The situation in the center, where the mercenary units of the two countries were clashing head-on with each other, remained in the Empire's dominant position.

　The war situation, where the front line was barely supported and the kingdom was dominated locally, was also due to Ardis' strength.
　Of course, the mercenary force after Aldis left was not a weak army either.
　But since their numbers were too different to begin with, it was inevitable that they would be pushed.

''I thought I knew it, but I didn't realize that Ardis' strength was that strong.

As soon as Aldis left, you started getting pushed around.

　Gio, a slender swordsman, agreed with Gio's words, and Conia, the red-headed one, agreed with him.
　The members of 'Costers', led by Gresche, were feeling the pressure from the Imperial Mercenary Force, which was growing stronger with each passing hour.

''But we're not the new mercenaries of those days. We should be able to get through this level of pressure.

　Greshe nodded as Ralph, the most gangly of the four, said as he carried the axe on his shoulder.

''Of course. We'll prove in this battle that we're good enough for war!

　The three of them each responded to the leader's orders and worked closely together to confront the Imperial Army.

　In fact, their Kosters' abilities were real.
　Even if they weren't far behind Aldis, they were competent enough to be mercenaries.
　They were said to be one of the hottest young talents in Tria, and they had shown in this battle that they were one step ahead of ordinary mercenaries.

　But for the men of Costers, the most difficult part of this battle was neither the number of enemies nor their strength.

''It's still hard to play against someone you know,''

　Greshe's words, which were murmured in a blur, expressed their state of mind.

　The mercenaries have little sense of national affiliation.
　Even among the mercenaries who usually operate in Tria, there are many who have joined the Imperial side this time.
　It was inevitable that the familiar faces that occasionally came into view would slow down their attacks.

''Hee!　Ta, please!　You're missing out!　You're a fellow mercenary in the same tria, aren't you!

　That would be the way they would feel about it.
　As Kosters fights the Imperial mercenaries, one of the mercenaries, who has been cornered after his friends are defeated, begins to beg for his life.

''What do we do, Greshe?''

　A puzzled Ralph turns his gaze to his neighbor and begs for judgment.

''We're all mercenaries of the same Tria. Even if we have no choice but to cut each other in battle, I don't want to needlessly kill someone who has lost the will to fight.

That's what I'm saying. I'm going to let you off the hook, so you get the hell out of here.

　In response to Greshe's words, Ralph makes a gesture to get rid of him instead.

'Wow, bad!　I owe you!

　The enemy mercenary who had received warmth disappeared from Greshe and the rest of the group as if this was a blessing.





''Feng, you're saved your life. They were as sweet as ever, hehe.

　After being missed by Costers, the mercenary settles down in a safe place and looks around the battlefield with a chuckle.
　Around him, mercenaries of both sides are killing each other mercenaries without mercy.
　Most of them were mercenaries whose faces I had never seen before, but in some places I saw faces I had seen in Tria.

　But they were different from the faces of the Costers.
　Even if they are usually sitting next to each other at the same tavern, it doesn't matter if they are divided into friend and foe on the battlefield.

　If you know they are the enemy, of course you will kill them.
　If you don't kill them, you will be killed. That's all there is to it.

"He's strong, sure, but that's just plain stupid.

　The mercenary laughs, not with gratitude, but with mockery.

　The mercenary, in a state of desperation after all his comrades had been defeated, had begged for his life, but Costers had easily overlooked him as an enemy.
　It's an act that is beyond naive for a man on the battlefield.

'Just as well. It's no surprise that someone died on the battlefield. They've been a pain in the ass for a while now.

　With a cynical smile, the mercenaries began to address the Tholian mercenaries of the Empire one by one.

''Do you want to teach the underworld souvenirs that it's different to talk to demons and humans?''

　As the two armies clashed on the battlefield, some of the mercenaries who usually operate in Tria began to gather, and gradually a group was formed.





　Costers, who had been wandering the battlefield, struggling from time to time, were suddenly plunged into a corner by a wave of attacks by numerous mercenaries.

