"Calm down, Jubin. What happened? Explain the situation clearly," Arvind Krushna said to the man who had barged in.
"There's a report of a Kumaon Shadow Wolf pack in the cornfields near the northern suburbs. No deaths have been reported yet, but the city hall has classified it as an UB-class mission. They predict that if the pack moves toward the city, it will reach us in about two hours, and there could be a large death toll," Jubin replied.
"Hmm… an urgent class-B mission does sound serious. But at this time of year, Kumaon Shadows usually don't attack the city. City hall may just be erring on the side of caution. How many wolves are in the pack?" Arvind asked.
"Probably around fifty. The report came from a distance, and the cornfields obstructed the view," Jubin answered.
"Then it's likely a lower threat than class B. Have you contacted every healer in our guild?"
"Yes, but the earliest any of them can arrive is in four hours. We can't wait that long. We have to handle this threat within two hours at most."
"What about the County Healing Centre?"
"They can't dispatch any healers right now. They've told us to bring the injured to the Centre instead. I was hoping you might have a visiting healer from another location," Jubin said, looking at Arvind Krushna with a hopeful expression.
"No, there isn't anyone," Arvind sighed. Suddenly, his eyes lit up, and he said hurriedly, "This boy can perform basic healing spells. Although he isn't a full healer, in emergencies, his abilities could save lives. You'll need to ready a carriage for transport. This boy can stabilize those in immediate danger, and the carriage can carry the wounded to the Healing Centre. Your location isn't far from the city, after all."
All eyes turned to Ranav. Panicked, he stammered, "I'm not a healer. I've only ever performed healing spells on my sister!"
Jubin interjected, "Although your age isn't ideal for the job, this is an urgent situation. And if Archmage Krushna says you can do it, then you can. Don't worry; I'll pay you one hundred gold coins for your help. You just need to stay behind the battlefield at a safe distance. We'll bring the wounded to you. There won't be any danger."
Ranav hesitated, thinking, "The money is tempting, but I'm not ready to put myself in danger. I'm not prepared for this."
Arvind Krushna added firmly, "Jubin, don't be so stingy. From a UB-class mission, you'll earn five thousand gold coins. Make his share two hundred. And you, boy… what's your name again?... whatever, as a relative of Countess Vedika, you have a duty to help keep the city safe. You won't need to enter the battlefield. Jubin's team is strong enough to handle even a hundred wolves. Just go with them as a social service."
Ranav had no choice but to agree. He thought bitterly, "That sly old fox. He played the Countess card so I couldn't refuse. On the other hand, he's ensured Jubin won't let anything happen to me."
As Ranav expected, Jubin became more respectful. "Well, sir, I'm Jubin D'Souza. Please help us this once. If you prefer, you can stay in the carriage to remain safe. Our guild's carriages are much sturdier than normal ones."
Ranav returned the courtesy. "I'll accompany you on the condition you mentioned. I've never been in battle before, so if I don't perform as expected, please don't be disappointed."
"Understood. Please come with me; the team is waiting on the first floor. We need to start immediately," Jubin said.
Ranav bowed to Arvind Krushna and thanked him for the awakening before joining Jubin.
On the first floor, Jubin introduced Ranav to his seven teammates: Saraf, Raaz, Dinesh, Rakesh, Dilip, Usha, and Rita. Although some of them doubted the idea of taking a child on the mission, the urgency of the situation left no room for objections.
Rita, the youngest member of the team, who appeared to be around twenty, commented, "I'm not entirely comfortable with you joining us, but since you're here, you should prepare some means of self-defense. Do you use any weapons?"
"I prefer swords," Ranav replied.
"Come with me," Rita said, walking to a wooden shelf in the corner of the room. She opened the door and added, "Pick any sword you like. These are real swords, so don't accidentally cut yourself."
"Don't worry, I can handle a sword," Ranav said. He selected a katana-like sword from the rack. Although it was slightly shorter than a typical katana, its weight and balance suited him perfectly. He unsheathed it briefly, examined it, and then secured it on his back.
The warriors in the team sighed in relief, realizing that Ranav was at least somewhat familiar with using a sword. Although Jubin assured them that Ranav would stay with the carriage and avoid the battlefield, the experienced warriors knew that battles were unpredictable, and no one's safety was guaranteed.
Among the team, Saraf, Raaz, Rakesh, and Dilip were knights. Already dressed for battle, they adjusted their weapons. Jubin, Dinesh, Usha, and Rita were mages, and they double-checked their equipment and spellcasting tools. With final preparations complete, the team was ready.
"Let's head to the front gate. I've contacted the transport section to arrange a carriage. It should be ready now," Jubin said.
When Ranav reached the ground floor, Kulbir Thapa greeted him from the side, "Sir, are you finished here?"
"Yes, my task here is done," Ranav said. However, he silently berated himself, "I completely forgot about him during all the excitement. If he hadn't approached me, I might have left with the hunter team without telling him."
Regaining his composure, Ranav said, "I have some things to do with the hunter team. Please report to Aunt Vedika that my task at the Hunter's Guild is complete. I'll return later."
Kulbir immediately objected. "No, that won't do. Our Lady specifically instructed me to ensure your safety. You are my top priority."
Hearing their exchange, the hunter team grew curious. Only Jubin could relate the things happening here, suspecting Ranav's importance, thought, "This boy must be significant to the Count's household. No wonder they've sent a guard for him. But this works in our favor, if the guard joins us, we won't need to worry as much about his safety."
Jubin stepped forward and said, "Greetings, I'm Mage Jubin D'Souza, captain of this hunter team. Judging by your uniform, you must be a personal guard of the Count's estate. We need assistance from this young man. If you're willing, you're welcome to join us. There's plenty of room in our carriage."
Kulbir bowed slightly. "I'm Kulbir, Chief Guard of the Count Estate. I'd be happy to accompany you. My orders are to ensure Mr. Ranav's safety."
"Excellent," Jubin said. "Let's move quickly. We're running out of time." Without waiting for Ranav's opinion, he led the team forward.