Heading back to town was much easier than getting to the cave. There was no sneaking that had to be done and the path could be taken directly. The group had very little loot from the goblins and as such, were not weighed down. According to Bella, goblins are not worth anything, they just have to be dealt with due to being pests. Of course, the goblins being defeated was not the main prize of the job now.

As the group headed into town the pace quickened even further. All were impatient to share the information with the Union. And I’m probably the most impatient of all. I want to get back there. That was the true fantasy stuff back there. That’s the kind of stuff I’ve been dying to see in this new life.

“Bella. Are you going to be the one to talk? You’re technically the leader here.”

She nodded curtly in response, “It’s not just technically. I am the leader. You two are just apprentices. I will make the report as I am the one who took the job.”

The two nodded back, “”Understood.””

Soon enough, the group was at the doorstep of the Union. Wren’s heartbeat was racing. This was a huge moment for the entire world. Revealed by them. This could make them famous. Give them benefits like they could never imagine. Bella pushed open the door and they headed inside.

They headed straight to the counter that lay straight ahead. It was Wren and Javi’s first time going to that counter. Calm. Remain calm.

Bella cleared her throat and rang the bell, “I have a report to make regarding the job I just finished. Normal processing will not be enough, I need to talk with one of the officers.”

For a moment, there was silence. Then some whispering could be heard in the back. Eventually, a young girl popped out, “The vice head will meet with you. Head up to his office on the third floor.”

A door popped open to the side of the desk, revealing a set of stairs. I had never noticed that door before, is it some kind of Aether mechanism?

Walking up, each step creaked when a heavy boot was placed on it. Slowly, the trio marched their way up and soon enough, reached the third floor. Near the end of a hallway, sat an open door leading into an office. A voice called out from it as soon as they reached the third floor, “Come on over! Make it quick! I have enough paperwork to deal with already and I don’t have all day!”

Hurrying over, they could see the vice head. A large man with a bullish head. Covered in scars and missing a few fingers. Most of the hair was gone from his head but for a small ring that went around the sides. Looking at him closely, you would see that flesh was missing on many parts of his body and every bit of him was covered in muscles. Hidden behind the desk though, was a slightly growing gut. Hardly seems to be the paperwork type, how odd.

“What is it? Hurry on with it.”

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Bella stepped forward and addressed him, “Vice head Bulldraw,” Fitting name. “We have a report of a discovery made during our job. We were clearing out a goblin cave when we found an extension to the tunnel system inside. Upon further exploration, we found what we believe to be the Dragon’s Highway.”

He looked at her sternly and held his gaze for a long moment. He really did have the look of a bull getting ready to charge. However, as she matched his gaze he looked down and sighed, “The Dragon’s Highway, eh? And you really think you found it?” Definitely doesn’t have the excitement I expected.

“Yes sir. There is not a doubt in my mind. I know the work of dragons when I see it.”

“That you do Bella, that you do.” He gave a look at Wren and Javi, “And who are these two that are with you?”

“This is Javi, and this is Wren. They are apprentice adventurers who were accompanying me as part of training.”

“Apprentices? I see. Well, congrats on the discovery you three. If what you say is true, this branch is going to be getting very busy. We’ll send a team to double check the location and confirm your information. You’ll receive a bit of compensation for finding it.” That’s unexpected. We had thought we would specifically not get that. Is there perhaps something more going on?

Javi moved forward to talk, “Is there a reason for the compensation sir? Shouldn’t this information be free?”

Bulldraw pinched his nose between two of his fingers. The thumb and middle finger, he was missing the index finger on that hand, “Aye, the information should be freely given. You are not technically being compensated for the information itself. It’s compensation as an apology.”

“An apology?”

“Yes, since you won’t be able to make use of the information you found.”

Bella quickly sprung forward and loudly pushed back against that, “Won’t be able to make use?! This was something we found. Surely you can’t bar us from it.”

“Unfortunately, we likely will. The Dragon’s Highway is a dangerous place, and we don't know what has changed in it since it was sealed off. We can’t be sending low level adventurers like you three in there to die. We will have to place a limitation on who can enter, and y’all aren’t strong enough to clear it right now.”

A valid point. If the Highway is truly as dangerous as they claim, then we would likely be marching to our deaths. I guess the goal for now is to get strong enough to go.

Bella however, did not take this calmly, “I will go! You cannot stop me from this! I-”

“BELLA!”

Bulldraw’s voice echoed as if we were inside a vast cavern. There was little doubt that everybody in the building had heard it. Bella shrunk back in response.

“You will not be going until you are ready. I will not let you lose yourself in the same folly as your countrymen. Now get out. All three of you. You will be notified of your compensation later.”

The group quickly retreated out of the office. Heads down, they stumbled down the stairs defeated. Despite their efforts they weren’t going to be able to directly reap the benefits.

They headed to the bar and took a seat. Javi went to go get drinks, leaving Wren and Bella alone.

“Y’know, it’s not all bad. We just have to get stronger. We can get to exploring. Hell, by the time you finish our training, we’ll probably be able to easily go.”

Bella gave a half-hearted smile at that. “Yeah, sure thing.”