Midenshtang, nestled within the domain of Miden, is a quaint township that owes its existence to the thriving livestock industry. Despite its modest wealth and lack of strategic importance, the town maintains a tranquil ambiance amid the perennial power struggles of the local princes.

The flow of the Tarabek River has significantly enhanced the livelihoods of Midenshtang's residents. Despite its proximity to the Tarabek domain, the robust leadership of Prince Boris Toddbringe ensures the town remains shielded from military disruptions.

This is precisely why Avi opted for this locale - while it may lack the opulence of Midenheim, the provincial capital of Miden, Midenshtang extends a particularly warm welcome to their nascent mercenary troupe.

The town's defenses are rather lax, with a scant dozen Imperial halberdiers stationed at the city gates. Clad in robes adorned with the emblem of Miden's 'White Wolf God,' beneath which gleam polished Imperial armor tailored exclusively for the guards.

The halberds wielded by the guards are as menacing as they are imposing, their thick, sharp blades culminating in hooked ends capable of piercing plate armor. After a meticulous polish, they glisten brilliantly under the sunlight.

Beneath the modest walls, scarcely three meters in height, Avi and his entourage find themselves stymied by the absence of a pass.

"Is passage truly impossible without a permit?" Avi inquired. "We were unaware of such a requirement prior to our arrival."

"This is a directive personally issued by Lord Boris," the taciturn guard responded, tightening his grip on his halberd and fixing Avi and his companions with a razor-sharp gaze. "No one bearing arms without a permit or letter of introduction may enter the city."

"But we are merely a band of mercenaries seeking employment here," Avi attempted to reason with the guard. "Moreover, you have already searched us, finding nothing untoward. Surely, a search without probable cause is unwarranted?"

"Without a permit or letter of introduction, entry and exit are prohibited," the guard retorted firmly. "The search is conducted solely to ensure you pose no threat to our citizens."

"Please, the exterior is teeming with greenskins and snotlings! Grant us passage, and I shall offer you a token of appreciation," Avi endeavored to bribe the guard.

The two gatekeepers remained silent, exchanging a glance before crossing their halberds as an unequivocal response to Avi's entreaty.

Behind them, the merchant convoy awaiting entry into the city grew increasingly impatient, with expletives now punctuating the air. Avi had already engaged with the guards for over a quarter-hour; the fact that he had not been arrested for 'provocation' spoke volumes about the guards' forbearance.

"Very well, let us depart," Avi conceded, a tinge of despondency coloring his tone as he pivoted his mount to leave the city gate. His retinue followed suit, heads bowed in resignation. Should entry to Midenshtang prove elusive, their only recourse would be to venture towards Wesmonde, where rumors of Beastmen sightings in the nearby forest loomed large.

Beastmen, brutal and savage minions of chaos, presented a formidable threat. Given their current strength, encountering them meant either being grotesquely transformed into monstrous simulacra akin to their hoofed brethren or falling prey to their savage brutality.

"Hold on," a guttural voice akin to a pig's grunt reverberated from behind Avi. "If you seek entry into the city, I can be of assistance, but not without a quid pro quo."

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Avi turned towards the source of the voice to behold a corpulent middle-aged man.

Clad in resplendent, albeit ostentatious, velvet attire, his black leather boots bore a lustrous sheen, devoid of even a speck of dust. His golden locks were meticulously coiffed, with a few strands dyed black cascading from his temples, lending him an air of aristocratic refinement.

"And who might you be..."

The portly individual offered no reply. Instead, he narrowed his eyes as he surveyed Avi from head to toe, a cryptic smile playing at the corners of his lips upon sighting the sword hilt adorning Avi's person.

"I am Kees, chairman of the Merchants Guild in these parts," he declared. "Word has it you are a mercenary; are you not in search of gainful employment?"

As the Guild Master of the Merchant Guild?" A spark of realization ignited in Avi's mind, bringing with it a string of insights. "In a city, the Merchant Guild embodies the aspirations of its powerful merchants. Undoubtedly, the Guild Master holds sway over all trade-related matters in the city and often serves as the primary source of bounty tasks."

Avi's delight was palpable. "So, you're the Guild Master of the Merchant Guild? Does this mean that all the bounty tasks here are issued by you?"

"More or less. I oversee the operations," Kis replied with a genial smile, nodding slightly. "So, what's your response?"

"As long as you can get us into the city, I'll take on any job!" Avi readily agreed. He reasoned that once inside the city, they could address any challenges that arose later.

"Are you certain?" Kis's smile widened.

Surveying the team behind him, shivering in the cold wind, Avi nodded firmly. "Absolutely."

Several hours later, Avi tossed and turned in bed at the "Happy Nightingale" inn.

He reached out and tapped the air a few times, silently observing the displayed content on the panel.

"Mission: Eradicate Orcs Mission Issuer: Kis Content: There have been quite a few orcs lurking around recently, injuring several members of my merchant caravans. Since you're mercenaries, go take care of those vile orcs. As for the specifics... I'll reward you with one silver coin for each orc's head. How does that sound? Of course, the orc's head and tusks serve as the only proof. If you fail to produce these items—or if the head lacks tusks—don't expect me to honor the deal."

"Ah..." Avi heaved a long sigh. "One orc for one silver coin, yet a regular Imperial sword costs three silver coins. Factoring in armor, food, and other expenses, I'd have to slay a hundred orcs to make it worthwhile."

The challenge lay in finding so many orcs. Moreover, even if they did encounter them, the fledgling mercenary group might struggle to handle them.

"Boss." Rafe, also unable to sleep, inquired upon hearing Avi's sigh, "Boss, why would that plump Kis, with his formidable mercenaries, task us with dealing with those creatures that are neither human nor bear?"

"It's because those long-hoofed orcs have been stirring up trouble lately," Avi explained. "Ordinary mercenaries shy away from such risks, and those capable of facing orcs demand exorbitant fees. We rookies make for perfect cannon fodder. In the event of casualties, no one will hold him accountable."

"What? That's downright despicable!" Rafe exclaimed, sitting up in anger. "Boss, what's our plan?"

"What else can we do but accept?" Avi chuckled wryly and sighed. "We're broke and have no other options but to sell our lives. While the pay is paltry and the risks significant, at least he's provided us with a letter of introduction. Let's consider it an investment in our future!"

With that said, Avi tapped the panel a few more times to open the "Inventory" and checked the team's current assets: Three silver coins; Seventy copper coins. Dry bread, three pounds. Jerky, one pound. Sausages, half a pound. A notched iron sword. (Replaced by Avi)

"Fortunately, I kept the heads of those three orcs I slew earlier," Avi thought to himself. "That fatso also paid up. Tomorrow morning, I'll visit the market to procure supplies and equipment for everyone, then venture out of the city to continue hunting orcs."

Contemplating the uncertain road ahead, Avi's mind raced: What if they indeed provoked the green-skinned orcs—particularly those from the Leaf Tribe occupying the castle to the north? What would they do?

Restless, Avi resumed tapping on the panel. Upon opening the "Intelligence," he noticed a line of small text beneath the task: "I heard that the merchants of Wesmonde are also seeking help to eradicate orcs and goblins."

A flash of insight struck Avi— "Seasoned mercenaries undertake all similar tasks concurrently to maximize the returns from each venture."

"A single effort, double the rewards."

Avi grinned contentedly.