Shuris and the formation of the Unshakables

The following 2 weeks were busy.

Arthur was training everyone. The samurai, hoplites, bee knights, Moonkong, Aries, the langurs with blades weapons and all the wood humans. Even the 2 Mandrill bodyguards. He was like an army instructor constantly making everyone do drills and seeing the smallest flaw in each individuals' martial arts. The wood humans and Moonkong made the biggest improvements. While Arthur tailored his martial arts to fit individuals, the wood humans had unending Stamina, while Moonkong was a fighting freak.

During his evolution, Moonkong developed a Trait called killer learner. Whenever he killed an enemy, his stats points augmented. While he could gain a +1 in a stat, stronger enemies gave him more stats points. Each stat point piled up to increase his base form even more.

The rank 1 goblins and all those who didn't train with Arthur were hunting and gathering monster corpses.

The goblins reached their classes while Ezyze was unconscious: scouts, hunters and Spearman. The A rank Trait goblin became a unique class called Slime creator. She could create the weakest monsters, slimes and have them fight at close range. Being monsters created through a skill, they couldn't live forever. She could also send bolts of raw mana.

The 4 goblins with warrior Trait became 3 goblin warrior, a normal class and a great goblin warrior, a rare class.

With repeated hunting, they gained enough experience to become rank 2 monsters. Since they were leaving to become mercenaries, Ezyze couldn't have 1.5 meters tall being the bulk of his troops. Moreover, he wanted them to evolve in order to survive. In order to increase synergy, they all took the same monster's traits.

The 20 hunters had face like traits and evolved with the form of a mountain cat.

The 12 scouts evolved with the form of a shadow cat.

The 30 Spearman didn't get to eat the brain or heart of the hydra, but they did eat her flesh. They became 1.8 meters tall. Their skin became a reddish yellow and the corner of their yellow slited eyes, as well as their forearms and neck had scales. Their teeth became pointed. They also gained a B rank Trait called regeneration.

The 3 warriors with a C rank fighting sense had reddish skin and most of it covered with scales. Their eyes were red and irises were slit like a snake. Their teeth were sharp and they grew 4 fangs like canines. They gained the traits: Regeneration - A and magic warrior - A. The great warrior had a simar look, but 2 little dragon like wings were attached to his back. All of his skin was covered with scales and his sharp mouth was filled with fangs. He gained the traits: hydra regeneration S and dragon physique A.

The slime creator grew 1.7 meters tall. Her red skin covered with scales was glistening with poison. 3 horns were sitting on her head, with similar red snake eyes and razor sharp mouth. Protruding from her lower back, a lizard tail with the head of a hydra seemed alive. She gained the traits: Hydra poison magic affinity S and Hydra regeneration S.

Ezyze had a final meal with everyone. They sang, drank and enjoyed the evening. The wooden humans were being watered with alcohol and everyone had a blast. They told tales of past adventures, and dreams for the future. It was a rare heartwarming moment.

Ezyze was joined by the high level members, Eve and Nebuch. They gave each others final pieces of advices and spoke about every single detail that could make an impact.

Everyone went to sleep and only Lampa, Ezyze and the infant langur were in the dining hall. Ezyze was lost in his thought when Lampa sat next to him. The infant langur gave him a hug and was stucked to his neck.

"He really likes you, you know.

And so do I. He is a great little fella.

Yes he is, and his potential is enormous as well. Every white Langurs became great figures in the history of our race.

Like kings and wise rulers?

No, nothing like that. Like great swordmen, mages, theoricians even! One of them theorized on how to have our whole society grow with values of duty first would make for a united and strong society, that develops itself quickly. Thanks to him, we florished and grew more united. Anyway this one is someone great for the future. I have a favor to ask you.

What is it?

Take him. You managed to protect him so far and I have faith that you will in the future as well. Your combination is astounding and people will think that he is your familiar. He needs to see the world and find his place within it.

I can't. We will be mercenaries. We will fight, in wars, in battles and maybe subjugation even. He will never be safe. I don't want to be responsible for his life.

You won't be. He is responsible for his own life. He may be an infant monkey, but his cerebral capacities are long developed and he can fully understand what we say and what it implies. He was the one to ask me to go with you, in the first place.

Is that true?

Yes... answered the infant langur, with a weak voice. I am called Lampor. I want to come with you.

Know that when we give our names to someone outside of the tribe before we hit rank 3, it means that the relationship is one between family members. Added Lampa.

