#10 Mercenaries

At those words, Erin pressed her lips together and looked down at the unconscious Noah, eyes clouded with confusion.

Lisha rested her chin on her hands and replied with a playful smile.

Lisha: I'm Lisha. That mute-looking guy over there is Baren. We're with the Alberto Mercenary Corps. 

(winking) Don't be scared—we came because we heard the commotion and rushed to help.

Erin glanced down cautiously at Noah's face.

Erin: …But… why did you hit Noah like that? What exactly…

Her question was cut off as Baren spoke in a low, firm voice.

Baren: He went berserk.

If you channel Mana with raw emotion instead of control, the Mana-stone consumes you. The person disappears.

He pointed at the corpse of the dead beast.

Baren: Just like that thing. You become a monster.

Erin: (gasping) …Then… Noah too…?

Lisha held up a flask filled with glowing blue liquid.

Lisha: (smiling) Don't worry. We knocked him down in time and cleansed him with this Lustral-water. He'll wake up soon. Though… when he does, he's going to feel like death. That last blow landed perfectly.

Erin slowly held Noah's hand, silently watching his face. His eyelids were faintly trembling.

Lisha put her hands on her hips and looked around. Then she turned to Baren.

Lisha: (shrugging) We should probably take these kids with us, huh?

Baren gave a silent nod, expressionless but agreeing.

Lisha: (grinning) They might actually be useful—

If we train them properly, that is.

Baren didn't respond. Instead, he pulled clean bandages from his utility pouch and carefully wrapped Noah's bitten left arm—tight and precise.

Lisha squinted and headed toward the camp area where Noah and Erin's belongings were scattered.

// Morning, makeshift campsite in the forest.

Baren carried Noah over his shoulder while Lisha poked through the corpses of the dead beasts near the fire pit.

She tore off the tails of the beasts with a dagger, grinning as she turned back to Erin.

Lisha: (waving the tails) You two really went all out, huh? Took down three dire wolves? Most people wouldn't even dream of it.

Erin scratched her head awkwardly.

Erin: Dire… wolves? We thought they were just big animals. The other wolves usually ran when we lit a fire, so we thought it'd be okay.

Lisha: (unfolding a cloth in her hands) These guys? They're not animals. They're Aberrant beast.

She laid out a few Mana-stones on the cloth, harvested from the dismembered corpses. Dark, semi-transparent crystals flickering with blood and Mana-energy.

Lisha: (gesturing at the stones) Creatures with these inside them are all Aberrant beast. But lately… these guys have been appearing more and more frequently across wider areas.

Her eyes turned serious for a moment.

Lisha: Not a good sign.

She looked up and scanned the scattered items around the campsite.

Lisha: You've got quite a bit of gear too. Been wandering long?

Erin: About… a week?

Baren gently laid Noah down and spoke.

Baren: You've been through a lot, huh.

Come rest at our mercenary camp for a bit.

After all that, it's time to recover.

Erin: Um… yes… thank you.

Still wary, Erin glanced down at Noah's face. His eyes were still closed, but his breathing had become more even.

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// Noon. Southeastern Beltrard. Alberto Mercenary Camp.

Inside a rounded field tent.

Sunlight filtered through the leather canvas above. The floor was layered with straw mats, burlap cloth, and waterproof hide to block ground moisture.

Noah and Erin lay side by side on separate makeshift beds.

Against one wall sat their gear and a collapsible wooden chest. On it were flint, dried herbs, tied bandages, and a small water flask woven from grass.

Noah: (groaning) Ugh… ow, ow… urgh…

As he tried to sit up, the golden hair beside him stirred.

Erin: (opening her eyes) …You're awake? Noah?

Noah slowly turned to look at her, then quickly scanned the surroundings.

Noah: (startled) Where… are we?

Erin frowned slightly and sat up to face him.

Erin: Mercenary camp tent. You got bitten on the left hand by a Aberrant beast, and then suddenly—boom—you went berserk with Mana-energy. Then more beasts came, and I thought we were really done for…

She glanced up at the tent ceiling.

Erin: Mercenaries saved us and brought us here. Told us to rest. Do you… not remember anything?

Noah rested his chin on his hand, deep in thought.

Noah: I remember the beast biting my arm… thinking I had to protect you…

I was so angry at myself for being useless, and then suddenly—boom—flames burst from both my hands. That part, I remember clearly.

He looked down at the bandage on his left hand, gently brushing it.

Noah: But after that, it felt like something was screaming in my head—"fight more, kill more…" It kept echoing.

Erin lowered her gaze.

Erin: (glancing at the bandage) Illysa warned us… If you can't control your emotions, the magic can explode and become dangerous.

And… the deeper the emotion, the steeper the price.

Erin suddenly stood up.

Erin: That's why you idiot, you need to be careful!

You almost became a monster! Do you even realize that?!

As Erin fumed, a gentle voice came from the tent entrance.

???: You're awake, I see?

A woman with long black hair entered quietly, carrying three clay bowls and some spoons in both hands.

