Chapter 153: Complaints At A Post-Town (2/2)

The innkeeper nodded with a troubled expression:

“Definitely. The bandits are acting up thanks to that, so it’s a big loss for us too.”

“But how the hell did they manage to gather enough men to form such a big gang?”

Bandits didn’t suddenly appear out of nowhere, they must have come from somewhere. Gathering here in such numbers was also strange.

“The Kingdom basically considers the south from here to be an outback region. Runaway criminals, broke mercenaries and soldiers, and failed pioneers, all gathered and formed a bandit gang.”

Loren’s face slightly stiffened hearing the words ‘broke mercenaries’ and Lapis knew quite well why is that: he was one of them, but was lucky enough to be able to enter the adventurer business. His debts were still there, but at least he was still able to put food on the table.

However, not all mercenaries were as lucky and some strayed, becoming bandits and forming gangs with others in similar circumstances. Just one mistake, and Loren would have ended up like those guys. No wonder he had mixed feelings being reminded of that again.

“It’s said that the Kingdom is forming a unit to deal with these bandits, but how real can that be? And even if they did form a unit, it’ll all be meaningless if they can’t eradicate the gang.”

“Are they really that big?”

This time Tizona asked, joining the conversation. She was a mercenary much like one Loren used to be, but unlike Loren, her mercenary company was still going strong, save for a huge compensation claim they had to pay. If they failed to, Tizona would be forced to pull out, and Lapis believed it would put her company in a dangerous situation. Losing one member would always lower the whole company’s fighting power, not to mention, one with exceptional combat ability thanks to her blessings like Tizona. Her resignation would create a quite big power vacuum, and it would be very difficult for the company to regroup.

“I don’t know the details, but it seems so. It’s said that they even acquired and merged with other gangs in the region.”

“Do they have someone capable of pulling that off?”

An average person wouldn’t be able to command such a large group. Loren and Tizona, who had been close to leaders of such groups, understood that very well. If the leader didn’t have true ability and personal charm, the group would be divided and collapsed in no time. However, from what they heard so far, it seemed to be the case here. The unknown leader managed to properly organize a group formidable enough to force the Kingdom to take action.

“But the base of such a large group must have become known by now, right?”

“Well, I’ve heard that the location of their base is still unknown. To be able to hide it in this area, their leader must be quite smart.”

A mob, no matter how big their number was, was not really a threat. But if it was properly commanded by someone, then it was another story.

“This is no good.”

Lapis said. She received their room keys after the innkeeper finished counting her coins.

Loren nodded in agreement:

“This story reeks of trouble. It’ll be nice if we don’t run into them.”

“If we do, we just need to kill them off right away, don’t we?”

Loren and Lapis smiled wryly at Gula’s nonchalant words. Of course, some bandits wouldn’t hinder her, no matter how many of them there were.

However, given Tizona’s presence in their party, if they were to go all out against the bandits, there was a possibility of receiving undue injuries by some strange accident.

“Just count on my power, ok?”

“We’ll be counting on it.”

With the proper precautions Tizona could utilize all of her powers. Loren wondered about the extent of their fighting force, with Tizona becoming their main damage dealer. But then he noticed that he was already somehow thinking about a strategy for the case they encounter those bandits, and smiled wryly:

“Anyway, it’s better to not meet them at all. Let’s worry about what to do when we actually do run into them. We can’t turn back now.”

“Yeah, we need to reach our destination, no matter what it takes. That fact still doesn’t change.”

“So, no change in plan. Just stop thinking about things we can do nothing about, and quickly get some rest.”

“How about praying to some Gods then? Maybe one will hear you.”

Gula suggested jokingly, and Loren laughed with scorn as if hearing a bad joke.

“Don’t you believe in Gods, Loren?”

Tizona asked. Due to the nature of their trade, many mercenaries were superstitious. They might not necessarily pray, but the number of mercenaries who believed in Gods was not low.

“I believe that Gods do exist, but… I don’t really want to pray to them. It won’t bring anything good. I started thinking that way after becoming an adventurer.”

Loren answered and directed a somewhat meaningful glance towards Lapis, a priest who mentioned the God of Knowledge at every chance possible and Gula, an Evil God. Both of them looked somewhat displeased.