It had been three days since Erik's impressive performance on the exam, and although most people probably would have basked in their momentary success, Erik had other intentions.
He committed himself fully to rigorous training as a result of the pressure of his goals and an old vow to himself. He had no time for frivolous get-togethers or light conversation.
Erik woke up early on the third day, well before the sun had risen beyond the horizon. He quickly put on his trademark hood and mask to conceal his identity and paused for a moment of reflection.
Today marked the beginning of a new chapter; his first assignment as a pupil-ranked mercenary awaited him. It was a minor milestone but a crucial one in his journey.
When he left his dwelling, the city was just beginning to wake up. The morning still held the crisp freshness of early daylight, and the typically crowded streets were rather quiet. Erik grabbed his brand new phone and called for a taxi, which arrived quickly, its motor quietly humming as it drove up next to him.
Erik's concealed appearance caught the driver's attention, a middle-aged man with salt-and-pepper hair, but he decided not to inquire. The city was home to all sorts of characters, especially at this hour. "Where are we headed?" he inquired, a tinge of curiosity coloring his voice.
"The Mercenary Guild," Erik responded, keeping his words to a minimum.
Erik's thoughts began to wander as the cab wound through the city's waking streets, and he prepared for the day ahead. With his new student status, he was able to take on more difficult but rewarding jobs.
Erik left the cab, paid the driver, and walked up to the massive Mercenary Guild building. Awe was always aroused by the magnificent appearance of the Guild's exterior.
Then he walked steadily into the building, drawing a few looks from onlookers but not deterring him from the task at hand. He had a job to do.
A cutting-edge holographic computer took center stage in the guild hall. The space above the console sprang to life as Erik got closer, exposing a profusion of symbols and data. The machine responded to his touch. After entering his credentials, the interface reworked itself to display pupil-level missions.
Rows of holographic columns presented him with a list of jobs, each with its own brief description, location, and potential rewards. There were tasks that needed him to track down Thaids and others that had him escorting merchants or retrieving precious artifacts.
Images of Thaids and intricate maps flashed colorfully in the holograms, beckoning him to make a selection.
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Quest Name: The Silent Stalker
Type: Thaid Hunt
Description: Villagers around Whisper Woods have reported sightings of the "Mistlynx". Hunt it down to ensure the safety of the area.
Reward: 500 Eurem (Profits can be made from the Mistlynx's soft pelt.)
Quest Name: Ripples in Clearwater
Type: Thaid Hunt
Description: The "Azure Serpent" of Lake Clearwater has been snatching away livestock from the shore. This large aquatic snake poses a threat to local settlements.
Reward: 850 Eurem (Selling the serpent's shimmering scales can fetch a good price.)
Quest Name: The Brute of Boulder Gorge
Type: Thaid Hunt
Description: A hulking creature known as the "Gorge Gorger", has been blocking the key trade route through Boulder Gorge. Hunt this massive beast and reopen the pathway.
Reward: 750 Eurem (Its hide is rugged and used in high-quality armor crafting.)
Quest Name: Shadows in the Savannah
Type: Thaid Hunt
Description: Packs of "Golden Hyenas" have grown bolder, attacking travelers in broad daylight. Reduce their numbers to ensure safe passage through the Savannah.
Reward: 600 Eurem (Golden hyena pelts are in demand in the market.)
Quest Name: The Horned Havoc
Type: Thaid Hunt
Description: The "Razorhorn Rhino" has been rampaging through the villages near the Dusty Dunes. Subdue or eliminate the creature to ensure village safety.
Reward: 900 Eurem
Quest Name: The Whispering Heirloom
Type: Retrieval
Description: An ancestral amulet has been stolen from the House of Virel. Retrieve it from the thieves hiding in the forest.
Reward: 850 Eurem
Quest Name: Escort to Eldertown
Type: Escort
Description: Protect a caravan of traders traveling to Eldertown through the treacherous Golden Pass.
Reward: 450 Eurem
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A group of mercenaries, some more experienced than others, surrounded Erik, each immersed in his or her own holographic terminal.
They discussed the scenarios, made plans, and even organized into groups. At that time, though, Erik could see nothing beyond the list of missions in front of him.
His eyes wandered through the quest board once more before resting on "The Silent Stalker" quest.
The Mistlynx, a subtle and evasive beast, was the target of this quest's search. The choice he made was motivated not just by the thrill of the hunt but also by the monetary rewards it promised.
The Mistlynx's plush fur was worth more than just the 500 Eurem that were going to get paid to him upon completion. The total revenue potential of this quest was what made it so appealing.
With nimble fingers, Erik tapped the holographic screen to accept the mission. A pleasing chime rang out, and a notification flashed, confirming his acceptance. As he read further, he noticed a detail he had initially glossed over the need to appoint a porter.
When predators like Thaids were killed, their corpses were typically difficult to retrieve and carry, therefore, specialist companies called "Porter Companies" were tasked with the duty. They were able to preserve the creature's value so that they could be sold for more money. Having a trustworthy porter was essential for a fruitful and lucrative hunt.
Erik's expression briefly turned irritated. Instead of waiting around, he wanted to get right into the action. But he also knew that there were usually certain practical prerequisites for such missions.
While it was possible for him to assign a porter later and head off on the hunt without any delays, the risks were obvious. He could be delayed, and there's a chance he might even ruin the Mistlynx's priceless fur if he didn't have a porter around.
Erik's hands froze a few inches from the screen as he contemplated what to do next. The guild would have a list of approved porters for him to peruse, or he may meet with potential candidates in person to determine their trustworthiness and negotiate rates.
After scanning the list of providers, he realized quickly that their prices were quite high. The only way to reach a fair agreement was to meet them in person.
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