Chapter 20: Mercenaries Visit, and Lynn Has an Idea

Reed crouched low, carefully parting the thorn bushes in front of him.

The Gray Wolf mercenaries behind him also held their breath, gripping their weapons tightly.

“Boss…”

His deputy leaned close to his ear, voice barely above a whisper. “Is there… really someone out there?”

Reed didn’t respond.

He simply pressed his body even lower and peered through the gaps in the branches.

At that sight—

His eyes nearly popped out of his head.

In a rare open clearing in the forest stood several brand-new wooden houses!

Thin smoke rose from an earthen stove, and the aroma of food stubbornly pushed through the foul stench of decay.

Dozens of figures sat in a circle, eating together in harmony.

What shocked him even more—

Was that the edges of the camp were littered with dark, half-melted remains.

—Corpses of Ghouls!

And by the looks of it, there were quite a few.

They were tossed aside like garbage at the forest’s edge.

“Holy hell… what in the world…”

His deputy saw it too.

He gasped sharply, his voice trembling.

“There are actually people living in this cursed place? And they killed that many Ghouls?”

Reed’s heart was pounding wildly.

Not from fear—but from shock!

This was even more absurd than stumbling upon a Lich dancing!

The Mistwood was far from any town or trade route, crawling with Ghouls like mushrooms after rain.

And yet someone had dared to set up camp here—and treated Ghouls like trash?

The owner of this camp was either a madman…

Or a true powerhouse!

And judging by the scene, it was clearly the latter.

He quickly exchanged glances with his deputy.

They both saw the same thing in each other’s eyes—shock, and a faint glimmer of hope!

Whoever this camp’s master was—if they could survive in this cursed forest—

They must have a way to deal with the filth that lurked within!

The Gray Wolves were lost, exhausted, and almost out of supplies.

If they couldn’t find a safe place to rest soon, they’d end up as Ghoul fodder.

“We’re taking the risk.”

Reed gritted his teeth and growled, “Put away your weapons. Don’t look hostile. Follow me!”

He stood up first, making sure his movements seemed as non-threatening as possible.

Then he pushed aside the last of the bushes and stepped into the edge of the cleared ground.

His mercenaries hurried to imitate him, lowering their spears and swords.

But their eyes stayed sharp, scanning every direction.

Almost the instant they stepped into the clearing—

A figure burst out from the center of the camp like a hunting leopard, moving with terrifying speed!

It was a tall, athletic woman, with short, neat hair and piercing eyes.

She held a longsword that gleamed faintly with golden light.

“Stop!”

“Who are you people!?”

Liz’s face was cold and stern, her sword humming softly.

An invisible pressure immediately fell over Reed and his men.

Behind her, Ulf, David, and the others quickly grabbed their weapons and surrounded the intruders with grim expressions.

Reed stiffened, instantly halting in his tracks.

He spread his hands open to show he meant no harm.

“Wait! Don’t misunderstand! We mean no harm!”

He quickly looked over Liz—

Focusing on her sword and that unique aura around her.

The power of the Holy Light!

Though faint, that pure warmth mingled with authority was unmistakable!

This woman… was a rare Knight of Light?

And judging by her presence, she was at least a Second-tier elite knight!

No wonder she could hold her ground in this cursed place.

The Holy Light’s restraint over the undead was well-known—even mercenaries like them knew that.

Meanwhile—

Liz was also sizing up Reed.

The Gray Wolf insignia on his leather armor, the weathered face, the thick calluses on his hands—

And that aura of someone who lived by the edge of a blade…

No mistake about it.

He was one of her former kind.

Liz relaxed ever so slightly, though her vigilance didn’t waver in the least.

She had been a mercenary for years—almost as long as she’d been a knight.

She knew all too well how mixed that trade was.

Good man? Bad man?

Sometimes the difference was just a single thought or a single gold coin.

These people showing up at the camp in the middle of the night—what were they really after?

“Gray Wolf Mercenary Corps, Captain Elias Reed.”

Reed reported his name first, keeping his tone humble.

“We accepted a job and entered the Mistwood, but we got lost.”

“We’ve been wandering all day, fought off several packs of Ghouls, and my brothers are completely spent.”

“We heard some movement here and… took the risk to approach.”

“We only wish to rest for a night. We’ll leave at first light. We mean no offense!”

He gestured toward his own battered appearance and that of his men.

A sight that spoke for itself.

Liz glanced over Reed and the exhausted mercenaries behind him.

Indeed, they were in miserable shape.

She had been a mercenary before—

she knew how hopeless getting lost in the wild could feel, especially in a place like this.

A trace of camaraderie stirred in her chest.

But reason warned her not to be careless.

So she hesitated.

……

Lynn had already noticed this man whom he had once briefly met.

He knew Reed’s character wasn’t bad—there was no need for the town to be overly cautious.

Besides—

This was a good opportunity!

He didn’t know why Reed had returned to the Mistwood.

But since he had come to his domain, Lynn intended to make good use of him.

What was Lynn lacking most right now?

People! Residents!

He desperately needed believers!

With enough followers, he could quickly grow stronger and gain greater power.

But since his domain was in such a remote place, it was nearly impossible for outsiders to pass by.

The best solution—

Was to use Reed’s Gray Wolf Mercenary Corps to spread the name of Holy Light Town!

Let the world know—within the Mistwood—

There was a town blessed by an Angel.

A place that offered hope for survival amidst the Undead Scourge!

【Do not worry. They may camp on the outer grounds.】

【You may also inform them that this land is under My protection.】

Liz’s body trembled slightly.

It was the voice of the Angel Lord!

She immediately gathered her thoughts and calmed her expression.

“Captain Reed,” Liz spoke coolly, her tone now lacking hostility.

“I am Liz Hawke, the guardian of Holy Light Town. You may rest here for the night.”

She pointed to the edge of the camp—

An area cleared during their extensive logging.

“Set up camp there. We will provide clean snowmelt and some food.”

“But remember—you may only move within the designated area. Do not approach the houses or the church, and do not disturb the women and children.”

“Otherwise—”

She flicked her wrist—

And the sword’s edge gleamed coldly under the moonlight.

“Understood! Absolutely understood!”

Reed was overjoyed, nodding repeatedly. “Thank you, Lady Liz!”

“We’ll behave ourselves—we won’t cause any trouble!”

To find a shelter in a place like this—

Was truly a blessing from the heavens. There was no way he’d do anything to ruin it.

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