Chapter 605
Chapter 605
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 605
Chapter Title: Scent of Spring
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Guards who looked like her escorts came running from behind. The lady raised her hand with a smile still on her face, stopping them, and spoke to me.
"Anyway, it's perfect timing since we need skilled fighters! Coming all the way here must mean you're joining the drake subjugation battle, right?!"
That was exactly why I'd come.
"Of course! This Junior Priest Kim Katt rushed here the moment I heard about the monster horde threatening the people's safety! To slaughter every last drake!"
"What splendid spirit and attitude!! A true man's resolve!!!!!"
I answered energetically in a rigid at-attention stance, and Lady Isvant pounded my shoulder just as loudly, nearly shouting herself.
Thud! Thud!
As expected of nobility, treating people like inferiors was ingrained in her.
More than that, my shoulder hurt like hell.
This woman was a physical fighter type herself. Even pounding my pauldrons barehanded, the impact came through full force.
"Excellent! Barbarian warrior! Then let's get to the point!"
"The point, ma'am?! Yes, sir!!"
"Join the strike team! Great rewards are promised!"
Strike team?
"You mean the strike team?"
She'd mentioned needing skilled people, and now strike team? Were they planning to draft me into their main assault force?
I asked for details, and the lady began explaining with an introductory hum.
"The full subjugation kicks off the moment the drakes start moving! We've already set up defensive formations along their migration path! Once the fed ones start marching, battle will commence immediately!"
They'd positioned soldiers along the drakes' current migration route.
The massive horde wasn't moving nonstop. Even monsters needed rest and time to eat. While the drake pack had been stationary for the past few days, they'd finished deploying the troops.
Now they just had to monitor the drakes' movements and wait for battle.
"While the drakes clash with the infantry phalanx, we'll send the main strike team in from the flank! That'll make subjugation a breeze! That's what I mean—join that strike team! We need lots of skilled fighters!"
"Ooh, I see!!!"
I shouted as if deeply impressed.
In other words: the infantry phalanx blocks the drakes' massive advance head-on, then the lady's main strike team hits the side. Smash them to pieces, and adventurers mop up the scattering survivors. A simple plan.
Hammer and anvil tactics.
Monsters had no strategy, so if executed, it'd be extremely efficient. Flanked monsters would only flee.
The moment the tactic landed, their morale would shatter.
"T-To think such a genius strategy exists in the real world!!!! That'll let us crush the drakes like maggots!!"
Such tactics existing in reality!!
"Aaaah!!"
I clutched my head, feigning overwhelming emotion.
"Exactly!!!! As expected of a capable warrior—your tactical insight is sharp!! The strike team is the subjugation force's core! Join, and you'll reap huge rewards!"
"Understood!!! I'm grateful just for the honor of joining such a glorious unit!! Loyalty to Lady Isvant!!!"
"I knew you'd accept! Oh~ ho ho ho ho!!"
The moment I agreed, she covered her mouth with the back of her hand and burst into high-pitched laughter.
"Heh heh heh!!"
I chuckled to myself in celebration.
Participating directly always meant bigger rewards. Assigned to the flanking assault, I could clearly kill more drakes.
Afterward, extra merits would bring bonus payouts too.
Adventurers' role was grabbing the flank-broken, fleeing drakes. Normally, I'd be there too. With my skills, I'd get a share, but the strike team would claim even more.
"We've set up a temporary strike team HQ in the central square. Head there, say you're recommended by me, and you'll be assigned immediately! The team consists of my direct soldiers and on-site civilian experts, so no issues teaming up!"
"Got it! I'll head there right away!"
"Do that!!"
Thud! Thud!
The lady pounded my shoulder again, clearly in high spirits.
"Urk...!"
I desperately swallowed the scream trying to escape.
"I'd love to chat more, but I'm swamped right now! See you on the battlefield! I expect great things!!"
"Yes! Understood!!"
The lady departed like a storm.
As she left, a man resembling her guard approached and handed me a document.
"Here. Take this to the strike team HQ for assignment."
"Thank you."
I read the paper.
Roughly, it was a document in Lady Isvant's name authorizing strike team participation. Anyway, fighting together was more efficient than solo hunting.
