Rudolf Black the founder of the Black Roses, made a name for himself many years ago when he came out of nowhere to lead the last great war of the Five Kingdoms. Many nobles and kings were killed in the great war of the five kingdoms, which made Rudolf very famous.

Most thought Rudolf was nothing more but a simple soldier in the Kingdom of Druwd. He hated being used by nobles and kings of the past. And one day he somehow came in contact with an enemy nobles and killed them without hesitation. That was when he realized that kings and nobles were no different from commoners.

And ever since that day Rudolf vowed to kill all those who would try to control him. To this day he has never lost a fight against anyone who challenged him. Though many people think Rudolf is insane and like to call him mad.

There is no doubt that Rudolf is one of the greatest fighters of all time during the war.

When he freed himself from the army he built his own army of Mercenaries called Black Roses and went on a rampage on the four other kingdoms until the Kingdom of Marn became rulers of the northwestern part of the continent.

Ever since the founding of the Black Roses Rudolf has led his men to become known as some of the deadliest mercenaries in all of the Agon continent for the last three decades.

However, it wasn't long before Rudolf started making enemies with his main employer, Kingdom of Marn. As the king started fearing for his life and started a war with the Black Roses.

After much bloodshed and battles, Rudolf started killing off the members of the royal family for their treachery. However, he and his Mercenaries couldn't stay in one place for too long due to the constant attacks from other kingdoms and found a safe haven in the kingdom of Fiafyr, via Count Marcus Revelia who wished to use them to get the throne from his cousin and got his father on board with the plan to become king. Rudolf wanted land of his own to rule over in his older age and decided to help Marcus out with his plans.

That was until Marcus's death and Rudolf now back to trying to find a new lord that would let him get land of his own. He wished to appease Duke Alaric Revelia, Marcus's father, to take the throne in hopes to get his own lands. But his gut was telling him that it was a long shot. If he feels the duke will betray him, he'll have no choice but to kill him and try again elsewhere.

It wouldn’t be his first time.

***

"Rudolf. Jeremiah is back and he has the dark elf with him." The voice came from behind him.

"Took him long enough to return. So what is the news?" Rudolf asked.

"It seems one man died putting the slave collar on it. Luckily it looks like the collar is working." the Merc said.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

Rudolf gave a sigh of relief knowing it worked. "Good. After spending all that money on it, it better work."

"Yes, commander. What's are next move?"

Rudolf smirked and stood up and walked towards the door. "Next we see how strong this dark elf really is."

***

Rya was walking through the cave corridor forced to follow the mercenaries as they made their way deeper inside the mountain. They seemed to be heading to some kind of meeting point where the mercenary leader.

'Dammit! I still can't find a way out of this mess. Why did I ever go to that brothel! Just because I wanted to prove I was still a man? To get back at Nils? Fuck me.' Rya thought to herself as she kept following the men.

Behind her was Jeremiah and Dietrich. Both were silent while walking alongside her.

As she continued her way forward, she noticed that the corridor looked like an old mine shaft. It was cold and damp, but there was light ahead of her and a lot of men dressed in Black Rose armor.

'There's like a hundred of them in here alone. Are they planning an invasion or something?' Rya thought to herself.

She saw one of them walk by holding a sword in one hand and a crossbow in another.

"Slave! Halt!" Jeremiah ordered.

Rya quickly stopped and stared at Jeremiah.

Jeremiah glared at her. "Did I tell you to look at me?"

Rya looked away and sighed. 'Fucking asshole.'

When she looked around she noticed all the men were staring at her. Some with disgust, others with lust and jealousy.

Rya has never had this much attention before in her life. And it made her uncomfortable.

'What the hell is up with all these creeps. I hate how they're staring at me.' Rya thought while feeling uneasy. 'I wish Quin was here. I-I miss him. God he must be angry at me for doing something so stupid... I don't deserve him...'

"Rudolf is taking his sweet ass time," Dietrich said.

"You should say that to his face," Jeremiah responded

"Uh... J-Just pretend that I said nothing"

"Spineless coward... Well I know how you were the only one to survive the Tomb of the Horde." Jeremiah smirks at Dietrich who was gritting his teeth in anger.

At that moment the older man came out of his tent. He had full plate mail on and has a huge shield in one hand and mace in the other. His face has the look of a warrior from long ago. He also had an axe strapped to his back.

He looks around and suddenly notices Rya.

"Jeremiah, you've done well. Do we know what she can do?" Rudolf asked.

"I haven't put her through the ringer but she's a earth mage, commander," Jeremiah answered.

"We'll test her. Who in this room wishes to fight this dark elf. If anyone beats her they can get to do what they wish to her." Rudolf asked.

Everyone in the room cheered for their chance to challenge Rya.

"Rudolf! Let me challenge her!" yelled Sims.

Rya's skin felt cold. She hated the sound of his voice, lusting after her.

Jeremiah had a smile on his face.

"Everyone clear the space in front of her." Rudolf ordered.

Everyone backed up and cleared the area.

Yelling and laughing could be heard.

Sims came in close to Rya.

"Don't worry. I'll take good care of you after the fight." Sims smirked.

Rya looked up, 'I gotta take this guy down, if I can.'