“We’ve been trailing behind you and your friends for a while now,” Glasses said. “Just where are you taking us?”

One of Ren’s companions, a man in mail armour and a large, round shield on his back, replied, “We're taking you to the Altear Recon Corps.”

“The what?”

“You’ll find out soon enough.”

After hours of walking, they eventually came to a stop in front of a two-story, reddish-brown brick building with what looked like years worth of wear and tear. Above the door of the building, billowing gently in the wind, hung a red and black flag with an odd symbol sitting in the centre. Keisuke didn’t recognise the symbol, but it somewhat resembled a moon that had been placed on its back and had an arrow piercing through it.

“What’s all of this about, then?” Noburu tilted his head sideways at the sight of the building and the flag.

“Come on in and see for yourself.” Ren opened the doors and led the group into a big hall with tables and chairs and a counter with multiple booths—almost like a reception—at the far end. Immediately upon entering, they discovered that they were not the only ones there.

Spread around the interior of the building were several other people: some seated, others leaning against the walls, and the rest standing. Keisuke couldn’t count how many of them there were, but if he were to give a rough estimate, he would say between twenty to twenty-five. They all turned to look at them as they entered.

“At long laaast! You’re finally heeere! Took you long enough,” a voice sang out. It sounded like a little girl’s voice, but Keisuke noticed no little girls around. It came from neither their group nor any of the people already gathered around the hall. They all glanced around for the source of the voice.

“Well, did you find them, Ren?”

“We did. Here they are.” Ren gestured at them.

That was when a head peaked out from behind the counter.

“Huh? There was someone there this whole time?” Someone from the other group sounded genuinely surprised.

The head behind the counter seemed to belong to the voice as well. It was a girl, and she narrowed her eyes as she looked at Keisuke and the others. She looked relatively young, with crimson hair, blue eyes, and light freckles scattered across her nose. “Is that all of them?”

“Yes. They were ambushed by gnolls on their way here, but luckily we made it in time to help them.”

“Ohh. And none of them died? That's good! Maybe these ones will have potential.” The girl clapped her hands together. “We can finally begin. Please, everyone, gather around. Chop, chop! Lucy doesn’t have all day, you know? She's waited long enough as it is. Okay? Okay!”

Everyone in the room was beyond perplexed. Based on how they were all similarly dressed and their reactions to Lucy's appearance, Keisuke assumed the other people in the room were the rest of the foreigners the teamster had mentioned.

“We will leave you to it then, Lucy,” Ren said before he and his party left the hall. They closed the big brown doors behind them and somehow the sound of the hinges twisting felt oddly discomforting. Once the doors were shut, the inside of the hall immediately became darker and more ominous, and all eyes turned to Lucy as the centre of attention.

Reluctantly, everyone else gathered around the girl by the counter. She slowly ran her eyes over everyone, almost as if she were examining them one by one.

With a “Hm, hm”, she nodded her head a couple of times and cleared her throat. “First thing first, introductions! Welcome to the Recon Corps. Lucy's name is Lucy and—"

“To hell with all that.” She was abruptly interrupted by Delinquent, who shoved people aside so he could walk right up to the front. “I’ve been walking for hours, and I think it’s about time I get some answers. Why was I brought here? And why can’t I remember anything? I assume you know something about this.”

Lucy eyed Delinquent down with interest. “My, you’re a lively one. Rude, too. What’s your name?”

“It’s Ryoma.”

“Well, Ryoma, if you would let Lucy finish then she could explain your current situation. May she? Or are you prone to more rude outbursts?”

“I’m prone to many things if my patience is tested. Like violence, for one.”

“Eep!” Lucy hid herself behind the counter. “I-if you hurt Lucy, then she won’t be able to explain anything. That would defeat the entire purpose, no?”

Ryoma simply crossed his arms and clicked his tongue. “Go on, then. But my patience is wearing thin.”

“Good! As Lucy was saying, her name is Lucy and Lucy is the commanding officer of the Altear Recon Corps, otherwise known as the Scouting Legion.”

“Scouting Legion?” Keisuke parroted. For some reason, his words didn’t sound like his own.

