The time it took for Usher’s assertion to be proven was exactly one week, as he had predicted.
When stepping outside, the only name heard everywhere was the Sacred Blue Sword of Baern.
It was an astonishingly fast recognition, and his companions couldn’t help but express their amazement. No one asked the question, “How?” again.
It was natural. After all, the four of them had accomplished that together.
However, it was hard not to laugh in disbelief.
Let’s reflect on what happened from the first day.
After securing a place to stay, they immediately registered as mercenaries.
There was some conflict during the process, but Usher did not shy away from it.
“Mercenaries are finished if they’re looked down upon.”
He knocked down the mercenaries with violent aggression, not his usual clean style.
All the mercenaries in the mercenary office witnessed the scene. Even the top members of the 10-member mercenary group known as ‘Big Ten’ were there. They suggested Usher join them, but Usher declined and immediately set off on a mission.
After that, things moved swiftly.
Handling the giant sandworms in the desert, eliminating the bandits, and exploring ruins. He took on some of the most difficult missions and solved two or three of them a day. The Blue Sword’s actions were enough to astonish the entire Baern.
On the first day, the mercenaries had predicted that they would be wiped out within four days, but now, they watched in awe as they wondered how far they would go.
Already, new mercenaries were requesting to join.
However, they didn’t expand in size.
“If we take in new recruits, it’ll become dangerous if our identity gets revealed.”
Halia clicked her tongue in slight disappointment.
But it was unavoidable.
“If new recruits join, Halia won’t be able to step forward.”
“So, you’re staying quiet, huh?”
All the missions they had taken on were annihilation missions.
And it was always Halia who went wild.
Now, imagine if new recruits joined.
Halia was publicly pretending to be the naïve young lady, Lia, from a rich family.
The reason the Blue Sword was strong now was mainly because the three mercenaries beside her were considered to be at the level of the Big Ten’s leaders.
What if suddenly a girl appeared, wielding a hammer and turning the enemies into dried fish? The aftermath would not be pleasant.
For now, they had to be satisfied here.
Fortunately, Halia didn’t seem to have many complaints.
“When I retire, I’m thinking about becoming a mercenary! Hehe!”
It seemed she enjoyed being a mercenary more than expected.
Above all, the position of being the leader of the Blue Sword prevented people from ignoring her in front of her.
In any case, the Blue Sword’s debut in Baern was successful.
However, the unfortunate part was that although Usher did all the work, the praise was given to Bersia.
“Therbion, you’re truly capable.”
“You’re overpraising me, Saintess.”
Now that their bodies had changed, everything had to be credited as her plan.
Usher didn’t mind much. He wasn’t a child thirsty for praise.
What truly bothered him was one thing.
“Oh, ‘Incestuous Tia’ also did a great job!”
“Halia!”
“Why are you shouting? Don’t others call you that?”
“You know that’s a nasty nickname!”
“Ah, are you raising your voice now?”
“Ugh..!”
Usher blushed and glared at Halia.
He felt wronged. The reason that nickname came about was that whenever someone approached Bersia, Usher would break their limbs.
He had explained to Halia that it was part of training, but it had been interpreted as the obsessive younger sister who wouldn’t let anyone near her brother.
Nicknames for mercenaries were usually like that.
No matter how strong or special they were, even if they became the leader of the Big Ten, they often ended up with bizarre nicknames.
There were two reasons for this.
First, all mercenaries were weak at the beginning, so nicknames were usually given then.
Secondly, it was a superstition among mercenaries that only tacky nicknames allowed you to survive long.
No matter what, it was a phrase that made one’s head ache whenever heard.
It was so embarrassing and humiliating that Usher felt like banging his head against the wall, but the annoying Bersia was smiling and enjoying the nickname.
He had no allies.
Usher, sensing that this might turn into another teasing session, quickly changed the subject.
“Alright, please take a look at this.”
“Oh, trying to change the subject?”
“…If you keep this up, I won’t show it to you.”
“Don’t be so snappy. Alright, alright! Let me see it!”
Usher placed the letter on the table with a grumpy face.
“The thing we were targeting has arrived.”
“What’s that you were targeting?”
“The prince’s invitation.”
“Oh…!”
Halia’s eyes lit up.
But it was too early to be happy.
