Chapter 94
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Chapter 94: A Frank Invitation
Midi made this suggestion because he sensed the timing was perfect. Klasty’s appearance here, openly addressing Midi’s name and identity, was neither coincidence nor a slip of the tongue—it was a deliberate move.
Leaving the heart of the Forest of Gran, contacting the Asreks army in the outer regions would’ve been simple. If Midi wanted to hide his identity, the Nightblade Leopard Cavalry could’ve guarded discreetly. With Midi acting as their inside man, the adventurers would’ve noticed nothing.
Yet Midi chose to reveal himself.
This was the only chance.
This wasn’t the Asreks family’s territory, meaning everyone was free to come and go. Whether they parted ways immediately or accepted his offer, the choice lay entirely with the adventurers.
Respecting everyone’s freedom to choose was the greatest show of sincerity.
Midi was confident that the battles they’d fought side by side and the life-and-death situations they’d endured together wouldn’t go to waste. Whether it was Morning Star, the Mountain Wolf Mercenary Group, or the specialized artisans, they’d all bonded closely with Midi. In their adventures, no one was invincible—even Midi faced insurmountable challenges. Yet certain containment magic arrays or complex mazes that stumped him might be child’s play for Norton or the half-Elf.
Freedom to choose, mutual trust forged through hardship, and now complete honesty—Midi believed his companions wouldn’t reject his invitation.
His meaning was clear: this wasn’t just a casual offer. He was asking them to join the Hawk Brigade.
Facing an invitation from a noble family—one fresh from a major victory—the adventurers reacted differently. Some buzzed with excitement, others wavered nervously, while a few fell silent, deep in thought.
Most adventurers were commoners. Being handpicked by Midi felt like leaping into the heavens. Yet their knowledge of nobles came from tavern rumors and bardic tales. What duties awaited them? What risks? Were nobles truly as scheming and bloodthirsty as stories claimed? Such doubts made them hesitate.
The Nightblade Leopard Cavalry stood motionless as Midi waited. Silence blanketed the scene.
A carefree voice shattered the stillness.
“Noble or not, I’m sticking with Midi’s team!” Norton declared first, his round glasses glinting. “And I won’t say no to proper funding for real alchemy research!” He grinned slyly. “A Count with two territories must be loaded. Don’t skimp on me, eh?”
“Naturally.” Midi nodded, smiling.
He’d anticipated Norton’s response. Throughout their journey, the bespectacled old man had bombarded Midi with alchemy theories. Though Midi lacked detailed knowledge, his past-life memories and insights gained from the Mist Sorceress Alice let him grasp the field’s broader trends. Every discussion struck a chord with Norton, often sparking breakthroughs for the future alchemist.
Other artisans had joined their talks too. After weeks together, Norton and several master craftsmen had even considered taking Midi as an apprentice—though they’d hesitated, being mere adventurers facing a renowned Demon Swordman.
Now, learning Midi’s true identity, Norton and the artisans felt pure delight. What did craftsmen need most? Funds, materials, and powerful backing—all things Midi could provide. Add his proven strength and their existing rapport, and hesitation seemed foolish.
With the ice broken, others followed.
The Mountain Wolf Mercenary Group leader spoke next.
“We’re honored by your offer, Lord Midi.” Kelvin adjusted his glasses, voice brimming with enthusiasm. “The Mountain Wolf Mercenary Group gladly accepts. At the very least, we’d like to observe your forces closely.”
Adventurers revered strength, and Midi had demonstrated his repeatedly. Combined with his noble status, aligning with him made sense. Despite being a top-tier mercenary corps, their three hundred members were insignificant to a Count.
Kelvin’s cautious phrasing left room for withdrawal, but Midi knew better. Once they saw the Hawk Brigade firsthand, they’d stay.
Remembering his previous life, after the great fire in Forest of Gran, the Mountain Wolf Mercenary Group had grown through chaos to become a massive mercenary corps exceeding five thousand members. Under the magic scholar’s command, their battle strength broke into Arad’s top ten adventurer teams – not matching Midi’s level, but still securing their place among renowned generals.
The mere thought of Kelvin joining Hawk Brigade now made even the ever-composed Midi feel he’d obtained an incredible bargain.
Fate had shifted. History bent its course.
Through his reincarnation, the original butterfly effect was stirring fresh storms.
With both artisan groups and Mountain Wolf Mercenary Group declaring allegiance, only one person remained undecided.
"You… lied to me all this time." Odel stared hard at Midi before the words tumbled out.
She immediately regretted it.
Midi owed Morning Star no explanations. He’d provided endless support throughout their journey. Without him, their forty-member third-rate mercenary corps wouldn’t have survived Blood Blade’s hunts, let alone attempted Palace exploration. Truthfully, Midi had saved Alyn first, while Odel had attacked him over a misunderstanding.
By any measure, Morning Star owed Midi heavy favors. Any proper leader should know better than to challenge a powerful noble’s invitation. Yet Odel’s temper flared regardless.
Deep down, she’d believed herself closer to Midi than Mountain Wolf or Norton. Why keep her completely in the dark?
Leaders and adventurers aside – Odel was still a girl. Every girl wants special treatment from those they care about.
The shock of Midi’s revealed identity loosened her tongue.
Odel sighed inwardly. She’d ruined everything. Publicly undermining a noble? Unforgivable by half-Elf standards. Yet instead of coldness, Belmar Duchy’s rising star gave a pained smile.
"Still upset? Then… let me compensate you personally." Midi met her gaze steadily.
To Midi with past-life memories, both Odel and Kelvin held limitless potential. Coming chaos would forge them through war and crisis. Securing such talents was worth any cost.
This wasn’t mere calculation. Shared adventures bound him to offer closure.
"Compensate?" Odel blinked, then relaxed. Despite his status, he remained the boy she’d met. Why fear growing distance?
A sweet smile curved her lips. "Just venting… But I do have a request."
"Listening carefully."
"Beyond Hawk Brigade… Show us your castle and lands as their master. Properly." Her usual composure returned, yet something lingered.
"My honor." Midi smiled, executing a noble’s slight bow.
