Weston was slightly impressed by the presentation of Guild 88. They knew what they wanted, they had a plan of action, and they were making a more than fair offer. As they answered the twenty or so noble sons and daughters' questions that they invited here, he could also tell the human higher-ups were not happy. There was a reason why there were not big trade towns on the border between the races and that was because of bigotry and a focus on consolidated power by the leaders of humanity. As the son of a landed noble between different races and technically a front-line holding, he was raised with the knowledge their position was wedged between several factions facing each other. Technically, he was part of the human alliance, but ultimately he and his family were unwilling sacrifices if relations between the races changed to a state of conflict between them.

After those who would benefit most had asked their questions, came the human upper noble children, or rather their lackeys, to question the guild representatives. And not in a literal sense of asking about further details but what gives them the right to do what they are doing. This is when they brought out their ace. A soul contract that made Weston see chains binding the champions to it for a brief moment. Even the saintess.

“ I will end this right here and now. This here is a copy of the agreement that brought us otherworlders to your world. In return for the god's aid in summoning us, we were given life once more. We were given a task and a debt, but in return, we received life and benefits. We have to fight the demons and retake lands from them. That is our task. Fifty thousand crowns is our debt. Our benefit however is we are free to pursue our task or pay our debts in a manner that has no connection to any race, nation or allegiance save for those we chose. As we are technically bound to them all till our debts are paid. We at the guild, have decided to become a manufacturing base and trade hub to support one of our own, the Cardmancer, as he leads a mercenary band into the demon lands. The guild, as a whole, is not restricted to just the human lands, nor is it restricted to humans.”

This caused many to pause in confusion, one however decided to ask the question that statement was lead to.

“ All the otherworlder champions are human and as far as I am aware, none but otherworlders have joined it. So how can you have nonhuman members?”

The representative that had been quiet so far, Bobby stood to explain.

“ Not every resurrection that has happened happened to those that were human. There are at least three who were elves, a dwarf, and a dragonkin in the guild that was not human. And those are the ones that have come forward. Besides species, gender or nationality does not matter. The guild's singular purpose is to take the fight to the demons. And that is what we plan on doing.”

Bobby then retook his seat so Janice could stand again.

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

“ Now that that is out of the way let us move onto...”

“ Now, hold on a moment. I noticed the cardmancer is not even here. Shouldn’t he be here to explain his own martial ability to not only command a mercenary party into demon lands but also fight as well?”

Janice and Bobby of the guild started smiling widely as if the foolish youth had fallen into their trap.

“ Funny you should mention that. After the demonstrations of the Cardmancer in mock battles, he has been challenged to a duel by several members of The Association. Which is why we are here now. The duel is arranged to be after supper. Naturally, all of you are free to watch as well.”

-----

Jeff looked at his boss summon as one of the lesser maids straitened the buttons on his uniform. Wearing a heavy jacket over enchanted mithril chainmail was tiring physically, but something he had become quite used to over the passing month. Next, he checked his sword and dagger to be sure they were able to draw smoothly and swiftly. Then he checked the hardened case on his hip behind his dagger. Where various potions and medical items were. He then took the crossbow and hooked it on his back before testing its draw a few times.

Gremicing how it took him a few moments to do so every time. Something else he would need to work toward. For the final item, his wing shield bracer, he merely slipped his arm through the hole for it before it tightened magically. This one, while not as beautiful as the original, was modeled after the original mastercraft that was melted down. The main reason for that was this was not his day-to-day wingshield, nor his fancy one with jewels and glamor enchantments. This is his war shield. And right now he means business. With a simple tap on his boss’s chest, he nods to pump himself up before leaving the staging room.

-----

In the center of the training field stood over fifty people, which caught Jeff by surprise. The duel was meant to be a one versus one and all spectators in the stands. He expected a dozen members of The Association at most. He only paused a moment however to compose himself before taking a confident step forward. All the while repeating a simple motto in his head, fake it till you make it.

-----

Weston’s jaw became unhinged as he watched the cardmancer move toward the mishmash group of Associates. He knows there are both hero and royal classes among them. His own class was telling him this. However, the cardmancer walked with confidence and at his own pace. He could clearly see he thought them beneath him and Weston was not the only one to notice this.

“ No wonder that old hag promised her youngest daughter's firstborn to this one. If half my suitors had half the arrogant pride he has, I would not still be single.”

Weston turned to see the scaleprince speaking to the elven twins.

“ You are not the only one Tianiania. I dare say, if he is willing, half the ladies here would bed him tonight if given the chance.”

“ Speak for yourself brother. A mere conversation will suffice with me.”

“ Las, that is how half the successful conquests in the bedroom start. Get a woman to gab and show them you listen and you are halfway there already.”

The elf princess eyes the dwarven prince with a stinkeye for a moment before their conversation moves on.

“ I would wager this is a mighty big first impression to make. He did well with his summons in the demonstrations, but any half-decent commander can do that. This, this will be his first true test.”

With the scaleprince’s words, the conversation died as all eyes turned to the cardmancer as he reached those in the middle of the field.