Making a friend

"As you might think, our team name consists of all our initials. An A and an O and three B's. A Beast Master that scouts the area, a Protector to tank, and three Mages. Also, Abigail and Bartholomew are our cousins. So it's a team consisting of family members."

"Ohh, where was I. Ahh, yes, my sister. The passive beneficial effect activated the moment a class awakened in her. It allows her to detect the intents of people. "

These words felt like they were sensitive information. It showed how much Ollie seemed to trust Vincent and wanted to become friends.

Ollie has a keen eye when it comes to people. He could tell Vincent wasn't a bad person by how he acted and responded.

[So that's why Beatrix kept saying you were wicked. She felt your furious intent and thought you were a bad person. Her ability should almost be similar to the intent sensitivity you felt when adapting your body.]

-I had a similar thought. Also, doesn't it sound similar to how you feel, see, track and hear with your Mana Sense ability?-

[If a trait like this is possible, I wonder what kinds of traits exist? Your special mutation traits are an example of how high our expectations can get.]

"As expected of Abigail's friend acquaintances. You don't deny my statement. My sister was born with a hidden rare trait that elves are rarely born with, and it is practically impossible for a half-elf to be born with such a trait. " Ollie expressed relief that Vincent never interrupted nor said such a trait couldn't appear on a half-elf. Instead, Vincent expressed great interest and seemed gullible to anything Ollie might say. As if Vincent lived a sheltered life.

Ollie noticed, but he kept talking as if he didn't see. Finding a person that didn't seem to care if his sister was a half-elf or not was hard. There was hidden discrimination with the races since many dislike mixed races. A half-human half-elf wasn't on the humans preferred list. Similarly, a half-human half-elf wasn't on the elves preferred list either.

"Ahh, you're making me embarrassed. I simply continued with your sister's childish act because I didn't have much to do while waiting for someone. She made me laugh after I understood nothing was wrong with me. " Vincent replied in a friendly tone.

Ollie smiled upon hearing this. He then continued, "My sister is a prodigy awakener. At the age of nine, my sister awakened on a day when I didn't want to play with her and her dolls."

"I took my sister to the middle class district library intending to show her some picture books. However, Beatrix picked an old book with a fancy cover when I wasn't looking. As she lifted the large book, dust fell in her eye, and it became infected."

"I remember that day clearly as if it was yesterday. While Beatrix was rubbing her eyes, a small rope my sister found on the streets wiggled out of her pocket and started climbing her shoulder."

"Her body became engulfed in an awakening light, and then I heard the now long snake Peepee worryingly ask if Beatrix was fine. My sister awoke as a Beast Master that day, and the small-sized Peepee could already talk."

"As you might think. Beatrix thought the snake was given to her as a gift by fate, and the old book containing a few stories of old heroes was her life calling. Furthermore, she believed the infection on her eye was a divine power given from the book*sigh*... however, it's one of her Beast Master skills to share the vision with her snake..."

"Ollie, it's fine. I understand. I look suspicious with my body covered in bandages, and I was a bit angry for the horrible treatment we received from this kingdom's soldiers. The familiar merchant made me so furious I wanted to punch him in the face. That must be why your sister approached me." Vincent admitted after understanding Ollie was a very busy person because of his sister.

"I apologize once again." Ollie then stopped lowering his head and continued, "I saw multiple Prego birds deliver messages and soldiers rushing for the South Gate. It must've been a rough ride, huh? But don't worry, the city is safe, and look for us if you need any help. As the brother of a fellow unique trait holder, I hope we can become friends."

Ollie then extended his hand for a handshake.

[I think we are finally getting lucky. Having a C Rank team as friends will be helpful. We don't know the stats of adventurer ranks, but Ollie is strong to tank two Royal Guard Ants alone.]

-Lady luck is smiling at us at last.-

Vincent raised a smile and extended his hand. Ester, Lupa, and Tula noticed the two men on the adjacent bench shaking their hands as if they came to an agreement.

"Big brother made a friend. " Tula said.

Ester and Lupa nodded to her comment.

[Ben has finished with his business. But I think he looks a bit drunk. He isn't walking straight.]

Vincent turned his head and noticed Ben's approach. His cheeks were a bit red, and his lips wet. The possibility Ben drank alcohol in the Guild Leaders' office seemed high.

"I'm back. Ohh, hi, Ollie. It looks like this is our eighth meeting today, haha.*hic*" Ben did as Vincent thought. He took a few drinks to drown his sorrows in the Guild Leader's office.

