"FATHER! MOTHER!"
"Run away! Now!"
"Run! Jeyson!"
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! RUN WHERE? WHERE?"
"NO! FATHER! MOTHER!"
"A shame, such a shame!"
"NOOOOOOOOO!"
____________
"NO!"
Jeyson sprung up from his sleeping position. He finds himself extending his hand forward, breathing intensely with cold sweat running down from his face.
"Why?... Why?.."
He whispers to himself as he looks down.
The silver haired man, hair covering his ears and bangs almost covering his entire left eye, shook his head as he stood up from his bed and stretched. He opened his windows and took a look outside. The stars and moon still shined brightly, illuminating the night sky. One would normally go back to sleep, knowing that there was still time before the day starts. After all, what is night, if not the time of rest.
However, after what happened that time, night can never be the same to Jeyson. It was never again the time of relaxation he once knew. No, he isn't even sure if he once knew anything about night. He has forgotten how it feels like to have a good sleep, waking up refreshed on a beautiful morning and witnessing the sun rising as a new day starts.
Jeyson turned around and looked at his bow, arrows and his twin swords. He picks up the left blade with a rose guard and removes it from its sheath. As a small light from the outside enters his room allowing him to see his reflection through his purple eye on his blade. He remembers a face.
A dreadful face, a detestable expression, a man with no humanity that laughs committing those terrible acts. Just thinking about it made his blood boil. His hand gripped tightly onto the handle of the sword, it was shaking intensely as he gritted his teeth. He resisted the urge to slash with the blade, his expression and grip on the handle of the blade lightened. As if he regained himself from his unstable emotions.
He looked towards the ceiling and let out a breath. He stood up and walked towards the chair in his room, where he laid his travel clothes. A light blue shirt, trousers and his half hood with a cloak.
He changed into his clothes and equipped his weapons. He opened his door and surveyed the surrounding rooms. It seems that no one has awakened yet. He stepped outside his room and closed the door behind him. He glanced over to the room in front of him to the far right.
"Yusof Harim.."
Jeyson whispered to himself, he stared at his door with a distrustful expression, then moved on downstairs. He reached at the bottom, where the tavern is dimly lit by the moonlight that shined through the windows. He noticed some liquid spilled on the table next to the window that wasn't cleaned, he stared at it and looked over to the counter.
He walked towards the counter and reached under it from the other side. He grabbed a piece of old cloth and walked over to the table with the stain and wiped it. After doing so, he placed the cloth back from where he took it.
Jeyson observed his surroundings again, looking at the tavern clean as ever, he smiled. He reached out for a mug and took a bottle of beverage from the shelf and helped himself. After a single drink, he left the mug and bottle on the counter and took out a few pieces of silver coins and placed them on the counter.
He wiped his mouth using the back of his hand and proceeded to the door. He exited the tavern and stood there. He took out a piece of paper from his pocket, looked at it once and placed it back. He looked at the sky one more time, he let out a small voice as he saw two stars shining brightly above him. He extended his hands towards the two stars slightly trembling. He closed his hand and smiles to himself. He closed his head with the hood and walked away from the tavern.
"Father, Mother... I promise, I will find him.."
He whispers to himself one last time before disappearing into the night.
____________
It's another day. My third day in this world, the second day has come to an end and it's time to start a new day. Like yesterday, I, Yusof Harim, woke up early and refreshed myself. However, today it seems I woke up a bit too early. I checked out the window and the sun hasn't even come up yet.
*knock* *knock* *knock*
Who's there? What time is it? I turned around and walked towards the door to answer the person who would knock on my door early in the morning. I opened the door and saw someone I half-expected.
"Yo, Yusof, good morning... Well, the sun hasn't risen yet so.." the voice that I heard spoke to me was of a man.
"Mikra?"
Indeed it was him. I wonder what his purpose is for knocking on my door this early. He scratched the back of his head as he gave a smile.
"I'm sorry for waking you up."
"No, no. I was already up by the time you knocked." I reassured him as I fixed my clothes.
"That's a relief. If you don't mind, follow me."
"Hmm?"
"I have something to tell you." He said with a serious tone as he walked away from my room, gesturing to me to follow him.
"What?"
He didn't answer me and just walked towards the stairs. I wasn't able to process what was going on exactly and just followed him. I closed the door behind me and glanced at Luno and Mira's rooms, it seems they're still asleep. Well, no matter how you think about it, this is way too early to wake up.
I lagged behind a bit on going downstairs but I can see from afar Mikra cleaning the counter. He was pretty much done so I didn't know what was on the counter before, maybe if I didn't waste time behind I would have known.
I arrived downstairs and Mikra glanced behind, he made eye contact before looking back in front. He finished cleaning as I was walking towards him, he moved behind the counter as I arrived to sit on a chair in front of him.