Ezyze paused. You will have to take care of me, Lampor. You'll be apart of a great tale!"

After conversing for another hour, Ezyze and the 2 langurs eventually went to bed.

When he woke up, he attached his new axe on his back, and equipped an armor with the same design than the hoplites, but made with Hydra's red scales. The axe had a black handle and a glistening blue great blade. The other side of the blade was a triangular shaped small blade. He packed up food and rations in a bag. He had a second bag in which was different materials to craft. Below, the Unshakables were waiting, all equipped with crafting materials and a bag with rations. While the warriors and Spearmen had the same armors than the hoplites, the hunters ans scoots had more generic leather armor, that was emiting shadows.

All the other allies were present and cheered them on. With Lampor on his shoulder, and followed by Zephyr, Rea, Arthur and a number of ferocious warriors, they escaped the mountain range. The Blacksaber kingdom awaited them.

----

They traveled Westward, near the foot of the mountain. There, they came across troll villages that were manned by weaker members, with only the village chief being rank 3 trolls.

The spearmen, armed with two headed short spears and the other rank 2 goblins with ranks 1 class and higher joined the fray. Basically, the hoplites, stalkers, predators, Aries and 11 mages, Zephyr, Rea and Ezyze left the fight to them and stood aside. The fight was quite long because both trolls and spearmen could regenerate themselves thanks to their traits. The trolls were strong and brave warriors. Either fighting with 2 axes or a sword, they joined the fray headfirst and could fight even when slashed or skewered by spears. The spearmen are strong fighters as well. They could take hits, and were fierce. Their martial arts was inspired with Aries martial arts and tailored for warriors that could take on hits and keep fighting. They thrusted, slashed and skewered the trolls.

The scouts were hovering in and out of darkness, quickly taking out trolls, ganging on them with 2 to 3 members.

The hunters offered great support and accurately injured the trolls. Kneecaps, eyes and the heart, while the trolls had several holes, they still fought. Still, these injuries made them weaker against spearmen that finished them off quickly.

The slime creator was something else. Because she absorbed the hydra's mana heart, she created poisonous slimes and casted poison bolts. The slimes could attach themselves to bodies and slowly corrode and poison them. When killed, they exploded, poisoning the attackers. Her bolts made damages and poisoned the trolls. The hydra's poison made them weaker and their organs even shut down. Their regeneration hindered, they were killed more easily.

The 11 orc samurai were the strongest male fighters. The 2 that absorber the rank 5 shadow cats had the darkness hiding their bodies, making them able to move without being seen, in stealth. The 9 hydra warriors had splendid swordmanship, coated their blades with poison and when they could, bit the trolls. The 1 horned warrior had his tail acting independently and bit many trolls.

While the trolls' regeneration was troublesome, eventually, they were dealt with without damages on their sides.

Arthur and Ezyze noticed that their cooperation was lacking. They were fierce warriors on their own, but didn't fight well together. They had much training to have.

Their journey continued, killing wild beasts and other animals in order to eat without making use of their rations. No bandit, mercenary troops, pack of monsters attacked the 100+ members Unshakables.

When they journeyed further from the Mountain range, they sparcely came across villages and habitations. Still, some farmers eyed the Unshakables warily

They crossed green valleys, swamps, passed through mountainous regions and rocky hills, and went under various floating islands.

They were attacked by wolf packs, hyenas, magic creatures and several bandit troupes. These attackers chose the wrong target to attack and were all exterminated.

They entered a desert like region, where giant worms, scorpions and lion packs inhabited. They arrived near a giant city. The golden city was massive, with sky high ramparts. Golden and light yellow, the buildings were made with sand and reinforced with magic.

All around the city and in few kilometers away from it, there were magic watchtower. They are hundreds of meters high and had several magic cannons all around. A massive blue crystal was levitating at the top of the towers and could send massive mana rays.

The city had 8 entrances, with massive doors open during the day. Before each of these doors, an army of 2500 golems were manned with spears. These 2 meters bipedal creatures had a descending beak for a mouth. They had ascending feather like ears. Their sea like eyes were peeking from their golden and yellow faces. They were wearing intricate armors, which had a pauldron on their right shoulder, looking like golden feathers. From both their shoulders descended golden stripes, up to their waist. They were wearing golden trousers, made with heavy metals.

Shurissi guarding golem - rank 3 and 4.

Atop the ramparts, thousands of these gokems equipped with bows and arrows.

