Embracing Magic - E.M Chapter 134 (Part 2)

Larry and Bianca both remembered not only Daniel but most of the mercenaries who had traveled with the Trading Company.

They had traveled together for a long time, and during that time, they had encountered the troll that swallowed a mana stone. Because of the significant events, their memories of that time remained vivid.

“Then you’ll remember this. We parted ways with the Trading Company in Asir.”

“Oh! Now I remember.”

“Right. They said they were heading south.”

In Asir, a trade and border city, the Trading Company had gone south, while Rodin’s group had traveled west.

At that time, Rodin had worried that the Trading Company might encounter a giant magical beast. Ironically, he ended up being the one to kill a giant magical beast instead.

“Asir is a big city.”

“I don’t remember the city being large. Other than saying goodbye to Daniel, I don’t remember much else.”

“Brother Larry, you too? I’m the same way.”

The carriage continued forward until it finally crossed the border. Beyond the border lay a vast plain, and in the distance, they could see the towering city walls.

Asir had once been a military city during the Lennox Kingdom’s strained relations with the Tebia Kingdom. The tall walls had been built during that time.

Rodin’s group waited in a long line before finally entering the city of Asir. Compared to their previous visit, the city was even more crowded with people.

“Let’s stop by the mercenary guild first.”

“Brother, you don’t have to do this for me.”

“The mercenary guild is on the way to the inn. I have things to check there too.”

Rodin pointed Karis and Jena in the direction of the mercenary guild he had seen during their last visit.

“Young master, the mercenary guild is in sight.”

“This is a good chance for you two to resolve your identity issues as well.”

“Are you suggesting we take the mercenary examination?”

“Yes. Don’t go all out, though. Just perform well enough to earn a badge.”

The recent appearance of a new platinum mercenary had already caused a stir in the mercenary world. If Karis and Jena also earned platinum badges, especially with master-level recognition, the uproar could turn into chaos.

Three platinum mercenaries traveling together? It might draw the attention of the entire continent.

Rodin didn’t want that kind of attention.

“Can we receive a badge without proper identification?”

“If I vouch for you, you can.”

Rodin, as a platinum mercenary, had the authority to vouch for others. The guild wouldn’t even question it.

“Understood. I will apply.”

They entrusted their carriage to the stables attached to the mercenary guild. Unlike horses, stabling a carriage incurred an extra fee.

“Larry, when we go inside, just pretend I’m not here. My presence might influence your exam, and that wouldn’t help you.”

“I know. I’ll become a mercenary on my own.”

Larry was determined to earn the badge without Rodin’s help. For that, it was better to keep their relationship hidden from the guild staff until the examination was over.

Jingle!

As they pushed open the door, a soft bell rang to welcome them. Rodin led the way to the counter and approached the receptionist.

“I need some information.”

“Understood. Are you requesting information? May I see your mercenary badge?”

“Here.”

“Ahh! A plati—”

“Silence.”

Rodin quickly cast Silence to cut off the receptionist before she could finish.

He didn’t want to attract unnecessary attention from the start. He intended to keep things quiet until Larry completed his examination and Karis and Jena resolved their issues.

“I apologize. I was just surprised.”

“It’s fine.”

“Would you like to move to a private reception room? We have one prepared for distinguished guests.”

“Hm, alright.”

Rodin glanced briefly at Karis and Jena before nodding.

To maintain distance from Larry and not interfere with his exam, Rodin decided to leave for the private room.

Inside the reception room, Rodin waited for about five minutes. Soon after, the branch manager, who looked hurried, entered the room.

“I’m Sella, the branch manager of the Asir Mercenary Guild. It is an honor to meet a platinum mercenary.”

“Yes, nice to meet you. There was no need for the branch manager to come out personally.”

“I wanted to meet you myself.”

Sella had a young appearance, no older than her late twenties. Her round face, gentle eyes, and soft demeanor made her seem unassuming, like an ordinary villager.

Yet Rodin could tell—she was strong.

‘She’s quite the powerhouse. Rank-5, perhaps?’

To be a Rank-5 swordsman in one’s twenties was an extraordinary achievement. Even Ferios, the prodigious count of the Ingram Empire, would struggle to match her talent.

“What brings you here today? What can I help you with?”

“I need information about the Richmond Marquisate. Specifically, about the upcoming territory war.”

“The territory war is scheduled for the end of next month.”

Today was the 15th, so that left about 45 days. It was plenty of time to reach the Richmond Marquisate.

“Do you know what the Lotten Marquisate is planning?”

“I don’t. We’re not an information guild, after all.”

“What about Benson Tyke, the new platinum mercenary? Is he supporting the Lotten Marquisate?”

Rodin suspected Benson Tyke might be the trump card Lotten was relying on.

Sella laughed. “Ah, no need to worry. Benson Tyke is currently in the Western Continent. He’s been hired by the Ingram Empire and is fighting against Randert Kingdom.”

“Ingram? Benson Tyke?”

Rodin frowned. Benson had once been a duke of Randert and had fought fiercely against the Ingram Empire.

For Benson to now be fighting for Ingram, something significant must have happened.

“Anything else you’d like to know?”

“No, that’s enough.”

“Thank you for visiting Asir’s Mercenary Guild. Oh! One more thing. There’s a mysterious plague spreading in the Richmond Marquisate, so please be careful.”

“A plague?”

Rodin narrowed his eyes. He couldn’t dismiss that information.

He had already experienced something similar—a Curse of Weakness disguised as a disease. And that had also happened in the Richmond Marquisate.

It was far too much of a coincidence.

“I understand. Thank you for the warning.”

Rodin left the reception room, his thoughts filled with unease.

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