For the next hour, Jamie meticulously recounted every detail of their harrowing expedition.
The Guild Leader sat regally behind her ornate desk carved from dark oak, her piercing eyes fixed unblinkingly on Jamie. She was an imposing figure, a tall woman with a commanding presence. Her hair was a cascade of silvery strands that framed her sharp features. Most striking was her leonine tail, which swayed gently behind her chair, the tufted end flicking subtly as she listened. Her expression remained unreadable, a mask of stern attentiveness, as though she were weighing every word for truth and deception.
Thomas stood steadfast beside Jamie, his posture at ease yet alert. His eyes occasionally darted around the room, taking in the rich furnishings and the array of strange artifacts displayed on shelves. Though he said nothing, his steady presence lent Jamie confidence as he wove the tale of their unexpected encounter.
As Jamie spoke, he couldn't help but be distracted intermittently by Jay, his spectral feline companion. Invisible to all but Jamie, Jay was thoroughly captivated by the Guild Leader's tail. The ghostly cat leaped and swatted playfully at the tufted end, his ethereal form passing harmlessly through it. Despite the seriousness of the meeting, Jamie suppressed a grin at Jay's antics, grateful that the cat's incorporeal nature prevented any real mischief.
"—and that's when we got the Monster Crystal," Jamie concluded, his voice steady. He took a moment to assess the Guild Leader's reaction, but her expression remained inscrutable.
She leaned back in her chair, fingers steepled beneath her chin. "I see," she said finally, her tone measured. "This situation is... unique."
Rising gracefully from her seat, she moved to stand before the large window, gazing out over the bustling streets of Hafenstadt. The sun cast a warm glow over the city, the distant sounds of merchants and townsfolk drifting through the glass panes. "We will dispatch an alert to the Empire immediately as a precaution," she continued her back to them. "It's imperative we ensure the safety of our cities."
Turning to face them once more, her eyes bore into Jamie's. "I will also send a team of mages to evaluate the site you described. They will verify your findings and assess any lingering threats."
She paused, her gaze softening just slightly. "Given the magnitude of what you've encountered, your actions are commendable. Handling twenty trolls and securing a Monster Crystal is no small feat. Such accomplishments are worthy of a B-Rank company."
Jamie felt a surge of pride but tempered it. He knew their success was aided by circumstances that might not be replicated.
"However," the Guild Leader continued, "I do not have the authority to grant such a significant promotion unilaterally. What I can do is advance the Golden Fiddle Company to D-Rank, with an expedited evaluation process for your promotion already underway."
Jamie nodded in acknowledgment. "We appreciate your consideration," he replied earnestly. "Our goal is to serve to the best of our abilities."
She offered a faint smile. "Your modesty is noted." Moving back to her desk, she retrieved a ledger and began making notes with a quill pen. "Regarding your rewards," she said without looking up, "a Monster Crystal of B-Rank is valued at ten gold pieces. The finest troll hides can be sold for one gold piece each. Altogether, I will authorize a payment of eighteen gold pieces. However, the transaction will remain pending until our mages confirm your report."
The Guild Leader set down her pen and fixed them with a steady gaze. "Once the confirmation is received, you may collect your payment here. I look forward to working with you again in the future."
"The pleasure is ours, Guild Leader," Jamie said, extending his hand with a diplomatic smile.
The woman accepted his handshake, her grip firm and confident. "You may call me Nyvara." she introduced herself.
--
After departing the guild, Jamie and Thomas made their way back to the Golden Fiddle. The city's daily bustle was beginning to quiet as merchants packed up their stalls, and lamps were lit along the cobblestone roads.
Upon entering the tavern's familiar warmth, Jamie felt a wave of exhaustion wash over him. Later, in the solitude of his modest room on the second floor, he lay on his bed, staring at the wooden beams above.
‘Didn't we complete the mission?’ Jamie mused aloud; his brow furrowed in contemplation. ‘Shouldn't the [Quest Giver] have acknowledged it by now?’
| James Frostwatch (Soul: James Murtagh)
| Experience: [1070 / 5000]
|
| Attributes
| Strength - 11
| Dexterity - 15
| Constitution - 11
| Intelligence - 16
| Wisdom - 14
| Charisma - 18
| Magics
| Dancing Lights [1/1]
| Detect Magic [1/1]
| Ghost Sound [1/1]
| Alarm [1/1]
| Cause Fear [1/1]
| Blessings
|
| Memories of the Past
| Legends of the Future
| Gangmaker
| Quest Giver
As he scanned the familiar entries, a new line of glowing text, pulsing softly, appeared at the bottom of the page.
[500 Experience Points are invested in Quest Giver]
[The Pantheon is deliberating on your rewards]
This novel's true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.
"Seriously?" Jamie muttered, raising an eyebrow in disbelief. "Do you need that much bureaucracy?"
--
Three days passed with a mix of anticipation and unease. Jamie busied himself with tasks around the tavern, aiding Eliza with the influx of patrons now drawn by their new beer. His companions took the time to rest and attend to personal matters, the aftermath of their expedition still fresh.
On the morning of the third day, as the first rays of sunlight filtered through the tavern windows, there was a knock at the door. Jamie looked up from the ledger he was reviewing as Eliza went to answer. Moments later, she beckoned him over.
"An official from the guild is here to see you," she said, her eyes curious.
Jamie felt a flutter of anticipation. He called out to Thomas, Camille, Aldwin, and Bertram, who were scattered about the tavern. Together, they gathered in the main hall, the air thick with unspoken excitement.
