65 Meeting friends along the way

Marching through the wilderness, both groups of men got to know each other better. Swapping stories while they journeyed helped pass the time. Along the way, they were shown several local delicacies and rarities.

Brown mushrooms with white spots, that had a hearty flavor and could be added into stews and soups. Small birds nests, that contained colorful green eggs, which could have easily been overlooked. Pointing out the obscure treasures, the Rangers beamed with pride, telling them the names and legends behind them.

Taking down the information, his system would record the information, indexing it into the descriptions. When he went to sell the items, it would help to know more about them. As a way to thank them, Zanir and his men took turns cooking the new ingredients.

Unexpectedly, moving together with an elite unit meant that his men were getting free training. Bonding together, he saw the Rangers teaching them various skills like navigation, foraging, appraisal, hand to hand combat, etc.

During the exchange, the men showed them some bandit techniques. A little dirty fighting could save your life at the right moment. Training and camping together, his men improved by leaps and bounds, refining their skills.

With such a large group, and being so close to Ranger headquarters, no one tried to attack them. However, that didn't mean they didn't run into anybody. During the march, they'd stopped to take a break and were having a meal to relax, when another Ranger troop came over.

Having heard the sounds of drinking and laughter, they also smelled delicious meat roasting. Who was having such a good time, out in the middle of the road? Seeing fellow Rangers approaching, they heard them call out.

"Isn't that Garth? You old party animal, have you finally given up on that cursed coast? Or have you abandoned the guild?"

"Bah, you boys from twenty-eighth never change. You know, good and well, I'm not retiring for a few more years, until I get my pension! Nevermind that though, the missions done! The coast has been cleared!"

Seeing that they were old friends, Zanir let Garth introduce the other man. Jeremy was the captain of the twenty-eighth Ranger troop, who was also returning home from a successful mission, although it was a much lower ranked mission.

Stories were re-told, as the group got even larger, with the addition of another Ranger troop. At this point it was forming a small army of men, any attacking beasts would simply be added onto the menu. Seeing the equipment, the discussion shifted, as everyone ate, drank, and discussed some business.

With even more sales, he was making a nice profit, even before reaching the headquarters. During the travels, their group continued to get larger and larger. The camps they were making at night, were big enough to attract more returning Ranger troops.

It seemed like every day or two, another troop would show up. Since they were returning home and were close to headquarters, they were trying to use up their remaining rations and alcohol. It quickly became a massive camp of Rangers, celebrating and feasting.

What had started as just a small group, was now well over two thousand people. Having made sales transactions together, as well as feasting and drinking together, Zanir had now built deep connections with the majority of the organization.

Seeing that he was unlike other arrogant merchants, not only was he easy to get along with, his prices were affordable. He also offered unique products, that fit their rigorous demands. At this point, you could say he was revered by the Rangers.

Since the group had gotten so large, it took another two days, but they finally reached the Ranger's headquarters. Looking at the entrance, he could only see a plain looking gorge, that had a small outpost. Asking again, he confirmed that it was really the entrance.

"The entire headquarters are situated in an isolated valley. There's only one entrance, simply guarded, to regulate traffic. Don't let its appearance fool you, there's a network of tunnels and secret entrances nearby in case anyone attacks."

Garth explained a little to him, as Zanir and the captains approached the deceptively simple looking guard shack. True to their word, he could feel the presence of several hidden teams, camouflaged in the nearby brush and foliage.

Shocked by the appearance of several captains at once, the young guard manning the post was overwhelmed for a few moments, before regaining his composure. Prodding the guard next to him, he addressed the group of captains, while the other guard scampered off to get someone in charge.

"Hail captains, well met! We're glad to receive you, please wait until the officer in charge arrives."

One of the captains knew the young guards' father, so he started chatting with him, while they waited. Visibly relaxing as they conversed, the other captains couldn't help but chuckle, remembering how nervous they were, when they started.

"Warden on site!"

Stopping the chitchat, all of the staff, including the captains, turned to salute the grizzled old man who came in. The Gate Warden had been in charge of security for over twenty years. He was known for his stern attitude and clean pressed uniform.

Returning a salute to the men, he raised an eyebrow, upon noticing Garth.

"I was expecting several captains back today, but what are you doing here Garth?"

"Sir, we've completed the mission, sir."

"How is that possible? You were only supposed to contain the area."

"Sir, we had the help of a powerful merchant."

Curious about the newcomer, the warden asked Garth to bring him into his office. He had to conduct the security check anyway, to allow him into headquarters. Accompanying them to a small office, he could only watch as Garth explained what happened. The warden's face was looking more and more shocked, as the story went on.

Once he heard that Zanir was bringing quality goods in, he fast-tracked the paperwork. Not only could he allow them access into the city, he could assist them by starting up paperwork for their business transactions. Having his signature would give them a headstart, and also give him another reference for credibility.

With several decades of experience in the Ranger organization, the gate warden Nathan would be a huge help to them. Not only did he know the leader personally, he also had connections with the senior members of the various commerce divisions.

Toasting over a drink, Nathan told them he could introduce them to the people in charge of the areas like trading, logistics, provisions, construction, etc. Bringing out a small bottle of wine to thank him, Nathan politely declined but had already stored the bottle away in his robe.

Asking about accommodations, Nathan told them that the inns were already full. Being flexible, Zanir asked if his men could build a temporary tent city outside headquarters. Intrigued by the idea, Nathan asked him what he meant by it.

Explaining the concept, he found that Norantal already had traveling bazaars and circus-like events. After they knew what he meant, they readily agreed. Entertainment was few and far between, having an open air market, just outside the valley, would be something the whole city could benefit from.

With the help of the Rangers, his men, and his ghost hand, an entire city of tents was created outside the headquarters entrance. Setting up various stalls, they put out some of the goods which had already been doing well, like backpacks and boots.

There were other stalls as well, set up to cook various types of food, some of which the Rangers had never seen before. Once the strange and delicious smells started wafting, people were drawn in. Setting up around the area, were also stalls where games could be played.

Colorful tents, seemingly popping up out of nowhere, and the sounds of people having fun drew out a crowd from headquarters. Meanwhile, Zanir was releasing his normal citizens out, in one of the secluded tents.

After being cooped up inside the world, they were being let out for their first vacation! Cashing out the money they'd been saving up, everyone headed into the headquarters, eager to shop, dine, and relax.

At the same time, people started flooding out from headquarters, as more and more rumors spread about a bazaar having come to town. Seeing that it was true, everyone was attracted to different portions of the event.

Kids were drawn in by the games, where they could play for prizes like stuffed animals or cool action figures. There were also stalls with sweets and candies, which the kids instantly fell in love with. Slightly older kids thought those things were childish.

For many of them, they stopped at the stalls which had set up various instruments. Even if they didn't know what they were, the teens were attracted to the sounds they made. Several of them hoped to save up for a musical instrument of their own someday.

Other teens and even the adults coming out, were attracted to the tents that had been set up for restaurants. Having a place to hang out, while eating great food, they filled up quickly. Looking at the results, it seemed like even a simple fair would be successful here.

Not only were the profits rolling in, he'd just casually set this up. The real trading and transaction hadn't even begun. With the items his people brought back, his retail inventory would expand, regardless of what they bought.

Before long, some Rangers came over, delivering a letter to Zanir's tent. It was a summons from the leader himself. Having heard from Nathan, he was invited to a banquet, to introduce both parties and discuss potential business.