Our diminishing presence became evident even on the battlefield.

“Heading to the Abyss? Why? Do you need monster byproducts or something?”

“No, it’s nothing like that. Just thought we could be of help.”

“Well, if black magicians join us, it’d certainly be helpful. The problem is…”

“What’s the problem?”

“We don’t have the money to hire you. We’re only scouting the outskirts of the Abyss and returning.”

“That’s fine by us.”

“No, no… it’s not fine by us.”

“What’s the issue?”

“To hire one black magician, we could employ ten Northern warriors instead.”

“We could offer our services at a …