The Regressed Mercenary’s Machinations

Chapter 318: Chapter 317: There Needs to Be Tension (1)



The number of knights stepping forward and the number of monsters were roughly equal.

As the mercenary-turned-knights moved ahead, the other knights began to follow. After all, in battle, knights were meant to lead the charge.

But one former member of the Mad Dogs raised his hand to stop them.

"This time, just watch from there. We'll show you why we're the veterans."

At his words, the other knights glanced at Ghislain. Ghislain chuckled lightly and nodded.

"Think of it as their revenge match. Let them handle it. They've been through a lot with these creatures before."

A single Giant Mantis is said to be a match for a low-level knight. The ones in the Forest of Demonic Beasts were undoubtedly stronger.

If it hadn't been for Ghislain's leadership and the contributions of Belinda, Gillian, and Kaor back then, they never would have won.

They had heard of the heavy losses sustained even then, so the other knights looked uneasy. Swish!

The approaching Giant Mantises began to pick up speed. With long strides, they charged toward the knights, swinging their sharp forelegs.

The speed of the Giant Mantises' attacks left everyone stunned. Even the knights standing back to observe felt a chill run down their spines at the sheer velocity.

Slaaash!

But Gillian dodged the attack effortlessly and swung his axe in return. Thud!

The Giant Mantis's head was severed in a single blow.

Immediately, Kaor and the knights each took on a Giant Mantis, engaging them head-on. Slash! Slash!

The Giant Mantises' attacks were so fast that ordinary soldiers wouldn't have been able to block or avoid them. Yet, somehow, the knights evaded and countered with ease.

The observing knights widened their eyes in astonishment.

"What? They weren't this skilled before!"

"How are they dodging so easily?"

"Shouldn't they be blocking or rolling out of the way?"

The speed was difficult to handle without expending a significant amount of mana. Yet, the knights fighting the Giant Mantises dodged as though they anticipated the attacks beforehand.

Seeing the knights' reactions, Ghislain began to explain to the bewildered onlookers.

"These creatures are certainly fearsome, but their attack patterns are simple. It's due to their anatomy. Their bodies are longer in the back, which limits their attack range, and it's hard for them to quickly change direction when you get into their blind spots."

Indeed, upon closer inspection, the Giant Mantises' attacks were predictable. Their strikes consisted of either a downward slash or a horizontal sweep.

When the knights anticipated the attacks and moved to the side, the Mantises tried to turn their bodies, but their movements were relatively slow.

Thud! Thud!

The knights didn't miss the opportunity, unleashing bursts of mana to slice through the Giant Mantises.

Despite their sharp forelegs and rapid charges, the Giant Mantises had surprisingly weak defenses. Their large frames belied how easily their bodies could be torn apart.

Ghislain watched with a grin.

"They learned those tactics by fighting for their lives. Those who couldn't learn didn't survive. Other than the Blood Python, those creatures caused the most casualties."

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"The ones who made it through back then can now handle a single Giant Mantis with ease. Their defenses are so weak that even when we couldn't use mana, we could still wound them. Now, it's no contest."

The other knights could probably handle a Giant Mantis on their own, too, but not as effortlessly as the veterans.

Experience had clearly honed their skills to the fullest.

The Giant Mantises were wiped out in an instant. Knowing their opponents' weaknesses and having the skills to exploit them meant the Mantises never stood a chance.

"Hooray!"

The soldiers and laborers erupted in cheers at the astonishing display.

To see such fearsome monsters defeated so easily was incredible.

"That was amazing! So it's true the lord conquered this place!"

"The knights are even more impressive than I thought! They're much stronger than I imagined!"

"Not a single one of them got hurt."

The Forest Guard was even more shocked than the others. The memories of the past still loomed large in their minds.

"Back then, so many died, and there were so many injuries."

"It's completely different now."

"They were just mercenaries back then... Who'd have thought they'd become this strong?"

For those who only remembered the fear and danger of the past, this battle was a stunning revelation.

The Forest of Demonic Beasts had been an unthinkable place, too dangerous to even enter.

The monsters here couldn't possibly be easy to face. It was the Fenris knights who had grown

stronger.

"As expected of the young lord..."

Everyone marveled once more at Ghislain, who had trained the knights to such heights.

The mercenary-turned-knights wore proud expressions. They, too, were deeply moved by how far their skills and status had come.

"We really have gotten stronger."

"It was so terrifying back then."

"Gaston, I've avenged you."

Some smiled proudly, while others grew teary-eyed, remembering their fallen comrades.

Thanks to the knights' performance, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. The soldiers and laborers, feeling reassured, brightened visibly.

With so much skill and such a strong force at their side, there was no reason to be afraid.

Meanwhile, the mages eagerly approached the Giant Mantises' corpses.

"These are worth studying."

"Corpses of Giant Mantises from the Forest of Demonic Beasts... These are truly rare

specimens."

"Their meat can be used as a valuable medicinal ingredient. Ha, this stuff is excellent for

men."

The Giant Mantises' forelegs, sharp and durable, were useful as materials for various

purposes.

Even more valuable was their meat, known to be an expensive restorative for men, fetching

high prices.

The mages applied preservation and freezing spells to the corpses with great care.

Though they claimed it was for research, their intentions were obvious.

"Alright, back to work!"

At Ghislain's command, the soldiers and laborers resumed their tasks in unison.

