Chapter 174
Chapter 174
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 174
Chapter Title: Omen (7)
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The mercenaries' faces twisted mercilessly. Of course, objectively speaking, they were a bit outmatched by Suhyun. No, actually, they were significantly outmatched.
But the world had a way of turning unpredictably, and while their forces fell short compared to Suhyun's, they were respectable in their own right.
After enduring false accusations and hardship in the wilderness, the government had compensated them handsomely, and they'd used that money to rearm themselves. Solid superhumans backed by sturdy gear. There was no reason not to feel confident.
With their rehab complete, they'd come to the newly opened New World to showcase their skills—and incidentally settle the score with Suhyun...
"Any problems?"
"Nah, none."
Suhyun nodded readily. He'd been caught off guard by the unexpected arrival, but there was no reason to turn down willing help.
"So, how exactly do you plan to help?"
"Hm?"
The mercenaries exchanged glances.
"If something dangerous comes up and you need our strength, we'll step in..."
"Hey, hold on, hold on."
Another mercenary cut him off. On second thought, this wasn't going to be easy. If someone like Suhyun needed help with something dangerous, their involvement probably wouldn't make much difference.
"Not anything too dangerous, you know? Like, moderately risky stuff... We'll handle that."
"Yeah, yeah!"
They cringed at their own words, but there was no helping it. No point in a magpie trying to follow a stork and tearing its legs. Better to set expectations upfront.
"So basically, not unsolved monster hunts, but stuff like unexplored territory scouting or jobs around pioneer zones?"
"...Yeah."
"Got it. Go handle your business."
"It's not that we're lacking confidence or anything. We just don't want to screw up if you hand us something big..."
"I said I got it."
The mercenaries slunk away, their pride bruised. Suhyun scratched his cheek at the bizarre turn of events—unexpected reinforcements offering aid.
'Not a bad deal at all. I was prepping them for the Ju Won-jun assault anyway...'
Suhyun pondered as he reviewed the direct government report.
As expected, the Anes region was swarming with all sorts. Governments from every nation were setting up bases in the most promising spots, attempting stable expansion. Meanwhile, greedy mercenaries charged ahead, embodying the idea that life was all about that one big break.
'Chaos. Pure chaos.'
In a situation like this, anything could happen. Anes was vast, sure, but profitable areas were limited, breeding inevitable rivalries and standoffs.
Militaries had stepped up for security, but that only mattered for large-scale conflicts. They couldn't prevent every back-alley brawl out of sight.
'To plant our flag fast, I need to handle the elves first.'
That settled it. Over the next week, Suhyun and the team finalized their movements. The government pleaded with him to stay safe but didn't try to hold him back like last time.
Developing Anes was profitable for them too. They couldn't keep Suhyun leashed indefinitely.
* * *
"I was planning to buy a house if we took a long break this time."
"A house?"
As Anes's foothills came into view in the distance, Shaina muttered.
"Super luxurious, big plot of land and all..."
"Retiring?"
"No, no! Not quitting mercenary work!"
Shaina smacked Suhyun's back.
"I mean commuting! Don't twist my words!"
"Just asking. So, what're you gonna do with a mansion?"
Suhyun pictured Charles's sprawling estate. He couldn't imagine how the ultra-rich actually lived in places like that.
Shaina was no different.
"I'll build it first, figure it out later?"
"...Impressive."
"If I need hands, I'll call in some dark elves. We've got folks itching to move to the cities anyway. They're just wary of the bad rep..."
"Like that Jana Robel girl?"
"Exclude her."
Shaina didn't hesitate for a second. The thought of her clinging on sight gave her a headache.
"Dark elf perceptions have improved a ton, though. No street harassment anymore. Probably 'cause it's known you're on my team."
"Worse back then?"
"Didn't bother me. If someone spat curses on the street, I'd check for witnesses, then beat 'em and bolt if clear."
"You got away with that somehow."
"I'm good at it."
Shaina flashed a mischievous grin.
"Ugh, urgh!"
"What's with her?"
Luiril staggered out, face pale as a ghost, ears drooping. Eida and Erendil flanked her worriedly, offering support.
Shaina eyed Luiril.
"Pregnant?"
Normally, she'd snap back with curses and a fight, but Luiril looked too drained. She just shook her head and plopped down.
"Motion sickness is worse than I thought. We're almost there—hang in a bit."
"Ugh... Help me up."
"Acting spoiled? You Erendil now?"
Suhyun grumbled as he hauled Luiril up by the arm. Shaina clicked her tongue at the sight.
"That guy... just you wait..."
"Sounds like you're recovering fine. Worry about yourself."
