Jeremus

By the time Allen and his party returned to camp, it was very late indeed. The heavens had truly done him a favor that day: not only had it stayed dry, but the moon had emerged from the clouds, allowing everyone to make their way slowly back by its light.

As soon as they arrived, Allen told everyone to rest, then asked Jeremus to prepare food. Ymira and Deshavi, despite having worked hard all day, immediately objected and offered to do it themselves.

There were simply too many people returning with them. Including the warriors already at camp, they now numbered more than a hundred and fifty.

In the end, Doris brought several village women to help Ymira. Using the deer Deshavi had half-roasted at noon, along with potatoes and cabbage, they cooked several large pots of thick soup.

They also found a way to warm up the large baskets of bread purchased in Sargoth, managing to provide everyone with a hot meal in a short time.

Allen took the opportunity during dinner to summon all his original companions to the command tent. Deshavi was on watch, however, and did not attend.

Allen's camp was actually quite impressive, covering several hundred square meters. Heaven knew how many glittering denars his predecessor had spent building it.

From outside, it appeared to be enclosed by a wooden fence a little over a meter high. Inside, earth had been piled up to nearly a meter, giving the defenders an elevated position from which to shoot approaching enemies more easily with bows and crossbows.

Wooden watchtowers stood at the southeastern and northwestern corners, offering unobstructed views of the surrounding area. The night sentries usually stayed in those two places.

The gate stood on the southern side-naturally, the camp faced south. At its very center was a small wooden hut for storing supplies and spare armor, with several wooden carts parked around it.

A row of stables occupied the western side, housing all the company's horses. Some hay was stored beside them for feed. Of course, grass alone would not do, as the horses would lose weight, so some bean feed was also kept in the hut.

On the eastern side stood two large, cone-roofed tents, where the cavalry, the archers, Firentis, and all the other men slept.

At the center of the northern side stood the camp's largest tent, the so-called command tent, reserved for meetings to discuss their next move. Allen's small sleeping tent was just east of it, while the women's sleeping quarters and the cooking area lay to the west.

Almost everyone had gathered inside with soup in one hand and bread in the other. The tent was packed, some sitting and others standing, and the sounds of chewing and slurping filled the space.

Seated at the center of the table, Allen took a small sip of piping-hot broth. He cleared his throat with a couple of coughs, surveyed the gradually quieting crowd, and began the speech he had prepared. "I'm glad that all the companions who went out to fight with me returned alive. I'm also grateful to those who worked hard guarding the camp while we were away. Thank you all for your efforts."

He paused, then continued, "I also want to thank you for making brave and right choices in a moment of crisis, and for offering me your swords when I called upon you. You have my gratitude."

He lowered his head for another sip of broth, put down his bowl, then waved a hand and smiled at the increasingly tense gathering. "There's no need to be so stiff. Honestly, I don't even like saying these awkward things. I just thought that if I was going to thank everyone, I ought to make it a little more formal. Now, I have a few pieces of news to share. I imagine you're all curious about where we are and what we're going to do. Don't worry. That's exactly what I'm going to talk about."

The faint sounds of sipping soup and chewing gradually returned, but they were quiet enough not to interfere with Allen's speech.

Looking at the now more relaxed gathering, Allen said:

"First, this isn't Calradia. This isn't our homeland, and there's no telling when we can return. All I can say is that we'll have to live here for the foreseeable future-perhaps forever."

A succession of quiet gasps rose inside the tent. Allen raised a hand, and they stopped. He paused again, waiting to see whether anyone wanted to ask a question.

Unfortunately, no one did. They all just watched him, so Allen could only continue. "The second piece of news is definitely good: we aren't alone. Our sudden appearance here wasn't an isolated event. I now have a new ability. At intervals, I can bring a group of people willing to follow me away from that war-torn continent to live here with us. They'll all come from our homeland, Calradia. I can also bring weapons, equipment, and supplies. But I need to clarify something: I wasn't responsible for our arrival here. I know that sounds strange, but it's the truth."

To prove his words, Allen waved a hand. A speck of white light flashed, and a sack of wheat appeared on the table. Strangely, no one seemed particularly astonished by this act of conjuring something out of thin air.

A Swadian knight raised his left hand, still holding his bread, and asked cautiously, "Boss, could you bring my mother and father here? I've saved a lot of money for them." He glanced around at his companions, who were watching him, then lowered his head and mumbled, "It's all right if you can't..."

Allen looked at the young man who had fought so bravely beside him that day. "My ability can't do that yet. But I swear on my honor that if it becomes possible, I'll bring your parents here."

As the young man nodded, Allen delivered his third piece of news. "The next thing is also fairly good news. This place isn't unfamiliar to me. I once read about it in a book. We're a very long way from Calradia, and the book also described the enemies we fought today in detail. They're called Orcs. The locals usually call them half-orcs. They serve forces of utter darkness and are humanity's eternal enemies. The book also included a simple map, and I remember part of it. The region we're in is called the Wilderland. It isn't safe here. While there isn't fighting every day as there is in Calradia, these filthy scum are everywhere. Of course, other intelligent, peace-loving peoples also live here. Besides humans like those we brought back today, there are dwarves, elves, and so on. They're different from us in some ways. I'm sure you'll have a chance to meet them in the future."

