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  Eran stood at a three-way intersection as people passed by, busy with their own activities. It was still quite early to be out and about.

  Leaning his body against a large wall, he folded his arms across his chest, his eyes fixed on a sizable building directly in front of him, bearing a sign that read "Golden Guild Alku" and an engraving of two swords above it.

  Anyone who saw it at a glance would know it was a guild, especially mercenaries needing money to survive.

  Eran pulled up his hood, approached, and pushed open the heavy wooden door, stepping into the bustling interior. The clang of armor, heated conversations, and laughter filled the air. Mercenaries of all shapes and sizes, clad in various armor and outfits, mingled throughout the guild hall.

  Numerous tables and chairs were scattered irregularly along the left and right sides.

  Eran walked forward, ignoring the surroundings, not even glancing around the guild. He approached a large desk that he assumed was the registration area. He could see a man, probably in his 30s, standing there.

  "What do you want?" the man asked, sounding annoyed.

  Eran took something from his pocket and tossed a necklace onto the table. The attendant picked it up and examined it.

  "I want a mission from the kingdom," Eran said. The attendant continued to inspect the necklace without responding, studying the mercenary emblem on it. Eran could hear people around him start whispering as he voiced his request.

  "I'm puzzled by the kingdom. Why must this mission be handled through this guild? They could easily assign it directly to someone," the attendant remarked, tossing the necklace back towards Eran. He continued, "This mission has already been taken by several bands, including the Band of the Sun. I’ve lost count of how many lone wolves like you have signed up for it. Show me your identification."

  Eran threw his ID, and the attendant began noting it down.

  "You’re registered. You know, payment is based on achievement level," the attendant explained.

  "I’ll take the highest amount," Eran said, to which the attendant scoffed.

  "I’m sure the Band of the Sun will take the largest prize; their strength is too overwhelming for a group of mercenaries," the attendant replied.

  "That’s the nonsense I hear at every place I go—everyone keeps talking about them," Eran responded.

  "You’re quite bold, young man. Do you not know that band?" the attendant asked, setting down his pen.

  "Who doesn’t know them? Across the continent, it’s common knowledge that they’re just a bunch of spoiled royal brats."

  "Shut your mouth, kid!" the attendant hissed, signaling him to stop talking. Soon, a large man approached Eran, grabbing his clothes roughly.

  "Ahh... seems I’m too late," muttered the attendant.

  "What did you just say? You dare insult our Band! Say it again!" roared the big, bearded man right in Eran’s face.

  "Which part? That you’re a bunch of spoiled brats? That one?"

  Gorstag tightened his grip, bringing his face even closer to Eran.

  "You know nothing! We’ve proven ourselves in countless battles! So watch your tongue!"

  "It doesn’t change the fact that you’re still just privileged brats born into nobility."

  Unable to hold back his anger, Gorstag released his grip, his fist already flying.

  "Gorstag, don’t!" shouted a gray-haired woman, but it was too late.

  A punch landed on Eran's face, causing him to stagger back slightly.

  "I suggest you leave before my anger gets out of control!" Gorstag threatened.

  Eran let out a lazy breath, and in the blink of an eye, he was standing right in front of Gorstag. A sharp dagger was now dangerously close to his neck, his face tense with fury. Everyone in the guild fell silent, unable to follow Eran’s swift movement.

  "H-he’s crazy," muttered the old guard.

  The man who had grabbed Eran earlier stood frozen, dumbfounded, unable to understand how Eran had moved without him noticing.

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  "I know some of you are members of the Band of the Sun. If you want to kill me, do it during the mission," Eran sneered, putting away his daggers before turning and leaving the building.

  After Eran left, the place grew even livelier with new applicants.

  "As usual, you’re easily provoked, Gorstag. Didn’t I just say he was strong?" said a short man sitting nearby.

  "Shut up, Kain! It’s only natural for me to get angry when we’re insulted like that," Gorstag grumbled, slumping into his chair.

  "Even if Theo were here, he wouldn’t get angry," added another man with brown skin.

  "You’re right, Uldor. He’d laugh his head off," Kain chuckled.

  Gorstag glared at his friends, feeling annoyed by their teasing. He felt insulted and wanted to defend his pride as a band member, but Kain and Uldor’s jokes only deepened his frustration.