He didn't serve any drink, instead, he looked at me with a sharp glare. I swallowed my saliva as I looked back at him.
"I'll get straight to the point, why do you want to become a mercenary?" He raised the question.
I couldn't tell him the truth. Even if I did, what are the chances someone would believe the other person talking about how they died, and just waking up? I know I wouldn't, I would give the person who said it a good ol' slap and walk away. It was surreal and unbelievable.
But it really did happen to me.
Mikra noticed my silence and looked at me dead in the eye with an even intimidating expression.
"People die, being mercenaries. If you don't have a good reason. You should stop thinking about becoming one."
He said to me, a shiver went down my spine.
*People die being mercenaries*
It isn't a joking matter, if it was me in the past life, I would immediately reject it because I don't want to risk my life doing a job. However this time, it was different. Thrown into a world without my consent and without having any knowledge regarding it isn't something I want to live with. Trying to live a normal life when there are so many questions regarding myself is no different than running away.
"I.." I opened my mouth, hesitant to give my answer. Mikra's serious expression stayed
"I want to find out about myself."
"What?"
"I don't know anything about myself. I don't remember anything much before I fought the Dark Beast or anything much before Luno and Mira saved me."
I told a lie and the truth at the same time. I still have memories of my first time going to kindergarten. However, if we're speaking about myself in this world, it's like I was just born 3 days ago. I don't know anything.
My words seem to have triggered something in Mikra. The tenseness of his expression lessened and it turned into a more puzzled look. He placed his fingers under his chin, it was as if he was thinking.
"If you really don't remember. Then you being an outcast was a lie then?"
Oh shoot! I'm caught! However!
"Yes.. well, I don't remember, so I'm not sure myself."
"I see.." He nodded his head.
I pulled out the 'I don't remember card'. This is my only chance to use it and the only time it will work. I gave myself a high-five inside my mind smirking while my face was still matching the serious atmosphere.
"Well, if that really is the case, you must really don't know much about this world, right?" Mikra's expression softened as he stood up straight. I looked down in embarrassment as I answered.
"I don't."
"I see."
There was a silence between us, it made me uncomfortable. Mikra slightly tapped on the counter, pondering. After a while, Mikra broke this uncomfortable silence with another question.
"How deep is your understanding about Magic?"
"Magic?"
I've heard about magic a few times since I came here, but I never really knew what it was or how it works. All I know is that those with magic are forced to work as functioning members of society, which is good and messed up in it's own way, along with what Light Magic does. That's about the only pieces of information I have.
"So you don't know. If you're going to survive as a mercenary, you're going to have to learn the basics of this world. Mainly magic." Mikra perceived my silence as that and was spot on.
I gave my full attention as Mikra said that. He stood silent, I was waiting for him to do something. Then all of a sudden, My skin felt a tender touch, an extremely pleasing feeling that would make me beg for more. I looked closely and I saw a blue miasma coming from Mikra. It's alluring, it feels familiar. Ah, I remember, this was just like last night. However the feeling last night is nothing compared to this.
He blinked as he looked at me. Then the blue miasma that oozed from his body vanished. The weird sensations on me also disappeared. Mikra's face turned to mine and I also looked back at him.
"That alluring sensation, you felt that right?" He asked. I answered in a slightly shaken manner
"Yes.. what.. was that?"
"That is my Magic Flow, and what happened to you just now was that you detected my Magic Flow. As a mercenary, this is extremely important, because most of the high paying commissions are the ones that involve locating stuff that has traces of a Magic Flow or tracking down people with Magic Flow itself. Everything else, you'll learn on the job." Mikra explained as he raised his index finger. So is that really all I needed to know to become a mercenary? If it is, then it's easy!
Mikra closed his eyes as he grinned and made a slight nod. He opened his eyes and turned towards the window. I followed his actions unintentionally. There is a little light shining through the window gradually increasing. As we were both looking towards the window, Mikra spoke again.
"Now that I know you can detect Magic Flow. Can you fight? Just making sure, because Mira told me that she found you with a Dark Beast injury, no belongings. I can only say you fended off against it unarmed."
I turned my head back and made a surprised face as I replied.
"Is that impressive?"
"Facing a Dark Beast unarmed? Any result other than being dead is impressive." Mikra said with a cheerful tone. I don't know if I should take that as a compliment or what.
"I actually got lucky, if Luno and Mira didn't come in time, I would've been dead. I can't fight at all. " I scratched the back of my head as I looked down and replied in a shy manner.
I knew fighting is going to be inevitable in this line of work and I am really bad at it.
"Hahaha! Now, now, don't be modest. Even if you aren't that skilled in fighting, like I said, you'll learn on the job." Mikra laughed as he walked into the kitchen to which I assume he is going to cook breakfast. But excuse me sir but assuming I'll learn how to fight by throwing me in a lions den is dangerous.