Allen paused once more and looked around, hoping someone would ask a question and give him something to work with. Everyone in the tent merely watched him in silence. Even Klethi and Artimenner showed no desire to ask anything.

With no other choice, Allen continued, "Today, we rescued a large number of fellow humans from the half-orcs. I'm certain that their so-called king won't forget this easily, so I have several more arrangements for you to prepare for."

Since no one had anything to say, Allen began issuing orders directly. "Firentis, tomorrow I need you to divide all the Swadian knights into two groups. Give one to Deshavi and lead the other yourself. One group will head south and the other north, scouting along the great river. Look for signs of large enemy gatherings on the opposite bank, or traces of wolf-rider scouts. If you find anything, don't engage. Come straight back and report. Can you do that?"

Firentis first nodded to confirm, then remembered something. "Seven horses were wounded in today's battle, and five were killed. The others are exhausted, too. We may need to use the horses previously assigned to the archers."

Allen waved a hand to indicate that was fine, then turned to Ymira. "Ymira, I need you to take good care of the women and children we rescued today. I'd also like you to collect and record their information. We're no longer just a mercenary company. My initial plan is to find a suitable place nearby and establish a village. I'll need your help with that. I already have a rough location in mind, but I need to check it tomorrow. If things move quickly enough, we'll relocate tomorrow morning."

Ymira nodded after hearing him out. "Our current food supplies would last half a month if we were only feeding our original group. But our numbers have suddenly more than tripled. Even if we send people hunting and fishing, we won't last very long. Food is going to be a major problem."

Allen assured Ymira that this would not be a problem. He would find a way to make up the shortfall.

The sack of wheat on the table was an example. When redeeming it, Allen had checked the prices: enough wheat to feed fifty people for a day cost only ten denars. The same quantity of bread cost thirty, salted fish forty-five, and fresh beef as much as a hundred. There were also cabbages, apples, dried meat, and other foods at various prices.

If Allen converted all his current resources into wheat, it would feed everyone for more than a month. By then, they might have found other ways to obtain food, so he was not worried about the issue at all.

Once they finished discussing food, Ymira raised another problem: there was not enough shelter. Although the camp had spare tents, they could not accommodate everyone.

Ymira suggested using the cartload of linen they had taken as loot from the sea raiders' hideout. They could make simple tents from the cloth and branches to provide temporary shelter for everyone. However, doing so would damage the linen, probably making it unfit for trade.

Allen said none of that mattered, as long as they could look after the newcomers for now.

"Then, my lord, if there's nothing else, I'll get started. They may have a great deal of work to do tonight." Once Allen agreed, Ymira rose and left the tent. Her work was complicated and time-consuming, and she might not even have enough time left to sleep that night.

"Artimenner, Klethi, Alayen-the three of you will leave with me at six tomorrow morning. We'll head north together. There's something I need to confirm there."

Once the three nodded, Allen turned to Bunduk. "Bunduk, I still need you to keep the camp safe. If-and I mean if-Firentis or Deshavi brings word of a possible enemy attack, organize the defenses immediately. Don't worry about whether everyone else has returned. Your job is to hold the camp. Understood?"

Bunduk said nothing in response to the order. He simply nodded to show he understood.

Watching Bunduk nod silently, Allen found it a little strange. In his recollection, Bunduk was not such a taciturn man. He had a touch of angry idealism, along with a little cynicism;

He had served as a veteran soldier among the Rhodoks for twenty years, even becoming a sergeant, only to fall victim to a new superior throwing his weight around. He had also beaten a noble while serving in the ranks. Allen vaguely remembered that he was supposed to have an illegitimate child, too. He should not have been acting like this.

Does being unable to return have no effect on him at all? Did my predecessor do something to him? Allen did not understand, but he knew he could not ask too many questions.

"If there are no other questions, get on with your work. Klethi, repeat what I've said to Deshavi later. If she has any questions, she can come to me. All right, everyone. If there's nothing else, we're done."

With that, Allen picked up his bread and dipped it in the warm broth, setting about eating his dinner. It was his only proper meal of the entire day.

To Allen, it honestly did not taste particularly good, but at least it was hot. He was also ravenous, and amid much slurping and gulping, he finished it in no time.

When Allen looked up after eating, he found that Jeremus was the only person left in the tent. Jeremus sat across the table. Seeing that Allen had finished, he got up and poured him a bowl of water, then sat beside him. Holding his own cup and sipping from it, he watched Allen and said casually, "Allen, something's not right about you."

Allen jolted and sprayed a mouthful of water all over the table. "What?"

"What did you say?"

Allen's mind churned like a storm-tossed sea. Countless tangled thoughts flashed through it in an instant. He had not been this panicked even when he woke up that morning.

A faintly smug smile appeared on Jeremus's face. "You don't understand what's wrong? It's natural that the others haven't noticed. You saved Ymira's life, and all her thoughts revolve around you. Of course, I know you don't feel that way about her. You live under her watchful eye every day, so whatever you become, she might consider it normal. As for Firentis, as long as you're upright, kind, and willing to help those who suffer, he never questions your orders. Deshavi and Bunduk acknowledge you as their lord. As long as you still honor that bond, how could they doubt you? Alayen admires you, and Klethi is just a carefree little girl. But I'm different."

