After the incident, Chuck returned to the guild. Liss met him and let him into the warehouse. Chuck prepared, while Liss went to gather everyone. He had done this once already in Axtol, so figured this would be similar. He rather enjoyed showing his truck off and enjoyed their reactions. The arrow sticking out of the door dampened his mood however. The glass rattling around inside the door was also annoying. While he was waiting, he decided to fix the problem. He broke the arrow off flush with the door and used his tools to remove the door panel. He cleaned out the broken glass and then used a screw driver and hammer to get the arrowhead loose. He was in the process of putting the door panel back on when the guild show up. It looked like it was the entire guild as a big crowd came in, with the guild master in the lead.
“I hope you are ready for us otherworlder. We are all excited for you to show us your pickup.” Kizx said while the crowd gathered around. “It would be my pleasure guild master.” Chuck replied, smiling. He opened the hood and explained what everything did. There were plenty of questions and there were gasps and people jumped when he fired it up. Chuck demonstrated all the functions by turning the light on, the air conditioner and heater, and even the stereo. He explained what all the gauges were for and the controls of the pickup. They all stood back as he drove forward and then in reverse and he laughed when he scared people by honking the horn. Chuck talked about the oil project he had Alz working on and indicated he would eventually need something to replace the tires. Kizx wanted to work on that project so Chuck got out the flat tire and handed it over along with a sample of gasoline.
A few of the guild members were extremely interested in the music and CDs. Chuck played a few different ones for them. Most didn’t seem to enjoy rock music, but surprisingly enough the guild master seemed to be into it and was nodding along. Chuck even brought out the spotlight and showed it off. He talked about his guns but couldn’t demonstrate them without a firing range and he didn’t want to waste ammunition. He gave Kizx one of each shell the same as Alz, and hoped one of them would have success. When he ran out, which would be soon for the shotgun, he would be defenseless. He chatted a while with the guild members then they all went back to the guild to eat supper. All of them were very interested in him and his world. Chuck needed time to sit down and think of things they might be able to build. He was no engineer but from what he’d seen, they should be able to figure out most things themselves.
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The next day it was time to go meet captain Lux. Liss offered to be his guide once again but Chuck refused. He thought he remembered the way, but once he got onto the crowded streets he almost changed his mind. Chuck wandered the streets a while before breaking down and asking for directions. Finally, he reached the guard station by the gate he had come in and asked for captain Lux. It didn’t take long for Lux to arrive and Chuck was ushered into a small meeting room. “Otherworlder, it is good to see you again. I heard you ran off some hoodlums your first day here. You are making quite the name for yourself. The rumors about you are spreading rapidly and the people are calling you a hero.” Lux said grinning. “I didn’t do that much and I’m certainly no hero.” Chuck said, embarrassed. “Don’t be so modest. Even the royals have taken an interest and want to give you a hero’s reward.” Lux continued, chuckling.
“Ha, ha, that is a good joke.” Chuck said, hoping it actually was a joke. “I have the invitation right here.” Lux said, handing over a white parchment complete with a wax seal. “Make no mistake, declining is not an option.” Lux said more seriously as Chuck’s shaking hand took the invitation. “Two of the bandits you dispatched had high bounties on their heads. It should also be noted the demon kin you saved in the alley was from an influential family as were the merchants whose bodies you recovered. The families are very appreciative, especially since you were also able to recover the cargo and wagon.” Lux continued, ticking points off his large digits. “I see.” Chuck sighed, opening the invitation. He could make out a few words but that was the extent of his literacy. “Um, I can’t actually read this.” Chuck said handing the invitation back. “Basically it says you are summoned to the royal castle in two days to receive your reward. A carriage will be sent to the alchemy guild to get you.” Lux said, glancing at the invitation. “I think they just want an excuse to summon you so they can meet an otherworlder. In the meantime I suggest you enjoy the capital and try to stay out of trouble.” Lux continued, smiling. “I see, thanks for the advice.” Chuck said, sighing again.