V2Ch66 New Guild

The city was dark in many places but several areas were brightly lit. The lighter areas were filled with drunkards and browsers. I saw what must have been a red light district with females of several different races posing in alluring clothing. I smelled some good food at one point and thought about eating something just to enjoy the taste. My pockets were empty. I had no money for food or lodgings.

I was an outcast in the night.

With all the different species running around, I hadn't seen a single human. Once more, I was an oddity. I stuck out too much. I thought about nicking a covering once or twice. I didn't want to give myself a reputation as a thief if the victim spotted me later on.

I found a pair of patrol guards. If they are willing to defend the citizens from attackers, maybe they would be willing to help.

"Excuse me, Sir."

They both stopped in place and watched me approach.

"Is there an emergency?"

"No, not really. I'm new in town. I don't have any money and I don't have a place to stay. Do you know of any place that might put me up for the night?"

"Try the various guilds. If you can sign up with one, they may have a temporary bed for you. Don't expect to sleep for free. They work new recruits the hardest."

"Got it. Thank you. Would you happen to know where the nearest guild is?"

The second guard pointed behind them.

"Behind us. Take the first left and the second right. You can't miss it."

I bowed at the waist.

"Thank you so much for your help."

I passed the guards and heard them whispering loudly.

"A human?"

"A polite human. Shit. A sign that I'm getting too old for my own good."

I found the first street and took a left. I passed one street and took the second right. I stopped where I turned.

"He wasn't kidding. I can't miss it."

The street dead-ended into a massive lit building with Eysian writing all over it.

[Trackers Guild!]

[Always open!]

[Sign-up inside!]

[Results may vary. Life not guaranteed.]

It was maybe four blocks away. I started toward it. I was in awe at the size. It was about three stories tall and half the width of a football stadium.

I saw someone move on my right side through my peripherals. I assumed they were pickpockets. Lucky for me, my hands were the only occupants in these pant pockets. I paid them no mind when one bumped into me and began to run.

'Have fun with nothing.' I thought to myself.

I made it to the front of the building and stopped for a moment to take it all in. I felt kind of excited. The presentation of this place lifted my spirits. A far cry from the foul mood I was in earlier. I could still feel my heartache. It wasn't as prominent as before.

I opened the door to the trackers guild. My expectations were shot at this dreary sight in front of me. It almost looked like a closed-down pub.

"Guldibrand? That you?"

An older man with his head down on the counter called out.

"No. Sorry, I'm new here."

"Don't fuck with this old man. I don't have the time for games anymore."

I closed the door behind me and approached the counter.

"I really am new here. I don't have anywhere to stay. I was told that, if I sign with the guild I might be able to get a bed for now."

The old man had fine silver hair. His ears and skin betrayed his race as a dark elf. He lifted his head to look at me. He stared for a moment before his gaze brightened up.

"Oh... OH! Hello there! I'm sorry if I was rude. We don't get many recruits. Especially this late at night."

He repositioned his posture and put on a smile.

"Look at the state of you. I just need to inform you that guild duties are not for the faint of heart or weak of body. If you need a simple job, we have a janitorial position open."

"To be honest, I don't know what the guild duties are. I only just arrived tonight. Could you elaborate?"

"I uh.. Are you sure?"

I nodded my head.

"Okay. Well, similar to the adventurers guild, we post jobs on a board and depending on your rank, you can select a job from your rank or below. Unlike the straightforward nature of the jobs from the adventurers guild, our jobs require you to track the target down. Our jobs are usually tougher because tracking isn't in everyone's expertise. There might be a simple F rank job that requires a flower for a rare salve. If the location of the flower is known but hard to get to, it will be posted in the adventurers guild. If the location of the flower is unknown, we are the ones to get the job. You would be required to find all leads to your target. If you want help from others in this guild, you will likely need to pay for the info. Anything else? Want that janitor position?"

'Lake!'

Rage chimed in.

'This couldn't get any easier. I've learned a lot about this world. I know where almost any species of plant or flower grows. Mother says she knows about most beasts from her younger days. We can help you with most tasks. Worst case, we refuse jobs until we find one that one of us can help you with.'

I nodded my head in agreement. The receptionist seemed confused at my random nodding.

"I'll do it!"

"Great! You don't need an application. The mop and bucket are right behind the counter. Just come on over and w..."

"No, I want to be a tracker."

He was lost for words. He blinked a few times and pulled out a paper from behind the counter. He slowly pushed it over to me.

"Uh, Ink and quill?"

"Right, right..."

He quickly produced the utensil and inkwell. I filled out the form as best I could.

"Uh, Lake? Is it? Place of residence?"

"Sorry, I currently have none."

"Ah, okay. We will just leave that blank for later. Let me call for the test proctor. He will give you a grade and depending on your results you may be given a bed."

I waited for the receptionist to return. I was filled with ideas on the order in which to do things. I could travel on my own, no problem. If I wanted to travel faster, I would need money for a ride. I could price those out tomorrow. Some clothes would be nice. Especially something with a hood to keep attention off of my human condition. I had seen a beast-man with an eared hood. I thought that would be appropriate. I had heard that some beast-men possess immense strength. I could use my strength freely if I was posing as one. I should get gloves, too.

I heard a door open.

"Okay. Where is the new pup? I wanna get this test over with so I can go back to sleep.

A large beast-man walked through the doors. All of his fur was white but, his voice sounded on the younger end of the middle-aged spectrum. His ears stood straight up and his snout stuck out maybe half a foot. He was easily seven feet tall with broad shoulders. He wore a black vest and shorts with a belt across the chest that carried several small blades.

"That's me."

I stood up to greet him. He stopped behind the counter for a moment before continuing over to me.

"A... human..."

He began poking my body in various places.

"Not much muscle on you. You might be better off starting in the adventurers guild and building up some meat with a group before you come to us."

"I'm stronger than I look."

His light teal eyes stared at me for a moment. He let out a sigh.

"Okay. Follow me. I'll start with the easy tests and work up to the harder ones. If there is a single test you can't pass, go try the adventurers guild."