Avi couldn't find rest as easily as others. Tomorrow would bring a fierce battle, demanding thorough preparation while there was still time. Just as before, he opened the panel and meticulously inspected the equipment his team had just exchanged, utilizing the system's capabilities to upgrade their units.

"The inherent difficulty for humans in facing orcs in close combat is a well-known fact. Throughout the long history of combating orc raids, the Empire devised a cost-effective tactic: employing long spears and pikes to repel the initial wave of orc charges, followed by utilizing ranged firepower such as crossbows, bows, and firearms to suppress and eliminate them."

This insight, provided by a museum skill, manifested in Avi's mind after receiving the task, igniting a new idea: to challenge the adaptability of the 'system'.

As per the system's instructions, he should equip swords and shields to upgrade the mercenaries in his team to Empire Swordsmen. However, what if he supplied long spears and shields instead? Would the system permit them to evolve into 'Empire Swordsmen'?

If successful, it would be even more advantageous. Although Empire Swordsmen traditionally wielded swords, their fundamental attributes and skills far surpassed those of mercenaries in all aspects, including weapon proficiency.

If unsuccessful, it would be within expectations and wouldn't hinder tactical implementation.

As the saying goes, a single spear is akin to a toothpick, but a line of spears forms an impassable wall of spikes.

Avi held his breath as he accessed the unit panel, pleasantly surprised to find that the system offered a third option — unlocking a new unit.

Upgrade to Empire Spearman (with shield).

He promptly activated this option, resulting in the corresponding team members upgrading, their attributes significantly enhanced, and most importantly, they acquired three distinct 'traits'.

Trait One: Charge Resistance — capable of thwarting enemy charges. Trait Two: Anti-Large Units — the weapons used by this unit are effective against large-volume foes, such as monsters, cavalry, behemoths... Trait Three: Spear Wall — this unit can form a defensive spear wall.

"Cavalry is one thing, but what about monsters and behemoths?" Avi felt a twinge of embarrassment, vaguely concerned about his future. "Challenges that have caused me headaches in the game will now confront me in reality? This is too stimulating..."

Nevertheless, this upgrade was undoubtedly a significant gain. Avi sensed that tomorrow's battle held a few more chances of victory, undoubtedly a positive development.

Previous battles had garnered substantial experience. Soon, the makeshift mercenary group transformed into a fully-fledged team: eighteen Empire Spearmen and six Empire Swordsmen. Two injured members also recovered due to unit upgrades and would awaken in good health tomorrow morning.

Additionally, there were Rafe, astride a warhorse, and Avi, riding a steed.

After all, Empire Knights were true knights. They still provided a white steed as per the agreement. Although this horse was merely a saddled unarmored mount, it served as the backup steed of Empire Knights, well-versed in warfare, and met Avi's requirements in all aspects.

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Rafe's Empire warhorse was adorned with a simple chainmail barding, suiting Rafe's role in the team as a frontline charger.

Avi revisited the skill panel to reevaluate the skills of the two individuals. Due to recent events, he had allocated numerous skill points to non-combat aspects, resulting in a significant gap in combat prowess between him and Rafe.

"If it's just ordinary goblins, I'll be fine, but facing orcs, I can't recklessly charge as before," Avi pondered. "It's preferable to serve as a stable commander, overseeing operations from the rear while seizing opportunities."

Of course, he wasn't content with merely commanding. As a veteran of Mount & Blade and Total War series, he relished not only directing legions but also yearned to be at the forefront, personally vanquishing monsters and foes in battle.

However, for now, he had to make sacrifices for the team as no one else could share his burden.

"It doesn't matter."

He accessed his and Rafe's inventory, meticulously reviewing their equipment.

Avi: Empire Soldier Helmet; Empire Soldier Armor; Empire Soldier Leggings; Empire Soldier Bracers; Warhorse; Empire Half Sword.

Rafe: Empire Soldier Helmet; Empire Soldier Armor; Empire Soldier Leggings; Empire Soldier Bracers; Empire Warhorse; Armor-piercing Greatsword.

"If it weren't for the discounts and deals, all this equipment would cost two hundred gold coins," Avi murmured, studying the gear before him.

"This shopkeeper differs from the previous one. His offers are genuine.

Since that's the case, there's no reason for us to deceive him."

While mercenaries typically prioritize their interests, displaying sincerity is crucial for securing work in this region.

Without it, no employer would consider hiring them.

Regardless, the immediate concern was to strategize for tomorrow's battle.

After a cursory organization of the team's supplies and information via the system, Avi lay on his bed, his mind restless.

Beside him, Rafe was already lost in deep slumber, his snores resonating through the room.

Yet, Avi found sleep elusive, his thoughts consumed by tomorrow's impending conflict and the strain induced by the system's demands.

"What will tomorrow bring..." Avi pondered, unable to shake off his apprehension.

After a prolonged period of tossing and turning, Avi eventually succumbed to sleep, the uncertainty lingering in his dreams.

The following morning, the cheating mercenaries departed from Midensangte, ready to heed the directions provided by the weapons shop owner in their search for the orc encampment within the forest.

Rumors suggested that the orcs had established a small raiding camp there.

With Lord Miden preoccupied by recent reports of orc invasions, these marauders had grown increasingly bold, wreaking havoc in the surrounding area for some time.

As they prepared to depart the city, they encountered the president of the Merchant Guild, who had facilitated Avi and his companions' entry into the city.

"How goes the job, young man?"

The portly merchant grinned, running a hand through his golden curls as he regarded Avi with a cunning smile.

"I didn't receive the orc heads you promised yesterday.

I feared something might have befallen you."

"Indeed, there were some complications, but they've been resolved."

Avi's disdain for the merchant had deepened.

He understood all too well the meager rewards this man offered, bordering on exploitation.

"Is that so? Well, I wish you luck in battle," President Kees said, patting Avi's shoulder with a smile.

"Work hard. Prove yourself, and I'll have plenty of lucrative opportunities for you in the future."

Avi had little patience for Kees's platitudes.

Brushing off the conversation, he continued leading the group out of the city.

Yet, Kees's appearance hadn't been entirely fruitless.

He had reminded Avi of one crucial detail.

"This time, you'll be facing a band of orcs. A victory could mean a dozen orc heads at least," Avi mused to himself.

"After all, Kees is the president of the Merchant Guild. Perhaps there's a decent reward to be had."

With myriad thoughts swirling in his mind, Avi led his band of cheating mercenaries onto the forest path.

Little did they know, their encounter in the forest would not be limited to orcs.