“It’s not an invitation to the banquet. It’s not that kind of fancy place.”
“Huh? Then what is it?”
“It’s a recommendation for the gladiatorial arena.”
Halia’s eyebrows furrowed.
It was understandable. However, this place was different from what she imagined a gladiatorial arena to be.
“You can think of it as a no-holds-barred tournament. The losers often end up maimed, but it’s rare for anyone to actually face a life-threatening situation. It’s a big tournament that even the Big Ten participates in, and if you succeed here, getting a meal with the royal family won’t be hard.”
The tournament was the largest festival held in Baern.
Usher’s childhood dream was to win this tournament.
“Ambitious mercenaries all participate. If you make it to the top 16, you’ll compete with key members of the Big Ten.”
“If you aim for victory…”
“Yes, it’s not just a meeting with the prince, but you’ll be invited to the royal palace.”
They quickly reached their destination.
Normally, the mercenary group that produces the winner stays in the royal palace’s guest accommodations for 2-3 days and becomes the center of the banquet.
A stay in the royal palace for 2-3 days.
Wasn’t this the perfect condition for investigating the changes in Baern?
“Indeed, it is a good condition.”
Halia’s expression slightly darkened as she spoke.
Usher knew what she meant.
“Yes, we’ll have to be careful. Since there are infidels behind Baern right now, it’s not a good idea to simply welcome a foreign sacred person.”
Even so, they had to take the challenge.
That was the only way.
After deciding to attend the gladiatorial arena, Usher immediately handled the necessary paperwork.
The tournament was three days away, so they decided to take a break and set aside their current mission until then.
Usher and Bersia went out into the streets.
The citizens of Baern, upon recognizing them, whispered and cleared the way.
Here and there, whispers of that nickname could be heard, but Usher couldn’t get upset about it.
The one advantage of the nickname was that no one approached them with ill intentions. The rumor spread that anyone who looked too closely would get cut down, so the gaze towards “Tia” was filled with fear.
“It’s ironic how this is more comfortable.”
“…At least they don’t view it sexually, which is better. I’m not actually going to do anything to them.”
“I’m always grateful for you keeping my purity safe.”
“It’s only natural.”
“It’s just a bit much that you won’t even let me touch them.”
“It’s only natural that it’s not allowed!”
This was always a recurring topic, but Bersia touching the body Usher currently used was indeed sexual harassment.
The standard of harassment was based on the victim’s shame, and from that perspective, Usher would certainly feel humiliated by the act.
Even after being told repeatedly, Bersia, who would insist, “I just want to touch your body,” was definitely in the wrong.
“It’s not like it will wear out just by touching it.”
“It will wear out.”
“Prove it. Let me touch it and show me if it wears out.”
“Ah, I really don’t like this!”
“Hmm, fine. I’ll stop here for today.”
Bersia’s languid smile, like a contented lion, made Usher feel like giving her a playful slap.
Now, he felt like he should counterattack with, “Well, then try touching it,” but he didn’t.
The reason was obvious…
Zing!
“…Ah, the back door!”
Usher took a deep breath and focused.
His slightly flushed cheek calmed down, and he clenched and relaxed his fist, allowing the tension to leave his body.
Finally, he felt at ease.
His rapidly beating heart returned to its normal rhythm.
Usher let out a sigh of relief and gave Bersia a sly look.
Realizing what had happened, Bersia closed her mouth.
She should apologize, but what was she avoiding?
“…It was you who had the dirty thoughts, Sir.”
“You made me think that way.”
“That’s like saying you got excited first…”
“Shut up!”
When Usher glared at her with wide eyes, she finally became quiet.
They passed through an alley in Baern, still bickering.
“Wait a second!”
A man wrapped in rags appeared from beyond the alley.
He tried to grab Bersia’s wrist, but Usher stopped him.
Crunch!
“Who are you?”
Usher asked, twisting his wrist and exuding hostility.
But immediately, he froze.
“Wait! I know you! Usher, right? Don’t you remember me?”
Usher’s gaze wavered.
He recognized the black-haired man who was speaking to him with desperation as he looked at Bersia.
“It’s me! Your childhood friend, Gester!”
He was Gester Quolin, a friend Usher had grown up with and who shared the same dreams.