After the hunt, I waited for the returning cart.
When it finally arrived, I climbed aboard and let the wheels carry me back toward town.
The road passed quietly, but my thoughts didn't. Somewhere along the way, I realized something had shifted. I hadn't been growing stronger just to survive anymore. I wanted strength for a future—one where I could stand on my own and, someday, see my mother again.
I didn't know why the thought of her surfaced so clearly today, but it stayed with me until the town gates came into view.
After paying the fare, I went straight to the Mercenary Guild to submit proof.
While the clerk verified the goblin ears, I spoke up.
"Goblins in groups aren't unusual," I said, "but this pack showed structured roles and coordinated movement. Shield front, sword support, archers in reserve."
That caught her attention.
She listened carefully, asked a few follow-up questions, and wrote everything down before handing over my payment.
One silver and fifty copper coins.
My first earnings as a mercenary.
For reference, the currency worked like this:
Two hundred copper coins equaled one silver.
Two hundred fifty silver coins equaled one gold.
I raised another concern.
"I have money from before. I don't want to carry it everywhere. Is there a way to store it?"
She nodded.
"The Mercenary Guild offers secure deposits. Our branches exist in most major towns. Funds deposited here can be withdrawn elsewhere."
There was a catch.
"The registration fee is fifty silver coins."
Most mercenaries saved up before opening an account. I didn't need to.
I still had nearly two hundred gold coins—remnants of my funds after weapon creation and supplies.
I agreed immediately.
She gave me directions to the Merchant Guild building and added one more piece of advice.
"If you plan to travel regularly, consider buying a mount. Carts aren't always available."
I decided to handle that tomorrow.
By the time night fell, I was already walking the four kilometers back to Duracal's house.
It was dark when I arrived.
Duracal had prepared a small bath and a simple dinner. While we ate, he asked why I didn't stay at an inn in town.
"The food here is better," I replied.
A faint smile appeared on his lips.
I told him about depositing my money—and about the suggestion to buy a mount.
Duracal thought for a moment.
"If you have gold, consider something better than a horse," he said. "An unfertilized monster egg."
I frowned. "That's a gamble."
He nodded.
"A fertilized egg comes from a known monster, already bound to its species," he explained. "An unfertilized one doesn't. Its origin is unclear, and what hatches depends entirely on the affinity that awakens it."
He continued,
"A normal horse can panic in battle. Bloodlust, fear—one mistake and it throws you. A bonded beast won't. Unfertilized eggs cost only two to six gold. Worst case, you lose a few coins. Best case, you gain a lifelong partner."
"And if it fails to hatch?" I asked.
"Then you buy a trained horse for ten gold later," he said plainly.
It made sense.
The Merchant Guild sold such eggs.
I decided I'd buy one after registering my deposit.
The next morning, I went to the Merchant Guild.
Inside, I ran into a familiar face—Rason, owner of the Handiworks Trading Company. He greeted me warmly and asked about my weapons. After a brief explanation, he offered his help.
Thanks to his connections, the registration process moved quickly.
Once the deposit was finalized, they led me to a private room.
Several unfertilized eggs were laid out, each priced differently.
Most were dull. Lifeless.
Then one caught my eye.
Black as night.
Speckled with tiny white dots, like stars scattered across the sky.
Without hesitation, I chose it.