Chapter 9: A Deal Made in the Dark

Because of their line of work, mercenaries usually stick together in groups.

Penguirel was no different—he was always part of a mercenary band.

But that kind of life meant constant danger. And every time he lost friends and comrades he could trust with his back, he only grew stronger.

Whenever a comrade died, he’d suddenly awaken and smash everything. That’s why he was called the Man of Awakening.

But wait… the future Mercenary King deserting?

Was he even supposed to be here in the first place?

Questions flooded my mind.

“Is it really okay for someone destined to become the Mercenary King to plan desertion?”

“Keeping loyalty without even having a proper contract? That’s just stupid,” he said casually. “If you want to survive and go on a great journey together, come find the Relson Mercenary Corps. Guys like you—sharp and smart—are always welcome.”

“My name is Shin Doyoon.”

“Alright. Hope to see you again.”

Penguirel turned away without a hint of regret.

Where he had been standing, only a single pair of old, worn-out boots was left behind.

Good thing I wasn’t caught.

I’d run into him right when I was secretly trying to pocket some Besenti powder—a substance that caused diarrhea, vomiting, and chills. My heart had been pounding like crazy, but thankfully, it didn’t seem like he noticed.

I pushed the Besenti powder deeper into my clothes and let out a long breath.

Getting on good terms with the Mercenary King was a huge plus.

Who would’ve thought he was just a regular infantry soldier right now? It was hard to imagine this man becoming the Mercenary King whose name would echo across the world.

Just like the novel described, he was insanely talkative. I hadn’t even tried to lead him on, yet he spilled all kinds of information on his own. Thanks to that, I found the second puzzle piece needed to clear the quest.

“Still… what a tiring guy.”

I moved the supplies into the tent. Most of them were food and basic consumables.

“In novels, the most overused tactic is poisoning food.”

Judging by the distance between the camp and the village, the attack on Silviden Village was coming soon. That meant this was probably the last supply run. If I sprinkled Besenti powder into all the food, they wouldn’t be able to eat anything for a while.

“Just looking at food after Besenti spores makes your stomach flip. Total chaos. I thought my guts were falling out.”

I shivered as I remembered what happened about a week after I first arrived here.

I can’t be the only one suffering. Everyone should experience this pain.

With the purest selfish intent, I scattered the powder over the food like sowing seeds in a field. Watching it float through the air like dandelion fluff strangely calmed me.

“Heh… hehe…”

Ah crap.

I’d let out a villain’s laugh without realizing it.

The image of myself—lowering my mouth corners, spreading poison in a warehouse with a creepy grin—flashed through my mind.

Anyone would think I was a full-on villain. Damn it.

I watched the camp for another day, but nothing special stood out. Mostly infantry in leather armor were moving around lazily. I didn’t see any knight-level soldiers.

I couldn’t tell if there were none at all or if they were just staying inside their tents, but it didn’t seem worth waiting longer.

“Hup!”

I got up and headed back the way I came. I passed the spot where I’d taken out the imperial soldiers, but their bodies were gone—probably eaten by monsters already.

I ignored it and ran straight toward the village.

As soon as I arrived, I looked for Hessen.

“You’re back. I thought you wouldn’t return.”

“What would I gain by running away? I’d be leaving my precious partner behind.”

“So what do you want? You must have a reason for coming back.”

“I realized I hadn’t explained things properly.”

“Hmm? Explained what exactly?”

“The size of the imperial force planning to invade this place—and their supply situation.”

Hessen frowned.

“Why would you— …No, go on.”

His face clearly said, Let’s hear whatever nonsense you’ve got.

I’d gone through all that trouble gathering intel, yet his reaction completely killed the mood.

Still, the quest would only succeed if Hessen used this information to set up strategies and traps to defeat the imperial army. So I spoke, even if I wasn’t thrilled about it.

After hearing the detailed intel I’d gathered firsthand, Hessen’s expression subtly changed.

“Human. If what you’re saying is true, you’d be betraying your own country just to repay a debt. Are you okay with that?”

