Time Travel? Rebirth? I Win This Time!

The game continued.

The four words fell into the ears of the human players, no different than a death sentence.

The first round of the first game, and already one of them had died—200 had fallen on the spot, with over 100 more succumbing to their injuries afterward. Among them were mainly mercenaries, but also over 20 members of Mike Bai's estate guard. While this death toll would be considered a blessing from God by some, Mike Bai couldn't help but feel a bitter taste in his mouth.

When the last injured player was carried into the graveyard, Mike Bai called for all the members of the estate to gather for a funeral. In an open space within the estate, over a hundred wooden plaques were neatly arranged on the ground.

All the mercenaries still capable of moving stood on the outskirts, while the friends and families of the deceased followed their respective traditions—some placed gold coins over the deceased's mouth, praying they might enter the Hall of Heroes; others laid their weapons and armor alongside the body, hoping the warrior could continue to battle in the afterlife; still others placed a bronze crucifix, praying the soul would ascend to heaven.

The somber atmosphere spread through the crowd, and in silence, everyone performed the final rites. Mike Bai gently caressed the stone plaques, each engraved with the name of one of the fallen, a deep sadness welling in his chest. On the battlefield, he could treat soldiers as numbers, but here, each name represented a life—each one a person, a unique soul.

Though their reasons for fighting might have varied, Mike Bai still chose to give each of them a proper burial.

"Regardless of where they came from in life, they were brave warriors who gave their lives to defend our homeland," Mike Bai said gravely. "Their courage will be honored by the gods, and we pray that they may enter their rightful halls."

Many in the crowd began to weep. In the past three years, many of the guards had formed families with the estate's female workers. Now, in the wake of this battle, these men had become widowers.

"Though the dead are gone, the living must continue to live," Mike Bai sighed, then spoke again, "Please, bury your sorrow and live on with the memory of the fallen, strong and content."

"I will provide a stipend for the families of each fallen hero," he continued. "It may not be much, but please accept it as a token of my condolences." Each fallen soldier's family would receive ten gold Nomis, while those who had been wounded would receive five. This would be enough for widows to raise their children and for the disabled to purchase land and live out their days in peace.

Although the contract Mike Bai had signed with the mercenaries did not include provisions for paying death benefits, he chose to honor the dead equally. He personally handed the stipends to each family member. Some accepted the money with relief, while most took it solemnly, their faces heavy with grief.

When the funeral ended and the crowd dispersed, the mercenary leaders gathered around Mike Bai. One by one, they knelt, expressing their heartfelt thanks.

"Honorable Baron, we are but humble mercenaries and cannot offer any grand speeches. But please allow us to represent the wives and children of the deceased and express our gratitude to you."

"It is what they deserve," Mike Bai replied with dignity. "Please ensure that this money reaches the families of the fallen."

"You can be assured, in the name of the gods, this money will reach the families of the dead," the leader of the Danish mercenaries, Harold, swore. Mike Bai sighed, then turned to Harold.

"Harold, I have a long-term contract offer for you. Will you consider it?"

The Nordic warriors had left a strong impression on Mike Bai during the battle. These towering men, at least 1.8 meters tall, could charge through crowds like iron towers, their massive axes cutting through the air with deadly force. Though their discipline needed work, Mike Bai saw potential in them for the long-term.

The towering two-meter-tall Harold's eyes widened in surprise. He had been worried about finding another patron like Mike Bai, one who paid on time, provided food and shelter, and even offered death benefits for fallen soldiers. Now, Mike Bai had come to him with an offer.

The other mercenary leaders looked on with envy as Harold eagerly nodded.

"If you provide food and shelter, 150 gold Nomis per month, and I'll give you 50 of the kingdom's best warriors in service."

Mike Bai thought for a moment. This was a fair price for someone like Harold, and he agreed to the terms.

As the contract was finalized, the sun was setting. Mike Bai turned to leave but noticed Anna standing nearby, watching him with a curious gaze.

"What's wrong, little Anna?" Mike Bai asked, smiling warmly at the cute girl.

Still clearly saddened by the funeral, Anna hesitated before speaking, her face full of sorrow. "Mike Bai, you'll always stay by my side, right?"

"Of course, little Anna!" Mike Bai patted her head gently. "You're so beautiful. How could I bear to leave you?"

Anna's expression shifted from sadness to a slightly somber one. After a moment, she slowly pulled a small paper packet from her pocket. "Look, I've got a gift for you!"

The packet was carefully opened to reveal a small, dark candy.

"This is a special treat. I can hardly bring myself to eat it, but I want to give it to you!" Mike Bai said, handing it over. That little candy had cost him 2 gold Nomis, a sum that could have bought a small pig—he didn't want to lose it.

Anna smiled brightly, then licked the candy, before offering it back. "Mike Bai, you should have some too!"

Mike Bai blinked, caught off guard by the girl's sudden offer. Her large, sparkling eyes were full of innocence, but the sight left him momentarily stunned.

Blushing slightly, Anna noticed Mike Bai staring at her, and for a brief moment, Mike Bai was caught in a trance. After a moment, Anna gently nudged his arm with her small hand.

"Ha-ha-ha!" Mike Bai laughed awkwardly, shaking off the uncomfortable tension. "You go ahead, you go ahead! I have plenty of candy!"

Anna continued to nibble at the candy, her little pink tongue brushing over its surface, leaving a shiny trail. Each bite brought a smile to her face, her eyes sparkling with joy.

Mike Bai swallowed nervously, his mind racing. She's only twelve, Mike Bai! She's only twelve! Get a grip!

Shaking his head forcefully, he pushed the errant thoughts away and stood up, taking Anna's hand in his. "It's getting dark. Let's go back."

Anna's face lit up with happiness as she nodded eagerly, her face blooming with joy.

"Mm!"