"Finally, Deek, the healer. You have done well. Your healing kept the city from being overrun, and for that, you have my gratitude. Each of those you healed has offered 2 silver of their earnings to pay for your service. That comes to 2 gold, 6 silver."
I made a noise of surprise. It was actually the greatest sum that anyone had been handed for this mission. However, as I got up and awkwardly took the money, there was no one who looked upset or angry. Maybe there were one or two people who were envious, but for those who had been hurt, it seemed like it could have cost weeks of being out of work and as much as one gold to receive similar healing. Two silver each was practically nothing considering all that. As I grabbed the coins, the mayor placed his hand on mine.
"That was an award decided amongst the Adventurers. You would have been given more if you had enrolled in the Adventuring guild and had been working for us. Unfortunately, since you're not an official member yet, I was restricted."
"It's fine." I wasn't really upset, I had got something, and it seemed like more than most.
While I said that, there were a few men mumbling, clearly unhappy that the Adventuring guild was cheaping out on me. I appreciated the support. For all intents, I was just a stranger, and it'd be effortless for them to take advantage of me.
"While modesty is a virtue, I highly recommend you be more assertive in your wants." The man chuckled. "As is, this town would have been destroyed without you. As the town's mayor, I would like to give you the honorary position of Chalm's hero."
There were a few mumblings I overheard. "Isn't 'hero' just an empty title?"
"Well, our last hero died a few years ago, it's about time someone was selected."
"A nonresident would prevent anyone from growing jealous."
The mayor's expression tightened as the group spoke over him until the guild leader stepped forward and thumped his foot, causing everyone to quiet down.
"Every town and city has the right to assign a single hero. It isn't a completely empty title. You're awarded a salary of 1 gold coin a month, and get a discount at all of the stores. I can even arrange for you to be able to stay at the inn for free while you're in town."
I furrowed my brow, not looking as pleased as I could be. "Are there any responsibilities placed on me?"
At this point, the big guy stepped forward. "We'll be honest. We think having a novel healer like you settling down in our town would be a positive for Chalm. We knew you're just passing through and were hoping that you'd keep Chalm in your heart. You won't have any responsibilities for Chalm, and can even leave if you want, but the more Chalm grows as a town, the more your own fame does as its hero. The feeling is mutual. A town and its hero rise and fall together. We only ask that if we need help, you come. After all, if Chalm is destroyed, so would your reputation as its hero.
"So, that is how it is." I sighed.
It wasn't to the point that I was obligated to fight or die for them. However, if I took the offer, I'd be known as the Hero of Chalm. If I then abandoned them in a crisis and Chalm was destroyed, I'd have the reputation of someone who abandoned their city. I wondered why they were so quick to pick me up. My activities were helpful, but hardly worthy of a hero title. They barely knew who I was, and I only came to town yesterday.
Since I had no place in this world at the moment, settling down here seemed like a good idea. It was pure luck that I had fallen into this hero position, but I might as well champion Chalm. The people seemed friendly enough, and being from somewhere would make all of my future journey's much more comfortable.
"Very well. I will be the hero, at least until you find someone better."
"Haha!" The mayor laughed. "That's the spirit!"
He handed me a coin with a glowing sword drawn on it. To me, it honestly looked a bit like the guild leader's sword. The crowd broke into applause, once again a mixture of some happy and some jealous. A moment later, some text flashed across my vision.
{The people of a town have acknowledged you as their savior. You have unlocked the job: Hero.}