Chapter 25: Building Honor (2)

 

In the pre-dawn, before the sun had risen, my eyes opened naturally.

 

Today was a day of battle.

 

Vague noises coming from outside indicated that it was different from the usual day.

 

It was a subjugation battle that I had experienced countless times, yet the tension was different each time.

 

Especially when I contemplated the possibility of losing all my comrades in one fell swoop.

 

Nevertheless, this pressure was a challenge I must ultimately overcome.

 

I rose from my seat as usual and prepared to go out.

 

Adjusting my shoulders and loosening my neck, I retrieved the sword I had left in the corner of the room and fastened it to my waist before setting off.

 

"...Are you leaving now?"

 

At that time, a voice came from behind.

 

When I turned around to the unfamiliar sound, Ner was gazing at me from behind the pillow placed in the center of the bed, her upper body propped halfway up.

 

For some reason, I didn’t expect her to wake up.

 

In fact, I hadn't intended to disturb her sleep.

 

It seemed that there was little to be said between us.

 

"...Yes."

 

“…”

 

Silence filled the air.

 

Suddenly, I found myself envisioning what she might say to me later if our relationship were to improve.

 

Would our parting be imbued with more emotion if we were in a loving bond?

 

Shelving those futile thoughts, I redirected my attention and turned away once again.

 

Placing my hand on the door, I exerted force.

 

"...Hey."

 

Ner called out to me once more.

 

“…Why?”

 

“…”

 

She hesitated for a while.

 

It seemed like she was trying to say something, but she couldn't make a decision.

 

I had no intention of pressuring her.

 

“…That’s…”

 

“…”

 

“…So…”

 

After giving her some time and seeing that she still couldn't speak, I decided to speak up.

 

I didn’t have enough time today. No matter how much preparation I had done, there were things I had to do when I got there.

 

“…I’ll be back.”

 

Ner nodded faintly at those words.

 

With that, I turned around and made my way outside.

 

****

 

On the way to the campsite, I witnessed some peculiar behaviors.

 

Several pairs of werewolf couples were outside their houses.

 

Here and there, simple magic spells were being performed.

 

I knew that the werewolves were skilled in combat, medicine, and magic, but I didn't expect it to be this common.

 

Every visible couple was engaged in this practice.

 

The men supported their wives, while the women placed their hands on the men's backs.

 

In that state, orange-colored lights were extracted from the muttering women’s bodies and entered the bodies of the men who touched them.

 

Despite my familiarity with werewolves, this was the first time I had encountered such a phenomenon.

 

At that moment, someone spoke from behind.

 

"They are sharing their 'Ki'. For the husbands going into battle."

 

When I turned around, Gidon was approaching me. Adam Hyung was also standing next to him.

 

Seeing me pause at the unfamiliar word "Ki," Gidon spoke.

 

"...I believe the vice-captain must have received it as well."

 

There was a faint smirk in his expression.

 

I could clearly sense that he knew Ner and I didn't participate in such rituals.

 

“…”

 

I looked at Adam Hyung.

 

I didn't want him to worry about my relationship with Ner.

 

…Perhaps this was what Ner was hesitantly trying to convey in the morning.

 

I didn't have a long conversation with Gidon.

 

We only exchanged glances.

 

"Captain Adam, I'm going to check on my soldiers now."

 

"Yes. See you later."

 

As Gidon left first and bid farewell to Adam, I watched his retreating figure.

 

Adam Hyung slowly walked toward me and spoke.

 

"...I've had a long conversation with Gidon about the operation."

 

“…”

 

“He is definitely quick to understand. He observes the situation seriously and offers advice...Despite our hostilities, our objectives align."

 

“…”

 

"...So, while he may not engage in futile actions, skirmishes will likely continue."

 

“…”

 

Hyung looked at my silent expression and added.

 

"...Berg, don't do anything foolish."

 

I looked at Hyung with curiosity.

 

"What are you talking about?"

 

"It's written all over your face. Anyway... you have a subtle temperament that easily gets irritated."

 

“…No you have that?”

 

I didn't strongly deny Hyung's words.

 

I was becoming more and more displeased with Gidon.