Shortly after he went in, he came back out. Looks like he isn't cooking breakfast. Oh? He's holding something. As soon as he completely came out of the kitchen, he swung his arms and something flew out of them.
"Catch!"
"Woah!" I exclaimed. A long object was flying towards me, I opened my hands to catch it and examined it. It was a long object wrapped in a blue cloth all over. I lifted my head to look at Mikra, he nodded and smiled as he pointed at the object.
"Open it. It's yours now."
"Oh.. T-Thanks?" I replied in a confused tone as I moved my hand around the object to find the end of the wrapped cloth.
"No problem! You're going to need it alot. Trust me." Mikra said, then he crossed his arms and continued. "You don't need years of training to swing that, but if you are really that hopeless, I'll introduce you to someone"
"T-thanks.." I replied, he just nodded and went back into the kitchen, leaving me alone in the tavern.
What is this? It has a bit of weight onto it and it's longer than my arm. I thought to myself right before I found the end of the cloth wrapping the object.
Just as I was about to unwrap the cloth, I heard footsteps from the stairs behind me. I looked behind, and there was an impossibly beautiful girl stepping down the stairs.
"Oh. Luno, good morning." I greeted her and made the best smile I could.
"Aaaaaaah. Good morning Yusof." She yawned as she replied to me.
Luno hasn't changed into her casual clothing like yesterday. Right now, she's wearing a white one-piece sleeping dress. The fabric is so thin that I could see her black underwear beneath, I glanced at them as she was still yawning. Wow wow wow, once again, I have been blessed, I became lost in a trance as I stared to the point I didn't notice Luno finished yawning. She noticed me staring at her undergarments and hugged herself in an attempt to hide her body.
"What are you looking at! Pervert!" She screamed. This made me snap out of my trance as I tried to cover myself in panic.
"U-uh! It's not what you think! I was looking at something else!" I unintentionally blurted out a blatant lie in an attempt to defend my good image to her.
"Hehehe! Just kidding! I know you weren't doing anything bad." She laughed as she stopped hugging herself.
I let out a breath of relief to myself. Thank the heavens I didn't get Immediately branded as a pervert who stares at girl's underwear. I was about to reply with 'I can't help it! They're showing!' to anything she was about to say but it seems I didn't have any need to.
"Still, You woke up earlier than me today." She remarked as she scratched her bed hair.
"Yeah, Mikra had something he had to say to me."
"Oh? What is it?" She made a curious face as she came a bit closer to me.
"It's about me being a mercenary."
Upon hearing that. Luno's eyes immediately opened wide as she quickly came at me and pushed both of my shoulders onto the counter.
"Yusof is going to become a mercenary?"
"Y-yes.." I replied with a shaking voice because of this weird position and Luno being too close to me.
"Ooh! I'm also thinking about taking a commission today! Say, how about you, me and Mira go do a commission today! We'll be your guides!" Her eyes sparkled, it's like her just waking a moment ago was a lie, this girl is energetic! I gulped my saliva and replied to her.
"O-okay! That sounds nice."
She released me from her grip and she made a huge nod and a smile as she replied to me.
"Umu! It's decided! We'll leave after breakfast!"
She immediately walked towards the back door, probably to freshen herself up and get rid of that bed hair. I didn't even unwrap this object yet.
"That girl, she's so enthusiastic." I heard Mikra's sighing behind me. I turned around and saw him leaning on the kitchen doorway looking down with a bitter smile.
"That she is.." I replied with a wry smile.
"Well, you should freshen yourself up too. After breakfast, nothing is going to stop her." Mikra said again, however I felt a hint of concern in his voice.
"Don't worry, I'll make sure we don't do anything too dangerous. It's my first time after all." I smiled as I reassured him.
"Hahaha! Thanks, still, they're more experienced than you. If anything they'll be doing all the work." Mikra laughed as he replied to me. Well I can't deny it but I have to make myself look good otherwise I'll be a failure are as a man
"I'll do at least 10 percent." I said while raising my index finger towards him.
That doesn't make me look good at all!
"Hahahaha! Sure! Do your best!" Mikra gave me encouragement as he went back into the kitchen.
Once again I am alone in the tavern, I opened the cloth wrapping the object and what was before me made me gasp. It was a sword, sheathed in leather. There is also a leash so it would make it easy for me to carry around. I examine the sword, marveling that I have really gotten a weapon like those in fantasy games, it's making me excited.
I stood up, unsheathed the sword and swung it around, it felt weightless! I can wield it finely with only one hand. I then remembered this move I thought was absolutely amazing. I sheathed the blade and closed my eyes to 'focus'.
