The Regressed Mercenary’s Machinations Novel - Chapter 787

Chapter 787
“What exactly are you implying?”
Following Ghislain’s inquiry, Arterion gave a steady, level-headed answer.
“Precisely what I stated. It suggests that the Saintess is in grave peril.”
“Would you mind elaborating on that?”
“Word reached me that she has undergone an awakening and can now command the energy of the Sacred Stone.”
“And who provided this information?”
“Grondal.”
“……”
“Furthermore, I received reports regarding your own activities from Iralniel.”
“You possess a broader circle of acquaintances than I anticipated. Your intelligence network is quite formidable as well.”
Upon hearing this, Arterion chuckled, appearing genuinely entertained.
“I am privy to much of the world’s occurrences. Maintaining such awareness is, after all, a responsibility of dragonkind.”
“So, you manage to monitor everything from the confines of your sanctuary?”
“Indeed. Whenever movements stir within the Demonic Realm, news eventually trickles down to me. That is how I became aware of your group’s existence. Firstly, allow me to express my genuine respect for your recent feats.”
“……I didn’t travel here to collect compliments.”
“Perhaps not, yet they are well-deserved. You have earned such recognition. The emergence of a legitimate Saintess—one capable of channeling the Sacred Stone—carries profound significance for us dragons.”
“……”
“We of the dragon race have also spent a great deal of time waiting for an individual who could master the Sacred Stone.”
Ghislain processed Arterion’s statement with focused gravity.
“Does that mean… you are aware of the true purpose behind the Sacred Stone?”
“It is infused with the essence of the goddesses. Its intended use is obviously to combat the forces of the Demonic Realm.”
Ghislain’s gaze sharpened.
Arterion spoke of the Sacred Stone as if it were nothing more than a functional implement for war.
For a being who claimed to be eagerly awaiting the Saintess, such a response felt remarkably superficial. After all, the struggle against the Demonic Realm had persisted for ages without her presence.
Picking up on Ghislain’s doubt, Arterion shook his head slowly.
“What I am trying to convey is our expectation that the Saintess will serve as a monumental catalyst in the war. It is possible she could even eradicate the influence of the Demon God entirely.”
“…That makes sense.”
That point, at least, carried weight. Deneb’s celestial energy possessed the specific property of incinerating the corruption associated with the Salvation Order.
If Arterion was aware of Deneb’s capabilities, such optimism was logical.
Nevertheless, Ghislain wasn’t ready to trust Arterion’s words without reservation. There were too many enigmas hidden in history to remain unguarded.
Fixing him with an intense, searching look, Arterion went on.
“Your purpose for coming here is to request the Sacred Stone, is it not?”
“It is. It belongs with Deneb.”
“Quite right. A relic of such power should always return to its rightful bearer.”
“In that case, will you provide it to us now?”
“I have no desire to withhold it. In truth, I have been anticipating the arrival of someone worthy. However, if I were to deliver it this instant, the Saintess would be placed in immediate danger. For that reason, I cannot hand it over just yet.”
Ghislain followed the logic of Arterion’s hesitation.
“Is this because of the Pope?”
“Yes. He is driven by insatiable avarice. He will stop at nothing to eliminate the Saintess and claim the Sacred Stone for himself.”
Ghislain had already deduced this. The Pope had made his obsession with the Sacred Stone very apparent.
But Ghislain had zero intention of surrendering it. That stone was Deneb’s by right.
It seemed Arterion also had no wish to see the Saintess perish. That much had been established throughout their dialogue.
Since the dragons had also been waiting for her, Ghislain decided to push for a clearer answer.
“What if we attempted a quiet handover? If we surrendered the Sacred Stone and retreated without a fight.”
“He would execute the Saintess regardless. You surely realized that already.”
Ghislain let out a dry, short laugh. It was true—it was an unavoidable reality.
The Pope could never permit a Saintess who could control the Sacred Stone to remain alive. Her very existence challenged his ultimate authority.
Ghislain took a long, heavy breath.
“Yes, I had already come to that conclusion.”
