Chapter 63: The 13th Mercenary Group

“He’s gone mad.” That was how Ram assessed Wu Qingsong, while Harold merely shook his head.

Initially, Harold had joined Wu Qingsong solely to make ends meet. As an aging, disabled wolfman, he was used to merely scraping by from day to day.

However, the unfolding events had been anything but predictable. Wu Qingsong’s trust in him revitalized Harold, making him feel that he wasn’t as old as he had thought, that perhaps he might witness something remarkable before his life’s curtain call.

A sense of vitality, which had eluded him since his own mercenary group had been wiped out, seemed to course through him again.

“Let’s keep our eyes peeled and see how far he can go,” Harold said to Ram.

Wu Qingsong, for his part, found himself invigorated. He dove headfirst into learning the written language with unabated enthusiasm. His knack for learning, sharpened by years of exam-centric education, left Ram somewhat flabbergasted. She had spent years mastering what Wu Qingsong seemed to grasp effortlessly. With a basic understanding from his time in Umber and Ram’s guidance on the basics of phonemes, syntax, and alphabetic usage, the rest became almost laughably easy for him.

Many university students in his previous country were known for cramming an entire semester’s worth of coursework into a single month, as a way to make up for time lost to web surfing, gaming, or dating. Compared to such feats, mastering a few alphabetic characters hardly presented a challenge for Wu Qingsong.

Writing an elaborate article may still be a reach for him, but scribbling down simple notes or deciphering everyday documents had become a walk in the park.

It all took just a month’s time.

During this period, Wu Qingsong even arranged for Ram to send people to Umber to procure a supply of wood ash. Given the abundant animal fats in the forests and the simplicity of constructing lime kilns, he crafted another large batch of soap base, which he handed over to Ram.

With these ingredients, Ram simply had to melt them using a double boiler and mix in various fragrances and other additives. After stirring the mixture uniformly, she’d let it sit until it solidified into soap bars.

Wu Qingsong could have easily shared this soap-making technique with them, after all, he had numerous ways to make money. However, Nina declined the offer, wanting to handle things her way.

“Then let’s make haste for Riniconia,” suggested Harold.

The conventional route would lead them south to Nisair and then upstream along the Benaris River, passing major transportation nodes and fortresses. Yet, as members of the Silver Moon Wolf Clan, they didn’t have to take the long way around. Nina arranged for guides to lead them through a secret passage forged by the rebels, bypassing the Tecks mountain range altogether. This shortcut halved their journey time.

The process of registering their mercenary group was notably smooth. Wu Qingsong had been anxious about potentially revealing any flaws during the verification process. However, the officials hardly spoke to him. They merely glanced at the introduction letter Ram had worked hard to obtain and then filled out the corresponding paperwork.

“The name of the mercenary group?” was the only question they asked.

Faced with this sudden question, Wu Qingsong felt a bit of a headache. The choices were dizzying.

Blackwater? Cobra? Dragonflame? SEALs? Dawn? Wings of Freedom? Seven Warlords? Phantom Brigade? FFF Brigade? Espada? Fairy Tail? SOS Brigade? Black Knights?

Umbrella? Verland Valley? Hydra?

Wu Qingsong pondered, ‘The name of my mercenary group is destined to be famous, so I have to choose carefully.’

However, much to his surprise, after just a few seconds of waiting, the official casually jotted down a name on the paperwork and handed him a copy. “There, it’s done.”

“Done?” Wu Qingsong was in disbelief. ‘Just like that? I haven’t even told you the name yet!’

“The Thirteenth Mercenary Group?” Harold, who had picked up some local knowledge from spending time with Ram, took the document, noting Wu Qingsong’s bewildered expression.

“What does this mean?” Wu Qingsong was on the verge of tears.

“You seemed indecisive about the name, so I chose it for you. You’re the thirteenth group to apply for mercenary status this year, hence, the Thirteenth Mercenary Group. Guaranteed to be unique. Saves us the hassle of dealing with the similar names you all seem to come up with,” the official said matter-of-factly. “Consider this a favor. You’re welcome.”

‘A favor? Who gave you the right to decide for me? This name is terrible! It’s not that I can’t choose a name, it’s that there are so many great options, I can’t decide,’ Wu Qingsong fumed inwardly.

Gritting his teeth, Wu Qingsong stood there, visibly upset. Harold sensed his mood and quickly intervened. “So, our mercenary group is now officially established?”

“Yes, it’s official. Whenever you operate in a new area, just register this document with the local sheriff,” the official replied impatiently. “The bounty list and associated amounts are carved on the stone tablet outside. For a hundred copper coins, you can get someone to make a copy. Minor captures can be handled at the local sheriff’s office, for anything significant, you must return here for processing. Be aware that some areas are designated for larger mercenary groups. I’d suggest you ask before taking any action to avoid any unnecessary complications. Understood?”

If Wu Qingsong had appeared a bit more formidable or competent, the official might have been more cordial. After all, that would imply a high likelihood of a long-term professional relationship, making it worth his while to extend a friendly hand. But Wu Qingsong clearly looked like a greenhorn, especially when accompanied by an aging, disabled wolfman. The official seriously questioned their ability to survive the initial trials that lay ahead.

To gain official recognition, a newly established mercenary group must first submit five adult insectoid heads, thereby earning a designated station and a more or less fixed operational territory. Accumulating a hundred insectoid heads would place them under the scrutiny of the duchy’s leaders, offering a chance to win operating rights to a specific zone. A count of a thousand insectoid heads would unquestionably establish their prowess, making them a group many would be eager to form strong relations with. Such a partnership often implied reliable profits and some degree of sway in the duchy’s political machinations.

But the man standing before him?

“Do you need to buy any equipment?” The official’s question was rather perfunctory.

Business was still business. Even if this novice only bought mediocre leather armor, his shop would rake in a decent number of renals.

“Thank you for the offer, but we’ve already made the necessary preparations,” Wu Qingsong responded, his teeth clenched.

Arrogant yet ignorant, impoverished, insincere, and ungrateful. This type wouldn’t last more than six months.

The half-elf official reached this verdict almost instantly. Once Wu Qingsong and his partner walked out, he casually tossed their registration form into the bottom drawer.

It would likely never see the light of day again.