The World of Mercenaries

Chapter 19: The Double S Mission

The next morning, Amy and Daqingshan were up early. Daqingshan took Lü’er out for its daily "dragon walk"—a routine strictly mandated by Uncle Chi before he left. The training regimen for Lü’er was as follows: jump from a height of 40 meters ten times, perform 50 vertical jumps, flap its wings 100 times, and run 10 kilometers. Uncle Chi had stressed the importance of these exercises to hasten Lü’er’s growth, though to Lü’er, it felt more like daily t*****e.

Amy’s morning routine involved practicing communication with magical spirits. These enigmatic beings were most active at dawn, favoring the freshness of the morning sun. For mages like Amy, early mornings were the best time to strengthen their bond with these spirits, especially those aligned with neutral magic.

After breakfast, eager to find new tasks, Amy and Daqingshan headed to the Mercenary Guild. To their surprise, a large crowd had gathered outside the guild, all staring at something posted on a pillar.

This was unusual. Though most patrons of the Treehouse Tavern were mercenaries, the guild hall was rarely crowded. Tasks were usually straightforward, and only a handful of people were ever present to accept missions, settle accounts, or collect posthumous rewards for fallen comrades.

Curious, Amy and Daqingshan pushed their way through the crowd.

On the pillar was a crimson notice written in magical ink, the task level prominently marked: SS.

The Mercenary Hierarchy

Through conversations during his travels on large sled caravans, Amy had learned about the mercenary hierarchy. Both individual mercenaries and their organizations were ranked across eight levels: S, A, B, C, D, E, F, and G.

G, F, E Levels: Low-tier Mercenaries/Organizations

These were the bottom rung, taking on menial and low-paying tasks. Annual earnings of 20 gold coins per person were considered fortunate, and their mortality rate was the highest.

D, C Levels: Mid-tier Mercenaries/Organizations

At this level, mercenaries began earning respect and recognition. Teams often gained nicknames and could secure lodging or sponsorship in smaller towns in exchange for occasional protection.

B Level: High-tier Mercenaries/Organizations

Representing 40% of mid-to-high-tier mercenaries, B-level individuals and groups were influential in their regions, often making it into top rankings in their countries or neighboring ones.

S, A Levels: Supreme-tier Mercenaries/Organizations

Only five A-level organizations existed across the continents, all backed by nations and boasting elite magical or mythical mounts. Their names often included a color and a creature, such as:

Silver Snow Wolf Mercenary Group (Icebound Continent)

Headquarters: Snowfield City, Hami Kingdom. Boasted over 1,000 snow wolves, including 15 phantom beasts.

Obsidian Earth Dragon Mercenary Group (Aeminor Continent)

Headquarters: Scambray, Aeminor Empire. Known for its powerful earth dragons, including 20+ phantom beasts.

Bloodsteel Cavalry Mercenary Group (Holy Papal Domain)

Headquarters: Uluru, the Holy Capital. Comprised of both light and heavy cavalry, alongside numerous dragon riders.

Black Crocodile Mercenary Group (Fascis Continent)

Headquarters: Unknown. Specializes in marshland warfare with highly aggressive swamp crocodiles.

The only S-tier group was the Golden Dragon Riders, famed for their unparalleled strength and mysterious origins. Rumored to be descended from an ancient royal bloodline with divine heritage, they specialized in exploration and artifact retrieval. Despite being composed of only three members, their reputation was legendary.

The SS Task

An SS-level task was virtually unheard of, as no current mercenary or group had the rank to officially undertake it. Amy read the task description:

Mission: Subjugate a Beast

Rank: SS

Location: Ice Snow Forest

Rewards:

Hami Kingdom: 10,000 gold coins

Northern Hami Kingdom: 3,000 gold coins + an opportunity to contract with the Ice Elemental Spirit Aeralance.

Task Details:

A dangerous beast has been attacking the eastern edges of the Ice Snow Forest. In addition to harming people, the creature has a macabre preference for eating snow wolf brains. Over 300 snow wolves have been killed in the past year. Attempts to eliminate it have failed, including missions involving elite squads from the Silver Snow Wolf Mercenary Group. The beast avoids groups of ten or more, targeting lone fighters.

Completion Criteria: Kill or capture the beast.

Guild Notes:

Fifteen mercenary teams, including an elite squad from the Silver Snow Wolf Group, have failed this task, often with catastrophic results. The mission’s rating has been upgraded from BB to SS. Given the absence of suitable candidates, the task is now designated as an OPEN mission, allowing anyone to attempt it. As an incentive, the Mercenary Guild will add an additional 5,000 gold coins to the original rewards.

Amy's eyes sparkled as he slapped Daqingshan’s shoulder. “18,000 gold coins! This is amazing! Let’s take it!” Without hesitation, he rushed inside, shouting at the elderly clerk behind the counter.

Another resigned sigh escaped the clerk. “Another fool rushing to their death,” he muttered. “You’re the 13th today. Thirteen is an unlucky number, you know. Would you like me to help draft your wills for free?”

“Bah! I’m a swordsman and mage, and he’s a dragon knight. Is there anything we can’t handle?” Amy boasted, thumping his chest.

“Fine. Good luck,” the clerk replied dryly.

Into the Ice Snow Forest

That afternoon, Amy and Daqingshan set out. Given the task’s danger, Daqingshan decided to leave Lü’er behind, locking it in their small hut with plenty of dried lizard snacks.

The Ice Snow Forest was only a few days’ walk from the Treehouse Tavern. Midsummer on the Icebound Continent was ideal for travel. Streams flowed gently, and flower petals danced in the wind. Amy couldn’t help but marvel at the scenery.

“This is the perfect setting for a gallant knight on a white steed rescuing a lady in distress,” Amy mused aloud. His implication was clear, and Daqingshan could only smile wryly.

Amy’s personality had changed significantly over the years under Uncle Chi’s influence. His once-genuine honesty had been replaced with a mischievous cunning that left even Daqingshan unsure whether it was a blessing or a curse. Many believed Uncle Chi had shaped Amy into a sly strategist, but others argued Amy’s potential had always been there—Uncle Chi had merely nurtured it.

As for which side was right, that debate was destined to remain unresolved.