Once finals ended, the Academy entered a long vacation period.
The atmosphere at the Academy, poised for a break, was lively with anticipation.
Some students were preparing to return to their family homes, while others decided to stay behind to make up for lacking academic performance.
"What about you, Ruina?"
"I plan to return home. While things are said to be improving at the main house, I should still lend a hand, even if only briefly."
Well, even if things were slowly getting better in berchef, the monsters crossing over from the north hadn't disappeared completely.
"And you?"
"I'm planning to return to my family as well. There are things I need to take care of. When do you plan to come back?"
"Why do you ask?"
Why? Because she needs to be back before Andromalius is summoned, obviously.
"No particular reason. Just asking."
"I'm planning to come back about two weeks early to prepare for the next semester."
"I see. Got it."
So even without my intervention, Ruina's participation in the Andromalius battle was already predetermined.
"If you ever need my help, don't hesitate to reach out."
"I'll be fine."
"Here. Take this. It's a direct communication orb. The range is only around three kilometers, though."
"Then doesn't that make it completely useless?"
The distance between berchef and Pellenberg spanned several thousand kilometers, at the very least.
"Just take it anyway. This is…"
It wasn't just for the vacation—it was a measure for things to come after returning to the Academy.
fernan stopped himself mid-sentence.
"This is what?"
"Nothing important. Well then, take care, Top Student."
"Top Student… I'm not used to that, but I suppose it's not too bad. Yes. I hope you enjoy your vacation as well."
After parting ways with Ruina, fernan returned to the merchant group's office.
Since he'd be away from the Academy for quite some time, there were a lot of matters he needed to wrap up beforehand.
"Haven't you already taken care of everything?"
Hyde asked, watching fernan move busily with a puzzled look.
"This isn't about the merchant group."
"It's the materials, isn't it?"
"That's right. I need to confirm they actually arrive at the family estate, that they've been loaded onto the ship, and check on the rest of the materials too."
Of course, it was unlikely that anything would go wrong—but you could never say "never."
"Prepare a teleportation circle to the family estate."
"Not a ship?"
"Time is money. Also, don't miss a single detail about Aint Armian's route."
fernan went over the documents related to the sea dragon.
—So? Planning to go back home?
"No."
The sea breeze, tinged with salt, blew gently. Aint stood at the stern, gazing out over the vast ocean.
"If it were my father, he'd genuinely be happy about my accomplishments. The retainers too."
The Armian family had fallen, and many had left. But those who remained had grown even closer.
"That's exactly why… If I go back, I won't be able to leave so easily. Let's stick to the original plan before I start getting sentimental. Besides, I've already sent a letter to the territory."
The ship steadily sailed southeast.
Their destination wasn't Lutar, where the Kingdom of Armian had begun, but the southern Pandrein continent.
—Pandrein has far more areas untouched by mankind than Lutar. Because of that, there are more monsters, and naturally, more powerful ones as well.
—It's the most optimal place for you to experience real combat.
"I see."
Aint nodded.
"But… isn't that information from a thousand years ago?"
—…Huh?
For the first time, Gardener's voice sounded flustered.
"Still, it's probably not wrong. I've heard plenty of stories about how underdeveloped Pandrein still is, even after all this time."
Compared to the past, it had developed tremendously—but everything was relative.
—That's exactly what I meant.
A few days later, the ship arrived at Lamons, a port city in the Kingdom of Pragia.
"At least on the surface, nothing looks too different."
—Although Pandrein had a smaller population compared to Lutar, it wasn't as if there was no interaction between the two.
—Still… Pragia, huh? That's a name I never heard during my lifetime.
"It's a country that was established about 500 years ago."
It was a nation founded on vast territory and abundant resources, formed in order to survive the onslaught of powerful monsters. They supported and encouraged mercenary activity.
Aside from the Empire, it was the most powerful nation on the Pandrein continent.
—Let's start by registering as a mercenary and then look for a suitable request.
"Yes."
Lamons was the largest trading city in the Kingdom of Pragia, and its size was considerable. Naturally, it was teeming with people, and the same went for the Mercenary Guild.
The ten-story Mercenary Guild building bustled with activity.
Like most other branches, the first floor was structured like a tavern.
There were dozens of tables and bars, and on the massive pillar at the center—which doubled as a bulletin board—dozens of request forms were posted.
One side of the room had a reception counter with attendants.
Aint walked straight to the counter.
"Welcome! How may I help you?"
"I'd like to take the mercenary test."
"May I have your name and identification tag?"
"My name is Aint. I don't have an ID tag, but I have this."
Aint held out his Academy student card. While it didn't include detailed personal information, the seven stars symbolizing the Academy were engraved on it.
"You're an Academy student?"
The receptionist's expression shifted upon seeing the student card, which was nearly impossible to counterfeit due to its complex magical engravings and the Empire's harsh penalties for forgery.
"Yes."
"If you don't mind me asking, what year are you?"
"I'm a first-year."
"First-year students of the Academy are granted a standard rank-4 tag. You can raise your rank through an additional exam, so if you wish to do that, please let us know."
Just as Aint was about to respond—prompted by Gardener's advice that rank 4 wouldn't be enough to accept worthwhile requests—
"I'd like to take the exam…"
"Huh? Aint?"
A shadow fell behind him. A man with short brown hair, black eyes, a muscular body covered in scars stood there.
"Barus? What are you doing here?"
"That's my line. I'm here because this place is as comfortable as my own home."
Come to think of it, Barus Dene was the disciple of the Mercenary King, considered the spiritual pillar of the entire Mercenary Guild.
