Izik didn't expect that aside from precious gems he would get 4,000 gold coins, 2 vitality potions, and one Class A dagger from the raid. He used to hear about a lot of Hunters back in Forvi complaining about their earnings on their first raid. Often they talk about how they expected more only to be disappointed. Izik managed his expectations for his first raid however 4,000 gold coins was not exactly small. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that the dungeon they raided was Class B that turned Class A. Not to mention having four mini-bosses with one dungeon boss was a feat in itself.
"It's supposed to be 6,000 gold coins each but we're keeping 2,000 gold coins for the guild fund," Quinlan informed them when he was distributing the rewards. "Don't worry funds will be used fairly!"
Izik barely cared where they will use the funds and he could tell that the others think the same considering no one really voiced out their protest. Knowing Kameron and Smythe, Izik was sure that they were not really the type of people that will just keep their mouths shut when they think something was not fair. Aside from the fact that neither Aleksi nor Quinlan looked like they were greedy or after money.
"We're here!" Aleksi happily announced, forcing Izik to push aside his trail of thoughts.
He was originally planning on checking all the items and skills he got instead he was following his guildmates in some open area. Izik had checked the map of Ozryn and it was not that much bigger than Forvi so seeing a huge open area that hosted at least three pubs and what seemed to be hundred of people was quite surprising for him.
"What's a Guild Initiation anyway?" He finally asked as they settled at one of the tables.
Aleksi was happily screaming his orders to the waitress. The whole place was rowdy, filled with loud talk and unrestrained laughter. Izik was not sure if the waitress even got what Aleksi was saying but seeing her write down everything somehow told Izik that she did. She's probably used to it.
"It's basically a newcomer party of sorts," Smythe replied, flipping her hair. "It's where new guilds gather to drink and socialize." Izik nodded remembering the year-end and welcome parties of Bizevau. He guessed this could be equated to the adult version.
"It's the same as those nobles throwing their party or whatever," Kameron rolled his eyes, crossing his arms over his chest, he slumped against his seat's backrest.
"Careful there, you're a noble," Smythe grinned.
"Fuck you," Kameron replied with an overly fake smile. "I am no longer one after my oh-so-great father kicked me out." Izik was not really interested in any of his guildmates' backgrounds however that did pique his interest.
"Sorry," A pause. "I forgot that you were kicked out because you can't keep your legs close," Smyth sniggered. Izik thought it will lead to a fight but Kameron only laughed. He guessed Smythe and Kameron were close enough for that kind of joke.
"Like what Smythe said, it's a get-together for new guilds," Quinlan turned to Izik with his smile.
"A night to talk, eat, and socialize!" Aleksi happily added.
Their conversation was interrupted by a loud crashing sound followed by cheering. The crowd was going wild as another crashing sound followed. Izik turned to the open area, now flooded with a crowd that was seemingly watching something.
"That too," Kameron added, sipping from his mug of beer. Izik looked at him. "Hunters won't be Hunters if we don't somehow find a way to brag about our strengths, right?"
"Oh!" Aleksi quickly left the table with his mug of beer. Squeezing himself to the crowd, he began cheering as well.
"So there's a duel?" Izik asked the others. Everyone nodded.
"It's tradition," Quinlan replied.
"Is that legal?" Izik muttered mindlessly.
"I didn't think you will be someone who cares about law and order," Smythe commented, Izik flushed at that. He was not trying to be a model citizen, he was just genuinely curious.
"Well, there's no law against it," Kameron said while Ryo nodded next to him. "So, technically speaking, it's legal."
"Plus, just imagine it like those wrestling games kids usually play but with magic and weapons," Quinlan chuckled. Izik nodded focusing on his food. He was not really fond of alcohol or its taste. He'd rather eat and drink some soda or juice while surrounded by his guildmates jumping from one topic to another.
"I heard that Xanthe Soleil is currently in Ozryn," Izik wanted to let out a groan, hearing Xanthe's name from the table next to them. "Everyone was going crazy trying to look for Izik Arden." His fists clenched tightly.
"If he's here in Ozryn, then there's a huge chance that Izik Arden is here, right?"
On how his life reached the point where strangers speak of his name like they know him could only be blamed on Xanthe Soleil. At this point, he's starting to feel like if he doesn't show himself to Xanthe by the coming days everyone in the Empire of Serene will be looking for him.
