Chapter Twenty-Nine: This is What We’ve Waited For
The group of four spent the rest of the evening discussing the details of how to bring Marc into the City. Any visitor to the city would need to get entrance authorization. Ordinarily, this was a fairly easy procedure. An official identification document would need to be shown at the gates, and once verified, a temporary Courtesy, similar to a visa, would be offered for a small fee. The Courtesy would last for up to one week, or six days. By visiting the City Administration office the period of validity could be extended up to one month, or 36 days. Unauthorized presence in the City could incur fines, expulsion, and a possible entrance ban.
The first problem was that Marc had no identification. The driver’s license in his wallet would obviously not be acceptable. Ideally, they wanted a form of identification that would allow Marc to enter and leave the City at will. Residency in the City would do that, but was handled by the City Administration and could be difficult without more corroborating information. A merchant permit would also work, but would be even more difficult to obtain as the paperwork for such travel documents were both extensive and expensive. Fortunately, the remaining option was easier, but also had some complications. A Guild membership would also allow Marc to travel freely, not only through the City gate but also through other cities as well, and even cross national borders easily.
When he heard this, Marc was somewhat relieved. But when he looked at the serious faces around the table he recognized that this path also likely had complications.
“Let me explain this part,” Meservi said, uncharacteristically seriously. “This is my job after all.” Rynan and Grenn tightened their lips to suppress spontaneous giggles.
“Before pursuing this path, you should understand what The Guild is as well as what membership entails. I believe you know some of the basics. Marc, tell me, what have these two managed to explain to you about The Guild so far?”
Marc thought for a moment. “The Guild is a large global organization that is in charge of defending everyone from beast attacks. It’s not a military or a part of the local government, but works together with the governments or the various nations…” He paused as he tried to think of what else to add.
“Hmmm. Ok. Not bad, except for one thing. The Guild is not in charge, but is in fact charged with the protection of all people and property within our area of influence. It is the duty of every Guild member to offer aid and support to anyone in need, be it from a beast attack, natural disaster, or even other sentients. This can get tricky when nations come into conflict, but regardless of the politics, if any unarmed or defenseless individual is under threat, it is the duty of every Guild member to intervene.” The Elf sat up straight and tall in his chair during his speech. Grenn nodded along, and Rynan rolled her eyes.
“Regardless of your abilities, If you were to join the Guild, you would be oath-bound to follow the organization’s rules. This can never be a decision of convenience. It is a solemn commitment.”
Marc thought about this. The ability to travel freely was attractive, but did he really want to make such a deep commitment?
“I’m not really strong. Ask Grenn, I’m pretty useless in a fight. Sure I can use magic, but all I can do is keep myself warm and reduce the damage while I am getting beat on.” While he spoke he saw Rynan cover her face with her hand.
“Protection… and Inner Flame? That’s Tremendous! So amazing. All in one little package! The Head is going to be head over heels when she meets you, my boy.” Meservi was grinning again but quickly lost the smile when Rynan interrupted.
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves Meservi.” She growled. “Please stay focused on the task at hand.”
The Elf smiled weakly, then coughed into his hand. “Yes, yes. Of course.”
“It’s not as though you will be sent out to fight wild beasts. Certainly, the patrols and expeditions are a major part of our operations, but they are handled by experienced parties. The guild does a large variety of other work as well, from couriers to crafters, teachers, and healers. All abilities and experience are welcome, and of course, compensated.” A glint shined in his eye when he uttered that last word.
“You won’t need to fight. Not if you aren’t ready. And when you do go out, you never go out alone.” Grenn added.
“Weren’t you alone when we first met?” Marc asked,
“Oh, really? Was that so?” Meservi asked a now sickly-looking Grenn.
“Solo hunting again? Did Keri say it was OK? You are not sneaking out on her to go wrestle bears are you?” Meservi taunted the much larger man.
“She knows. It’s just once in a while. To stretch my legs. It’s so cramped staying in the city all the time.” Grenn defended.
“And yet never once do you think to invite your old friend Meservi. Do you think I don’t miss our old adventuring days? I hardly ever do anything but paperwork and meetings anymore.”
《Ask about the money.》
“Huh?” He thought back to Kira.
《I want to know about the organization. How are they funded? Who is in charge?》
It was actually a good question, so Marc interrupted, much to the relief of Grenn.
“Actually, How does the Guild work? Like, who pays for everything? Who pays the members?” Marc asked.
