Chapter 123 : The Rift Between Magicians and Mercenaries, Bona’s Jealousy
Chapter 123: The Rift Between Magicians and Mercenaries, Bona’s Jealousy
A faint shimmer of amazement flashed across the eyes of the War Wheel members.
But immediately after—
They were stunned by the newcomer’s attire.
“Robe, magic staff… a Magician?”
Harrison, who carried a battle-axe on his shoulder, muttered in a deep, muffled voice.
It was obvious.
She was a noble Magician lady.
Only her bearing—
Compared to the Magicians they had in mind, carried a subtle difference…
In the eyes of these rough, bottom-tier mercenaries—
Those Magician lords capable of manipulating elemental power—
Usually emanated two blended auras:
One was a sense of superiority born from power itself, an arrogance carved into the bones.
The other was a scholarly air belonging to those who had long buried themselves in knowledge, out of tune with the mundane world.
These two temperaments intertwined—
Making Magicians awe-inspiring, yet difficult to approach.
But the purple-haired female Magician before them showed none of that unpleasant arrogance.
She carried a sense of mystery, an unusual gentleness.
Even a faint trace of the indescribably sacred?
As though she did not rely solely on books and spells—
But was connected to some higher-level power!
“She is… very special…” the leader Jefferson thought silently.
Yet his vigilance did not lessen in the slightest.
In this barren wilderness—
Only a stone’s throw from Lemon Port, a place like a demon’s nest—
A Magician of such uncommon disposition suddenly appeared out of nowhere.
This alone was abnormal!
Shouldn't Magicians remain in safe cities, enjoying offerings, going in and out of clean, luxurious Magic Towers or hotels?
Those romantic stories about Magicians and mercenaries teaming up for adventures—
Were merely tricks by bards in taverns to fool children.
Jefferson stepped forward.
His right hand instinctively rested upon the hilt at his waist—
Though he tried his best to make the gesture seem less hostile: “May I ask who you are, Lady?”
The newcomer—
Was naturally Avril.
Approaching the members of War Wheel, her violet eyes brightened first.
But after sensing the overall energy fluctuations of the group, a faint trace of disappointment appeared.
With the keen perception of a third-tier Holy Light Magician—
Avril discovered that this squad’s strength—
Was even lower than her initial estimation through the telescope!
The leader was barely at the minimum standard of a second-tier Knight; the rest remained essentially at first tier.
Even if their tactics were refined and their experience extensive—
With such a configuration—
They were clearly not an ideal choice to accompany her into Lemon Port, that dragon’s-den-like danger zone.
Infiltrating alone would be extremely risky.
Avril had still held a sliver of hope that she could find temporary allies…
However—
Since they had asked her directly—
And out of politeness, since she was indeed the one who appeared abruptly—
Avril naturally responded.
She lightly inclined her head, her voice clear—
Carrying the distinct, precise tone trained by Magicians to chant spells accurately: “I am Avril Hernandez, a Magician from Oak Town.”
“I originally passed through this area, noticed the abnormalities in Lemon Port, and intended to investigate.”
“After seeing your tactics, I thought perhaps we might travel together…”
Avril paused.
Considering their pride, she added as tactfully as possible: “However, upon closer observation, I believe this trip is far too dangerous, and I fear it might bring harm to you.”
“It may be more flexible for me to act alone, so I will withdraw that thought.”
Her intention was simply not to burden mercenaries whose strength was insufficient.
After all, her main task was reconnaissance, not assault.
Yet—
These honest words—
Fell upon the ears of the War Wheel mercenaries, who had just survived a harsh battle, were tense, and carried strong pride—
And sounded rather condescending!
Especially words like “bring harm” and “withdraw”—
They pricked their sensitive hearts like needles.
The only woman in the squad, Bona, was the first to leap out.
She had already felt deeply inferior the moment Avril appeared—
Such beauty and presence were shocking.
Bona’s appearance was extremely ordinary.
Years of wind and sun had further roughened and darkened her skin.
As for her figure—there was simply no comparing it to the Magician lady before her, whose curves were full and whose skin was white as snow.
Thus this jealousy—
Under Avril’s tactful refusal—
Immediately ignited into sharp ridicule!
“Heh!” Bona folded her arms, her lips curling in a mocking arc.
“Such big words!”
“Never mind whether our War Wheel Mercenary Group would agree to follow some Magician of unknown origin to her death!”
“Just your condescending attitude alone is enough to make one burn with anger!”
“What~~? You think we crude mercenaries are unworthy of cooperating with a noble Magician lady like you?”
“Or do you think Lemon Port is your personal back garden that you can stroll into whenever you please?!”
Her words came like rapid-fire arrows, her tone growing harsher: “We fight with our lives on the line here, earning a little blood-money!”
“And you? A light remark like ‘afraid to bring harm to us’ settles everything?”
“Who knows if you’re planning something else! Maybe you want us to draw out the insects so you can pick up the scraps!”
Jefferson and the others did not immediately step in to stop Bona.
On one hand—
Although Bona’s words were harsh, they did reflect some of their true feelings.
Who would feel comfortable if a stranger suddenly approached—
Said a line like, “Oh, your strength is lacking; forget it”?
Even if that stranger was a rare beauty.
On the other hand—
They also needed to use this moment to test the mysterious Magician’s reaction.
Avril, who had always been treated with courtesy in Oak Town and even in Holy Light Town—
Had never been so openly mocked before.
She froze for a moment.
Her fair cheeks flushed slightly with anger.
From Avril’s perspective—
She had merely spoken the truth, without any intention of belittling them.
It was even out of goodwill, to keep them from stepping into dangers far beyond their capabilities.
But this female mercenary’s reaction was simply unreasonable!
“You—” Avril knitted her delicate brows, intending to rebut.
But when she saw the united, hostile gazes of the entire group—
The words reached her lips yet were swallowed back.
Communication would be pointless.
Originally Avril still wondered—
Whether she could obtain more firsthand combat experience regarding the black insects from this squad.
Or see if there remained a chance to cooperate in some small form—
Even if they did not enter the city, they could help weaken some of the outer insects, creating better conditions for her.
But now—
She could completely abandon that idea…
In an instant—
A wave of grievance and stubborn indignation surged in Avril’s chest.
Weren’t they fond of luring out the black insects and killing them for rewards?
Fine!
She would help them—
Help them complete their task “efficiently”!
With that thought—
Avril pushed down her irritation, resumed a calm expression—
And even answered Bona’s mockery with an unfathomable smile.
“Since you are not welcoming, I will not disturb you.”
“I wish you… a pleasant hunt.”
When she finished—
Avril turned elegantly, her violet robe swaying.
Her figure flickered a few times—
And disappeared into the brush to the side.
As though she had never appeared at all.