Note: The Novel Will Be Corrected Until Chapter 105, After That Chapter It Will Be All MTL
C13 - 14 - 15
Chapter 13 – The Willingness to Return to the Mountains
That statement implied that he was willing to let the dwarf follow in the footsteps of the Hamar clan, which had vanished beyond the massive mountain range that stretched across the southern part of the continent. To the dwarf, a half-elf who typically lived for 300 years, 20 years to gain freedom did not seem like a particularly long time.
“……Humans are good at lying. Do you think I can trust those words?”
However, the dwarf’s distrust of humans was profound, and the look of resignation in his eyes did not waver. It was then that Logan gently pulled out a piece of paper shimmering with bluish energy from within his clothes.
“Do you know what this is?”
The dwarf’s eyes trembled upon verifying the item.
“……A magic contract?”
It was a spare he had prepared when buying a magic contract to bind Philip, thinking of this very day.
“You’re not going to use that for me, are you?!”
“Well observed. If you really cannot trust me, then I could draft a contract for you.”
“Let’s write the contract! Absolutely! I’ll make anything for you!”
Logan’s lips curved into a faint smile at the radically changed attitude of Hamar. Without delay, he proceeded to draft the contract for the enthusiastic dwarf. To Logan, it was merely bait to ensure his eagerness.
However, upon seeing the light of the magic contract enveloping both him and Logan, Hamar, contrary to his usual stoic countenance, let tears roll down his cheeks.
“I can’t believe you would actually do that for me. Thank you, human. No, thank you, Master!”
It was a strange sight to see someone destined to 20 years of forced labor expressing gratitude and even using honorifics, difficult for a dwarf.
Logan couldn’t help but chuckle at the odd disconnection.
‘If a single contract can inspire such motivation, then it’s a profitable deal.’
The weapon he intended to create required only a slight edge over the skills of a human blacksmith, which was within reach even with a disillusioned dwarf’s ability. However, Logan’s promise of freedom was influenced, perhaps, by memories from his past life.
A thousand years ago during ‘The Great Migration,’ most dwarves also vanished beyond the southern mountain range. Consequently, master dwarves, who were rumored to be found only in the great cities of the dwarves, became even rarer. And those master dwarves, once enslaved, could no longer display skills that matched their reputation.
But Logan had once witnessed, in his past life, the ‘true’ capabilities of a master dwarf — in a piece crafted with the joy of liberation.
‘The craftsmanship of a master dwarf infused with genuine willpower. It truly was impressive.’
Such skill was worth the investment if he could draw it forth. For Logan’s plans, 20 years was more than enough time.
‘Unless it all falls apart before then.’
Shaking off those ominous thoughts, Logan turned his gaze from Hamar, who now looked elated, to Kai, whose expressionless face kept vigilance behind him.
‘Anyway, I’ve achieved my purpose of coming to Harun.’
A contented smirk appeared on Logan’s lips as he moved forward with a lighter heart, reassured by the smooth unfolding of the plan.
But the relief was fleeting. As they were leaving the slave market, Logan and his party encountered a raucous incident.
“Seize him!”
“The slave has escaped!”
“Catch him! Catch them, you fools!”
A middle-aged man with a hooked nose and blood streaming down his forearms pointed at a spot in the slave market and bellowed loudly. A blue-haired boy carrying a girl who resembled him was rushing through the crowded people, with five or six individuals who looked like mercenaries in pursuit.
The boy, with his surprisingly nimble movements unsuited for his emaciated frame, managed to escape the mercenaries’ grip time after time. However, the chase was not to last.
Thud! Thud!
“You damn dog!”
Thump.
“You think you can bite me?!”
Crud.
Angered beyond reason, the hooked-nose man mercilessly trampled the child. Even as he spat out his fury, it seemed he wouldn’t care if the child died from his violent kicks.
The blue-haired boy’s unyielding posture during the onslaught, if anything, only intensified the man’s rage as time went on.
‘His sister…?’
Biting his lip until it bled, the boy stubbornly resisted bending his outstretched arms and legs, a clear indication that he was protecting his sister from the kicks.
“Oh, brother, I’m okay.”
Trembling, the girl whispered, clutching at the boy’s arms — a soft voice only Logan could hear if he concentrated, but it was unlikely the boy above had missed.
“Don’t worry about the slaves. Just move along.”