“What was your intended course of action?”
“If the Pope attempted to seize it through violence… my plan was to fight back.”
“…Beg pardon?”
Arterion looked stunned for a moment before laughing out loud.
“Hahaha! You certainly don’t lack nerve. However, regardless of your personal strength, you cannot hope to prevail against the combined might of the Empire and the various kingdoms.”
“……”
“And you must consider that the Salvation Order will be hunting you as well.”
“……”
“Essentially, you would be making enemies of the entire world. Do you truly believe you can manage such a burden?”
Ghislain crossed his arms, his forehead creasing in thought.
Even with the power of the Julien Mercenary Corps, a direct confrontation with the whole continent was a fantasy. Even if he possessed his former body, the odds would be impossible.
But that assumed a head-on war. Ghislain intended to use more strategic means, though he felt no need to detail his tactics to Arterion.
While he didn’t fully trust the Dragon Lord, it was evident the ancient being viewed them with some favor, primarily due to the Saintess.
Ghislain then posed a question.
“If Your Lordship were to deal with the Pope personally, our path would be significantly cleared. What are your thoughts on that?”
“My… you become increasingly more provocative the longer we speak.”
“The dragon race wouldn’t want to see the Saintess meet her end either, would they?”
“That is accurate. However, striking down the Pope is a feat I cannot perform.”
“And why is that?”
“It concerns a sacred oath our kind has sworn.”
“…An oath?”
“Indeed. Should the Demonic Realm become active, no dragon is permitted to harm the Pope. We can choose to withhold our assistance, but we are forbidden from direct interference. To do otherwise would invite civil strife within our ranks and compromise our ability to fight the greater enemy.”
“……”
“The agents of the Demonic Realm have begun their move. Consequently, we dragons are bound to honor that pact.”
A pact was the only thing capable of binding a dragon, as it was woven into the very fabric of their souls.
“Tch.”
Ghislain clicked his tongue in frustration.
The Pope was the most influential individual on the continent. If even the dragons were restrained from acting against him, he was effectively untouchable in the current political climate.
Ultimately, the task of safeguarding Deneb would fall solely on the Julien Mercenary Corps.
Arterion smiled once more and continued.
“Do you now see why I cannot give you the Sacred Stone at this moment? Once I relinquish it, my ability to intervene ceases entirely.”
“Then what was your original plan?”
“I intended to observe and determine if you were genuinely capable of protecting the Saintess. Physical power is necessary, yes—but of greater importance is whether you serve her with true devotion. If you allow greed to take root, the entire mission fails.”
Ghislain gave a faint, knowing smirk. There wasn’t a person alive who valued Deneb more than Julien did.
If anyone tried to exploit her, Julien would gladly sacrifice his life to prevent it.
If Arterion had investigated the Julien Mercenary Corps at all, he would be aware of this. The bond between Julien and Deneb, and their awakening, was already legendary among the dwarves.
Still, Arterion clearly wanted to verify this personally.
“And if we had proven to be unworthy?”
“Then I would have eliminated you and taken the Saintess under my own protection. At least until a more viable solution presented itself. By telling the Pope I was still considering his request for the Sacred Stone, I could have bought some time.”
“……”
It was a cold, pragmatic approach, but Ghislain understood the reasoning.
If Arterion kept both the stone and the Saintess, the Pope would be forced to wait, as his desire for the complete set of stones outweighed his immediate bloodlust.
Naturally, Deneb and the others nearby looked a bit shaken by that revelation.
Ghislain leaned back, mirroring Arterion’s posture.
“And what is the verdict? Do we seem worthy now?”
“It is difficult to say for certain. My judgment is still pending. You appear capable enough, but whether you can actually navigate this crisis remains a question.”
“We have the support of the dwarves and the elves.”
“I am aware. Iralniel and Grondal spoke of you with such enthusiasm they nearly lost their voices. That is the source of my indecision. If you have secured the genuine loyalty of those two races, that carries weight.”
“With the backing of the elves and dwarves, even the Pope cannot easily move to crush us. We intend to use that leverage to negotiate with him.”