　The mercenaries from the Imperial side appeared without warning and attacked with an overwhelming difference in numbers.
　There were eighteen of them.

　No matter how much the members of Costars' team had above-average abilities, they were unable to compete with a number more than four times as large.

''Kyah!''

　The first one to kneel was Konya.

　Originally, Konia used her petite physique and agility to play with her enemies in a style of fighting, but on the other hand, her purely physical strength was inferior.
　If not to dodge an attack, but from being caught by a shield, she was pushed in and stopped dead in her tracks.
　Aldis would be able to push through with force, but that's a difficult feat for a small woman.

''Conia!　d*mn it!

　Following that, Ralph received an arrow in his leg.
　If it was just one or two arrows, it would be possible to pay off or avoid them, but as expected, four simultaneous shots could not be prevented.

　In the same way, Gio, who was attacked by the three mercenaries from the front and back, was also wounded in the hand.

''Ralph!　Geo!

　Greshe expressed his impatience.

　A large number of enemy mercenaries lined up around them, all aiming to hunt for the lives of Greshe and the others.
　If they were outnumbered, they could win, but if they were outnumbered like this, it was unavoidable.

　Greshet had no choice but to accept their defeat.
　At the same time, he was grateful for their good fortune.
　It was a good thing that they were not the only ones who had a chance to win the war, because the mercenaries from the Imperial side surrounding them all looked familiar.

''We surrender. We will not resist, so please treat us as prisoners of war. If possible, we would appreciate it if you could let us off the hook for the friendship of our fellow countrymen who are based in the same town.

　They are familiar faces, mercenaries who live in the same town.
　They won't feel good about cutting down the unresisting Greche and the others, either.
　Some of the enemy mercenaries can be seen among the mercenaries that Costers had just missed.
　In the same way, there is a possibility that they will miss Greshe and the others this time, and even if that is not possible, if they surrender, they will certainly treat them as prisoners of war in their own way.

　Greshet had thought of that.

　But the enemy mercenaries would show by their actions that this thought was a mistake.
　None of them surrendered their weapons.
　The tip of the arrowhead, the cutting edge of the sword, and the heavy blade of the axe are now pointing at Grechet, ready to strike.
　The look on their faces is not a tragic determination to have their companions in their hands, but a lowly thought that seems to mock Gresche and his friends.

'Hey, did you hear that? 'I'd be grateful if you'd let me off the hook for my companionship.'

　One of the enemy mercenaries replayed Grechet's words while looking around at the other mercenaries.
　Instantly, a burst of laughter erupted from the surrounding mercenaries.

''Isn't he a bacca?''

Why do you think you're getting all smug?

"You don't talk in your sleep.

　Greshe was impatient with the unexpected reaction.

''Wait a minute!　We were both mercenaries in Thoria, weren't we?　We let you off the hook earlier!

　Spotting the mercenary that Kosters had missed earlier among the enemy mercenaries, Greshe appeals to him.

''Yeah, that was you earlier. Thanks for saving my life.''

Well, then...

But that's not what this is about, is it?　"I let you off the hook"?　I didn't like that kind of superciliousness on your part for a while.

Wha--

　Greshet is speechless at the obvious hostility that is returned by the person he had just warmly welcomed.
　The other mercenaries speak to Greshe one by one.

''Don't get cocky just because you've made a name for yourself, little one!

I don't mean to be a jerk.

We've been banned from the Commercial Guild because of you!

'It's ......!　I didn't think exaggerated reports were good for my client--

You ruined a request you tried to get from someone else by interrupting me!

It wasn't anything to pay for and ask for--

　Gresche rebutted the accusations against Costers one by one, but none of them reached the mercenaries.

In short, we all feel badly about you.

...... What do you want us to do?

You don't have to do anything. This is a war zone. You and I are enemies of each other. If you're enemies, it's no wonder you're taking their lives, and there's no one to blame. I'm not going to be able to tell you what to do, but I'm going to be able to tell you what to do.

