Chapter 22: Raven Guild

Zaos mused over his conversation with Ronik as he exited the store.

[I'll eventually have to leave Ronik's house, or I might unintentionally reveal some abnormalities. Leaving the Qildor clan is also something to consider, I don't know how the heads of the clan will react to my particularities, and I'm frankly not willing to find out.] Zaos contemplated as he walked.

[Although being in a big organization is beneficial, this lifestyle doesn't suit my situation…

[I'll also have to reduce my public image as much as possible to avoid gathering suspicion. The brewing war might help on this matter if the situation becomes chaotic enough.] After recent events and his better understanding of his element, Zaos was convinced his situation was odd. He had to lay low until he gained enough strength.

Before long, Zaos arrived at the Raven Guild and entered the fairly empty guild hall. It was currently late afternoon so most mercenaries were still out doing missions.

Zaos went straight to the front desk and met with the female wind elf who assisted him in the creation of his identification pass.

"Good day, Mister Zaos! How many I assist you?" She greeted Zaos with a smile on her face.

"I would like to inquire about the criteria for joining the Raven Guild," Zaos responded in a neutral tone.

[As long as their conditions aren't strict, I can join them.] He thought.

The receptionist's eyes sparkled when she heard Zaos' statement.

"Thank you for considering the Raven Guild! I can bring you a contract so you can read through it." The way she gazed at Zaos was as though she was looking at a pile of gold.

Zaos also observed other receptionists cast gazes filled with envy at her.

[Judging from their reactions, I'm guessing there might be a reward involved for recruiting new members… ] Zaos speculated as he responded to the receptionist.

"I'll have the contract then," Zaos answered plainly.

The receptionist quickly began searching through the compartments of her desk, and after a few seconds, she pulled out an exclusive-looking contract.

"Please have a look." She politely handed the contract over to Zaos.

After receiving the contract, Zaos quickly browsed through the handwritten contract.

[The conditions are reasonable.] He thought.

The contract stated that the recruited mercenaries were obligated to forgo 20% of their spoils, they were not allowed to reveal information about the guild to other guilds, and they were required to fulfill a quota of 3 missions in a week.

In return, the mercenaries would receive the guild's protection and a sum of 15 poor-quality Mana gems per week.

[There is no need to turn them down. The Raven Guild is the strongest in the settlement and their recruitment critiques are lenient,] Zaos quickly made up his mind.

"May I get a pen and some ink?" Zaos turned his attention to the receptionist.

The receptionist beamed and replied hastily.

"Of course, Mister Zaos!" She quickly took out a wooden ink pen and some ink from a compartment on her desk.

Zaos filled in the details required by the contract before handing it back to the receptionist.

The receptionist's smile widened as she received the contract while her co-workers could only look on with envy and regret.

"Welcome to the Raven Guild, Mister Zaos! The guild will issue you an official identification card showing your status as a mercenary of the Raven Guild. Please return tomorrow to receive it." The female receptionist announced in a cheerful tone.

Zaos simply nodded and exited the guildhall. He returned to Ronik's house while pondering on his plans.

[With my status as a mercenary, I should be able to gather some funds…] As he thought up to this point, a sigh escaped his lips.

[Who would have thought that I would be reduced to such a pitiful state.] Zaos lamented. In his past life as Jack, money was never a problem for him. His parents were business tycoons and even after their deaths, he was able to utilize the assets he inherited to build his underground empire which made him even more wealthy.

[I wonder how the boys in the Seven Rings are doing. Derek, that snake must have taken over the gang after my death.] Zaos reminisced. The Seven Rings was the name of his Mafia group back in Pinewood City, and Derek was the vice leader. As he recalled his first life, he shook his head.

[Humans are limited, but the elven species is different! As long as I can cultivate my Edict Rune to completion, I can wield supreme power!] Zaos' eyes burned with determination as he navigated the streets of the mercenary city.

[A path to godhood might also be obtainable!] Zaos speculated with bated breath. If the legends of the Elves being the descendants of gods were true, then they might be able to achieve divinity!

[As long as the possibility exists, I will grasp it!] Zaos resolved himself as he arrived at Ronik's house.

Although he wanted to train due to his newfound goals, Zaos was already exhausted from his earlier training. As soon as he entered his room, he collapsed on the bed.

The next day, Zaos awoke with renewed vigor. He went about his morning routine and left for the Raven Guild.

The streets were quiet and lonely since it was still early, most folks were still indoors.

[The Raven Guild should be open right? If it isn't then I'll head to the hideout to train first before returning.] Zaos thought as he made his way towards the guildhall.

Before long, Zaos stood in front of the Guild. He was relieved to see they were already open.

Pushing open the door, Zaos spotted a few mercenaries gathered by the mission board. The mercenaries noticed him too but quickly returned their attention to the missions available.

Zaos walked directly to the female receptionist from yesterday.

"Welcome, Mister Zaos!" She beamed energetically.

"Good morning, miss. Is it ready yet?" Zaos replied with a nod.

"Yes," She said as she took out a slim metal card and handed it to Zaos.

The card had a black and white sigil of a raven with its wings spread out, his name was below the sigil, and a single star was underneath his name.

Zaos looked at the receptionist in puzzlement.

"What does the star represent?" He asked, pointing at the card.

"Ah! I apologize for the oversight! The star represents the credibility of the mercenary. There are a total of five stars, with one star being the lowest and five the highest," The receptionist explained.

"All new members are given a single star, and after twenty successful missions, they are upgraded to two stars," She added with a smile.

[So it's a rating then.] Zaos nodded.

"What about the other levels?" He inquired.

"Three stars require a hundred successful missions, four stars a thousand, and five stars ten thousand." The receptionist explained.

[... The number of five-star mercenaries must be small.] Zaos inwardly shook his head. Missions taken on by mercenaries were almost all dangerous and audacious.

These missions were mostly posted by clans who sort cannon fodder to complete tasks that they would avoid doing. Every mercenary knew this, but they could only compile as they required funds to survive.

"I will go check out the mission board," Zaos said to the receptionist before moving to the left part of the guildhall where the mission board was situated.