“Aye. I know, but… just one moment…”
In the eyes of the world, slaves were not humans but property. How their owner treated them was not a matter for others to interfere with, even if that treatment was as abhorrent as what they witnessed.
Moreover, the mercenaries who caught the boy were glancing around, poised and ready for any interference.
There was no reason to risk an altercation over someone else’s property, yet Logan couldn’t take his eyes off the beaten boy.
‘Why?’
It wasn’t just out of sympathy for the boy. The contrasting red and blue eyes beneath the blue hair — an odd-eye — were a rarity, perhaps even unique on the continent, and that teased a part of his memory.
‘Blue hair, red and blue odd-eye slave…’
He was sure it was important, but the clear answer eluded him, leaving him with a feeling of frustration. Then, as his gaze fleetingly met with the boy’s eyes, a long-forgotten memory flashed through Logan’s mind.
“Ah! Viktor!”
“Yes?”
“No, nothing. Just wait a moment…”
The memories that surfaced brought a strange pleasure, but they also laid before Logan yet another concern.
‘To think I’d encounter a noble slayer here.’
Looking at the boy, now suspected of being Viktor, his eyes narrowed.
Viktor, the Noble Slayer, a powerful aura user who gained tremendous fame in the kingdom in Logan’s previous life. His notoriety was particularly due to his origins.
Born not from nobility or even commoners, Viktor was a slave — and a runaway slave who killed his master at that. This uneducated combatant laid waste to his pursuers and eventually became a fugitive, guilty of slaughtering numerous soldiers, knights, and nobles before vanishing.
Nearly a decade later, around the time the imperial war began, Viktor resurfaced, slaughtering the entire family of his previous owners with the use of aura, a sign of a superhuman.
Thereafter, he became infamous as the Noble Slayer among aura users, indiscriminately murdering nobles throughout the Grandia Kingdom.
‘That slave escape incident happened about a year after I became a mercenary.’
Logan remembered the approximate time because it was right after the end of the MacLaine fiefdom’s siege. He could not recall specifics like which family’s slave Viktor was, but he found him by chance now.
And if Logan were to save this boy now?
‘A future aura user would be on my side.’
It would undeniably be beneficial. However, there was one problem…
“Argh!”
Amidst his thoughts, Viktor or the boy presumed to be him, bit fiercely into the leg of his oppressor, drawing blood. The mercenaries rushed to beat and pry him off, but the boy held on determinedly.
The ferocity in the boy’s eyes evoked memories of ominous rumors from a past life.
‘An unstoppable maniac killer.’
Logan needed reliable soldiers, not weapons that might turn on their own.
‘…If it’s a weapon, just isolate it. So it can’t chip away at the kingdom’s power.’
The conclusion came embarrassingly quickly after a brief period of thought.
With that resolve, Logan made his move.
“This mutt…”
Thunk.
“Huh?”
Hooked-nose, still intent on kicking the boy who had already fainted, was startled by the sudden obstruction of a sheathed sword at his feet.
“What kind of…”
Red hair approached him, but not a single one of his guards noticed in time.
By the time the bodyguards were alerted and began to draw their swords, it was too late.
Moreover, the person following the red-haired individual appeared to be Kai, a renowned mercenary of Harun.
At last, seeing the flame emblem engraved on the armor of the red-haired individual, hooked-nose instinctively bowed deeply.
“I did not recognize someone of your stature. Did I somehow offend you?”
“Just passing by, but I became interested in the merchandise you were a bit too rough with.”
After some hesitation and an awkward chuckle, hooked-nose responded.
“Oh, you were a customer? What an embarrassing time—aha!”
“That’s enough. Is this how you usually treat your slaves?”
“No, no, not at all. These ones are just particularly stubborn… Haha, I showed an unsightly side of me. So, you’re interested in these siblings?”
While continuing to bleed from both his forearm and shin, he managed to laugh awkwardly and rub his hands together. Logan paid more attention to his words than his hideous demeanor.
“Customer, and merchandise…are you a slave trader? Excellent. Can we proceed with the transaction now?”
Showing eagerness would typically be a disadvantage in trade negotiations, but the situation was different now. Everyone’s attention was on them, and Logan had indirectly demonstrated a position of power over the merchandise, putting him in a psychological advantage.
Despite this, the slave trader’s market experience kept him from capitulating too easily.
“…these children have the rare red and blue odd eyes, and both siblings share this trait. They are a precious commodity, so their price is quite high… will that be alright?”
