We all look at the assembled people, about twenty left out of the fifty that applied. My eyes are immediately drawn to the transmigrator. I study her.
She's pretty, and I'd guess around my age. The fact that she chose a singing power from Lord Soahc would support that. Though it could also be that she just likes singing, or even that some other deity gave it to her. The most prominent thought on my mind has to do with her hair.
'Is it dyed? Or is it permanently like that? Or was it dyed when she got sent here, and now it's permanent?'
Inconsequential thoughts, perhaps, but there's a saying about cat curiosity for a reason. Except I doubt that in this case it will kill me. Really though, I'm just trying to distract myself from the fact that what I'm planning on doing is walking the line between genius and stupidity.
But that's nothing new for me.
I'm snapped from my thoughts by Receptionist clearing her throat. I wonder when she got here?
"First of all. Seka, I've been here the whole time. Yes, I knew what you were thinking. No, I can't read your mind. You just have an honest face." She answers each of my mental questions as they flow through my mind, and now I know she can read my mind! She's lying when she says she can't!
"I assure you that I'm not lying." See!?
Sighing, she turns to the representatives. "Please make your offers. Keep in mind that threatening others to join you is forbidden, and your company will be banned from the guild should you do so or try to circumvent this."
The four of them nod, though Baldy does so with a sneer. "First is the company Pillars of Somewhere."
The armored woman steps forward. "My name is Aleana, and I'd like for you to consider where you are."
She pauses and the crowd looks at each other in confusion. One of them hesitantly raises their hand. "Somewhere?"
She nods firmly. "That's right. And it is here that you'll start your journey. It is here where you'll form your first bonds as adventurers. It is here, where you will grow!" She takes a deep breath, clenching a fist in front of her. "It is here that your family is. It is here that we remain to protect those who cannot protect themselves. Join the Pillars of Somewhere and protect your loved ones!"
She raises her fist in the air as a few people cheer. Nodding in satisfaction, she steps back with the others. "Next will be the Hand of Jakins."
The priest steps up and holds out a hand. "Justice is a hallmark of civilization. It is a sign of good. A sign that you wish to right the wrongs of the world. The Hand of Jakins touches all people on the continent, and beyond. We are simply a more physical aspect of this. Join us, and work to bring justice to those who have wronged you."
He retreats after seeing the look of determination on some of their faces.
The Crimson Hearts representative goes third, the dwarf scowling at the crowd collectively taking a step back. He takes a deep breath, then bellows. "YOU LILY LIVERED, SAND LOVING, WATERLOGGED MARSHMALLOWS THINK YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A MEMBER OF THE CRIMSON HEARTS!?"
Shocked at the sudden outrage and shouting, they stumble back, a few even falling. This just makes the dwarf's face turn red in rage. "IF YOU PATHETIC SKY LOVERS CAN'T EVEN HANDLE A BIT OF YELLING, HOW IN THE ABYSS WILL YOU KILL A MONSTER!?"
He snorts before raising his pinky and thumb at them. "If any of you lot get a fire burning in yer heart, prove it at our company's base. Jus' follow the soun' o' fighting."
'Huh. He got an accent after he yelled. More like how I would think a stereotypical dwarf would sound.' I chuckle. 'Waterlogged marshmallows… Funny.'
The last person to make an offer is Baldy the mage. He steps up and glares at them, causing a few to shiver. Though they all work to make sure they don't show any signs of unease after the dwarf's scolding.
He speaks. "The Mage Battalion only accepts magic users. If you know how to use it for more than the basic necessities, you are welcome. If you wish to learn, you will be tested. If you lack the capability, or the class you unlock is not magic focused, you will be removed, and proper remuneration for our efforts made You can either speak to me now, or come to our tower for testing."
Everything is delivered in a dry, no-nonsense tone that I can't help rolling my eyes at. 'Seriously, that's a recruitment pitch!? It felt more like he was interviewing them for a job. Well, I guess that's kind of what this is? But you need to at least dangle some bait in front of them!'
While I'm busy insulting Baldy, I hear Receptionist saying something surprising. "Miss Seka, it is now your turn to speak to them."
I blink at her blankly. "Huh? But I'm not part of a company."
She nods. "That's correct, but were you not hoping to recruit people for your party? Surely you were not planning to wait and recruit the people not joining the companies here?"
"Well, no. But, um, never mind. I guess I'll talk to them now." I'm not sure exactly what I wanted to do, but I definitely didn't want to do it in front of a crowd!
I clear my throat. "Um, hello there. I'm Seka, no party or company affiliations. I was actually hoping to see if any of you wanted to join me?" I bounce my fingers against each other as I work my pitch. Behind me, my tail is low to the ground, the tip twitching.
"I don't really have any particular plans other than getting stronger and seeing the world. I'd like to visit an elven village, I guess? Other than that, yeah. Getting stronger, going on adventures, and seeing the world. Um. Hm. If you're fine with that, let me know? Thanks for the consideration."
I bow my head then move to hide behind Receptionist, my blush finally breaking past my efforts to stifle it. Peeking over her shoulder, I see that not only the applicants, but the representatives are also staring at me. Even Receptionist is staring at me.
"Ugh," I groan. "I'm not good with a lot of people focusing on me." Stupid stage fright. It even followed me to another world!
Seeming to break free of her surprise, Receptionist clears her throat. "Well then. Now that you've heard everyone's pitch, please feel free to discuss among yourselves about where you should join. There are four rooms past this door where they'll be waiting for your answers. Each door has a placard with the company name to prevent confusion. To leave, simply follow the hallway to the right to get to the main area of the guild."
She looks at me, my ears flattened behind her. "Um, Miss Seka will be there as well. So if you wish to join her party, speak to her there."
With that she makes her way out of the room, me following closely behind her.