Vayren and Veronica nodded in agreement, and we began to peruse the job board. Most of the jobs were low-level tasks like finding lost pets or escorting merchants, but that was the best we could get anyway since we were still only copper-rank adventurers.

We ended up taking a job catching fish for a local restaurant. Rods and reels were provided. We were given a spot to fish off the dock. While it isn’t the most exciting first job, it pays decently, and we get to keep any extra fish we catch on top of the ten required for the job.

“Ugh, this is boring,” Vayren complained, casting his line into the water for what seemed like the hundredth time.

Veronica smiled, “It’s not that bad. We’re getting paid to fish. Plus, we get to keep any extras for ourselves.”

I nodded in agreement, trying my best to keep my mind off Cacyier and the dream I had last night. As I cast my line into the water, I couldn’t help but wonder what exactly my life was like before I met the twins.

As the sun began to set, we managed to catch all ten fish required for the job, as well as a few extras. We gathered up our equipment and made our way back to the restaurant to collect our payment.

The owner of the restaurant, a portly man with a thick mustache, counted out our payment before speaking. “You three did a great job. If you’re interested, I have another job that needs doing. It’s a bit more dangerous than fishing, but the pay is much better.”

“Go on.” Vayren urged the man with a glint of excitement in his eyes. The man leaned in closer, his voice lowering to a whisper. “There have been reports of bandits attacking caravans on the trade route to the north. We need someone to escort our next shipment, and we’re willing to pay a handsome sum for the job.”

Vayren nodded, his eyes gleaming with the promise of adventure and wealth. “We’ll take the job.”

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

The restaurant owner smiled, handing us a piece of paper with the details of the shipment and the pickup location. “Good luck to you, and stay safe.”

As we left the restaurant, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of foreboding settling over me. This was a job that could potentially put us in danger, and my unease only deepened as we made our way through the darkened streets of Lethandersberg.

We arrived at the pickup location, a large warehouse on the outskirts of the city. As we approached the entrance, we were greeted by a group of heavily armed caravan guards.

“What do they need us for if they have guys like this already?” I whispered.

Vayren, completely lost in the excitement, had already started pestering the guards and was out of earshot.

“I’m not sure, but it concerns me. Is this job even organized by the guild?” She asked.

I shrugged. “I don’t know, but we can’t back out now. We already agreed to take the job.”

Reluctantly, I followed Veronica and Vayren into the warehouse. As we made our way through the dimly lit corridors, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease growing within me. The air was thick with tension, and I couldn’t shake off the feeling that we were being watched.

Finally, we arrived at the room where the shipment was being held. As we entered, I felt a cold sweat break out on my forehead. The room was filled with shady-looking characters, all armed to the teeth. In the center of the room was a large crate guarded by two burly men.

At that moment, I knew that we were in over our heads. But it was too late to back out now.

One of the shady-looking characters stepped forward, his eyes drilling into us. “You’re the ones who are taking the shipment?” he asked skeptically.

“Yep!” Vayren said, grinning.

“He’s an idiot,” Veronica muttered as she put a palm to her face.

The shady-looking man chuckled, his eyes flickering with an amused glint. “You three are certainly brave to take on this job. But let me warn you, it won’t be easy. The bandits on the trade route are ruthless and won’t hesitate to kill.”

“We can handle ourselves,” Vayren said, a determined look in his eyes.

The shady-looking man nodded, his eyes flickering over to me. “And what about your friend here? Can a devil like him be trusted?” the man hissed.

I bristled at the man’s words, “I could ask the same of you.” I retorted.

The man’s eyes narrowed, his hand inching towards the hilt of his sword. But before he could do anything, one of his companions stepped forward, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Easy now, we need them to escort the shipment,” the companion said, his voice calm.

The man reluctantly backed down, glaring at me all the while. “Very well. But if anything goes wrong, you and your devil friend will be the first ones we come after.”

I grit my teeth but kept my mouth shut. We were in no position to argue. With the details of the job finalized, we made our way to the caravan and prepared to set off on our journey.

The job was to deliver the crate to Duke Deloran in the royal capital of the Caresian domain, Cardenstag.