13 Sneaking in Part-1 (1/2)

Martin had been on the move along with Marcus and Freya. Ever since they decided to walk into the demon's lair. The king didn't seem too displeased with their decision, almost as if he had predicted that it was going to happen.

They were now sitting in an underground base opposite to highly secretive gang members.

”So you want to go to the Demon realm.”

Of course they had no idea of their identities, the trio had long disguised themselves as aspiring beastmen mercenaries.

”Yes, we want to join the Thunderous Hawk legion.”

”One of the big five eh! You sure you are up for it.”

”Don't underestimate us. We are really strong!” as you might have guessed their spokesperson was none other than Marcus. How he managed to convince Freya to let him do the talking i one of the major mysteries of this realm.

The thugs looked at each other and sniggered ”A new sucker every year.”

”Sure, we will be able to provide passage but in no way can we guarantee your safety.”

”Why is that, we can deal with most types of elemental beasts.” Martin inquired while raising his eyebrows.

The thugs looked at each other in amusement.

”Kid. Beasts are the least scariest thing out here in these parts. What you should really be worried about are the Demon slavers and other Bandit groups. Out here in the borderlands, stuck between the two nations, its no man's land. Its the survival of thugs like us. War means death, but it also means opportunities.”

”So, you mean you are afraid of others in the same trade?”

”We aint afraid, its just that when push comes to shove, no one is going to bother saving your sorry asses.”

”We can take care of ourselves all right. Your only concern is to get us through the rifts to the recruitment grounds.”

”Heh, why not!”

---

The Borderlands were truly a no-man's land. The zone where Grimoria and Saforia were merging was full of many large scale and small scale rifts. The larger ones were mostly guarded by armies on either side but the small scale one weren't that easy to handle, opportunists, outlaws, slavers and anyone trying to make a buck by fishing in muddy waters would come here.

There came in all shapes and sizes, Humans , beastmen, demons even an occasional elf. However due to the lack of nation to back them and their origin of beast, beastmen were often treated the worst. Many of them were captured here and turned into slaves. As if that wasn't enough. It was quite common to find loot, elemental crystals and other precious items around these parts. Thus treasure hunters weren't a small number. It was like an entire ecosystem. The predators were the mercenary camps. The smaller predators were the outlaws. Treasure hunters were often the scavengers and slaves were the herbivores.

Yes, out here it was law of the jungle.

However hidden characters like them were obviously rare. Low-profile wasn't a thing to people here. If you were capable. There would be many more people willing to take you in than those willing to snuff you out.

Thus, the group set out to cross the treacherous land and sneak into the demon realm.

”So, How is life here for outlaws like you. How do you avoid the soldiers?”