We arrive back to town and the villagers head back to their homes. I head back to the tavern along with the Crimson Slayers. We arrive inside where I order them some food and drinks. We all sit down to wait for our order. I've made small talk with them since leaving the cave but now that we're all sitting down I finally get serious.
"Are you guys okay?" I ask them. Both the twins and Chase look very shook as I said that. They just went through a tough experience so I should have expected a reaction like that from them. Amanda answers and says "I don't know about the others but I'm just glad be alive after what happened in the dungeon". Morgan then says "That was the first time I saw a dead person. It was messed up seeing that….. half eaten guy. I try to be tough but that shit was just a lot to take in".
"I understand. Things like that mess a person up. I've seen many things like that in my life as well and it changed the very person I am. It sucks to see something like that but you guys chose this profession. Mercenaries have to deal with more and more messy situations as you get higher level jobs. I'm sorry too say this but if you guys just can't handle it and have to weak of a stomach then this might not be the lifestyle for you. Maybe you should quit while you're ahead." I say to the Slayers. All the others have their heads faced down besides Chase. He stands up and looks angrily at me. He says "I know that we'll have to deal with these things. We know that! We want this job! We act a little shocked after seeing a dead body and you think we don't have what it takes! Maybe you're heartless but we aren't! We can still have feelings about seeing a dead body! And if you think that's weak, if you think that makes us unqualified to be a mercenary then I don't give a shit what you think!!".
I'm absolutely shocked that Chase yelled at me like that. Everyone else looks absolutely shocked at him as well.
I explain to Chase that "I didn't mean to offend you or anything. I was just trying to be considerate of you and your ordeal. Alright." He apologizes for yelling at me and I accept his apology. These people nearly sacrificed themselves to save a young boy. I may don't trust them or anybody for that matter but their actions in the cave makes me want to try and trust them. What they did takes guts.
I look around the table at all of the Crimson Slayers. I stand up and talk to the group. I say to them "Alright I've made a decision. I will join the Crimson Slayers". They all look at me each with their own confused looks on their faces.
"What's bringing this on all of a sudden?" Asks Amanda.
"I saw you guys try to protect that kid in the cave. That takes bravery, a trait I admire but very few, if any, truly have. That is why I'll join your group, temporarily of course."
"Temporarily?" They ask.
I say to the Crimson Slayers "Yes, temporarily. You people have bravery but clearly what you are lacking is strength. I mean you couldn't even take out a Goblin King, which is a Medium Tier monster at best. My plan is that I'll temporarily join your group in order to train each of you to become stronger. The stronger you are the more good you can do for both others and yourselves. You all could use some rest. If you still want to be mercenaries, if you want to become strong, if you are willing to learn from me, then I am willing to teach you. Go rest and think this all over, then come back to me in the morning with an answer."
Chase then looks at me dead in the eyes and says "I want to be stronger. If getting stronger means I can protect people, that I can prevent these casualties then I want this. I'm not speaking for the others but I don't have to think about this. Aleister I'm in." That was surprising to me. Chase is showing a lot of guts and resolve today. All the other members get up at the same time and Amanda then says "Chase is right. We're in to". They all each nod to indicate that they agree.
"Alright then. Well I guess I'm now the official instructor for the Crimson Slayers. The training will be very difficult on the mind, body, and your very spirit. But through this intense training you will become stronger, much stronger. Go get some sleep guys training starts tomorrow morning".
All of the Crimson Slayers go upstairs to get some sleep besides Amanda. She stays downstairs to talk to me for a minute. "Thank you" she says. "For what?" I ask her.
"Thank you for joining us. I know this isn't your thing, I know you're more of a loner, but I just hope you know this is really appreciated". Amanda then leaves with a smile on her face. She heads upstairs to get some sleep before training tomorrow. They're all a curious bunch of people, especially her. I grab some ale and drink until I pass out. Tomorrow's gonna be an interesting day that's for sure.