I opened my eyes like an eagle that found its prey and unsheathed the sword halfway and sheathed it back quickly. Imagining everything in front of me getting diced into pieces. I got excited as I did that. I used to only dream of doing this using sticks, now I have a real sword! I can unleash my dreams!
So for a while, I was playing with my imagination while Luno was refreshing herself, Mikra was making breakfast, Mira was still asleep and Jeyson..
Huh.. I don't know where he is. I stopped when I was just about to do a cool sword technique from an anime I once watched and called out to Mikra who is still in the kitchen.
"Mikra."
"Yes?" Mikra replied from the kitchen.
"Where is Jeyson?"
"I don't know, he must've probably gone out early to do his job."
"I see.." He is working so hard. I wonder what is motivating him to work that hard, leaving even before the sun rises.
"Food is ready."
Mikra came out of the kitchen holding a bowl of soup and placed it on the counter. I sat to eat and at the same time, the back door burst open, revealing a Luno looking refreshed with her eyes sparkling from excitement and her mouth drooling, possibly from the food in the kitchen.
"Food is ready! We'll be leaving soon! I have to wake up Mira!"
Luno exclaimed as she raced upstairs. Just as the spoon with soup I scooped was about to enter my mouth, I heard sounds of screams and wood being hit hard.
*BANG* *BANG* *BANG*
"Mira! Mira! Wake up! Wake up! Yusof is joining us to be mercenaries! Wake up! We have to eat and we'll go right away!"
*BANG*
"Go away! Let me sleep in peace Luno!"
"Eh? You're just going to sleep? If you skip sleep too much, you'll never grow taller."
"Shut up! Shut up! I was doing important things!"
"Are you?"
"Shut up! I'm going to sleep now! Goodnight!"
"Mira!.. Mira!.. Mira!"
"...."
"If you're going to be this stubborn."
*CRASH*
"Eh? What are you doing! NOOOOOOO. PUT ME DOWN!"
"No, we have to go together!"
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA."
As Mira's screams filled the tavern, the sight of Mira struggling like a child while being carried forcefully down the stairs by Luno who isn't fazed at all will forever be burnt in my memory.
We ate breakfast.. well, Luno devoured more than half of the food on the table, then Mira went back to sleep, she wouldn't wake up no matter what Luno did. We ended up leaving for the Mercenary Union at noon.
____________
"Haaaaaaaaaaaa."
Mira, who was sitting next to me, let out a huge yawn.
"If I knew we'd be accompanying Yusof, I'd probably have slept." She said in a low voice.
"Hahaha.. sorry for the last minute notice..." I apologized while making a wry smile.
That's correct. Right now, Me and Mira are riding a boar-dragged cart with Luno as the driver, towards the Mercenary Union of this kingdom.
It's high noon, the sun is directly above us, the heatwave touching our skin made it near unbearable, I didn't realize how much of an effect living in Japan had on me. Just this much sun can hurt me a lot. Sweat was dripping from my hand and cheeks. I looked at Mira, who was wearing the same robe from when I first met her. She also had sweat dripping all over her.
"Buy fresh apples! The best quality apples are in season! Get them before they go out!"
"Fresh Fish! Caught from the Alkaari River!"
"Finest quality swords! Made with Light Crystals! On discount right now!"
The screams of merchants trying to sell their products can be heard from all directions. We are in the marketplace, where everyone is trying their best to sell their wares. As expected of this time of day, the traffic is high which is the perfect time to get customers.
We are the only cart carriage in the vicinity, what's more it's a boar-dragged cart. Aner, Luno's pet boar, is the one dragging the cart. I lifted up my head to look at Luno. She was wearing the same armor and clothes as she did when we first met. Those clothes must be her favorite.
She was also sweating, naturally. She had her eyes on the front until she was called over by a passing old woman.
"Good Afternoon! Heading over to the Mercenary Union today Luno?"
"Umu! We're accompanying a new mercenary from our workplace." Luno nodded as she replied.
"I see. Oh is it this young man?"
"Yes!"
The old lady looked at me with eyes I don't trust. Those eyes may look old and innocent but there are unknown desires hiding behind them.
"Ah.. I also posted a commission there. Do help an old lady if you have the time, young man, hehehe." She said as she laughed suspiciously before we passed her.
She definitely had some ulterior motives behind those words. I'll make sure I stay 100 meters away from her commission poster.
After a few turns and passes. We arrived at a huge establishment. Luno jumped off and Mira who just woke up from sleeping since we passed the Marketplace also jumped off. I followed their lead.
I walked away from the cart and looked at the establishment. Wow.. it's huge. It stretched in both directions as far as I could see. There were 4 floors of the big building and it still had spacious fields.
I looked up and read the writing on the sign of the gate.
[MERCENARY UNION - SOUTH KINGDOM BRANCH]
Oh so this is the South Kingdom. More knowledge added.
