In the midst of this dilapidated outpost, with its weathered wooden walls and makeshift camp gate, there was an air of desolation. Cobwebs adorned every corner, and holes pockmarked the walls, while even the freshly installed fences seemed incongruously hopeful with their sprouting shoots. The meager facilities, consisting of little more than rudimentary fire pits and worn tents, hinted at a place long forgotten. The ashes in the fire pits spoke of infrequent use, while the tears in the tents confirmed the outpost's neglected state. In essence, it was merely a facade of functionality.

Initially, Avi contemplated immediate departure upon witnessing this scene. However, the encouraging news from the liaison person persuaded them otherwise.

The liaison, Ressarit, embodied the ruggedness of a seasoned frontier knight – clad in worn rider's armor and leather boots, armed with a musket and a sword. His weather-beaten face, marked by graying temples and forehead scars, bore testament to a life of battles fought and won.

"There are few solid fortifications here, and scant soldiers. Yet, those capable of holding out are commendable," Ressarit remarked. "Seventeen muskets and sharpshooters are now at your disposal; command them as you see fit, including myself."

"I presumed there was no garrison here," Avi dismounted and greeted Ressarit. "I'm Avi, captain of the Bloodhunt Mercenaries."

"Bloodhunt? When did we adopt that name?" Rafe whispered to Airen.

"His Excellency Avi found 'Cheater Mercenaries' too casual, so he revised the name before our departure."

"Oh, sounds rather impressive," Rafe mused. "Bloodhunt... Bloodhunt... I'll remember that for future introductions; it's definitely more distinguished than Cheater Mercenaries."

"Pleased to make your acquaintance," Ressarit nodded, gesturing toward the camp. "As you can see, this place hardly resembles a defensible position. Previously, I led these gunmen on forest patrols. I'm uncertain of your assigned task?"

"It appears Midland failed to provide corresponding instructions," Avi surmised internally. "And this individual's accent doesn't align with Midland; likely the reason for his perceived neglect."

"My task entails repelling the beast onslaught until the rear villagers complete evacuation," Avi responded.

"Indeed? A... unique task. Regardless, I wish you success – or rather, us success."

"If you have anything to convey, feel free," Avi observed Ressarit's discomfort. "We'll soon be comrades-in-arms, and nothing is off-limits for discussion."

"Comrades-in-arms? You're mistaken. We're merely passengers aboard a derelict vessel," Ressarit's steely countenance betrayed a fleeting smirk. "Don't you find a task like this appearing in Midland utterly perplexing?"

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

"Truthfully, I sensed something amiss upon receiving that order, prompting this investigation," Avi admitted. "As you can see, my team hasn't even unpacked."

"I possess connections within the military, yet information is limited to the war's general direction," Ressarit disclosed. "In essence, we're here as a contingency; should the need arise—"

"I understand. Like a circuit breaker, sacrificed to safeguard overall security should complications arise," Avi interjected. "Your insight into combat is apparent. Any suggestions?"

"Advice? Listen to them and pray the horde doesn't actually pass through here," Ressarit sighed, "This is Midland. No matter how they 'utilize' us, if we turn tail and run, we'll forever lose the chance to cooperate with them. You're not planning to run off to Rike, are you? They've been having quite a brawl over there recently."

"...The turmoil brought about by the Emperor's succession, is it?" Avi read aloud from the panel before him. "Emperor Karl's ascension to the throne has stirred significant discontent, with even rebels rising up and occupying a town."

Ressarit refrained from expressing any opinion on Avi's words, opting to mutter to himself instead, "Regardless, spend all the time you can repairing the fortifications here, prepare for the worst, that's the only advice I can give you."

With that, the old soldier turned and walked back to a tattered tent, the gunmen around him keeping a wary eye on the mercenaries, displaying an extreme level of tension.

"Let's not provoke them for now, let's just focus on our own tasks," Avi instructed Rafe and Airen, "Tell the soldiers to minimize friction with them as much as possible, quickly repair the walls, and set traps around the perimeter."

"But boss, how much time do we have?"

"Time?" Avi looked at Rafe, enunciating each word deliberately, "Until the horde attacks here, or the mission ends."

Everyone knew that outstanding warriors and politicians like Boris Toddbringer would never make a move on a useless chessboard. In other words, this outpost was almost certain to be attacked by the horde, regardless of the reason.

As the mercenaries finished setting up their belongings in the outpost, dusk approached. Avi instructed everyone to cut down some wood from the surrounding forest for future use. During this time, the gunmen and Ressarit remained aloof, a strange rift appearing between them and the mercenaries.

It wasn't until evening that Avi had the chance to chat with Ressarit alone. He caught the old soldier in the midst of the crowd eating, his expression serious as he posed his question: Why the hostility towards them?

"Don't you know what this war is about?" Ressarit's face bore a hint of mockery, "Karl unexpectedly took the position of heir, leaving Boris, who considered himself the rightful heir, unable to accept this fact. He needs to vent his anger."

"And how does that affect our relationship?" Avi snorted, "I fail to see why you harbor such animosity towards us."

"Can't you tell, kid?" Ressarit cleared his throat, intentionally accentuating his speech, "Standing before you is an Imperial captain from Rike, and all the soldiers he commands are warriors who have traveled from Rike to here."

"You mean... guilt by association?"

"It seems you're not entirely clueless," Ressarit said, "You have plenty of opportunities to prove to us that you're not here to supervise us... or our people. But until then—"

Ressarit's words were interrupted by a series of urgent sounds, the roar of the Chaos Warhounds, a roar filled with desires to tear apart living creatures, thirst for blood.

"Well, it seems the time is now," Ressarit drew his sword, and the seventeen gunmen also grabbed their muskets and stood up.

"Kid, let's see what you're made of," Ressarit looked at Avi mockingly, "No matter who you are, at least now, me and my soldiers will follow your orders as soldiers. Let's get to it."