Inside the Adventurer's Guild, the atmosphere was tense but bustling with activity. The walls, adorned with maps and mission postings, witnessed a steady stream of adventurers coming in and out, many bearing the scars of recent battles.
At the reception desk, Nori, the guild's dedicated receptionist, was diligently sorting through a stack of reports.
Reychard stood beside her, assisting with the grim task of updating the records of those who had been wounded or fallen during the last monster wave.
"Nori, let's go through the list again," Reychard said, his voice steady but heavy with the weight of their task.
Nori nodded, her expression somber as she picked up the first sheet of parchment. "Alright, let's start with the most recent updates. First on the list is Aric Stormblade."
Reychard sighed. "Aric... He took a heavy hit during the last wave. He's recovering, but it'll be weeks before he's back on his feet. Mark him as wounded."
Nori made a note on the parchment. "Got it. Next is Lyra Moonshadow."
Reychard's eyes softened at the mention of her name. "Lyra is one of the lucky ones. She managed to avoid serious injury. She's healthy and ready for the next wave."
A small smile flickered on Nori's lips. "That's good to hear. We need as many capable hands as possible."
"Korin Ironfist?" She continued down the list.
Reychard's expression darkened. "Korin fought valiantly, but he succumbed to his injuries. Mark him as deceased."
Nori's hand trembled slightly as she wrote the word. "I remember Korin. He was always so full of life. It's hard to believe he's gone."
Reychard placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We honor his memory by continuing the fight. His sacrifice won't be in vain."
Nori took a deep breath and moved to the next name. "Elara Windwhisper?"
"Elara sustained minor injuries. She's already back in training. Mark her as healthy and ready."
The list went on, with each name bringing its own story of bravery, loss, and resilience. The task was draining, but both Reychard and Nori knew it was essential to keep accurate records to plan for the upcoming battles.
"Next is Toren Blackwood," Nori said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Reychard's face fell. "Toren... He didn't make it. Another hero lost to the monster waves. Mark him as deceased."
Nori wiped a tear from her eye as she recorded the information. "This never gets easier, does it?"
Reychard shook his head. "No, it doesn't. But it's our duty to ensure their sacrifices are remembered and that we're prepared for what's to come."
Nori took a moment to steady herself before moving on. "What about Alden Stormcaller?"
Reychard's expression brightened slightly. "Alden's a tough one. Despite taking a nasty hit, he's up and about. Mark him as wounded but recovering quickly."
Nori nodded, her spirits lifted a little by the news. "That's a relief. He's one of our best in this town."
The list continued, and with each name, Reychard provided updates. The room was filled with a mix of emotions—sadness for the lost, relief for the survivors, and determination for the battles ahead.
After what felt like hours, they reached the end of the list. Nori set down the last parchment and looked at Reychard. "Thank you for helping with this. It's not an easy task."
Reychard gave her a reassuring smile. "We're all in this together, Nori. We have to support each other, especially during times like these."
Nori nodded, her eyes reflecting a mix of gratitude and sorrow. "I know. It's just hard seeing so many names on these lists. Each one was a friend, a comrade."
Reychard placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "And we honor each of them by continuing the fight. By protecting this town and its people. That's what they would have wanted."
Nori took a deep breath, finding strength in his words. "You're right, Reychard. We can't give up."
As they stood there, side by side, the weight of their duty pressed heavily on their shoulders, but so did the resolve to keep moving forward.
The guild was not just a place for adventurers; it was a community, a family bound by their commitment to protect Oakheart.
Reychard glanced around the busy guild hall, seeing the determined faces of adventurers preparing for the next wave. "We need to make sure everyone is ready. The next wave could hit at any time."
Nori straightened, a renewed sense of purpose in her eyes. "I'll make sure the records are updated and that everyone knows who's ready for battle and who needs more time to recover."
Reychard nodded. "Good. We'll get through this, Nori. Together."
Nori smiled, a glimmer of hope shining through her sadness. "Together."
All of a sudden, Lark emerged from the adventurer front door with a red face, furious, his sudden presence grab everyone attention. Lark quickly walked towards Nori.
"You! I want to talk to the guild master! Bring him to me fast," Lark demanded angrily.
"Please wait for a moment, Mr. Lark." Nori immediately went to the second floor to notify the guild master.
Reychard, seeing Lark's ragged breathing in anger, tried to calm him down, "Calm yourself for a moment, Mr. Lark."
"Shut your mouth, Reychard!" Lark retorted, narrowing his eyes at him.
Reychard wanted to say something back, but he stopped himself. He didn't want to make Lark angrier and potentially cause more trouble for Nori.
Then Nori returned to the first floor, "Please follow me, Mr. Lark. The guild master is ready to meet you," she said in a polite tone.
Lark followed her to the second floor of the building and into the guild master's office.
Nori knocked on the door, "Guild master, Mr. Lark is already here," while Lark impatiently waited next to her.
Right after that, a deep and low voice responded from inside the room, "Come in."
Nori opened the door and brought Lark inside.
"Here is Mr. Lark waiting to meet you, guild master. I will take my leave now," Nori said as she excused herself.
The guild master, Mesa, was standing tall in his office, the giant looking at Lark with an unreadable, blank expression.
The guild master finally open his mouth slowly, "What is it Mr. Lark?" his deep voice reverberate through the room.
"What is that bastard Nikos doing here?" Lark stare at Mesa, "is he offering the guild his potions too?"
Mesa answer Lark's question in a single nod.
"You can't do that! In this town only the Alchemist Association that had right to sell potions." Lark yelled.
Mesa try to explain things calmly and politely to Lark, "Mr. Lark, the second waves attack is impacting the guild quite heavily last time, so we need as many potions as possible and Sir Nikos is at the right time to offering his help."
Shit! I'm truly late. Lark can't deny that. "Are you already making contract with him?"
"Yes."
"Fine, I'll let this slide, if you buy the rest of stock from me."
Mesa is quite relieved that Lark can still be talked calmly. "Oh, that's a good news, it's always beneficial to have more stock as extra protection for the upcoming monster wave. How much is it?"
"2 gold coins for each potions." Lark state the price, which is twice the usual price for the potions.
Hearing the price, Mesa turned annoyed at Lark preposition, "2 gold coins for 1 potion? That's daylight robbery, Lark. I could buy more potions from Nikos for that price."
"That is my price, pay for it or else you are crossing the Alchemist Association." Lark threatened.
"I will not pay for it." Mesa voice is heavy in disagreement.
"Guildmaster, don't play with me. I could send a letter to the main branch and they will send their armies here right now to dealt with you."
"Get out of here!" Mesa yelled.
"Fine, but hear my words," Lark, with annoyance, took his leave. "You will pay for this, guild master. For siding with Nikos."
Outside the town fortress. In one of the guard posts, two guards were on duty outside. One is a crocodile-man, and the other is a cat-man.
"You heard that Clawrend, that human peasant we meet times ago, now is becoming rich by selling potions," the crocodile-man said to his friend.