Also, I just noticed I understood this world's language. This is either an extreme coincidence or I have been reincarnated with an ability to understand their language and writing. I recall I was able to read the Tavern Mikra sign. That said, I'm so grateful that I don't need to learn this all again, it would be embarrassing and tedious.
"C'mon Yusof." Mira said to me as she and Luno walked past the gates.
I, who was still admiring the establishment, hurriedly catch up, fastening my sword leash on my front while the sword sheath was at my back . I jogged to catch up to Luno and Mira who were entering the Building that looked like a mansion.
"Woaaa."
I gasped, the inside of the building is no less amazing. The floor and roof was a fading blue.
To my left, there were tables and chairs where people were eating, there were a few queues in a shop with the sign 'FOOD', people were being served food and they sat down on the tables to eat.
To my right is a queue too, but this queue instead of serving food. Is exchanging money for keys with a number, which I assume is the room renting part.
There is also the main reception close to it. The blonde haired receptionist looked in my direction, I smiled wryly.
Directly in front of me, there were four huge board with countless posters being stuck on it. In the center of those posters was a massive staircase probably 10 meters across. There were people surveying the posters, taking some posters from the board with them and there were also some sticking some.
"C'mon we're going there." Mira lightly hit my stomach and pointed to the billboard section at the left front of us. They walked first and I followed.
Luno and Mira started surveying, there were alot of posters with various descriptions.
[C - Bring 20 Logs to Rolland Reiner. House 201 : 10 silver coins]
[B - Help clear the monsters on the east road outside the kingdom : Hudson Hampton : 40 silver coins.]
[A - Bring back 20 Tiger Dark Beast hides to Stanford Stallis : 10 gold coins.]
I was confused with the descriptions, so I asked them what it meant. Mira explained to me while pointing on each of the details as Luno kept surveying.
"The information on the posters displays the Quest Grade, commission description, the name the requestor submitted to be used and the reward. Quest Grades are determined by the Mercenary Union themselves, the higher the quest grade, the more dangerous the commission is. These descriptions are the requests, as you can see, some descriptions also offer maps and marks to make it easy for us, the people who do these quests. This writing which is in a different font than the other words is the name of the requestor. Finally, this is the reward, which is also provided by the requestor, and we will receive it when we finish the commission. The reward will be given either by the guild or the person themselves, depending on the request. The reward doesn't affect the Quest Grade and just for your information, 10 bronze coins is 1 silver coin and 20 silver coins is 1 gold coin. To give you insight."
I see, I didn't get anything, I'm sure anyone who heard that explanation wouldn't either, but I just nodded so I wouldn't hurt her feelings. I looked to the left and read a poster.
[C - Help an Old Lady - Traciney Tristison : 20 gold coins]
After reading the poster description, the information that Mira told me forcefully processed itself making it a core memory for me. I immediately moved approximately 100 meters to my right. Although it paid 20 gold coins, I don't feel like traumatizing myself for the next 20 years.
I ended up at the right side of the billboards. By then I stabilized my breath and regained focus on the task at hand. I looked at the billboard in front of me and there were tons of posters littered on it.
[D - Buy me the 'Fools Frolic 2nd Volume' at the North Region and send the copy to me - Wester Wellens - 12 silver coins.]
That one looks too boring. It's also in the North Kingdom. Who knows how far is that.
[A - Fetch me 10 Moonlight Flowers on the Southern Moongarden - Kishinev Kourton - 20 gold coins]
This looks easy. Well the Quest Grade is A so it might be a dangerous one. I looked over at Mira who had already moved close to me.
"Mira, where is this?" I asked her as I pointed at the poster. Mira responded to my call and came over to me. She read the poster and explained without looking at me.
"Hm? Oh this? Southern Moongarden.... Oh, this is at the very bottom of the South Region, the Moonlight Flowers are guarded by some sort of machinery that was presumably a weapon of war a while back, it's too dangerous, even for me and Luno.. for you... you'll just die instantly."
"Let's not go there then.."
I made a bitter smile at her brutal honesty that I would be instantly killed and at my naivety to think that this would be easy.
"Mira! Yusof! Let's do this one." Luno called out to me who was still recovering from Mira's words and Mira who continued to survey.
Luno took the poster from the billboard and showed it to us. I read the descriptions on the poster.
[B - Clear the troll camp near disrupting the road - OFFICIAL GUILD REQUEST - 10 gold coins]
There was also a map with a red area circled to the southeast forest very close to the South Kingdom, between Morning Hills that was a hill range south of the Kingdom and close to a tall building outside the South Kingdom with the name South Tower.
"This means I'd have to fight right?" I voiced my opinion with a slightly scared voice. I wasn't really against it, but since it had 'fight' that would mean that I have to swing this sword and kill these 'trolls' right?