As he spoke, a reminiscent look came over Jeremus's face.

"We've known each other a long time, Allen. We've spent more than two years together, day in and day out. I still clearly remember you rushing into my room with the injured Ymira on your back, shouting for me to treat her. After that, we began traveling together. Back then, you were very much like you are now: courteous to others and patient when speaking with them. You always said you were descended from nobility, and I never doubted it. You were simply a little too kind compared with the nobles I'd met."

Jeremus took a sip of water, considered for a moment, then continued. "Later, you changed. When was it? A little over a year ago, when more and more people joined the company? Your temper grew worse, your decisions became more autocratic, and you became increasingly quiet and unwilling to communicate. Of course, you were still upright and merciful, and the company prospered under your wise leadership. But the way you expressed yourself grew harsher and harsher. The last time you scolded Klethi, we all knew you meant well, but even so, your words were far too severe. Forget the distant past-the man you were yesterday could never have said what you said tonight. You probably would have simply issued orders, without explaining everything in such detail or entertaining anyone's questions. You wouldn't have allowed anyone to question your commands, either. So tell me, my friend: now that I suddenly see the man you were two years ago, don't you owe an old friend an explanation?"

After hearing Jeremus out, Allen sat stunned for a long time-so long that impatience began to show on Jeremus's face.

Looking at Jeremus, who was staring intently at him, Allen let out a heavy sigh and said helplessly, "Jeremus, my friend, I think I might... What I mean is, I seem to have lost my memory."

"Lost your memory! Soul-loss syndrome?" Jeremus exclaimed.

"Has something happened, my lord?" Alayen's voice came from outside the tent.

"Nothing's wrong. Jeremus and I are discussing something."

After calling back to Alayen, Allen turned to Jeremus and spoke quickly in a low voice. "Yes, yes. I don't remember any of the things you mentioned. I only remember your names and the general state of the company. Maybe I also... also remember a few unimportant jobs and things, but none of the specific details. How we met, how we gradually got to where we are now-I've forgotten almost all of that. I don't even remember the names of the guards at the gate. I don't know what happened. What else can I do? I can only trust my instincts and keep going, one step at a time."

As he spoke, Allen silently added, I'm sorry, Jeremus. I'm not trying to deceive you. I really don't remember those things. After all, we're two different people.

"Is it that serious?" Jeremus thought for a moment, then suddenly said, "Could those special abilities of yours have caused it? I told you before that using powers like that was bound to come at an extraordinary cost."

"Huh? What abilities?" Allen froze. I genuinely don't know anything about that.

"You don't even remember those?"

Jeremus took a deep breath. "All right. As your friend, it seems I need to fill in some gaps in your memory. Look at those warriors outside. They're good fighters, aren't they? In fact, most of them were young men farming in the countryside two years ago. How could they possibly have become stronger than nobles' private soldiers in just two years? It was all thanks to you. After every battle, you would select a few of the lads. Then, amid white light, they would grow stronger and gain more combat experience. The next day, you would bring out equipment suited to their abilities. Look at those men outside, and those horses. The money we earned as mercenaries could never have paid for them. Does any of that sound familiar now?"

Holy shit, was my old cheat really that powerful? I don't want this simulator anymore. Give me back my old cheat!

Allen furiously cursed the simulator in his mind, but his expression barely changed. He nodded and said, "I still have that ability." It just isn't as useful anymore, he added silently.

"Allen, I suggest you use those abilities as little as possible from now on. They're dangerous. Never mind." Jeremus shook his head and continued, "I know I can't persuade you. But I hope that if anything else happens, especially with your health, you'll tell me without waiting to be asked. I'm a doctor, and more importantly, I'm your friend!"

Facing Jeremus's concerned expression, Allen felt a little moved. He could not help nodding to show he understood.

Jeremus sighed and continued, "Get to bed early. More rest will do your health good. I'll think about possible treatments for soul-loss syndrome. Oh, and I'll keep this secret for you. This isn't the right time for the others to know. Besides, I believe they'll prefer the way you are now. I won't keep you any longer, then. Good night."

With that, Jeremus headed toward the tent entrance. Watching his back, Allen quietly exhaled and wiped the sweat from his forehead.

Suddenly, Jeremus seemed to remember something and came back. With a slightly odd expression, he said, "Oh, right. I suppose I should introduce myself again, my newly acquainted friend. I'm a cleric, and more importantly, a doctor. You can ignore the first profession. What I wanted to say was... those half-orc corpses, or whatever they're called. Bring me a few if you have the chance. I'd like to do some research. You understand."

"Huh? Oh, all right. Understood."

Allen nodded to show he understood. Only after hearing Allen agree to his request did Jeremus leave the tent, satisfied.

I finally managed to bluff my way through. Allen kept wiping the sweat beading on his forehead, inwardly relieved. Then a bold thought surfaced: What if I really have lost my memory? What if I really did transmigrate to Calradia?!