The Sword Saint of Arknights [MTL/Machine Translation]

Chapter 44 | The Separated Pair

A week quickly passed, and Rhodes Island had reached the border between Kazdel and Rim Billton. According to the plan, the landship would enter Rim Billton and move along the border before heading north.

However, their enemies didn't want the landship to leave Kazdel without a fight. Just kilometers from Rim Billton, a skirmish erupted. Near the Rhodes Island landing area, mercenaries clashed with the rebels. Despite their greater numbers, the mercenaries struggled against the well-trained rebel forces, especially with the Confessarius' support.

"If you can wake up, please do so soon."

"Ugh... my head hurts!"

With throbbing pain and a faint voice calling her, Ines woke up to W's face and familiar harsh words.

"What's the situation?"

"Nothing much is going on, but just in case you just fell to amnesia, I have to remind you of the current situation ......" W pressed the button on the detonator in her hand, then the detonator, which had accomplished its mission, was tossed aside as she continued next, "We were ambushed an hour ago, the enemy was quick, the mages didn't have time to construct spell fortifications, the team was defeated, and we're the only two in the area."

Accompanying W's voice was a violent explosion, and, W extended her hand to Ines.                            Without any hesitation, Ines, who was holding W's hand, stood up with the help of W's strength, and then, she picked up the weapon that had fallen aside.W didn't have to deceive her in this kind of thing, and that's exactly why, at this moment, the situation of the two of them was extremely dangerous, if they didn't want to die, they had to quickly rendezvous with the team, at least ...... had to rendezvous with their own party. After all, this incoming attacker was not something that the two of them would be able to take down.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        "......" After a moment of silence, Ines continued to inquire, "What about communications?"                    

"Jammed. They're professionals, more than any we've faced."

"But the good news is they haven't moved towards the escort target. It seems they only had some info, not the full picture," W smiled grimly.

For mercenaries, this was a relief. As long as their client and escort target were safe, the mission wasn't a failure, and they'd get paid. But without communication, they were blind, relying on luck to reunite with their team or perish on their homeland's border.

"..."

"..."

They exchanged looks, understanding each other's resolve. Despite the dire straits, they wouldn't give up. Their real challenge was just beginning.

"Let's move. We need to regroup."

"Ah, I thought you'd at least suspect me of leaving you as bait."

"If we fought now, who'd win?"

Ines asked, holding her blade.

W knew the answer. In close combat, even two of her wouldn't match Ines. With her explosives used up and injured, W admitted she stood no chance.

"Of course, it's..."

W paused, then smiled.

"Tsk... Did you spot my injury right away?"

"You're in so much pain. I thought you could even fake your emotions so well. I was worried for a moment, but it seems I was overthinking."Their brief conversation ended as they prepared to leave. 

"The first thing you do when you wake up is to use your Originium skills to observe your teammates? You really have trust in them, Captain?"

"It's just a habit."

......

Their brief conversation ended as they prepared to leave. Suddenly, a Sarkaz warrior appeared. Ines vanished, leaving W alone.

"Found one mercenary, codename... W."

"...So fast?"

Looking at the other person's appearance, W asked in a slightly surprised tone.

W wasn't surprised by the enemy's knowledge. Despite her short time as a mercenary, her name was well-known in Kazdel due to her actions and the legacy of the previous W. Recognizing her wasn't unexpected.

"With your group's skills, letting one or two escape is insignificant. I planned to track you until finding your main team, but I didn't expect you to abandon your comrade..."

"Tell me everything about your team, and I'll make your death swift."

...