“That doesn’t matter. How much?”
“Well, at least ten thousand each…”
Logan’s brow twitched at that remark. A healthy young slave’s price was usually around 300 gold.
The slave trader was asking for a price tens of times higher for the frail children, solely for their odd eyes. Although Viktor’s true worth could be easily tenfold that amount, Logan had no intention of paying such a price for the siblings who were currently valuable only for their unusual eyes.
‘More than anything, I don’t want to enrich this scum.’
The moment he locked gazes with the girl’s eyes, which brimmed with tears as she fretted over her unconscious brother, they became more than just someone else’s slaves he had encountered only five minutes ago. Consequently, his tone grew colder.
“The price for frail children nearing death is thirty times that of a robust slave, and one looks about to perish, doesn’t it?”
“Ah, brother…”
At his words, the girl cried out in alarm, tears cascading down her face. However, the target of his remarks, the slave trader, laughed unabashedly.
“Ahaha. You have quite the sense of humor. Even in this state, he is tough and will bounce back quickly.”
“Hmm, but the treatment would be expensive. And who knows how much it would cost to feed and train them for a while.”
“Well, you see, as you can see in this slave market, they are a unique item…”
“Five hundred gold each. Any more than that for a healthy slave is excessive.”
“Oh, my customer, that would barely cover the cost of sale.”
“Hmph. Do you think I’m ignorant of the cost of slaves?”
“Still, considering it is such a difficult item to find…”
“You’re too greedy. One thousand. Be satisfied with that.”
The slave trader started to retort but silenced himself as Logan gripped the hilt of his sword. It was essentially a threat. Swiftly calculating, the slave trader made his decision.
‘That Viktor has always been trouble. He’ll likely continue to be.’
His gaze swept over his bleeding limbs as he thought.
A unique appearance may have value as a decorative piece, but if that decoration attempts to stab its owner, the significance is lost.
After a moment of hesitation, the slave trader nodded.
“…Thank you for your business, customer.”
-----------------------
Regressor of the Fallen Family Chapter 14
“Ugh…”
“Brother!”
The one-eyed slave boy regained consciousness with a murmur, nestled against Kai’s back.
It wasn’t long after Kai had carried the boy to transport him to a priest due to his severe injuries.
Despite the boy’s condition appearing critical, he regained consciousness much faster than expected, causing the younger sister walking beside them and even Kai, who was carrying him, to look back in surprise.
However, only Logan remained unfazed.
“He’s really quick to get back up.”
It was a natural consequence since he had been secretly using the power of a Force Core throughout the journey.
The life-energy Logan had poured into the boy, using the maximum output he could manage for over 30 minutes, was far better than the sacred magic of average low-level priests.
The boy’s recovery was nothing unexpected to Logan. However, what concerned him was the younger sister, who kept glancing back and forth between her brother and Logan.
“Could it be…”
Even knights sensitive to the matter didn’t notice the foreign aspects of his Force in experiments.
For example, Kai, who carried the boy, didn’t sense anything unusual, so how could such a young child?
“It must be a coincidence.”
Dismissing it casually, Logan flashed a bright smile at the regained boy.
“Awake now, Victor? Congratulations on escaping the troubles of a violent master.”
But the response that came to his smile was a sudden punch.
“Die!”
The speed of the punch was surprising, coming from a boy so thin and frail.
Despite the child’s attempt, the punch was harmless against Logan.
As Logan dodged the punch with a baffled expression, Kai, who was holding the child, immediately turned and pinned him down.
Crash!
“Ugh! St-Stop. Let me go!”
“Brother!”
“R-Ria?!”
“What should we do with this one, employer?”
In the chaotic turn of events, Logan sighed and gestured to Kai as they looked at Victor, who had been subdued with an arm twist.
Kai took the hint to let go, and the instant he stepped back, the boy, Victor, lunged at Logan again.
“Ria! Run awa…ugh!”
“Is he full of fight, or just foolish. Sigh…”
Logan gripped the boy’s neck and lifted it to meet his eyes head-on.
“Kid, do you not see the situation? Do I look like those slaver bastards you’re used to?”
An overwhelming murderous intent, surpassing that of the average Force user, blazed from the two red eyes.
It was so surprising that even Kai, standing behind him, was startled, and it was impossible for the young boy, Victor, to bear it.
Victor instantly groaned, his face turning pale.