“Negotiate?”
“Yes. Ultimately, the Saintess is required to defeat the Demonic Realm. If you, Lord Arterion, stand behind us, even the Pope will be forced to make compromises.”
“Compromises, you say…”
“The Pope’s stated goal is using the Sacred Stone to halt the Demonic Realm. If we fall into infighting over the relic itself, we lose sight of the objective entirely.”
“Hmm…”
Arterion looked skeptical. He didn’t seem convinced that the Pope was the type to compromise easily.
However, he also couldn’t advocate for humanity to split into warring factions. His priority was maintaining a united front against the demonic threat.
That was the very reason his ancestors had entered into covenants with past Popes.
Of course, Ghislain wasn’t naive enough to think peace was guaranteed.
‘I will try to reason with the Pope…’
But if diplomacy failed, he was fully prepared for more drastic measures. Regardless, the Sacred Stone belonged to Deneb.
Understanding Arterion’s perspective, Ghislain kept his tone cooperative, but he knew he needed a stronger hook.
“If we can increase our strength beyond our current limits, our bargaining position becomes much stronger, doesn’t it?”
“Increase your strength?”
“We require your assistance for that.”
“What sort of assistance are you suggesting?”
Ghislain allowed a small, cunning grin to form.
“We intend to undergo intensive training within the Frozen Wastes for a period. Can we count on your help?”
“…You are asking for my personal involvement in your training?”
“I am asking you to share your wisdom, Lord. And to provide the necessary materials we will need for such an endeavor.”
“Oh…”
A spark of genuine curiosity appeared in Arterion’s eyes.
He had never had a human boldly ask a dragon to act as a mentor.
In all his centuries, this was a first—but the sheer confidence of the request was… refreshing.
Historically, dragons had indeed shared knowledge with mankind; magic itself was a gift from them.
So, the idea of Arterion aiding the Julien Mercenary Corps wasn’t entirely outside the realm of possibility.
Ghislain pressed his advantage.
“With your guidance, our power will grow immensely. Additionally—I would ask that you provide us with spellbooks for the 8th and 9th circles.”
Tomics of the 8th circle were incredibly rare, even for someone with Ghislain’s background. As for the 9th circle, they were practically myths.
Even though Astion had reached a comparable level of mental clarity, his magical progress had hit a wall because he lacked the complex formulas for higher spells.
Since he was standing before a dragon, Ghislain was determined to gain every possible advantage—including lost magic.
Arterion laughed heartily at the audacity.
“Are you completely devoid of fear? Or simply out of your mind?”
“I’ve been asked that before. I am neither.”
“Then how do you define yourself?”
“I am someone who does what is required.”
To ensure Deneb’s safety, he needed more power. Only then could the Julien Mercenary Corps fulfill their destiny.
Ghislain remained fixed on that objective. Others might find his methods strange, but his focus never wavered.
Arterion looked at him intently for a moment before shifting his attention to Deneb.
“What is your perspective on this?”
“Pardon me?”
“Your status as the Saintess is confirmed. This means my kind is obligated to protect you. Yet, because of our pact with the Pope, we cannot act overtly. Are you prepared to link your fate with these individuals until the very end?”
Deneb met his gaze with unwavering resolve and a firm nod.
“Yes. I intend to save this world alongside my companions.”
A gentle, divine aura began to radiate from her.
It wasn’t a conscious display of power, but a physical manifestation of her inner certainty.
Arterion’s eyes glowed with interest.
“Hmm… The Sacred Stone truly does resonate with you.”
He seemed genuinely satisfied.
It made sense—the arrival of a true wielder of the Sacred Stone was an event dragons had looked forward to for generations.
Because of this, he had no desire to alienate Deneb.
“Very well. Since this is the Saintess’s desire, I will place my trust in you and provide my aid.”
Relieved smiles broke out among the group. They had not only secured the Sacred Stone more smoothly than expected, but they had also gained the patronage of a dragon.
Now, only the Pope remained as a significant hurdle.
However, the group had faith that Ghislain would find a way to handle him.
