105 Rushing to the Docks (1/2)

Jack and Slivia had long since returned to the association building. Jack was very shy to hold Slivia's hand within the association building, but she held on extra tight to make sure he couldn't escape. This caused some commotion and rumors to develop the moment they entered the reception area.

Each of the association members sat down to a nice meal in their small restaurant, happy to have their cook back. By the time the storm had encompassed the entire town, most people were either sleeping or drinking the night away. Jack was one of the former, enjoying a good night's sleep.

Unexpectedly, a hard knock came from the locked entrance, and everyone could here someone tried to force their way in. Then, they heard a shout from behind the door. ”Come quickly! The pier is under attack! Open the door!”

Maynard instantly appeared in front of the door and unlocked the latch, letting in a man who was soaked from head to toe.

Everyone who had been drinking stood up and approached the armored guard as he said, ”Hurry! Gather all able hands and head to the pier immediately! At least a dozen unknown monsters are destroying the docks! They've already destroyed all navy ships and are pushing to enter the city!”

”Boys, you heard him! Wake up the lazy bodies and be back here. We're leaving in less than five minutes and anyone who's late pays a fine!” Zariff's booming voice sounded throughout the building, waking up some of the light sleepers. He looked to the drenched guard and asked seriously, ”What's going on exactly? What are we up against?”

While those two were discussing the situation, Maynard and Rydel hurried to Jack's room. They threw it open and were surprised to see Jack up and ready to go with Bowzer on his shoulder. ”What took you guys so long? Let's go to the old fart and figure out more.”

Maynard laughed, ”I'm to see ya so excited.”

”Let's not waste time. The chief should be waiting for us especially,” added Rydel as he turned and led the way.

They passed Slivia in the hallway and she asked, ”What's going on Jack?”

”I'm not too sure. A guard came saying that the port was under attack. He should be explaining it all now,” said Jack. He grabbed her hand and hurried to the entrance. When Zariff came into view Jack asked, ”Hey old fart, what's going on? What are we facing and why haven't we left yet?”

Zariff looked back at them and smiled. ”Now that you're here, brat, we can go. Everyone else, just head for the pier! We don't have any time to waste!” His loud voice echoed in the halls and alerted the other association members before the first group hurried to the back alley and left on horseback.

Jack was surprised to see Daliea and her guards joining them on horseback. Other than those three, there were seven others in the early group: the messenger guard, Zariff, Rydel, Maynard, Brunar, Jack, and Slivia. Maura was forced to stay home with her mother, which annoyed her but she had no way to say no to her father.

Zariff glanced at the guard and asked, ”Now you can tell them all what's happening. Other than the other lv. 30's who left on missions after the trial, these are the most trusted members of our branch.”

”Very well,” the guard kept the lead while yelling so that everyone could hear him. ”A sudden storm rolled in, and we're almost certain it had something to do with those mysterious beasts. They're the size of a lion with serpent heads and fins. All our navy ships stationed in the pier were destroyed and the upper docks were under attack when I left.”

”Who's in charge right now?” asked Rydel.

”Captain Fronks is in command but Captain Prat and Captain Darmut are also there to help the situation.”

”Fronks…” Rydel grunted, making sure he was loud enough for all to hear the disgust in his voice.

”The revered captain has managed to hold off the beasts and is in the act of doing so currently. Show some respect!” shouted the guard.

”Hey, that's enough!” yelled Zariff, startling the guard. ”We don't need your lip! If there's nothing else we need to know then shut up. Other than the cleric in the back you're the weakest one here, so you don't have authority to speak down to them.”

”Hmph!” With a grunt, the guard turned back towards the road in front of him. He did, however, take a quick glance at Jack. Seeing the young Jack with a hidden level, he decided he wanted to take out some frustration on the young adventurer. ”Hey you, make sure to listen to orders. Otherwise, I can't guarantee your safety.”

”Hmm… You talking to me?” asked Jack with a wry smile.

”Of course, who else!” replied the guard.