Even for a mercenary, this type of duel was something one might only experience once in a lifetime. Kaor, however, had faced it five times by his young age.
And he had won all five, which is why he held his position as captain.
It was proof of his ruthlessness and exceptional skill.
But Ghislain simply smirked in response.
"I've done this over a hundred times."
"What?"
While Kaor gaped in shock, a nearby mercenary shouted out loud.
"Begin!"
At the signal, Ghislain and Kaor's daggers shot toward each other.
[T/L: Please support me and read extra chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans ]