Chapter 25- The frontdoor mercenaries

Dubs smiled at Lilith at the sight of an opportunity. Going on a mission would mean that he would be able to compare his newfound abilities with his squadmates, and with the enemies they faced.

Also, they would be paid for whatever mission they completed. Their reputation as mercenaries would increase, and they would become more well known among the front room mercenaries.

"Thank you for inviting me, I will come along.", Dubs replied to Enferia.

Enferia smiled and began making hand gestures as she explained the details. "First we will go to the front room to select a mission to perform. Most mercenaries are unable to perform magic. The "back room" is actually a facade within the mercenary guild that is publicly claimed to be a mercenary sector of magic users."

This was true- as all the members of the back room were indeed magic users, however the reason for this was because all the people hired by the resistance were those who had already experienced some form of magic radiation.

The resistance had approached those who went through such things, and in order to keep secrecy, had silenced anyone who threatened to disclose the information about the resistances existence.

This was rare, as most who had gone through magical radiation that the resistance approached were those who had their backgrounds thoroughly investigated. Dubs, for example, was used as a human test subject, and it was unlikely that he would hold any loyalty to the empire.

The only people who experienced magical radiation were either those who were test subjects, or those who experienced it on the surface. As a result, it was not difficult to figure out if these people were loyal to the empire or not.

Enferia continued talking. "Once we have selected a mission, we will head out immediately. Is that alright with you?", she asked.

"I have no issue. Lets head out.", Dubs agreed.

The team all gathered, including Samuel who gave Dubs a distrustful glare. Drodus' hands were covered in blisters from practicing. Tirian seemed to be in good condition, as did Samuel and Enferia.

Samuel took the lead and the others followed him out through the hallways to the room where the entrance stairwell was. Ivan was caught doing paperwork at the table, and concentrated on the details in front of him.

As soon as the five waltzed into the room, Ivan looked up from his papers and began to speak.

"Are you all going on your first mission as a squad?", he questioned.

"Yes, we have all trained over this past week and are all able to use magic, with the exception of Dubs.", Samuel swiftly remarked.

Ivan turned back to his paperwork. "If Dubs is with you all there shouldn't be an issue."

Samuel stumbled back, surprised by Ivan's response. Peter had the same hatred towards Dubs as Samuel did, because Dubs was a surfacer, and Samuel had assumed that the Captain held the same sentiments.

Samuel marched forward silently, his pride somewhat broken, and lead the squad up the stairs.

"What could Captain Ivan have meant by that? If Dubs is with us there shouldn't be an issue? It should be the other way around. I am the genius who holds the power to lead this squad.", Samuel pondered.

Exiting the trapdoor, they emerged to the backroom and went out front to the billboard. Samuel scoured the job list, and Drodus shyly spoke.

"We may have all mastered magical abilities, but I don't think we should become overconfident. Lets take on a simple job to gain experience. Once we have determined our relative position, we can attempt harder jobs."

Samuel cringed, and was about to remark otherwise, but before he could say anything Tirian and Enferia began to agree.

Dubs shrugged, as he didn't particularly care how difficult the mission was. After all, the purpose was to see how much stronger the surfacers were than him, and how much further he would have to progress in order to take them on.

Samuel reluctantly agreed, humbling himself to peer pressure, yet he gritted his teeth at Dubs' carefreeness. "How can he be so confident in himself? He cannot even compare to Drodus, the least skilled among us."

"Alright, lets take a look at the types of jobs. It seems that there are scouting jobs, jobs where we would guard a caravan from attacks, and jobs where we hunt monsters on the surface. Each job has a duration and a difficulty level depending on how dangerous the area of operation is, ranging from 1 to 5.", Samuel informed the squad.

Tirian pointed to a certain parchment on the board. "What about this one? Escorting a caravan from Lardis to the neighboring city of Ariola. This mission is a level 1 difficulty, as we wont be going on the surface, and only remaining in the tunnels. There is a low probability of thieves along the pathways, and the payment is only 30 copper coins, but we should give it a shot.", he suggested.

Samuel considered the option and agreed. "Alright, we will take this mission. First we must head to the inn the clients are staying to discuss that we've taken the job, and find out when we will be heading out."

The party agreed, and began to head out before they were stopped by a middle aged man. The thin blonde man was probably in his late 20s. "Hold up just a minute rookies. I've never seen your faces in here before. Don't you think you should pay your elders a little respect before leaving so hastily?"

Samuel stood up pridefully, puffing out his chest. "Finally my time to show Dubs my strength. Even without using magic, my physical strength is most likely far beyond his.", he thought.

"Ah, really sir? What kind of respect exactly do you expect us to pay?" Samuel sarcastically stated.

The man became visually irritated by Samuel's arrogant reaction, and began to monologue.

"Listen here, brat. It looks like you need to learn some manners before you join the ranks of the mercenaries. I'll give you three options. Either you pay me back for your rudeness just now- 3 silvers should cover it, or you and your buddies kneel down to me and beg for my forgiveness." The man retorted.

The scene had now attracted the attention of the other members of the guild. Some laughs were heard from the other tables.

"Pfft. Looks like Harold is at it again with the rookies." One remarked.

"Should we stop him?", "Nah, he hasn't gone too far. The kids will get whats coming to them.". Some others conversed.

Tirian, Drodus, and Enferia all had looks of fear on their faces. Even if they had magic, they didn't believe they could so easily beat an experienced mercenary- especially if the others jumped in. Furthermore, they didn't want to cause trouble for Ivan.

Dubs, on the other hand, had a blank look on his face. He could care less as to what trouble Samuel got into, so long as he wasn't dragged into it. On top of that, there wasn't a single person here who could take Dubs in a fight if it came to it, not that Dubs wanted to defend Samuel.

"Looks like things are getting interesting from here." Dubs other self stated.

Dubs couldn't respond, as he was in public, and was unable to communicate to his other self through thought alone. He would have to speak what he wanted to tell his other self, which would make him sound like a lunatic talking to himself.

Samuel smiled and responded to the threat. "What is the third option, good sir?"

"A rebellious one eh? This should be fun. The third option is we take this outside and I give you a beatdown. Your friends have been rather polite, so I'll even let them off the hook if you pick this option.", The man responded.

Samuel shoved the man out of the way and exited the door. "Follow me out if you dare then.", he stated.

The man became enraged as the rest of the tavern blew up in laughter. "Did you see that? Harold just got mocked by a rookie! Surely he wont take that sitting down?"

Harold raced out the door towards Samuel. "Now you've gone and pissed me off kiddo. I was gonna leave you with some light bruises, but it looks like imma have to break some bones today."

Samuel, waiting for him outside replied to his statement. "If you can break my bones, that is."

Dubs and the others had stayed inside, and Enferia put her hand on her face. "Why does he have to be so hot tempered..." Enferia stood up and bowed to the other mercenaries. "I am very sorry for the trouble my comrade has caused! Please forgive him!"

One of the regulars, a balding man who appeared to be in his 40's, raised his mug of beer in reply. "Don't sweat it, miss! Harold is always trying to get a little out of the newbies, it ain't yall's fault. Just make sure to have a drink with us after your mission is complete!"

The rest of the tavern bursted out in laughter at this and the mood lightened. Tirian put his hand on Enferia's shoulder and she raised herself. Aside from Dubs, the three also joined in on the laughter.

Dubs however, kept a straight face, unamused.

As this played out, Samuel lifted his fists and prepared to fight. Harold too took a fighting stance, and they rushed at each other.