Given that, it wasn't surprising for him to be at the Guild during the vacation period.
"I see."
"You're thinking of becoming a mercenary?"
"I want to get some hands-on experience as one during the break."
"Mercenary work must seem real easy, huh? These days, every dog and pig tries it out like it's some casual pastime."
Barus smirked with a twisted grin. Just as Aint's brow twitched, he added,
"But you're no dog or pig, so I get it. Hey."
"Y-Yes, Sir Barus!"
The receptionist, having recognized Barus, answered with a nervous voice.
"No need for an exam. This guy's the Academy's first-year second-highest ranking student. Just register him straight to rank 3."
"Second-highest?"
"Yeah. His skills are the real deal."
Thanks to Barus' endorsement, the registration process ended in an instant. Aint was handed a silver tag engraved with the number 3.
"Thanks. That made things a lot easier."
"No need to thank me. You would've gotten there soon enough on your own anyway. I just sped things up a bit. Now move, I've got stuff to do too."
"Alright."
As Aint stepped aside, Barus sat down at the counter.
"Where's the Abelard Subjugation request?"
"You plan to take part in that, Sir?"
"Yeah. I'm thinking of leading the entire mercenary corps for it."
"With you personally joining, this subjugation is bound to succeed. I'll register you and the entire Black Spear Mercenary Corps right away."
"Thanks."
Barus wrapped up the process quickly and stood.
"If you're looking for mercenary work, you should try the Abelard Subjugation too. With your skills, it wouldn't be a bad fit."
"What exactly is it?"
"Get the full details from the Guild."
Barus brushed past Aint and left. Aint returned to the receptionist.
"The Abelard Subjugation? What is that?"
"It's a territory that's been devastated by monster activity. Right now, it's completely overrun—practically a monster den. The estimated number of monsters nesting there is close to five hundred."
Because of that, the Kingdom of Pragia had issued a massive request to the Mercenary Guild, and so far, over three hundred mercenaries had applied.
"It's dangerous, but the reward promised by Pragia is quite substantial. And more importantly… a Gorgon has been sighted."
"A Gorgon?"
The Gorgon was a monster with horns on its head and a body covered in metal scales harder than steel.
Its front legs resembled those of a lion, with sharp claws, and its tail was made up of a snake—an enormous beast.
It was a formidable opponent that could never be taken lightly.
But for that very reason, it was also highly sought after—because its corpse was worth a fortune.
"That's why over 300 mercenaries have gathered."
—That's quite the tempting prize.
—A Gorgon is stronger than an ogre, and with hundreds of monsters involved, it'll be chaos. It's the perfect opportunity to experience real warfare.
At Gardener's commentary, Aint nodded.
"Then… would I be able to participate as well?"
"Of course. The entry requirement is rank 3 or higher, so as a rank 3 mercenary, you're more than welcome."
That day, Aint received the official request for the Abelard Subjugation.
It was the very mission fernan had seen in the prophecy—where Aint would encounter one of the vile breeds.
The gathering point for the subjugation force was a place called Gintschef.
It was a small barony neighboring the ruined territory of Abelard—living in constant anxiety due to its proximity.
Three hundred mercenaries and five hundred royal soldiers assembled in one place.
Waaaah!
The territory's residents cheered the subjugation force, hoping they would eliminate the source of their fear.
"Rank 3 mercenary, Aint. Identity confirmed."
After his status was verified, Aint joined the ranks. Mercenaries sprawled about in disarray, each munching on their rationed meat and bread.
"If you come this way, we'll provide meals. Best to fill up before the battle."
Aint received his rations and sat down in a random seat to eat. It wasn't very good.
'Makes me realize again just how amazing the Academy cafeterias were.'
—Well, obviously. They gather the best of the best—can't be feeding them cheap stuff.
Just then—
"Doesn't seem like it suits your taste."
Someone sat down beside him.
"Barus."
"Guess noble blood comes with a noble tongue, huh?"
"I'm just not used to it. But who are these people?"
Barus wasn't the only one who had joined him. About 30 mercenaries sat nearby, radiating a sharp, seasoned presence.
"My mercenary unit. We're called the Dusky Spear Mercenary Corps. We're fairly well-known in this business."
He had heard of them.
A mercenary corps formed from fighters personally chosen by the Mercenary King for his disciple.
Since their founding, they had completed dozens of missions without a single failure.
"You're not very familiar with mercenary work, are you?"
"Can't deny it—it's my first time."
"If you want, you can join us. Work together."
"What? Really?"
Barus casually tore off a piece of meat.
"You wouldn't be a burden. And… you're an Armian."
"My family doesn't amount to much these days."
"Yeah, but I don't think that'll stay true for long."
"And what makes you say that?"
"You went from rank 38 to second place in just one semester. And you beat me."
It was just his way of reaching out in friendship.
"I only trust in what I've seen with my own eyes. And you beat me. I like strong people. Once you step into the mercenary world, you're one of us."
Aint hesitated for a moment, staring at Barus' warm smile.
—It's not a bad idea to accept. If they're veteran mercenaries like you said, there's plenty you could learn.
—Even if you're already among the strongest on the continent, you never know what might happen on the battlefield.
—Especially since it's your first time. Better to be cautious.
"But… are you sure this is okay? The Imperial Prince won't like it."
"Even the royal family won't lay a hand on me."
—Arrogant bastard. How dare he insult the royal family?
'It's not the Empire, it's Schwaben.'
Aint calmed the bristling Gardener.
"In that case…"
"Good. Aint, I think we're gonna get along just fine."
Barus smiled brightly and shook his hand.
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