Party over solo. Army over party—more reliable.
Show decent effort, and the impressed lady would surely reward me.
I asked the soldier for directions and headed to the temporary HQ. No getting lost—a tent was pitched right in the central square.
I entered and greeted them.
"Hello. Lady Isvant ordered me to join the strike team."
"A skilled adventurer, eh? This way."
Recruiter?
I approached the man at work, handed over the document. He read it through and began explaining.
"We've set up a temporary barracks mid-migration path, away from the village, preparing for battle. Once assigned, you'll live there until it's over. That alright?"
Fuck, paid 20 coppers for a room I now have to ditch.
"Of course."
"Good. Basic pay's included, but once subjugation succeeds, it'll feel trivial. Read this contract."
He pulled a contract from his drawer and handed it over.
Simple stuff: strike team duties, reward splits.
No red flags.
"Listen while reading. Once there, obey the on-site commander's orders till subjugation ends. Okay?"
"Fine by me. They won't order anything weird anyway."
"Of course not. Quick on the uptake—good."
The lady was drafting civilian experts herself—who'd pull shady shit?
Subjugation force: her soldiers and skilled folks like me.
Soldiers lead, we follow for support combat.
Frontline merits better, but soldiers take that. Fine—flank assault from rear still works.
Soldiers do the work; we just pitch in. Easy big money.
"But isn't the lady commanding the strike team directly?"
"Four strike teams total. She commands one herself—with elites, so forget it."
"Heh heh, was hoping to stand out for a bonus. Shame."
"Just stay healthy. Once the op launches, all strikers get rich."
Conversation done, I grabbed my contract copy and left the tent. Prep now, head to site barracks before sundown for check-in.
A bit lax.
Soldiers handle most; adventurers assist. Back to inn, washed up, napped for stamina, packed, and headed out.
Didn't expect this right away.
Original plan: like local adventurers, enter forest, kill isolated drakes to satisfaction, leave.
Now strike team— no hassle needed.
Just wait for battle, slaughter them all.
Off to temporary barracks.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ A bit outside the village, but easy to find.
Soldiers' barracks visible from afar. Phalanx deployed, tents pitched, cooking smoke rising.
A real warzone.
Down there, grabbed a soldier, asked for strike team barracks. Better organized than expected—found it quick.
"Ho, D-rank adventurer and Junior Priest Katt. That gear a combat priest set? Impressive. Mind if I touch?"
Gave on-site commander my info during greeting; he eyed my armor.
"Heh heh, go ahead. Top-notch armor."
"Indeed... Church standard gear—excellent quality. Reliable addition."
Military eye for gear. Chatted simply, got briefed.
"First Strike Team under lady direct. You're in my Second Strike Team. Training before sundown with assembled troops—follow commands well."
Daily training, at least once.
"Second Strike tent behind. Ask neighbors how to settle. Per contract, unauthorized exit now is desertion—watch it."
"Heh heh, got it."
Heard all warnings, left.
Felt like reserve army call-up. Lax vibe too.
Found Second Strike tent nearby.
Soldier vs. civilian separated.
"Fuck."
Saw the tent—huge, like 24-man.
Live here...?
Stepped in; reality hit.
"Hm."
"New guy's here."
"Barbarian? Gear looks solid."
"Fierce-looking... Reliable enough."
Reserve-style loungers sprawled.
Casual folks, gear neatly by heads, lined up. One reading, one sleeping, some commenting on me.
Muscled builds—decent fighters. D-rank vets mixed with C-ranks.
Bowed lightly, took seat.
Sequential spots; last one's beside someone. Ask neighbor for info.
Scrape, scrape.
Neighbor: brown-haired youth honing blade, legs crossed, staring blankly.
Brief intro, asked for tips.
"Nothing special. Meals at mealtime. Wash? Soldier at entrance handles rotations to rear stream. Out? Report first. Training call? Do it. Pass to newcomers."
"Thanks."
Military system in place. Chill here, follow soldier overseer.
"Hm... You look strong, barbarian bro. Drakes come, form up by spot order. You're next to me. First time, but let's support each other."
"Heh heh, naturally."