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Chapter 1056 - Fame and Fortune pt 3
🕑 Added 2022-10-09 22:58:41 +0000 UTCWe will be one
Within, Within
Surrender the self
To him, to him
The darkest night
Will end, will end
The cage of our flesh
Will break, will break
But we will live
Forever and ever.
In him
Prayer and refrain from the “Lamentations: Spirit of the Great One”, written by Priest Beyn.
The mercenary city of Gliax was anything but efficient. Positioned on the southern shores of the golden mountain, it was a prosperous trading hub, a raucous tourist destination and the seat of power for the Guild in the fourth stratum.
Rillik stepped through the portal and into the gate district, momentarily disoriented. The handlers grabbed him by the shoulders and pulled him out of the way as the next group came through behind him. He stumbled a little, caught himself, and then walked down the ramp and into the plaza, Drake, Elly and Lacos following along behind him.
It didn’t take long for the four of them to find their way to the Guild registry where they confirmed their applications, found their way to the dock and boarded the vessel after paying their fees.
The ship was a hive of activity. Various crews getting their gear stowed away, catching up with old friends, alongside the usual brainless flexing that went on whenever more than one merc could be found in the same place.
Lacos, Elly and Drake were wide eyed, looking at the hubbub and soaking in the atmosphere.
“You look like tourists,” Rillik said over his shoulder. “Just because it’s your first time on a big expedition, that doesn’t mean you need to announce it to the world. At least try to act like you belong here.”
All three winced, chastened at his words before they straightened, attempting to affect an air of nonchalance. It was so patently transparent that he couldn’t help but bar out a laugh, drawing more eyes to their group.
It didn’t take long for them to find their bunks and pack away their belongings. While he had them together, Rillik got them together to impart some advice.
“This is the first time you’ve been on a big expedition, and I think this is going to be even bigger than we expected. The Path must have posted this job in quite a few cities, mercs are pouring into Gliax from all over the place and I hear a second ship is scheduled to leave not even an hour after this one.”
The three younger mercenaries nodded, trying to contain their excitement and he smiled. Their attitude was infectious, but he’d been here too many times to get swept up in the mood.
“Don’t let it get to your head. There’s going to be powerful, experienced mercs out there boasting, daring each other, making bets and generally acting like pirates. Don’t be fooled. When the time comes, they’ll forget all of that nonsense and get down to business. Mercs who aren’t careful don’t live long.”
He eyed each of his crew in turn. Drake was listening, but looked impatient, as if he’d heard this a hundred times before, which he had, to be fair. Elly was nodding, hanging on his every word as she always did, while Lacos’ scaled face was as unreadable as always.
Rillik reached out and poked the young man in the chest.
“Don’t forget why we came here. Kill monsters, square away a tidy profit, and get out. More mercs on the job is good for us, we can operate on the fringes and avoid attention. I won’t accept anyone risking the crew because they could be patient.”
Drake rubbed at the spot he’d been poked and scowled.
“I know, I know. I’m excited, all right? Give me a break.”
Rillik grunted.
“Last thing before I let you go. It’s a guarantee that some big shot is going to try and recruit crews and lone morons into an attempt to kill the mythic. When they approach you, look them in the eye and very politely tell them to jump overboard. I don’t care if they promise you world-diamond underpants as a down payment, it’s not happening. As long as I’m in charge of this crew, we aren’t signing up to suicide missions. Clear?”
“Crystal,” they chorused.
“Get the hell out of here,” he told them. “Go and get drunk.”
“What about you, Rillik?” Lacos asked as the other two scrambled out the door, ready to get a taste of adventure. “You aren’t coming?”
The older mercenary waved him off as he kicked off his boots and pulled on his jacket.
“Hell no. I’m too old for that rubbish. You go and enjoy yourself, I’m going to grab a nap.”
Lacos looked at him oddly.
“Rillik, you aren’t even forty.”
“May as well be a hundred and ten in the merc world. Keep an eye on the others Lacos. I’d like all of you to reach my age at least.”
The enchanted ship sped through the ocean at a ridiculous pace. With so many mercs paying, the Guild had sprung for a decent transport and they made excellent time.
After a day, they could see the branches of the Mother Tree scraping the horizon. After two, the colossal monster dominated their view.