“That's what Lucy said, didn’t she? We’re a subdivision of the military that dedicates itself to exploring the kingdom of Altear. Fighting hostile creatures and defending the Vilelands, completing missionary requests, we do it all.”

Someone said, “Military? Like, the army?”

“What does that have to do with us?” asked Pinto.

Lucy twirled her finger and pointed it at the tall, dark young man. “Consider this an offer of opportunity,” she declared.

“An offer?”

“Like Lucy said, her guild dedicates itself to exploring Altear. One might say we even help people like you. In fact, this guild was formed by very people like you in the first place. You aren’t the first to arrive here with no memories of who you are or where you come from. Ren, that man from earlier? He was just like you at a point. So were many others before him and others before them. It's a repetitive cycle. Honestly, Lucy doesn't even know when it began.”

“And? I assume you’re going somewhere with this. If not, then quit wasting our time.” This time the comment came from a boy with short hair cut into a crop.

“And Lucy will tell you what she’s told the thousands of others who’ve come in here time and time again,” Lucy stretched her arms wide, “the kingdom of Altear is vast. So vast that a great chunk of it remains uncharted. Somewhere outside of these city walls and deep within the kingdom lies the answers you’re looking for. Lucy thinks. She means she doesn’t know for sure. She could be wrong. Lucy has been wrong about many things before. If so, at the very least, you can join the guild as a means to take care of yourselves. We pay well.”

The answers they were looking for... They all understood what she had implied by that. But still, it all felt so weird. How did Lucy know about their group and where to find them? Keisuke had many doubts and questions. There seemed to be a lot more to everything than what Lucy was letting on.

Makoto asked, “You mentioned earlier that this guild was formed by people like us. Just what did you mean by that?”

“Exactly what Lucy said. A long, long, time ago, a group of people arrived here in Altear, and they didn't remember a thing about who they were and where they came from. Sound familiar? In search of answers about what happened to them, they formed this guild for other people who were going through the same thing."

“So, basically, you've dealt with people like us before,” the comment came from the male twin. “And the main issue here is where we all come from and why this seems to be a recurring thing.”

Lucy smiled.

“Tell me, in detail, what does this army do, exactly?”

“We fight," Lucy answered Makoto’s question frankly. “We’re soldiers, but unlike the soldiers in the regular army, we hunt monsters, beasts, and even humans if the situation calls for it.”

Even humans… Just what kind of situation calls for the hunting of humans? Keisuke couldn’t help wondering.

“To summarise,” Pinto started, “you're saying that if we join this guild of yours, then we will be able to explore outside of these city's walls. And somewhere out there we’ll find answers regarding our current predicament and how or why we arrived here. But we have to fight monsters along the way. Is that it?”

“That's exactly it! Nice job. Want a cookie?”

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

“Monsters like those gnolls, I'm guessing?” said Mahiro. “What’s stopping them from killing us?”

Lucy turned her head to look at him. “Ren said you were attacked, correct? Lucy is assuming he and his party saved you. Did you see how they fought? How strong they were? You’re all still standing here right now so Lucy is sure you did. Well, we trained them, and that’s how they’ve gotten this far without dying.”

“You trained them? How?”

“Not Lucy herself, you silly goose. Shucks, Lucy is incapable of fighting. Lucy is just the cute commanding officer." Lucy struck a pose with her tongue out. “You see, our guild has branches that we call “unions.” Such as the fighter’s union, the spellcaster’s union, and several others. By joining us, you will be granted access to a union of your choosing where you will be taught to defend yourself. That’s how we, as scouts, learn to fight and survive.”

“And?” Ryoma challenged. “What happens if we refuse?”

“Nothing, really.” Lucy shrugged her small shoulders. “You’re under no obligation to join us. If you have no interest in this, then please feel free to leave. We won’t stop you.”

“T-then I guess we should just split, huh," Noburu said and slowly made for the door. “I’m sorry, but I don’t like this one bit… It all feels so convenient, you know?”

“Think that if you want. But like Lucy said, you aren’t the first people to arrive here. This guild has existed for many, many years. If anything, we're trying to help you."

“I...”

“Let Lucy warn you, though,” Lucy lowered her head and her voice deepened, “if you choose to leave then we are not accountable of you. You are on your own. If you think finding work will be easy, who is going to hire someone who does not even remember where they’re from? If you ask Lucy, this is as good an offer as you will get. But no one asked Lucy, did theyyy...? Oh well!”

