By the time Batara arrived at the guild, Klaus had already been waiting inside. Klaus noticed Batara coming through the guild’s door so he immediately approached him. Klaus said to Batara “Bats! I’ve been waiting- eh you must’ve overslept.” Batara knew that he was late but wondered how could Klaus immediately tell he overslept. Seeing Batara’s confused face, Klaus pointed to Batara’s hair. Turns out Batara’s hair was a complete mess due to sleeping on the floor. Batara quickly fixed it and replied “S-sorry Klaus.” Klaus sighed and replied “Hehh… nevermind, I’m just glad you didnt bail.” Reasonable reaction from Klaus since Batara had left him once. Klaus continued, “Lets go to the reception then.” Batara nodded in approval.
The two then walked to the Guild’s reception and approached one of the available staff. A female guild’s staff then turned to them and said “Hello adventurers what can I-“ she paused in surprise after seeing Batara’s face. Batara felt uncomfortable in his gut as he immediately remembered that she was the staff that Pamme had flirted with. The guild’s staff said “You are Pamme’s party right? I’ve heard what happened in Murloc Swamp and I am truly sorry to hear that.” Batara fell completely silent as he thought he didnt deserve a shred of sympathy for what happened. As the atmosphere got very intense, Klaus took over and said to the guild’s staff “Hi we’d like to form an adventurer party, can you help us?” The guild’s staff realized that she was making Batara uncomfortable, so she stopped talking about Pamme and replied to Klaus instead “Oh s-sorry sure! My name is Isabel, I will prepare the application right away.”
Isabel took out a piece of paper and asked Klaus “What would be your Party’s name?” Klaus replied without hesitation “Obsidian” before confirming with Batara “Is that okay?” Batara just nodded in approval. Isabel replied “Alright I will register the name, and are you two the only current members?” Klaus replied “Yes, for now.” Isabel registered the party and replied “Okay your party, Obsidian, has been registered. Do you want me to recommend you a quest?” Aftar what happened last time when the guild recommended a quest, Batara felt skeptical to accept another one. However, Klaus immediately replied “Its okay we were about to check the guild board ourselves, right Bats?” Batara nodded in approval. Klaus seemed to have a similar feeling with Batara about taking a recommended quest. Isabel replied “Okay then, you can return here once you’ve decided on a quest.” Klaus replied “Got it thanks. Good day to you.” Isabel replied “You too.”
As Batara and Klaus walked to the Guild Board, Batara was curious and asked “Why Obsidian?” Klaus replied “Ah the party’s name? I just thought it was cool and suited our situation hehe.” Batara replied “How so?” Klaus replied “You see, Obsidian is a stone formed by intense pressure and destruction by fire. One would say its a symbol of Rebirth. Just like us, we have faced hardships and even almost got killed, but our souls didnt shatter and we returned as adventurers. Kinda similar dont you think?” Batara didnt expect Klaus has interest in the symbolic meaning of minerals since it was rather out of character. Batara understood what Klaus meant but he was still curious and replied “You seem to have it prepared.” Klaus smiled and replied “Well you should know by now what kind of person I am. I know you would come around hahah.” As much as Klaus’ statement was accurate, Batara was still annoyed at him for being obnoxious. Klaus noticed Batara’s reaction and replied “Hey I’m just joking! You’re way too serious, Bats” before changing the topic while pointing to the guild board and said “Let’s find a quest that fits us.”
The two then browsed the Guild Board. Klaus found a quest and said “How about this one? Its on Durden Mountain where I trained before, so I know my way around.” The quest was to mine silver ores which Batara had the utility magic to carry out. However Batara overthink and asked “Aren’t there many trolls there?”
Trolls are hunched-back humanoid monsters that usually live on mountains. They have mosses all over their back and wield clubs made out of trees as weapons.
