Chapter 35: What the future holds (1/2)
”I'm Layn. It's a pleasure to meet you.” In the end, the archmage didn't have anything against the guild or its master in the first place. If this was the kind of ritual that everyone joining the mercenaries had to go through, then there was no need to bring his personal pride to it.
As stupid and uncivilised as the tradition of bullying newbies in the submission could be, it was effective. Even in Layn's own time, various forms of initiation still existed, even if they were lesser in scale and intensity. Because when it came to creating bonds between people who had to trust each other, only by pushing one to the limit would others learn his true value.
”Tell me, lad, did you come here to join our guild? While it's not the best job that one could dream of, if you are not a merchant of craftsman and your spirit doesn't wish to toil the earth till the end of your days, there is hardly any better job out there!” Patting a huge board with various pieces of drawings snapped to it, Kashar smiled.
”I'm sorry, but I don't think it's a good idea yet. Since my foundations are pretty weak for now, I would rather focus on improving them for now.” Replying with a smile to a smile, Layn looked at the ancients surrounding him. ”Once I will make sure that I'm not a pushover, I will gladly take you up on your offer.”
For the ancients behind the archmage, it was actually quite hard to keep their faces straight. GIven how they experienced this single, humble man taking on an entire group of experts, most of which were two stars, hearing how he claimed to be a pushover, only a single question appeared in all of their heads at once.
'If you are a pushover, then who the heck are we?'
”Ah, it's a pity. But I won't be as reckless and irresponsible as to invite someone too weak to participate in the missions.” Slamming his fist against the counter of the reception to accent his words, Kashar smiled. ”Once you reach the rank of a one-star soldier or two-star novice, we will welcome you with open arms!”
Making his claim, the guild master lightly beaconed with his hand. As if it was some kind of secret code, a servant with a cup of beer appeared almost in an instant, only to pass the mug to the giant man.
”Until then…” Taking a huge sip of the beer, Kashar then slammed the contained down on the table before waving the group away with a huge smile on his head, ”get the fuck out of my sight, you arrogant prick!”
Even though the words were harsh, the smile on the man's face proved that he wasn't really angry.
'I guess there will always be some rowdy people all over the place.' Smiling to his own thoughts, Layn followed the rest of his group as everyone prepared to leave. But right as they stepped outside, Irea instantly latched to his side.
”How could you be so reckless!” Several light hits to Layn's shoulder later, Irea's fist finally stopped attacking the archmage. ”He was a damned guild leader, you know? Don't scare me like that in the future!”