Ten cavalrymen were greeted by a formation of neatly arranged soldiers. When the soldiers inside the stronghold recognized Avi's face, everyone erupted into loud cheers.

They had briefly feared losing their leader, but now they were filled with excitement and joy at his return. Fortunately, Avi brought back even better news, ensuring that their elation remained undampened.

"We have emerged victorious," Avi remarked casually. "The threat from the enemy has been momentarily lifted, allowing everyone to rest for a while. However, it's essential to place more torches outside the stronghold and maintain our vigilance. I understand everyone is fatigued lately, but this is for the sake of our safety. Please endure a little longer."

The mercenaries relaxed, following Avi and Resarite's instructions within the stronghold, engaging in a brief respite. The central campfire burned brightly, providing precious warmth amidst the cold wind.

Resarite approached Avi, who had yet to remove his armor. With a single glance at Avi's sword, Resarite discerned the trials they had faced.

"Some tough adversaries, weren't they?" Resarite chuckled in his hoarse voice. "It seems the battle was far from easy. What transpired?"

"A band of resilient horsemen, lacking a leader."

Avi, almost too weary to speak under the crushing weight, settled beside the campfire, feeling as if his bones were on the verge of collapse.

"I initially regarded you as merely a commander, but you've truly exceeded my expectations this time."

Resarite gazed at the flames, contemplating. "Listen, young man. I am now over fifty. Once, I aspired to achieve something significant, but reality proved otherwise. Now, I simply aspire to be a competent soldier in my remaining days."

"You already are."

"No, I'm merely a shadow of what I once was," Resarite sighed bitterly. "Look at Old Bo; he embodies the epitome of a competent soldier—strong, decisive, courageous, and astute."

"So he's the chosen marshal of the Duke of Meden, while you and I are merely common folk. Embrace the fact that in this world, there will be elites alongside the ordinary. Acknowledge your place, and then—"

"I hope you're not about to tell me you intend to remain a mercenary leader for the rest of your life," Resarite looked at Avi and grinned. "Even if you did, I wouldn't believe it; it would only affirm your lack of faith in me."

"...So what's your plan?" Avi looked around.

"Hmph...I'm a stubborn old man with some knowledge of engineering and training. Wouldn't your team benefit from a professional coach? Look at those musketeers; they epitomize true soldiers. Compared to them, the soldiers you lead are currently just mercenaries."

"Of course, we could use one. Will you join us?" Avi extended a hand hopefully towards Resarite. "The Bloodhunt Mercenary Group welcomes any worthy companion."

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"I'm not the same." Resarite extended a hand rough as tree bark. "Don't disappoint me, lad."

The two hands clasped together before the campfire, with the rising flames bearing witness to their mutual respect.

After a brief respite, Avi summoned a few companions for an urgent meeting.

"Firstly, allow me to introduce Resarite. Starting today, he is also a member of our mercenary group and will serve as a coach. I hope everyone will get along well with him in the future."

"Fantastic! I've always thought this old fellow would be a great addition to our ranks, haven't I, boss?"

"I heed any suggestion from Your Excellency, but I hope this gentleman won't attempt any harm towards Lord Avi in the future."

"A new comrade; excellent." Manid muttered, "It's like adding another asset to our business; it can only be a good thing."

"..." Resarite, not yet familiar with these three people, passed their opinions with silence.

"Alright, next, there are a few things I want to discuss with everyone. Firstly, I intend to change the mercenary group's name to 'Bloodhunt,' because the previous name was too casual and cheap, no longer suitable for us."

"What does 'Fissure Pit' mean?" Rafe asked.

"It's Bloodhunt," Avi corrected, "From now on, we will become true mercenaries, exchanging blood for money and money for blood. We are hunters, and prey only needs to be priced in gold. This also represents our sole objective now: to make money."

"Though vulgar, it sounds good."

Resarite expressed his opinion for the first time, and most of the others remained silent in agreement.

"Secondly, I don't think we'll encounter any beast herds powerful enough to defeat us during this time. The reason is simple: whether it's the initial minotaurs or later unicorns and centaurs, they all lack command, so we can assume they have no leaders."

"Beasts without leaders are often not part of the herd, just joining in when called upon," Avi explained to the group, "These guys are prone to indulging their fighting desires and separating from the main force, and the beast kings often lack the energy to restrain them."

"Boss, you really know a lot," Rafe said, looking at Avi with starry eyes. "Is there anything else fun to say? Let's hear it."

"Not for now. In short, what we're dealing with are just scattered and disorganized fighters, but even these scattered sands have minotaurs among them in terms of combat power. It's not hard to imagine what the situation will be like on a large battlefield."

"There's still some time before the formal battle," Resarite said lightly. "You'll naturally know when the war begins. For now, just hold this small outpost well. The danger still exists, but not as intense."

"I think the same way. In the meantime, everyone should intensify fortification repairs and strengthen training, without any slack. But also, don't stretch yourselves too tight mentally, so as not to wear yourselves out."

"Don't worry boss, when they come, I'll take care of them one by one, skin them and use their hides to make tents! I think the tents we have now are a bit too thin, and we'll freeze at night if we don't move around!" Rafe exclaimed.

The meeting hastily ended amidst Rafe's impassioned "speech." As everyone headed back to their tents, Resarite quietly approached Avi and asked a question:

"Are you sure that guy named Rafe isn't just a big orc disguised as a human?" Resarite's face was full of question marks. "I've dealt with a lot of orcs in the western fortress, and he's so much like a big orc—able to fight, eat, and sleep, and even talk. What's going on?"

"Uh...well." Avi didn't know how to explain, so he just said, "He probably has a similar physical condition to the orcs, to some extent, this is also my fault."

"Alright, I won't have any inappropriate doubts about your team, but please remember, any greenskin that appears around me, I'll skewer it on my spear without hesitation!" Resarite warned.

"Don't worry, he won't really turn into a greenskin..."

Avi helplessly waved off Resarite, looking at the dark sky, lost in thought.

When will the real battlefield... unfold?