That doesn't mean you have to go out of your way to kill each other for anything: ......

'Hahaha!　Are you an idiot?　It can't be done if the mercenaries, who are divided into friend and foe, have to take care of every single thing just because they are acquaintances.

Oh, no. ......

It's a good thing you guys are on the kingdom's side. You can't just get lost in the hustle and bustle of battle in the same camp, you know.

　A stunned Greshet doesn't know what to say in response to the mercenaries.

　Conia is pinned down by one of the mercenaries, while Ralph and Gio are wounded and unable to fight.
　Gresche is unharmed, but he's not so smug as to think that he can win alone against seventeen mercenaries, no matter how much.

''d*mn ......, why ......?''

　The thought of how this could have happened momentarily crossed his mind, but right now his priority was how to get out of this crisis.
　But even if he thought about it, he couldn't think of an effective solution.
　Naturally, the enemy wasn't kind enough to wait for Greshet to get his thoughts together.

'Then let's get this over with. We can't just sit in the middle of a battlefield forever talking about it.

　With those words, the mercenaries raise their weapons and begin chanting magic.

''Join a war and get killed by the enemy. It's a good thing for a mercenary to die in the most honorable way possible!

　With a wide double-edged sword in hand, the mercenary attacks Greshe.

　Of course, Greshe has no intention of being killed in silence.
　He held up his shield to parry the sword fire and counterattack with the sword in his dominant arm.

　If it was one-on-one, this is an opponent that would not be easily defeated.
　But that's if it's one-on-one.
　Instead of the enemy who took a step back, this time the mercenaries slashed at him from left and right, one by one.

''d*mn!

　Greshe took a step towards the mercenary on the right side, and then swapped positions with the enemy as he struck his sword and wrapped his body around it.
　As it was, he kicked the enemy's body away and jumped back before the sword of the mercenary who was slashing at him from the left side could come at him.

　With the enemies clashing with each other, Greshe was about to turn his gaze to the next enemy when he suddenly felt a burning sensation in his back.

　He was cut.

　As soon as you realize that, you throw your body forward and dodge the chase.

''Gu......''

　The wound is superficial. It's not too bad. But...

How much longer do you think you have?

　The enemy's mercenaries taunt Grechet with distorted smiles.

　They are outnumbered.

　Ralph and Gio are also fighting with injuries, but as expected, their movements are lackluster, unlike their usual movements.
　It's a good idea to be able to have a good time with your friends.
　In less than a few minutes, Greshe was breathing on his shoulder with blood all over his body.

　His body can't move as much as he would like.
　Even if it's all possible, this is a battle that has no chance of being won.
　There was no longer any chance of victory.

'Abayo.

　The enemy mercenary, who had seen Greshe's limitations, spoke the closing lines.

　It was at that moment when Greshet had given up on the idea that it was over.
　A slight sound of wind cutting interrupted the hustle and bustle of the battlefield.

''Guh!''

　Suddenly, an arrow pierced the enemy mercenary.

　The arrow pierced deeply from the side to the position of the cervical vertebrae, and the flowing blood slowly trickled down to the arrow.
　The next moment, a bastard sword appeared out of nowhere and cut off the neck of the arrow and all.

　The head that falls to the ground with a rumble.
　A spray of blood.
　Greshe, who was taken aback, saw the owner of the Bastard Sword and muttered his name.

''Ted-san: .......''

Hey, he's alive.

　Grinning, Ted took a swing of his bastard sword with his thick arm.
　Beside Grechet, one more enemy mercenary fell to the ground, taking a deep hand.

''Te, Ted......!

　There was a voice that seemed to squeeze out of the enemy.
　That voice was filled with an obvious feeling of awe.

　A single arrow tore through the air of the place without regard to such matters.
　The arrow flew at the head of the enemy mercenary who was attempting to lay down Conia.
　The enemy mercenary, who was unlucky enough to have his left eye pierced by an arrow, let out a scream and writhed about.

