Chapter 94

"Did you hear? It seems the Kingdom of Kokar is now in open warfare with the White Sparrow Kingdom."

"Yeah guess it's time to leave before we get targeted."

"Are you kidding? This means business is going to be booming! We need to capitalize."

Inside a large stone building that was designed like a tavern sat a multitude of armed people. Some chatted, and others drank, ate, or fought. Much of the discussion was on the recent war and many were debating whether they should take advantage of the chaos. See these people were swords for hire and all of them were a part of the adventures guild. The guild being neutral was able to partake in wars if they were paid. They did not have loyalty towards anyone but themselves though and were used only when numbers were needed or when some missions required a finer touch.

Samuel Krenn was talking with all five of his compatriots about their future and whether they should stay in the Kingdom of Kokar. He was a long-time D-rank adventurer who serialized as a hunter and novice knight. His compatriots were Helen Pearson who was a novice mage, and Julian Mayr a well-known thief and ex-assassin, as well as Ida Buchman who was from a barbarian clan. They also recently befriend and teamed up with Akak Akorul and his younger sister Asice.

"With war, we may have the chance at many riches but we are also put in unnecessary danger. We have a good thing going and I am sure we will have plenty of opportunities elsewhere" Helen said.

"We show our strength then we open up the chance for more than just gold. If Kokar takes liking we can rise to the top" responded Julian argumentatively.

"What strength? You were kicked out of the assassin guild!" chimed Ida.

"Enough," Samuel said shaking his head. This group was always arguing. He looked at Akak who was older and more experienced than the rest. "Do you have any opinion?"

"As much as this war worries me I do think it will be in our best interest to stay here. We have a reputation as well it would be pretty difficult to go to a different kingdom further away, especially during war. We also don't have to take anything on the frontline and can instead take advantage of merchants' fears. With the war, they will be on the lookout for more protection."

Akak was strong and protective of his sister. He was from a faraway land and of an unknown race. He and his sister's tan skin was very noticeable compared to everyone else's skin. Especially since they only wore light clothing. Akak never minded being alienated though and Samuel respected the man. He was a monk of some sort and Samuel knew the man was very strong even with the little time they have known each other. Samuel even suspected that Akak could be a low-tier battle master. The sister was younger and often did not speak but knew some sort of magic or other skill. Both their backgrounds were unknown but Samuel still respected and trusted them.

"That is a good idea Akak. Does anyone else have something to say?" asked Samuel.

"Yeah what is the point in staying if we don't take the high-paying jobs?" asked Julian.

"I think it's a good idea," said Ida before lifting up a mug to take a drink.

"Yeah how about we go take a job and leave Julian to sulk" chirped Helen.

"Now, now that's enough," said Samuel. "I think we should take a job protecting rich nobles or merchant's estates. We will be here but stay out of the action. It would be profitable for all of us" said Samuel.

Akak nodded and the women also agreed. Julian seemed annoyed but also nodded.

"Good, then I think we should ..." BANG! The door to the guild was loudly opened. Many faces turned to see who had entered.

Questioning, curious, and unfamiliar looks adorned the majority of people in the guild. No one seemed to recognize who had arrived.

"Newcomers?" whispered Helen to Samuel. He nodded. "Probably."

In walked five mysterious figures. The lead one was heavily armored in rusted plate armor which was overshadowed by a large fur cloak that billowed behind the person's figure. He was followed by four strangely armored warriors. What piqued Samuels's interest was they also had tan skin and tattoos that reminded Samuel of ones he had seen adorned on Akaks and Asice's skin. He looked Akak who seemed to also notice. He seemed worried and his hand was on his staff. Samuel was unsure what was going on but was ready to support his friend.

Kane walked over to the counter at the end of the large room. A fair-skinned, red-headed woman in a white shirt and leather vest stood there patiently for him.

"Can I help you, Sir? Are you a member of the guild?"

"No," said Kane.

The women seemed a bit uncomfortable around him. Maybe she felt his stare through the helmet. It was as if a lion was in front of her.

"Uh well, what business do you have Sir?"

"Work" responded Kane.

"Are you here to join or something else?"

"We seek to join," said Kane.

The women eased up. Guild members may be warriors but she always felt safe in the building with the guards and Guildmaster. The stranger in front of her was no exception. Plus if he was joining the guild there was less of a chance he was here to cause trouble. She kept her smile and pulled out some paperwork.

"Well please fill this out," she said. "Then I can tell you about the guild and how it works."

"Thank you" responded Kane. He made some stuff up for himself and the nomads. It wasn't important as long as it showed he was a warrior. When he finished he gave the papers back.

"Thank you Sir for officially joining the adventurers guild. We are located all over the continent and have new jobs daily. As you are new here you are an F-rank adventurer. To rank up you need to take more and more jobs until you have been deemed worthy to take the test to rank up. With each rank, more jobs will be offered especially more profitable ones. Also, more things in our guild store will be sold to you. Any questions?"

"No."

"Ok well thank you again for joining the guild. Please be careful here as there is a war going on."

Kane nodded and turned to go. He sensed he was being stared at with slight hostility. Nothing told him of danger though and he decided to go look at the job listing on the board. He had to find something that would suit his needs.

"What was that about Akak?" asked Sabastian.

"I should tell you guys my story. Let's talk somewhere more private" responded Akak.