Chapter 28

Chapter 28

Investing Through the Status Window.

Episode 28: Gorge (3).

The long-stagnant big city, Raplause, finally began to buzz with activity. The merchant groups that had been stuck there for a long time were finally preparing to leave.

‘Even if there are demons or curses in the gorge, with the Kalim-Mercenary Group, we can surely make it through,’ that was their assessment.

The mercenary groups also were rife with schemes to try and match up with the famous Kalim-Mercenary Group at least once. Occasionally, there were mercenaries who struck it rich with a single connection.

Anyway, the Allen-Mercenary Group also slowly prepared to leave. They packed emergency rations in case of need, and also checked their equipment. The milk-jug mage, because of the rumors about demons, even packed a few bottles of holy water just in case. She was not sure how much it would help, but it was better than nothing.

– Once we enter the gorge, your role will become crucial.

– You will learn a lot this time. It will be a very important experience for you. Surely.

Elena calmed her mind, recalling what Group Leader Allen had said.

The group, divided into men and women due to accommodation issues, reunited early in the morning in the square. Like them, many seemed eager to leave, and the city had been bustling with premature fervor from dawn.

“Everyone, do a final check. Make sure you haven’t forgotten anything. It will be too late once we leave.”

“There’s nothing, Group Leader. We’ve even emptied our balls cleanㅡswooshㅡ!”

Bulky Frank, stepped forward to answer on behalf of the group. Allen quickly scanned the faces of his members one last time and nodded.

“Good. Then let’s depart.”

With that, the nine hurriedly blended into the bustling crowd.

Allen stepped on the dawn rain-soaked ground with a crunch, taking a deep breath of the cool air. It sacredly purified his lungs, which had been filled with the scent of females all night.

The indigo sky was dotted with even darker clouds here and there. Someone muttered as if talking to themselves, “Rain is such a pain—.”

They headed towards the city’s north gate. Frank, watching the carriages that constantly ran on the main road, let out a small exclamation, “Wow.”

“That old duke must have made a fortune this time.”

Allen had paid a total of 225 gold coins, calculating 25 coins per person. Of course, it was a painful expense, but being able to cut the expense in half was something to be grateful for.

After walking for a while, they arrived at the North Gate, where an enormous crowd had already gathered. Allen briefly stopped his members and went with only Captain Aiden to a young man who was busily checking the attendance.

“The Allen-Mercenary Group.”

Allen slightly showed the newly made mercenary badge and informed him. The young man asked them to wait a moment, rummaged through a thick stack of papers, then nodded and pointed somewhere.

“Get on carriage number 11.”

Captain Aiden whistled sharply, calling the members with two fingers in his mouth. They climbed onto a narrow and shabby carriage marked with the number 11. Once all nine were aboard, the carriage was packed without any space left.

“Shit, it smells like crap in here.”

“Who took a dump and didn’t wipe their ass?”

“Shut your mouth. It smells fucking awful.”

The cramped space became decidedly fouler as they all crowded together. Fortunately, their sense of smell quickly surrendered to the stench.

As they huddled close, making trivial jokes and banter, the outside began to brighten gradually. Dawn was breaking.

It was about time to depart. Just as Bulky Frank started rambling about how the brothel last night was bursting at the seams, the carriage jolted and began to move.

The Lüttenbake Gorge…

Allen gazed at the receding outer walls with a distant look, diving into old memories. Given its strategic importance for transportation, he had frequented this place often while gaming. Especially popular were the luxury goods from the central regions of the continent among the vain and luxurious southern nobles. They would rush to buy them, even at a premium, whenever something became fashionable…

However, that didn’t mean this place was to be taken lightly. Crossing a mountain range that drew a long, thick line across the continental map meant there was a chance of encountering high-level monsters if you were really unlucky. Bandits that appeared from time to time only skittered around near the paths, never daring to venture deep.

“We’re really going now….”

The muscular woman muttered to herself as she watched the city recede. The sun, having risen from the eastern horizon, was already casting light over the entire world. They took in the beautiful scenery, now restored to its full color, memorizing every detail. And with that, each harbored a will in their hearts… for this might be their last appreciation.

The procession of carriages, streaming out of the city like ants, stretched on for quite a while.

Heading towards the Lüttenbake Gorge.

The journey to the gorge was definitely pleasant. It seemed that the prestige of the Kalim-Mercenary Group was so great that it even made the most deranged bandits regain their senses.

The distance from the big city, Raplause, to the Lüttenbake Gorge was not far. At most, a day’s distance by carriage. …However, the surrounding scenery had completely changed.

