Jonathan headed to the mercenary guild, following the directions he had heard from the lively marketplace. The guild's sign, a weathered wooden board with a sword and shield carved on it, stood out among the other buildings. The guild itself was not very impressive, but it had a sense of purpose and adventure that drew Jonathan in.
He stepped inside and was greeted by a dimly lit room filled with trophies of various kinds, from zombie parts to old weapons. He smelled the leather and steel that the mercenaries used for their gear, and felt a thrill of excitement and nostalgia.
A scarred veteran at the front desk noticed him and smiled. "You look like you want to join us, am I right?"
Jonathan, wearing his new light armor, nodded. "Yeah, I heard this is where the action is."
The veteran chuckled and pointed to a large bulletin board with parchment papers on it. "We have all kinds of jobs for you, depending on your skills and preferences. But be warned, not all of them are about killing zombies. Lunaria has many other dangers and mysteries to deal with."
Jonathan walked over to the board and scanned the quests. Some of them asked for help in guarding the outskirts, while others involved exploring new areas, facing unknown risks or rewards. One quest caught his eye: it was about collecting rare herbs from a zombie-infested zone, with a generous reward.
He thought about his options, and decided to take the challenge. He went back to the veteran and told him his choice. The veteran gave him a map and some instructions on how to complete the quest.
"Is this how easy it is? I mean I can be a bad person noh?" Jonathan asked
Jonathan, having made his choice, approached the veteran to confirm his selection. The seasoned warrior handed him a detailed map and instructions, his eyes narrowing slightly as he considered Jonathan's question.
"Easy? Maybe completing the quest, but being a 'bad person'—that's a different story," the veteran replied, his voice carrying the weight of experience. "In Lunaria, even seemingly simple quests have conditions, especially those involving other people. Trustworthiness is built on reputation. You might be a good guy, but remember, eyes are everywhere. Nothing escapes the watchful gaze of the government. Be mindful of your actions; they can have consequences."
Jonathan nodded, absorbing the gravity of the veteran's words. The reminder of the kingdom's watchful eyes added a layer of complexity to his decision. Lunaria, though providing opportunities, demanded accountability from its mercenaries.
With the map in hand and the instructions firmly planted in his mind, Jonathan ventured out of the mercenary guild. As he stepped into the daylight, the weight of responsibility mingled with the excitement of the unknown. The journey ahead was not just a quest; it was an exploration of his character, a test of his ability to navigate a world reshaped by both survival instincts and societal rules.
The path leading to his chosen quest stretched before him, winding through Lunaria's outskirts and into uncharted territories. As he embarked on this new adventure, Jonathan knew that every action would contribute to the tapestry of his reputation within the kingdom, influencing the opportunities that lay ahead.
Jonathan left the guild, feeling a rush of anticipation. He was eager to see what the world beyond Lunaria's walls had to offer. He also remembered his former teammates and their choices, and realized that each of them had to find their own way in this new world.
Jonathan set off for the quest location, following the map he had received from the mercenary guild. He passed through the outskirts of Lunaria, where he admired the sight of well-tended farmlands and vigilant patrols. He was impressed by how Lunaria had achieved a seamless blend of order and purpose in a post-apocalyptic world.
He arrived at the designated area, a dense forest that was eerily silent. The quest involved investigating reports of unusual zombie activity in the vicinity. He had heard rumors of a possible threat that needed to be addressed before it became a danger to Lunaria.
He moved cautiously through the trees, keeping his eyes and ears open for any signs of movement. He noticed how Lunaria's defense strategy differed from the chaos beyond its walls. Lunaria relied on medieval weapons and strategic placement of patrols, while the rest of the world used guns and explosives. It was a testament to the kingdom's adaptability and resourcefulness in the face of a world forever changed.
As he ventured deeper into the forest, he encountered traces of zombie activity: scattered limbs, faint groans, and the unmistakable scent of decay. The quest had just begun, and the tension in the air increased with each step.
Suddenly, a group of zombies emerged from the shadows, their sluggish movements indicating an impending confrontation. Jonathan drew his sword and faced the encroaching threat with practiced efficiency. He slashed and stabbed at the decaying flesh, sending limbs and blood flying. The sound of steel clashing against bone echoed through the quiet forest as he skillfully dispatched the undead.
The quest continued as Jonathan faced more challenges, each one requiring a combination of combat prowess and strategic thinking. He had to dodge traps, solve puzzles, and fight more zombies. Hours passed, and the forest that was once a peaceful haven now bore the scars of a battle fought against the encroaching darkness.
As he neared the completion of the quest, Jonathan felt a surge of accomplishment. He had cleared the forest of zombies and collected the rare herbs that were part of the reward. The eerie silence of the forest was replaced by the distant sounds of Lunaria's bustling life. He made his way back to the mercenary guild with proof of his successful quest, feeling proud of his achievement.
His actions, witnessed by the kingdom's watchful eyes, would not only boost his reputation but also enhance the overall safety and prosperity of Lunaria. He was eager to see the veteran's assessment of his quest and receive his reward. He also wondered what other adventures and challenges awaited him in this post-apocalyptic kingdom.
Jonathan asked the receptionist at the desk, puzzled by his encounter with the zombies in the forest. "I thought Lunaria was zombie-free. How come there are zombies near the capital?"
The receptionist looked at him with amusement. "Oh, you didn't know? Those are just training zombies. Didn't you notice their jaws were cut off? And they were only the slow ones?"
Jonathan was stunned. "Training zombies?"
The receptionist nodded. "That's right. They are part of the training program for the mercenaries. Those quests are not the real ones. They are just to test your skills and abilities."
"Then what are the real quests?" Jonathan asked, curious.
The receptionist explained. "Once you complete 10 training quests, and you get the approval of the high-ranking officials, you can take the first true quest. That is, to join the expedition of the scouts outside the border."
Jonathan frowned. "So I'm basically a soldier working for the military?"
The receptionist shook his head. "No, not at all. There are only three true quests that involve joining the military scouts. After that, you are free to enter and exit the territory as you please. You can do whatever you want, as long as you follow the rules. You can explore the outside world, loot places, and trade them inside the territory. That's the freedom of being a mercenary."
Jonathan's eyes sparkled with wonder. "Wow, that sounds amazing. Alright, I'll work even harder!" He said with determination.
He left the reception desk, feeling a mix of surprise and excitement. He realized that the zombies near the capital were not a threat, but a challenge. He admired the ingenuity of the kingdom's training program, which used the zombies as a way to prepare the mercenaries for the dangers and opportunities beyond the borders.