Bone Village had never had so many visitors. Unfortunately, no one came here in peacetime. It was in danger, and the large gathering of Binders was proof of this.

In the forest, where Scar was, the elite group of all the big guilds arrived. The clans also sent representatives. The Sunveils around Scar were immediately killed. All the teams arrived almost at the same time, and the total number of monsters did not exceed 10.

Getting rid of them was so easy that even one man would be enough. However, no one relaxed their attention.

Usually, Scars released weak monsters and gradually increased their strength. As a rule, this process happened quickly, and additional time increased the chances of trouble.

This gathering of Binders didn't trust each other, either. They may have come for the same goal, but the fact that they were competitors did not change.

And no one could predict in advance what would come to their minds.

In situations like this, people realise how much they need prophecy. If they had the complete part of it, then the entire future would be determined.

As a result, it would be much easier to avoid a familiar threat than a threat that you know nothing about.

This entire event smelt bad. First, the fragments that mysteriously appeared in front of the guild. Then Scar did not let the monsters out.

Because of this, worse things than expected could happen. Unpredictable and life-threatening.

Added to this, they were also afraid of the Null Order. Maybe this Scar and the placement of the fragments were their intended move to significantly reduce the city's defences.

More and more high-level Binders were coming to Bone Village so that they would be ready for any situation.

Meanwhile, one cheerful boy was walking around the city. He had only one valuable silver sword and 19 orbs.

He was thinking about the Binders' actions, wondering how they would deal with Scar, but his main focus was elsewhere.

'I should turn here.' Ashe walked past the brick buildings. He looked for a tavern and found it.

Drunk Goats Tavern.

A wooden sign hung over the wooden doors. The sound of not-so-loud conversations came from inside. The boy entered cautiously and surveyed the interior.

The tavern was all brown. With wooden counters, tables, and chairs. There was a stage in the corner where musicians and storytellers were hosted in the evenings.

At the end of the room was a bar, where a thin man with a red beard and moustache stood. He polished the plates to perfection.

"Hi there," Ashe greeted as he approached.

"I can't offer you free bathing and food." The man's voice was steady. It seemed like he wouldn't change his mind.

That was exactly the kind of character one needed to be in this business.

The boy was used to people's attitudes because of his condition. "If I pay you money, will you rub my back and feed me with your hands?" he asked the man and smiled wickedly until his teeth showed.

The bearded man started, still clearing the plates. "How much will you pay, you wretched scoundrel?" he said defiantly and started to laugh.

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

"What service will I get for 19 orbs?" Ashe didn't back down either and rose to the challenge.

The man was surprised for a moment. As if he hadn't expected a child dressed as a beggar to have so much money. Then he shook his head regretfully. "It's a good amount. But only for you." He was rude, but there was something in his voice.

"It's a shame." The boy shrugged and sat down on the chair directly in front of him. "How much is a night and a meal?"

The man's eyebrows furrowed as he saw Ashe sit down on the chair he had already cleared. "2 orbs a night and 1 for each meal." He quickly answered, ready to serve, making sure the boy left the place as quickly as possible.

Unfortunately for him, Ashe was in no hurry to get up. "Does it matter if it's a stone or a green orb?"

"None," the man replied, reaching out for the money.

"Then I'll pay for one night and a meal. I'll pay for each dinner after that."

"That'll be 3 orbs for you. I'll bring the food to your room." The man told him and gestured to show the way.

"You know, I'm really hungry," Ashe said, smiling even more wickedly. "Let me eat first," he said, handing three stone orbs.

The man seemed to shake his head with pleasure. He laughed and then straightened up. "I like this kid. If you need work, we have a vacancy for a server. If not, I can also hire you to clean the toilets." He laughed again as Ashe's witty personality was strangely appealing to him.

"No thanks, I'm not looking for a job. But if you can give me some clean clothes, I'll be in your debt," he responded, drawing attention to the scattered clothes.

"No problem, but that pleasure will cost you an extra 2 orbs. And don't expect the best quality."

"Enough talking; go ahead and take care of the food; I'm very hungry." Ashe's stomach was rumbling.

"You're a rascal! A scoundrel with a long tongue. Young people like you don't come across often." He shook his head as if hiding his regret. "Tell me your name so I can write it down."

"Ashe." The boy said shortly.

The man laughed again. "That suits you. Gragas, that is my name; remember it, and I'll be here if you need anything."

Ashe nodded and waited for his order to arrive.

He ate his meal in satisfaction, then ran to his room and went to wash up. Then folded his clothes and threw them away. He washed his body and head several times with a combination of cold water and soap.

He didn't leave his sword neglected and cleaned it just as carefully.

Ashe put on the new, clean clothes he longed for and basked in bliss. 'For feelings like these, life is worth living.' He took apples from the bag and ate them after that delicious meal.

Then he left the tavern; Gragas offered him a drink but received a cold refusal from the boy.

He had drunk alcohol more than once. His instructors believed that tolerating alcohol should be among the skills he was required to learn. Because of this, his immunity was conditioned by too many liquids.

Of course, he couldn't develop a complete tolerance, but it wasn't easy for him to get drunk.

Ashe wasn't in the mood for drinking. After regaining his energy, it was time to take on a new mission.

He had a place to live, but he called for action on the plan he had laid out.

His objective was large-scale. It involved many stages, and at its core was the creation of an organisation.

No matter how great an opinion he had of himself, he realised that he could not handle everything alone.

He needed information, tools, and services, without which he would waste a lot of time.

And this was a resource in which he wasn't very well-equipped.

The creation of an organisation itself wouldn't be an easy task; it would also require going through many phases. He thought about it for at least several days.

After leaving the tavern, he entered the guild building. He followed the mission, and now he no longer looked at it solely by rank.

Ashe may only be able to accept and carry them out in the appropriate hierarchy, but no one can prevent him from carrying them out quietly. He could simply surrender the reward, which was perfectly tolerable for him.

Even though his plans would require quite a lot of money, he would first have to master his current abilities with the fragments.

And if he had the chance, he would gladly collect a significant portion of it.

When choosing missions, he would also take into account his skills. He would not choose anything that would put him in a hopeless situation. To do this, he would choose missions of the Eminent level, one level higher than Eclipsed.

One of them caught his attention, and Ashe picked it.

Various monsters appeared in the Temple of the Sugar God. The Seeer there is unable to get out and needs help.

Estimated Monster Ranks: Exarchs; Sinarchs.

Recommended Binder count: 6+

Reward: 2 nexus orbs.

Going to the temple of a specific god wasn't just a matter of interest to Ashe. It was the best way to get information and the essential fragments.

He also took on an Eclipsed-rank mission, which he would complete along the way. The need for money didn't completely disappear.

"I'll have to sleep in the open for a few more days," he thought regretfully and went to buy food for the journey. Gragas wasn't too happy about his return like this.

Ashe bought the necessary rations and set off for the temple of the Sugar God. God, who seemed in dire need of help.