*
Preparations were complete.
Once the specific plan was finalized, the Kingdom’s Western Border Army transformed into a massive execution machine, operating swiftly and methodically.
Under the leadership of each squad’s sergeant, all soldiers took their assigned posts according to the deployment.
Besides the Soul Devourer’s true form—the source of the calamity—intercepting other rogue Aberrations that slipped across the border to cause interference was also a crucial part of the operation.
Moreover, the border guards standing along the frontier lines bore the responsibility of serving as a backup defense, ready to respond to any unforeseen circumstances, such as accidentally letting the Soul Devourer escape.
Of course, while the chance to achieve glory existed, few actually dared to entertain such thoughts.
After all, the one leading the hunting squad to decapitate the calamity was none other than the Kingdom’s strongest sergeant, the Golden Lortisa.
“…Will the Holy Patrol Knights also be assisting in the operation?”
Vis watched the stream of personnel and supplies moving up and down the hillside. Several horses were saddled and armored, lined up in formation, waiting.
“That’s only natural.”
Murphiana glanced at him with a raised brow.
It was clear she wasn’t too interested in entertaining this mercenary.
But when it came to the Holy Patrol Knights’ glorious mission, she indulged in some basic education for this ignorant commoner, hoping to convey the greatness of knights who faithfully carry out their duties.
“The Holy Patrol Knights are consecrated by the Knights’ Hall, entrusted with the sacred duty of patrolling the Kingdom and eradicating calamities. This time, under the leadership of Lord Norsen, our knight squad has come specifically to provide support and will, of course, do our utmost. Since you came from the Empire, Mr. Vis, I imagine you’ve hardly seen such an inspiring scene.”
Murphiana’s eyes flickered with concealed disdain as the corner of her mouth lifted in a trace of pride.
It seemed the superiority she had lost earlier was somewhat restored, balancing her mood.
Watching nobles holding military rank and common soldiers alike, all brimming with pre-battle spirit, even Vis found himself infected by the morale.
“Indeed, it’s quite admirable. The Western Border Army truly is the Kingdom of the Holy Oath’s strongest and most steadfast Golden Shield. Even I, a mere mercenary, can’t help but want to jump in and lend a hand.”
“Whether it’s front-line campaigns or joint operations, even if Mr. Vis possesses some skill, you’re not a specialist in Aberration eradication in your usual mercenary duties, right?
Having an amateur meddle would only cause more trouble, so please just focus on your own role.”
Though she said this, Murphiana couldn’t suppress a knowing smile when she thought about what was expected to unfold.
“Ah, by the way—”
Vis suddenly turned back.
His smile almost collided with her face, causing the female knight to quickly restrain her expression, somewhat flustered.
“W-what?”
“Miss Murphiana, have you also prepared everything? Armor, protective gear, survival tools…?”
“Prepared?”
“We’re facing the Soul Devourer, after all. Although I’m just the bait and won’t be fighting, according to Captain Norsen’s orders, if you’re following me, there’s no telling what might happen… so it’s better to double-check.”
As a precaution, Vis took the chance to appraise the female knight.
Her helmet was tucked at her waist, revealing sleek black hair tied into a ponytail that cascaded down her back like a waterfall.
In the valley’s evening breeze, the strands swayed gently.
He hadn’t gotten a close look during their sparring match, but now up close, he noticed her appearance.
Her beauty wasn’t the kind to stun at first glance or bring kingdoms to ruin.
Her noble and proud features were refined, the type that grew more appealing over time.
If anything, she seemed better suited to a lovely afternoon tea in the garden than clad in white armor wielding a sword.
“Is there a problem?”
Feeling Vis’s concerned gaze, Murphiana felt a slight flush behind her back.
Perhaps she was offended by the stare of a lowly mercenary—though she couldn’t quite explain it—and was inexplicably irritated.
“My armor is the finest Holy Patrol Knight gear, blessed by the Pilgrimage Priests. There’s absolutely no need for you to worry.”
“Hm… It certainly looks good on you…”
Vis stroked his chin, hesitating to say more as he failed to notice the subtle awkwardness in her expression.
The brutal reality of the battlefield wouldn’t give anyone mercy based on looks.
Having faced the Soul Devourer personally, Vis could never forget the overwhelming oppression emanating from a lord-class Aberration.
Its spiritual form attacks on the mental plane, not something solid armor alone can withstand.
No matter how thick Murphiana’s armor was, it was useless within the Soul Devourer’s soul-consuming black mist.
“Here—take this potion.”
Vis pulled a vial from his magic bag.
Though called a potion, it was unlike any he’d ever seen before. Murphiana narrowed her eyes.
It looked similar to a conventional magic potion, housed in a transparent glass tube.
But after receiving it and squeezing gently, the container was soft.
The liquid inside shimmered with a crystalline pale blue—a color unseen in ordinary magic potions.
“…What kind of potion is this?”
Murphiana’s eyes widened slightly.
Regardless of its effect, magic potions were precious consumables, and their value rose exponentially with their grade.
Common magic potions were typically for healing or purification, ranked by their effectiveness.
Though not prohibitively expensive for Murphiana, it wasn’t something the Heinetion family could casually provide.
For important operations, having one or two healing potions on hand for emergencies was sufficient.
Yet here was this mercenary, casually producing one of apparently exceptional quality.
“Uh… calling it a potion is correct, but the key is what it does. Drinking it temporarily enhances mental resistance by increasing magical power—the more magical power you have, the greater the boost.”
Vis scratched the side of his head.
Honestly, he didn’t know how to explain.
He couldn’t simply say it was “Blue Bottle Calcium Gluconate Oral Solution” like the packaging from “Prayer.”
Though items with actual utility were always carried in this world, Vis himself had little effect from drinking it—having no magic power, it was just a sweet health drink to him, so giving it away was no problem.
Besides, he’d already sold several to raise money; white-quality card draw byproducts like this weren’t rare or precious enough to worry about.
But in Murphiana’s ears, it was a different matter.
Increasing mental resistance—
A shortcoming that no armor could compensate for, only magic or innate blessings could achieve…
He actually had a potion with such an effect?
And… he was giving it to me?