“Gack…ack…”
“Brother, ple-please, mercy…”
Ignoring the young girl clinging to his feet, Logan only stared coldly at Victor’s increasingly pale face.
“It’s good to have spirit, but you have to choose your battles.”
“Grargh…”
“Only death awaits a dog that can’t discern who to fight, kid.”
Thud.
“Ugh. Cough!”
Logan coldly spoke while looking down at the boy coughing on the ground.
“Let this be your last warning, Victor. Follow my words and your sister’s safety will be guaranteed. But if such an incident occurs again…”
Ssshhh.
The murderous intent filled in his red eyes bore into Victor’s very soul.
“Not only you but also your sister will be disposed of.”
Crack.
As Logan casually crushed a pebble in his hand, the color drained from Victor’s face.
Then, he slowly nodded.
‘Good.’
Believing that the lesson had been taken to heart, Logan finally offered a carrot.
“I intend to teach you martial arts. I will have you trained as a knight and eventually make you one.”
At those words, Victor’s head shot up.
His eyes, a mix of red and blue, widened dramatically.
“Me… I mean, are you talking about me?”
Not only Victor was surprised by Logan’s words.
Kai, who had overheard the conversation, couldn’t hide his shock, and neither could the dwarf, Hammar.
The unexpected move to make a knight out of a slave child they had just bought seemed outrageous to them.
But Logan looked steadily into Victor’s eyes without a hint of uncertainty.
“Yes. As you might know, a knight is a rank of nobility. Naturally, this would free you from the status of a slave.”
“But…”
The expression of the blue-haired kid, which had been filled with nothing but venom, changed rapidly in a matter of seconds.
Whether he should trust those words and if he could indeed undergo knight training.
A whirlwind of thoughts must be swirling in his head.
However, Logan did not give him much time to ponder.
“If you faithfully follow my instructions and become a knight, I not only will clear your name but also your sister’s. Furthermore…”
“I will do it!”
Victor responded before the sentence was even complete.
Apart from the agonizing screams, it was the first robust voice Logan had heard from Victor since they had met.
Logan noted that this eager response came immediately after the welfare of his sister was mentioned.
‘Indeed, this kid…’
The presence of the small girl who clung tightly to his side reassured Logan that she might be the key to taming any untamed ferocity within a potential noble killer.
“Good. Your sister will receive basic education, including literacy and etiquette. But if you become lazy or cause problems again…”
“I-I’ll work hard!”
The differently colored eyes blazed intensely as if shooting flames.
Satisfied with that fiery gaze, Logan nodded slightly and smiled contentedly.
* * *
Having acquired a new objective in a future Aura user, in addition to the dwarf and battle instructor, Logan’s step was light.
However, returning to the MacLaine domain would take some time.
Victor and his sister appeared much smaller than their peers due to insufficient nutrition and could not endure a journey at full gallop on horseback.
Still, Logan couldn’t constantly adjust to their pace.
He showed consideration by slowing down the journey that would normally take three days to five days.
‘They’re actually holding up quite well.’
Logan had the siblings ride on Kai’s horse and Hammar’s pony.
Despite the sore from riding the bouncing horses on the first day, by the next, they smoothly adapted to the movement, and by the third day, they endured even the challenging gallop.
It wasn’t just Victor—who was aware he would become an Aura user and thus might be talented in physical control—but his sister also managed well.
‘Could it be their bloodline?’
As Logan contemplated revising the siblings’ education plan, their group arrived at the MacLaine domain.
The old castle that served as a fortress to block mountain monsters when the MacLaine had been Lords of the southwestern region had become the modest stronghold of the now-declining MacLaine family.
Entering the decrepit castle, Logan encountered peeling eyes of surprise, parting like waves.
Many domain residents avoided from far away, while those who could not escape close contact immediately fell flat and trembled at the sight of him.
Looking at the even worse treatment than before his departure, Logan could only flash a bitter smile.
It was not unlike the treatment a tyrant deserving scorn might receive.
Even Kai, usually without expression, glanced at Logan from time to time, and the faces of Victor and his sister darkened in real-time.
Too many questions lingered, but before anyone could voice them, the unwitting dwarf spoke up.
“Master. To come home to such treatment, what on earth did you do out there?”
With a wry smile, Logan tuned his hearing to grasp the whispers echoing from afar.
“He’s lost it.”