With the tension eased, the pace of work picked up, and some even hummed tunes while

working.

"This isn't as dangerous as we thought, is it?"

"We might finish faster than expected."

"We've already secured a huge area. Feels like we're just logging trees."

The soldiers and laborers chatted cheerfully as they focused on their work.

As each area was secured, they erected new wooden fences and watchtowers to guard against

potential monster attacks.

Despite being in the forest's outskirts, Ghislain didn't recklessly expand their territory. After

all, the main goal was to gather runestones.

"We'll move deeper soon. Once the entrance is stabilized, we'll expand the territory further."

At Ghislain's command, the troops and laborers moved in perfect coordination.

The number of laborers had increased significantly since they first entered the forest. Laborers from both Fenris and Perdium had flocked to join the effort.

This was thanks to the soldiers spreading rumors that the Forest of Demonic Beasts wasn't as

dangerous as expected.

While the Perdium laborers initially feared the forest deeply, seeing the knights handle Giant Mantises with ease reassured them.

Of course, this was largely because they were still in the outer edges of the forest, dealing

with weaker monsters that the knights had already encountered before.

It wasn't just laborers who arrived.

"Young Lord! What in the world are you doing? Moving the territory's forces as you please!

This territory isn't even yours!"

Homerne stormed in, fuming, his face bright red with anger.

Taking Fenris' forces into the forest to develop it wasn't something he could stop. But using

Perdium's forces without permission?

Even for a Young Lord, this was crossing a line. Though, to be fair, Ghislain had never been

one to respect boundaries.

Ghislain replied nonchalantly. "Aren't they just sitting idle? Better to use them now when there's no threat." "Hey! Rules are rules! These are Marquis Perdium's forces! Even as the heir, you can't use

them as you please! At the very least, you should have consulted me and made a plan!"

"That takes too long."

"W-what?"

"By the time we hold meetings and coordinate manpower, we'd waste too much time. Why bother delaying when we're going to do it anyway?"

"Hey! Who gave you the authority to decide that? Do you think you can just use your father's

soldiers so easily?"

Homerne began ranting, and while he wasn't entirely wrong, Ghislain already knew how to

handle him.

"This land we're securing has excellent soil. Even without runestones, crops grow like crazy.

Even with just improved seeds, the yield is incredible."Nôv(el)B\\jnn

"So what! It's not even your land!"

"I could transfer it to Perdium until I inherit the territory."

"R-really?"

Homerne froze in surprise. It wasn't like Ghislain to offer up something of his so readily.

Perdium's current survival depended heavily on the food and projects Ghislain supported.

Laborers earned money working on road construction and other projects, fueling economic

activity.

While Ghislain had created new farmlands, the use of runestones meant the entire territory couldn't be sustained. Annual support was still essential.

Now, Ghislain has secured land large enough for several villages, with plans to expand

further. With such fertile soil, Perdium's food production could soar.

It wasn't even a loss for Ghislain.

'We already have plenty of food.'

Though the primary reason for entering the Forest of Demonic Beasts was runestones,

developing the forest and expanding Perdium's territory was a way to strengthen their ally.

If Perdium could become self-sufficient in food, its growth would accelerate, bolstering its position against the ducal family.

'I should've stayed out of this.'

Homerne broke into a cold sweat. He had come here to assert himself, but now he felt

cornered.

Ghislain smirked and added.

"Send more laborers. The faster, the better."

"I-I was coming to ask if you needed more laborers!"

Homerne's strength was knowing when to shut up. He'd learned his lesson during the

previous expedition, and this time, it was even easier.

After all, participating in the development effort meant more money for laborers and a boost

to Perdium's economy.

Homerne had come to defend his pride, but the rewards for complying were too tempting to

resist.

"Just wait a little longer. Got it?"

With Homerne's active involvement, the number of incoming laborers skyrocketed. Organized recruitment by the territory was far more effective than word of mouth. Homerne even sent in work teams and remaining soldiers to assist.

This time, with dwarves and mages participating, the development progressed even faster.

The path to the old runestone site soon became a large, secure territory. Strong, tall wooden fences surrounded the new borders, with watchtowers scattered

throughout. With the abundance of trees in the forest, materials were never an issue. "Wow, at this rate, we'll end up with a whole new territory."

"The quality of the wood here is amazing. Even after using it for construction, there's still

plenty left."

"Doesn't seem like there are many monsters. The Giant Mantises were the largest group so

far."

Though new monsters had appeared over time, they were neither numerous nor particularly strong, especially in the outer parts of the forest.

The soldiers and laborers walked around confidently, laughing and chatting. The work was

easier than expected, and the forest didn't seem as dangerous as the rumors suggested. With skilled fighters handling dozens of monsters in no time, there was little to fear.

Watching the relaxed reactions of his people, Ghislain fell into thought.

He soon called Vanessa over and quietly gave her instructions.

"We'll be moving past the old path soon. Prepare as I explained. Make sure the mages are well-informed."

"Understood. But should we inform the others—"

"No, don't tell them. Keep it among the mages."

"Why not? Won't it be too dangerous if the others aren't prepared?"

Ghislain smiled faintly and replied. "They've gotten too relaxed. They need to remember this place is dangerous. It'll bring back

some much-needed tension."

"Tension?"

"Yeah. If we keep going like this, more than half of them will die while reaching our

destination."

Vanessa's expression hardened instantly.

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