Chapter 5: Have You Been To The Company?!

  In a grand, ivy-wrapped stone building adorned with intricate carvings of mythical creatures and legendary quests was the Adventurer's Company. Inside, bustling with energy, adventurers of all sorts gathered. Sharing tales, resting, or strategizing over maps spread across heavy wooden tables.

  The air was thick with anticipation as members of the company, ranging from fresh recruits to seasoned veterans, navigated various provided services. From managing ranks and organizing quests to offering a marketplace for unique gear and magical artifacts, the company's expertise was unparalleled.

  Multiple knowledgeable clerks in slick uniforms assisted with documentation and applications as the paperwork never stopped. Magical tomes and ancient scrolls lined the shelves, waiting for all the wisdom-hungry to grab onto them.

  Rank tests and training classes were administered in a spacious courtyard area with a small arena. There, aspiring adventurers competed for glory, their spot in the ranks, or simply showcased their newly acquired skills.

  The vibrant atmosphere was only amplified by a diverse tapestry of people of many origins. You could feel each holding on to their dreams, goals, and aspirations. Yet what truly united them all was the undeniable thirst for exploration, the thrill of the unknown, the rewards, and, of course, the money. Money moved the world.

  This early in the morning, adventurers have already flooded the main hall of the company and even all the corridors. The thick movement resembled a colony of working ants. And this cohesion was always disturbed once per day. When the new quests were freshly posted on the board, there was more than one clash among the hungry-for-action idiots wanting to grab onto the share quickly. And more than one was put in their place with the strong opposition.

  Currently all the desks were occupied by adventurers-to-be filling out their forms. In the far corner, you could spot a young warrior who was swinging his sword, preparing for his evaluation. In another, a party of well-geared, loud, and expressive ones was discussing their recent explorations.

  This place was unmistakably the very heart of the town of Vellos. It’s true and only core. Not even the market nor the bustling taverns could compare to the sheerly immense liveliness of the Adventurer's Company.

  Every adventurer knew that the main headquarters were in the capital of the Carleen Empire. The mighty and glorious city of Whitenglade. But that was as far from that truth as it can be.

  The headquarters in the capital was mostly, if not only, responsible for all the management and paperwork. Accounting, political meetings, and supply negotiations. The logistic functions were their main focus.

  But not here. This, this was the real deal. Due to Vellos being dangerously close to the border of the Land of the Beast, it was considered one of the most dangerous places across the entire continent. And, naturally, the most profitable at the same time.

  Mining operations, ingredient gathering, nearly endless flow of exploits from caves, dungeons, and even materials from the vanquished legendary monsters. All of that made Vellos one of the richest towns within the empire's borders and even beyond.

  This town provided nearly endless and extremely varied possibilities for anyone. As such, the most proficient artisans and even the famous legendary blacksmith, Ton Karakan, originated from this region.

  Money and fame coursed through the veins of this vibrant city like lifeblood, pulsating with energy and ambition behind every corner. At the peak of it all was the renowned Mighty House of Noble Knights Groodberth. With the famous and powerful Lord Adonis himself, a stalwart presence entrusted with the region’s governance.

  For the past two decades, his stewardship had been nothing short of remarkable, earning the admiration of none other than Emperor Falgon III himself. Rather than hoarding the wealth for the noble empire’s elite, Groodberth had made a bold choice: he allowed the city council to be elected and govern most of the city's internal affairs autonomously, with the charter of crown’s authority and approval.

  The impact of this foresight transformed not only the town but the entire region. With substantial profits reinvested into diverse ventures. Ranging from incentives for local commerce, the construction of sturdy infrastructure and roads to robust social programs aimed at uplifting the local communities.

  And even more, in a display of remarkable leadership, they established exclusive initiatives for the Adventurer's Company. This special program invited bold souls to partake in special quests, offering bountiful rewards for those who safeguarded caravans, managed mining operations, or tracked down and disposed of dangerous lurking monsters.

  The result was immediate. A significant alleviation of the burdens carried by the city knights. Who were now free to focus primarily on maintaining the peace and order. Enforcing the law within the city’s streets and across the region in general.

  Much of this groundbreaking strategy came from the innovative mind of Welberg Dan, the inaugural Head Councilor of Vellos, whose popularity soared among citizens and adventurers alike, cementing his place as a beloved figure of the town.

  All of this was what Helena Elsbeth learned as she absorbed the pulse of this town.

  From a tender age, she had been both captivating in her beauty and remarkable in her talents. With each new skill honed, she yearned for more glory. Ever since picking up her sword, she has been longing to elevate her humble noble house of Elsbeth to new heights. The house would hardly be worthy of mention.

  However, despite her grandfather's earnest guidance, her natural gifts propelled her forward much too swiftly. A sense of entitlement took root in her heart, swelling into a proud arrogance once she achieved her C-rank status as an adventurer at the tender age of fourteen. Conviction stoked her ego. Becoming wary, almost disdainful, of those she considered beneath her in a social standing.

  As an adventurer, Helena thrived on the thrill of confrontation, reveling in the fiery exchanges that often culminated in fierce battles, where her unparalleled skill with a katana and her formidable aura made her a feisty and unstoppable force.

  By the time she reached nineteen, she had catapulted herself to an exceptional A-rank adventurer, always in pursuit of fresh challenges. All those whispers about the town of Vellos, its esteemed reputation, and demanding tasks ignited her pride. So she took upon the challenge.

