Chapter 65: The Mercenary’s Realization

Followed by Randy, he entered his room, closed the door, and looked around at the empty space. Seeing Randy across from him, he couldn’t help but recall the last time the captain had called him aside—Captain Bruce had also sat across from him then. He could still clearly remember that scene.

The two sat face to face in silence, the atmosphere extremely tense.

“The Swift Wind Mercenaries have been severely weakened after this mission!” After a long pause, Randy spoke in a deep voice, sighing.

“I know your relationship with Bruce and the bond between you. But have you ever thought about how he and I have fought side by side for ten years, gone through countless life-and-death situations, and what kind of relationship we share? I’m also very sad about his death.

Do you know what Bruce said to me after you joined our mercenary group? He said you could be of great use, that you could lead the Swift Wind Mercenaries to greater glory, and that the future belongs to the younger generation. Indeed, his judgment was correct—today’s events have proven that.

But Rod, perhaps you haven’t been a mercenary for long, so there are many things you don’t know! That’s why I’m telling you these things now!”

Staring intently at Rod, Randy took a deep breath and continued slowly, “As a mercenary, one must have a mercenary’s mindset. Those who enter this field must first be prepared to face death; otherwise, they shouldn’t enter it at all! This is a high-risk profession. You know that—you could die at any moment during any mission. We are people who trade our blood and lives for a living. So, one must accept life and death calmly. It’s not that we lack emotions, but it’s just the reality. Take this mission, for example—once we take it on, we must bear all possible consequences! Like today! So, you should accept it. That’s all I have to say. I believe you’ll understand. Well, it’s getting late. Go back and rest properly. Remember what I said!”

Walking over to Rod and patting his shoulder, Randy sighed.

Listening to Randy’s words, Rod’s expression changed repeatedly—shock was evident on his face, followed by deep thought. After a long while, a glint appeared in his eyes. Nodding as if he had understood something, he stood up.

Looking at Captain Randy standing by the window, gazing out at the cold winter night, he said nothing. After staring at him intently for a while, he slowly left. He knew Randy’s mood couldn’t be much better than his own; perhaps among everyone, Randy was bearing the heaviest burden—the sacrifices of comrades, the deaths of subordinates—everything was a huge shock. How would he face the relatives of those who died upon returning? That was an even greater dilemma.

“Hey, Rod, I hope you won’t disappoint me, and definitely not Bruce!”

Yet, the moment Rod left, as he watched the door close slowly, Randy, who had been turning his back, suddenly turned to look at the closed door with a faint, almost sighing expression.

Taking Randy’s words to heart, he returned to his room. Upon opening the door, he saw Ada sitting alone by the bed, lost in thought. The white bandages tightly wrapped around his injuries were particularly noticeable—they were proof of his wounds.

“You’re back?” Rod, who hadn’t intended to disturb him, was quietly heading to his bed to rest when Ada’s sudden words almost startled him.

“Mm!” Rod forced a stiff smile and replied with a wry laugh.

“Thank you!” Ada seemed different today; every word he said was confusing. That single word of thanks made Rod frown slightly, wondering what was going on.

“If it weren’t for you today, I might have died too!” With a bitter smile, Ada raised his injured hand and looked at Rod, sighing.

“We’re comrades!” Seeing this, Rod recalled what Ada had meant. Indeed, after he was injured, he had protected Ada closely, shielding him from countless attacks and keeping him safe within his own range until it was safe.

“I, Ada, will remember this favor. No matter what, I’ll definitely repay you when I get the chance!”

A determined glint flashed in his eyes as Ada spoke firmly to Rod, his tone resolute.

“There’s no need for such formalities between comrades. Now, rest. Get some sleep—we have to set off tomorrow!”

With another sigh and a bitter smile, Rod looked at Ada. He felt something was odd about him today, especially the way he was looking at him—it gave a strange impression.

“Do you know who ambushed us today?”

