Green Monster Epic

Regis admired Allen's character. His long years as a mercenary had made him wary of outsiders. Jealousy, bribery, betrayal – these ugly dramas never ceased. Regis preferred companions he could trust to watch his back.

This hobgoblin, Allen, was a worthy friend to make, despite his humble origins. He possessed wisdom, strength, and a good character. Regis had been treating him differently on this journey, secretly hoping to recruit him and make a name for themselves in the mercenary world. Of course, Allen's abilities also made Regis reluctant to let such a talent remain confined to a small wilderness tribe. It seemed a place too small for someone like Allen.

However, Allen had other plans. While the Green Field tribe was undoubtedly a burden, the thought of abandoning his familiar people and venturing into the unknown filled him with anxiety and fear. A cautious and life-loving individual, Allen had already witnessed enough of the outside world to recognize his own shortcomings. The world outside was teeming with people far more capable than himself. Even Phili, the seemingly powerless manager of the Silver Flash Merchant Company, had outsmarted him several times.

Moreover, Allen harbored deep affection for the tribe he had lived with for eighteen years. Despite his nonchalant demeanor within the tribe, he knew that without their care and support after his mother's death, he would have long been buried in the wilderness, his bones joining the countless others.

Allen's answer surprised Regis. The curiosity and thirst for knowledge Allen had displayed all along suggested that he wasn't one to be content in one place, but rather shared Regis's adventurous spirit.

“If you're interested, you could join our Eagle Mercenary团 for a few years to learn about the world. What I've told you in the past month is only a tiny fraction of this world's wonders. If you continue to stagnate in your wilderness tribe and fail to improve your strength, you'll eventually become fertilizer for this world, just like countless others in your tribe.”

“You've been to the temple and should know that even the gods who claim to protect their followers adhere to the principle of equivalent exchange, let alone other organizations and forces. If you want to continue progressing as a combatant, relying solely on your talent will be difficult. Enhancing a berserker's rage requires more professional and targeted training methods. Otherwise, you might be stuck at the first level of berserker for a long time, until you miss the optimal time to improve your strength.”

“Our Eagle Mercenary团 has a complete set of berserker training methods. If you join the mercenary团 and sign a long-term employment contract, you can easily obtain it, maximizing your level before your physical peak at forty. If you can break through to the legendary level, your hobgoblin lifespan will be extended, allowing you to maintain your peak physical condition for at least two hundred years. Perhaps this will give you more time and strength to help your tribe grow.”

“In addition to advanced career training methods, the mercenary团 also subsidizes external aid to improve your strength, such as weapons, equipment, alchemical items, potions, scrolls, and so on, which are offered to mercenary团 members at below-market prices, providing the greatest assistance during wartime. Although the mercenary团 takes a cut from the missions,团 members have a stable income. Even if they die in battle, their families receive sufficient compensation, preventing them from losing their livelihood in the short term. Of course, perhaps compensation doesn't mean much to you.”

“By then, your contract with the mercenary团 will be almost up. If you reach the legendary level, the contract will no longer bind you, and you'll have more choices.”

Regis sincerely wanted to recruit Allen, describing the various benefits of joining the mercenary团, and looked at him with expectant eyes.

Allen was tempted. The benefits offered by the mercenary团 were attractive incentives for a wilderness native who valued strength. However, he shook his head with difficulty, suppressing the urge to agree, and replied stiffly, “Brother Regis, I want to think about it. At least I'll definitely go back after this trip. After all, I've bought so much food, and my tribesmen are starting to miss home. I can't just leave them in this unfamiliar place.”

“Of course not.”

Regis nodded, understanding.

“If you make up your mind, go to the Kobold Bar in Thunder Town and find a kobold named 'Blind Gill'. He'll arrange for someone to contact our mercenary团.”

“Okay, thank you, Brother Regis.”

Allen nodded solemnly.

“Well, let's have a drink for tomorrow's farewell?”

Having done what he could, Regis could only wait for Allen's decision. He wasn't one to use any means to achieve his goals. He raised his glass and invited Allen to clink glasses.

“Good!”

Allen naturally wouldn't refuse. His friendship with Regis had deepened along the way, filling Allen, who rarely experienced friendship, with a sense of reluctance.

“Separation is only for the next reunion. I hope the next time we meet won't be too long.”

“Clink!”

The glasses collided, and the unique foam of the ale scattered. Regis put his empty left hand around Allen's shoulder and boldly tilted his head back, emptying his glass.

Inspired by Regis, Allen, despite not being a good drinker, mustered his courage and imitated Regis's actions, tilting his head back and pouring the bitter ale into his throat. With each gulp, the ale entered his stomach. Soon, Allen's already slightly flushed skin turned even redder.

“Ha, that's great!!”

Regis let out a long burp with a strong alcoholic smell and shouted heartily.

“Beasts lurk in the bushes, our weapons clang, scaring them from moving.”

“Thieves walk in the shadows, our eyes shine brightly, breaking through the veil of darkness, demons and monsters have nowhere to hide.”

“Robbers sharpen their knives, our hearts beat fast, the horns of battle sound, enemies fall before us”

“……”

Regis's hoarse voice rang out again, and a melodious tune popular among mercenaries slowly echoed in the tavern, attracting the attention of many mercenaries, who began to hum along softly, filling Allen with longing.