Hiring Mercenary Groups

Roland, who had just returned to his rented accommodation, had no intention of sleeping.

The information and gains he received from Leslie tonight had completely disrupted all his previous plans.

"Nuwa, based on the data we have, how credible are Leslie's words tonight?"

"Beep! After comparison, the accuracy of the information Leslie provided tonight is as high as ninety-five percent," Nuwa replied immediately.

Nuwa's analysis was not far from Roland's estimation. As the second heir to the Oroko Family, Leslie had no reason to expend so much effort to deceive him.

Therefore, what he said tonight was most likely the truth.

But it was precisely because of his truth that Roland had to make new plans with Nuwa.

However, before that, Roland began to truly examine the various forces in the Sea of Ten Thousand Islands, forces that might become his enemies in the future.

"Nuwa, compile all the information Leslie provided tonight into the map of the Sea of Ten Thousand Islands and mark it for me to see."

"Understood, Master."

As a cyan light screen appeared, this time, after receiving information from Leslie, the map of the Sea of Ten Thousand Islands displayed by Nuwa was undoubtedly more three-dimensional. Three colors marked the territories ruled by the three major forces of the Sea of Ten Thousand Islands.

Roland's gaze instinctively fell upon the territory occupied by the Black Knight Pirates.

As one of the super pirate groups in the Sea of Ten Thousand Islands, the Black Knight Pirates were powerful and had many strong individuals. Their captain, Dylan Fikernando, was a high-level Sky Warrior with a professional level of fifteen. They had over three thousand professional pirates under their command, primarily based in the Azure Sea Region, one of the six major sea regions of the Sea of Ten Thousand Islands.

However, the Black Knight Pirates were not the sole dominant force in the Azure Sea Region. The Mandy Family, a Count's family belonging to the Autran Kingdom, also occupied territory in the Azure Sea Region, standing in opposition to them.

Within the two major factions, several large pirate groups and Viscount families followed suit, their spheres of influence intertwined and extremely complex.

It was just that the Azure Sea Region was located in the northernmost part of the Sea of Ten Thousand Islands, adjacent to the Beastkin Empire. In terms of wealth and geographical location, it was not the preferred choice for establishing territory.

But now, with Leslie's intervention, Roland had to reconsider.

After all, with the protection of the Black Knight super pirate group, Roland's safety could be greatly guaranteed.

"Nuwa, excluding the cost of purchasing slaves, food, and farming tools, how many gold coins and potions will I have before I establish my territory?" Roland asked.

"Beep!"

"After calculation, Master will have one thousand six hundred gold coins, 85 bottles of intermediate potions, and 50 bottles of beginner potions by then."

"Huh? Why so many intermediate potions?" Roland was taken aback.

He could currently only refine two Tier 4 potions per day. In a month and a half, he would have at most ninety bottles. Moreover, some would be used for trading with Leslie and for his own consumption. In his estimation, he would be doing well if he had about fifty bottles left.

"After calculation, Master will reach the level of a Level 5 Mage in fifteen days. At that time, your Mental Power will allow you to refine three intermediate potions per day."

"You really are treating me like a workhorse..." Roland suddenly realized and replied somewhat irritably.

"For the sake of your life, you need to work harder."

"I understand."

However, with such a generous reserve of potions, Roland's plans could be further implemented.

Although Leslie's attitude towards him was extremely sincere, Roland could not entrust his life and safety to someone else's sincerity. Therefore, the preparations he needed to make would not be reduced, and would even be increased.

Time flew by. After signing the trade cooperation agreement with Leslie, Roland completely secluded himself in his rented accommodation. Apart from attending an Apothecary Exchange hosted by Orson once, he never stepped out of his door.

While refining potions with all his might, he did not slacken his meditation even for a moment.

Finally, after half a month, after consuming the sixth Tier 4 Spirit Agility Potion, he successfully broke through to the standard of a Level 5 Mage.

"Nuwa, display my current attributes."

"Understood, Master."

[Strength]1.2

[Constitution]1.1

[Agility]1.3

[Spirit]2.343/8.012

[Mana]6.1/7.7

[Level]Level 5 Mage

Seeing that his Mental Power had successfully increased to 8 points, reaching the standard for a Level 5 Mage, a satisfied smile appeared on Roland's face.

Although he was still at the professional level of an Intermediate Mage, he could now cast Level 5 magic. Its power was more than thirty percent higher than Level 4, a significant increase in strength.

Furthermore, after breaking through to Level 5 Mage, Roland could now refine three potions per day, leaving only three points of Mental Power for daily meditation. His actual income had increased by one-third.

To celebrate today's breakthrough, Roland specifically instructed Old Nob to prepare a sumptuous banquet and opened a bottle of fruit wine. Although it was not as good as what he had tasted at Leslie's place before, it still made Roland very satisfied.

