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"Hmm, it\'s less that they\'re a mercenary group at this point as opposed to them being a private army kept by Bergan." Lucius noted.

Gellor and everyone in the team exchanged looks, and Barty nearly stumbled off his horse.

"Yes, I think you could say that, Lord Asher." Gellor coughed and nodded. "You\'re quite accurate to say that, don\'t you agree, Finch?"

"Very much so. Although not many would like to say it as straightforwardly unless in private company." Finch added with a sheepish smile.

It was something that not many mercenaries wanted to comment out in the open, in fear of any negative reaction if they were to be heard by any Bergan\'s Band mercenary.

Lucius however, didn\'t have any issues with it as they were still on their way to Cutlass city. He used his telescope artifact again and checked the area of the Bergan\'s Band in the city and took note of how it differed from other sections of the city.

"It\'s also fair to say that their control is firm over Cutlass city." Lucius said.

"I think the Earl of Aisse really does not wish to interfere on this matter, Asher." Kiana commented. "As you said, they\'re basically an army at this point. Even a noble\'s private soldiers wouldn\'t be enough if they were to raise an issue."

"It\'s far more likely that the Earl placates the Bergan\'s Band." Lucius added.

He knew that there were Black Rose Knights that were sent to check in with the Earl demanding for answers, but he doubted that there\'d be much success on their part if the Bergan\'s Band control extended even beyond Cutlass city.

It didn\'t take too long for them to reach the gates of Cutlass city at last. The moment that they arrive, they were made to declare their identities at once and their purpose for visiting.

"This is my mercenary group and we came all the way here for a Rune Crystal gathering mission." Gellor replied to the guards stationed at the gates.

\'One can only wonder if this is from the Earl of Aisse, or even if they are, no doubt that the Bergan\'s Band ensures that all information is delivered to them.\' Lucius thought as Gellor dealt with their access to the city.

"We have our official commission slip here." Gellor said and showed the document that Lucius prepared beforehand. "We\'re not planning to take any more missions, but we\'d like to have a place for tonight. That\'s all."

Once the guards at the entrance of Cutlass city were satisfied, Lucius and everyone were granted access into the city.

"It\'s been a while since we\'ve been here and it feels like they\'re getting stricter and stricter for some reason. Doesn\'t really feel welcoming does it, Barty?" Albus sighed as they took their horses to a stable.

"There\'s not much we can do." Barty said. "I wonder if Harold\'s and Carnus\'s teams encountered the same checking as we did."

"Highly unlikely, they\'ve worked around in the area, so they\'re most likely well known already." Gellor said as they all gathered outside of the stable for Lord Asher\'s next orders.

"Do we stay with you for the entire duration of the night, Lucius?" Finch approached Lord Asher. "We\'re still familiar with the locations here, so we can help show you around the place."

"It won\'t actually be that much of a big issue to go together as a group since we\'re all mercenaries too. Although there\'re moments where we all split up to attend to one another\'s private affairs and business." Barty added helpfully.

"For now, it\'s best to stay together, as it\'ll be easier for me to navigate. We\'ll be collecting information about Bergan\'s Band, and the reception might be difficult depending on how much influence they have." Lucius gave them the orders and Gellor\'s team quickly complied.

They soon made their way around the city, showing various spots and locations to Lord Asher in case if it was of any help to him.

Along the way, they\'d make conversation with the local people of the city, and to Lucius\'s mild surprise, they were quite open in regard to Bergan\'s Band.

\'Hmmm… it\'s likely that they benefit from the presence of Bergan\'s Band power in the city. Instead of fearing them, they\'re actually treated more akin to local heroes to some degree, a sense of pride knowing that the city they live in is host to a group of powerful people.\' Lucius thought as he interacted.

"Oh! So you\'re a mercenary group as well?" one of the men they interviewed looked at Gellor and everyone. "Why, the lot of you actually seem pretty good. Are you guys here to apply for Bergan\'s Band? It\'s a good time as any other."

"And why is that?" Lucius asked.

"Bergan\'s Band has been recruiting strong candidates and filling up their ranks. We see a lot of mercenary groups visit Bergan Hall and then join up if they pass the requirements." The man replied.

"It\'s not like everyone gets in, those poor disappointed souls." A woman chimed in. "Don\'t get discouraged if you don\'t pass. It takes great gifts to be part of Bergan\'s Band."

"Not everyone is Epic rank, of course. Those are quite rare gifts… so if you have the experience, there\'s still a chance that you\'ll get in. Maybe someone can recommend you guys if you already know someone inside."

"And why are they recruiting these many people. They\'re already quite huge, more people means that they\'ll have to share their resources more." Kiana commented. "It doesn\'t really make sense to add more since they\'re already quite strong at their current state."

"Not just strong, Miss. They\'re unbeatable… but yeah, I think they\'re planning to do an expansion? It wouldn\'t be a surprise if they open bases in other cities in Aisse."

"Oh."

"I guess that\'s the only way to go after you\'ve reached their level of success. Expand some more and consolidate your power. The less competition, the better."

"Makes sense."

The information from the people in Cutlass city allowed Lucius to realize several things about the current situation of Bergan\'s Band.

While Gellor and the rest of his team were preoccupied with the local people of the city, Lucius pulled Kiana aside to discuss their findings.