Chapter 27: A Reliable Friend (4)
“How… do you still have such power!”
The Commander shouted, staggering.
But that was a question Artier wanted to ask as well.
‘I got another skill.’
Just like the Tactical Command skill from before, this was the second ti he had acquired a skill in a way he had never seen before.
‘Well, worrying about it now won't change anything.’
When an opportunity arises, one must seize it.
Kwagagak!
Flas erupted from the longsword.
The flas shattered the ice wall the Commander had hastily created.
“How…!”
The Commander, seemingly having completely lost its mind, didn't even think of speaking again and continuously created and fired Mana Bullets and ice spears.
Despite its panic, the interval was extrely short. It was practically like firing an automatic rifle.
‘How much mana does it have?’
For a mont, Artier couldn't break through its barrage.
Until he hit the roulette jackpot.
“Wild Protection!”
[Wild Protection is applied.]
Cheetah’s Blessing: Movent speed increases by 20%.
Hook!
Artier began to move as if he were teleporting.
Mana Bullets exploded belatedly in the spot he had just left.
Seogeok!
“Kyaaaak!”
In the blink of an eye, the Commander’s leg was flying through the air.
‘This should be about 30% health.’
As soon as Artier thought this, the staggering Commander suddenly stopped dead in its tracks and muttered in a thick voice.
“I will not hold back any longer.”
Kiaaaaak!
Suddenly, a bloodcurdling scream erupted from the Commander, no, from all over the city.
And right after, Artier could hear Bow’s panicked communication.
Artier! All the monsters around are flocking towards you!
This was the Commander’s second phase.
True to its na, the Commander would lead countless Hellmorphs in battle starting from its second phase.
To defeat it, one had to divide forces into a group to deal with the escort troops and another to attack the boss.
‘But Bow can’t block them alone.’
That was the ideal strategy.
But Artier had no intention of following that strategy.
[Avatar of Counterattack is active!]
Current 75 stacks: All stats increased by 225%
Kwareung!
With a single jump, Artier was facing the Commander’s torso.
“What…!”
“The Commander’s paralysis success rate is 50%.”
[Paralysis resistance successful]
“And the probability drops by half for every level the player is higher.”
[Paralysis resistance successful]
“But right now, my level is at least 22, you know?”
Artier stared into the Commander’s eyes and uttered in a low voice.
“Go on, try and paralyze .”
“You, you bastard!”
[Paralysis resistance successful]
The Commander let out a monstrous scream and tried to spit sothing out, but Artier’s sword was faster.
Thud!
The fla-wreathed sword accurately struck the waist he had already half-severed.
“Kuaaaaaaaaak!”
The creature desperately grabbed the sword with its hands.
Even as its fingers burned, it was struggling with all its might to pull out the sword.
“How! Do you know about us!”
Artier didn't bother to answer the futile question. Instead, he just put more strength into his grip.
“You don’t need to know.”
Chwaak!
And that was the end.
Artier’s sword pulled out of the creature’s torso, and as if in slow motion, its waist slowly slid off the spider’s body and collapsed.
The Commander’s remaining lower half, only after its torso had fallen, seed to feel the pain and writhed, its legs trembling.
[You have leveled up.]
“…”
Artier sheathed his sword and quietly looked around.
The sound of the Hellmorphs’ footsteps, which had been audible from all directions until a mont ago, was gradually fading away.
Artier, they’re running away.
That’s a relief.
You crazy bastard. To think you actually pulled it off.
In the distance, he could see the figure of Bow, running a hand through his hair.
Letting out an unconscious chuckle, Artier staggered and sat down from the pain that hit him belatedly.
His condition was at its worst from moving recklessly with a ruined shoulder.
I’m just going to rest for a bit, okay?
My bodyguard fee is expensive.
Even Bow’s sarcastic words couldn’t keep Artier’s consciousness from fading.
A mont later, in the square where everything had vanished, only the sound of deep, sleeping breaths could be heard faintly.
***
The next day, no more Hellmorphs could be found in the city.
Most of the Hellmorphs had fled to the northern forest, and those that remained were all taken care of by the combined forces of the Robist and Derth rcenary Corps.
“Here is your request reward. Thank you for protecting Dorman, Sir Artier.”
[You are the person who made the greatest contribution to this request.]
[You have leveled up.]
[You have leveled up.]
[You have obtained 50 Gold Coins.]
[You have been recognized as a Supre-Grade rcenary.]
You can now receive benefits from rcenary Guilds throughout the entire empire. You have obtained the authority to beco the leader of a rcenary corps.
‘I never thought I’d be promoted to a Supre-Grade rcenary this way.’
It was thanks to the many rcenaries who testified about Artier’s achievents.
He was a little embarrassed by the excessive praise, but it was a relief that he didn't have to spend ti on a promotion test.
Moreover, this wasn't the end of the quest.
“We, the Derth rcenary Corps, declare that we have forged an eternal friendship with Artier!”
That night, the leader of the Derth rcenary Corps, who had fiery red hair, and Trophin ca to express their gratitude.
Trophin, with his characteristic hearty laugh, presented Artier with a wooden box as large as his upper body.
“This is a gift prepared by our leader!”
[Quest completed.]
[You have acquired the Sword Dancer Leather Armor.]
“You rascal, you prepared it, so why use my na? Are you shy or sothing?”
“Keuhum, what are you talking about? I prepared it because the leader permitted it.”
“My, my, this guy is shyer than he looks. Please try to understand.”
“What is this guy saying!”
Despite being the leader and vice-leader, the two bickering like old friends was a far cry from the image of a large rcenary corps.
But Artier liked that kind of relationship.
“When are you going to introduce your friends?”
Of course, the mont they asked that question, such thoughts vanished without a trace, and he had to desperately spit out an excuse.
