As expected, the messenger from Midgenheim arrived at the mercenary camp three days later, bearing a thousand gold coins as payment and a letter ghostwritten by the Elector Count Boris Toddbringer.

Avi hastily perused the letter. Despite his preparedness, he was taken aback by its content.

"Is the situation truly this dire?" Avi queried the messenger incredulously. "A stronghold as formidable as Midgen threatened to such an extent?"

"Elector Boris wouldn't engage in such mundane tactics. Mercenary, if you still hold the spirit of Midgen, you wouldn't abide the presence of those filthy beasts prowling around here. We cannot indefinitely remain on the defensive; we must seize the initiative!"

"But to my knowledge, the cost of launching an offensive against the Black Forest is exorbitant, otherwise, this issue wouldn't have lingered for so long," Avi interjected. "What precisely has occurred?"

"Mercenary! You need only provide a single-word answer, 'yes' or 'no.'"

The messenger, a quintessential Midgen, was brusque and obstinate in his dealings, evidently focused solely on fulfilling his duty rather than indulging these seemingly timid mercenaries with explanations.

"Before I deliver my response, I insist on knowing the Elector's intentions regarding my company," Avi asserted confidently. "For the honor of Ulric, divulge this answer, or I shall not countenance my men being led to their demise."

"Whether you're a mercenary or anything else, as long as you possess the courage to fight and prove your mettle in battle, then you are a commendable warrior in the eyes of Elector Boris or the venerable Ulric," the messenger countered.

"...Very well."

"I've already expended ample time here. Now, tell me your answer, yes or no!"

The messenger's patience had worn thin, and Avi had to provide his reply face-to-face, which he was prepared to do.

"There's no need for further discussion. The opportunity to demonstrate valor under the sanctified blaze of the White Wolf God is too enticing to decline."

This response somewhat alleviated the tense atmosphere. The messenger handed the parchment to Avi, then retreated, gesturing for the mercenary group to collect the bag brimming with gold coins.

"As per Elector Boris's decree, you must arrive at the designated location marked on this map by noon the day after tomorrow, where someone will rendezvous with you to lead you to the encampment."

"Do we not need to rendezvous with the Elector's army?"

"Hmph." The messenger emitted a disdainful grunt. "Only the strong endure in Midgen. First, prove your worth before you earn the privilege to join us."

"You—"

Finally, Rafe could no longer tolerate the messenger's scorn. If not for Airen and the two greatswordsmen restraining him, he might have decked the messenger long ago.

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"Come to think of it, Rafe might not fare well against this messenger now."

Avi scrutinized the messenger's physique and his resolute, weather-beaten countenance, prompting a certain thought to cross his mind.

"We only respect strength."

The messenger disregarded Rafe's ire, departing with that remark. He left behind a seething Rafe and a cohort of disgruntled mercenaries gnashing their teeth in the camp.

"Boss, why must we—!"

"Enough. Save your anger for when the battle commences; then they shall be truly astonished," Avi remained unperturbed, issuing his orders calmly. "Everyone, pack according to the previous plan and prepare for departure."

Despite some discontent among the mercenaries regarding Avi's decisions, they packed their belongings as instructed. They all held their breath, preparing to fiercely slap the faces of those who looked down on them in the upcoming battles.

It must be noted that before becoming mercenaries, each of these mercenaries was once a leader in Midland. Regardless of which corner of Midland they hailed from, people's temperaments were similarly rough and stubborn, not to mention proud.

When they felt their legitimate rights were violated, they would inevitably rise up with astonishing unity and cohesion until they reclaimed what was rightfully theirs.

The mercenary group was currently in such a state.

Many non-combatant villagers and even idlers petitioned Avi to join the expedition, although it was preferred to have as many hands on the battlefield as possible, Avi rejected those who lacked combat capabilities, such as women, children, and the elderly.

He selectively brought along a dozen or so middle-aged men, prepared to repair fortifications on the battlefield.

"In short, our mission is to hold the outpost until the villagers can safely evacuate. The outpost isn't significant, nor is it large in scale, but behind it lie several villages. The beasts won't miss this opportunity for plunder."

"So, this job has been assigned to us," Manid said, "Boss, it's just like doing business. Expensive goods should be used in the most useful places, cheap goods in the most consuming places, and worthless goods can rot in the warehouse without concern."

"This world has always been like this since ancient times, no one cares about the life or death of ordinary civilians. A race can barely survive as long as it can."

"I support Your Excellency's viewpoint," Airen said, "if necessary, we should anticipate that Midland may resort to scorched-earth tactics against the Orcs."

"Scorched-earth tactics, what's that?" Rafe asked.

"It's 'scorched earth,'" Avi corrected, "destroying villages, relocating civilians, preventing the enemy from seizing anything. Even Orcs need to eat. If we can 'solve' the 'food' they could eat on their own, the herd will turn against itself."

"...Sounds quite intriguing," Rafe pondered for a moment, "but it's probably best not to do that after all, considering we also came from peasants."

"Then it's none of our concern; let's do our duty," Avi said, "just the bounty alone is a thousand gold coins. If we complete the job, there's another thousand gold coins. It's a great opportunity for takeoff that we can't miss."

"I agree with Your Excellency's opinion. Opportunities for ladder-like advancement are few and far between, so we should seize them when we encounter them."

"Alright, let's discuss other issues next," Avi said, "we'll settle everything today and depart tomorrow."

In the time that followed, Avi and his companions discussed specific plans. He decided to take away most of the forces, leaving only a dozen or so militia and mercenaries at the camp as a defensive force.

Considering the impending large-scale battle between the Orcs and Midland, this small camp should not come under attack.

The next day, after packing necessary supplies and equipment, the mercenary group set off in formation.

A procession of nearly two hundred people already gave off a 'massive' feeling. Avi found it difficult to imagine what a real army marching would be like – probably like a vast sea of people covering the entire landscape.

Small bands of bandits and marauders didn't dare to provoke them, and thanks to this, the mercenary group arrived at their destination ahead of schedule, only to be surprised by the scene before them when they reached the campsite.