Rejecting the Mercenaries' Demands
"Welcome. Do you need anything?"
I'd been short on workers—not slaves, mind you—for the construction anyway. If these ten or so people joined us, we might speed things up a bit. Even if not, this wasn't exactly a hospitable world. I could offer them safety and jobs. A win-win for everyone involved.
"Nothing in particular right now... You folks just arrived here, huh?"
"Yeah. We've set up a base."
The mercenary leader bowed her head slightly toward me.
"Name's Kim Soi. I run a mercenary band."
"Kim Sunwoo. As you can see, we've got a modest little outpost ourselves."
She had faded red hair and a rough-around-the-edges look.
"What brings you to our neck of the woods?"
"Eh, just this and that. Wandering around chasing jobs, ended up here."
"If you're short on options, you're welcome to join us. Plenty of room."
"We're not looking to sign on anywhere right now... but I've got a sweet deal for you, boss. Thought I'd swing by and pitch it."
I tilted my head, puzzled. In my experience, anyone pretending to prioritize the other side's gains over their own was not to be trusted.
"What kind of deal?"
"We're a solid outfit around these parts. Red Flame Mercenaries—ring a bell?"
"Nope."
"Must've had it easy growing up. Anyway, we've fought in plenty of scraps, still get calls left and right... you get the idea."
"Impressive."
I nodded soullessly. No matter how renowned, I doubted they could match me.
"So, what's the pitch?"
"Exclusive contract with us. Place looks risky, right? With us around, no need to sweat zombies or other survivors."
Truth be told, I wasn't scared now, but depending on the price, I might entertain it. Less like hiring muscle and more like a public works program.
"Won't gouge you on pay—standard rates from other gigs. Even if you're short on cash upfront, no rush to settle up. Don't sweat that."
"Hm."
"No food tribute either, but we'll take exclusive rights to one of the supply points nearby. Not too much to ask, yeah?"
I listened calmly, giving no reaction. Needed to gauge if she was worth negotiating with.
"And if there's friction between your people and ours, you swear to back us."
Soi must've taken my silence for agreement or acceptance, grinning smugly at me.
"That's the basics. We can tweak the rest as needed."
I shook my head with a bright smile.
"No can do."
"Smart choice—wait, what?"
Kim Soi stared at me like I'd grown a second head. I was the one baffled.
...She wasn't a con artist?
I'd pegged her as one—someone knowingly running a scam. Plenty of types like that, even beyond zombies: folks sweet-talking normals with "last chance" deals, then unloading junk at rip-off prices.
But even if they were on the level, it changed nothing. Competent or not, I didn't need them.
"I can extend goodwill to guests. For family, I'd do anything. But your terms? Sound like you want to lord over us."
"What's wrong with that? Relax, we're not out to screw you over. We don't go rough on guys—"
"Doesn't matter to me. But don't think about standing over my people."
"...What?"
I met her gaze silently. Inequality was inevitable, maybe. New women naturally looked up to Sua, Seohee, and Roa. Couldn't stop respect for skills, early bonds, or raw strength.
But demanding acknowledgment to my face? Unacceptable.
No matter how tough the mercenaries, their power was street-zombie level next to mine. No way I'd let that pittance dictate terms.
"Been fun. Time to head out."
"W-wait. Let's talk!"
"Got a meal to eat... so long."
I gently pushed Kim Soi aside and shut the palisade gate.
Eh, shit happens. Can't meet only good people. Plenty of middling or scheming types out there.
"Hey, Master! Where you been? Been waiting to eat together!"
"Sorry, coming now!"
Seohee poked her head out the door, calling me. I hurried over.
Outside the palisade, Kim Soi pounded the wooden wall in frustration. No response.
She trudged back to her crew, deflated.
"Got the boot, huh."
"What'd he say? 'Don't need ya'?"
Her subordinates snickered, ribbing her.
"Yeah, fuck. Told us to fuck off! Makes me sick..."
"Whaddya gonna do? Guy looked high-level. Probably got backing we don't know about."
Solid point, but Soi couldn't swallow it.
Fuck, just a bit more and...
She and her mercs craved better. Not this endless risking necks for peanuts, but lording over the weak in comfort.
Difference between her and the grunts? She hadn't given up.
"...We just dropping it?"
"No choice, boss. Didn't seem that tough, but he's still a guy."
They laughed, shaking heads.
"Piss him off and we might end up naked, barking like dogs on the streets. No thanks."
"Hoo..."
"Even head-on, win's great but lose and we're done. Plenty food there—settle for that?"
Soi clenched her fist.
"That ain't enough!"
"...Huh?"
"Sure, plush now. But how long?"
Soi knew the truth. Supply points always ran dry—scarce, finite.
Local abundance lingered because Anseongu’s safety wasn't widely known yet.
Soon, crowds. Some'd slave up to join. His group would swell, claim every nearby point.
Even without conquest, more wanderers meant trouble. Couldn't guard points forever; scavenging fights meant risks.
"...Bet there's heaps inside."
"Boss?"
Soi pondered.
"He's a guy, right? Didn't look tough. Honestly? Kinda laughable."
"For real?"
"Anyone who fights wouldn't tote a toy sword like that."
Even a stick would've looked better. Maybe special skills, but Soi rated that low.
"Fled some hellhole. Strong? Nah."
A real powerhouse wouldn't play nice with random visitors.
"Robbery's... risky, yeah?"
"Who said rob? Just slip in quiet when empty, grab what we can."
Weak or not, guy might have valuables. Ransack warehouse, snag a woman for leverage—could score big.
"Let's live large for once."
"Get caught? They'll know it was us—"
"Grab and bolt like hell. Guy or not, what can he do?"
"Ugh..."
Soi flashed a cocky grin.
"Big score, then parlay it elsewhere. Business, whatever."
"..."
"Times changed. Merc life? Starve or die for Katus. Pick one."
Even her reckless crew couldn't argue that.
"Tomorrow night. Hit 'em sleeping, then haul ass. Got it?"
"Yes!"
Kim Soi smirked, satisfied.