“I think it’s still too difficult.”
“I see. Then at least tell us this. What should we call you all?”
“We are…”
Artier was lost in thought for a mont.
And he said the first word that ca to his mind.
“You can call us Destiny.”
Destiny.
It was the na of this ga and a word synonymous with its identity.
“Destiny…. I’ve never heard that na before.”
“Because they are friends who are hidden away.”
“That’s true. Next ti, I’ll formally invite you to our rcenary corps. You’ll co, right?”
“Of course.”
The Derth rcenary Corps is a rcenary group that survives until the end in the main story and becos a reliable ally.
Artier smiled brightly and shook hands with the leader.
After the executives of Derth left, Artier sighed and turned around.
There stood his comrades, their eyes blazing, staring at him with aningful expressions.
“Now, I think it’s ti for you to explain.”
“That’s right. Mis.Ter. Des.Ti.Ny?”
“That’s a grand na. More than we deserve.”
“…”
Each and every gaze felt like it was poking his entire body.
Cold sweat trickled down Artier’s forehead as he darted his eyes around.
“I’ll tell you everything… so you’ll listen, right?”
“Depends on how you do?”
Bow said, spinning an arrow between his fingers.
‘I don’t want to lie again.’
Artier pondered.
Should he say that he has no real affiliation and that this was all a scam?
‘If I say that as it is, I’ll end up in the sa situation as the Magica rcenary Corps…’
An eye for an eye.
Hadn’t he seen with his own two eyes the Derth rcenary Corps’ crude but effective thod of revenge?
‘But I can’t lie about everything either.’
Let’s mix truth and lies appropriately.
Having made his decision, Artier opened his mouth.
“Destiny is the na of the rcenary corps I originally belonged to.”
“I’ve never heard of such a na.”
“Sa here.”
Gerard and Bow’s gazes were fixed coldly on him.
But Artier had anticipated this reaction. A high-ranking rcenary would know about all the major rcenary corps in the empire.
“That’s probably because it’s a rcenary corps that no longer exists.”
“What?”
“Just like Gerard’s case, it’s a rcenary corps that was disbanded due to a lack of mbers.”
A forr executive of the disbanded Destiny rcenary Corps due to a lack of mbers.
This was the scenario Artier had prepared.
“Why would a Supre-Grade rcenary be in such a small-scale rcenary corps?”
“It was a rcenary corps composed of acquaintances.”
“…Ah, I see.”
Gerard scratched the back of his neck with a regretful expression.
But Bow still didn't let go of his suspicious tone.
“Then Destiny doesn’t exist right now. Did you lie to the Derth rcenary Corps?”
“Well… I won’t deny it.”
Artier, scratching his cheek, gave an awkward smile.
“But the request itself was a success, right? It was what we intended to do from the beginning, anyway…”
Thwack!
“Ugh!”
A dizzying sensation spread from his head. Gerard put the grimoire back into his coat and let out a deep sigh.
“You should be glad it went over well.”
“You almost died. Do you know how surprised I was when you ca back on Bow’s back? And you just had guide the survivors.”
Jeina turned her head away and muttered. Anyone could see she was quite sulking.
“If it weren’t for Collie, you would have been long gone…. Huh?”
“What is it?”
“Collie, wasn’t he here just a mont ago?”
At Jeina’s words, everyone looked around.
Indeed, the small boy was nowhere to be seen.
“Where did he go?”
“He doesn’t seem to be upstairs.”
“He probably went out to play. The market is open, isn’t it?”
Just as Bow spoke indifferently, Artier stared intently at the floor and said.
“I think I know where he is.”
“Huh?”
In Artier’s eyes, a colorful yellow light could be seen leading out the door.
The refreshing energy touching his fingertips was that of a familiar being.
‘I didn’t detect it. This was left behind.’
Creak.
When he opened the inn door and stepped outside, the light continued far to the outskirts of the city.
“I’ll go get him.”
“Where are you going? Our talk isn’t over yet.”
“Ugh…”
Bow’s gaze was painfully sharp.
Just as Artier faltered at this.
“Go on.”
Gerard said.
At this, Bow glared at Gerard.
“What?”
“Is there anything more to talk about? Artier has already told us all the facts.”
“That’s…”
“I understand you’re angry, but it should end with a lecture.”
“Hah, you’re not angry?”
“I am angry too. But didn’t you say that if the result is good, it’s not a reckless act but the best choice?”
“…”
“It’s true that Artier lied, but in the end, he brought about a good result. So I think it’s fine to end it here.”
“Look at the saint of patience.”
Bow threw the arrow he was holding at a nearby pillar, crossed his arms, and sat down on a chair.
“Be back quick. If you take too long, I’ll co find you.”
“Got it.”
Artier hurriedly left the inn and followed the light.
Passing between destroyed buildings, the light continued on until he reached the vicinity of a collapsed clock tower.
And finally, when he ca out to what was once the city’s entrance.
“Collie?”
Collie was not in the form of a boy.
He had returned to his dog form and was looking up at the moon.
‘What are you doing here?’
Artier, approaching with a puzzled expression, suddenly stopped in his tracks.
The moonlight pouring down from the sky was circling and dancing around Collie.
“You’ve co?”
Collie didn’t turn around.
“…You called ?”
“That’s right. I thought you would know.”
Only then did Collie turn his head.
The Spirit Creature took a step forward, floated gently in the air, and looked at him.
“First of all, I wanted to get you out of that intense atmosphere. If you had stayed there for another 10 minutes, the master might have withered and died. Ahahang!”
“That’s a strange laugh…. Wait a minute.”
Sothing was strange. How could he know about that situation?
As Artier stared intently at Collie, Collie also stopped laughing and gazed at him steadily.
“You must have many questions. Isn’t that right?”
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