The victory in this bandit-hunting expedition left us returning with loaded with spoils. We sold over 3,000 denars in the city of Car-Banseth, rested there for two full days, and then set out again on the road to seek and eliminate bandits.
Thanks to our relentless efforts—fighting, looting, selling, and recruiting—my forces expanded to thirty men. Aside from the five Imperial soldiers who had accompanied me (two Imperial Legionnaires lost in battle), the rest were all Battanian Fianna Champions. Our treasury also swelled to over 10,000 denars.
Due to our long-term bandit-hunting activities, we had gained considerable prestige in the region and maintained good relations with village leaders. However, the daily wages for my soldiers were a significant expense. I had to keep hunting bandits just to stay afloat—if I stopped even briefly, finances would tighten. Worse, the nearby bandits and mountain thieves had mostly been wiped out.
Most importantly, these bandit skirmishes were small-scale—hardly even battles, just glorified brawls. The daily fighting was becoming tedious. It was time to find another way, at least to cover the soldiers' wages. The only solution was to become a mercenary.
The timing was perfect—this was an era of chaos, with kingdoms constantly declaring war on each other. With my current forces, I figured I could take on a lord with half again my numbers, especially if their troops were mediocre. After all, proper military gear was far more valuable; a single battle's loot could be worth more than a dozen bandit raids. So, I made up my mind: I would join a warring kingdom as a mercenary and experience real warfare.
After careful consideration, I decided to return to the Southern Empire. According to passing merchant caravans, the Southern Empire was currently at war with the Western Empire. Empress Rhagaea had a daughter named Ira, who was said to be quite beautiful. If I fought well, who knows? Maybe I could even become a prince consort. Then, if the throne passed to me, it'd save a lot of trouble. Hah!
My first choice had actually been Swadia, since in this world, I was Swadian myself and had once been rescued by a Swadian caravan. But Swadia was currently at war with Battania, and most of my troops were Battanian Fianna. Asking them to kill their own kin felt wrong. Maybe later, when I founded my own kingdom and fought to unify the continent, I'd erase their old national loyalties.
After resting for a few days in Battanian Marunath, we set off for the Southern Empire. Along the way, I didn't neglect my social responsibility of upholding justice—I continued cracking down on bandits. The journey was a cycle of fighting, marching, and resting.
After several days, we reached the Western Empire's city of Lootin. Since we'd been traveling nonstop, I decided to let the troops rest, replenish supplies, and buy a few more pack horses.
Though I'd bought some in Marunath, our carrying capacity was still insufficient. In future battles, loot would be plentiful—if we were slowed down by overburdened baggage, it'd be disastrous. Speed meant survival; if we couldn't win, we had to at least escape.
Once settled, I distributed 1,000 denars among the men—more for veterans and those with combat merits, the rest split evenly. This kept them loyal, especially since the real battles were yet to come.
With the men taken care of, I finally had time to relax. I headed to the tavern, ordered a drink, and sipped leisurely. The alcohol of this era was just as described—cloudy, wheat-scented, and sour, probably low in alcohol content.
As I drank, I observed the tavern's patrons. Taverns were a melting pot of society—merchants, mercenaries, commoners, and fugitives from all over the world.
Just as I raised my cup again, a man with a long brown beard and a Mongol-like hairstyle caught my eye. His clothing and appearance marked him as a Khuzait.
*"This guy stands out… could he be an NPC hero?"* I wondered.
I stood and approached slowly. He grew wary as I neared.
**"Hello, stranger. Don't come closer—one more step, and I'll gut you."**
**"Relax, I mean no harm. I'm Gattar. If you're willing, we could be friends. Tell me your story, if you have one."**
Seeing no hostility, he moved his hand away from his sword.
**"I'm Kinak. People call me Blacktooth. If you want to hear my tale, I'll tell it."**
**"Of course, go ahead."**
**"I once knew a woman. We got along well, so we drank at a tavern. I got drunk. The next morning, an officer arrested me, saying I'd be hanged in town. Thankfully, my cousin Ed worked at the prison—he broke me out, and we fled to the countryside. We robbed a local official, but the fool resisted and drew his sword. I cut him down, but… he killed my poor cousin Ed. A woman's betrayal cost me everything."**
**"That's terrible luck."**
**"That's why I'm here—to drink for my cousin and find work, even if it's shady."**
**"Then join me. My company could use you."**
**"Really? Well… one small thing. I owe the local gang 442 denars in debt. If you pay it, my life is yours."**
**"Deal. Here's the money. Settle your debt, then meet me here."**
**"Thank you. I won't waste words—my actions will speak."**
With that, he rushed off. My first recruited NPC in this world—no idea what skills he had, and I hadn't checked any guides. Oh well, his combat performance would tell.
After a night in Lootin, we marched toward the Southern Empire. My plan was simple: find any lord, offer mercenary service—any of them could afford thirty men, especially during war.
**"Boss, bandits ahead—about twenty, seven or eight on horseback. Do we fight?"**
**"Of course. We didn't come this far to let them go. But they have cavalry—be careful. Most of your arrows are spent, so stick to the plan."**
**"Let me lead the charge, boss. I'll show them my strength!"**
**"Kinak, don't be reckless. Your gear's not ready yet. Next town, I'll get you proper arms and armor—plenty of battles ahead."**
**"Full-speed assault—end this quickly."**
**"Yes, sir!"** The men charged, Blacktooth trailing behind.
I stayed back, observing. About fifteen minutes later, a soldier reported:
**"Bandits wiped out. Three lightly wounded, one dead."**
**"Dead? Who?"**
**"Blacktooth—the guy you recruited in Lootin. Took a javelin to the head. No saving him."**
**"What?! Dead? Just like that? An NPC hero, gone in his first fight? Before the real war even started? This never happened in the game! After all that backstory?"**
The soldier hesitated. **"Should we bury him, or move on? The men are looting."**
**"Bury him properly. Finish up—we march soon."**
**"Yes, sir."**
Nothing had gone smoothly since I arrived in this world. First, a total wipe by bandits, then getting knocked out by a mountain bandit leader. Finally recruited an NPC, hoping for a right-hand man—only for him to die instantly.
*Ugh. Should've read the guides properly. Wake up, plan better. At this rate, unifying the continent will take forever.*