Cyan, now satisfied with the progress they had made, contemplated their transition into the world of mercenaries. He knew that this path wouldn't be easy, and he understood the varying tiers and qualifications that defined a mercenary's skill and reputation.
Tier 1 to Tier 4, Cyan pondered. Tier 4 being the highest tier known, the elite few who could rival even the powerful families of the Federation. Cyan was aware of only five mercenary groups who had achieved such a prestigious rank, each with at least one Grandmaster and a minimum of 30 Experts in their ranks. Their skills and expertise were legendary, and their status commanded respect.
In Sector E, where Cyan currently operated, most mercenaries were unranked. However, there were three prominent groups that dominated the sector as Tier 1 mercenaries — Silver Lining Mercenary, Gold Age, and the Tiger Mercenary.
Silver Lining Mercenary intrigued Cyan. They operated differently from other groups, often keeping a low profile and refraining from involving themselves in the affairs of Sector E. There were rumors that they were deliberately laying low due to a conflict with a powerful family or individual. Cyan couldn't help but suspect that they might have offended someone of considerable influence, which explained their discreet operations.
On the other hand, the reputation of the Tiger Mercenary was notorious. They were known for aligning themselves with local groups and using them to further their own agenda. The Henley brothers, who had been causing trouble for Cyan's group, were believed to be under the influence of the Tiger Mercenary.
As Cyan delved deeper into their research, he discovered that there were rules and codes by which mercenaries operated. There was a sense of honor among them, a set of principles that governed their actions. Cyan found himself aligning with these principles, recognizing the values of loyalty, integrity, professionalism, and utmost freedom. Albeit there are black sheeps in every organization. He likes the thrills that come with being a mercenary, especially it's a profession where only the strong are respected.
Cyan decided the path for them is becoming a mercenary, a part of a community where their skills and knowledge could be utilized to their fullest potential, with no strings attached. He knows that it would require hard work, dedication, and the ability to navigate through the complex dynamics of the mercenary world.
"Boss, what have you been busy with?" Asked Kelly in a jovial manner as she interrupted Cyan musings.
"It's part of what I am about to discuss with you guys. Once everyone gathers, I will share the information" answered Cyan.
Everyone left what they were busy with and gathered together.
Kelly couldn't contain her curiosity. "Boss, what exactly is this plan you have in mind?"
Cyan smiled, appreciating Kelly's enthusiasm as he answered, " To true mercenaries, we need more than just funds and skills. We require systematic training and access to privileged information that is not easily available to the public. I envision our group being more than just another unranked mercenary organization."
Cyan's announcement left the group in a state of astonishment and curiosity. They had always known that their leader had something grand in mind, but they hadn't anticipated the magnitude of his vision.
The group stared at Cyan, their expressions ranging from surprise to apprehension.
Law, always the voice of reason, voiced their concerns. "Boss, this sounds like an incredibly challenging task. Are you sure we're prepared for it?"
Cyan met Law's gaze, his eyes filled with determination. "I understand your worries, my friend. But if we aspire to achieve greatness, we must aim higher than what is expected of us. The tower we are building will crumble if we settle for mediocrity."
Dennis, feeling the weight of the ambition, couldn't help but express his anxieties. "Boss, this is a massive undertaking. We should be cautious not to bite off more than we can chew, especially when we are already on a promising path."
Cyan's gaze shifted from one member to another, recognizing their genuine concern. And now, he needed to ensure that everyone was on the same page, ready to face the challenges ahead. "Are any of you scared?" Cyan's voice was firm, but filled with a stark honesty. He needed to know if his companions were truly up for the journey that lay before them.
The group exchanged glances, realizing that their leader was seeking their truest intentions. Gibson calmly spoke up. "Boss, fear is natural in the face of uncertainty. But what truly matters is not whether we are scared, but if we have the means and resolve to reach the heights you aim for."
Cyan looked at his loyal companions, a sense of gratitude washing over him. "You all are my family. We have faced challenges together, overcome obstacles, and built a bond that is unbreakable. There is no one else I trust more with my life than you. Remember the story my mom always tells us about her family but we always laughed it off".
"The one where she always tells us her family was once a great family with a rich history but fell off during her father's generation" said Kelly as everyone smiled when they remembered how she always liked to tell them all kinds of stories to comfort them.
"Apparently, one of the stories panned out to be true, my family has a history of greatness before our fall. Our ancestors left us with an inheritance but it can only be activated after meeting some conditions. I was able to fulfill the conditions, I have gained an inheritance that can aid us on this journey." Cyan knows his words are full of holes but how else is he supposed to explain how he can make potions or miraculously have all this wonderful knowledge about pharmacology, techniques, Spells and also come up with Shadow bane. Moreover, going forward he will come up with a lot of good stuff. How is he going to explain them? He doesn't plan to hide his capabilities, he plans to live to the fullest.
The group stared at Cyan in disbelief. What's going on with their boss? Did he hit his head? Why is he telling them something out of a cliche novel Kelly and Niall like to read.
Cyan seeing how they are looking at him as if he is crazy decided to bring out a box of potions from the magic tower space, seeing is believing.
"This! Am I dreaming?" asked Niall flabbergasted by what he just saw. Cyan saw the others mirror his surprise look.
"No you're not dreaming, I was equally surprised myself when it happened, so you guys can rest assured now"
Law groaned "Boss, it's good that you trust us but this just made things difficult. Things like inheritance have caused both small and large scale wars. Once people know about your inheritance it will place a target on your back."
After hearing what Law said they quickly came down from their excitement "yes big brother, Law is right" Niall said worriedly as he agreed with Law.
Cyan won't deny what Law said, didn't he have to resort to massacre to keep the tower, "I understand but you guys won't betray".
"Boss, we won't betray but there's no airtight wall. What if someone uses a despicable means to get the information from us" added Kenny.
Cyan, seeing their genuine concern, knows if he doesn't do something to assure these guys they will always be worried. It's the opposite of what he wants "Fine I have a way to allay your fears" cyan said as brought out a parchment filled with arcane words. It's a contract that works on the soul, once they sign it with their blood it will take effect and bind their soul. It won't hurt them but lay dormant in their soul. It will only activate when they want to divulge secrets concerning the inheritance(tower). It will erase any information concerning it even with soul search. This is one of the contracts he found in the tower.
Cyan explained as he showed them the contract spell. Everyone breathes a sigh of relief as they willingly use their blood to sign the contract.
The group absorbed the magnitude of the revelation, their minds racing with possibilities. Their leader, their friend, had not only unveiled a grand vision but also shared a deeply personal part of his life with them. An air of determination filled the room as they recognized the significance of this moment