 

It would have worsened when I heard the story that Ner had been eating alone for a long time the previous day.

 

Gidon, who was the eldest son, must have influenced the atmosphere that tormented Ner greatly.

 

It was questionable if I cared about Ner enough to get angry to this extent, but well, she was my wife. It felt unjust to just stay still.

 

It seemed I needed to do something to ease my conscience, a habit I had learned from my days in the slums, where taking care of oneself was crucial.

 

Suddenly, Adam Hyung rested his arm on my shoulder.

 

"Berg, aside from that, did you have a good rest?"

 

I nodded my head.

 

“What about you?”

 

“I am also in good shape.”

 

“…”

 

"By the way, Berg, after the subjugation is over... well, this is a conversation from back then..."

 

"...Yes?"

 

"Now, instead of hiding anymore, let's step forward."

 

Hyung repeated the same words he had said previously.

 

"As I said last time, the Red Flames is becoming famous, but no one knows who the vice-captain is. Let's seize this opportunity to make a name for yourself. If you had established your reputation, we wouldn't have to deal with these troublesome situations with Gidon now."

 

I had been living as the vice-captain of the Red Flames and never tried to make the name for myself. Initially, it was simply because I didn't want to get entangled in bothersome matters. I ended up leaving the burden to Hyung.

 

However, as time passed, I started feeling a sense of guilt for not shouldering that responsibility. In the end, many achievements of our Head Hunter Unit came at the cost of members' lives. I felt remorse for taking all of that alone.

 

The members of the same Head Hunter Unit had urged me to change my perspective and step forward, but I had disregarded their suggestions. Simply gaining a reputation hadn't altered much.

 

...But now, my mindset was gradually shifting. Perhaps, as Hyung suggested, if my subjugation records and name became famous, I wouldn't have to face such situations.

 

“And now you’re married.”

 

“…?”

 

Adam Hyung said.

 

"...Now, along with your name, your wife's reputation will follow."

 

I had never thought about it that way, but... maybe Hyung's words were right this time as well.

 

"...Think about it, Berg. It angers me every time I see you being disregarded by someone like Gidon."

 

At his words, I nodded lightly. Hyung smiled in response.

 

"If you really don't want to, I won't force you... but anyway, let's finish the task quickly and return to Stokpin."

 

My head felt lighter with Hyung's words. Regaining my determination, I set off toward the Red Flames' campsite alongside him.

 

****

 

After all the preparations were done, we moved forward.

 

Clad in heavy armor and mounted on horses, we made our way toward the huge boss monster in the northwest, 'Draig.'

 

Adam Hyung led the way at a steady pace, followed by my Head Hunter Unit and Gidon's group. Each group consisted of approximately 30 members.

 

Baran, who was behind me, whispered something to the members of my group, Shawn and Jackson.

 

“What? Did something like that happen?”

 

“Huh…really?”

 

Baran said something that made Shawn and Jackson gasp.

 

They then began whispering.

 

Perhaps it was an explanation about the fight between me and Gidon. It must have been something only the officers knew.

 

Meanwhile, Gidon spoke to me.

 

"By the way, vice-captain. As the newlywed... did you sleep well?"

 

When I turned my head to look at them, Gidon and his brothers were smiling.

 

It was a slight insult that was difficult to point out. But the constant provocation stirred up emotions.

 

It felt like something I had experienced frequently in my old mercenary group before joining the Red Flames.

 

Since there were so many different races, this kind of rivalry had occurred frequently.

 

After joining the Red Flames, I had forgotten about it since we only recruit humans.

 

“…”

 

However, I couldn't help but feel slightly perplexed. How could Gidon be so foolish? What would we gain by harboring ill intentions?

 

Perhaps it was because we seemed more like a well-trained army than a mercenary group.

 

Or maybe it was because they knew we couldn't harm them, thus resorting to such exaggerated behavior.

 

Blackwood's army had allied with us, the three brothers, and if they were to face any casualties, we would be held responsible.

 

"...Did the harmonious brothers sleep well? I haven't seen a moment of discord among you."

 

I lightly insulted them in return.