Shurissi golem archer - rank 3 and 4.

Taking the lead of his troops, Ezyze and the Unshskables were waiting in line, under the scorching heat of the Sun. The city was bustling with people from all races, colors and with various looks exited and entered the city. Mercenary bands and single adventurers equipped with various weapons and armors, merchants with carts filed with goods and even slaves, cohort of mages that were dressed with magic robes and seated on carpets that were gently levitating off the ground. For Ezyzewho came from Earth, this sight was one of a magic world. He disapproved slavery, but couldn't do anything.

In Rome, do as the Romans.

Eventually, they were stopped by a tanned centaur like being. His body was one of a lion. Instead of a lion's head, was a muscular body, that had big white wings on his back. His face was one of a human, but with pointed ears and a slightly sunk, looking like cat's. His body and face have yellowish brown hairs all over his skin. He had short hair and brown eyes. He was almost 4 meters tall. His lion body was 2 meters tall and 4 meters long. He was wearing golden breastplate and vambrace, with intricate golden designs, and a large halberd. All 50 of such beings were behind him.

Shurissi Sphinx - rank 3 to 4.

"Greetings, human. Welcome to Shuris. Are you traveling alone or with the group behind you?

We are traveling together.

Alright, then. What is your purpose for coming in Shuris?

We are a mercenary band andd want to register as such here. We heard that many opportunities could be found in the region, for a mercenary band such as ours.

Very well. Please, follow Kulka here. You will be escorted by 500 guarding golems and Kulka will explain you the customs of Shuris, until you reach the mercenary association. Since Blacksaber is a mercenary kingdom, each cities are led by noble like mercenary clans. They each have different laws and we don't want newcomers to stir up any troubles.

Thank you for your kind help. Have a good day then."

Kulka, a female Shurissi sphinx candidate forwards and stood next to Ezyze. 500 guarding golens separated from the others and surrounded the Unshakables.

They entered the city which was bustling with life. There were many buildings in both sides of the wide streets. They had the colour of sand and had various balconies and plants growing on the buildings. Palm trees were neatly lined up in the main street that they were walking in. Next to the buildings and almost reaching the streets, many tents of many different colors were stands, shops, and even places to perform many arts. Patrols of 100 or so guarding golems could be seen frequently.

"Shuris is names after our beloved emperor, the undying Shakur Shuris, that founded this city and used to reign over the Blueaf kingdom and a part of the Eternal Empire. When the Empire grew in power, the Shuris dynasty and various other kingdoms faced it and were eventually defeated by their enormous military might. Rooted, Shuris and his clan and allies were renegate in Blueleaf and settled in Blacksaber. The might of the Shuris clan was so great that the Blacksaber dynasty made Shuris a special Duke of the kingdom and allowed him to establish his own city.

Here, the city taxes people on the business that they operate. To enter the city without paying a toll, you either need to register a business, be it for trade, to perform, register as an adventurer or mercenary. Otherwise, if you don't gave proof of citizenship, you pay 2 silvers and the continental currency is used here, 100 coppers for 1 silver and 100 silvers for 1 gold.

We take pride in our energetic city and the public order is maintained by various Shurissi golems. They are sentient beings that obey various orders and are created by the Shuris. How they are made is a well kept secret.

Shuris is created around the great garden palace, where Shakur Shuri, his family and his close aides live. It is surrounded by walls. Then, the second layer is where important people live. Going through another rampart, you find the third layer, where various organizations, big businesses are located and rich people live. It is where the mercenary guild is located and our destination. Then, after crossing other ramparts, you find yourselves here, in the outer layer. It doesn't have many characteristics. People live here, organizations and businesses are also located here. You can find everything here.

In Shuris, you are not allowed to attack anyone, harass people, be it verbally or physically. You can't steal and should honor your word. Interbsk conflicts, in organizations are different matters that can be dealt with internally. You may use your goods however you wish but cannot do whatever you want with other people's goods. Slaves are such goods, so don't cause troubles with other people's slaves.

If you misbehave, the guarding golens will arrest you and you will then be judged and face a trial. Worry not, although sentient, the guarding golens never discriminate and obey orders dutifully.

If you have an issue, are troubled or have any question, you can always ask them. If what you ask is too complex, they will lead you to someone who will be able to help you.

For instance, you can ask us Shurissi Sphinx anything, as we are a brother clan of the Shuris and have been supporting them well before the creation of Shuris.

