"A new life?" Diacrao asked. "Correct," Diric replied before a dirty-blonde-haired guy who stood beside Diacrao went forward and asked Diric; "Wait, you know about our past? Who were we and what are we doing here? can you send us back to where we came from?" He asked as the plain-faced Diric now smirked at the question, to which the young lad took slight offense at the facial response.
"I don't know where you come from, nor does it matter, as you and I know that we will never find an answer to that question. What matters now, however, is the opportunity that is now presented to you. An opportunity to be a part of the Foreign Auxiliary Force and fight for the banner of the Mkasi Republic, and subsequently, the Xeyrian Empire." Diric said before taking a quick pause to drink from his wooden mug filled with water.
"Auxiliary....you mean like mercenaries? like us being sent on the frontlines?"; "You got to be kidding me right?"; "You mean....bearing up arms?"; "Uh.....okay?"; "What the hell is Mkasi Republic and the Xeyrian Empire?"; "Does that mean...we have to kill!?!"; "Why the hell should we fight for you!? We barely even know each other and you ask us to fight!? piss off!" these were just some of the few varied responses from the crowd who expressed their mixed opinions to the officer. It was understandably a lot to take in as a newcomer in a foreign world with little to no memory of their past. As he finished gulping down his drink, he resumed back his speech.
"I will be blunt, it will be hard to find a different job in this town. The locals are nice and welcoming, but untrusting to take in foreigners like you, and why would they? you barely provide useful skills, except for a few, undesirable jobs that could barely sustain you. The locals have never been used with random people spawning from another realm and swelling within our ranks. Yes, you may be human, just like us, but that isn't enough to earn our trust. Your best course is this place right here, where we provide lodging for soldiers like your kind and provide starter fees to get through basic training in the military guilds you join. However, if you refuse, we won't force you, but be prepared for the harsh reality of the world." Diric said in a straightforward manner.
"What's the worst that could happen if we refuse? Again, why should WE even consider fighting for you? you need to earn our trust!" The same guy asked in an aggressive tone wanting to get more information, to which Diric replied; "Sure, don't fight for us then. But you'll be kicked out of the city for being a jobless nobody, and the city does not take too kindly of foreign beggars and vagrants, and considering you're not even one of us, you're stripped off any benefits, so you'll be kicked out and forced to live in the wilds, knowing just two languages and forced to live among the turbulent borderlands, where beasts and renegade men roam. The people that did refuse, did not have a good fate. So you'll be the wiser in making the decision." His response left many in the room silent, and it seemed like most had made up their mind.
Diacrao was unsure if Diric was telling the truth or whether he was lying to get them into joining this auxiliary force. It seemed one-sided but Diric was right, he could not offer any useful skills to the civilian population, and it seemed like serving as a auxiliary force would be a much more desirable option. And a free roof on your head doesn't seem like a bad option, either. His choice has been made. And it seemed like the others in the room had also taken the word of the officer.
"It's for the best." ; "I offer my services to this organization."; "We got no choice anyways."; "Whatever....it's the best option anyways."; "It's what it is, so let's go."; These were just a few responses from people who agreed, the last response coming from Diacrao himself. The officer smirked at the responses and took out an old book. "Great, now come on here and tell me your name so I can record it. I will also provide each of you with 15 silver as your starter fee. You are also free to form your own parties, numbering to about 5 to 6 people. So pick your partners wisely."
"Does that mean we will receive some payments for our services? would we be entitled to any special benefits of any kind?" A girl from the back of the crowd asked. It was a simple, but good question, something that did stir a reaction from Diric, who was surprised. "A good question, but unfortunately we do not pay for your services. I forgot to mention that your means of income is hunting down ravaging beasts and renegade war parties that loom at our borderlands."
"Just a little context on what's been happening, the empire has just come out from a bloody civil war that raged on for three decades and has decimated the lands, and with the exception of a few autonomous polities such as us, most of the region has been ravaged by this bloody conflict. As I mentioned, beasts and renegades alike have come to occupy some territories, battling against each other for these lands to call home. I would like to go into detail, but I'd rather spare your ears, and you can always dig in more if you are interested."
"Oh dear..." a random person from the crowd responded, it was certainly a hell of an introduction. "As for benefits, we only provide funds for you to conduct funerary rites for any of your comrades who had fallen. Don't worry, it is not limited. But that is about as benefits go, other than the free lodging I mentioned earlier. Oh, and one more thing, you are not allowed to leave the land or sail anywhere for the next three years. You are serving a term to this land and are required to prove your worth and loyalty before being elevated to Honorary Auxiliary Soldier. Leaving the land will count you as a deserter unless you receive special orders to do so. This is a test to see if you are loyal to our banners until your term ends." Diric said as he looked at the girl who asked the question, who bore a denim skirt with a tucked-in black shirt, as she donned a half-up half-down hairstyle. "Thank you for the answer." As she promptly replied.
The last bit raised an eyebrow from Diacrao, but it did not hamper him from spawning any second doubts, if that was the rule so be it. "Any further questions? if we do not have any then please stand in line and form your own groups. Come on up and collect your wages. And where are my manners? Welcome, to the Foreign Auxiliary force of the Mkasi Republic."