　The confused enemy mercenary didn't even give the confused mercenary a chance to recover, and now the advanced magic of wind attacked them.
　The sorcerers and archers who were aiming at Greshe and the others from a distance were caught in a fierce wind that made the summer storm seem like a gentle breeze, and their bodies were slashed apart and became the breath of insects.

''Bya, 'Byakuya's Myoujo!''

　One of the mercenaries shouted with trepidation.

　The party known to be one of the most talented in Tria, the Byakuya no Myojo, appeared in Greshe and the others' crisis.

　In the face of a confused enemy, Ted and his men hunt for their lives one by one.
　Orphelia's Windkill, Norris's arrows and Ted's Bastard Sword killed the enemy mercenaries one by one.

　Eventually, when Norris and Orphelia walked up to Ted's side, the enemy was only left with the last one.

'Ta, ta, help me ....... Help me ......!　You're with the same tria, aren't you ......?

　The enemy mercenary who was cornered from the overwhelming superiority of the situation turned around and begged for his life.
　Looking at it, it was the same mercenary that Greshe and the others had missed earlier.

　Greshe's face twisted in bitterness.
　The mercenary that we missed is now cornering us and kicking our pleas to the curb, and then turning around and begging for his life again.
　The conversation between Ted and the enemy mercenaries continues as Greshe is depressed, wondering what the hell went wrong.

''Well, your face certainly looks familiar. It's a face I've seen a few times in the tavern.''

Yeah, right?　For the sake of our friendship of roosting in the same town, you're missing out here!

But...

　Without any emotion, Ted raises his bastard sword.

'What about it?　I'm the Royal Army, you're the Imperial Army. We're enemies now, aren't we?

Oh, no!　You're one of us!　Help--

'Give it up. You chose the Empire and you made a bad decision.

　Ted interrupted the enemy mercenary's pleading, and Ted cut off the words and his head at the same time and threw it away.
　Botry and the mercenary's heads fall off.

　Greshe couldn't help but object to Ted, who ignored his pleas for his life and settled the matter.

''Te, Ted-san!　You don't have to kill anything: ......!　He was unprovoked, and yet he had lost the will to fight!

What?

　Ted glares at Greshet with a gasp in his face.

'What are you talking about, dumbass?　We're at war now, okay?

'But still!　Where is the need to kill an unresisting person!

You are such a sweetheart.

　With a loud sigh, Ted looked at Norris.
　His eyes told the story that it was a hassle, so he left it to him.

　Norris, who approached Greshe and the others with his gaze on his surroundings, made an opening remark of no return.

''There's nothing we can do about it. With that way of thinking, you'll soon be stabbed in the back and killed, right?

What does ...... mean?　Mr. Norris.

That's exactly what it means. It's true that slaughtering a defenseless opponent is not a glorious thing, but this is a battlefield.　Do you guys think you're strong enough to show mercy to the enemy or go easy on them halfway through?

It's not about being strong or weak!　An irresistible opponent, and even though we're divided into friend and foe, we're still friends living in the same town!

Haha. So I took mercy on you and let you off the hook, and now it's none of your business if you get attacked again.

'What ......, why is that ......?'

'As it happens. I saw that you guys missed that mercenary earlier.

　Greshet's expression twitched at Norris' words.

'So?　How do I know you won't return the favor?　And if we hadn't gone in to help, you would have died. In the end, if you let a person with a rotten heart like that go, they will only attack you again when they get the chance," he said.

Yeah, that's ......

Once again, this is a war zone, okay?　Are you guys strong enough to show unnecessary mercy to the enemy, protect your own lives and the lives of your friends, and lead your own army to victory?

　Without a word of reply, Greshe was forced to silence.

'If you have the confidence and ability to get through an attack by that many people without getting hurt, I think that's a good idea. It's never a bad thing to just get rid of the sparks of fire without needlessly killing them. But that's only if you have overwhelming power. Like Aldis, for example.