“Ah! Yes. Of course. Well, you see, The guild is not a company. Other than a small stipend for the members, it does not pay its members. In fact, it’s the other way around.”
Marc gave the Elf a confused look.
“You see, We are a cooperative organization. Members pay in a portion of their income to the Guild, the higher the position, the larger the contribution. In exchange, we are granted shares based on our total contribution. Members are given access to resources and facilities, as well as a job system where contract jobs can be taken by Guild members.
Marc thought about it. Trying to reason it out.
“So it’s like a club. You get a membership but pay a fee. Then you can get access to exclusive jobs?” He looked questioningly at Meservi.
“Essentially. Well, close enough. I think you will understand better when you visit the Guild Hall.”
“And who is in charge? It’s like a worldwide organization, right? Who makes all the decisions?”
“As a cooperative association, we don’t have a single leader. Each hall is managed by one Guild Head. The Head makes ostensible of the local administrative decisions. There is also A council of Elders who oversee the appointing of new Guild Heads. there are quite a few balancing checks to ensure that each hall is given autonomy to act in the best way for the local needs, while also creating accountability to ensure that no groups stray too far from the organization’s ideals. Each Hall has several officers who help manage the operations as well as act as enforcers should conflicts arise within the Guild Hall. Officers must be recommended by at least three different Guild heads to take their position. Guild Heads are likewise appointed by the Council of Elders, as are Adjutants such as myself. Should a position of Guild Elder be vacated, they are elected by a special census of all Guild Heads.”
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《OK, I think I got it.》
“I see,” Marc responded, though not with a lot of conviction.
“I know. It sounds confusing, but once you see it in motion it will make sense. This is an organization that has spanned the globe, lasted thousands of years, and is present and respected in nearly every nation on the continent.”
“And If I decide to join… I just pay a fee and get a card?” Marc asked plainly.
“Haha! Of course not! Not everyone can join. There are interviews and tests to make sure you are of the right mettle to become part of the Guild.”
“HA!” Rynan laughed and gave Meservi a stare.
The Elf ignored her and continued.
“You first start out as a prospect. The evaluation period for members typically lasts three to five years. Then if you have amassed enough contribution points you will be evaluated by the Hall’s officers and can be granted the opportunity to join as a full member.”
Rynan spoke up again, “If I am correct, in order to be accepted as a prospect, you would need at least three recommendations from active Guild members. So far I only see one. Even as Adjutant you don’t have the authority to unilat…”
Meservi cut her off. “Not to worry, not a problem at all. Grenn may be on leave, but technically his status is still listed as Active.”
“What, what?” Grenn looked shocked.
“I knew this break that you were taking was just a temporary thing. So I… I held off on processing your retirement paperwork.” He answered staring away into the fireplace.
“YOU! You had no right!” Grenn shouted.
Marc had never seen Grenn angry before. He was truly terrifying when his enraged face approached the cowering Elf.
“Enough!” Rynan ordered and a large splash of water hit both men, drenching their upper bodies. “You can work this out between yourselves later. Let’s stick to the topic. Meservi. Who do you intend to rope into this conspiracy?”
“Why you of course my dearest. You were an officer when you retired from the Guild. As an Officer Emeritus, you are also entitled to recommend new members. Two other active members would indeed be required in that case, but there is precedent, so I am sure that we can get away… we can have this approved without issue.” Meservi gave his largest smile while Grenn was glaring at him, steam rising from his head as he evaporated the water covering just himself.
After looking regretfully at Grenn, Meservi turned to Marc and asked, “Dear boy, I don’t suppose you would be able to umm, help me out here?” As he pointed to his dripping scalp.
Marc turned to Rynan and Grenn, but both avoided his gaze, leaving the decision completely in his hands. Sighing, He reached out and put his hand on Meservi’s shoulder. In a moment, steam started pouring off of the Elf’s body and quickly he and his clothes were completely dry.
“Tremendous! That’s even better than…” Catching the murderous glare from the giant man, Meservi quickly changed direction. “So with three recommendations, we can have our Marc here registered as a Guild Member Prospect. His Prospect application will be more than sufficient to enter the city, so long as he is accompanied by another Guild member. That is if that’s what you want to do.” He looked hopefully at Marc.
“I ummm” He stammered.
“Need time to think. Of course, you do. No hurry. Take your time. Ask any other questions.” Meservi sat back, his pitch complete.
“Yeah.”
Marc thought about what he had heard. Really, what choice did he have? He could stay here as things are now. But as good as life was here, he knew he was supposed to be doing more, growing. Maybe the Path was the correct way for this world. He could not argue that it seemed on the surface at least to produce an idyllic society.
