24 Relic from the Dynasty Part 1 (2/2)

Both Pino and Cook, without waiting for Canghong’s instructions, had already left their seats to stand guard at the door.

Canghong took a deep breath, and said slowly, ”It is a relic mission, and is not issued by the union.”

”I knew it. Otherwise, you would not need to hire outsiders,” Saleen laughed happily. He was just a rookie mercenary, but he possessed the genes of outstanding businessmen. Therefore, his sharp observation had detected Canghong’s secret. This mission was indeed profitable, and it would be a shame not to milk it for what it was worth.

”The mission venue is within the Chaotic Swamp, so I will need a Caucasus warrior to clear out the four hundred meter long passage filled with dinodemons. Their grades are low but there are many of them. Only a determined Caucasus warrior will be unaffected. Of course, the Grade 7 Spiritual Deterrence spell would be even more effective, but I cannot afford it.”

”Dinodemons? Those things are rare,” Saleen muttered, being overheard by Canghong.

Canghong warned, ”They are only Grade 1 monsters, so I am unable to increase the offer.”

”Got it, got it.” Saleen calculated that Sika was at least a senior swordswoman or even a swordmaster. It would not be an issue to deal with Grade 1 monsters, even if there were hundreds of them. Every Caucasus warrior had been blessed by the Warrior Priest, receiving immunity against the dinodemons’ spiritual attacks. As for the dinodemons’ physical attacks, even there were thirty or fifty of him, he would be able to block them by depending on the constant magics of his mage robe.

It was an easy mission. They had got it made.

”Then what are you waiting for? Let’s head over to the union.” Sika wiped her mouth, and put down the now empty plate.

”But… we have not eaten anything.”

”Why did you not eat?” Sika’s expression was puzzled. The faces of those of the Falcon Regiment were as black as the bottom of a burnt pot, thinking in their hearts: You finished all of the food. Are we supposed to eat air?

After Sika had eaten her fill, those from the Falcon Regiment quickly ate and brought Saleen to the union to settle the employment contract. There were occasions when even large regiments with many mercenaries could become shorthanded. That was especially common when hiring low grade mercenaries. After the contract was signed and the deposit of five thousand gold coins was paid, even if Canghong and his men were wiped out, Saleen would still be able to get his compensation from the union.

In order to speed things up, Canghong had reluctantly bought horses for Saleen and Sika. Saleen and Sika did not know how to ride, but because Saleen had strong mental power, he deployed a little elemental power and it was easy to stabilize the mounting. Sika possessed the innate ability to calm animals, so the group of seven quickly left the city and headed northeast.

The Falcon Regiment’s destination was Didypus. It was the closest place to the Chaotic Swamp and offered all the supplies they needed. Because Didypus was under the control of the Dragons and Roses Regiment, it would be relatively safe to enter the Chaotic Swamp from there.

The seven of them took three days to reach Didypus. Saleen had already earned sixty gold coins by then, and of course, Sika’s thirty gold coins belonged to him as repayment for her leather armor.

Canghong showed a smile when they saw the city wall of Didypus. It had grown a little deserted. The green dragon in Loulan Duchy had led the majority of the adventurers southward. It was a godsend to have chosen this time to enter the Chaotic Swamp. He would rather have spent more money to sign the contract in Dean City than leave any traces in Didypus.

There was not a single member of the Falcon Regiment here anymore. Canghong did not venture far into the city. He replenished some food and water at a place right by the city gate, bought tents for Saleen and Sika, and left Didypus immediately.

The expanse of the Chaotic Swamp was vast, and its exterior was mountainous. To enter the swamp, one needed to trek for more than two hundred miles along the mountainous route. Horses were, in fact, not suitable for such expeditions. After entering the mountains, everyone would need to dismount from their horses and trek by foot. The road became uneven as they faced the desolate sights ahead of them.

The early winter mountainous wind was already very chilly. Herbivorous magic beasts passed by occasionally, but did not even look at the expedition squads. By now, they had grown immune to the sight of expedition squads. The magic beasts in the Chaotic Swamp were usually poisonous, the surrounding low grade magic beasts practically worthless, and most adventurers did not bother to lay their hands on them.

Deep in the mountains, Saleen finally felt relieved. They were away from the city, with no one trailing behind. It appeared that the attention of most had been lured to the green dragon. Would anyone be interested in the mission of pursuing him as a wanted person? He doubted so.

Sika and the people of the Falcon Regiment became familiar with one another. Saleen never talked, but merely quietly observed this mercenary regiment. Although the contract had been signed at the union, Saleen still remained cautious. Since this Canghong had come to the Chaotic Swamp behind his chief’s back, there was a possibility of him exterminating him and Sika after the expedition.

The people of the Falcon Regiment were also observing Saleen. The few of them had seized the rare opportunity to hire Sika in a hurry, but had not expected her to come with a mage who added on to their costs.

Generally, mages were very popular aside from their high prices. They held important roles in mercenary regiments. Even a Grade 1 mage had the combat capability of a swordsman who possessed the sword aura. In addition, an elementary swordsman whose sword aura could not leave his body, compared to a mage, would have fewer styles of attack.

In this environment with many potential complications, a mage was much more valuable.

Everyone was satisfied with Saleen’s performance. He did not have the arrogance of most mages. Aside from not speaking, he did not create any trouble for them. Even when trekking on the bumpy mountain roads, this young mage had not complained once. This was a normal mage with a good constitution, which he had most likely inherited.

Everyone formed their own opinions of Saleen, and were gradually reassured.