The party made their way to the Guild. On their way, Alice noticed that Ambar City seemed livelier than before. New constructions were being erected all over town, and a lot more people were walking down the streets.
“Does the city seem different to you guys?” asked Alice.
“Yeah, you’re right. The city does seem to be busier these days,” responded Rami.
“Ugh, I prefer the way it was before, less people,” added Bonetta.
The party reached the Guild and as soon as they opened the door they were met with applause and praise.
“There they are the party that beat Jax and his goons. Hooray!” said a dwarf from one side of the room.
“Yes! thank you heroes of Ambar City!” said an elf from the other side.
The party kept being bombarded by praise and cheers, and Alice said: “How do they know we are the ones that did it?”
“Oh, I came yesterday and turned in Jax’s hand. They were able to identify him using the tablet.”
“You cut off his hand!? What’s wrong with you, Rami,” said Alice.
“What’s wrong with me? The hand was the only thing I could use since you necrotized the rest of the body. He barely looked like a person. You were on another level that day. I mean you were ruthless…”
Bonetta hit him over the head, “We needed something to bring back to the guild and the hand was the easiest way for the guild to identify him. It’s common in this world.”
Alice’s eyes filled with remorse and the way Rami described her, but she quickly brushed it off, “Alright, well if it’s common then I guess it’s fine.”
The party made their way to the front desk and the receptionist met them.
“Hi! Thank you very much for dealing with Jax. He was a sneaky one, always hiding and moving around. Alice, you are truly a hero. Rami here told us how you singlehandedly took Jax out!”
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New notification
New title acquired.
Local Hero. Gain 5% across all stats. You will receive a 10% discount on all goods and services in the town where you acquired this title.
Alice didn’t pay much attention to the notification and quickly dismissed it.
“Oh… yeah, thanks,” said Alice looking down at her feet her cheeks red.
“So, are you here for your reward?”
“Reward?” said Alice, confused.
“Yes, we are here for our reward,” interjected Rami.
“Of course, We just received it from the mayor this morning.”
“The mayor?” asked Alice.
“Oh yes, he is very impressed with what you have done, and he sent gifts for you all.”
“Give the mayor our thanks,” said Rami with a regal look that Alice had not seen before.
Bonetta hit over the head again, “What are you doing? Stop acting like an idiot.”
“I’m not acting like an idiot!” replied Rami, “I’m just showing gratitude.”
“Whatever, just stop it.”
“Alright,” said Alice as she turned to the receptionist, “So you said you got the rewards this morning?”
“Yes, let me go get them.”
A few minutes later, the receptionist came back a luxurious small box.
“Here you go.”
“That’s it?” said Rami disappointed.
“Huh?” said the receptionist.
“Thank you!” Alice said getting the attention from the receptionist, “like Rami said, please give the mayor our thanks!”
“Of course!” said the receptionist as she slightly bowed her head before she stepped away from the desk.
“Rami, what happened to showing gratitude?” asked Alice.
“Well, it’s a really tiny box. I was expecting something bigger since we basically brought this town back to life.”
“There’s the Rami we all know,” said Bonetta.
“Come on, let go take a look at what’s inside the box,” said Alice.
The party took a seat at a nearby table and ordered a few drinks. Alice opened the box and found inside three rings, a letter and a key. The three rings had the Ambar City emblem engraved on them.
Grimmy quickly identified them and shared the description with the rest of the party.
Royal Ring of Ambar – one of three rings made by the royal jewelers of Ambar City to be worn by the local hero party TIM. The ring is a sign of great respect and will grant special access to the Mayor’s Castle. +1 in all stats.
“Uhhh these are fancy,” said Rami as he grabbed one and put it in his finger.
“What does the letter say?” asked Bonetta.
“Let’s see…”
Dear Heroes of the party TIM,
We extend our gratitude for defeating the group of bandits that had been terrorizing our city and trade routes for the last few months.
We know it was not an easy task, therefore we would like to reward you with a ring for each party member, and a piece of property so that you are able to make a proper home here within our city limits.
We know this does not come close to repaying the debt that we now owe you for your deeds, but we hope you will accept these gifts.
We would also like to host a dinner in your honor in three days’ time.
We would be delighted if you were in attendance.
Sincerely,
Mayor Tom
“Really? Mayor Tom?” asked Alice.
“What’s wrong with Mayor Tom?” asked Rami.
“Nothing… just reminds me of a song, that’s all. Anyway, here is the address for the property we were given. Shall we go look?”
“Yeah, yeah, but where is my ring?” said Grimmy, “I don’t see a ring in my size, and I only see three.”
“Oh, Grimmy, I don’t think one was made for you. I’m sorry.”
“Yeah, it’s almost as if they knew you didn’t do anything helpful to get rid of Jax,” said Rami.
“Well, since they gave you a ring for being stuck under a boulder, I figured I would get one too.”
“Hey! I got my self out of that boulder and helped killed that cyclops.”
“Sure, you did, buddy. You are a great asset to this team,” said Grimmy in an obvious sarcastic tone.
“Hey why don’t you go identify some rocks or something, since that’s the only thing you are helpful with.”
“At least I’m helpful in something!”
Alice and Bonneta left them arguing and started making their way to their new property.