Mercenary System: I can increase innate potential !

Chapter 97 A bad feeling

Only a few seemed indifferent to such wealth.

These were Rodrigo, Ernest, Laura and Izo.

The first two came from noble families, so this was understandable, although nobody knew exactly where they came from.

All the other mercenaries knew was that they were considered trash in their families.

Izo, who was one of the mercenaries who had joined Maxime at the very beginning, had always been an emotionless individual.

As if the outside world couldn't affect him.

Even when Quessoi had been destroyed by bandits, he had shown no emotion.

So the mercenaries were used to it, although everyone watched Izo from time to time to see if he could display anything other than an imperturbable face. Enjoy exclusive content from My Virtual Library Empire

But that never happened.

On the other hand, the mystery surrounding Laura was total: her past was something dark, as everyone had guessed.

But no one dared ask her what she'd been through.

It was in this atmosphere that they continued walking, eventually arriving in a gigantic room, where 3 extremely long tables were placed, each able to seat over 100 people.

The room was extremely well decorated, with paintings hanging on the walls, showing various war scenes that had been important in the history of Ravemont County.

Many showed war scenes with orcs, while others showed scenes against other humans.

Some even featured men riding griffins.

At the back of the room was a table reserved for teachers if they wished to eat here and/or announce something to the students.

The mercenaries spread out with the apprentice knights with whom they had got to know.

This created a very friendly and pleasant atmosphere.

Servants in embroidered tunics moved silently about, bringing dishes garnished with roasted meats, seasoned vegetables and still-warm bread.

The tables in the large common room, made of dark, polished wood, were illuminated by hanging candlesticks that cast dancing shadows on the walls.

Stories, battle anecdotes and funny training moments were shared.

Voices and laughter echoed around the room.

Andrew, raising a glass of fruity-tasting wine, toasted a young knight who recounted how he had almost lost his life in the city.

On patrol in the town center, he had noticed a fight between some elderly people.

Not wanting to see anyone hurt in front of him, he tried to stop the fight.

But when he approached them and decided to stop them with his powerful physique, he was sent straight to the ground.

As it turned out, these old men were all retired apprentice knights who had seen many battlefields.

Even if old age had caused them to lose a lot of strength, it was more than enough to deal with an inexperienced apprentice knight at the entry stage.

When the anecdote was told, giggles were heard at their table.

Others then began to recount similar experiences, which further amplified the laughter of those at the table.

It seemed that these old men were notorious for fighting amongst themselves, and that many an apprentice knight had been beaten by them.

And unfortunately for them, being valuable soldiers who had performed meritorious deeds, the Count turned a blind eye to all their actions as long as they weren't excessive.

On the other side of the room, Alden was chatting with James and Piedro, his eyes sparkling with curiosity as he listened to their tales of battle against bandits and orcs.

At another table, Terry and Lira sat side by side, chatting with apprentice knights.

No one noticed that their hands were intertwined under the table.

Little by little, the warriors grew tired. The voices died away, giving way to the crackling fire of the torches illuminating the academy, and the light wind whistling through the ramparts.

The mercenaries slept in the very comfortable beds of the 6th-year apprentice knights who were in training, and who wouldn't be back so soon.

For their part, the apprentice knights returned to their own dormitories, the last words exchanged fading into the quiet night.

At the first light of dawn, Maxime stood ready, his figure erect before the massive doors of the academy.

His stern gaze swept over the gathering warriors. The Saber-toothed Tigers, armed and braced, took up their positions, closely followed by a few apprentice knights led by Alden.

Each of them wanted to gain real combat experience before the 6th year.

Clearly, the Count had great confidence in Maxime and let these apprentice knights accompany him.

The sun was beginning to peek over the horizon, bathing the courtyard in a golden glow and casting elongated shadows on the academy walls.

A solemn silence fell as Maxime raised a hand, drawing everyone's attention.

His eyes met those of his mercenaries, battle-hardened faces, some bearing visible scars while others concealed deeper, invisible wounds.

The new recruits remained in the academy for training.

On this mission, they would only be a hindrance, given their physical appearance.

So the mercenaries returned, 20 in number.

The 5 young apprentice knights, including Alden, less experienced but just as determined, stood up straight, listening respectfully.

There were 3 apprentice knights in the small-success stage and two others, including Alden, in the large-success stage.

"Saber-toothed Tigers, apprentice knights" began Maxime, his strong, confident voice echoing through the academy's imposing doors.

"Today we leave for Irina's village."

"We will go together, with a clear strategy, and above all, with confidence in each other."

"Everyone here has a role to play. Our lives depend on everyone's cooperation and discipline. So, whatever happens, remember: protect your allies, stand by each other and remain clear-headed in the decisions you make."

"Don't let the excitement of battle overwhelm you."

Andrew raised his sword in a rallying gesture, shouting in a loud voice:

"For Irina and for honor!"

The other Tigers followed his example, their voices rising to seal their commitment.

"For Irina and for honor!"

"For Irina and for honor!"

"For Irina and for honor!"

The apprentice knights shouted back, feeling their spirits rise and their fears and anxieties fade slightly, replaced by fighting spirit, courage and positivism.

Maxime and his men set off with this energy under the mysterious eyes of the Count and Chevalier Alaric, who had been observing the scene from the top of the ramparts.

"I see you're pensive Director, don't you trust them?" asked Alaric calmly.

"No, it's not that, but I don't know why I have a bad feeling about it" replied the Count, frowning.