Daily life with them was actually more fun than he thought it'd be. Might have even been nice to be neighbors with them. Every meal had food that he hadn't had in a few years. Only safe zone dwellers had time for lengthy cooking.
His leg felt find but Kyle insisted on checking him over daily after breakfast. Today was Saturday, and he almost felt a bit sad about leaving. He had really started to enjoy the lively company. He sighed slightly looking out the window in his room. Too bad, he had a score to settle with the monsters, he couldn't afford to live a lazy relaxed life in the safe zone.
He didn't have much to pack, was it weird he was planning to keep the bottles from their original gift basket thing? If things were different they could of even been friends. But why become friends when they practically lived in different worlds? That would only lead to problems.
This morning was also when the annoying loud mouth James turned up. Kip watched the guy blocking the door with the other one….. some bird... Jay behind him.
"What" he muttered.
"I want you!" James stated. Kip looked at him funny. What was with this guy?
"Sorry?" he stated hesitantly.
"Idiot be more clear" muttered Jay. "He wants to offer you a job with the guild, you'd have to move to the safe zone thought."
"No thanks I live to hunt the monsters." Kip replied firmly trying to go around him, but James held out a hand.
"You would be part of a raid team designed to hunt monsters down. Your skills are first rate making you perfect for it. It comes well compensated and you wouldn't have to worry about monsters attacking you while you sleep. I'd also allow you a permanent open zone pass so you can hunt them whenever you want solo."
"So? I can do that already." Kip replied. "A team would just hold me back, my fighting style is solo."
"I well….." James tried to come up with something else. "Just think about it okay? Maybe come tomorrow to our recruiting addition and have a look around."
"Whatever will you guys leave me alone if I do?" Kip muttered back.
"If you still choose solo life then fine I won't push it anymore." James replied.
"Then I will see you tomorrow and not again." Kip growled. He paused by the door, shoot if he was going to stay another day he'd have to find an inn or hotel.
"You can just stay here another night."
Kip looked behind him to see Kyle leaning against the stair rail watching the whole episode and as if reading his thoughts, how annoying. But since he didn't really have money on him he'd have to be grateful. He gave a slight nod. "Thanks."
...….
To Kip's surprise Kyle gave him a life to the guild hall stating he might get lost if he didn't.
The place looked like a festival. Banners saying recruitment and other various colorful signs were all over. So this was the ridiculous corporate marketing scheme guilds used to trap mages.
Kyle came along as well saying he wanted to watch and Kip ignored him. The first place was a registration area where people were given a number then they were tested on several skills. The last test was to fight an actual rank 3 beast. The guild had pre-trapped several into a ring. Looked interesting, so Kip decided to watch that.
A large guy was showing off his muscles and boasting of his academy grades. Kip hated these types so much. The idiot had probably never had to fight an actual creature before. He was in the middle of the strength test showing off.
Kip rolled his eyes. Trapped with these type of people sounded like a nightmare.
"Hey Kyle, Kip!" James came over to them. Several of the tryouts gave them glances or admiration or jealousy. The strength dude looked downright angry. Kip wanted to laugh it was obvious he had been trying to attract James attention only for Kip and Kyle to steal the spotlight.
Kip heard a few murmurs in the crowd about Kyle the famous healer and a few wondering who he was. Of course he had no intention of answering.
They headed to the monster ring and started watching the battles. Of course if any problems happened an actual mage of the guild was nearby to deal with it.
"What are their ranks" asked Kyle.
"Well the newbies are all undetermined, but the guards I've stationed are both rank 5. Together they could probably take out a rank 6 beast if necessary, but all the captures are rank 3." James replied.
Kip watched as Mr. Muscles headed for the final test.
"Why don't you take out a beast?" asked James "Not that I don't think you can, it just might be a good motivation boost for those who think their magic is the strongest to see someone use nothing."
"If it will make you leave me alone faster, then sure." Kip replied. "You have any blades?"
"Yeah there are some weapons for those who prefer them in the entrance area." James replied.
Kip got up and started away. He picked up the next few lines of their conversation and paused for a half second. He hadn't told them about his ability to enhance his ears.
"Why are you so desperate to recruit Kip?" asked Kyle.
"I like him."
"Why?"
"His attitude, he acts like he doesn't care but goes out of his way for others. I guess I admire that a bit. Our guild could use more people like him and less of these idiots." James replied.
Oh? Thought Kip. He hadn't really expected that, he'd assumed strength was all that mattered to him. Hmm it might be a little fun to destroy a few egos. Maybe a week at the guild if I'm feeling really bored.