Mercenary Harem in Murim Novel

Things are moving in earnest pretty fast. Small skirmishes happened between Mercenary Union members and the Alliance’s members, while Jack and Anya were busy eliminating spies and gathering information.

It was not easy, but Leo had the upper hand. He had more information than the enemy, and his plan was solid. He was playing the long game of chess instead of a short game of checkers.

Still, there weren’t that many who believed in him. Some Mercenary Union members didn’t like the fact they were attacked just by being affiliated to the Union and decided to return their badge, leaving the organization for good.

Some did stay because they knew something more than the people who left, an incident they either heard it from others or experienced it themselves. And they shared it with fellow Union members in the lobby. n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

"It’s useless. They become crazy! Listen to me, Murim Alliance guys, those calling themselves the Dragon Front, begin attacking anyone not affiliated to Sect or Clans. Wandering martial artists are now forced to belong to something if they don’t want to get attacked."

"What the actual fuck?"

"That’s bullshit. Are you kidding me? What’s wrong with them?! Some people don’t want to belong to the Sect or Clan because they want to be free! And now you’re telling me Murim Alliance is trying to attack anyone not affiliated to them?"

"Yeah. I heard it from someone who got ambushed yesterday. Thankfully, me and my Walking Sage group passed by and we helped them. That’s why I think we better belong to the Union instead of them. I mean, fuck Murim Alliance! Now I hate them."

"What in the world is going on? This doesn’t make sense. If they wanted to control everyone, they should’ve done it subtly, not like this. Attacking anyone not affiliated with them? That’s crazy!"

People sitting around the Union’s lobby shared stories and opinions. They were talking about the changes in the Alliance, how the people there acted.

Some said that it was a good thing, while others didn’t agree.

The fact they forced martial artists to belong to them didn’t sit well with the Mercenary Union. They were used to being free, and not having any obligation toward any organization.

And, this change didn’t happen overnight.

It was a slow, but gradual process.

A week had passed by since the war declaration. The situation worsened around the border between the Capital and Shaanxi. Some fights also happened near Sichuan, but the patrol border from Tang Clan managed to push them back before they could cause trouble.

The Mercenary Union had been working hard to keep the region calm around Chengdu and stable. They patrolled the streets and provided security and protection to the civilians.

But, the Alliance was not happy about that. And Leo enjoyed it.

"They really don’t know how to wage a war."

Sitting on the bar in Hallowed Insect’s base, Leo watched some footage sent to him from Mini-Coco spread around the whole province.

What the Murim Alliance did right now was no more than harassment, not an actual attack. Stay tuned for updates on empire

He knew that they were gathering forces and resources, but the Alliance had not moved yet. Instead, they sent their minions to annoy the Union and their collaborators.

And, of course, the Union did the same. On a slightly large scale.

"I am sure you’ve seen it. It’s time to act." He spoke to the Mini-Coco sitting on the table.

It was connected to the force moving toward the Capital in secret, commanded by Jack.

"Yes, Leader. Everything is ready."

The Mini-Coco replied, its voice clear and concise. The sniper maniac had arrived at his destination with the 80 people from the Outcast Village.

"But I still have a question. Is it necessary for Astrid to be here? That girl is still green and she can get killed in this attack, you know?"

"She will be fine. Sooner or later, she will have to join the battle. Whether she likes it or not, right now she’s the leader of the people from the Outcast Village. Besides, there is Anya around her. In case of an emergency, I believe she will survive."

"You’re as harsh as ever, Leader. To give a newbie a Guerilla War mission for her first big job... It reminded me of the past."

"Well, what can I say? Astrid has talent and potential. I can feel it. And she has a strong will to improve herself."

"Alright, I will take your word. We will begin our attack in 5 minutes. Target has been spotted, a storage food and supply facility owned by Murim Alliance."

"Good. Make sure to leave nothing. Destroy everything. We want to show them that we’re not someone they can mess with. We had been underestimated too much because I didn’t create any big scene. We can’t have that happen."

"Understood."

The communication ended.

Jack, in a prone position on the top of a cliff, used a zoom function of his smart lenses to scout the area. He had seen the target warehouse, but he had not found any enemy so far.

It was a bit weird.

Normally, there would be guards around the area, but he couldn’t spot any.

"This should be the place. Anya, did you find anyone?"

"Nope! I entered and only find food and supplies. There is only one guy sleeping inside. Weird, right?"

"Yeah, it’s weird. Maybe they’re confident or careless. Let’s just deal with it."

Jack shrugged and looked at the group.

They were standing behind him, all wearing black robes and carrying weapons. Their faces were well-hidden, and their equipment was prepared.

"Remember. Put the explosive we give you in the spots that we marked. There are only 5 spots, but you will move in pairs to avoid getting ambushed. As soon as you’re finished, we will blow up the place. Remember, no one should die. If you find any enemy, just retreat and wait for the signal. Understood?"

"Yes, sir!"

"Now go!"

Jack raised his fist, and the group nodded and split into two groups, one to the left and one to the right.

"You don’t think they are waiting for us, right?" Astrid asked, her expression serious. She stood beside Anya, wearing her usual white clothes and black jacket given to her by Jessica.

"Who knows. Hehehe, we might have to fight an army that’s been hiding to ambush us. We might also finish the mission without killing anyone. You shouldn’t be worried, Peng Peng!"

"It’s Astrid. Stop calling me that!"

"Alright, alright! I will stop. So, don’t be nervous, Astrid. Just keep doing your job, and you’ll be fine."

"Hmph, it’s not like I am nervous. But, thank you, Anya."

"No problem!"

Anya grinned and moved her clawed hands playfully. She giggled and followed her group, leaving Astrid with a few other members.

"Don’t worry. This will be easy. Just follow the instructions, and you’ll be fine."

"Ssh! We’re starting." Jack, who was lying next to them, interrupted. "Both of you will cover their retreat once we blow up the place. Get serious, Anya!"

"Yes, yes! Don’t be so stern, Jack. Hehehe."

"Ugh, you’re impossible."

Rolling his eyes, Jack put his gaze back to the warehouse. Through the zoom function, he was able to see the black people putting some explosives in the designated spots. They weren’t spotted by anyone... Not that there was anyone around.

The place was truly quiet.

"Hmm, this is really weird. Is the storage empty? Did we miss something? No, no, I doubt it. They wouldn’t do something that stupid. Unless... Hmm..."

Jack’s frown deepened, and he tried to look closer. Still, there was nothing. The group managed to plant the bomb and began to return to them. Even now, there was still no enemy sighting.

"It’s done. We put the explosives in the spots you told us to."

One of the guys said as they returned, and Jack nodded.

"Alright, return to your position. We will move to the next location now." He rose from the ground and pointed at a hill. "Let’s move."

Everyone nodded and followed his instruction. They marched under the shade of the tree canopy, moving carefully and quietly.

They didn’t want to attract attention, but it was a bit difficult. The sound of their footsteps and the movement of their bodies couldn’t be hidden.

Still, they managed to reach the hill without being noticed. There were two more buildings in the distance, their next target.

"There’s someone there."

Anya, who was leading the team, stopped and pointed at a man walking between the two buildings. He was carrying a sack on his shoulder and was humming a song. The man was oblivious to their presence.

"It’s just one. We can take him down easily. I don’t feel the Qi from him either." Astrid said, preparing to draw her sword.

However, before she could move, Jack stopped him.

"No. There is also a rule in war. We don’t touch any civilians. He is not a part of this. Just let him be."

"What?!"