Chapter 93
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Chapter 93: Return
There was no banquet that did not come to an end. As the leader of the Morning Star Mercenary Corps, Odel understood this better than anyone.
With their adventure nearing its conclusion, what reason remained to keep that person by her side?
No—why did she care so deeply about him in the first place?
Was it his strength? His leadership? The mysterious aura around him? His unshakable calm in danger? Or something else entirely?
Odel searched her thoughts but found no clarity. The half-elf was certain of one thing: she cared about him and wanted to know more—both about the man and the obscure Hawk Brigade he represented. She wasn’t ready to part ways yet. She needed more time near him.
But what excuse could she use?
If she were alone, it might’ve been simple. But as the leader of the Morning Star Mercenary Corps, every decision weighed on her entire team. She couldn’t act rashly or let emotions dictate her choices.
What should she do?
“Captain Odel, what’s next for your group?” A voice cut through her thoughts.
Kelvin, leader of the Mountain Wolf Mercenary Group, grinned at the half-elf. His mood was unmistakably buoyant.
Though Mountain Wolf had contributed the least during the mission, Kelvin’s last-minute decision to follow Midi through the Teleportation Arrays earned them a trove of high-level magic books from the young commander. By cost alone, their rewards dwarfed everyone else’s.
Not to mention their reversal against the Blood Blade—once their oppressors—now crushed and stripped of spoils. For a number-cruncher like Kelvin, this was pure profit.
“Plans?” Odel shot the cheerful magic scholar an irritated glance. “The usual. Distribute spoils, level up, upgrade weaponry, recruit reliable hands. Rest, then move to the next gamble…”
“Skip the formalities.” Kelvin adjusted his glasses. “Don’t you want to visit the Hawk Brigade?”
“Visit them?” Her pulse quickened.
“They’re fellow adventurers—partners. Building connections makes sense.” His tone turned sly. “Even if they’re new, with *him* there? They’ll rise to the top. Maybe even dominate the continent. Getting in early benefits us both. Agreed?”
Though his motives were transparent, Odel’s heart soared. Why hadn’t *she* thought of this? But doubt crept in—would he agree?
Before she could dwell, a sharp whistle pierced the air ahead.
“Interceptors?” Odel and Kelvin locked eyes, tension rising.
Two hundred seasoned fighters stood ready, but ambush plans meant meticulous intel. This wouldn’t be easy.
“Allies.” Midi’s voice cut through the tension.
Allies? The Hawk Brigade?
Both leaders straightened. This unseen force had shattered a Blood Blade stronghold with one member, claimed the Elven Kingdom’s richest heritage, and led the charge through every trial. And Midi? Just a deputy. If his leader surpassed even *him*…
Anticipation hummed in the air.
Trees rustled ahead. Dozens of shadows blurred through the foliage—a flawless triangular formation—halting before the mercenaries in seconds.
This was a Nightblade Leopard Cavalry composed entirely of Elves. At the forefront stood a tall male Elf clad in meticulously crafted magical armor, his left arm bearing a sharp Spinning Blade that emitted an eerie glow. His entire body radiated battle intent, creating an aura of unspoken authority.
Though Midi had warned they were allies, the adventurers couldn’t suppress their tension before these armed Elves and their massive, agile Nightblade Panthers.
Kelvin, leader of the Mountain Wolf Mercenary Corps and accustomed to dealing with nobility, instantly recognized these Elves weren’t mere hunters—they were disciplined soldiers.
These Nightblade Leopard Cavalry wouldn’t waste time exploring ruins, haggling over gear, or fretting about their futures. Even if treasures lay unattended on the roadside, they’d never dismount to claim them.
Their flawless stances, deceptively loose formation, decisive movements, and cold, detached gazes marked them as battle-hardened elites who’d long grown indifferent to life and death.
Four words flashed in Kelvin’s mind: veterans of countless wars!
Only the great nobles could command such forces. Who *was* this youth?
Kelvin’s earlier suspicions solidified into certainty—Midi was nobility. Awe crept into his heart as he began guessing Midi’s family name.
The other adventurers, though less perceptive, knew instinctively these Elves weren’t wandering mercenaries.
Then, as the tall, coldly handsome Elf approached Midi and spoke, the crowd froze.
“Lord Midi, it’s been a while.” Klasty stood rigid as a javelin, saluting sharply.
Midi?
Midi!
The plain-looking boy’s true name was *Midi*?
Odel and Kelvin locked eyes, shock plain on their faces. Murmurs erupted among the adventurers.
“John” was a common alias across Arad, used by nobles and peasants alike. But “Midi” was rare—in the Belmar Duchy, it meant one person: Midi Asreks.
The genius commander who’d crushed the Crimson Flame Legion with three thousand troops, annexed a count’s territory, and triumphed in the noble war. A polymath Demon Swordman, the Belmar Duchy’s rising star.
Months later, bards still sang of his exploits in taverns. Even oblivious adventurers knew the tales.
Now, the clues aligned: mastery of multiple Demon Swordman skills, command of the Nightblade Leopard Cavalry, always leading the charge…
“So he’s Midi Asreks! It had to be him!” Kelvin muttered, strategizing rapidly.
Odel stayed silent, her expression somber.
*So this is Midi Asreks.*
The half-Elf studied his messy-haired back, suddenly feeling an ocean between them. She was a skilled adventurer, soon to lead a top mercenary corps using the Palace’s heritage—yet still a rootless commoner. He was nobility with a boundless future.
“Odel, are you okay?” Alyn whispered.
“Fine.” Odel patted her companion’s head, dismissing foolish thoughts. Nothing had happened between them—why dwell on it?
Shaking her head, she buried the tangled emotions. But she wondered—could her Morning Star Mercenary Corps ever interact with him casually again?
“Friends,” Midi addressed Odel, Kelvin, and Master Norton’s artisans, “I am Midi Asreks, heir to the Asreks family and deputy commander of the Hawk Brigade. I formally invite you to my lands as guests—and allies.”
