Seeker 381

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Chapter 381. Rogue Mercenaries

The United Northern Nations, in the northernmost city of Tulum.

A guard keeping watch near the eastern city gate wall shivered as he hugged himself.

"Ugh, it's freezing today, huh? What do you think, buddy?"

Under the dim glow of a lamp illuminating the dark night.

The guard on the wall's walkway peered lazily outside the city and called out to his partner.

"Yeah, no kidding. Meanwhile, those mercenaries who just went inside must be partying it up by now. I'm jealous as hell."

The other guard, shining his lamp around, grumbled in response.

Both wore cold-weather gear over their Awakener armor, but it was far from sufficient to keep them warm.

It was just after 8 PM when the gates closed.

To the guards on night watch, those drinking and reveling in a cozy tavern were objects of envy and frustration.

"Man, I can't wait to finish up and grab a drink myself."

"Feel you there. But unfortunately, our shift's only just started."

"Ugh, nothing ever goes my way—huh? What's that?"

"What is it?"

"Look, over there, to the north—"

One of the guards squinted into the darkness beyond the wall.

He possessed a skill called [Night Vision], giving him far better eyesight in the dark than the average person.

The other guard shone his lamp in the same direction, but its dim light couldn’t reach far.

"Wh-What the hell is that!?"

The guard with the [Night Vision] skill exclaimed in confusion and alarm.

The other, unable to grasp the situation, was left in a daze.

＊＊＊

Meanwhile, at the same time.

In the city of Tulum, at the tavern Unicorn’s Haven, the guards’ predictions were spot-on.

A raucous group of mercenaries was in the middle of a drinking spree.

"Hey, miss! Bring us ten more beers! Make 'em the big mugs!"

"More snacks over here, enough for five people! Chop-chop!"

"R-Right away!"

"Hey, why don’t you join us, miss? Drinks are on us!"

"A-Ah, no, I’m still working…"

"Gahaha! You're trying to get her drunk and drag her off to the inn, aren’t you?"

"Idiot, of course I am. It’s all-night fun, you know?"

"Moron! You can’t just turn a barmaid into a free prostitute."

"Oh? You wanna take this outside?"

"Fine by me! Bring it on!"

"Yeah! Fight, fight!"

The tavern was overrun by a dozen or so rough men, their loud revelry drowning out everything else.

All the quieter patrons had already left, effectively leaving the place to the mercenaries.

"Madam, boss, how much longer are they staying? I can’t take this anymore. One of them grabbed my butt earlier! I almost kicked him!"

In the kitchen, a young waitress complained tearfully to the owners.

But the landlady and barkeep, frantically preparing drinks and food, wore grim expressions.

"Even if we wanted to throw them out, they’re Awakened Ones—mercenaries or adventurers or whatever. If we upset them, it could turn ugly fast. We just have to wait out the storm."

"Sorry, but bear with it for tonight. I’ll double your pay for the trouble."

"O-Okay… I’ll do my best."

Resigned, the waitress carried six large wooden mugs of beer back to the rowdy mercenaries.

But her face fell as she approached.

"You’ll pay for mocking me, fatso!"

"Bring it! Let’s see you try, you dumbass!"

"Place your bets, everyone!"

Two mercenaries had risen from their seats, glaring at each other with fists clenched.

Despite the imminent brawl, the others only egged them on.

"I just wanna go home…"

As the waitress muttered this under her breath, a voice cut through the chaos.

"Hey, knock it off."

The voice came from a man who stood out even among the rowdy bunch.

Sipping fine wine in the corner of the room, he appeared to be in his mid-thirties, with a scruffy beard.

Despite his unkempt look, his sharp eyes gleamed with an intimidating presence.

The two about to fight froze at his words, trembling slightly.

Without even looking their way, the man spoke calmly.

"The girl can’t bring drinks with you blocking the way. Sit down and drink quietly."

"B-But Boss, this guy called me an idiot—"

"That’s 'cause you are an idiot."

"See? Even the Boss thinks so!"

"You’re an idiot too. Now sit down, both of you. And how many times do I have to tell you? It’s Captain, not Boss."

"Y-Yessir, Boss!"

The two men hurriedly sat down.

Even after taking their seats, they continued glaring at each other—until the Boss grumbled.

"What did I just say?"

At that, they finally behaved.

The waitress, relieved to see someone reasonable, cheerfully served the drinks and collected empty mugs.

The Boss addressed her.

"Sorry about these guys. They’re all idiots, but they’re not bad people. Forgive them, will ya?"

"A-Ah… sure…"

"Boss, that’s harsh!"

As this exchange unfolded, a faint rumble shook the entire tavern.

It was followed by panicked screams from outside.

The screams grew louder and showed no sign of stopping.

The waitress and the mercenaries looked around in confusion.

The Boss stood and headed for the door, the others trailing behind him.

"What the hell is that?"

The Boss, stepping outside and scanning the surroundings, uttered this in astonishment.