“Monster enthusiast…”
“I heard he’s into corpses.”
“Either way, not normal.”
“Putting the family to shame…”
“Why summon mercenaries to heighten the unease…”
“He even bought young slaves. What’s he planning…”
Whispers were spreading at an alarmingly baffling rate.
‘How did they find out about what happened in Harun already?’
And every single rumor had bizarrely twisted the truth, plunging the already rock-bottom family reputation even deeper underground.
“It’s just rumors. It’s not relevant to your duties, so don’t worry about it.”
Despite their unease, the party could only nod at Logan’s calm demeanor, but Logan himself had a nagging feeling.
‘This may become a hassle…’
That ominous premonition turned into reality as they entered the castle.
“Your Highness!”
Although it had been a while since he had seen him, Rick’s face was somewhat contorted by his hasty entrance as he shouted fervently for Logan.
And before Logan could even respond, Rick screamed as if crying out.
“What have you been doing out there!”
Although he somewhat anticipated it, the reaction was even more intense than expected.
“What is this talk of spending over 150,000 gold on useless monster meat? The most absurd rumor I’ve ever heard! It must be a lie, a misinterpretation, right? Tell me it’s so!”
Rick pressed on without a breath, and his appearance was almost pitiful, but Logan remained unfazed.
“It’s true.”
Logan’s indifferent answer turned Rick’s expression more desperate.
“The rumors all over say that you’ve lost your mind! The Lord wants you home immediately!”
“Hm, I see…”
“You see? What are you seeing? This is not the time for you to be calm!”
“It’s alright.”
“It’s not alright!”
“Is your speech getting shorter?”
“You really don’t seem to grasp the situation! I’ve been trying to explain and excuse it, but to think all that was actually true…”
Though Rick was visibly more distressed about the situation than him, Logan simply smiled.
“Don’t worry. It will be resolved quickly.”
“Aagh! Are you even listening to me?”
Ignoring Rick’s desperate pleas, Logan made his way straight to the Lord’s residence.
“Logan here.”
“Come in.”
Almost as if expecting him, a deep voice beckoned, and Logan entered without delay.
‘As I thought.’
The sight of the two people seated at the head of the meeting room oozed coldness.
As soon as he entered, a cold voice that matched the sight addressed him.
“So, was your ‘runaway’ pleasant?”
“It was a meaningful ‘outing’ on my part.”
“Hearing the rumors, it seems you’ve enjoyed a mad escapade. At least it was worth it for you.”
‘Sigh. This is becoming troublesome…’
His father’s reaction was worse than he expected.
But, unlike his inner thoughts, his reply was ready and immediate.
“Rumours are merely that. There is no shame in my actions.”
To those words, his stepmother, Merian, showed an incredulous expression, while his father, Patrick, seemed slightly hopeful.
“Are the rumors misconstrued?”
“I’m not sure which rumors you refer to.”
“The Grand Duke has been collecting monster meat, bought a young slave and a dwarf. Recruited hundreds of low-level mercenaries into the domain. I’ve omitted the hyperboles and stated the facts.”
Merian helped him ‘kindly’ with an explanation, which made Logan’s brows furrow, but his demeanor remained unchanged.
“Is there anything among these you wish to apologize for?”
“Not at all.”
Patrick’s eyebrows twitched at the confident answer.
“That means they’re all true.”
“Yes, they are.”
“Look! You see? The Grand Duke lacks self-awareness. He doesn’t realize how his actions tarnish our family’s honor…”
“Mother, that is too harsh.”
“What?”
“I used the money obtained from my annulled engagement as I saw fit. Father has already stated that it is not his concern.”
The two locked gazes—Merian’s sharp eyes and Logan’s bold red eyes—exchanged sharp glares.
A heavy sigh emerged from the other red-eyed individual, Patrick.
“You heard it, don’t you? Even now, will you continue to take his side?”
“Enough…”
“The Grand Duke is fundamentally wrong…”
“Enough, Madam!”
Patrick’s voice boomed intimidatingly, resounding within the room as Merian’s face turned white.
“Y-You… How can you speak to me like that…”
“Madam. Please step outside. I would like to have a word with Logan alone.”
“You really…”
“This will be my last ‘warning’ to Logan.”
The word ‘warning’ seemed to mollify her a bit, whether it was the effect of the previous scolding or something else. Merian shot one last venomous glance at Logan before exiting silently.
