The Regressed Mercenary's Machinations-Chapter 260: This Should Be Enough (1)

“Oh, could it be...?”

The knight, upon hearing Ghislain's words, widened his eyes as if he had just realized something. Not having lived in this area, he hadn’t immediately thought of it, but Turian Kingdom's monster wave was notorious even in other countries.

The "monster wave" referred to the sudden flood of monsters pouring out from the Shadow Mountains. These monsters would then spread chaos throughout Turian Kingdom, ravaging its lands.

That's why fortresses were constructed along the path they usually took.

Ghislain nodded emphatically.

“Exactly. Soon enough, even the hidden monsters will swarm out, so there’s no need for us to go looking for them. All we have to do is prepare ourselves.”

“Ugh...”

The knights looked horrified.

They had already hunted countless monsters under Ghislain’s leadership. Those were disturbing enough on their own, but now they were about to face monsters in droves. Just the thought made them feel faint.

But Ghislain wore a pleased smile.

“Isn’t it convenient that they’re coming to us to die? At times like this, whoever bags the most monsters gets the reward.”

“Yes, sir...”

Kaor tilted his head, asking, “But, my lord, how do you know the monster wave is about to happen?”

Everyone was aware that monsters periodically descended from the mountains. However, if the time was close, the fortress should have been bustling with preparations.

Yet, everything seemed normal. It was as if no one knew the monsters were about to swarm.

Ghislain replied casually, “Because of us.”

“Excuse me?”

“We’ve hunted so many monsters. We’ve killed in days what would usually take hundreds of hunters months to finish off.”

“So... you’re saying that our high kill count has triggered this monster wave?”

“Exactly. That’s how the monsters in the Shadow Mountains work.”

“Is that even possible?”

“I heard it somewhere. Anyway, get ready. We’ve probably killed enough to draw them out by now.”

Kaor eyed Ghislain with suspicion. Ghislain was always coming up with the strangest explanations, but they had turned out to be true every time, so it was hard to argue.

The real reason behind the monster waves was still unknown.

The Turian Kingdom had dispatched numerous investigation teams to uncover the cause, but every attempt had ended in heavy losses, forcing them to abandon their efforts.

So it was naturally suspicious to hear someone not even from Turian Kingdom speak as though he knew something.

Thus, Kaor reasoned to himself, *“Hm, thinking is too much trouble. I’m stronger when I don’t think.”*

Much like Claude in a way, he simply accepted Ghislain’s absurd directives.

Of course, Ghislain didn’t know the exact reason either. Even in his previous life, no one had discovered the cause. But from experience, he knew that killing this many monsters would likely trigger a wave. And for now, that was enough.

“For now, get some rest and check your equipment. We need to fight in top condition.”

The knights, somewhat downcast, reluctantly accepted this unexpected rest period.

The thought that they might be facing even more monsters than before left them feeling drained already.

“Let’s go check the supplies in storage. Just Kaor, follow me.”

Leaving the knights behind, Ghislain and Kaor wandered around the fortress.

Initially, Ghislain was regarded with suspicion and awe as the leader of the group. However, since Kaor had defeated Doncard, he had been basking in a wave of admiration.

“Hey, Red! That was incredible!”

“To think you beat Doncard! You’re the strongest in this fortress now!”

“Let’s go hunting together sometime!”

Everywhere they went, people showered Kaor with cheers and praises.

At first, Kaor seemed taken aback, but soon, he wore a smug smile, running his hand through his hair.

“Hmph... So, I really am the strongest after all.”

In that moment, he was reminded that he truly deserved this admiration. He’d merely forgotten while spending time in the domain with those strange people.

The incident with the crashing hot-air balloon crossed his mind briefly, but he shook his head, pushing away the image of Arfoy’s face that popped up unexpectedly.

Ghislain subtly stepped back, allowing Kaor to soak up the attention.

*“He’s really enjoying this. He’ll adapt well here.”*

In the near future, Kaor would remain here, hunting monsters to gather hides and other by-products to send back to the domain.

For that, it was crucial that Kaor established his presence. This way, he could form his own following and operate with ease in this place.

This was why Ghislain had arranged for Kaor to face off against Doncard, elevating his status.

Kaor savored the attention, grinning as people looked at him with admiration.

*“Ah, this is great. It’s so different from staying in the domain. I want to stay here forever.”*

He felt as though he had been missing out on life. His self-confidence surged, making him realize that it wasn’t him who was lacking—it was the people in the domain who were exceptional.

Ghislain strolled leisurely around the fortress. He had only used the excuse of checking the storage to give Kaor a chance to shine.

*“I’ll make him the most famous figure in this fortress.”*

Even those who hadn’t witnessed his fight with Doncard would learn of Kaor’s prowess through the growing gossip.

As they walked, the people around them began to murmur and subtly stepped back.

Soon, a group approached Kaor. Judging by their attire, they were hunters.

Kaor looked them up and down. He recognized some faces—these were Doncard’s former subordinates who used to mock him.