  "You guys are unbelievable!" Gorstag muttered irritably, but his friends just teased him more.

  "Your shouting could be heard upstairs," said a man with shoulder-length blond hair, descending from the second floor.

  "Some guy insulted our band. It’s unforgivable," Gorstag said angrily.

  "I heard it all, hahaha!" Theo laughed cheerfully, while the other band members joined in, laughing.

  Gorstag could only put on a sour face, feeling that they didn’t understand how serious this was to him. He wanted to show that as band members, they needed to protect their honor and reputation. But his friends seemed relaxed, taking it all as a joke.

  Theo stopped laughing and approached Gorstag. He looked at him with understanding.

  "Let it go, Gorstag. I get how you feel. But remember, we’re a group of young people seeking fun and adventure. We can’t take everything so seriously."

  Gorstag paused, considering Theo’s words.

  "Maybe I should calm down and see things from a broader perspective," he finally said, his voice calmer.

  Theo nodded and placed a hand on Gorstag’s shoulder. "That’s what I’m saying. We’re a strong group, and nothing can break our spirit. Let’s get back to drinking and having fun, like we always do."

  Slowly, a smile returned to Gorstag’s face. He realized there was no need to blow this small matter out of proportion.

  They resumed their drinking, and Gorstag understood that, in the end, their bond and friendship were more valuable than petty arguments that could only divide them.

  "So, are you going to let him join our mission?" Kain asked amid the noise.

  "I’m not the one who makes that call, and I’ve been watching him from above. Besides, the registration officer already accepted him," Theo replied, downing a glass of ale. "I also heard rumors about a mercenary with a high completion rate, and he usually works alone."

  The band members exchanged curious glances, unsure if Theo was serious or joking.

  "What! Unbelievable," Kain exclaimed in surprise.

  "Theo, are you serious? He’s going to mess with us!" the bandmates exclaimed in unison.

  Theo chuckled and nudged one of his bandmates.

  "But how can you be sure he’s the one? It might not be him," said a long-haired woman with ash-colored hair who appeared beside Theo.

  "I managed to ask the old guard, and sure enough, that guy really is Eran," Theo replied enthusiastically.

  The ash-haired woman could only sigh.

  "Taneaya, please talk some sense into this idiot. I know what he’s getting at; look at that grin of his, like a kid with a new toy," Gorstag pleaded with Taneaya, who only looked resigned. She didn’t give up, though, and her eyes searched for someone who had been sitting next to Uldor, quietly observing.

  "Catallina, you’re our only hope now," Taneaya pleaded.

  "Ugh, why me?" protested the woman with shoulder-length hair.

  "Use your authority, just this once," insisted Gorstag.

  Theo laughed, enjoying the usual bickering that happened almost daily.

  "Alright, alright… Can’t you all just let me be in peace for one day?" grumbled Catallina as she stood up, directing her gaze toward Theo.

  Before she could say anything, Theo interrupted.

  "I won’t be swayed this time, Catallina."

  "Argh… at least let me say something first, Theo."

  "Ahahaha, alright, alright, I’m sorry."

  Catallina looked annoyed at her leader’s antics.

  "At least discuss it first. Don’t make decisions on your own. We know you’re planning to recruit him into our band, aren’t you?" Catallina suggested, trying to find a middle ground.

  "Ugh, you really can’t be fooled," Theo groaned, ruffling his hair.

  "Stop the drama, you’re making us sick."

  Theo laughed at his friends' reactions.

  "Fine, fine… Haven’t we been discussing it this whole time?" Theo replied, stifling a laugh.

  "Forget it," Catallina sighed, giving up and returning to her seat.

  The other members looked deflated.

  "Alright, let’s end this frustration. It’s only natural he said what he did; maybe he’s just used to being alone," Theo explained, trying to ease the tension, then took a drink of his ale and continued.

  "It’s because of his solitude that I want to recruit him."

  After Theo’s words, a silence fell. For a moment, they all felt the weight of something terrifying: loneliness.

  As if he understood, Theo clapped his hands lightly, snapping his friends out of it.

  "Don’t worry about it too much. Adding a strong person will only make our band more solid."

  "Fine, whatever," Kain said, and Theo just smiled.

  "I want Eran in our band."

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