Klaus replied “True, but dont worry their movements are rather slow. So it’s easy for a small group like us to walk around them.” Klaus got a point, otherwise the quest would not be posted for E rank adventurer’s party since they only needed to mine silver ores not to fight the trolls. Since the quest came with a generous pay, Batara decided to agree with Klaus and said “Let’s take this one.” Klaus replied “Great! Lets head back in then” while taking off the quest sheet from the guild board. Klaus seemed to be very eager to take on that particular quest on the mountain, Batara wondered about the reason but he couldnt think of one. So he didnt ask as it might’ve only been his imagination. The two then returned to the guild’s reception and approached Isabel.
Isabel asked “Have you decided on a quest?” Klaus replied “Yes we’d like to take this one” while handing over the quest sheet to Isabel. Isabel replied “Alright I will register the quest under your party’s name” before handing over a magic scroll containing the quest information. Isabel explained “Remember, your task is only to mine silver ores and give them to the requester stated in the scroll. When you’re done with the task, return this magic scroll with the requester’s sign on it. Any questions?” Klaus replied “How much time do we have to complete the quest?” Isabel replied “Oh right I forgot. You have 5 days to complete the quest.” Batara nodded while Klaus replied “Got it! We will head out now then.” Isabel said “Wait.” Batara stopped curiously as Klaus replied “Yes?” Isabel replied “The guild will organize a raid on the Kobold’s Warren to the south in one week. D rank adventurers and below are eligible to join. The Guild Officials will be there to guide and observe adventurers. From time to time, they gave immediate promotions to adventurers who stood out and showed exceptional skills during the raid. I think this is a good opportunity for you.” Klaus was very interested in participating, but he still confirmed with Batara “What do you say Bats? I’m in if you are.” Batara thought after everything that happened, he could really use a win. So he replied “Let’s participate.”
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Klaus replied “Great!” and turned to Isabel and said “Our party will join the raid.” Isabel replied “Alright I will register your party to join the raid. But you need to add one more person to your party as the guild requires at least 3 E rank adventurers to join the raid.” Klaus replied “Ah is that so?” Seeing Klaus seemed uncertain, Isabel replied “But dont worry, as I already registered your party’s name, you can add the additional member anytime before the raid and let us know in advance.” Klaus replied “That’s convenient. Alright is there anything we should know about?” Isabel replied “Not at the moment. The Guild Officials will guide you when the raid takes place.” Klaus replied “Got it, thank you Isabel. We will take our leave.” Isabel bowed as Klaus and Batara left. Batara had a doubt because usually the guild was very strict for their quest requirements. However, since it was in his favor anyway, he didnt ask anything.
Just as Klaus and Batara were about to leave through the guild’s door, a young man with blond hair approached them. The blond man said “H-hey!” Klaus turned and said “Huh?” and stopped Batara who intentionally ignored the call. The blond man looked at Klaus and said “I’m looking for a party.” Batara immediately suspected something as someone approached them right after Isabel told them they needed to find another member. Klaus handled the situation and said “Let’s talk outside, we’re blocking people’s way.” The three then stepped outside the guild.
Klaus then asked the blond man “So, what’s your name?” The blond man replied in a nervous but straightforward tone “I’m Herschel Iver, an E.2 rank adventurer. You can call me Harry, that’s what everyone in my village calls me!” He might not have noticed, but the nickname may not have been a shortened version of his name, but rather a reference to his thick, dense hair. Aside from that, Batara was surprised after hearing Harry’s last name and wondered if he had any relation with Lord Berg Iver. Because as far as Batara knew, all of the people in Lord Berg’s country along with his family were wiped out for alleged treason.
Klaus replied to Harry “Alright Harry you seemed full of energy. My name is Klaus and this is Batara.” Batara kept silent, thinking about what Herschel was scheming. Harry replied “Oh dang, did I come off too strong? I’m sorry!” Klaus replied “Not at all. Judging from your equipment, are you a swordsman?” Harry wore iron-padded leather armor and carried a wide claymore on his back. He got excited and replied “Yes, I am a swordsman and a good vanguard too! I can protect my team from the frontline.” Harry was as big as Klaus, seeing that he was carrying a big sword made it convincing that he was a vanguard.