More than a few mercenaries stared at the offending plant with naked greed in their eyes. A few made a half-hearted attempt to recruit others for a run at the tree, but there were no takers. If the Legion could chop the thing down and still didn’t die, there was no way in hell a ship full of mercs stood a chance. Instead, they turned their eyes to the purpose of their mission.
Staying as far from the tree as possible, the ship glided through the water, maintaining a healthy distance from the target. At this distance, the mountain looked inoffensive, certainly not as if a mythic monster lay sleeping within.
As predicted, the earlier joviality was gone, crews gathered around their leaders who exuded the easy confidence that came with high levels and experience.
Rillik pulled his crude sensing array from his pack and slapped it a few times until it blinked into life.
He blinked. Drake whistled. Elly goggled.
The entire mountain was alive with monsters.
Comments
Gopard
Thanks for the chapter! I get the feeling all stupid mercs will just die and those knowing whats good for them will probably end up working for the colony against the demon army? After all "Money rules all" for mercenaries exept reputation and killing an ancients direct servants... well there's not gonna be anymore reputation then that until the ancients rise would be my guess.
MrrC
True but Titus didnt take part in a large part of the battle due to his daughter surrendering. If the Merc's have a Titus type character - it will be a very very difficult battle. Also remember the "Blade" and the "Folk" warrior. Nothing the ants have can stand 1 on 1 with the elites.....and we were specifically told that the Golgari city was merely a small outpost without the core warriors, same with Lizard cities in the 3rd - no real elites there either. The Colony has not had to face the real full mobilization of a civilisation in war or the elite warriors....even the legion only sent a small force because they thought it was regular ants. Looking forward to the Colony at a min of tier 6 on average vs a real mobilisation (note: I don't think the demons count as they're frenzied so not waging war strategically right now)
Merf
We already saw that with the golgori prisoners. They were given lavish housing and comfortable living arrangements because the colony doesn’t understand the concept of taking prisoners, or having guests, so they just treat them both the same.
Frank Moore
The Ants saved the Tree I'm not sure the Tree will just sit by and not assist.
Brandon14754
And that was when they were mostly tier 4s with a small amount of tier 5s, now their tier 5s with a few tier 6s.
Rahsheem Reid
Tbh with how disjointed the mercs are I wouldn’t be surprised is they got all end up getting captured by said ants and we go into a delve on how the colony handle p.o.w.
Bob Fight
The repelled a force from the legion from my understanding every one else is practically nobody’s in comparison this should be entertaining
Storm
Man I so need to drop this for a week or 2 these cliffs are killers. Wish me luck, I’ll probs be back in an hour hitting refresh
due
Someone have to give the merc’s a list of all the asses the colony has kicked. 🤷🏽♂️ It seems to have worked for the Tree. Just have one of the ant 🐜 riders with a scroll.
Brandon14754
They're having trouble with clearing out the deeper areas and that was before most got pulled to the third, but probably till a few km down below the base of the mountain is entirely remade by the colony
Brandon14754
maybe to unlock the diety evolution you need the vesitble and a significant amount of followers outside your original race to prove a religion can be formed around you that can spread beyond just 1 species.
Azgaroth
Thank for the chapter. Now the merc need only to witness his "birth", and then Anthony will be in collision course against the Tier 8 demon, for no one touch the familly
Titaniumtac
Time to wake up the gravity ant
Richard Doss
Please leave your valuables and lives at the door, no refunds.
stubs
welcome to murder mountain ... we hope you enjoy your demise!
Rahsheem Reid
Great way too put it lmao imagine poking THAT any hill and thousands of truck sized ants come flooding out
Darune Albane
If i am remembering right .. the ants made the entire mountain into a hive/nest
Victor Desantiago
They may not realize it but to fight the colony at this place and time is to fight with the mother tree. The colony just when all out for the mother tree
Amelgar
they brought a flying ship with them after all :D
BlissForgotten
Heh. Wait until they learn that's not a "mountain" or any kind of natural landscape. That's. Pure. Organized. Defensive. Hatred. In the shape of a fortress. The colony is watching a newr religious figure, and these kids are about to poke the anthill.
Rahsheem Reid
Colony about too send them a good ol thank you come again 😭
Frank Moore
Thank you! Get rest. I hope you and the fam are well. Cant wait for this show.
Amelgar
lol... thinking back on it. has Beyn influenced the evolution choices Anthony has made? as seeing where they are headed...