Watching Rod turn around ready to rest, Aida suddenly brought up a topic that made Rod, who was already seated, quickly stand up and turn to face her, his gaze instantly sharpening. He rushed forward, grabbed Aida by the collar, his face cold as ice, and demanded, “Speak! What do you know? Do you know who ambushed us? Hurry up and tell me!” Excitement made his face turn red, his agitation evident. Aida’s frail body flailed like a kite under his grip, her face flushed as she struggled desperately. “Let… let go of me, damn it! You’re killing me!” How could the magician’s weak body withstand Rod’s rough handling? Soon, Aida could hardly speak. Hearing this and seeing her condition, Rod realized his rudeness. He quickly released her shoulders, letting her catch her breath before asking anxiously, “Aida, stop playing games. Tell me quickly, or don’t blame me if I get angry!” “Idiot! I shouldn’t have told you in the first place. Damn you! What can you do? Hmph! Fine, don’t be polite. I have no mood to talk now!” Angered by Rod’s words, she snapped back, turned away, and walked to her bed. Sitting on the edge, she glared at Rod coldly, breathing heavily in frustration. “Cough… um… Aida, you know I was just anxious, but it’s because of this news. I want to avenge everyone, to avenge Captain Bruce. Right? You must think the same, right? Heh, stop being angry. Just admit I was wrong, okay?” Seeing her state, Rod took two deep breaths to calm his desires and anger, then walked over to her with a forced smile. “Hmph, that’s better. Fine, since you’re so honest, I’ll tell you!” After Rod’s apologies and pleas, Aida’s resentment finally dissipated, and she smiled triumphantly. She slowly stood up, fumbled in her bosom for a while, and under Rod’s expectant and tense gaze, pulled out a golden object.

A golden badge—more specifically, a golden eagle badge! Upon seeing it, Rod’s expression changed drastically. The Golden Eagle Medal, the Golden Eagle symbol—the old man’s warnings to him suddenly came to mind, and his face stiffened instantly. Clearly, this item was obtained by Aida today from those men in black who attacked them.

“Where did it come from?” Though he had a rough idea of its origin, he couldn’t help but ask again.

“I got it from one of those men in black. What, do you recognize it?” Aida asked, looking at Rod’s expression in confusion.

“I’ve heard of it, but I don’t know much about it. How do you know its origin?” Rod frowned and pondered for a moment, staring intently at Aida, sensing that he might know something as well.

“Tell me!” Seeing Aida remain silent, Rod became even more convinced of his thoughts. He stared at him tightly and pressed for an answer.

“I know a little. The origin of this badge is actually…” As he spoke, Aida suddenly stopped, his expression shifting slightly. But at that moment, Rod, eager to know the whole story, didn’t notice. He looked at Aida with hopeful eyes. Seeing Aida stop mid-sentence at the most critical part made him anxious, and he was about to ask again.

“Left!” Before he could speak, Aida shouted and pulled Rod, rushing backward. Rod stumbled, nearly falling to the ground due to the sudden pull.

“Damn it, you…” He turned to complain but quickly shut his mouth, his expression turning serious. He saw that right where they had stood just now, a dark arrow was now stuck in the floor—right where he had been standing.

It was easy to imagine that if it weren’t for Aida’s pull, it would have been him who got shot, not the floor.

The room suddenly plunged into darkness. While Rod was terrified, Aida had already turned off the lights, leaving everything in pitch black.

“Be careful, there are assassins!” Aida whispered in Rod’s ear.

“Damn it, I know!” Although Aida had saved his life, saying that made Rod want to curse. Anyone could see the situation clearly.

“Go find the captain!”

Ignoring Rod’s tone, Aida continued to speak softly, then passed in front of him and slowly headed toward the door.

There was no other choice but to follow closely, keeping up with Aida’s pace. The two of them quickly moved to the door. “Bang…” Yet this was just the beginning. With a loud crash, the door was kicked open, and several people rushed in one after another, startling the two of them, who quickly darted toward the side window.