Of course, there was a bit of lingering resentment.
Bang!
Even after the study door closed with a noise that could break it, Patrick gazed at his eldest son with a heavy look for a long time.
And soon, a voice heavier than his gaze filled the room.
“What exactly is the problem, Logan?”
‘It looks like I won’t be able to get away with a simple answer.’
Upon hearing his father’s voice, Logan sensed it.
His expression hardened as he contemplated his answer, but his father’s calm voice proceeded ahead.
“Let’s have a frank conversation. What’s the issue? What’s the reason for all this?”
“If I told you, you wouldn’t understand.”
“You don’t wish to be understood?”
“That’s not it.”
“Do you actually have a reason?”
“Yes, I do.”
“Ugh…”
The sigh transmitted a palpable frustration.
Patrick was about to continue when a low voice, filled with complex emotions, silenced Logan’s response.
“Are you aware of how people are speaking of you?”
“I have some idea.”
“Do you? They say you’re violent, cruel, obsessed with money, and recently, you’ve gone crazy.”
“…”
“Among these, how much have you actually heard? Shall I detail more specific rumors?”
Patrick wasn’t seeking a real answer, so Logan quietly kept his mouth shut.
“How long must I shield you? Is there an end in sight to this…”
--------------------------
Chapter 15: Patrick’s Sigh
Patrick sighed deeply as he watched his eldest son leave the room.
“I will prove the reasons for my actions within a year. Until then, please turn a blind eye to what I wish to do on my own.”
‘How much should I trust him……’
Although his son’s eyes were resolute, Patrick found it hard to trust him.
Nevertheless, Patrick felt compelled to acquiesce to the request.
“Please, Father.”
It was the first plea he had heard since ‘that day,’ a plea he hadn’t even heard when his son partook in all manner of wickedness.
‘A plea…’
Patrick bitterly smiled, finding it strange that such a normal word between parent and child could feel so foreign.
But should Logan fail to prove his words after a year…
‘I must make a resolute decision.’
For the honor of the family.
He was the head of the Maclaine family before being a father.
“Haa…”
*Click.*
With a long sigh, weakened hands opened a simple pendant to reveal a portrait within.
Today, the familiar face of the blue-haired beauty seemed to painfully dig into his eyes.
“Reina… I’m sorry. I can’t understand what our son is thinking at all. Despite my promises to protect and raise him well……”
…Perhaps I’ve been too neglectful.
His last words, feeble and filled with self-reproach, stung the heart of a father, not just the head of the family.
* * * Thud. The weighty sound of the office door shook his chest heavily.
“Mother…”
Simply uttering the word brought back vivid memories that would otherwise feel distant.
Even with Logan’s memories of his past life spanning decades ago, the word ‘mother’ held such power.
That’s why it weighed even heavier on his heart.
‘I didn’t expect him to mention her……’
In his previous life, even when he was expelled from the family, these words were not mentioned until the very end.
Objectively speaking, Logan didn’t think his current actions were worse than the swordfight from his past life, so his reasons were somewhat predictable.
‘He still holds some expectations, doesn’t he?’
Without realizing it, Logan let out a soft, mocking laugh.
As he walked down the corridor with his mind in turmoil, a familiar voice rang out from the opposite end.
“Brother!”
“Ronian?”
His younger brother Ronian appeared with an uncomfortable look, escorted by two knights.
“Brother! Are you alright?”
Seeing him panting heavily, it seemed he had run all the way from training.
It was a pattern all too familiar, but now it was a welcome sight.
“Of course, I’m fine. It’s been a while, Roni.”
“Huff, I’m relieved. The rumors were quite bad, so I was worried.”
The sight of Ronian sighing in relief and smiling… that ever-constant and unchanging demeanor…
‘Huh? Something’s different.’
Of course, his brother was genuinely concerned and relieved for him.
But the subtle hint of excitement in his eyes, mixed with a strange sense of anticipation, was different from usual.
And oddly, he seemed more lively than before.
‘Oh ho? Could it be?’
With a hint of curiosity, Logan focused on the inner workings of his brother and sensed traces of active power surging within him.
Suddenly, Logan’s eyes widened.
“You! It’s not just about saying hello, you’ve already…?!”
“As expected! I knew Brother would notice.”
Ronian’s face beamed with pride, his desire to showcase his achievement clear as day.
And just as he intended, Logan was genuinely filled with wonder.