If the nature surrounding the big city was beautiful and marvelous, the nature surrounding the gorge was eerie and bizarre. It was called a gorge, but it wouldn’t be strange at all to call it a demonic land.

“…Shit, are we entering hell?”

“Life’s hell anyway, you bastard. If you want to go to heaven, ask that guy to pray for you.”

Bulky Frank pointed at the man with his thumb. Alphonse, a grim-looking monk who was fervently praying to God before entering the canyon. He was a devout believer who purified numerous heads with his fearsome iron-spiked mace, sending them to the heavens where the Holy Spirit resided.

Honestly, Allen didn’t know the canyon was this eerie. Naturally, he had expected the canyon felt through the game graphics on the monitor and reality to be different. …The milk jug mage also seemed quite nervous as well, as this was the first time she had ever been to such a place.

The group had a meal and cleaned up before entering the canyon. Thanks to the stream flowing beside the canyon that never dried up, they didn’t have to worry about drinking water.

Allen’s mercenary group was positioned a bit behind the middle of the procession. For reference, they were number 11, and the last number was 18.

The time it usually took to cross the gorge was about five days. However, since the procession was so long, it was expected to take about seven days as they couldn’t speed up much.

Group Leader Kalim, who was leading the front, confirmed that the group was ready to depart and raised his voice.

“Departureㅡ!”

As soon as the departure signal was given, the blue flag fluttered.

And the group officially entered the gorge.

Compared to the loud fuss about demons and curses, the first two days were surprisingly quiet. Strangely quiet, even.

Of course, it was best if nothing happened, but the experienced and seasoned Group Leader Kalim did not take it lightly.

On the morning of the third day after entering the gorge…

After a brief patrol around, Mage Lilia came to Group Leader Kalim, stating that she had something urgent to report.

“Did you discover something?”

“Before that, please take a look at this.”

What she handed over was a voodoo doll. Originally a white doll, parts of it were stained black. And it was still progressing.

Upon seeing it, Group Leader Kalim immediately grasped the situation. Though not knowledgeable about magic, he had some experience.

“It’s a curse.”

“Yes.”

“The work of a demon?”

“…It’s likely, but I’m not certain.”

Lillia also hadn’t been able to pinpoint it exactly. Curses weren’t her specialty. But having identified it as a curse, it was time to devise a countermeasure.

“Gather all the group leaders.”

Group Leader Kalim called all the mercenary group leaders. Soon, eighteen group leaders had gathered in one place.

“Did anyone have any trouble overnight?”

Everyone shook their heads as if there were no problems.

…except for one person.

That one person raised their hand. As if they had something to say.

He was quite a handsome young man, so the leader Kalim remembered his face.

“Speak.”

“This might take a bit of time.”

“Summarize as much as you can.”

He nodded and lifted something he was holding in his hand. …The very same voodoo doll that Mage Lilia had shown just earlier. At the same time, a flicker of interest crossed Kalim’s eyes.

“Currently, a widespread curse is spreading inside the gorge. The cursed doll was originally white, but it’s turning black in places. This is evidence that a curse is currently taking effect.”

The young man glanced over the group leaders standing around and looked at Group Leader Kalim. As murmurs spread at the mention of a curse, Group Leader Kalim shouted for silenceㅡ. Then, he gestured with his chin for the other to continue speaking.

“Given its wide range, its effects are almost unnoticeable now, but in about two days, it will undoubtedly start to have a negative impact on the body. And already, there are increasing reports of people suffering from nightmares.”

He took a breath and continued.

“And we’ve determined that the culprit behind this situation is a dark mage.”

“For what reason?”

“There is one distinct difference between a demon’s curse and a dark mage’s curse.”

“What is it?”

“Beasts.”

“…Beasts?”

He pointed with his finger at the horse pulling the carriage.

“If this were a curse of the devil, the horses would have already gone mad. However, all the horses are fine right now. This means the curse is a man-made spell specifically targeting humans, which wouldn’t be possible unless it’s a dark mage.”

The corners of Group Leader Kalim’s mouth slightly rose. This man had accurately grasped what Lilia had overlooked.

“So, is there a solution?”

“For now, it’s about putting out the urgent fire.”

“What is it?”

“Holy water. With the power of God, some resistance is possible. However, since it’s a situation of continuous exposure to the curse, it’s not a complete solution. The curse must be eradicated at its root. That’s why it’s a tricky magic.”

He was no ordinary person. Group Leader Kalim felt it immediately.

“Your name… what did you say it was?”

The young man smiled faintly. It was a smile that felt strangely charming.

“I’m Allen, the leader of the Allen-Mercenary Group.”

That name was now firmly embedded In the mind of Group Leader Kalim.