In the Crowd of Mercenaries

Eran stood at the crossroads, where many people were already hurrying on with their busy lives. One could say it was still quite early in the morning for such activity.

Leaning against a massive wall, he folded his arms across his chest, his unwavering gaze fixed upon the towering edifice before him. A sign with the inscription 'Golden Guild Alku' and an engraving of two swords adorned the building.

A passing glance would reveal it as a guild, specifically catering to mercenaries in search of the means to survive.

Eran adjusted the hood of his cloak and then pushed open the imposing wooden door, stepping into the bustling interior. The air was filled with the sounds of clinking armor, animated conversations, and hearty laughter. Mercenaries of varying stature, clad in diverse armor and attire, mingled throughout the guild hall.

Tables and chairs were scattered about haphazardly on both sides.

Undeterred, Eran advanced without sparing a glance at the guild's ambiance. He approached a substantial table that he surmised was meant for registrations, where a man, likely in his thirties, stood.

"What is your business?" the man asked, his tone tinged with irritation.

From his pocket, Eran produced a necklace and placed it on the table. The guard picked it up and examined it.

"I seek a mission from the kingdom," Eran stated. The guard continued inspecting the necklace, offering no immediate response. Eran could hear murmurs spreading as he voiced his request.

"I am perplexed regarding the royal assignment. Why must this mission be entrusted to the guild? Could they not directly appoint and issue orders to suitable individuals?" the guard inquired, tossing the necklace lightly back to Eran before adding, "This mission has already been claimed by several groups, including the 'Band of the Sun,' and some lone wolf mercenaries like yourself have enlisted. Present your identification."

Eran handed over his ID, and the officer began to take notes.

"You're now registered. Be aware that your compensation will be determined by the scale of your achievements," the officer explained.

"I'll aim for the highest reward," Eran declared, eliciting a disdainful snort from the officer.

"I'm certain the Band of the Sun will claim most of the prizes. Their power is too formidable for a mere group of mercenaries," said the officer.

"That's the same old tale I've heard in every place I've visited—endless talk about them," Eran replied.

"You're a courageous young man. Aren't you familiar with the band?" asked the guard as he set down his pen.

"Who isn't? The entire continent knows that the band consists of pampered royal offspring."

"Watch your tongue, boy!" exclaimed the guard, signaling for silence. Soon, a burly man approached Eran and grabbed his shirt.

"Looks like it's too late now," the guard muttered.

"What did you say earlier? Are you daring to insult our band? Repeat it!" the bearded man snapped, his face inches from Eran's.

"Which one? You mean the group of pampered children? That one?"

Gorstag tightened his grip, drawing his face even closer to Eran's.

"You know nothing. We've proven ourselves on numerous battlefields. So, mind your words!"

"That still doesn't change the fact that you're a bunch of privileged brats born into nobility."

Unable to contain his anger, Gorstag released his grip and swung his fist.

"Gorstag, no!" cried the gray-haired woman, but it was too late.

The punch connected with Eran's face, knocking him back a step.

"I hope you leave before my anger gets the better of me!" Gorstag threatened.

Eran exhaled wearily and, in the blink of an eye, stood before Gorstag. A sharp dagger was dangerously close to his neck, fear and anger reflecting in his eyes. Everyone in the guild fell into stunned silence, unable to follow Eran's movements.

"He's...he's insane," the old guard stammered.

The man who had grabbed Eran earlier could only gape in confusion, unable to comprehend how he had lost consciousness and failed to perceive Eran's actions.

"I know some of you are members of the Band of the Sun. If you wish to end me, do it on a mission," Eran taunted with a mocking smile. He then sheathed his two daggers and stepped away from the building.

After Eran's departure, the place grew even more crowded with applicants.

"As always, Gorstag, you let him provoke you. Didn't I tell you earlier that he's formidable?" remarked one of the shorter men seated nearby.

"Shut up, Cain! We were insulted; it's only natural that I got angry," Gorstag grumbled as he plopped onto a chair.

"Even if Theo were here, he wouldn't be upset," said one of the other men with brown skin. "You're right, Uldor; he'd probably burst into laughter," Cain chimed in with a chuckle.

Gorstag glared at his friends, annoyance evident in his eyes. Being the butt of their jokes did nothing to improve his mood. He felt slighted and wanted to defend his honor as a band member. However, Kain and Uldor's jests only fueled his frustration.