But he couldn’t ignore that there was an entire world out there that he had yet to experience. If he stayed here, how was that any different than spending his life in a trailer park struggling until the end just to get by? He wasn’t going to change the world here. But he did want to at least experience it. See different cities, continents, races, foods, and beasts. For better or worse, he wanted a chance to see as much as possible.
“No.” He said aloud to the surprise of the others at the table.
“No. I don’t need time. I’ve made up my mind. I want to join the Guild.”
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They left the Witches Den several weeks later. Grenn would escort Marc to the City where Meservi was waiting to smooth over the entrance procedure. Rynan would remain, expressing her disinterest in venturing back to the City. She had given him a large amount of produce from her garden that she said he could sell in the City’s marketplace and split the sales with her. This trip would just be an introduction, and he planned to come back to the Witch’s Den in a few days, after getting a look at what the City had to offer.
As they waited for Grenn, Rynan went into her room and came back with a small satchel. She went to his side and after looping the strap over his head, she attached the fasteners at the ends to some of the buckles on his jacket. He twisted left to right and found that he could move freely, the bag meshing into the jacket as though it was custom-made.
He was grateful for the apparent gift but puzzled as well. Everything he had was in his storage space. Why would he need a bag as well?
“This was mine, I used it long ago when I traveled.” She said in the quiet, slightly sad voice that she used when remembering things.
“Put your hand in the bag.” She ordered.
《Oooh! I know what this is!》
He did as she asked.
“Now, take out something from your storage space into the hand in the bag.” She directed.
As he summoned the water bottle into his hand, he saw a small purple flash appear. Intrigued, he sent it back into storage and saw another flash.
“Storage items are very expensive and very rare,” Rynan explained. “Of course, I would never need one, but as I was traveling as a Water Mage, there were times I would need to access my storage space in front of others. Of course, using my Space magic in front of people would lead to questions, so I found this little item.” She pointed to the bag.
“It was a failed product. A craftsman had tried to create a Storage bag, but it wasn’t attached to a storage space. When I offered to buy the bag, the creator thought I was crazy. Even if it didn’t work, the materials used were expensive, so while it cost a fraction of what a storage bag would cost, it was still ridiculously overpriced for a normal bag.” She smiled at Marc.
“The only thing it will do is just flash a bit when magic is used inside the bag. It seems that this effect at least is the same with your special Magic. If you use this when accessing your storage space in public, no one should be suspicious of your ability.”
Marc was speechless. This was incredible. He had worried about that exact problem and resigned himself to only using the storage ability in private. This gave him access in case of emergency without risking exposing his ability.
“I haven’t mentioned this to you yet, but you must be careful to never use your interface abilities in front of anyone you don’t know and trust.” She stared at him with a serious look.
“There are people who are watching for signs of Travelers. They are dangerous people, and powerful. If rumors spread, they will come looking. So using this bag should help keep others from suspecting.
It does however raise another potential problem. As I said, storage items are rare and very expensive. You will still want to refrain from using it too much in the open as it will draw attention to you. Attention you would likely want to avoid.”
“Thank you Rynan. Thank you for everything.” Marc felt such overwhelming gratitude. This woman had taken him in and given him a place to stay. She had treated him like family, better than his own family had, and asked for nothing in return.
“I’ll be back in a few days.” He promised.
“Of course. If you need anything, Grenn has the communication amulet. We’ll make another one for you soon, but we need to go to a specialist for that, so for now it will have to wait. Just tell Grenn if you need to get in touch with me.”
“Yes, I remember.” They had gone through all the details of his trip many times over the past week.
They walked up the hill and out of the gully just in time to see Grenn approaching. He waved and they met him at the entrance to the Witch’s Den.
“You don’t want to stop and rest first?” She asked, knowing the answer.
“No, it’s better to get there as early as possible. Besides, Keri expects us there for dinner.” He said, somewhat sheepishly.
She smiled and pushed Marc forward.
“Alright then. You guys better get moving.”
As they walked slowly away from the cabin Marc felt an intense wave of loneliness. He turned back and saw the tall figure wave once more, then walk down the hill and out of sight.
Even if it was just for a few days, he was surprised at how painful it felt to leave the cabin, his home for just a year. Was he really the same person who didn’t react at all when he lost every single thing from his old life?
Grenn had already gained a few steps on him, so Marc increased his pace and followed the man. Sad, but also excited to finally see what a city in this world was like.