The Sword Saint of Arknights [MTL/Machine Translation]

Chapter 32 | Invitation

Inside a tavern in Kazdel, a group of people are gathered around a corner table, which is laden with various items: weapons, provisions, bottles of alcohol, and even some firearms used by the Laterano.

However, these items all share one common feature: they bear the mark of the Sarkaz rebels, clearly indicating that they have been seized from the rebels.

In this land called Kazdel, such occurrences are all too common, especially now that the nation is in a state of civil war. Both sides adhere to their own ideologies and follow their own leaders, leading to inevitable clashes between those of the same race.

"Hey, Roy, got your hands on some good stuff again?"

At that moment, the bartender weaves through the crowd to Roy's table and places a bottle of Sarkaz tequila on it.

"Right, anyone interested? I can give you a 20% discount."

"Forget it, even at a 90% discount, I couldn't afford it. These things aren't cheap."

Roy jests as he downs his drink in one gulp.

However, the bartender declines Roy's offer, as usual.

The bartender doesn't know much about this man named Roy. He remembers that half a month ago, this man arrived here in a beat-up car, and now, he's become a well-known lone wolf in the area.

He's strong, stronger than the leaders of the mercenary groups, but despite his strength, he refuses all invitations from them. He always fights alone, returning triumphant, and with each return, he orders a drink – what kind, only Roy knows, as he's never ordered the same drink twice. Fortunately, the bar where the bartender works offers a wide variety of drinks, otherwise, Roy might have drunk them out of stock!

"You're really short-sighted, you know. It's a civil war; what will you do if the enemy comes and you're unprepared? Expect these guys to protect you?"

"You..."

Listening to Roy's words, the surrounding mercenaries show a look of resentment, but that's all.

They've tried to attack this man from Lungmen before. During Roy's first few times setting up shop, some Sarkaz mercenaries even tried to take things by force. However, after Roy killed a few on the spot, they learned their lesson. They understood that this Lungmen, whose racial traits are not apparent, is not to be trifled with.

"What's the matter? Can't handle it? Want to fight?"

"Forget it, if we fight here, Carter will tear me apart when he gets back!"

In the end, the mercenaries give up. They watch Roy's seized goods and start to haggle with him.

Especially the firearms – for the Sarkaz, they are practically a symbol of identity, as these weapons come from their sworn enemies, the self-righteous Laterano.

The sale doesn't last long. Soon, most of the items are sold, except for a few damaged ones. At that moment, Roy packs up the remaining items and heads towards the tavern's door. Just then, a voice makes him stop.

"Interested in taking a job, Roy?"

When Roy turns around, he sees a figure dressed in black with a golden mask – a Confessarius.

Roy is familiar with these individuals. He has encountered the Confessarii in his battles against the rebels, and initially, he suffered from their strange sorcery.

Seeing the characteristic white horns and mask, Roy becomes wary.

"There's no need for that. I'm not serving His Highness Theresis; I come on behalf of Princess Theresa."

"I have no interest in your Sarkaz disputes."

With that, Roy, carrying his bundle, continues towards the door. However, just as he's about to step out, two armed Sarkaz block his way.

These two are not ordinary Sarkaz mercenaries; their demeanor gives them away.

Even though Roy could still win a fight against them, it would come at a cost, especially with a Penance Preacher nearby. If he joined the fight, Roy's chances of winning would drastically decrease. After all, the Confessariis' Originium Arts are strange but extremely effective.

At this moment, Roy stops.

"I've heard about you. You only take jobs you want to do, regardless of the pay."

The Confessarius steps up to Roy, signaling the two Sarkaz to lower their weapons, then continues:

"So, I believe you wouldn't ignore a group of infected without the ability to resist."

"What's the job?"

At this moment, Roy's hand, which had been resting on the hilt of his sword, relaxes. It's clear that the Confessarius has done his homework on Roy, or perhaps the force behind him has.

If what the Confessarius says is true, Roy indeed wouldn't stand by idly. He can't let the innocent suffer in this war-torn land. Even if they don't have a good life elsewhere, leaving this place at least gives them a chance to survive, especially for those infected without Originium Arts or combat skills.

"It's simple. Escort a target to a designated point. As for the target... that remains undisclosed for now."

"Such ambiguous talk is quite fitting for you folks."

With that, Roy steps out of the tavern, tossing his bundle to the side of the door.

At this moment, he looks at the Confessarius and says:

"I'll take the job for now, but if it's not as you described, don't blame me for being unkind."

"Don't worry, you'll be satisfied... foreigner."

With that, the Confessarius hands Roy a letter and disappears in a flash of crimson light, along with the two Sarkaz.

After opening the envelope, Roy sees a document inside, marking the target, the rendezvous point, and the time. There's about a day left until the meeting, and it will take Roy about half a day to get there from his current location.

It seems the other party hasn't given Roy much time to prepare. It's time to leave this place...