Mercenary System: I can increase innate potential !

Chapter 74 Ideals

Maxime watched the silence settle in, his new companions visibly torn between their knightly training and the harsh reality of the mercenary world. He knew this transition would be difficult for them, but he had no time to lose in convincing them further. Their looks, though troubled, showed a newfound determination.

"You'll get used to it," Maxime added, his voice reassuring.

"This world demands more than ideals."

Ernest then approached the two young apprentices, placing a firm hand on Henry's shoulder.

"Don't worry, mercenaries have a code too, even if it's different from that of knights. Just because we fight for gold doesn't mean we don't have values."

Ultia nodded, though her gaze remained pensive. She had always dreamed of becoming a knight, protecting the weak and honoring her family. But today, she found herself having to re-evaluate what that really meant.

Strength, survival, loyalty to the group... These notions were suddenly taking on greater importance.

"Let's end the meeting here, we absolutely must be prepared to leave first thing in the morning," Laura added, breaking the silence.

"And if the orcs manage to break through, it won't just be a problem for the nobles, but for everyone."

Maxime turned to Laura, nodding.

"The battle against the orcs is important, but first we have to make sure our group is well prepared. If we're weak, we won't be of any use over there."

Ernest nodded, turning away to camp business.

"Then we might as well get some rest. Tomorrow it all begins."

As they dispersed to prepare their gear and think about the day ahead, Henry approached Maxime discreetly. His face was grave, but he seemed to have made up his mind.

"Maxime... I owe you an apology for what happened before. I was arrogant, and I underestimated the importance of what you offer us. Thank you for letting me stay. I won't let you down."

Maxime laid a hand on Henry's shoulder, a slight smile on his lips.

"We all make mistakes. The important thing is to learn from them. Don't worry, you still have time to prove your worth."

The two exchanged a look of understanding before Henry returned to his business.

Maxime followed him with pensive eyes. He knew Henry and Ultia were promising recruits, but he still wondered how much their loyalty would be tested in the days ahead.

The war against the orcs was only the beginning. In the shadows, other forces were preparing to enter the fray, forces more subtle and dangerous than the brutal hordes of the south.

Under the starry sky, the tents of the camp were immersed in a peaceful silence, but Maxime couldn't sleep. Sitting by the dying fire, he watched the flickering flames, lost in thought. The shadow of decisions to be made weighed heavily on him. Despite the day's success, he knew that every step they took in the days ahead would be crucial to their survival.

"You should get some sleep, you know." The soft voice, tinged with irony, broke the silence around him.

Maxime turned his head slightly to see Laura, the former bandit, approaching with her feline gait. Her slim, lithe body stood out in the firelight, and her hair cascading around her face added to the mysterious aura she always carried with her.

"You're not asleep either," Maxime replied with a slight smile, well aware of the effect Laura could have on him, as on the others.

She shrugged, then sat down opposite him, her gaze scanning the fire.

"I'm used to sleepless nights. The bandit life... remember?"

Maxime looked at her, wondering whether she was joking or serious. Their relationship had always been ambiguous. Laura was strong, formidable even, but she had this way of hiding her true intentions behind smiles and words he could never fully decipher.

Ever since she'd joined the group, there'd been a palpable tension between them that was both electrifying and frustrating.

"I remember that," he replied at last.

"But it's been a while since you were what you used to be. You're different now."

Laura smiled, a smile that revealed nothing, but suggested everything.

"What about you, Maxime? You're different too. Just a few months ago, you were just a boy lost in this strange world. Now you're the leader of a group of mercenaries who are numerous and powerful. How do you like having this power?"

He stared at her for a moment, wondering what she was getting at. Laura always knew where to press to make him think, sometimes even to destabilize him.

Through their old discussions, she already knew many things about him. Not least that this wasn't the world he'd been born into.

"It's not a question of pleasure. I do what I have to do." He looked away, watching the embers.

"If I don't do it, who will do it for me?"

She nodded slowly, seeming to appreciate the answer.

"Always so serious..." she murmured.

"But I wonder, Maxime... How far are you willing to go to keep this power? Do you care about the lives of your mercenaries?"

The question was direct, almost a challenge. Maxime looked up at her again. He knew Laura wasn't afraid to ask the tough questions, the ones others avoided. Their relationship was built on these intellectual and emotional confrontations. He appreciated her for it, even if it often troubled him.

"As far as it takes," he said after a moment's silence.

"As long as I have the power, I won't let anything or anyone threaten this group."

Laura leaned forward slightly, her eyes glinting in the light of the dying flames.

"Even if it means doing things you hate? That you never thought you'd be able to do?"

He felt the tension in her words, the weight of what she was saying. Maxime knew Laura was speaking from experience. As a former bandit, she'd no doubt already been through these moral dilemmas, these moments when you had to choose between your integrity and survival.

"Yes." he replied firmly.

"Even that."

Laura stared at him for a moment, her eyes searching for something in his, as if she wanted to make sure of his sincerity. Then she smiled, but this time it was a sad, almost resigned smile.

"That's what I wanted to hear," she murmured. She stepped back slightly, breaking the closeness that enveloped them, but the tension between them was still there.

However, Maxime sensed a mysterious sadness emanating from Laura.

It was as if she were hiding a part of her life from him, a part that would have left a deep impression on him.

"But don't forget, Maxime. The further you get from who you were, the more you risk losing yourself. And once you're too far away... you never go back."

Maxime looked at her intently.

"You think I'm going to lose myself, Laura?"

She shrugged, her gaze becoming more distant.

"I don't know. Maybe you're stronger than me. Maybe you're stronger than me. Or maybe you're already losing yourself, and you don't even realize it."

Silence settled between them again, heavy with unspoken words. Laura finally stood up, as if the conversation were over, but before walking away, she turned to him one last time.

"You know where to find me if you want to talk, or... if you need anything else." Her tone was ambiguous, implying much more than mere words.

Maxime watched her leave, a strange feeling weighing on his chest. He knew Laura was right, in a way. The power, the responsibility, it all came at a cost. But he hadn't yet discovered how much he was willing to pay.

In the early hours of the morning, Maxime was up before the others, watching the sunrise with a strange serenity. He sensed that something great was afoot, something that would turn their world upside down and throw him and his companions into a storm greater than they had ever imagined.

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He clenched his fists. Whatever happened, he was ready to face this uncertain future.