“At merely fourteen years old… Hmm.”
In Logan’s previous life, Ronian had awakened his force only during the territorial wars, and there had been concern that his regression might delay his younger brother’s achievements.
Instead, they had been accelerated, which was a curious turn of events.
“Due to your influence. When I heard you returned, I rushed out to see you, but these knights tried to stop me…”
“What?”
It was then that Logan noticed the battered armor of the knights standing behind Ronian.
The circumstances surrounding the awakening were absurd, but it wasn’t the end of it.
‘Escaping from two knights immediately after awakening?’
This suggested that his brother’s talent was exceptional, and the news was enough to lift Logan’s spirits.
“Hah, hahaha, ahahaha! Well done, Roni!”
Ronian’s earliest achievement shined even brighter.
And as for…
‘Once Roni’s force stabilizes, should I also teach him the secrets of the divine sword?’
Not only could Logan repay the emotional debt to his brother, but also lay the most solid foundation for overcoming future crises.
It was an unavoidable joy for Logan.
Ronian’s success did not just bring joy to Logan alone.
That day, the news of Ronian’s awakening shook the entire Maclaine family.
Early force awakening did not guarantee one would become an Aura user, but the likelihood was certainly higher.
The Maclaine barony had been established by a former Aura user, and Ronian was believed to be the genius who could bring greatness to the family, stirring excitement throughout.
On the other hand, Logan, compared to his recent past, could not escape being harshly judged.
Of course, the man himself was busy with his own affairs, unbothered by their opinions.
* * *
“There certainly are more C-rank mercenaries who can ride than I thought. With long-term contracts and horses on offer, the mercenaries from across the country nearly flocked here.”
“Is that so? Good grief, selecting just 350 reputable individuals from among them was no easy task, so don’t look at me like that. It took effort to cut off at that point.”
“More should have been accepted, you say? This madness… Ahahaha. Sorry. It appears my limited insight was lacking.”
Dwaine had done his job too well.
A considerable force of 350 C-rank mercenaries, or several company-sized military units, had gathered, armed, in the Maclaine domain.
They might not be enough to challenge the barony, but they were plenty to cause disorder.
And so, they had to stay in a nearly dilapidated villa in the southern part of the domain, under the surveillance of the knights, providing their own food and lodging for anywhere between five to ten days.
As the days of waiting added up, naturally, the mercenaries grew more dissatisfied.
“Surely they didn’t trick us?”
“A mere barony wouldn’t be foolish enough to offend the Mercenary Guild.”
“Who knows? Maybe they have gone mad, especially that eldest son with the bad reputation.”
“Ah, I’ve heard about that. He might really be crazy.”
“Damn it, are we just wasting our time?”
“Think before you speak. Considering their relationship with the Guild, the barony will surely compensate us well.”
“What? Seriously?!”
As Logan’s reputation worsened with each passing day and the accumulated stress weighed on them, the mercenaries were on the verge of exploding.
And then, the subject of the rumors himself stood before them.
* * *
“Mounted crossbowmen… you say?”
“Yes.”
Logan’s nonchalant response made Kai question him once more.
“You’re not confusing them with bowmen, are you?”
“No, actual crossbowmen.”
“Sir… Logan. A crossbow is not an efficient weapon for cavalry. Not even in wars…”
“I know.”
“Excuse me?”
While crossbows had vastly superior power to bows, even an untrained person would take over a minute to load one on the ground.
With such a force, even if they carried several loaded crossbows, they’d run out of firepower after engaging for more than a minute – an embarrassingly ineffective unit.
So naturally, Kai was in disbelief.
“But regardless of what you might think if you consider it a waste of money.”
Flinching.
“Just train them thoroughly. There’s a reason, and you’ll find out eventually.”
Despite the awkward smile and nod from Kai, Logan chuckled.
He was half-joking, but it seemed that was indeed Kai’s initial thought.
Yet Logan didn’t want to fuss about it.
What mattered now was ensuring the mercenaries were under firm control to undergo the necessary training.
Logan’s gaze shifted to the training ground near the villa, where a discordant group of mercenaries bustled about.
They wore various mismatched garb, typical of their independent lives, and were not the types to let any slight pass them by.
Even a brief observation suggested organizing them into a single unit for training wouldn’t be easy.
‘First, I need to establish discipline.’
A deadly smile spread across Logan’s face.
“If you’d trust me with it.”