Do you have any questions?

Thank you Kulka. How come Shakur Shuri is still around, and leading his people?

That's simple. Although legends - rank 5 - have monstrous lifespan, the Shuris are from a very ancient and particular race.

Thank you. Where do you think that we will be able to stay here?

Well, you can always sleep in an inn, various ones are specialized in housing mercenary troops. Otherwise, you can rent or buy a place, but in a 100 million people city, real estate is expensive."

The Unshakables are in a predicament. They had no money. Nothing. They should thus take on a job as quickly as possible, and A high paying one at that. Also, they had to understand how to budget for their troops, how to be profitable.. the hurdles kept on coming.

They walked for 5 minutes, before boarding a platform. Functioning like a subway, these platforms could have many people boarding and moved around in each layers. They were automated and platforms came every few minutes. Each platforms are enchanted with stabilizing magic, allowing the platform to move at high speed and the users not to fall.

"We are on the Shurissi Common Transport, or SCT for short. They are golems engineered by the Shuris snd allow for dmooyh transport. It is free because it allows for the crowded streets to be slightly kess crowded. On each platform are always 3 guarding golems present."

The ride took 30 minutes and the SCT was moving very fast. They walked for 10 minutes before arriving at the foot of another gate. Kulka discussed with the guards before they let them through. A 3 meters thick gate was opened and a gray grid was risen.

The 3rd layer was not so different from the outer one. The buildings seemed larger and the tents were grander but were not close to any buildings and instead on separated land. Many various plants and flowers were merging with the buildings and landscapes. Various gardens and fountains were integrated in the building. There were various private gardens with manors, villas and small castles of various architectural styles. Many guards of different races were guarding these private properties. Guarding golems were also patrolling the streets. The streets were created on tops of a water network and people sailed on small boats.

They walked for a few minutes and arrived before a gigantic castle that had pointy chestnuts like rooms, at the top. It was an armored castle made of stones and iron. They had to go under a grid, through a gate to arrive in a big garden and many tents were before the castle.

"This is where I was supposed to lead you to. This is the mercenary guild. Mercenaries guilds are an independent faction, located in many cities and many kingdoms. They have their own rules and passed this gate, it is their own territory. The guards here will lead you to someone capale to explain the rules inside. Farewell traveler.

Thank you Kulka, see you around."

Kulka and the 500 guarding golems left. A 1.7 meters tall guard, with a bald head that was filled with scar, was wearing a brown metal armor and had a big scimitar strapped on his back. He went to Ezyze.

Human - rank 4

"Follow me."

They entered the garden, walked on the main pathway and through various tents. The building was a sight to see. Most of the people here were hardened veterans, Warriors that went through countless battles. Some weaker individuals were here to discuss contracts, hire mercenaries or promote their own mercenary troupe, but they were a large minority. There were so many Warriors that Ezyze understood that attacking even this place would necessitate thousands and thousands of troops. They entered the main building.

There one could find the job board, where mercenary could take on free quests, the mercenary ranking by rank, from S, A, to the lowest, H, and a ranking for each of the mercenary bands. Tables where various Warriors were eating, gambling or drinking and a reception area with an information desk could be found as well. Many guards wearing brown armors and various weapons could be seen as well.

They went to the line of the front desk.

"Here."

The guard left Ezyze and his group, which waited in line. After some time, they arrived on front of a receptionist. He has a petite build,but is quite plump. His nose is slightly crooked and a he wears a monoe. He is a hobbit. He says in a plain voice.

"Welcome to the mercenary guild's branch in Shuris. What are you here for?

We are here to register as a mercenary troop.

OK. Do you know the rules?

No.

The quests are from S to H rank, as well as a mercenary troops rank. They rank up when they complete a quest of a specific rank. We don't care if you overeste your capabilities and die, but we don't like the blow on our image. There is a job board and you can take on any job. They usually specify the maximum and wanted number of mercenaries and if it is allocated to one or multiple mercenary band. Usually, multiple bands apply at the same time and the employer chooses which one he wants. In many quests, they usually outline how much the mercenary band of X people will make and how much each individual makes. Usually, extra rewards depend on the contribution during the quest. We look very badly on betrayer and if yiu are known as a mercenary betrayer, you may end up with wanted posters and be targeted by mercenaries. Mercenaries can be hired for almost anything but is usually to fight. You must understand that you sell your life in this line of work. For us, what we say is sacred. For the total duration of the activities of a mercenary band, you may break off the contract up to 3 times after you accepted it. There is no loophole, renaming your band or going into another mercenary troupe doesn't work. If your name is associated with a break off, you are automatically flagged. So be careful when you accept a quest. When you are finished with a quest, you usually get paid and can continue your life asnif nothing happened. Sometimes, things don't work out. We offer arbitrage when you didn't get paid and protection for the outcome of your quest. More well known mercenary bands are directly hired by potential clients. You can always refuse a quest, quests always outline what should be done. If an enemy is more powerful than it was stated or the numbers higher, as long as you have proof, we give coensation.