"You two are insufferable!" Gorstag seethed, but his friends continued to tease him.

"Your shouts could be heard from upstairs." Suddenly, a man with shoulder-length blond hair descended from the second floor.

"Someone dared to insult our band, it was unforgivable," Gorstag fumed.

"I heard that, hahaha!" Theo erupted into laughter, joined by the rest of the band.

Gorstag could only wear a wry expression, sensing that his friends didn't grasp the gravity of the situation as he did. He wanted to emphasize that, as members of their band, they needed to uphold their dignity and reputation. However, his friends remained nonchalant, treating it as a jest.

Theo ceased his laughter and approached Gorstag, regarding him with empathy.

"Don't worry, Gorstag," Theo reassured. "I understand your concern. But remember, we're a group of young adventurers seeking excitement. We shouldn't take things too seriously."

Gorstag fell silent for a moment, pondering Theo's words. He respected Theo as their wise leader, who possessed a broad perspective on life. However, Gorstag's heart still weighed heavily, believing that their inappropriate actions warranted more serious consideration.

"I suppose I should calm down and view things from a broader perspective," Gorstag eventually conceded in a more composed tone.

Theo nodded, placing a comforting hand on Gorstag's shoulder. "That's the spirit. We're a resilient group, and nothing can dampen our resolve. Let's continue enjoying our drinks and having fun, as we always do."

Gradually, a smile returned to Gorstag's face. He realized that there was no need to magnify this minor issue. What truly mattered was their camaraderie and the joy they shared as bandmates.

Amid the renewed atmosphere of laughter and jests, they resumed their drinking. Gorstag recognized that, ultimately, their unity and the warmth of their friendship held more value than petty disputes that would only divide them.

"So, are we going to include him in our mission?" Kain inquired amidst the clamor.

"I don't hold the sole decision-making authority, and I've been observing him from above," Theo responded, taking a sip of ale before continuing. "Moreover, the registrar has already approved his inclusion. I've also heard rumors of a highly successful solo mercenary."

The band members exchanged intrigued glances, uncertain if Theo was being earnest or jesting.

"What? That's unbelievable," Cain exclaimed in surprise.

"Theo, are you serious? This could spell trouble for us!" his bandmates chimed in simultaneously.

Theo chuckled and playfully nudged a fellow member.

"But how did you confirm it was him? It might not be," the long-haired woman, who had appeared with Theo, questioned.

"I consulted the veteran guard, and it indeed turned out to be Eran," Theo replied with enthusiasm.

The gray-haired woman could only sigh in response.

"Taneaya, please persuade this fellow. I understand what he means. Just look at his smile, like a child who has just received a toy," Gorstag implored Taneaya. The woman appeared resigned but persevering. Her gaze shifted to someone who had been sitting and listening beside Uldor.

"Catallina, you are our last hope now," it was Taneaya's turn to appeal.

"Ah, why should I?" protested the woman with shoulder-length hair.

"For once, use your power," Gorstag urged firmly.

Theo was seen laughing, enjoying the small quarrels that occurred almost every day.

"Ah well... well... you all can't give me a moment of peace," Catallina grumbled as she stood up to address Theo.

Before she could say anything, Theo intervened.

"This time, Catallina, I won't be swayed."

"Arrgghh... at least let me speak first, Theo."

"Ahahaha, alright... alright, I'm sorry."

Catallina looked annoyed at her leader's behavior.

"At least, let's discuss it first, don't make unilateral decisions. We know you want to recruit him for our group, right?" Catallina suggested, seeking a compromise.

"Arghh, you all can't be fooled," Theo complained while ruffling his hair.

"Stop the drama; you're making us sick."

Theo laughed at his partner's response.

"Alright... alright... didn't we start a discussion earlier?" Theo replied, stifling his laughter.

"Never mind," Catallina conceded, returning to her original seated position.

The other members appeared dejected.

"Let go of your annoyance. It's only natural for him to say those words earlier, probably because he's accustomed to solitude," Theo explained, taking a sip of his ale and continuing, "It's precisely because of his solitude that I tried to recruit him."

After Theo's explanation, the atmosphere grew quiet for a moment. They all seemed to share a brief moment of reflection on the concept of solitude.

As if understanding, a small round of applause from Theo roused his comrades.

"Never mind; won't adding a strong person make our group even more formidable?"

"Whatever you want," Kain replied, and Theo simply smiled.

"I want Eran to join our group."

*****