Arterion looked back at Ghislain with a knowing smirk.
“Providing magic texts is a simple matter. Assisting with your training is also easy. But first, I will instruct you in my own fashion. As you mentioned—if you are to be the Saintess’s shield, you must become far more powerful.”
“That is exactly what I was hoping for. Though, I ask that you exclude a few of us from the harshest parts.”
“And who would those be?”
Ghislain pointed toward the standard mercenaries and the members of Marika’s unit who had recently joined.
“They aren’t quite ready for a dragon’s training regimen. I will oversee their development personally for now.”
“That is acceptable. My interest lies mainly with you and that boy, Julien.”
“If you say things like that while looking like that, people might get the wrong idea about your intentions.”
“Hah? Hahahahaha!”
Arterion let out a thunderous laugh, clearly enjoying the banter.
No one had ever spoken to him with such casual disregard for his status—and he found it delightful.
Ghislain had originally thought about sending the regular troops to a different location.
However, the Crips assassins were still lurking in the shadows. If the group split up, the lesser mercenaries would be easy targets.
He had to keep them close for their own safety.
He had thought about letting them join the training, but until he knew exactly what Arterion had in store, he didn’t want to throw them into the deep end blindly.
Arterion stood up from his seat.
“We are departing. Everyone, move back.”
Suddenly, a violent burst of brilliant light and staggering pressure radiated from him.
Buffeted by the sheer volume of mana, the Julien Mercenary Corps members were forced several steps back.
Paaaaaaah…
As the radiance dimmed, a gargantuan dragon draped in shimmering white scales stood in the center of the hall.
He was magnificent and intimidating, looking as though he were a living blizzard—his very breath seemed to turn the air to ice.
As the group stood frozen in awe, a booming voice echoed in their minds.
“Mount my back. I will transport us directly to the Frozen Wastes.”
Ghislain vaulted into the air and landed nimbly on Arterion’s massive frame.
Taking a seat near the dragon’s shoulder, he let out a low whistle.
“Wow. I never imagined I’d actually get to ride a dragon. This is incredible.”
Arterion gave a deep, rumbling chuckle.
“You truly are a unique creature.”
While Ghislain was enjoying the moment, the rest of the mercenaries were paralyzed with hesitation.
“D-did he really tell us to climb on a living dragon?”
“What if the wind blows us off in mid-air?!”
“I… I think I want to go home.”
A deep-seated, instinctual fear took hold of them. It seemed that traveling with Ghislain always resulted in the most absurd and terrifying scenarios.
But there was no turning back. One by one, they tentatively climbed onto the dragon’s back.
Once everyone was secured, Arterion tilted his massive head toward the sky.
KUOOOOOOOOOH!
A roar that seemed to shatter the clouds erupted from him as he unfurled his enormous wings.
The wind began to howl instantly, and Arterion’s massive form surged into the air.
“UwaaAAAH!”
The mercenaries screamed, clinging desperately to the thick scales.
The landscape below rapidly receded as they pierced through the cloud layer.
Soon, Arterion’s silver-white form was carving a path through the sky, soaring toward the frozen north.
They were headed for the Frozen Wastes—
The land of eternal frost, situated at the heart of the legendary gales.
Watching the spectacle from a distance, Darentz wiped cold perspiration from his forehead, his hand instinctively going to his neck.
“W-was that… an actual dragon?!”
From his vantage point, it appeared a dragon had personally come to collect the Julien Mercenary Corps.
He didn’t know the specifics of their meeting—but if they were being carried off by the Dragon Lord himself, the likelihood of them obtaining the Sacred Stone had just reached near certainty.
“C-Contact the Pope immediately…”
There was no way for them to continue their pursuit into the Frozen Wastes.
That territory belonged to the Dragon Lord.
Entering that land without an invitation wouldn’t be seen as a minor trespass—it would be viewed as an act of war.
And should that happen, the devastating fury of the dragons would be unleashed.
With shaking fingers, Darentz began to scribble a frantic report.
It was no longer possible for them to handle the Julien Mercenary Corps on their own.