The Guild Leader is an old friend of Ben and Koss. Sometimes new recruits decide the training is too hard and their progress staggeringly slow. Living costs money, and new recruits only receive a small income since they aren't officially soldiers of the state.

After many cases of people wishing for more income, less than a decade ago, the Lusterfall Kingdom and the Lusterfall Adventurers guild branch made a deal where new recruits could take on a beneficial scheme to become temporary local adventurers and take quests.

Soldiers needed income and real-life experience. Such a scheme quickly became popular. The need to hurry and become an official soldier for money lessened by a bit. Ben and Koss were a few of the vice captains in charge. Their weekly meetings quickly made the three friends.

The adventurers guild would also profit from this deal. The more people joined, the more information shared. The higher reputation gained. More people are inclined to provide quests with rewards, and the adventurers guild collecting quest commission fees. Lastly, the guild pub never having an empty table for an entire day.

Furthermore, because the soldiers were on a temporary contract, the contract would become temporary null if a war should erupt since the adventurers guild takes no sides in wars. It's a rule set in place to allow the adventurer's guildhall to be built in any kingdom without too much secret surveillance.

"I heard what happened from Vincent. I'm sorry I couldn't help even if I'm a C Ranker. I should have spent a few days after we returned from our last quest." Ollie apologized for not taking the missing persons quest to find Tula, Koss, and Kass. But as the leader of the BABBO team, he had to place the lives of his team first since the team compromised of his siblings and cousins.

"What are you saying? When many teams arrived for the ant extermination quests, your team was the only one that helped the city guard soldiers keeping order around here."

"Your sister helped us greatly, and your brother helped with the adventurer's registry forms and management. The guild leader was even boasting how he would like your brother to become a vice guild leader if your team ever disbanded." Ben seemed to appreciate the things Beatrix and Bartholomew did when they remained in the city.

"But I still feel bad for not accepting Abigail's plea to look for the missing people and soldiers..." Ollie had a lot on his mind in the past few days.

"Stop yammering*hic* We can't revert time. And even then, you did what you had to do for the safety of your team. Your parents also live here. You chose to protect your loved ones, and any person would do what you decided to do. " Ben angrily interrupted Ollie for blaming himself as if he could save everyone.

Vincent felt nostalgic as if an event similar to this had already happened. Vincent recalled when he was blaming himself for his parent's death while Kevin tried to help.

"You can't be a hero if you can't save those around you first. What I'm trying to say is, we were too far for your team to help us in both encounters where we lost Tula's uncle and father. Don't place unnecessary blame on your shoulders." Vincent tried to make Ollie stop blaming himself for not trying to help nor allowing Abigail or Bartholomew to leave the city alone.

"Thank you." The large muscular Ollie stood up with his guilt cleared. The few weeks of piling up worries finally dissolved after Vincent reassured Ollie that he chose the best decision, and Ben didn't display any hate towards Ollie for not leaving the city to look for Tula, Koss, and Kass.

"Are you still working as an examiner?" Ben asked.

"Yes. Our team has become the most trusted high C Ranked team in the city. We are currently working as backup guild staff, and adventurers rank examiners." Ollie answered.

"I have booked an adventurer application appointment for Vincent and his women on the day after tomorrow. I wanted them to have a day's rest from the harsh journey they experienced. I hope you go easy on them." Ben didn't look very drunk anymore. It seemed he had a strong recovery rate.

"Don't worry. A person Koss personally trained shouldn't have much difficulty. I also heard how Vincent has a class. A small display should award him at least a ninth-grade E Ranker badge or higher." Ollie sometimes trained with Koss after Abigail became friends with Tula. The two fighters liked to spar and learn from each other.

"Then I'll meet you again. Friend." Ollie waved his hand and left.

[Nice. He considers us as his friend. But I wonder why he was blaming himself this much. Isn't he a C Ranker?]

"Ben, can I ask you something?" Vincent asked.

"Sure. " Ben replied.

"Is Ollie's team powerful? Isn't it only a C Ranked team?" Vincent asked with the hope to gauge out the meaning of ranks.

"There currently aren't any B Ranked teams in the city. Also, only a few C Ranked teams are dedicated teams like BABBO. Most adventurers work solo or with contacts. Some try to build fame and find Nobles to work under, even at the risk of betraying their teammates. Thats why we call them a dedicated team. "