Kai stepped forward, sensing his obligation through Logan’s gaze.
“No, you might bring some calm, at least on the surface.”
“Sir?”
“I’ll handle it myself; you just observe.”
“?”
Mercenaries were driven by money, but endless handouts would make them view their benefactor as a fool.
It was an unfortunate reality for those whose lives were hewn by the blade.
And a veteran warrior from a past life knew just how to dominate such individuals.
* * *
“Look over there.”
“Hm?”
“Oh? A flame emblem. Is he some young noble?”
“Shh, he must be that eldest son.”
From the moment Logan approached the villa, whispers followed him, growing louder as he entered the large yard serving as a training field.
“Look at those peach fuzz.”
“Is he even of age?”
“I’ll bet my own hand he’s not.”
“Where do you intend to use my hand?”
Some could scarcely make sense of it…
“There, isn’t that Harun’s Kai behind him?”
“Who?”
“The greatest A-rank, Kai.”
“Oh, I think I’ve heard of him.”
Those who recognized Kai walking behind Logan.
“Tch. It’s obvious he’s been raised well.”
“Ah, this wretched life. I hate nobles more and more each time I see one.”
“Must be nice, being born to lucky parents. Damn it, I don’t even know my own parents.”
And the ones who made it abundantly clear how rough their lives had been.
With each face in the crowd expressing their own take, Logan searched for one in particular.
“Look at that guy in armor. My goodness, he even carries a sword. Planning to play soldier?”
Specifically, someone who thought they were sneaky enough to scoff behind his back.
As Logan stopped, he pinpointed the man.
“Hey you.”
“Me? Are you speaking to me?”
“Do I look funny wearing my armor and carrying a sword?”
“…Wh-what are you talking about?”
The mercenary who had been smirking moments ago couldn’t fathom that Logan had overheard his comments.
“Well, I suppose that’s a thought you might have, if you had the skills to back it up.”
“Excuse me?”
“But for a mere C-rank mercenary to look down on others? Know your place.”
That simple statement froze many of those who had belittled Logan, along with the few who viewed him somewhat favorably.
“You seem to have a sense of pride. Are my words displeasing? Well then, good.”
Stepping into the center of the training field, Logan looked around before spreading his arms wide.
“It doesn’t have to be this fool, but anyone who challenges me and can land even a single blow will be paid a year’s worth on the spot and dismissed. This is a pledge on the honor of a noble, and all of you here are witnesses.”
Startled by Logan’s unexpected proposal, the mercenaries stared at him in disbelief.
When nobody moved for a while despite Logan’s challenge, he nudged Kai, who was standing behind him. With a sigh, Kai stepped forward.
“There must be friends here who know me. This young master keeps his word. Anyone is welcome to try.”
“Really?!”
“Woah!”
“Me! I’ll do it!”
At Kai’s word, the mercenaries finally realized Logan was serious and the noise level surged again.
Logan gestured to the first mercenary who had scoffed at him.
“Fine then, why don’t you go first?”
“Alright. Let’s not go back on our words!”
With bravado, the large mercenary stepped forward, his towering figure loomed over 2 meters.
His bulging muscles and size would make anyone believe he was at least A-rank rather than C-rank.
And he looked quite strong, gripping two massive clubs in each hand from their crossed position on his back.
“Isn’t that Hail?”
“Wait, isn’t he B-rank?”
“Not yet I suppose? Maybe after this job?”
For Logan, the man was nothing more than an amusement.
‘So you were confident because of that stature.’
The mercenary brashly stepped forward and shouted.
“Alright then, contractee, come at me!”
“Me first? You’ll regret it.”
“Don’t worry. I’ve had more meals of the blade than you have had hot dinners.”
“Oh? Is that so? As you wish, then.”
Chk-ack.
As Logan’s words finished, a chopping sound pierced through the air.
Nobody saw Logan’s swift strike to the brown-haired mercenary’s chin.
All they saw was a burst of red and gold light and a sudden gale, and in that instant, the mercenary was flying in the air.
While the crowd looked on, aghast.
Blurp. Crunch. Thud.
“Nngh…”
The mercenary’s body tumbled across the ground, his face a ruin.
“If you’re going to flap your gums, at least have the skill to back it up.”
Logan spoke coldly, his face impassive as he looked around.
“Anyone else want to flap their gums?”
Every mercenary surrounding them avoided Logan’s piercing gaze.