After leaving behind four corpses and over a dozen wounded soldiers, the Greenskins crumbled entirely under the onslaught from three sides. Big Boss and all his formidable lieutenants met their end in the chaos, while the surviving Greenskin youths scattered in disarray, most meeting their demise from the ambush by Rezerit's musketeers.

As Avi led the mercenaries into the camp, he was met with a scene of devastation beyond recognition. The once-familiar belongings lay in ruin, a grotesque pile of bones and putrefying limbs tainted the air with a sickening stench.

The ground, once lush with greenery, now bore the stain of blood, littered with the broken bodies of Greenskins and humans alike. The former human encampment had been transformed into a vile pit of Greenskin debauchery, reeking of filth and decay.

"There must be more villagers than just these people. Airen, take a small group of riders and scour the surrounding areas. It's likely they fled in panic back to their village," Avi commanded.

"As you command, sir," Airen replied.

Rezerit interceded, halting Airen with his halberd before addressing Avi, "Captain, I understand your unease, but night approaches, and our soldiers have endured a long march followed by battle. Now is not the time for further action."

"...You're right. Everyone, tidy up this place as best you can and prepare for... rest," Avi conceded.

The sight of his once-thriving camp reduced to ruin filled Avi with a profound sense of loss, questioning the wisdom of his decision to engage in war. Yet, he knew it was a necessary gamble for the greater good.

Despite gaining recognition from Middenland and receiving due compensation, Avi found it difficult to reconcile the ruin before him with his efforts. "I was aware of the Greenskins' ability to propagate through the spores emitted by corpses, yet I failed to act," he reproached himself, "If only I had left more defenders..."

"Sir, forgive my bluntness, but had we left more defenders, the Minotaur's onslaught on the first night would have overwhelmed us," Airen reminded, placing a reassuring hand on Avi's shoulder, "As infuriating, sorrowful, and nauseating as this outcome is, it was inevitable."

"...I need some time alone."

With sword in hand, Avi departed the camp, his anger and hatred reignited by the sight of the traps destroyed by the Greenskins. Yet, amidst the fury, a chilling resolve took hold: the annihilation of the Broken Leaf Tribe.

It was not a rash decision, nor one to be undertaken immediately. Rather, it was a seed of hatred, nourished by vengeance, a plan to eliminate a threat to their base.

In this world, progress demanded sacrifice, and for the mercenary group, this sacrifice was already too great. The destruction of the Broken Leaf Tribe was necessary to safeguard their stronghold.

"Even if we cannot eradicate all the Greenskins, we must ensure they never again encroach upon this camp."

With a calm resolve, Avi accessed the panel to assess the status of the newly recruited Rezerit.

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"If Rezerit possesses sufficient capability, our future endeavors will be greatly facilitated," Avi contemplated, "A competent and astute lieutenant is indispensable for the continued growth of the mercenary group."

The information displayed on the panel exceeded his expectations.

Rezerit, Level 31, Endurance 37, Agility 31, Intelligence 26, Charisma 21; Skills: Remote Command 2, Knowledge 1, Weapon Mastery 4, Command 1, Minotaur, Training 2, Riding 1, Management 2, Agility 1, Iron Will 3, Surgery 1; Traits: Coach, Greenskin Slayer, Battle-Scarred.

Skills - Remote Command:

As the leader of archers, your ranged units receive a significant attribute enhancement under your command, unlocking the formidable "Suppressive Fire" ability. The efficacy of this enhancement is directly proportional to the leader's attributes. (Unlocked as a cavalry leader; Suppressive Fire: This ability drastically increases firing rate at the expense of accuracy, leading to rapid soldier fatigue.)

Skills - Training:

A master of training and mentorship, capable of accelerating soldiers' experience growth and honing their combat prowess at a steady pace. (Unlocked after assuming the role of an instructor; this skill cannot be directly upgraded using skill points and only progresses through hands-on training.)

Trait - Coach:

A skilled instructor, adept at refining soldiers' abilities through rigorous training sessions. Enhances training efficiency and occasionally rewards soldiers with additional experience, boosting morale among troops within the coach's vicinity during battle.

Trait - Greenskin Slayer:

Having vanquished Greenskins on numerous occasions, instills a palpable sense of fear in the enemy's ranks merely by presence alone. (Presence of Greenskins among the enemy forces prompts a corresponding reduction in their morale and combat effectiveness.)

Trait - Battle-Scarred:

Having braved countless life-threatening encounters, remains a steadfast symbol of courage and resilience, inspiring fellow soldiers through unwavering resolve. (Provides morale and inspiration to all nearby comrades, visible or not, during battles.)

Trait - Loyalty:

Pledges unwavering loyalty to leaders deemed worthy, steadfastly remaining committed until the very end, impervious to external influences.

"Jackpot! We've struck gold!" Avi exclaimed, his eyes alight with excitement as he swiftly navigated to the team interface. Discovering that Rezerit's inclusion had unlocked the role of "Instructor," Avi wasted no time in assigning this responsibility to him.

With Rezerit's addition, Avi gained a reliable lieutenant, capable of overseeing internal affairs, military operations, and development initiatives. Rezerit's exemplary character further bolstered Avi's confidence, enabling him to delegate crucial tasks with utmost assurance.

This development injected Avi with renewed determination, momentarily lifting him from the depths of frustration and despair wrought by the loss of their camp. Instead, he focused on assessing the current state of the team.

"Firstly, we must prioritize upgrading our eligible soldiers."

Avi's fingers danced across the panel, meticulously noting the soldiers' upgrade statuses and devising upgrade plans based on acquired equipment.

Approximately fifteen minutes later, the system presented Avi with a comprehensive yet succinct upgrade plan.

Halberdiers: 60; Greatswordsmen: 30; Imperial Musketeers: 20; Imperial Archers: 15; Imperial Spearmen (with shields): 40; Imperial Swordsmen: 20; Vanguard Knights: 11; Vanguard Knights (swords): 9.

Accompanied by four companions: Rafe, Airen, Manid, and Rezerit.

"We're stronger than ever."

Upon completing these tasks, Avi remarked, "Yet, it's still not enough. With our current forces alone, we remain incapable of facing formidable foes like the Minotaur head-on, let alone even more potent adversaries... We must grow stronger."

While the mercenary group had secured ample funds to procure all available supporting equipment, the daunting task of rebuilding their camp from scratch lay ahead.

"Nevertheless, our next objective remains unchanged: seeking vengeance against the Greenskins. That's our primary focus for now," Avi resolved inwardly. "Earn, train, fortify, and ultimately, avenge."