"Umu, don't worry, trolls are easy opponents, you'll get used to fighting fast. Think of it as training." Luno nodded as she replied with cheerfulness.
"She's right, it is also easy for us to kill, so if you need saving, we'll help." Mira also replied.
"I see.. there won't be anything wrong then." I said. Luno smiled again as she handed Mira over the paper. Mira nodded
"That settles it, we'll be doing this job." Luno continued as she patted me on the shoulder. I wonder why we needed to bring this poster.
"We have to keep this paper as proof of action so we can collect the reward." Luno explained with the same expression she had when she tied my belt. It's scary how she is able to perceive what I was thinking, I didn't even make a face.
To think this is the same person who believed Mira's dry acting
"Let's go then, let's try to finish before it gets dark." Mira added.
We both turned around and were about to move outside. However Mira bumped into a man a bit shorter than me with ragged hair and a knife around his belt.
"Excuse me. I'm sorry."
The man scorned. Uncaring. The next second, he saw the poster in Mira's hand and snatched it without warning.
"Hey!"
"Ooh, what's this you got here?" The man ogled at the paper, reading it eagerly.
"That's the quest we're taking. Give it back!" Mira jumped, trying take the paper away from the man but was unable. I clenched my teeth and took a step forward but Luno halted me with her right arm. I felt an alluring sensation on my skin from her left hand and I knew what was coming.
Her face had become serious. There was no hint of the cheerful Luno she had shown me.
While me and Luno did that, Mira stopped due to her panting away. She couldn't get the paper even after numerous attempts.
The man's eyes widened and he exclaimed "Thank Terraria! 10 gold coins just for killing some trolls! I'm in luck today!"
Completely disregarding everything. He stuffed the paper in his pocket. Luno stepped forward, knowing the man had no intention of giving the poster back. "That's enough. Give it back."
"Huh? Who the hell are you? Oh, you want this?" The man pulled out the now crumpled piece of paper to show at Luno. At the same time, he subtly pulled out his knife. The man observed Luno's figure with immoral eyes. "Hey, you're pretty cute, what's your name? Want to come back with me later?"
"Give that back." She said. The Magic Flow from her hand had become stronger. Some other people here had already looked in this direction. Either from the ensuing conflict or the Magic Flow Luno is emitting.
The man leaked a laugh. He pushed the hand with the poster forward. "You want this? Sure. But you'll have to follow me for some time alone if you do. 10 gold pieces aren't easy to find, you know."
Luno indifferently grabbed the man's arm holding the poster and the accumulated energy flowed from Luno's fingertips onto the man's arm, wrapping the arm in solid stone. The arm shot out blood and the fingers that held the flyer became limp. Luno snatched the poster mid air and handed it over to Mira.
"What the hell! Oh.. so you're one of those people." The man went from sleazy and annoying to one of pure disgust. He stuffed his knife back in its sheath and looked at Luno like she was a monster and screamed. "Fucking scums, monopolizing everything! Can't have anything with people like you!"
His scream caught everyone's attention. He walked out of the building in rage and a stone wrapped around his arm.
I wanted to say something. But when I placed my foot forward, Mira tightened the grip on my hand. Luno's expression is still the same. Is this what they've been going through regularly?
Even after the sleazy man left, everyone kept staring at us. I tapped on Luno's shoulder, but she isn't responding. I tugged on her arm and was about to drag her outside when a group of a woman and three men stood up from their square table.
The group of four walked towards us. Mira took a step back while I had my guard up. The person at the utmost front was an obese man with muscles bulging. I'd call him a bear but bears are intimidating, this man looks pitiful. He wore a breastplate. The other two men both wore a simple tunic and trousers. The only difference was one had a shield and a sword while the other had a bow. The woman had some sort of spear that was as long as her body.
The party of four stopped in front of us.
"Hey, you three. Since you're here, why don't you do this one too?" The man at the front greeted us. His companions look indifferent but he looks awfully cheerful.
Luno turned her head. Her lips bobbed but then her teeth gritted. This isn't good. The man took her silence as a gesture to continue and took something out of his pocket. "There is something weird going on around these parts of the region, someone needs to check."
I couldn't take it anymore. We were just going off when one problem came after another. I moved in front of Luno and Mira and retorted in her place. "No. That's your job. You took the poster didn't you? Then why the hell are you giving that to us?'
I'm overstepping my boundaries. These people are probably more powerful and experienced than me. I stiffened my right hand, getting ready.
However, he only laughed and made a suspicious bright expression like those pyramid scheme scammers. "Thing is, we're short on people and if those guys are dangerous, we'll be as good as dead."
"What kind of reasoning is that? So you think we can do it with just the three of us?" Mira tugged my arm but my head was too clouded with anger to care.