　Yes. With a ridiculous strength like Ardis, he would be able to shake off those mercenaries no matter how many times they attacked him.

　But even that Aldis didn't show any mercy to the enemy.
　Even if he had the ability to drive them away unharmed, he would still throw a ticket to the underworld to anyone who attacked him with the intention of killing him in return.

'But you don't have that ability. It's true that you are more powerful than those mercenaries, but it's only at the level of comparison. To be honest, you just seem to be standing taller than your abilities.

　Norris continues to speak as if he were admonishing her in a matter-of-fact manner.
　Every word of it hurts Grechet's pride.

'Do you know what they say about that kind of thing?　It's called being out of your depth.

　That was the final blow.
　Greshet gritted his teeth as he slumped down.

'I heard you were working with Aldis at one time, but didn't you learn from that part?

　Norris followed up with a prick and a needle stab.
　Unable to watch, Orphelia interrupted him.

'That's enough, Norris. They need medical attention.'

Right. Then you guys go backwards and get treated.

'Yes, yes ......'

　Greshette is about to answer emphatically and give him back his firings, when Ted calls out to him.

Hey, Greshet,

...... What is it?

"Remember this. "Remember this: don't underestimate human emotions, especially malice. Envy, jealousy, resentment ......, those negative emotions threaten your life more than any of the dispassionate ones. Don't forget.

'Yes ....... I'll keep that in mind: ......

　Greshe's voice seemed to fade away now as he answered.

　Ted's words reminded Greshe of the time he had clashed with Ardis four years ago.
　The mercenaries who had tried to intercept Greshe and Aldis' prey, Aldis had considered them as wild thieves and destroyed them.

　If it was Aldis's ability, he could have repelled them without killing them, that's for sure.
　But as Aldis had said, that wouldn't solve everything.

　This time, that mercenary, despite receiving the warmth of Greshe and the others, has returned the favor and bitten the fangs.
　Then what about those mercenaries who attacked us four years ago as wild thieves?

　What would have happened if I had let them go then?
　Would they have been grateful for Aldis' warmth?
　Would I have been converted, changed my mind and become a true human being?

　No, probably not.

　If they were such mercenaries, they wouldn't have formed a clique to begin with and done something like a wildebeest.
　First of all, they would undoubtedly have harbored feelings of resentment towards Aldis, Greshe and the others.

　Aldis might not be hurt, even if it was directed at him in the form of malice of resentment.
　However, that resentment would probably not be directed at the powerful Aldis, but at themselves as new mercenaries.

　It was not for his own sake that Ardis had fought back so viciously and refused to let any harm come to him. It was for the protection of Greshet and his friends.
　It's a good idea to have a good time with your friends.

''If it's not done well, we could be accused of the crime.

"It's going to hit us for sure. Plan more carefully this time.

　Aldis may have been concerned that the malice, which was unimportant to him, would turn against Greshet and his friends.
　Without realizing it, Greshet blamed Aldis for the incident, which resulted in a quarrel between them.

'Aldis was thinking about us that much ....... I did that to him .......

　Greshe was ashamed that he hadn't grown in any way since four years ago.

　Greshe and the others had unknowingly earned the resentment of Tria's mercenaries until now.
　As long as they were mercenaries, that in itself was inevitable.
　The selling of a name would garner admiration and envy as well as jealousy.
　Depending on how they interacted with each other, they could leave a legacy.

　The problem was that Grechet and his friends were too defenseless against it.
　Even if they were strong enough to hunt the dispersers, even if they were respected by the Tria's mercenaries, they would not realize the danger they were in until they were trapped in a corner and others pointed it out to them. Four years ago, and even now.

　Norris's words to me, 'You don't know your place', pierce my heart.

　The more I learned about Aldis, the more I was reminded of my own smallness.

I wonder if I will ever be able to catch up with him: ......

　On this day, the presence of the name Aldis changes the meaning of the name in Greshe's mind.
　From the existence of a face-to-face mercenary with great power to a distant goal that he hopes to one day stand alongside of.