volume 3 - Chapter 155 (1/2)

Chapter 83 – The story of fishes swimming in chaos (5)

==================== Makarov’s POV ====================

“He really said that?”

Even though the Grey Wolves Mercenaries were attacked in the night by the endless stream of Paper Cards’ mercenaries and Disciples of Black Flame, and forced to retreat to the south, Makarov did not lose his composure and calmly retreated in an orderly manner. He was even able to regroup and gather his forces to make an organized army. Just that point alone would have qualified him as a famous general.

He was with Buga as usual, and wore a fiery red military uniform that was reminiscent of the previous king’s personal cavalry guards’ uniform.

Makarov was once the commander of the king’s personal cavalry guards, and his fiery red uniform had been his symbol ever since he took on that position. The things that were missing from before were the shoulder emblems, badges and ta.s.sels.

His personal sword had not changed since the time he was the commander of the 35th cavalry unit.

That particular brand of sword was immensely popular amongst the level 30-40 gamers. It had the right balance of stats for its price and was one of the best Magic Swords at the ‘Bra.s.s’ rating. The quant.i.ty of the swords was also sufficient in the market, so it was well received.

Makarov calmly listened to Yula’s report without showing any signs that he was concerned with the enemies, but merely raised an eyebrow upon Brendel’s advice. He turned to Buga and asked.

“That youth seems to be prepared. Do we head east as well?”

“Hold on,” Redi urgently cut in. He had a higher degree of authority amongst the other mercenaries, otherwise they would not have interrupted the Makarov: “Commander, the enemies we are facing now are the Tree Shepherds! We should retreat and seek for a better plan right? If they are attacking openly now, I’m sure they are well prepared to fight us, continuing to fight with them in this forest would be falling into their plans!”

His words were rash and rude, but Makarov was used to his att.i.tude and did not mind it. Redi suddenly thought of something and asked. “And Eke is still in town, he might not be safe either!”

Makarov eyed the youth and nodded: “Your words are not wrong, but there is no guarantee that the Grey Wolves Mercenaries would be safe even if we retreat to Chablis.”

He saw that Yula had lowered her head and knew that she was worried with her fiance. “In truth we have already suspected that Conrad wouldn’t be so easy to deal with. But we are prepared to face him ever since we stepped into the forest. As for Eke….. I am not sure what he discovered, but him staying in the town is also fine. Capo stayed behind specifically to protect him, so worry not.”

Buga did not offer any comments and simply listened to the conversation, but he suddenly turned his head around and immediately discovered a blinding light coming from the distant forest. A ear-piercing explosion soon permeated the entire forest. Their expressions turned and Redi was about to say something, but the mercenaries around them had started shouting.

“The seventh chord, thunder!”

“Scarlett is in trouble!”

Buga reached for his greatsword behind his back, but he quickly stopped and turned to peer closer at the direction he was looking at earlier.

“The battle is already over.” He said gravely.

“You mean, Scarlett is……” Yula paled.

“I’ll bring some men to get to her now!” Redi finally reacted and reached for his sword, intending to rush out to that area, but Makarov laid a strong arm on his shoulder and forced him to stay right where he was.

“Stop.”

“Commander…..?”

Makarov did not say anything but frowned for the first time and looked somberly at where Buga was looking at as well. A few moments later, dark figures appeared in their line of sight, followed by two gurgling screams. Whether or not they belonged to a human’s dying throes or a beast’s, the mercenaries could not tell.

But they took a few steps back, as there were groups of men coming from the southern forest. They were certainly the Disciples of the Black Flames, their chains dragging across the ground and shrubs with metallic ringings from the chain links.

The bizarre sounds were clearly at odds with the supposedly tranquil forest.

— The attacks in the north are a distraction, while the enemies laid in the south to ambush them.

Everyone thought of the same thing. Lothar and Scarlett had clearly failed to stop the enemies in the north, but the mercenaries did not have the time to mourn for their losses, because they were also mired in danger as well. The mercenaries were experienced enough to recognize that the enemies had three times their numbers.

Redi gulped. Even though he was not afraid of death, but he felt suffocated to face such odds. Yula listened closely and also realized the danger they were in.

“Conrad!”

Buga growled, his voice low but powerful.