Xander pov
I kept strolling the streets of Aswalt during my night patrol as usual. It's amazing how my life has changed ever since I came in contact with Lord Fate. Colleagues who used to ignore me now greet me respectfully, and some even seek my attention. The guards' chief and the knight captain, Perrin, curry favor with me, hoping to gain an advantage in acquiring white powder for ignition balloons. Whenever I meet the townspeople, they sing my praises and tell stories about me to their fellow residents and children.
Local thieves and ruffians are now afraid when they hear my name. Just two days ago, I accidentally encountered a thief attempting to pickpocket a tourist at the harbor. Instead of fleeing, he surrendered immediately, well aware of my capability to burn even an E-ranker alive. It's earned me nicknames like "Police of Justice," "Lord God Flame," and "Guardian of Aswalt."
I know deep down that I don't deserve all this praise. It's all because of Lord Fate's influence. I often wonder why Lord Fate doesn't claim the fame for himself. Maybe he wants to keep his identity hidden or has other motives. Whatever the reason, it doesn't matter to me. I just don't want to be a person who bites the hand that feeds, after all.
After the first incident involving the Raven Gang's corpses, Lord Fate presented me with two more burned corpses, also from the Raven Gang. The chief praised me continuously for my contributions and even recommended me for a promotion to head of the night patrol officers, a position that is currently vacant. In the past, I would have gladly accepted the promotion along with a salary increment. However, this time, I straightforwardly declined the offer, stating that I lack the proper experience. In truth, I didn't want to take on any new responsibilities without Lord Fate's permission. It seems that Lord Fate has other plans for me as a simple guard, things that a head patrol officer wouldn't be able to do.
Today marks the third time I've been ordered to visit the rundown house on Jovinal Street. It seems like more members of the Raven Gang have lost their lives. As usual, I'll submit their bodies to the chief and collect the prize money, with half of it going to Lord Fate. Additionally, there should be some white powder there today. I'll leave one gold coin, given by Knight Captain Perrin, in exchange for 500 grams of white powder.
I can't help but wonder how long Lord Fate will find me useful. Moreover, I feel guilty taking all the fame and money without contributing much. If only I were a bit stronger, I could do more. Yes, I've always wanted to be strong. Will Lord Fate help me if I ask? But what if he thinks I'm getting greedy? What if he loses interest in me? Well, just because he's powerful doesn't mean he can make me stronger. Am I even talented enough to become strong?
Darn it, I realize I've been walking mindlessly, and now I'm already on Jovinal Street. I must stay vigilant of my surroundings. I enter the house and make my way to the hidden room in the basement, familiar with the scent of rotten flesh that always greets me here. It means there are more corpses today. Unlike the first time, I'm not nervous, nor do my eyes wander around. I head straight to the wooden box in the center, fully aware of what's inside. I take a handkerchief and cover my nose and mouth, preparing for the unpleasant sight. Slowly, I open the lid, and as expected, five burnt bodies greet me. But this time, there's something different about them; all the bodies seem to have lost their limbs. This is unexpected and throws me into a tough situation. How am I supposed to explain this to the chief? With my unawakened talent, I couldn't possibly cut off the limbs of an E-ranker. Why didn't Lord Fate think about this?
As I ponder this, my eyes catch an envelope with the familiar symbol of a scythe, skeleton head, and wings. It's odd that there's no orange bird this time to deliver the letter; it's just placed beside the wooden box. I quickly open the letter and read its contents.
"Yet again it was you who killed them. And that is how you will report. As for the severed limbs just tell them you have a hidden art. Believe me!
-Lord Fate"
I couldn't help but feel happy as I read the letter; it finally gave me a way to deceive the chief. Still, I couldn't shake the nervousness, wondering if he would doubt me for this. Thankfully, my past honesty during the ignition balloon incident and the chief's need for white powder should deter him from probing too deeply. Besides, my actions in dealing with the Raven Gang have brought fame to the department, so I doubt he'll make much trouble for me.
After clearing out the corpses from the wooden box, I hesitated for a few minutes but ultimately decided to give it a try. Taking out a piece of paper and a quill pen from my pocket, I began to write.
"Respected Sir Lord Fate,
This is the first time I am writing a letter to you directly. I've wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude for everything you've done for me. You've completely changed my life, and I, along with my family, will forever be grateful to you. I feel guilty for not being able to do more to assist you and for claiming all the fame and half the prize money without contributing much. Although I know I might be crossing my limits, I beg you to give me a chance to be of help to you. Please aid me in becoming stronger. I will always be your loyal Dog, and I earnestly wish to be a part of your endeavors in bringing justice. If you think I'm being greedy, punish me as you see fit. I'll patiently await the day when I am deemed worthy enough to lay my eyes on your grand visage.
Truthfully, your loyal servant,
Xander"
With the letter written and placed in the wooden box alongside the 1 gold coin, I carefully took the white powder and gathered the pile of corpses. My mind was filled with thoughts of my plea to Lord Fate, hoping he would grant me the strength to be more useful in his cause.
—---------end of xander pov—-------------------
Bowen sat quietly in his room, carefully reading Xander's letter. Unable to reach Casper, he had to go in person to retrieve the gold coin. To his surprise, he found that Xander had written a letter, pleading for help to become stronger. Xander even referred to himself as a loyal dog. Bowen contemplated for a while if he should include Xander in his team. His other slaves, Solaris, Renault, and Mason, were all talented and approved by the system. However, considering Xander works for the government, could he trust him enough to bring him in?
Bowen had initially used Xander because he seemed ambitious and somewhat trustworthy. He was easy to manipulate and exploit, which was his only valuable trait. Bowen couldn't afford to accept everyone who showed loyalty to him. He knew that grooming talentless individuals would be a waste of his efforts; he wasn't a martyr. He needed capable people to help him eliminate his targets in the future. Although having someone from the government side wasn't entirely bad, Xander was just a small-time guardsman in a rural town. Bowen questioned the influence he could have on the overall government. Perhaps in the future, but would he truly grow stronger? That was the real question.
After burning the letter with a flick of his finger, Bowen looked to his left. There lay Mason, drunken to the brim, blabbering as he affectionately hugged and kissed the bow and arrow that Bowen had bought for him, as if it were a beautiful girl. Bowen shook his head, pondering how to handle this situation. On one hand, he had Xander, who worked hard to become stronger despite lacking talent. On the other hand, there was Mason, who possibly had talent but lacked the desire to put in the effort. Bowen couldn't help but wonder about the odd assortment of people he was connected with. Whatever, if push comes to shove he will drag them along with him. Yes, he will drag them along with him all the way to the depths of hell.
"Mason," called Bowen.
"hUH? YESS! Mastarra. Yessh." replied Mason, still sounding a bit intoxicated.
"Get up, let's go."
" Hmm..whre to.masteerah?"
"Shopping!"
" Humm..alcoholll?" Mason asked excitedly.
"Yes, that too. But before that, we will stop by the White Order to make an official slave master contract. Then... I have to buy something for your... hmm... future colleague, I must say?"
"Collsh???... whhat?" mason asked confused.
"A partner that you may have in the future."
" Oooh! Maaasoon hash parttener?"
"Yes, he might be, but it depends on how he will react to my next order. If he believes me and does what I say, I will grant him a place alongside you. But if he refuses... well... it's easy... he is a minor character for me to.....( Bowen smirks).
"Come on, now, don't waste my time. We have a lot of work to do," said Bowen, hurrying Mason on his unsteady legs.