Sophia: This is the temporary camp of the Alberto Mercenary Corps. I'm Sophia. I handle administration and other tasks.

(smiling) First, you need to eat something.

She adjusted her leather apron and, with tired eyes, placed the bowls down.

Two bowls of soup. One small, hand-sized flatbread.

Sophia: Take your time. It's all warmed up.

The smell of soup made Erin cover her mouth slightly, tears welling up in her eyes.

Erin: (trembling) …Thank you… really… thank you so much…

Noah sat up and gave a small bow.

Noah: Thank you. For saving us… and even giving us food…

Sophia: (smiling) In times like these, we have to help each other. That's what it means to be human.

She quietly adjusted her belt, glanced once more at the water jug by the straw mat, and turned to leave.

Sophia: When you've finished eating, come outside. I'll introduce you to everyone!

With a small laugh, she exited, hand over her mouth. Her warmth seemed to shine especially brightly in this ashen world.

Noah and Erin sat silently, tearing off pieces of bread and dipping them into the soup. A quiet peace—rare, but familiar.

Then Erin turned her head slightly, her shoulders shaking.

Noah: (looking over) …What's wrong? Are you hurt?

Erin: (shrugging) It's just… getting treated this kindly by others… it's overwhelming.

Noah couldn't answer.

The piece of bread in his hand paused mid-air.

A brief silence.

The steam from the soup faded.

Noah: Your parents… they're really kind. They even fed someone like me, a stranger… I'm truly grateful. But now, like this… I feel guilty, like I stole you from them.

Erin snorted.

Erin: You're funny, you know that? I chose to be here. Me.

You think you're that important? Don't flatter yourself.

Noah: (chuckling sheepishly) …That sounds like you.

Erin lowered her head and wiped her eyes with her sleeve.

Erin: (quietly) I'm just… glad we survived.

A pause.

Noah: Eat your soup before it gets cold.

Whatever happens… let's live properly. Proudly.

Erin: (raising her bread) You better mean that. No more of that stupid berserking nonsense.

Noah: (nodding) Absolutely.

// Afternoon, Alberto Mercenary Camp.

Carrying their empty dishes, Noah and Erin stepped outside the tent.

The first things that hit their noses—

iron, leather, blood, horse dung, smoke, and the scent of people.

For the first time in a week since leaving home,

they smelled the scent of life.

The ground was rough, pressing against their feet.

Everywhere, signs of daily life remained.

A dying campfire.

A quiver filled with rainwater.

Food crates wrapped in straw.

Laundry lines flapping in the breeze.

"Prrrr—"

A large brown horse snorted dust into the air and shook its head.

The camp held about a dozen tents.

Low, round structures reinforced with leather and cloth.

Like mobile fortresses for soldiers in war.

At the central fire pit,

Sophia spoke with a middle-aged man.

Even his silhouette made it clear—he was the leader here.

Noah and Erin approached cautiously, both hands holding their dishes, and bowed.

Noah: Thank you for the meal. We really appreciate it.

Erin: (nodding) The soup was amazing!

The man stroked his thick black beard and glanced at Noah's bandaged arm.

Alfredo: Hey—sleep well? How's the arm?

Noah: (awkward smile) Uh… I can move it, I think… maybe? Haha…

Erin: (arms crossed, glaring) Why are you moving it, idiot? Move it too much and you'll lose it forever. Got it?

Alfredo laughed heartily and patted Noah's back.

Alfredo: Listen to the girl. When someone says something like that, there's usually a reason.

Sophia: (smiling brightly) Oh, right.

Let me introduce you both.

This is Captain Alfredo Knighton, leader of the Alberto Mercenary Corps.

She gestured politely to Alfredo with both hands.

Sophia: He used to be a renowned tactical knight under Baron Varzen of Caldania. Now he leads us—

Alfredo: (waving her off) Hey, hey, don't embarrass me, Sophia.

He turned to Noah and Erin, hands on his hips.

Alfredo: Just think of me as the neighbor next door trying to survive along with everyone else struggling to stay alive.

Erin: (narrowing her eyes) Pretty friendly for a neighbor. Suspiciously so…

Alfredo: (chuckling) Heh heh, I like you kids.

That attitude's how you survive in times like this.

He pulled on a pair of red leather gloves and glanced around the camp.

Alfredo: Anyone who wants to live can survive here. Without that will… you're just bones.

Erin shrugged.

Erin: Then we'll survive. We've got plenty of will. And to survive in this messed-up world… you need strength too, right?

Alfredo: (laughing) Hah! That's the spirit.

But hey… one of you can use magic, right?

Erin: (pointing to Noah) That's him. His name's Noah. I'm Erin, by the way.

Alfredo sized Noah up, a playful glint in his eye.

Alfredo: (squinting) Hmm—

You some runaway noble's bastard?

Second son? Third?

Maybe a witch escaping execution?

C'mon, tell me the truth. I'll know if you lie.

Noah: (quietly) We were serfs. From the Beltrard Carmorin Duchy…

Erin: (flatly) Me too. Both of us—serfs. Terrian village.