 

The smile on Gidon's face gradually faded. Ignoring his reaction, I continued speaking.

 

"Oh, Gidon-nim. By the way, I've heard that your position hasn't been determined yet."

 

"Even though I've memorized all the plans, I'm considering making my own contributions. Berg-nim, are you hiding behind us?"

 

I revealed a fact that I hadn't bothered to tell him until now.

 

"I'm the captain of the Head Hunter Unit."

 

“…”

 

As soon as he heard the term "captain," Gidon's expression changed.

 

It seemed he already understood the immense responsibility that came with being the captain of the most dangerous unit.

 

"...Vice-captain is the captain?"

 

"That's right."

 

"...Don't lie. What foolish mercenary group would assign their vice-captain as the leader of the Head Hunter Unit, directly confronting the boss monster?"

 

Adam Hyung clicked his tongue in disapproval.

 

"Berg is enough. Everyone thinks the same way."

 

Gidon watched us intently, trying to gauge if we were lying. He seemed to have something in mind as he scratched his head.

 

"...Haa, are you telling me to believe that the captain of the Head Hunter Unit has a subjugation record of 20?"

 

I didn't bother defending my previous lie. Instead, I made a suggestion to Gidon.

 

Since things had unfolded in this manner, I thought it might be a good opportunity to release some of my anger, as Hyung had suggested. If I had established a reputation, perhaps these situations wouldn't have arisen.

 

"Gidon-nim, instead of doubting whether it's true or not, why don't you join us if your position hasn't been determined yet?"

 

"What are you saying?"

 

"If you find it difficult to believe in the captain position, why not come with us? I'd like to witness the strength of a warrior who has subjugated 26. It's also a chance for you to enhance the honor you so admire."

 

“…”

 

Gidon didn't readily respond.

 

It couldn't be helped.

 

Even if I proposed joining the Head Hunter Unit all of a sudden, only a few would accept it. How many would embrace an offer that doubles the probability of death?

 

Of course, Gidon, with his subjugation record of 26, might consider it. Moreover, since I had already spoken those words, withdrawing would make him lose face.

 

As Gidon pondered, Shawn shouted from behind.

 

“Ah, it seems the young master has swallowed by his fear.”

 

Baran, Shawn, and Jackson laughed at Shawn's jest.

 

Now it seemed that the atmosphere of the mercenaries was rising, not the rigid atmosphere of the military.

 

I also smiled at Gidon, subtly expressing a hint of disrespect.

 

I did not avoid the impending fight.

 

Now, they seemed to realize that we were a mercenary group, not a regular army, and their guard was raised.

 

Gidon whispered.

 

“…As expected, humans are barbaric.”

 

I responded to his whisper.

 

"If you understood, it would be better to be more careful with your words."

 

“What? This commoner bastard-“

 

Adam Hyung intervened from the front.

 

"That's enough now. The argument ends here. Berg, stop it as well."

 

Once again, it was Adam Hyung who made the wisest decision.

 

That's why I continued to trust and follow him.

 

Although I sensed that Hyung was on my side, he felt the need to express it from his position.

 

Because I always showed a respectful attitude towards him in front of the members, I showed my consent to his command.

 

"Gidon-nim, excuse me. The joke may have gone too far—"

 

"-Enough."

 

Gidon cut me off before I could finish my sentence, his temper flaring.

 

It seemed he had relinquished all respect for me.

 

I smiled inwardly. I could easily see that he had fallen into the provocation.

 

With a frown, Gidon said.

 

"Fine, I'll follow. Rather than being a coward hiding behind the soldiers, I can contribute more. Captain, I will accompany the vice-captain."

 

Adam Hyung expressed concern at Gidon's declaration.

 

"Are you sure about that?"

 

"Don't worry. Even if we argued, freeing Blackwood Territory is more important than anything foolish."

 

"No, it's not about that..."

 

Adam Hyung looked over at me.

 

“…”

 

I quietly nodded my head.

 

Then, with a deep sigh, Hyung said to Gidon,

 

"Understood. Well, that's settled."

 

I smiled and spoke to Gidon.

 

"I'm counting on you."