"I see you know my name, and you really ask a lot of questions." Lee takes a drag from his cigarette.
"So I'd ask you my question, kid, why would I join a guild in the first place?"
"To see the world?" Aki says.
"Wrong." he inhales smoke.
"To make a profit as an adventurer."
"Wrong again." Lee exhales smoke. "I've been doing both those things all my life, kid. How would it be any different especially with a group of people I don't know?"
Aki pulls out a bag, "because this time you'll work under me." he gives it a little shake, it's full of gemstones and gold.
Lee raises an eyebrow. "There's more where these came from." Aki hands him the bag.
"Now you're speaking my language, kid." Lee tosses the bag into his larger saddlebag. "Alright. I'm listening."
"I could get you at least four more of these by the end of the year, and you'd be doing what you've always been doing— just for me this time."
Lee considers this. "Okay, kid. Lead the way."
Aki hesitates. "So, this is odd, but... do you know where I can find someone else to recruit? Someone strong."
"I know just the guy." Lee mounts his horse. "Once you finish your meal, boss, we'll hit the road. A place called Oakwood."
Deep in the town of Oakwood, west of the Capital City, a tavern buzzes with noise.
Oakwood is known as a hub for adventurers in the central region. The tavern reeks of ale and woodsmoke. Weapons hang on the walls. Scarred tables are packed with mercenaries, explorers, and sellswords.
In the corner sits a knight. His armor is black as a starless sky. His face is rough, carved with a single scar that runs from the left side of his forehead, through his nose, down to the bottom right of his chin. His hands rest steady on the table.
He lifts his helmet off and sets it down with a dull thud. Then he raises a large mug of whiskey to his lips.
The tavern host rushes over to refill it.
The chanting starts. "Dragon Slayer! Dragon slayer!! Dragon slayer!!!"
The chants grow louder. The Black Knight raises his mug high. The other adventurers roar in response. He drains the drink in one go.
Aki and Lee ride through the night. Aki uses a map and compass to navigate.
"So you're a navigator now?" Lee asks.
"I've studied and practiced it."
"Look—there's an inn right there. We can spend the night and continue in the morning." Lee glances at him.
"Nope. I'm filled with excitement. There's no sleep in these eyes."
By the time they reach Oakwood, Aki is nearly asleep on his horse. "Wha—are we there?" He jerks awake, blinking hard.
"Yup." Lee dismounts.
They tie their horses at the front of the tavern alongside the others and pay the security a small fee. Lee pushes the door open and scans the room. He spots the knight in the corner and walks over. The Black Knight doesn't look up.
"Merlin!"
"How has it been, old buddy?" Lee pulls out a chair uninvited.
"Get out. I'm not interested in one of your scams, Lee." Merlin waves him off.
"This isn't a scam. I'm completely honest." Lee gestures to Aki, who's standing a few feet back. "This kid here just made a guild. He's looking for more members."
The firelight reflects off Lee's pale skin and white hair. Music from a lute drifts through the smoky air. Adventurers drink and shout and laugh. Merlin glances at Aki, then turns away. "Sorry, not interested kid, move along."
He signals the tavern host for another mug. "Are you serious? I've come to you with the deal of a lifetime. Just consider it." Aki slams his hands on the counter.
Merlin looks at him. "So you do talk." He gulps down his ale.
"This guy!" Aki mutters in frustration and walks away.
"C'mon, man. Just give the kid a chance." Lee leans in. "I've seen him in action. He's quick. Strong. He's been trained."
Merlin looks at his old friend. He looks at his empty mug. He lets out a breath and rises from his chair. "How's the payment? I know that isn't some ordinary kid."
"The payment is very solid," Lee says.
They both walk outside. Aki is waiting by the horses, hands resting on the gemstone atop his staff. His black coat shifts in the breeze.
Aki turns. "So what do you say?"
"I'm in, kid." Merlin extends a gauntleted hand. "The name's Merlin."
"Aki." They shake.
"Where's your horse?" Aki asks.
Merlin points. "Right there." A large pitch-black Pegasus stands tethered nearby, wings folded against its sides. Bags, a shield, and an axe are strapped to its back.
"Okay. That is actually cool." Aki walks over and starts rubbing the Pegasus's head.
"Her name is Pearl," Merlin says flatly. "And I'd prefer if you stopped doing that."
Aki pulls his hand back. Merlin places his helmet back on his head.
Around the corner, near the back of the tavern, a young elven maid steps outside to take out the trash.
A man approaches from behind.
"I've never had an elf before." He grabs her wrist and shoves her to the ground.
She struggles to her feet and fires a burst of air at him. The attack is weak—her mana is low. He swats it aside with his sword and advances.
Thud!
The elf opens her eyes. Blood is smeared on her face. The man's headless body collapses in front of her.
"Sorry for the inconvenience, Beatrice," Merlin says.
"No worries." Beatrice wipes dirt off her apron. "Once in a while we get stupid bastards like this."
Merlin pulls his axe from the concrete wall. The man's head rolls off the blade and hits the ground.
"Now we can go," he says.
"So where are we going?" Aki asks his two companions.
"Wherever you say, boss." Lee takes a swig from a bottle of whiskey. "Wherever you say." The three riders mount their beasts and head out through the busy streets of Oakwood.