The guild official stood near the entrance. He was dressed in practical attire similar to that of many mercenaries but marked by a distinctive pendant hanging from his lapel. It bore the insignia of the Mercenaries' Guild.
"Good morning," the official began, his tone formal yet cordial. "I have come to deliver your reward and confirm some details."
He reached into a satchel and withdrew a small, weighty pouch. "Here are eighteen gold coins," he said, handing it to Jamie. "Regrettably, some of the troll hides were too damaged for full compensation, but this reflects the adjusted amount."
"Thank you," Jamie replied, accepting the pouch with a nod.
The official then produced a parchment scroll, affixed with a crimson wax seal emblazoned with the guild's crest. "And this," he announced, "is your official documentation. As of today, the Golden Fiddle Company is a registered mercenary company with the Mercenaries' Guild.".
[Quest Completed]
[The Pantheon has finished evaluating your result]
[They have slain Trolls]
[Prevented the city from being attacked]
[Obtained a B-Rank Monster Crystal]
[Formed a Mercenary Company]
[Result calculated]
[Quest Giver has returned your 500 Experience Points]
[You have received 2500 Experience Points]
[Thomas, Camille, Aldwin, and Bertram have each received 2500 Experience Points]
As the cascade of notifications flashed before Jamie's eyes, he noticed a sudden shift in the atmosphere. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of Bertram and Aldwin's faces breaking into expressions of sheer elation. Their eyes widened, mouths dropping open as the realization of what had just occurred settled in.
"What the hell is thi—?!" Aldwin blurted out, his voice ringing through the tavern with unabashed amazement.
Before he could reveal more than was prudent, Jamie moved with swift precision. He stepped forward and clapped a firm hand over the young half-elf's mouth, muffling any further exclamations. Simultaneously, Thomas lunged toward Bertram, silencing him with a gentle but insistent grip before any words could escape.
"He just got a bit excited about the payment. You know how youngsters are," Jamie said smoothly, turning a disarming smile toward the guild official who stood nearby. The man appeared startled by the sudden outburst, his eyes darting nervously between the companions.
"Ah, yes, of course," the official replied hastily, adjusting his collar as a bead of sweat formed at his temple. "Perfectly understandable."
Eager to escape the awkward situation, the official made a hurried exit, his boots clicking briskly against the wooden floorboards. The heavy oak door swung shut behind him with a solid thud.
As soon as he was out of sight, Jamie locked the door, the key turning with a decisive click. He let out a sigh of relief before facing his companions. Bertram and Aldwin were practically vibrating with excitement, their earlier restraint dissolving now that they were alone.
A subtle glow seemed to emanate in the air between them, and faint whispers brushed against Jamie's senses.
[Thomas & Bertram's trust has increased by 10 points]
[Camille & Aldwin's trust has increased by 20 points]
"I leveled up!" Aldwin shouted, unable to contain himself. He began to bounce on the balls of his feet, his youthful energy bubbling over. His red hair swayed with each movement, the light catching the strands and making them shimmer.
"Me too!" exclaimed Bertram, his features lit up with a grin that stretched from ear to ear. He ran a hand through his dark hair, eyes wide with disbelief. "I can't believe it!"
Camille stood near the hearth, her emerald eyes reflecting the dancing flames. A serene smile played on her lips. "Incredible," she mused. "Gaining 2,500 experience points at once is almost unheard of. Not even during the war did I hear of such thing."
"Level three," Thomas murmured, glancing down at a display only he could see. His eyes flickered with a mixture of pride and wonder. "I don't think I've ever known a [Farmer] to reach level three."
"Level three?" Aldwin repeated, turning toward Thomas with newfound respect. "That's fucking amazing."
Jamie stepped forward, his gaze keen with curiosity. "What changes have you noticed? Did anything new manifest?" His question hung in the air, the possibilities sparking a collective thrill.
Bertram was the first to respond. "I received a talent called [Hard Worker]," he said, clenching and unclenching his fists. "I can feel strength coursing through me. It's like I can take on the world."
Aldwin nodded enthusiastically. "Same here! I gained [Flora Knowledge]. It's... It's like I can sense the properties of plants now. Understand them on an instinctual level. It's a bit strange but incredibly fascinating."
Thomas stroked his chin thoughtfully. "I also acquired a talent [Scythe Expertise]. Perhaps my proficiency with a scythe has improved. I'll need to practice to be sure." His eyes gleamed as he added, "And I gained a new skill: [Reap]. I'm curious to see its effects in action."
"Great!" Jamie replied, scratching his chin.
The group continued celebrating for a while, but it was almost time to start patrolling the streets of their territory. One by one, they quickly left the tavern and began their rounds.
Over the next few days, not much changed. Despite the still spartan training, no new experiences were gained.
Until finally, the day of the autumn ball arrived.
--
| 2# Member: Thomas Hartfield
| Trust: [60/100]
| Class: Farmer [Common]
| Level: 3
| Experience: [1638/6000]
| Talents
[Scythe Expertise]
[Farmer’s Stamina]
| Skill
[Reap]
--
| 4# Member: Bertram Loom
| Trust: [50/100]
| Class: Butcher [Common]
| Race: Human | Level: 2
| Experience: [970/2000]
| Talents
[Hard Worker]
---
| 5# Member: Aldwin Loom
| Trust: [40/100]
| Class: Herbalist [Common]
| Race: Half-Elf | Level: 2
| Experience: [930/2000]
| Talents
[Flora Knowledge]
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