Novel Full Chapter 2014 - 2014: The Girl who became a Mercenary 4
The following morning, Saeko arrived at the mercenary guild, her mind set on the next mission. The notice board had a new posting: a joint expedition with the Adventurer’s Guild to eliminate a group of chimera nesting in the treacherous Black Mountain. The reward was substantial, and the challenge promised to be exhilarating. She signed up without hesitation.
As the group gathered, a handful of male adventurers attempted to woo her, flashing charming smiles and making bold claims about their prowess. Saeko offered little more than a dismissive glance, her focus unwavering. When one of them grew too forceful, trying to grab her arm to pull her closer, she swiftly retaliated with a sharp elbow to his ribs, sending him stumbling backward.
“Back off if you know what’s good for you,” she warned, her voice low but filled with authority. The others quickly fell silent, understanding that it was best not to push their luck with her.
With the small band of adventurers finally organized, they set out toward the Black Mountain, the journey taking five long hours. The road was winding and steep, cutting through dense forests before finally revealing the stark landscape of the mountain ahead.
As they approached, the air grew colder, and the winds howled fiercely, whipping around them like a living entity. The Black Mountain loomed ominously in the distance, its jagged peaks piercing the sky, shrouded in swirling clouds and mist. The terrain was rugged, with sheer cliffs and rocky outcroppings, making it clear that this would be no easy endeavor.
The closer they got, the more the landscape changed. The trees began to thin, and the ground turned rocky and uneven. Saeko could feel the weight of the mountain pressing down on her, a stark contrast to the calm valleys below. Dangerous winds howled around them, carrying with them the scent of damp earth and something metallic, a reminder of the many battles fought in these unforgiving heights.
As they reached the base of the mountain, the group paused to catch their breath. Saeko took a moment to survey her surroundings, her sharp eyes scanning the area for any signs of movement. The howling winds seemed to carry whispers, warning of the dangers that lay ahead.
“Stay close together,” one of the adventurers called out, attempting to rally the group. “We don’t know what’s lurking in these shadows.”
Saeko nodded, but her instincts told her to be wary. The chimera were not the only threat on the mountain; the terrain itself could be treacherous, and the winds could easily disorient even the most seasoned adventurers. She felt a thrill of excitement at the challenges ahead, a sense of purpose filling her as they prepared to ascend.
With a determined stride, Saeko led the way, her senses heightened. The winds howled louder as they climbed, swirling around them like a tempest. She could feel the chill biting at her skin, but it only fueled her resolve. The mountain was alive, its fierce spirit palpable in the air, and she was ready to face whatever came her way.
As they ascended, the path became increasingly narrow, rocky cliffs looming on either side. The group moved cautiously, each step calculated as they navigated the treacherous terrain. Saeko remained at the forefront, her focus unwavering as she kept an eye out for any signs of the chimera.
Every so often, a gust of wind would whip through, causing loose stones to rattle and tumble down the slope. Saeko’s heart raced, the adrenaline pumping through her veins. This was what she lived for—the thrill of the hunt, the danger of the unknown.
After what felt like an eternity of climbing, they finally reached a plateau where the winds calmed slightly, and the landscape opened up before them. The sight was both breathtaking and foreboding—vast stretches of rocky ground dotted with patches of twisted vegetation. In the distance, she could see the dark silhouette of a cave, the rumored lair of the chimera.
“Let’s take a breather here,” one of the adventurers suggested, his voice strained from the climb. “We’ll need our strength for what’s ahead.”
Saeko nodded, her gaze fixed on the cave. She felt a sense of urgency; the chimera would not wait for them to gather their strength. “We don’t have time to waste. The longer we linger, the more vulnerable we become.”
The others exchanged glances, some hesitating, but Saeko’s determination was infectious. Slowly, they gathered their courage and prepared for the final push toward the cave, ready to confront the dangers that awaited them in the heart of Black Mountain.
With her katana at her side and the wind at her back, Saeko stepped forward, ready to face the chimera and whatever else the mountain had to throw at them.
The group hadn’t moved more than fifty meters from the plateau when they abruptly halted. A low, guttural growl echoed through the mountain air, sending a chill down Saeko’s spine. Emerging from the shadows of the rocky outcroppings, a gang of trolls lumbered forward, their grotesque forms towering over the adventurers. Thick, mossy skin glistened in the dim light, and jagged teeth bared menacingly as they sought to surround the group.
“Form teams!” one of the mercenaries shouted, his voice cutting through the tension. The adventurers quickly organized themselves, weapons drawn and resolve steeled. But Saeko felt a surge of confidence that urged her to take a different path.
Without hesitation, she broke away from the group, opting to take on the tallest troll alone. The creature bellowed, its voice rumbling like thunder as it charged toward her, arms swinging with reckless abandon. Saeko could see the sheer size of the beast, its muscles rippling beneath its thick skin, but she was undeterred.
She focused on the Wind element, drawing it into her katana as she took her stance. The air around her blade shimmered with energy, the wind swirling in a dance that heightened her speed and sharpened her strikes.
“Come on then,” she taunted, her voice steady as the troll barreled toward her.
As the troll swung a massive fist toward her, she ducked low, the wind propelling her forward in a blur. She slashed upward with her katana, the blade slicing through the air with a sharp whoosh.
”!!!!”
The troll howled in pain as she connected, leaving a deep gash along its side.