Stupid Holand

9th day, the month of Mara, the year 1661.

"So this is our first stop?"

"Yes, this is the village of Rockwell, Miss. Emilia wants us to deliver a package to a guy named Holand."

"Do you know what he's like?"

"Absolutely not, Miss. Emilia did not tell me anything."

"Should we ask the villagers? I'm sure someone would know at least something."

Saying so Lucas takes a look around. It has been a few days since they set out the academy, the ride was mostly boring so he is itching for something to do.

The houses within the village are made of wood and use straws for roofing, currently, there aren't many people walking around the street but the people seem to be heading to a commotion in the distance.

"Hey, guys, where you all think they're going?" He said, pointing to the villager running ahead of them.

"Dunno, but if we are going to ask around it would be better to go where the people are so why don't we go see what it is?" Luna suggested and everyone nods in agreement.

Following the direction the people are going, they soon reach a crowd of people outside what appears to be the village hall. Grabbing the nearest person Lucas ask what's the commotion is all about.

Apparently, the usual hunting group came back heavily wounded and those only lightly injured rush to report to the elders but as if now there is nothing yet, seeing no way to push through the crowd they decide to wait along with the villagers until the elders come.

Minutes passed and soon a couple of figures emerges from the building and stood side by side. The first one is an old man, although skinny he still looks strong and standing straight with a fierce look on his face.

The second one is an old lady, she looks like some kind old lady from next door but the look in her eyes says otherwise, staring at her sharp brown eyes give the feeling of staring straight into a beast.

The last one to come out is a tall man with broad shoulders, unlike the other two who wore loose clothes the man wore a tight shirt and a hunting vest accompanied with long pants and high boots.

"My people, we have summoned you all today to tell you about something important." The old man steps forward addresses the curious crowd.

"Like you all may know, for the past few weeks the monsters in the forest has been restless. A few days ago we had dispatched the hunting to investigate the cause of it and today, we finally know. Out there, in the forest, there is a group of crimera running amok." Hearing what the elder told them the crowd starts whispering to one another.

"I hope they stay away from the village."

"I wonder what kind of crimera are they."

"Crimeras! Can we eat them?"

"Hush you, food is all you could think off."

Lifting a hand to silence the crowd he continued, "From what our head hunter could make out, it seemed to be a rat fox crimera, one of the lowest in term of danger but with the numbers they have they will still be a danger to our village. That is why today I gather you all, Holand, you take it from here." The old man said before stepping back and letting the tall man, Holand, took his place at the front.

The man starts recruiting people to fight against the crimeras and seem to give some kind of pep talk afterward but the group has stopped giving attention to it.

"That's our guy right?" Lucas started the discussion with his team.

"Well if we go by name then it would be him, let's just question him tomorrow, I'm tired from all the walking already," Stephanie said.

"True, we haven't had a good rest for a while, let's go find the inn."

Leaving the crowd, the party went and find the inn and book 2 rooms. After that Elea went out to restock their supplies while the girls left to wander around the village, leaving Lucas alone with nothing to do until dinner.

The next day, after breakfast they once again head to the elder's house. As they walk through the street, they pass by the village expedition team, among them is the person they are looking for.

"Mr. Holand wait!" Luna calls out to the man, making him stop for a moment before breaking out of formation straight towards them.

"You kids... You're the one whispering at the back yesterday. Are you guys planning to join us? It might be a bit dangerous for children." The man starts preaching the moment he reaches them.

"I understand that you must have wanted to protect your home from danger but even with that passion I cannot take you with us, a crimera cannot be looked down on even if they are of the lowest rank. Besides these rats have quite the number that if it wasn't because everyone was skilled and know the topography better than those rats we would have lost some good men. For now, you kids should use that passion and train hard, become strong then once you've grown up you can help protect the village. anyway, that's all I have to say, I have to go after the team, go home and stay safe kids!" The man quickly turns and left after shooting a long line of unnecessary words that he missed the disdainful look Lucas's party gave him.

"Guys, I think it'll be better if we just leave," Elea suggested and everyone concurs with a nod.

After leaving the package they supposed to deliver to the elders the party quickly get back on the road towards their next destination.