"Who do you think you are to take him, Miss Rose?"
The representative of the Mercenary Federation stepped forward, flanked by other members, their weapons at the ready. He was a large, blurry figure with a thick brown beard—his appearance could only be described as bear-like. And a jagged scar ran from his forehead, across his nose, and down to his chin, making him even more intimidating.
Raze clicked her tongue at the man's voice and turned toward him, but his attention was on Levi.
"Levias Drake," the man said, his voice booming across the clearing. "I am Franz, the branch manager of the Mercenary Guild. First of all, congratulations on clearing the Sanctum."
His words eased the tense atmosphere slightly—despite his appearance, Franz had a sharp wit. And from the look of it, he also seemed stronger than most that had gathered around him.
Levi nodded, and Franz continued.