Alfredo: (pausing) …Serfs? How the hell does a serf learn magic?

(raising his hands) C'mon, now that's a stretch. Don't lie to me. I said I'd know.

Erin: (waving her hands) It's true, mister.

A priestess from the temple taught him. She was all about the goddess Freya—super serious!

Alfredo: (frowning) A Freya priestess taught magic? Damn… that's a rare tale…

(closing his eyes briefly) Alright then… Let's see it.

Noah: (startled) …Right now?

Alfredo: (grinning) If not now, when?

Anything. Show me what you can do.

Hesitating, Noah opened his right hand and pulled a Mana-stone from his pocket.

He closed his eyes and took a quiet breath.

FWOOOSH—

A dense, steady flame bloomed in his palm.

It rose slowly, soundless.

Alfredo rubbed the tip of his nose as he watched.

Alfredo: Go on.

Noah: (flustered) Uh… t-that's it.

Alfredo: (moment of silence—then bursts out laughing) What? Hahaha!!

He clutched his sides, laughing heartily.

Alfredo: Okay, okay. Still—getting a flame going at all is something.

He stepped forward.

Alfredo: But listen carefully.

Never leave this camp.

Out there are things way worse than those weak-ass dire wolves.

Filthier, faster, smarter monsters everywhere.

Erin: (raising an eyebrow) Worse than those?

Alfredo: (grinning) Oh yeah. Some are the size of mountains—

and I hear they swallow people whole.

He turned back, laughing loudly.

Alfredo: (calling out) Hahaha. You kids—go meet the others.

Be polite, alright?

Erin: (pouting) Yeah, yeah…

Noah: (scanning the area) Thank you again, really…

He rejoined Sophia by the smoky fire, chatting again.

Noah and Erin quietly exchanged glances, then looked around.

This wasn't just a camp.

It was a small society—one surviving by relying on and helping each other.

They walked about thirty steps before spotting a group of people gathered to the side.

A wide, leveled clearing.

Training swords.

Worn shields.

Tattered target boards full of arrows.

The camp's training grounds.

Among those sweating in practice gear—

they saw two familiar faces: Baren and Lisha.

Erin: (eyes lighting up) Hey, Noah! Look—it's them! The ones who saved us!

Without warning, she ran toward them. Noah hurried after her.

// Training grounds.

Erin: (panting) We're awake! Noah too! Come on, Noah—they're the ones who saved our lives!

Noah: (running up, bowing) Uh… thank you. Really.

For saving us, and bringing us here… and treating my wounds…

Lisha: (arms crossed, glancing at them) You should be thanking Erin.

Without her, you'd be dead.

Noah: (glancing at Erin) Of course. I'm always thankful.

I have been… for a long time.

Lisha: (grinning) Oh? What's this vibe~? You two a thing? The air's getting spicy over here.

Erin: (raising her chin) He's my slave. More or less.

Noah, don't you dare die without my permission.

No more berserking nonsense.

Baren stepped forward, meeting Noah's eyes directly.

Baren: Mana-energy… isn't something you use once and it's done.

Use it without focus, and you might end up killing Erin—the one you say you're thankful for.

Noah: (biting his lip) …Yes, I'll remember that.

Lisha: (hands clasped behind her) Not even kidding, we seriously debated whether to kill you when you went berserk.

But hey… your eyes still had some humanity. So we let you live.

Noah: (smiling faintly) …Thanks. For sparing me.

Baren silently re-checked Noah's bandage and tightened it with practiced care.

Noah: (hesitating) Uh… but…

I thought I could only use fire magic?

(looking at his palm) But that day, when I fought the monster… I used ice.

Even I was surprised. Do you know why that happened?

A pause.

Baren slowly raised his head, meeting Noah's eyes.

Lisha: (eyes wide) …Wait—dual affinity? Baren, did you hear that?

He said he used both fire and ice.

Lisha: Mirea!! Get over here!!

She shouted toward a distant tree.

A woman beneath it, flipping through a thick book and fiddling with a magic staff, slowly closed her book and approached gracefully, adjusting her royal blue robe embroidered with silver thread.

Mirea: (walking calmly) Hmm? What's going on, Lisha? Who are these people?

Erin nudged Noah sharply.

Erin: Introduce yourself, quick.

Noah: (bowing) Hello… I'm Noah.

Erin: (standing tall) I'm Erin! New recruit!

Lisha: (arms crossed) So get this—

Noah here was fighting a beast, tried to use fire, and suddenly ice magic came out instead.

He even went berserk.

Doesn't that sound… weird?

Mirea's eyes sparkled as she looked at Noah.

Mirea: …Dual affinity. Are you sure?

Noah: (nodding, flustered) Yes. I was trying to summon fire, but…

my trident got covered in ice. It turned sharp, and I stabbed the beast with it—

and it froze solid.

Lisha: (covering her mouth) Whoa, that's insane… That's seriously rare.

Baren: (nodding) Less than one in a thousand Mana users…