Orientation (1)

Ignoring the irate and rather unwelcoming member of the Ordo Visus that had barged past me, I cast a glance around the interior of the Headquarters and took in the sights around me, specifically the people that would be my comrades going forwards.

I instantly noted how I could classify them into three groups without any issue at all; those that were on break or resting, those that were preparing to head out, and those that were already moving about with a sense of urgency.

Those that were resting were sitting on the various couches and chairs within the open entry hall in standard, civilian clothing, and they were spending their off time reading, chatting, or simply lounging around and enjoying this moment of peace before they were required to do something.

All of them were relaxed and not showing a care in the world to the other groups, who were moving around and doing far more than they were at the moment.

Gearing up and studying open scrolls or maps, the second group were huddled around tables and talking to one another in hushed tones, preparing to head out into the world to tackle their missions and earn some more money, and I noticed that there was a standardized uniform here, but everyone had personalized tweaks and different weapons than one another, which showed that whilst this was an organization related to the military, it had far looser regulations for what its members were to be equipped with.

Leather armor seemed to be the standard, and everyone was wearing a similar emerald green cloak that was draped over their gear, which was likely the symbol of the Ordo Visus and a way to tell who was who; additionally, as one of them got closer to me, I could see that the cloak was not just a single shade of green, but instead a myriad of them blended together for camouflage.

Finally, there were those who were already in their full gear rushing about to and from the counter on my left, the door leading out of Headquarters, and the doors leading into the Headquarters, so it was clear to me that this was more similar to an Adventuring Guild if anything with how individual everyone seemed to be.

Approaching the desk on the right like the soldiers outside had told me to do, I saw an older woman with a slightly bored expression scratching away at a ledger with a quill, her sharp eyes not dulled with age despite the clear grey hairs that streaked her primarily brown locks.

I coughed gently to get her attention, those gold tinged eyes that belonged on a bird of prey landing on my face and making me stand just a tad straighter and stiffer as I said "I was told that this was where I needed to be to present my contract?"

"Contract? What sort of mission is it? Escort?"

Looking back down at the ledger, she flipped through a few pages before looking back at me when i said "No, it's my employment contract? I agreed to join the Ordo."

"Ah... a new recruit. Alright, let me see the contract first, then we'll go over your orientation."

I handed the papers over without a word, and the mature Aviankin began to read them swiftly, her eyes dancing over the words and causing her to nod, before she asked "Kira, right? You are aware of what the Ordo does and what is expected of you?"

"To do missions, help scout for the Corps of the Beast, assist the Corps, and learn as much as I can to become a greater asset to the Ordo?

She snorted at that, placing the papers down and stamping them before placing them into a folder, the Aviankin glancing back at me as she replied "How servile of you. Yes, technically those last few parts are what is truly expected of you, and more often than not your missions will be contracts from the Corps in some regard, or from someone loosely related to the military, but otherwise..."

Leaning forwards, she lowered her voice and said "We're really a glorified Adventuring Guild if you must know, only instead of being loosely tied to the government, we are directly nestled within their bosom. Nothing wrong with it, but some here don't like hearing that. Think that they're better than adventurers."

Going back to her ledger, she flipped through some pages again and fell silent for a few seconds before saying "Alright, so here's the rundown. You are given free lodging within the Headquarters, given three meals a day plus snacks free of charge - all of it is set on a menu that is adhered to each month - and are allowed to seek out some of the retired members of the Ordo for assisted training and other advice. They might require payment or a test to prove you are worth teaching though, so don't assume that this is like the Academy.

There is no direct quota for missions required, but as one of the many secretaries who used to wield a blade instead of a quill, this is my advice; try to get at least five missions done per month. They pay well, and like an Adventuring Guild, we take kindly to those who pull their weight. It's not mandatory, and sometimes its ill advised to even accept a mission if someone has agreed to tutor you, but... most of the time, you can manage five missions easily.

As an Auxilia, you are loosely tied to the Corps and can be called upon to bolster their ranks if need be. Everyone within the Ordo Visus is treated as an Auxilia, though most of your peers will be full members of the Corps, whereas you are more of a mercenary. You will be informed of any Corps Orders directly and given sufficient time to prepare before you are required to set out. Failure to do so and failure to report to whomever requested our aid will result in hefty fines as well as time in prison for being AWOL and potential defection."

She fixed me with a pointed stare and let that sink in for a few seconds, the weight of the potential punishments filling me with slight dread, but... it seemed easy to avoid those punishments; I just needed to do my job is all.

"Now, since I have little to do and desperately need to stretch out my old limbs, let me show you around and continue your Orientation. Sorry that it's gotta be with an old lady!"

Grinning at me, she closed her heavy book and stood up, revealing her thin frame and short stature that made her look rather unassuming, but as she walked around the counter and approached me, I could tell she used to be a warrior with how she held herself and how silent she was.