Makoto suddenly chuckled. “When she puts it that way, it’s almost as if we have no other choice.”

Lucy shook her head. “You do. You aren’t being forced, you know? This is completely optional. You can leave if you so wish.”

“You say that but it doesn’t feel remotely true at all, does it? I want to find out what’s going on, so that’s why I’m joining. But something is telling me I would have joined regardless. You’re a very mysterious little girl.”

Lucy pointed to her own face and widened her eyes. “Lucyyy?” she said with exaggeration. “How could you say such a thing? Lucy is as lovely as a rainbow! Look. See? Her hair is red, her eyes are blue...”

Crop Top suddenly clicked his tongue. “You know, your speech style is very annoying, girl. I’ve been putting up with it until now, but it’s getting on my nerves.”

“Huh? But this is how Lucy speaks. She can’t help it, you know?”

“How about you knock it off before I make you?”

Lucy “eeped” once more and hid behind the counter again. Somehow, though, Keisuke got the feeling that she wasn’t really afraid, and it was all just an act.

“So, how do we join this guild of yours?” Pinto defused the situation.

“I-it’s simple,” Lucy peeked her blue eyes from behind the counter and gestured in front of her. There were several badges spaced neatly on the countertop, “take one of these and you will be considered a scouting legion trainee. That will then grant you access to the guild's unions.”

Makoto, without a hint of hesitation, was the first to retrieve a badge. This incited reactions from the others who hesitantly followed suit. As everyone walked up to get their badge, Keisuke found himself slowly being pulled in by the crowd as well. It wasn’t like he was fully convinced about all of this. But what would he do otherwise? Lucy brought up some valid points. Surviving in this city would be difficult. And, as conveniently as this was placed on their laps, it seemed to be their only hope for survival.

But, even if that wasn’t the case, everyone else seemed to be fetching a badge. Even if they were all just following the consensus, maybe it was best to follow the crowd here. Honestly, he didn't know. But he did know that he didn't want to be last in this situation.

With that in mind, Keisuke retrieved a badge as well.

Lucy continued explaining the procedures. “Once you decide on a union, you will be given two weeks’ worth of basic training. After that, you will be allowed to take on simple enough requests. Which you will need to do if you wish to carry on as scouts because the only way to graduate from being a trainee is through silver. Life isn’t cheap, you know? You should be grateful that the trainee internship itself is free.”

Once everyone had received a badge, Lucy clapped her hands in delight. “Congratulations! You’re now all trainees! Work hard to become real scouts and don’t be shy to come to Lucy for any advice, okay?”

“Anything else?” Ryoma asked.

Lucy put a finger on her chin, seeming to think about it. “Is Lucy forgetting somethiiing...? Nope! That’s everything she knows.”

When Lucy was done speaking, a loud bang suddenly drowned out every voice in the hall and caught everyone within by surprise. When everyone looked to the source, it was apparently Crop Top who had slammed his fist on a table.

“Okay, listen up,” he started once he’d seemed to gather everyone’s attention. “My name is Hidenori. I don’t know what the hell all of this is about, but I’ve decided to do things my way from now on. Some of you are going to join me. By join me, I mean follow my lead and do everything that I say, of course.”

Silence befell the hall. Everyone started exchanging glances, uncertain of what to make of this abrupt declaration. If anyone else had said that Keisuke was sure nobody would’ve taken them seriously. But Crop Top came across as different. He was the type of person that commanded people to not regard him lightly.

Ryoma suddenly let out a chuckle of a laugh. “What a shitty sales pitch. What makes you think anyone would join a buffoon like you?”

Keisuke could see Hidenori bristle at those words. He turned to face Ryoma and eyed him up and down, measuring him. “Because I’m the strongest one here,” he proclaimed with utmost confidence. “As far as I can tell, nobody here can take me in a fight.”

“Is that so?” Ryoma accepted the challenge boldly. The two locked eyes and it looked like a fight would break out at any moment.

Hidenori was taller, but Ryoma was slightly bigger. If the two did clash, Keisuke wasn’t sure who would come out on top.