Was he mocking me again? Or testing me?

After all that effort, all I got was suspicion. My chest felt tight with frustration.

I brought back news of the invasion. I ran around to learn their numbers and positions.

At this point, I deserved an honorary orc title.

I lifted my head sharply and looked at Hessen. Instead of deep suspicion, his face held something rare—concern.

This orc acts cold on the outside, but looks at me with worry… No. Stop thinking that.

I erased the thought immediately.

Still, it seemed like the internal intel had made some impact. I’d earned at least a speck of trust.

“A debt is worth as much as a life.”

Honestly, life itself was more important.

“Yes. A debt is worth a life. I swear it as well. If your words are true, I will stake my honor to repay this debt.”

Hessen spoke with the dignity and seriousness of a great warrior.

But honestly, I didn’t care much about his honor.

What was I supposed to do with that?

Still, maybe it’d come in handy someday.

“Alright.”

I nodded easily, thinking of it as an extra bonus attached to the red awakening.

Hessen stared at me for a moment, then turned and walked toward where the orc warriors were training.

As soon as I saw the black-masked man, I scanned him and spoke.

“You doing okay? Not hurt anywhere?”

I still couldn’t read his intentions, but it was hard not to feel friendly toward someone who’d given me three peaceful days.

“I’m glad you’re alright.”

His eyes curved slightly. A calm, steady light flowed from his blue eyes.

I never got tired of looking at them.

One reason he felt so comfortable was definitely those blue eyes—they soothed the mind, deep and distant, like the ocean.

Before I knew it, the day of the attack arrived.

Rain had poured down, forcing us to reset the traps, but in the end, all preparations were complete.

As darkness fell over the orc village, everything looked like an ordinary evening. But beneath the surface, traps were set everywhere, and fully trained orc warriors lay in wait.

If you already know about an attack… is it even an attack?

While I was thinking nonsense like that, the black-masked man—wearing imperial leather armor—tapped me lightly.

Even though the original owner of that armor, some guy named Guta or something, wasn’t small, the armor looked tight on him.

The leather stretched over his broad shoulders, emphasizing his build. He must’ve been uncomfortable, yet he endured it silently. That somehow made me feel bad.

Was he being dragged into this because of me?

I couldn’t tell. Was he a pushover—or a beast hiding his claws?

Thinking of a beast reminded me of the winged boar meat he’d grilled before. I didn’t know what seasoning he used, but it was incredibly tender and flavorful.

Will he get hurt again? Then maybe I can eat it again.

I wiped the drool from my mouth.

“Oh, they’re here.”

In the distance, rough leather armor glinted under the moonlight. They moved carefully, but faint sounds still leaked out.

I pulled the rope on the ground. The long line tightened, sending a signal to the orcs.

“Let’s move too.”

Just as I was about to stand, I paused and looked at the black-masked man.

Our eyes met—his blue eyes, quiet and glowing, holding the moon inside them.

“Be careful. Don’t die. Let’s both make it out alive.”

In this dangerous place, he was the one person I could say I’d grown close to. I really didn’t want him to die.

Not that it looked like he’d die—or even get hurt—but things never go exactly as planned.

That’s why you need plans within plans. Still, there are always variables.

The black-masked man watched me with unreadable eyes, then raised his hand and gently brushed my face.

His hand, usually hidden behind gloves, was rough and calloused. But wherever his fingers passed, warmth lingered.

That warmth flowed down, reaching my fingers, quietly tracing words.

<If that’s what you want>

As if trying to hold onto the fading warmth, I clenched my hand, looked into his blue eyes, and nodded.

“I want it.”

As if he’d been waiting for that, his eyes curved softly. Under the moonlight, his lashes shimmered like midnight dew.

It was so distant, so overwhelming, it almost took my breath away.

Then screams rang out, followed by the clash of spears and shields.

That’s when I snapped back to reality, let go of his hand, and ran toward the chaos.

The black-masked man followed right behind me.

My face was hot, my heart pounding—but I couldn’t tell if it was from the tension before battle… or something else entirely.