Questions ?

None.

OK. Are you the leader?

Yes.

Name.

Ezyze Mostiko.

Class?

Is it necessary?

If you want to be a mercenary, yes.

Axe warrior.

Numbers in your band?

More than 100.

Count them up.

147.

Such a fuss for such puny members. We do this so you get a profile which allows clients to seek you out. Do you want to operate in the Blacksaber Kingdom or in another?

Blacksaber.

Which city do you want to operate from?

I don't know yet.

Take this map of the Blacksaber kingdom. It's a gift, be happy. You will find the cities and have an idea to answer my question next time. What kind of work would you like to do?

Subjugation, fight in battles and wars.

Do you relish fighting with other races, with monsters, with slaves, with commoners, with nobles, with armies, with bands, or do you disapprove so strongly of specific groups that you can't take quests with them?

No.

Are there any monsters and bipedal creatures, such as humans in your band?

Yes to both.

Alright. How do you want your mercenary troupe to be called?

The Unshakables.

The Hobbit sneered. That's bold. Alright. It will take some time to produce the ledger of your mercenary troupe and identifications cards. Because you are only registered, only the leader with his name written on it, will be given an identification card from the mercenary guild. In the time it takes to produce these documents, you can eat, have a drink or look at the job board. Don't exit this place."

Ezyze and Arthur went to see the job board. Many different quests, from.gathering supplies, escorting civilians, subjugation of monster villages and straight up war requests.

There was a request that was well in the middle of the job board.

'War effort

Client: Blueleaf kingdom.

Description: You will take part in battles in the Blueleaf Kingdom against the Eternal Human Empire. Your aim is to be part of the defensive war that the Blueleaf kingdom is waging in the Western part of his territory, called the Bluecliff region. If you were to accept this request, you will be transported by Shuris disk for free and will fight alongside member of the Suri clan and ifs allies, as well as the colonel Yamamoto Kureshi, a high ranking member of the Blacksaber army. Eating and sleeping are not taken care of. The duration of this mission is of 6 months. If it exceeds this time, you will be fairly compensated.

Reward: 10.000 gold coins for a mercenary band of 100 people + 100 gold for each mercenary + additional rewards according to contribution and if the mercenaries are needed for more than 6 months.'

Arthur advised Ezyze to sign up. Compared with similar quests they would make at most 800 golds with the jobs on the job board, for 6 months. Also, they had a month to prepare themselves and make sure to perform better than 1000 people mercenary bands. In the time before the war is over, they decided to take on mission nearby, either killing bandits or subjugation of monsters and monster villages.

After looking around, they were called to the front desk. Ezyze said that he wanted to register for the war effort, as well as take on a subjugation quest. It should be mentioned that Arthur did most of the paperwork.

The receptionist agreed. Ezyze made sure to have Arthur translate the subjugation quests and tell every details if they were about subjugation of goblin villages.

There was a catch. Ezyze could speak with everyone as the spoken language was English. He could read his system.without difficulties either. The problem is that he couldn't read this world's language, and Arthur being a librarian had an easier time doing so.

They left the mercenary guild, exited the third district and looked at the prices for people to live. Basically, being cheap a month would cost for 150 people around 2 to 3 golds to live. It costed 1 to 2 silver for an individual to live for a month: shelter, food, water. Clothes, armors, entertainment were not included.

They took a quest where they had to kill every members of a lizardman tribe, or at least 500 of them, and give proof of their deed by bringing back their tongue. Any additional tongue would net them 50 Coppers that were added to the 50 silvers reward. Each mercenary was given 50 coppers each. The lizards were rank 1 to 3 monsters and there were around 1000 lizardmen. They lived in an area called the blazing hills, North from the city and was a 2 days trip from Shuris. It was a F rank quest. Since no one took it for 6 months, the Unshakables were allowed to accept this quest without meeting the client.