"Well then what the hell are those Blessings for?" The man's face took a complete 180. His eyebrows frowned and his eyes stared daggers at me.
"What do you think we're made of? Steel? We can still get hurt."
"What if you get hurt? What do I care? Just use your magic and fix it or something." The man yelled at us. He's saying it like he's right. The people around us are starting to murmur their opinions.
Some are agreeing with the fat bastard while some are threatening to kill us. Very few if none are actually concerned for us.
"Yusof. Let's go." Mira whispered. Her voice cracked and her hand that held mine shook a bit. I glanced at her and her face of defeat telling me to let this go.
Luno regained herself but she didn't stop me. She held Mira's other arm and placed her hand around the handle of her sword.
I'm sorry Mira. But...
- You're just an immigrant.
I can't just let this go.
SHNG
"Fuck you then. Lose some weight then maybe you'll be able to do it." I insulted as I brandished my sword.
The onlookers became agitated. The murmuring briefly became loud before going into a complete halt. I glanced around and even saw other's putting their hands close to their weapons.
"What the hell did you just say?" The fat bastard and his party members are also agitated at my insult. But before they did anything I thrust the sword forward, it's tip touching the man's chin.
"I said lose some weight and then maybe you'll be able to do it. All that fat made you lose hearing or something?" I provoked him and smirked to annoy him.
He gritted his teeth and clenched his fists. "Why you!"
"Don't come any closer. I'd cut off your neck but I can't even see it through all that fat." The other people now placed their hands on their weapons while the receptionist had already gone missing. I provoked the man again and smirked "Or maybe come a bit closer and I'll cut your ears off so you can hear?"
That does it. In what seems like an instant. The fat bastard lifted his arm and I dragged the sword down from his chin. However both of our actions are stopped still by a bright force.
We were thrown back, the fat bastard caught by his party members while I was caught by Luno.
"That is enough." A voice rang out from the boards. This made me glance towards that place.
A beautiful woman with long ivory hair stood between the boards at the top of the stairs. Her body was just in between the size of Mira and Luno. She wore a brown and white dress with white leggings underneath.
Her arm glowed a fascinating white with white nerves stemming from the glow. The Magic Flow hit me, the sensation almost made me go high. Akin to a kid smelling paint for the first time.
She walked down the stairs, each step closer made me more and more intoxicated with the Magic Flow. I steeled myself and I glanced at two girls. Both have sweat running down their faces, maybe they're just amazed and I'm the only one almost passing out.
Finally, the woman reached the bottom. No one moved at all. Not even Luno or Mira. Her footsteps were the only sounds heard and they're approaching me.
"My Lady! Please exile this foul mouthed man out of this place!"
The woman only moved her head for a moment, with a still expression. She looked back at me, I felt a bit harmed as her eyes seemed to be searching me all over.
Finally she went to my sword, dropped from the force that she most likely had emitted. She crouched to pick it up and turned it around like she was appraising it.
She held it still, and opened her mouth.
"Weapons are not used to harm our allies." She glared and pointed the sword at me. "It is written that those who betray their own kind are no different than the beasts corrupt the land."
She came closer and spoke again. "Tell me? What reason do you act?"
"I'm sorry. But 'my kind' is really rude to me. Your texts should have something to say about those with foul tongues."
"Why you-!"
"Silence." The ivory haired woman didn't even look at the man. Her glare intensified, it seemed like I could die at any given moment. "You.. What is your name?"
"Yusof Harim"
"Such a name I have never heard. Where did you come from?"
I couldn't answer that. And even if I could, I don't want to. "I have no obligation to tell you any more."
Murmurs erupted once more. It appears that people didn't expect me to do that.
"Yusof!" Mira tugged my arm. Even she thought so. A quick glance told me that I have gone too far. Mira and Luno's faces became stiff as soon as this lady came down the stairs.
"Is that so?" The lady lowered the sword and dropped it, making it stick on the ground. She turned around, uninterested. But before she walked up the stairs, she spoke. "Give your thanks to the owner of that sword. He is the reason why you're still alive."
"M-my lady! Are you going to just let him-"
"Yurgar." The ivory haired lady spoke. I'm guessing that's the fast bastard's name. She turned to him to finish her words. "Although he is foolish, he is correct. Treat others how you wish to be treated."
She spoke no further and walked upstairs.
I pulled the sword out and sheathed it behind me.
The fat bastard's looked at me with fiery eyes. Even his party members gripped their weapons. Come to think of it, the other three didn't even speak a word.
I already half opened my mouth when Mira pulled on my arm. She and Luno walked outside with me dragged along.
I turned my head around and saw all sorts of detestable expressions onto us. All except one.
The receptionist who had already returned to her post.
If my eyes didn't betray me. I could've sworn she made a smile.
