I woke before sunrise.
Everything had already been prepared the previous day—dried meat, jerky, water skins, spare clothes, and travel tools. Rusty's saddle was secured, armor straps checked twice.
Before leaving, I visited my mentors.
Rathen simply nodded. "Return successful."
Siena cracked her knuckles. "If you come back having lost again, I'll beat you properly this time."
Bharam's gaze lingered longer.
"Enjoy the journey," he said. "But remember—human greed is more dangerous than monster claws."
I understood what he meant.
Monsters kill because they are hungry.
Humans kill for reasons far worse.
The eastern gate of Luxina was already busy when I arrived.
The northern region was different from the south. No lord ruled directly here. The land lay at the edge of the northern mountains—harsh, unstable, constantly threatened.
Taxes were low.
Population was lower.
Only three kinds of people settled here:
Young mercenaries chasing reputation.
Artisans wanting freedom.
And those escaping something.
Instead of a ruling lord, the Mercenary Office acted as mediator. Disputes were settled by strength and contract.
That was the North.
The Winged Sword had already gathered.
Ron waved when he saw me.
All of them were mounted on trained horses.
When they saw Rusty—six legs, dark hide, curved horn—they stared openly.
Sam blinked. "You weren't exaggerating."
Maria circled Rusty cautiously. "He looks expensive."
Niles said nothing, as usual, but his eyes measured everything.
Paul stepped forward last.
He now carried a shield and mace on his back.
"That's new," I said.
Ron laughed. "After last mission, he realized only healing isn't enough."
Paul scratched his cheek awkwardly. "Sword didn't suit me. Spear didn't suit me. Bow definitely didn't suit me. But shield blocks. Mace swings. Simple."
He lifted it slightly. Solid weight.
"I'm thinking of joining the Church's northern paladin training after this expedition."
That surprised me.
Growth.
Good.
"Is this the one you mentioned?"
The voice came from behind Ron.
A man stepped forward—completely covered in black leather. Even his face was hidden.
Only his eyes were visible.
"I am Number One," he said calmly. "Tracking. Silent movement. Twin daggers."
Ron sighed. "Don't misunderstand. The Viper operate like this. They discard names. Use numbers instead."
Behind him stood three more—identical black gear. Mounted on black horses.
I couldn't tell them apart.
"Will the others introduce themselves?" I asked.
Number One replied flatly, "No. I lost a bet. That is why I spoke."
He stepped back into formation without another word.
We exchanged glances.
"They're strange," Maria muttered.
Ron shrugged. "Strange works, if it works."
Then it happened.
Rusty suddenly let out a sharp, aggressive snort.
I turned.
A massive man stood behind him—broad shoulders, twin axes strapped across his back.
He was pushing Rusty's flank deliberately.
Testing him.
Before I could move—
Rusty lifted him clean off the ground with his horn and tossed him aside.
The man hit the dirt hard.
He rolled once and immediately grabbed one of his axes.
I had already drawn my sword.
Our eyes locked.
He grinned.
"Monster mount, huh? That'll fetch a good price."
Rusty lowered his stance, ready to charge.
"Touch him," I said quietly, "and I remove your arm."
The air shifted.
Other mercenaries began turning.
The axe-man stepped forward—
"Stop."
The voice cut through everything.
A tall, lean man approached from the caravan's front.
"I am Niapru," he said evenly. "Supervisor for this merchant alliance."
His gaze swept over both of us.
"Infighting among hired mercenaries will result in payment deductions. Continued aggression voids contract."
The axe-man clicked his tongue but lowered his weapon.
As he passed me, he shoulder-checked deliberately.
"Keep your eyes open," he muttered. "That mount will be mine."
Rusty growled.
I didn't respond.
But I memorized his face.
Behind me, Ron exhaled slowly.
"Bull Charge," he muttered. "Subtle as always."
From the caravan's front, a horn sounded.
Departure.
The gates of Luxina opened.
And the caravan began to move.