Chapter 30: An Introduction

While the news of a new mercenary being rated the highest slowly spread in the Capital, the Western Valley Fortress was desperately in need of assistance. The Fortress Commander stood on the battle-scarred ramparts and overlooked the Diavol. They attacked during the night with siege equipment, catapults, and ballistae were fired throughout the night.

"Lieutenant Commander! What are our casualties?"

A man in his fifties with a bald head and long beard yelled in a gruff voice. His towering stature seemed to match the fierceness in his voice and the greatsword he carried on his back, added to his intimidating image. This man was known as Commander Belmond, a veteran warrior and formerly a mercenary who was in the top 30 before he retired. So how did a former mercenary with no qualifications, get a high position within the military? The Kingdom would never give up on any mercenary in the top 100 who retired and Commander Belmond happened to settle down with his wife and children and was in need of a stable job. The Western Valley Fortress was relatively peaceful except for the occasional skirmish, which was just enough for Belmond to keep his skills honed. Unfortunately, fate had something else in mind.

"Sir, we have a total of sixty dead, thirty wounded, and ten who were sent in order to carry the message to the closest city. Leaving us with a total of four hundred soldiers."

The Lt. Commander reported calmly. The night attack wasn't that bad in terms of losses, but it was clear the previous attack was to test the defensive and to get the Fortress Soldiers to waste their supplies. Which worked, the Diavol didn't stop firing until the Fortress Soldiers returned fire.

"Shit. This fucking sucks, right?"

Commander Belmond used a spyglass to look at all of the tents which were moved away from the firing range of the fortress. The Diavol showed no haste in their movements and casually talked, Belmond could've sworn he saw a few of them laughing. Dozens of Cyclopes were chained to one area, eating the rancid remains of deceased livestock, while the Giants were indulging in the carcasses of a variety of monsters.

"That it does, Commander."

The Lt. Commander agreed with a sigh. As long as the Diavol didn't launch a full assault, they could last two weeks at the most and that was just being optimistic. The reality was at the first sign of weakness the Diavol would force their way in. Currently, they had the luxury to waste away at the defenses of the Fortress first. After all, why would they needlessly incur casualties?

Commander Belmond put away his spyglass and pulled out a flask of alcohol. He opened it and silently took a drink.

"You're still young, you have anyone you care about, Lieutenant Commander?"

Commander Belmond asked as he exhaled a visible breath. He took another gulp of his alcohol and handed it over to the Lt. Commander who accepted it after some hesitation.

"No, Sir. Just my younger brother who's a mercenary and my parents...Excuse me for asking, Sir, but is it true your wife is an Elf?"

The Lt. Commander gulped down the alcohol and handed it back to Commander Belmond.

"Yeah, it's true. I've also got two little half-elves running around driving her insane, while the oldest left to strike out on his own a little while ago."

Commander Belmond chuckled, which sounded hoarse and reminded one of a growling bear.

"Seems like we both have people to protect, Commander."

The Lt. Commander said seriously.

"That we do, Lieutenant. That we do-"

BOOM!

Commander Belmond was interrupted by the blast of an explosion which struck just short of the Fortress. Everyone inside grew tense and ran to the defensive armaments. Commander Belmond used the spyglass and could see a young Diavol soldier getting yelled at by a Superior.

"Stand down!"

Commander Belmond ordered as he turned to look inside of the Fortress walls.

"The bastards misfired!"

He spat in disgust. The Fortress atmosphere grew stressful and the rising tension only served to hinder morale. Under these conditions deserters and even traitors could be brought up, only those with something to protect would be the most reliable. Commander Belmond could only hope to have the Kingdom send help soon.

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Back in the Capital the news of a someone named Ira becoming number one spread explosively through the streets, it was shocking because very few could put a face to the name. The name "Ira" came out of nowhere, usually, there is a steady climb with some special cases. For example, Rhys the former number one jumped 5 places a month in the rankings. Her rise was steady and alarming, shocking everyone, in fact, until now it was the fastest speed in the Kingdom's history.

Meanwhile, the boy in question arrived on the top floor of the Mercenaries Union building. Samantha guided Ira and Harper with unsure steps, this was her first time on the twelfth floor, she never met with the Head of the MU personally. Ira placed his hands on top of his head and followed casually, while Harper trailed with curious eyes. They were stopped in a lobby area by a female secretary and a pair of guards. The secretary scanned over the trio and focused on Ira.

"Would you happen to be Ira?"

The secretary asked politely. At her level, she could instinctively see several characteristics that made it apparent Ira was more powerful than he looked. His musculature painted a clear picture for the secretary.

"Yep."

Ira answered in a plain tone, he was busy wondering if he had to buy clothes for the wedding, but based on his experiences, the Valkyries probably had it covered. The secretary nodded and looked at Samantha and then to Harper.

"I hope it's not too much to ask if for your companion to stay here."

The secretary once again spoke in a humble tone. Currently, she was speaking to one of the strongest people in the Kingdom by all accounts and she couldn't afford to offend him.

"Ok."

Ira responded with a contemplative expression. Would the Valkyries bring something for Harper too? Or would he have to buy that?

