Too strong—
Perhaps it was precisely because he had witnessed Lortisa’s fighting style with his own eyes that it was all the more unimaginable.
Vis couldn’t help but quietly assess the situation.
As a mercenary, he was no stranger to dealing with equipment, so he knew well that to resist the Calamity Tide, the weapons and armor in this world were not merely simple medieval iron defenses; excellent protective gear would be imbued with resistance enchantments.
Generally speaking, the higher the degree of reinforced forging, the better the defensive performance.
But even so, the equipment couldn’t hold up under actual combat conditions.
Then, just how much power would Lortisa unleash when going all out?
(In that case, ordinary gear wouldn’t be enough to support her—it must be “Wished-For” equipment that suits her, right?)
Vis was pondering the items he currently held when a greeting unexpectedly came from behind.
“Lady Lortisa, Mr. Vis, so you two were here all along.”
Turning toward the voice, Northron approached, accompanied by a male adjutant and several fully armored knights.
(—Ah, that noble knight lady who sparred with her that day is here too…)
Vis silently sized them up and switched to the appropriate polite smile for social occasions:
“Sir Northron, Knight Commander, you’re here for an inspection, I presume. Thank you for your hard work.”
“Confirming the deployments is the Commander’s responsibility. After all, the Count has entrusted me with full authority.”
Northron lifted his head slightly, casting his gaze over the surroundings.
“Although it’s still early before sunset, the more cautious we are, the higher our chance of success. We only have one opportunity. I do not wish to betray the trust of my comrades nor the resolve of Mr. Vis to fight bravely.”
According to the operation plan, the action was to begin at night.
The Soul-Eating Calamity was a spirit-type Calamity. Just as most people stereotypically imagine ghosts and specters, it tended to be active at night when the concentration of dark magic was stronger.
Listening to Northron’s impassioned speech, Vis was unsure of his actual strength.
But whether in leadership presence or military spirit, the Knight Commander was spot on.
Completely different from those nobles who merely used their family status to earn a gilded rank in the army.
With such a young talent, the kingdom’s future looked very promising. Vis even started to consider whether, once the mission was over, he might relocate to the kingdom. After all, mercenaries were mercenaries no matter where they were.
“Also, I came specially to see Mr. Vis about one matter.”
Northron’s gaze returned to the present, his courteous smile now tinged with some caution.
“According to the deployment, Captain Lortisa will serve as the main force hunting down the disaster source, and she will be on the front lines. Considering this, I believe additional guards will be needed to ensure your safety, Mr. Vis. Therefore… Mophiana—”
“Yes.”
A female knight clad in white armor stepped forward sharply, lowering her head in strict obedience to the orders.
“Mr. Vis, she will be responsible for your protection. Consider it a way to make amends for all previous rude offenses.”
There was a hint of apology in Northron’s tone.
Though the female knight’s attitude during the sparring match hadn’t been the best, Vis hadn’t taken it to heart.
After all, he never thought their paths would cross again; he simply let it slide.
Yet he didn’t expect the Knight Commander to remember even such a minor friction, bringing it up again as if apologizing on behalf of his subordinate.
At this point, Vis naturally accepted the sentiment:
“Thank you for your trouble, Knight Commander. This is… Miss Mophiana, right? I suppose we’ve become acquainted through our ‘fight without enmity.’ But is it alright? Your injury from the sparring…”
He meant no offense and was simply asking out of concern.
After all, it was right there in front of him, clear as day.
After Lortisa’s punch, she had been sent flying—armor and all—unconscious.
However, to Mophiana, this was a different matter entirely.
Shame.
Utter shame.
Not only had she failed to accomplish the objective her superior had assigned—to cripple the mercenary before her—
She had been injured herself, spending a whole day recovering after treatment before she felt a bit better.
And after the injury, she couldn’t even join the direct hunting team to eliminate the disaster source, losing the chance to earn glory.
Who was to blame for all this?
None other than this inexplicable mercenary.
Over the past few days, the mercenary named Vis had practically driven a sword stake into her heart.
Now, hearing that question was like tearing open the wound and stabbing it again.
Mophiana almost wanted to draw her sword and cut his throat.
Yet just as her furious glare lifted—
A cold and severe presence spread from the side, making Mophiana shiver uncontrollably.
Stealing a glance toward it with difficulty,
The moment her eyes met Lortisa’s emotionless gaze, she felt as if her breath froze.
She hurriedly concealed the hostility almost leaking out and obediently raised her head:
“Thank you, Mr. Vis, for your concern. As a knight, I take my mission as my duty. A mere minor injury is not enough to dull the sharp edge of the sword that carries the Heinetion family’s honor.”
Straightforward… or perhaps it was no wonder this subordinate was trained by this Knight Commander? Vis’s impression of the female knight improved slightly, without overthinking it.
Maybe when she suggested sparring, it was truly just noble pride and courtesy, and she could accept the outcome honestly after the fight.
In any case, as long as she wasn’t a grudging knight lady, they could get along well enough.
Vis extended his hand to her:
“Then I’ll be counting on your support for the follow-up operations, Miss Mophiana.”
Mophiana’s brow twitched slightly, and she clenched her back molars quietly but still responded by clasping his hand.
“Good, then it’s settled.”
Northron nodded in satisfaction.
“Mophiana is my strongest knight in terms of overall capability. With her protecting you, Mr. Vis, your safety will surely be better ensured.”
Though these words were addressed to Vis, Northron’s gaze subtly flickered toward Lortisa.
But the young captain remained silent.
Her emerald eyes gave away no opinion or preference, only coldly sweeping over Mophiana.
“Also, Mophiana.”
Northron glanced sideways, casting a meaningful look at his subordinate.
“In the name of your family’s honor inscribed on your knight’s sword, I trust you will carry out this ‘order’ properly, right?”
His words contained an emphasis that only Mophiana could understand.
“Yes, I will not fail my mission!”
She replied solemnly.
Not only out of fear of the Knight Commander,
But also gratitude for being given another chance.
In a knight order where mistakes were not allowed, this was practically unprecedented.
(This time… I must redeem my failure with merit and take care of that thorn in the side, the mercenary…
Yes, not just for myself, but for my future career and my family’s future.)