The Song Of Sword And Magic

Chapter 32: A Turn of Events 

[Translator — Asuka]

[Proofreader — Karane]

The weather was gloomy the next day as the cold wind from the North gusted at the travelers on the road. In this area near the Northern kingdom, winter had arrived earlier than expected. Even though the weather wasn’t frigid just yet, the travelers couldn’t help but feel unnerved in this somber atmosphere. 

With a grim expression, Miles looked into the distance. The mercenaries of the Black Crows had packed up their stuff and were ready to go. 

After sweeping a glance over all the mercenaries, Miles nodded at Quentin.

“Let’s go!” Quentin ordered, whereupon the mercenaries started marching toward Doyle.

Earlier, five people had gone in five different directions to scan the surroundings, and they all came back to say that the road ahead of them was safe. However, Miles still didn’t dare to be complacent as he kept sending people out at regular intervals. Without coming across any danger, they eventually stepped into the territory of Doyle.

***

After treading forward in the kingdom for some time, the people they had sent out still couldn’t find anything unusual. Four out of five had returned except for the one who had gone in the direction that was right ahead of them. Everything seemed to be in their favor. 

However, a turn of events happened when they least expected it. The last mercenary, who was drenched in sweat, had returned, and he brought with him a piece of shocking news—a group of the Dark Tide’s army was retreating in front of them. 

Upon learning that, Miles ordered his mercenaries to take a rest on the spot and sent out one more person to find out the direction in which the Dark Tide’s army was heading. Following that, he fished out a map and had a discussion with three other mercenaries. 

Fern nodded at his companions and joined the discussion so that he could get the latest news.

***

“I think we should race after them and kill them.” Quentin suggested. He seemed to be the strategist for Miles. However, Fern didn’t know Quentin, for the latter wasn’t a part of the Black Crows in real life. 

Hesitantly, Miles replied, “What if it’s a trap they’ve set up? There might be an ambush in front of us.” He pointed at the forest in the North on the map and scowled.

“But we shouldn’t let this chance slip through our fingers.” a long-haired mercenary said. “For every fiend we kill, the king of Doyle will give us a hundred gold coins, which is a large amount of money for us. Moreover, by doing so, we can also boost our group’s reputation in Wallis.”

Fern recognized the long-haired mercenary, who was a master hunter. Due to his mastery in archery and his exceptional skill in setting up traps, they all called him ‘Mr. Hunter’. As time went by, no one could really remember his real name. 

Fern used to compete with him in archery, but naturally, he was no match for him. Therefore, Fern had wanted to contest him in swordplay, but Mr. Hunter knew his weaknesses full well, so he had never agreed to it. At the thought of this, Fern smiled unknowingly.

“But we can’t risk our lives for the money. I think Miles’ worry is reasonable.” one older mercenary refuted. 

I don’t know him either. Fern raised his head and swept a glance over all the mercenaries. Upon a closer look, he realized that half of them were not his previous companions. This is such a strange feeling. 

The mercenaries had their own opinions and wouldn’t make any concession. Fern had an idea, but he decided not to say it because he wasn’t a member of their group, and he didn’t want to be overly participative in this illusionary world. 

Just then, an ordinary-looking and short mercenary approached them and said slowly, “I have an idea.”

***

The mercenaries, who were having a discussion, turned to look at him. The abrupt end of the argument also caught the attention of the others as they all shifted their attention to him. 

“Naven?” Miles muttered under his breath as he didn’t expect that this short mercenary would have come up with any idea, so he crossed his arms and gazed at him. “Alright. You can tell us your idea now.”

Naven appeared to be as calm as an experienced warrior. “We can split into two groups. One group will head North at full speed to run after the fiends while the other group will keep moving forward at normal speed and serve as the support for the first group.” He then moved his finger from their current location to the forest in the North on the map. “The first group will stop before the forest whether or not they have found the fiends and wait for the other group to reach them.”

Even though Miles was surprised, he still clapped Naven’s shoulder in praise of him. “This is such a good idea. While we can race after the Dark Tide’s army, we’ll also be able to ensure a maximum level of safety. It’s decided then!”

Quentin was displeased, but he didn’t have a better suggestion, so he just kept his mouth shut. The other two people supported Naven’s suggestion. 

“I’ll bring ten people to run after the fiends. Quentin, you’ll lead the others to tread forward at normal speed.” Miles ordered. “Keep some distance from us. Whenever there’s an emergency, blow the horn to inform us.”

“Yes!” Quentin said loudly. 

Fern gazed at the gloomy-looking Naven and felt that something was amiss. Since he didn’t know this short mercenary, he reckoned that he shouldn’t voice his opinion. After giving it a thought, he decided to leave his worry behind at the moment.  

After that, Miles and ten other mercenaries leaped onto horses and galloped forward as they raised the dust on the road. They only had fourteen horses in total, and the remaining horses had to carry their food and water, so the other mercenaries could only walk on foot.

***

“Our premonition last night was right.” Rae leaned closer to Fern and said.

“What premonition?” Niss gazed at them doubtfully. 

Feeling unnerved, Fern looked at the dust that was beginning to settle down. “There’ll be a turn of events today. I’m not sure whether that’s a good or bad thing for us.”

“Of course it’s a good thing! Whatever the turn of events is, it’s better than nothing. We can only complete the mission and go back to our world when there’s a change.” Rae glowered at him. “I think you’re being too joyful in the Source of Magic. That’s why you have this kind of worry.”

Fern didn’t refute her as he took a glance at Kaya and heaved a sigh. “You’re right, Rae. We have to go back.”

“Don’t forget what you’ve said.” Rae warned. 

“You can’t blame Fern,” Stan said slowly. “There are things here we can’t get in real life.”

“You’re talking about Ril, right?” Rae retorted. Stan blushed and didn’t dare to speak further.

Niss pressed her lips together and snorted. “That’s exactly the warning Hersey gave us. The most terrifying part about the Source of Magic is that even if we know these are all illusions, we’re still not willing to go back to reality.”

***

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