Rest

"With this, all known Lairs and Dens have been cleared out! All that remains is for us to venture into the heart of Yngrave and stamp out whatever menace might be lurking within its thorny depths..."

Young Master Qin looked around at all of us, taking in our battered and weary appearances before nodding to himself as he added "The rest of today will be spent scouting! However, we need a break. Twenty minutes, rest up, then we resume our raid!"

Everyone gave the Nobleman a nod and instantly found themselves somewhere to sit, wanting to make the most of this twenty minute break to recuperate as much energy, mana, and willpower as we could.

Few of us had sustained injuries, and those that had were receiving the attentions of the healers, being handed either potions for the smaller wounds, or receiving magical healing for the larger wounds, like the Volrock Soldier who had a large cut snaking up his forearm.

As I sat down with Alessia, Trania and Paci, I caught the Young Master, an Animus Knight, and the older Mage all glancing my way, talking quietly to one another before they turned and focused on someone else, something that made me frown as I studied them from afar as well, trying to understand what had just transpired.

"Recruitment."

Alessia grunted a single word as she leaned against the rock, stretching out her back before trying to get comfortable on this rock and root infested ground, something that was almost entirely impossible to do since there was something always poking into you somewhere, someway.

"Recruitment?"

"Yes, recruitment. They're likely looking at talented seedlings and wondering if they need to swoop in to transfer you from here to somewhere more suited for you. Qingrad is small, yes, but we're near enough to many locations and quiet enough that we're considered a 'training city' for many. Like Trania; she is here to learn from me on how to become a better Talonmaster, though whether or not any of that sticks is on her. When she's viewed as 'prepared' enough, they'll transfer her out of Qingrad and into another city. Maybe one near the ocean, maybe one closer to our borders..."

Paci was the one to speak next, the red head chuckling quietly as she added "They want to capitalize on any potential they can to keep the new blood flowing in the right ways. Get you to a place that will help squeeze out as much of that potential as possible and ensure that you learn enough to be of a better help to the Dukedom... and realize just how much they helped you, of course, and ensure that you pay back those debts even if you didn't ask for them~! That's why I'm still here; I told those pricks to fuck off."

Alessia rolled her eyes and muttered "Sometimes I wish you took the offer, Paci..." before she turned back to me, saying "They're most likely debating on what to do with you after this is over. You're not the strongest, yes, but they see potential in how you've worked alongside us so far. The support spells, the ability to adapt and press forwards no matter what. Being able to humbly accept your roll but still strive to improve - just not at the detriment to the rest of us. They want to figure out if you're worth contracting at the very least to Qingrad, or if you are worth the effort of being brought into the army. You have the right to refuse, of course. I know many who like fighting but don't like the disciplined life of a soldier, and I can't blame them sometimes..."

"But... wouldn't it be smarter to make use of the Dukedom's resources and work as a soldier for a few years before setting off again on your own? You could form a contract for a few years of dedicated labor before reevaluating that contract again, no? Or are contracts not a safe option..?"

"You could do that... if you were really, really talented and had a semi high potential that would warrant something that complicated, they might be willing to do so, but remember, they will be trying their hardest to pressure you into signing something that favors them more than you, and there is no reason to hold back. I'd like to see someone work out a contract with an Animus Warden breathing down their neck and not just sign whatever was placed in front of them..."

"That sounds unethical."

The other three just snorted as they nodded, with Trania speaking for the first time as she muttered "It is, but they are stronger than you, more influential than you, richer than you... it's hard to not accept what they offer. Besides, whilst there is pressure, it is never forced or completely unfair. My contract guarantees me a large amount of money, property, and some other things if I serve for another five years. With oaths from them that I wouldn't be assassinated, betrayed, tricked, deceived or sent to die, of course... always make sure to cover your bases..."

"Again... that sounds unethical and entirely unnecessary, but... I get your point, I guess. Don't be stupid, don't be arrogant, try to work with them and not against them if you do... though, I am curious, are you able to back out of the contract at all?"

My curiosity was piqued by this rather neutral territories interesting way of recruiting people into their army, and depending on the answer, perhaps it was an option open to me if I was ever in dire need of protection and stability; I could find safety in the army, with comrades to support me and leadership that would potentially help me as well.

"Sort of. You keep the pay you've accumulated, and they match some of it, but otherwise... you lose a lot. Money, good will, benefits - the housing, feeding, clothing and maintaining of standardized weapons and armor is all gone - as well as a lot of other things. But yes, you could just 'back out' if you so desire. Me personally... I've renewed mine about four times now for the same price as back when I first became a Talonmaster. Makes things easier for everyone..."

Paci raised her brow at that, looking at Alessia with incredulity as she began to pry about the golden Dogkin's finances and other personal situations, something that Alessia answered without a care as she continued to rest.

Occasionally, Trania and I joined in as we asked some questions as well, just taking the time to converse and allow our bodies to recuperate whilst still ensuring our minds were active.

Learning some more about the world, learning about a potential route I could take... all of it was useful to learn now instead of later.