In the morning dew, a lone figure pushed himself off the ground. Although the guards looked at the massive dwarf strangely they sat at their posts lazily. 

Who wanted to move so early in the morning? It’s such a waste to do so. Thought the dwarfs on guard duty mocking dwarf who kept counting.

“467,468,469… 492… 500… 547...597,598,599, 600!”

When reaching six hundred pushups the dwarf with seaweed hair moved onto his next exercise. Standing up he crouched slightly and placed his hands on his hips and began to raise his leg before stomping down into the ground.

The dwarfs on guard were weirded out by the strange movement that the large dwarf displayed which if Urist was here would know that he was doing sumo stomps. Left, Right, Left, Right for a total of 600 each leg. 

He did a few other exercises before doing stretching and despite his size and muscle mass, he had a very limber body. To the point that the dwarfs watching thought it was a little disgusting how far he could stretch his body.

To finish off his exercise the dwarf ran fifty laps around the perimeter. With each lap ran the guard’s expressions changed from a look of bewilderment to astoundment because when the dwarf had finally finished he was only slightly short of breath. 

Monster, an absolute monster. Thought the guards as they watched him eat a slice of dry meat and take a drink from his bamboo bottle. He then crossed his legs near a tree and sat in silence making the guards wonder what he was doing.   

But they didn’t wonder for long as dwarfs started coming out of the cave to begin their work for today. Soon the guards were relieved of their duty and went to enjoy breakfast forgetting about the monstrous display they just saw.

Not long after the fires started turning and food started boiling Urist, Unicy, and Ubel walked out together. They didn’t make their way for the stew and instead made their way towards the lone figure sitting by the tree unmoving. 

The first thought Urist had when he saw Vaikus was how calm and collected the man sat. It almost seemed the man blended into his surroundings despite his massive frame. 

No wonder Ubel said Vaikus has a faint aura if I wasn’t actively looking for him I might walk past him without noticing. 

“Vaikus correct?” Asked Urist.

Tilting his head upwards Vaikus stared through his seaweed hair and replied simply. “Yes. Want?”

“So direct I like it. Ubel recommended you to lead a hunter squad to hunt animals and scout the surrounding area. Are you interested in the job?”

Stroking his chin Vaikus thought for a moment before speaking. “Weapons? Bow. Spear. Men. Fast.”

“We already picked out team members that I think will suit your needs. As for weapons I’ve bought bows and spears on the market. I’ve also gotten another fine bow that I think you’ll like from the disaster we fought before. How does that sound?”

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

“Meet. First. Decide.”

He is someone with few words. Well, as long as he gets the job done it’ll be fine.

Getting up from the ground Vaikus followed Urist and co. to a dozen dwarfs sitting around a fire enjoying their breakfast. They had all been called to sit here without much of an explanation and wondered why they were here.

Urist was the one to pull their attention. “Thank you for showing up here. As I’m sure you are wondering why I’ve called you is very simple. After Ubel brought up the subject to me we went to talk with the rest of the table and decided on you people in filling the squad. 

“The squad will be called the hunter squad and it’s man jobs gathering food, scouting, and mapping. We went through who currently live here and choose you twelve to select from. Of you, only six will be joining the hunter squad which will be lead by Vaikus here. Those that don’t think it’s for them don’t need to join, but before you choose know that their are a few benefits. Such as being able to have the first pick of private rooms when they become available and the best food and drink we can offer.” 

“Food?”

“Drink?”

“My own room? Oh my.”

“What do I need to do to join the squad?”

As Urist expected although dwarfs were usually a lazy bunch as long as there was a good enough award they would go for it. Giving some instinctive would get there blood pump allowing to put all their effort forth.

He felt bad manipulating people with rewards but knew it was necessary. There was no government, no nationality, no religion, there was no reason to live other than to eat, drink, and sleep. The only thing that would move dwarfs or even humans in such a scenario was rewards for better living. 

That was what he had deduced for himself. Although he wouldn’t be heartless and not give warning to those he offered this choice.

“I know you are all eager to join but you need to know the dangers of the occupation. You will be going outside the walls and hunting for food. You will be scouting the land for the expansion of our borders. This will be a very important job that affects everyone's lives here and we don’t know the dangers that exist outside. 

So there is a chance that you might lose your lives outside if you are not confident in your abilities. I want you all to think carefully about what you are agreeing to when joining the hunter squad.”

Petting her large white tiger Rex Reaver lazily rolled her eyes. “What can’t I and my little ones not handle. I scouted with you before and can handle myself. This time I won’t run in disgrace.”

Scratching his beard a man in earth robes replied, “Although I’m new here I wish to be of help.”

Acar shrugged his shoulders, “Beats sitting at home all the time not much for a frost mage for me to do. From the meeting, you already got my support. Besides I got to look after my disciple if he joins, isn’t that right Rytar?”

“Um. I might be inexperienced but I’ll try my best!” 

One by one the dwarfs gave their thoughts and firmly kept sitting down not moving an inch having made their decision to stay.  

Urist nodded inwardly pleased at their response. “Good. Since everyone has shone there resolve I’ll leave it to Vaikus to choose who among you will become hunters. Vaikus if you please would test them.”

“Half. Hour. Spear. Meet. Gate. Prepare.”

With simple words, Vaikus left the bewildered Urist, Unicy and most of the potential hunter squad members in awkward silence as he left. Only Ubel and one person inside the hunter squad recruits didn’t mind the attitude. 

Even with the questioning stares coming from the dwarfs, Urist managed them with ease.“You heard the man have you spears and gear ready in a half-hour. Whatever you need, talk to Unicy to acquire the items from the armory. You’re all dismissed, Ubel follow me.”

Urist didn’t have the heart to see the betrayed look in Unicy’s face as he and Ubel left the awkward air.

Instead, he gave Ubel a question when they walked away far enough. “Are you sure he’s a good fit?”

And with a shit-eating grin, Ubel replied, “Trust me he's the most worthy. And don’t worry about communication leave that to his brother Blink.”

“Blink?”