“Well, well. Look who it is. You guys made fun of me, didn’t you? Today’s the day you’ll regret it. Get ready to die.”

As Kaor growled and advanced, the lead hunter frantically waved his hands.

“No, no! We didn’t come to fight!”

“But I’m ready to fight. You insulted me, and you know the greatest crime in this world?”

“What...what is it?”

“Hurting my pride. Prepare to die.”

Before Kaor could throw a punch, Ghislain grabbed his arm.

“Why? I’m the boss here, right?”

“Listen to what they have to say first.”

Pouting, Kaor lowered his fist.

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*“It’s not because I’m scared of the lord! It’s because a good leader listens to his subordinates!”*

Ghislain could tell what Kaor was thinking and clicked his tongue. Stepping forward, he asked, “What do you want?”

“Well, um...”

The hunter hesitated, glancing between Ghislain and Kaor, seemingly unsure of who was in charge.

Ultimately, remembering that Ghislain was the one leading at first, he spoke to him directly.

“Could we join your side?”

“Join us?”

“Yes, we could continue hunting on our own, but we could really use a solid leader...”

“Hmmm...”

Seeing Ghislain’s lukewarm response, the hunter hastily added, “Since Doncard died, our party’s been scattered. Wouldn’t it be better if you took us in? Having more allies around here wouldn’t be a bad thing.”

Most hunters preferred to hunt in groups due to the sheer number of monsters, which made it dangerous for smaller teams.

There were some lone hunters in the fortress, but they usually joined parties when needed to maximize safety and gains.

Doncard had led the largest group here, and now that he was gone, his followers were left in a difficult situation.

Kaor stepped forward again.

“So, you want to be my subordinates, right?”

“N-No... more like hunting companions...”

“Sounds like subordinates to me.”

“Well...it could look that way.”

In truth, they had been Doncard’s subordinates. Technically, he had been their leader, though in name only, given the lack of hierarchy in such a place.

In a gathering of people, there would always be a pecking order.

Kaor nodded approvingly. “Fine, I’ll take you all as my subordinates...”

*Smack!*

Ghislain cut him off with a swift smack to the back of his head.

“Ouch! Why’d you hit me? I’m the boss, remember?!”

“Not like that, Kaor.”

“Then how should I do it?”

“Watch and learn. So, how many of you are there?”

The hunter thought for a moment before answering, “Including those still deciding, around a hundred. The rest have joined other groups or chosen to remain independent.”

“Good. Gather everyone who wants to join us. We’ll be waiting at the tavern. Spread the word; anyone who wants in is welcome.”

The hunter, oblivious to Ghislain’s true intentions, nodded eagerly.

“Alright, I’ll bring as many as I can.”

Soon, the tavern was filled with hunters eager to join, all eager to flaunt their skills.

“I’m a great cook!”

“I know every inch of this area!”

“With my skills, I’ll be a huge help!”

Over 200 hunters gathered, their voices filling the tavern with chaotic energy.

Sitting at a central table, Ghislain pulled out a stack of contracts.

“I’ll take every one of you. Don’t worry. Just line up, and let’s get these contracts signed.”

“Great! Let’s sign up!”

Hunters often used contracts to avoid disputes during loot distribution. But in a lawless place, contracts were often meaningless, as problems were usually settled by force.

“Wow, these

terms are amazing!”

“As generous as his hunting skills!”

“He must be loaded.”

They couldn’t help but grin at the seemingly favorable conditions. There was no complicated distribution based on contribution—the loot was divided equally, aside from hides and tendons.

However, there were some terms that raised eyebrows.

“A 30-year contract?”

“Required to fight outside the fortress if summoned?”

“Immediate execution if we flee? If we want out, we just give back what we’ve earned so far?”

Some terms didn’t sit well with them, so one hunter spoke up.

“Is the length necessary? Hunters usually band together based on need. Look, even Doncard’s group scattered after he died.”

Ghislain smiled kindly. “This is so we can stick together. I’ll add a clause that the contract ends if I die. And I’ll be leaving soon. While I’m gone, Kaor here will be your leader, so follow him well.”

The hunters exchanged knowing glances. If they interpreted it that way, they could end the contract anytime by simply getting rid of Ghislain or Kaor.

“Alright! Let’s sign up!”

As the hunters signed eagerly, Ghislain’s knights gritted their teeth.

*“They think they can kill the lord...”*

*“They’re in for a rude awakening.”*

Once the contracts were signed, Ghislain generously handed out advance payments.

“Here, take these and rest up for a few days. I’ve got plenty of money.”

“Wow!”

Even before they started hunting, the hunters received generous payouts from Ghislain. They immediately went to the fortress’s entertainment district, spending freely.

Rumors spread quickly, and more hunters flocked to sign contracts with Ghislain. Before long, his following grew to over 300 members.

Watching them squander their advance pay daily, Ghislain smirked.

“Good. With these numbers, they’ll make a fine army to charge off the fortress walls.”

After all, to Ghislain, the best way to hunt monsters was head-on.