The Sword Saint of Arknights [MTL/Machine Translation]

Chapter 36 | Night

"How about it, do you trust my abilities now, or..."

"Do you want to try me yourselves?"

At this moment, Roy asked this question. Perhaps his words sounded a bit arrogant, but they were quite fitting in Kazdel.

After all, Kazdel was a land filled with mercenaries, and the lack of a unified government resulted in chaotic conditions where laws had no effect.

Therefore, the conduct that was appropriate in Lungmen or for a police officer did not apply here. Since he was here, he had to adapt to the local ways, just like undercover agents who had to blend in with criminal organizations. Any slight difference might expose them and lead to their demise.

Though Roy was not an undercover agent, this "when in Rome" approach came to him instinctively.

"No need. Since this is the employer's decision and you have proven your abilities, we will consider you a member of the mercenary group until this mission is over."

With that, the male Sarkaz mercenary took out a slightly worn badge from his pocket and threw it to Roy.

This badge signified temporary membership in the mercenary group. Mercenary groups often had such badges to give to those who joined temporarily, though they were rarely used as no mercenary group liked others interfering with their missions.

"I'm Hedley, the leader of this mercenary squad."

"Ines."

"Roy, an ordinary solo mercenary."

After brief introductions, they headed to their respective resting areas. Though they decided to work together, that would start only once the mission began. Until then, Roy had no intention of mingling much with them, and it seemed they felt the same. With a few hours left before the mission, this might be their last chance to rest.

Around the campfires in the forest, groups of mercenaries were engaged in their activities—cleaning weapons, cooking dinner, or conversing.

None of them wanted to miss this final rest, including the Sarkaz, who were enjoying the rare peace.

At the camp's edge, Roy cleared a spot and sat by his campfire to prepare dinner after ensuring the fire wouldn't spread to nearby trees.

Unlike the others, Roy's dinner was simple—a self-heating meal, two energy bars, and a cup of instant tea. These were supplies from Wei Yanwu, which he hadn't used since arriving in Kazdel. They were different from the military rations he had in his previous life, and the taste was hard to describe.

Roy wouldn't eat these unless necessary. Even now, he only took a small portion after hiding the riot truck.

As Roy poured water into the bag with quicklime and sealed it, he noticed a familiar figure watching him—the person he defeated today.

The other belonged to a Sarkaz mercenary group, which had a higher status than most mercenary groups in Kazdel.

This group camped closer to the center, separated from Roy by several other groups, but he could tell the person was staring at him.

Roy wasn't interested in greetings. Who knew if they would meet again after this mission, or even be on the same side?

Focusing on the heating food seemed more worthwhile, despite its poor taste.

Meanwhile, in the Sarkaz mercenary camp.

"What, admiring his strength after one fight?"

Ines, a mercenary, asked W, who was staring at Roy. Ines always seemed cautious, making her words sound harsh.

"No, I'm just thinking about how to eliminate him without any surprises."

W replied, clearly not interested in Ines's comment.

This was the first somewhat normal conversation between them in a while, ignoring the topic.

"Save it. You're no match for him."

"Even the strong have weaknesses, right?"

While they talked, Hedley pondered other matters. As the squad leader, his cautious nature often helped them avoid threats.

He wasn't thinking about the mission, but about Roy. From Roy's fight with W, Hedley could tell Roy wasn't a typical mercenary. His skills seemed more like those of a professionally trained individual, perhaps a police officer or soldier.

This made Hedley suspicious of Roy's true purpose. He didn't plan to share this with anyone, but he would keep an eye on Roy until the mission ended.