"If you would be so kind as to follow me. Oh, good work Samantha."

The Secretary smiled as she led Ira away. Harper pouted and went to sit on a couch nearby. Samantha looked unwilling to stay and spoke up.

"I-Ira, can I be appointed as your Handler?"

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Samantha shouted toward Ira. The female Secretary turned and looked at Samantha with a raised brow. Surely one of the most powerful people in the Kingdom wouldn't randomly choose someone to assist them.

"Sure."

Ira shrugged as he held his chin. What would a Valkyrie wedding be like anyway? Would he have to fight a bunch of Valkyries?

"Ah! T-Thank you. Thank you so much."

Samantha bowed her head as she walked to stand behind Ira. The Secretary was slightly surprised, but who could fathom the incredible thoughts of the powerful? She simply noted that the receptionist was more skillful than she thought, she instantly seized the perfect chance that others might have even killed for.

They were led to a set of double doors where the Secretary stopped and held her hand up.

"The leader is waiting for you."

She said. Ira wordlessly walked entered, while Samantha tried to give off her most professional tempered and followed behind him. As they walked in they could see a large blue glass screen on the side of the room which constantly flashed with new information. The names of important families and people popped up occasionally. Samantha noticed the Fairfax name appear quite a bit on the list. The most eye-catching looked to be a request to help subdue a cult in the north which started to grow more and more violent each day. In the center of the room were a desk and a leather chair with a middle-aged man sitting in it. He had white streaks through his short brown hair which contributed to his scholarly look, his clothing consisted of a dark suit and a pair of spectacles tucked into his breast pocket.

"Welcome. Please have a seat."

The man politely said as he waved his hand in invitation, he looked at Samantha with a brief inquisitive expression but adapted to her presence quickly. Ira took a seat while Samantha hesitated before sitting down. She couldn't help, but to be nervous in front of the Leader. She tried to reassure herself by remembering that she was also sitting next to Ira, which didn't help at all.

"My name is Albrecht Gilmore, the one in charge of the Mercenary Union."

Albrecht introduced himself in a gentlemanly manner. Ira nodded in acknowledgment while Samantha panicked.

"I'm his Handler, Samantha."

She bowed lightly.

"Oh? Since when?"

Albrecht asked slightly surprised.

"Well I-"

"Like two minutes ago."

Ira shrugged. Samantha looked embarrassed, maybe Albrecht would see her as nothing more than an opportunist.

"Well, Anyway is our policy to invite ones who make the top ten ranks in here, but your case is special. You're on file as registering quite some time ago, but you abruptly made it to the top. This is the first time in history something like this ever happened."

Albrecht exclaimed in admiration. He personally read Ira's status so he knew how powerful and mysterious he was. Even Rhys wouldn't necessarily be his match. Albrecht knew just how powerful she was and even still he guessed Ira would win. It was just a feeling he had.

"I just want to let you know a few thing about the Union. The Mercenaries Union is an impartial organization between the three human countries. We don't wish to control you, but I'd like to state that your status will be the same in each country unless you take on military affiliations in one, in that case, you will be barred from the Union as per the rules. The Union is just an assembly of warriors, we technically aren't allied with any human country."

Albrecht explained. Sometimes the three countries would attempt to rope in powerful mercenaries to be their personal soldiers. Since mercenaries were given somewhat easy access to other countries they could potentially infiltrate as spies. Though if any mercenary joined a particular country they would be forcefully retired as to prevent any possible mishaps.

"That's it?"

Ira asked with a chuckle. Although his behavior could be considered a bit rude, Albrecht paid it no mind and slid Ira another mercenary identification card. The card was dark green with golden letters which read: Entry Waiver, by order of King Windsor XI. Countries would extend a show of goodwill to the best mercenaries by granting them entry waivers. It wasn't much but if it helped win their favor even a little then it was worth it.

"That's all. I look forward to seeing your work, Ira."

Albrecht said as he smiled. He felt there was something special about the boy in front of him and hoped to see results soon.

"Alright."

Ira picked up the card and waved it away with his left, causing Albrecht to raise his eyebrows slightly. Ira placed his hands atop his head and walked off casually. While Samantha looked nervously at Albrecht.

"Samantha, I hope you live up to your expectations as a handler."

Albrecht smiled.

"Yes, Sir."

Samantha bowed before leaving the room. Albrecht showed a contemplative expression, he thought of Ira's abilities once again.

"Keeper of the Third Moon, Ulta Majoris."

He closed his eyes in thought. The Mercenary Union originated from the Free City in the east, they were a city run by merchants and traded unobstructedly, as such they gained access to plenty resources, which was one of the reasons the Mercenaries Union looked to be one step ahead of the Grenitian Kingdom. Albrecht learned all types of knowledge, but even he had no recollection of any account of a third moon.

"Maybe the Dark Elves know."

He said to himself. The Dark Elves worshiped God centered around darkness, it was plausible to assume they would know. He even debated on contacting them but decided against it. They would definitely take action if the blessing Ira had any significance to them. He decided to wait until he gained an understanding of it somehow. What he didn't know was that the understanding would be arriving very soon.

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