He cracked open a small gap in the tent, placing the skeletal sparrow outside.
He then activated divine presence.
Divine Presence target, Skeletal Sparrow, compatibility 98.
This non-aggressive transformed entity exhibited an impressively high compatibility rate of 98.
In the next moment, ethereal blue flames flickered in the skeletal sparrow's eyes as it flapped its wings and soared in the direction the mercenary had departed.
To the east of the camp, approximately a 20-minute journey led to a dense forest within which stood a woodenwalled encampment.
The skeletal sparrow maintained a distance, trailing the mercenary until it arrived at the encampment's entrance.
As the mercenary approached, he was spotted by the sentry.
Who goes there? I am from the Iron Blood Mercenary Corps.
Our leader sent me to discuss a collaboration with Chief Grizzly.
The mercenary quickly explained, fearing that the higher-ups might not see clearly in the dark and would shoot him on sight.
Iron Blood mercenary core.
Wait here, the sentry replied, instructing a comrade to keep an eye on him before turning to seek out his superior.
Shortly after, a woman clad in brown battle armor ascended the wall, but did not open the gate.
I'm Grizzly.
Speak your business," the woman called out.
"Chief Grizzly, our leader has instructed me to inform you that he is passing through with a fat sheep.
If you're interested, we could split at 7030.
" The mercenary proclaimed loudly.
"A 7030 split indicated that they intended to take the larger share.
" "Okent," Grizzly sneered.
Indeed, we had originally planned to consume it all, but a sudden addition of a 50-man squad made our leader hesitant to incur casualties.
That is why he has requested your assistance.
Chief Grizzly, the mercenary continued to assert.
Then you'll shift the blame onto us grizzlies when the time comes.
Leaving you Iron Blood with a clean slate.
The mercenary group robbing their own employer is a grave matter.
Regardless of external repercussions, the Iron Blood Mercenary Corps would find it impossible to continue operating if this were to become public knowledge.
By aligning with a bandit stronghold, they could shift the blame onto the outlaws and take a few months to recuperate, effectively distancing themselves from the incident.
The formidable leader of the gay bear, Tavoc, the merchant, had brought a significant amount of silk this time.
The mercenary inquired directly if there was any interest so he could report back.
Upon hearing the mention of silk, the gray bear became somewhat intrigued.
Silk, often referred to as soft gold, holds considerable value.
Ultimately, the gray bear's interest was peaked, and he responded affirmatively, "Very well, I shall take on this task.
Perhaps we could collaborate more frequently in the future, allowing us all to profit.
" Indeed, the gray bear's thoughts aligned with those of the captain.
All right, once I've gathered my men, I will accompany you to eliminate this merchant convoy.
As the city gates swung open, the mercenaries entered the stronghold, awaiting the assembly of their forces.
Meanwhile, Fongo emerged from his tent, his demeanor solemn as he addressed his comrades.
Demitiga Anja, prepare yourselves.
We will annihilate the iron blood mercenary corps without leaving a single survivor.
Chapter 227.
The fallen and the birds ascend to the sky upon hearing Fong Ha's command.
Everyone was momentarily takenback and Jiao was the first to react, exclaiming they intend to seize the goods.
Following Fong Ha's lead, she had been closely monitoring the movements of the Iron Blood mercenary corps, noting even the most subtle gestures.
Now that Fong Ho had decided to take lives.
It was evident that he aimed to strike back before the enemy could act.
Indeed, they had located a bandit known as Grey Bear, whose numbers were significant.
We had approximately 20 minutes to eliminate the Iron Blood mercenary core.
Otherwise, it would be challenging to manage the situation with their support.
Funha's words quickened in pace.
The expressions of all grew serious.
Are we really going to charge indirectly? And Jia inquired further.
Time is of the essence.
We will advance directly once we have eradicated the enemy.
I will explain everything to Tavk, Fonggho asserted.
Understood.
Everyone nodded, hastily, swallowing their food and arming themselves.
At the junction of the two groups, Fong Hao and his entourage approached with an imposing presence, capturing the attention of the Iron Blood mercenary corps, who promptly drew their weapons and assumed the defensive stance.
Fongghao, positioned at the rear, called out, "Captain Godwin, my coin pouch has gone missing.
" And my subordinate witnessed, "It was your men who were responsible.
I demand an explanation.
" At this revelation, all eyes turned towards Godwin at the back.
It was not uncommon for inscrupulous individuals to emerge within a mercenary group.
"You must be mistaken.
Our iron blood mercenary corps would never engage in such dishonorable actions.
" Godwin replied, his gaze fixed wearily upon Fong Hao, seeing that he could not draw Godwin out from the throng.
Fong Ho directly stated, "One of your men left behind evidence while fleeing, and I am not afraid of your denials.
" With that, he produced a burlap sack and tossed it towards the opposing group.
However, he miscalculated the force, causing the sack to sail over the heads of the iron blood mercenary core, capturing everyone's attention.
Suddenly, the sound of a blade piercing flesh echoed, followed by the cacophony of battle cries.
Domiga, accompanied by 50 heavy infantry wielding great swords, plunged into the ranks of the enemy, their massive blades cleaving through foes with ferocity.
The camp was instantly engulfed in the clamor of conflict.
In a distance, Tavx guards, unaware of the unfolding chaos, encircled the entire tent, anxiously observing the tumultuous battlefield where severed limbs flew and blood splattered.
Domiga's long sword swept across, effortlessly severing several adversaries in half.
Crimson spraying onto his armor and cascading downwards.
Godwin beheld the heavy losses among his ranks.
His heart sinking as he witnessed the lizard man akin to a reaper of souls systematically diminishing their numbers.
Panic began to take root within him.
Even the regular troops in the city could not possess such combat prowess.
It was an overwhelming massacre.
As the towering lizard man advanced towards him, Godwin felt a sense of trepidation.
I have taken more lives than you have ever witnessed.
I fear you not.
Godwin gripped his sword tightly, letting out a fierce roar towards the lizard men.
With that cry, the fear within him lessened considerably, his resolve solidifying further.
Indeed, having been a mercenary for nearly 30 years, he had always walked the razor's edge.
Why should I fear you? Everyone has but one life.
Death spares no one.
With a flourish of his blade, Godwin sprang forward, charging at the lizard man.
To your death, he bellowed.
Dimitika gazed at the advancing human.
The long sword in his hand beginning to radiate a golden light.
I respect your choice.
With a swing of his sword, a golden arc descended upon Godwin.
Crack.
Godwin stared in shock at the broken remnants of his sword.
In a dizzying turn, he caught sight of his own headless body.
The fall of the mercenary leader hastened the rhythm of battle.
In less than 10 minutes, the conflict concluded.