However, just then, the door suddenly knocked, and Jonathan's voice came from outside.

"Respected Apothecary Roland, Jonathan pays his respects."

Hearing this, Roland nodded gently to Old Nob.

Upon receiving Roland's signal, Old Nob immediately walked to the door, opened it, and let Jonathan in.

"It's taken this long to get some news?" Roland asked with some confusion, putting down his knife and fork after seeing Jonathan.

"I'm truly sorry, Apothecary Roland. Because Highland City is a major trade hub, many mercenary groups are constantly on missions. Furthermore, as per your request, I didn't dare to pick just anyone, which is why it took so much time," Jonathan said apologetically.

"Being cautious is good, but did you get any results today?" Roland didn't blame Jonathan and continued to ask.

"Yes, yes! These three mercenary groups above are excellent in both strength and reputation. You can take a look." After speaking, Jonathan quickly took out some parchment from his embrace and respectfully handed it to Roland.

Roland's interest was piqued, and he immediately took it, then began to examine the contents recorded on it.

Although Leslie had previously prepared an elite squad composed of Intermediate Warriors for him, Roland would never entrust his life entirely to others. Moreover, in his understanding, a small squad of Intermediate Warriors was far too few.

Therefore, half a month ago, he had commissioned Jonathan to help him find a mercenary group with an excellent reputation and credibility, intending to hire them to protect Roland as he established his territory.

It was just that Roland hadn't expected it to take so long for Jonathan to find suitable candidates.

The parchment was a bit rough, made from papyrus. It was undoubtedly much cheaper than expensive parchment, but it was deeply loved by the common folk.

According to the records on the parchment, Jonathan had found three suitable mercenary groups for Roland.

The Loyal Lion Mercenary Group, led by Commander O'Neal Grey, a Level 7 Advanced Warrior. The group consisted of about a hundred people, well-equipped, and most importantly, had an impeccable reputation. Once, during a escort mission, they encountered a powerful band of robbers. To ensure the employer's safety, the entire mercenary group suffered 30% casualties but did not abandon their client, truly a beacon of integrity in the mercenary world.

The hiring price was approximately 1000 gold coins per month.

The Cold Iron Mercenary Group, led by Commander Jackson Duran, an 8th Level Advanced Warrior. The group had about a hundred and twenty members, their operational style was relatively conservative, and they placed great importance on their promises.

The hiring price was approximately 900 gold coins per month.

The River Valley Mercenary Group, led by Commander Bertus Cariso, also an 8th Level Advanced Warrior. The group had about a hundred and forty members, their strength was considerably greater than the previous two mercenary groups, and they had completed more missions than the average. Their reputation was also good.

The hiring price was approximately 1000 gold coins per month.

Seeing the prices of the three mercenary groups, Roland couldn't help but gasp.

He knew that hiring a mercenary group of a hundred people would be expensive, but he hadn't expected it to be this costly.

However, Roland thought about it again. The average monthly salary in Highland City was two gold coins. As mercenaries who risked their lives, a five-fold increase in income didn't seem like much. Moreover, the mercenary groups included many Professionals, so this hiring price seemed reasonable.

With that realization, Roland no longer dwelled on it and asked Jonathan, "I see the Loyal Lion Mercenary Group is the weakest among the three, yet their hiring price is the same as the strongest, the River Valley Mercenary Group?"

"Ever since that mission was completed, the Loyal Lion Mercenary Group has been highly favored by various merchant guilds in Highland City. Whenever conditions allowed, merchant guilds would prioritize hiring the Loyal Lion Mercenary Group, which is why their price is so high," Jonathan explained.

"I see, so they are quite sought after."

"Yes, I've been waiting for them to finish their last mission before reporting to you."

Roland's eyes lit up with interest, and he continued to ask Jonathan, "Excellent. Could you arrange a meeting with the commander of the Loyal Lion Mercenary Group for me tomorrow?"

Roland had always prioritized his own safety in any plan, even when hiring a mercenary group. He would rather hire a mercenary group with lower strength but excellent reputation than one with great strength but poor credibility.

This was because, in a lawless place like the Sea of Ten Thousand Islands, reputation was the greatest guarantee of a mercenary group's conduct. Roland did not want to die at the hands of the mercenaries he hired.

Therefore, although the strength of the Loyal Lion Mercenary Group did not seem to match their hiring price, their reputation greatly increased Roland's favor towards them.

"Of course, it would be my honor."

"Good, this is your reward." Roland said, taking out five gold coins from his embrace and handing them to Jonathan.

Faced with such a generous reward, Jonathan's face lit up with joy, and he repeatedly expressed his thanks.