Despite that, Klaus replied “I see. But as you can see, me and Bats are also frontline fighters. So we are actually looking for someone who can support us from the back, right Bats?” Batara had only learned about what Klaus said just then, but since it was a very logical statement, Batara nodded approvingly of what he said. Harry’s excitement quickly faded as he turned to Batara and replied “But aren’t you a magician though?” Batara got nervous as Herschel suddenly talked to him and replied “N-no, just as Klaus said…” Harry was very confused as his face turned sour. Klaus then said “I think-“ but before he could finish his sentence, Harry interrupted and said “I could also use healing!” Both Klaus and Batara found it unbelievable that a swordsman can use heal until Harry casted his healing ability towards Batara “Regenerate!” Batara suddenly felt a warmth sensation on his right arm. He quickly pulled his sleeve to find that his remaining wounds suddenly closed up leaving only barely visible scars.
Batara thought that Herschel’s healing was even better than using potions. He wondered why a decent healer like him seemed to be having a hard time searching for a party. Klaus was surprised and said “What was that?” Harry replied “That was my healing Arte. I can do support too if you need it. But I won't compromise on fighting at the frontlines!” Herschel’s condition put him in an awkward position, Batara thought that must be the reason Herschel was struggling to find a party. Klaus replied “Healing Arte?! That changes everything! Oh wait…” Klaus looked at Batara before saying to Harry “Let me speak with my comrade first.” Klaus then dragged Batara slightly away from Harry and whispered “What do you think Bats?” Batara was skeptical as he replied “I don’t know Klaus. I think he didn't just approach us out of nowhere.” Klaus replied “Right. I also sensed him staring at us since we arrived at the guild.” The two then thought for a while until Klaus said “Alright we should just ask him directly.” Batara didnt actually agree with Klaus because why would someone just expose his own schemes, but Klaus had already walked back to Herschel so he just followed along.
Klaus then straightforwardly asked Harry “Did somebody set you up to join our party?” Harry was startled and gave out a careless reply “H-how did you know? Whop” and proceed to cover his mouth knowing he just messed up. Both Klaus and Batara stared at the gullible Harry. Harry finally sighed and replied “Heuf… I’m sorry you’re right. Isabel was actually my friend. She was doing me a favor since I got kicked out of my last party and have been struggling to find a new one.” Out of curiosity, Batara finally spoke and asked “Why did you get kicked?” Harry replied “The same reason as you. They needed rear support and said I was getting in the frontliners’ way.” Batara thought that must be the case because Herschel’s stance was unusual.
However, Klaus thought differently that the team’s composition might just work with Harry. Moreover, the healing skill Harry possessed is exactly what the party needed since both Batara and Klaus always ended up with wounds after fighting. Thus, Klaus thought for a while and said to Batara “I want him in the party. I’ve thought about how to utilize him in battle, especially with his healing ability. Besides, he already told us what he was scheming and I don’t think it was a big deal. What do you think, Bats?” As expected of the son of a famous adventurer, Klaus was already thinking ahead for the party’s strategy. Batara didnt sense any malice from Herschel, but it was just in his nature to be wary of other people. However, Batara knew that they needed an additional member for the raid and that there is always a risk in working with any person, not just Herschel. Thus, Batara said to Klaus “Alright let him join. I dont see him as a serial killer, for now.” Klaus let out an awkward smile, not sure whether Batara was joking or not.
Klaus then turned to Harry and said “We have decided that you could join our party. Welcome to the team Harry.” Herschel replied with an excited and promising expression “Awesome! I promise I will not let you guys down!” Klaus replied “Let’s go back to Isabel and get you registered as our party’s member then.” Harry nodded willingly and the three went back inside the adventurer’s guild. As easy going as he seemed, Klaus was being cautious that he probably asked Herschel to go back to Isabel with him to confirm if Herschel’s story checks out. Aside from that, the fact that Herschel didnt hesitate to comply also lowered Batara’s suspicion of him.