____________
"What an interesting fellow." Said an ivory haired woman, observing three people walking out of the Mercenary Union.
A jet black haired girl, a blue crystal haired girl and a black haired man.
"Yusof Harim, his name?" Another girl sitting on a couch across the room spoke. The girl continued as she placed her legs on a stool nearby. "When he lashed out, even I felt it, Aveline."
This girl who spoke those words was a redhead with short twin tails. She wore a red and white shirt, a red miniskirt, white leggings and brown boots reaching half her calves. Although she and the ivory haired girl had little difference in their builds, one glance and anyone says the redhead is a sophisticated warrior.
The ivory haired girl, Aveline, only nodded. She glanced outside again and saw the three people preparing their ride. "That man, he must be one of them."
"Those dark religion enthusiasts?"
"No. Something... greater." Aveline said as she turned around to look at the girl in twin tails. Aveline lifted her eyebrows and spoke, "Is that appropriate behavior for the crown princess of Hyurmund?"
"Silence."
"As you command, Princess Freya of Hyurmund." Aveline playfully replied.
"I said silence." The girl in twin tails, Freya, replied flustered as she stood up. She took her sword lying next to the couch and fastened the belt around her waist while walking towards the door.
Aveline only laughed. Freya seemed to be in a hurry. So she asked, "Where are you going in such a rush, Your Majesty?"
Freya sighed at Aveline's teasing. But she replied with a gentle voice "I'm going to visit Sotiria District. I have to always help the people there."
Freya looked at Aveline, with a gentle and sympathetic expression. Even from afar, Aveline knew these eyes are the true eyes of a ruler concerned for her subjects.
"Someone always has to be there for them." Freya said, nothing like the strong tone before this. Before she left, she looked at Aveline one last time. "So what are you going to do? Read those books until something happens?"
"I think so. I have to keep an eye. I'm the Head now, after all." Aveline answered as she stared at the well organized bookshelves. Freya also glanced at them before stepping out, closing the door.
Silence struck the grand room. Countless books piled on the bookshelves. A couch and tea table for guests and the administrator table behind the window.
All with their own accumulated history.
Aveline moved towards the bookshelves and ran her fingers through the books searching for a certain title.
"There it is." She pulled out a thick book covered with dust. She walked towards her table and placed the book on top of it. She wiped the cover of the dusty book with a nearby cloth.
[MYTHS OF REINCARNATION]
A book that existed since the age of war and deities. A book passed down in the family of the South Branch's founder. Until it ended up to this day, in Aveline's hands, the current head of the South Branch of the Mercenary Union.
"I hope this has answers about that man."
____________
We are now outside and Luno is taking her time with Aner while me and Mira are already sitting down opposite each other on the cart.
The atmosphere between us had become heavy ever since what happened in the Union building a while ago.
"This is really going to be my first commission." I spoke to myself, trying to lighten things up.
I failed miserably. Her face is still sullen. That reminded me of something I wanted to ask ever since they saved me. I lifted my head to look at her, she is looking at the front of the cart. "Mira."
"Hm?" She shifted her gaze at me in response. I then hesitantly asked.
"Why are you both.. doing this job, isn't it dangerous? Isn't it difficult?" I forgot to ask them why they are so young but are doing this mercenary work.
They even had to go through things like being discriminated and ordered around regularly. I wanted to know the cause of their persistence in this.
Mira made a sullen expression as she looked down and to the side. Did I ask a bad question? Did I trouble her?
"You don't need to answer if you don't feel like-"
"It's so I can help…" She answered in an equally sullen tone as her expression.
"Help?"
"Help.. Papa.."
I see.. Mikra did say that they are doing this job willingly so that they can help him. Mira's feelings, her desire to help, is strong. Being this young and trying her best to help her father already, there are certainly things I don't know. I won't pry any further.
"I see, you're a good kid. Helping your father." I gave her a smile as I tried to cheer her up.
She lifted her head and made a surprised face that quickly turned into an embarrassed face with her cheeks a little red. She gets red from being called a good kid, that's cute.
"I'm not a kid! Stupid Yusof!" She said, flustered. her cheeks red.
"Hahahahaha." I laughed and smiled. I'm happy, the mood at least lightened a bit. At the same time, the cart wobbled a bit. Shortly after, Luno appeared at the front. Without looking back she spoke.
"We'll be going!"
""Yes!""
Me and Mira, whose face is now normal again, replied in unison. It appears Luno had recovered from what happened as well. As soon as we replied, Aner started moving.
We are now going to the southeast forest to clear the troll camp terrorizing the roads. This is my first mission, my first step to finding out about myself, and one of the first chances I seized in this new life.
I was feeling optimistic, after all, it was a new experience. New experiences are to be cherished.
Little did I know what was I was going to experience from this point on was going to change my outlook of this world, forever.