"I heard some Hunters even postponed going on raids just to find him. What in the world did he do to the Soleil Prince?"
"I also want to know," Izik also wanted to know. "The bounty increased to 20,000 gold coins. The properties I can buy with that."
Izik tried his best to ignore the whole conversation. For sure, Sinclair and their friends have also heard about this ridiculous manhunt. It's not even the beginning of the school year and yet, Izik felt like he can say goodbye to his peaceful life in Bizevau. Since the day he met Xanthe, his life had been thrown in all kinds of loops.
Although, admittedly he was curious how much bigger the reward money will be in the coming days.
"Should we also look for Izik Arden?" Quinlan asked, face a bit closer to his, much to Izik's discomfort.
"We could," Izik tried to keep his cool. "I mean that's 20,000 gold coins."
"That's true," Quinlan moved away.
"That guy has some great hiding skills though," Smythe jumped into their conversation. Izik wouldn't really consider it a great hiding skill. It's more of a cheat. "It could be that or he's dead somewhere that's why no one can find him." Hearing that definitely didn't feel good.
"The best way to hide is always in plain sight, don't you think so too, Error?" Quinlan smiled at him and Izik couldn't help as goosebumps filled him. Why does Quinlan speak as if he knew the truth? Or was he just testing him or something? It's impossible for him to know the truth.
Izik turned to him to reply when they heard an announcement over the open area.
"Tonight's special event will be a friendly match between two new guilds!" The announcer spoke as the crowd began cheering. Izik suddenly remembered what Kameron said about Hunters always proving their strength. He should have expected that this kind of party will involve a friendly match.
On what that friendly match entailed, Izik was still unsure because he knew there was no way blood won't be spilled when it involved magic and weapon. No matter how much they claim that it's a friendly match.
"We will be having five matches! Which will be randomly decided through a draw lot." Izik raised an eyebrow, stuffing his mouth with a slice of tender meat. "Our first guild had already successfully closed 2 dungeons both Class B's! Introducing Kamikaze!" Everyone began shouting the word 'Kamikaze' over and over. From where they were seated, Izik could guess that the members were flexing in the middle while the people go wild with cheers.
"Our next guild recently closed their first dungeon, a Class A dungeon," Izik placed down his utensil. He had a bad feeling about this. "And get this, the dungeon has four mini-bosses and one dungeon boss!" The crowd went wild. They began cheering loudly while Izik could hear his heart pounding against his chest.
It's like a cliche story. You know what's going to happen and where it will lead you however you can't simply stop reading.
Aleksi rushed over to their table, he slammed his hand on it as the announcer spoke, "Let me hear you cheer for Seasons of the Storm!"
A wide grin broke Aleksi's lips, "I registered us on a match!" he proudly said as if they didn't just hear the announcer call their guild's name.
"You don't say," Smythe smiled sarcastically.
"I knew this will happen," Kameron sighed. He threw a glare at Quinlan who only shrugged.
"It will be fun!" Aleksi happily said. Quinlan only chuckled as he pushed himself to stand up. Izik watched as all the members left the table. Hurriedly, he followed them as they walk to the open area with the crowd parting like the sea from some old book he read before.
The crowd was shouting 'S.O.S' over and over as they made it into the open area, facing the guild they're supposed to have a /friendly/ match with. Izik eyed each member. They all looked formidable and experienced. Of course, they presented themselves with confidence.
"Here are our two guilds for the night!" The announcer raved. "We have Kamikaze and Seasons of the Storm!" Everyone was cheering loudly.
Izik's attention went to Kamikaze as one of their Hunters roughly pushed a member out of his way. "Know your place, you useless punk."
"Sorry about that," the guy replied with a chuckle, scratching the back of his head. Izik's eyes narrowed as he activated Perspective. He was aiming to use it to the rude Hunter but his attention was caught by the profile of the guy that was called /useless punk/.
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[ 👤PROFILE ]
[ Name: Ezekiel Mainas
Age: 17
Designation: Class S Hunter
Mana: ???
Level: ??? ]
[ Active Skills 🗡️ ] | [ Passive Skills 📜 ]
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Ezekiel Mainas...
Why in the world would a Crown Prince candidate be part of a starting guild?