* * *
"Better approach carefully. With all these humans around, the elves' nerves will be on edge."
Suhyun addressed the team.
"Other races aside, watch out for rival mercs too. They might recognize us and steer clear, but plenty of idiots have bad memories and no fear. Report anyone tailing us right away. We'll handle it."
"Yes, sir!"
To mercenaries, other races were always tricky. Back in the 17th century, they'd bully or kill them, but humanity had moved past that.
Crimes against other races were crimes among crimes—heavy sentences like execution or life imprisonment if caught. Mercs without connections were smart to avoid contact altogether.
Finding the elves was easy. They pushed into the dense forest, brushing past a few monsters but no real obstacles.
"We'll go ahead. Wait here."
"You sure? Blood ties or not, they're from another tribe. Safer if we all go, right?"
Humans didn't always attack fellow humans, and other races were the same. Tribes this far apart were practically strangers.
With mercs crawling the area, even elves could spark misunderstandings.
"It's fine. We're different. Trust me. Let's go, Eida."
They left Erendil with Suhyun and ventured down the wooded path.
Then came the shouting.
"..."
"Doesn't sound like a peaceful chat."
Luiril was yelling right back. From what carried over, something like 'You'll regret this.' Suhyun sighed heavily.
"Come on. Time to help."
* * *
"Humans too?! Suspicious as hell!"
"I told you, we're here to see Airum Srandal! Family!"
"Where'd you hear that name? Can't trust it!"
Eida looked flustered, trying to calm Luiril, but the furious elf was laying into the elf warriors.
"Enough. Both of you."
Suhyun pulled Luiril back.
"We're here for Airum Srandal. Edan Srandal asked us, and this is his daughter Eida Srandal and Erendil Srandal. Don't believe us? Go verify. We're not idle folk dragging elves here for tricks. No intent to enter your territory—just fetch Airum."
"Uh, erm..."
The elf sentry faltered at Suhyun's solemn demeanor. This human didn't feel like someone you could mouth off to like Luiril. He exuded a chief-like gravity.
Didn't seem like a lie.
Just as mercs couldn't manhandle other races, neither could they. Problems meant siding with humanity.
"Um, but... seeing Airum right now is tough."
"Why's Suhyun getting polite treatment!?"
Luiril burst out from behind. She'd started civil enough, but the sentry had brusquely told them to scram.
"Why?"
"He's in Koldara Forest. Once he goes in, he rarely comes out..."
"Can't call him? Family matter—even if he hates interruptions, should be fine."
"No, it's not that. We avoid Koldara Forest ourselves. Only Airum goes often. He's... eccentric. Ahem, unique."
"What if we go find him?"
"Pardon?"
"We'll wait for permission. Ask him, please. This little one's family—Erendil's seriously ill."
Suhyun pointed at Erendil. The sentry winced, hit in a soft spot. Everyone melted for a kid's suffering.
"I'll check!"
Once the sentry vanished, Shaina asked curiously.
"Why so nice?"
"Huh?"
"You'd have yanked 'em off their mounts and threatened by now."
"...When have I done that? Not the situation. Antagonizing just gives us headaches."
"You weren't like that in my homeland..."
"If these elves poison my tea, then we'll throw down. Relax."
Shaina flushed. Dark elves had overdone it there, sure.
"Lots to gain and learn here. Can't just swing first. Gotta manage the image."
Suhyun could play nice as needed. Less than an hour later, the sentry raced back, horse panting.
"Asked—he says limited numbers can enter. Not all..."
Suhyun scanned the team. Limits meant leaving most behind—him and the elves optimal.
"No strong monsters nearby, so rest easy. Follow me."
"Will do."
As the sentry led on horseback, Luiril muttered low.
"Weirdo. Why so polite to Suhyun?"
"Sis, shh."
Suhyun, ignoring them, asked his question.
"What's Koldara Forest like?"
He knew the area vaguely, but Koldara sounded deep in elf territory. Humans rarely entered those.
"Uh... pretty dangerous."
"Monsters?"
"No. Monsters are fine. Not many dangerous ones inside... Like around here."
"?
Then why dangerous?"
"Know what we call it?"
"What?"
"Forest of Illusions, Forest of Oblivion, Forest of Madness..."
"...Not great for mental health."
"Yeah. Honestly, wish Airum wouldn't go. He's too esteemed to stop, though."
"Hallucinations on entry?"
"Varies. Some see illusions, worse go mad... We avoid it, so not sure. Airum once said effects differ by spot—that's why it scares us."
Suhyun felt uneasy. Better monsters than that. Trickier than beasts.
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