The army was a formidable force that spread not only to Orsire but also to the three other allied cities in the coalition — the Exalted Claws.
Many ordinary people rushed to join the army, as it was prestigious and opened up many opportunities, primarily for a better life. Hunting monsters was dangerous but profitable. For many, it was the best and fastest way to change their lives.
The Carriers also enlisted in the army, although many of them, especially among the True Carriers, preferred to act freely or join factions. At the same time, the Broken Carriers were the backbone of any army, not just the Exalted Claws, carrying out various operations under the leadership of the powerful True Carriers at the top.
"Army?" Ethan frowned. "Why the hell would I want to join the army? I have more important things to do!"
In response, the man grinned and sat down on a chair that was too small for his frame.
"You see, Ethan Thorne and..." His eyes turned to the right. "Menir Rellau, you have a problem. Especially you, Ethan."
"Hmm? What does that mean? And, give me your name if you're going to show up at my house like this!"
They didn't try to kick the man out. Everything about him, from his words to his aura and even his stride, showed that he was beyond their level.
"Konrad, that's my name. Now to business — Black Horn. You killed his men, twice. He cannot forgive that."
Ethan and Menir exchanged glances.
Konrad didn't know it, but he already failed, because the first time Ethan found the Crooked Growon and Menir, all the mercenaries were already dead.
It was only during their second encounter that Ethan took part in the battle.
"Argh? How is that a problem?" Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Or are you going to threaten to bring him here?"
Konrad threw his head back and laughed.
"Hahaha, no, I want to get rid of that bastard. The problem is that he thinks you found the Essence at the Rotten Forest, the one that will allow him to accumulate enough energy to break the barrier to the next level. I mean, he's sure that the Essence is somewhere out there, even though many have been searching for it for months."
"I see. You mean not only your people, but Black Horn's people have been following us?"
Konrad tugged at the tip of his mustache thoughtfully.
"Not them, but my people had their eyes on you as soon as you messed up at the Ceremony and went to the former military man, Roger. You know, the military is always looking for the Broken Carriers because you are the foundation of the army!"
Konrad's words about the army were true, but he was a liar, a bad one.
Menir tilted her head. "Roger?"
"The man who gave me the dagger."
Konrad's voice rang out:
"And the one who taught you the Axis Rebuilding."
Ethan looked at him in confusion.
"That's what you did with your Broken Circle in an attempt to find a donor. Apparently, it was that girl, right? But..." Konrad paused. "She's still alive... If you've decided to spare her and find a new donor, you'd better hurry."
Ethan and Menir looked at each other. They were in a difficult situation.
Konrad obviously knew a lot and was up to something, but he didn't realize that Ethan and Menir were donors for each other. However, he could hardly be blamed for that, considering how rare it was.
"Tsk. Get to the point." Ethan waved his hand, trying to change the subject. "What do you suggest?"
"Fine, let's put the army question aside for now." Konrad nodded. "Since Black Horn is so interested in you, especially Menir's abilities, I suggest you set up an ambush."
Menir wanted to say something, but Ethan stopped her by raising his hand.
"Oh, why do you want to get rid of him so badly?"
"Because he and his faction are a big problem for both the city and the army. That's enough. Naturally, if you cooperate, you will receive a reward. Let me tell you, few people have such easy access to the army."
Ethan's gaze sharpened.
"An ambush? I'm supposed to be bait? Where?"
Konrad chuckled darkly. "Not bait, the core of the operation! That sounds much better, doesn't it? Right where it all began — at the Rotten Forest. His men will be looking for you there, hoping to retrieve the Essence. I'll help you stop him and, of course, ensure your safety. What do you say?"
"Ethan, this..." Menir's voice rang out.
"Shut up!"
Ethan slammed his fist on the table.
"I want one day to think about it."
Konrad's hand twitched, confusion reflected in his eyes, but in the end, he nodded.
"Make your decision by tomorrow morning. I can't let Black Horn and his men suspect anything."
Then, Konrad stood up and left, slamming the door behind him.
As soon as his footsteps faded, Menir towered over Ethan, her gaze fierce, bordering on anger.
"Don't be so quick to shout." Ethan leaned back.
Menir raised an eyebrow.
"Oh? And why shouldn't I? I really want to."
She leaned closer.
"When you're alone, do whatever you want, but until we rebuild our circles, we're working together, and I want my opinion to be taken into account."
Ethan's lips curved into a smirk.
"Well, let me guess. You're implying that I shouldn't trust him?"
Menir's eyes narrowed.
"Yes. Then why did you agree to his offer?"
"I didn't agree. I asked for time, but we'll probably accept."
Without saying a word, Menir sat down across from him as she leaned on her hand.
"You see, on your side, we have a problem in the form of Black Horn. It doesn't matter if Konrad told the truth or not, but he knows how valuable you are. On my side, Konrad. Whether he found out about me from Roger or the Ceremony, it doesn't matter, but he looks like someone who's only going to cause trouble."
Menir bit her lip.
"What's more, he may be dressed like a soldier, but I get the feeling he's not one of them."
Ethan nodded.
"Yeah, he probably just has connections in the army, but no position. What's more, he's a First Rank Carrier, too weak to be anyone important in the army. And someone really important wouldn't go to this shithole in person."
"You think Konrad wants something from Black Horn and we're just convenient meat shields?"
"Exactly."
"Shit, then we don't have much time. It's a good thing you bought us some. We have to find a way to get out of Orsire. No, out of all the lands of the Exalted Claws!"
Menir was already in a hurry, but instead of helping her, Ethan laughed.
"Hahaha! Calm down, I'm not finished yet!"
Then, Ethan pulled a Soul Stone from his pocket, the one he received from the Echo.
"We're not going to run away. Instead, we'll accept Konrad's offer and agree on a time. However, instead of just waiting for the Black Horn's people to come to us, we'll get there much earlier. We'll find the last Pattern so we can be at the peak of our powers!"
Menir's eyes grew deeper, filling with understanding.
"And then? What will we do then?"
A sly grin spread across Ethan's face as he clenched the Soul Stone tighter.
"We'll set up our ambush, with the help of this stone and our friends in the forest, we'll kill them both!"
"That's one of the things my old man taught me."
"No man - no problem."