“Hold on,” Makoto intervened, raising her hand, “we don’t even know if it’s worth it for people to work together. Is there any point in forming groups?”

“There is.” Lucy had been watching the interaction unfold quietly with her face in her palms. When Keisuke looked at her, she appeared mildly entertained by it. “People like you get together all of the time. They form what we call parties of five or six, typically. Parties make adventuring Altear easier. In fact, it is highly recommended that you join one.”

“Hear that?” said Hidenori, addressing everyone. “Stick with me and you might survive.”

There was an extended pause. Until “I'll join you,” someone said.

It was Glasses. He walked up to Hidenori and bowed his head. “My name is Takahashi. Nice to meet you, Hidenori-san."

“I-I’ll join you, too…,” another person added. "I think there’s safety in numbers. At least, I'd feel better not being by myself.”

Hidenori nodded at his new followers. Two more people joined him, and the more people did the more the others seemed to consider it as well. Of course, Keisuke also gave the idea some deliberation. Surely joining Hidenori would be easier for him. He seemed like a capable person, and in such situations, it was better to rely on those who were strong. Ultimately, Keisuke decided against it. He felt like he would have a difficult time keeping up with someone like that.

“Anyone else?”

“Me too!” Alice ran up to Hidenori. “I’ll come with you as well. My name is Alice. I’ll try my best not to slow anyone down.”

Hidenori eyed her over curiously. “What happened to your clothes?”

“I…Um—”

“I don't need whores following me around. Get out of my face.”

“Whoa there,” Noburu intervened. “E-easy, man, she was actually—”

“What?”

Noburu quickly backed down under Hidenori's gaze. "...Nothing." He must've thought better of provoking him.

Hidenori took a longer look at Alice. “Huh. On second thought…” The way he was looking at her made Keisuke feel uneasy.

Alice had her eyes downcast, and she was shaking slightly. Hidenori’s lips twisted into a smirk. “I suppose you'll come in handy. Come with me, then. But be prepared to make yourself useful.”

Alice nodded stiffly.

Hey…are you really going to be okay…? Keisuke wanted to ask her. Even Mahiro and Noburu looked worried for her.

Five people had joined up with Hidenori. He turned to address them, “Let's get one thing straight. I’m in charge here. You’re all going to do as I say with no objections. If you prove to be useless, I will kick you to the curb. I don't have time to lug around baggage. Am I clear?”

They all nodded without any argument. Keisuke wondered if they would be all right. Hidenori seemed like the type of person who would seriously hurt them if they disobeyed him. But they all seemed to understand that yet still decided to stay.

Hidenori then turned his gaze to Ryoma and a smug smirk came over his lips. He was publicly mocking him.

With a grunt of disdain, Ryoma stormed out of the hall. Makoto followed suit, followed by Hidenori and his newly acquired entourage. One by one, everyone around began to disperse. But where were they going? Keisuke felt like he could only watch them. He still had no idea what was going on.

Lucy rested her face on the counter. “Lucy doesn’t hate people like them, you know? But they’re so difficult to deal with...” She turned to look at Keisuke. “You. Hey, you. What’s your name?”

“E-eh? Me...? My name is Keisuke...”

“Keisuke, are you waiting for some divine intervention or are you going to get a move on as well? You’re getting left behind.”

Keisuke placed a hand on the back of his head. “To be honest, I’m still not sure what it is I’m supposed to be doing...?”

Lucy sighed deeply. “Every batch has its share of lost causes, Lucy supposes..,.” she murmured softly. “Remember what Lucy told you about unions? Your priority should be finding one that best suits you. You can even explore the city first to find out more about it. Really, Lucy doesn’t give a hoot what you do. But she does care if you just stand there looking stupid. Now, shoo! It’s time for Lucy to break her fast and she does not intend on sharing.” The girl behind the counter shooed Keisuke away.

“R-right...” At those rather harsh and uncalled-for words, Keisuke left the Recon Corps building looking like a beaten dog.

The moment he stepped outside by himself, everything felt bigger. There he was, all alone in a foreign city that he knew nothing about, with no memories of where he came from and nobody to turn to for guidance. Keisuke took a deep breath and slumped his shoulders.

Where do I even begin…