  Yet she was not that fast to grab onto quests. She knew well that all your achievements in the capital would pale in the face of the first beast from behind the town’s walls. So the young woman opted to linger in town for the better part of a week, meandering through its streets gathering information and gossip.

  The accommodation provided by the Company, complete with its inviting tavern, was modest in comparison. But more than fine.

  Presently she nestled herself into a cozy corner at a distant table by the window. While the sun was casting a warm glow on the wooden surface.

  An elegant woman was the thought of anyone who noticed her. As she slowly savored her hot honey beer, the steam curled up, infusing the air with a sweet, delicious aroma. Accompanying her drink was a plate of fresh, creamy, and rich cheese, alongside crisp rye bread toast spread with velvety butter and topped with fried bacon. Even a single glance was mouthwatering.

  The fare in the east was a delightful departure from the offerings of the capital. Simpler and more practical, it resonated with her desires. She could not help but note that this served her palate significantly better.

  No matter where she went, eyes followed her. And how could they not? As they saw an elegant woman with a striking appearance.

  Long, dark chestnut straight hair that cascaded down her back. Complementing her extremely smooth, round facial features and soft, light skin. Her big brown eyes filled with determination and intelligence, framed by long, thick eyelashes that accentuated her expressive face.

  Although, currently, it would be challenging to notice all of that. She was frowning and sighing. Helena looked extremely puzzled, lost in her thoughts. Even her natural beauty had a hard time showing itself through that crust.

  Damn, why does it have to be so hard? The quests here are progressively complex. Even at the button, those are a few levels higher than in the capital. And that’s even of the same rank.

  The rewards are massive too. But you can't even dream of taking on a few of them without having a party of your own. And you need a full one for the big fish. And I have none from the capital I could utilize; they were all garbage.

  Guarding caravans or mining operations pays well, but the contract durations tie you up hard. Ughk! She stomped an empty mug over the table, wiping her mouth.

  I have to take on a legendary hunt. Is there no way but to establish a party? No wonder they were all so weak in the capital. All the best are just pulled into Vellos like bees on honey. The woman gazed around her, looking over the faces of male adventurers. Or rather, like flies on shit!

  “What should I do now?” she murmured to herself, her brow furrowing even more into a twisted puzzle of confusion.

  Her voice barely escaped her lips as she took a sip from another mug of the lukewarm drink. Resting heavily against the back of a wooden chair, she leaned back, the rough surface digging into her back as she balanced.

  “What do you think you’re doing, you stupid wench?!” roared the tall man in black leather, his voice slicing through the air with the sharpness of a whip. His eyes blazed with outrage, the anger etched across his features.

  “I’m sorry, I’m deeply sorry!” Came the small, timid woman’s frantic apology. Her voice trembled as she stumbled to the floor. The man was towering over, casting his shadow. The woman’s hands clutched at her chest. As if she was shielding herself from the waves of his fury.

  “Look at all this mess! Are you going to pay for all the spilled food? And this?! ” He pointed at the fur of his leather solid with still steaming drink. “Do you think I enjoy being drenched in sticky shit? Cleaning is not cheap here!” His ugly face twisted even further, the crooked smile morphing into a grimace of rage as he gestured wildly at the scattered remnants of his meal on the floor.

  “I’ve already told you, it was not intentional, and… A-and I apologized. I… I… don’t have any money now… I was not yet paid for… What can I do?” The girl’s pleading gaze met his. The dark red eyes were wide and shimmering with a mix of fear and desperation. She silently begged for a shred of understanding.

  Oh, finally, something that may get interesting. Helena moved her mug aside as she stood up and mended her armor, shaking the breadcrumbs from her pants.

  She moved slowly a few steps to see the commotion closer. The woman on the floor appeared to be a short, timid mage. The petite yet graceful stature reflected her young age.

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  Medium-length dark blue hair flew elegantly, framing her face with childlike features. Smooth and delicate, with a small nose and deep red ruby eyes that resemble bottomless pits.

  Her demonkin heritage was evident in the subtle, small horns that protruded from her forehead, slightly contrasting with her otherwise flawless skin with a few scale-like formations at the foundation.

  Hmm. She must be from the Kingdom of Gravitas, judging from her dress and that staff. How can someone looking like this be so careless? What is she doing here? I wonder… Helena wondered.

  “Ha, did I hear it right?! You’ve got no money, bitch?” The man’s face suddenly beamed with joy.

  “Oh well, then. You can pay me back with your body. Not a fan of demonkin, but I don’t mind the horns. Your face and figure look good enough. Just slightly too small for my taste. But game is game!” His smirk was laced with cruelty, eyes glinting with a mixture of lust and arrogance.

  “I’m sorry, sir, but I… There is no way! Is there anything else we can figure out?” Her voice trembled. She stumbled for every word. Cracking under the weight of desperation, she clutched her staff hard, nails sinking into its white wood. Instinctively she crawled slightly backwards, her heart racing. The tears began to glisten at the corners of her eyes, threatening to spill over any moment.

  “Pffft, I have no time to waste on this shit. Let's go!” The man was unyielding. “Don’t be so stubborn. You’ll like it soon enough, or you'll just have to be with it.” He leaned over, bringing his ugly face close to hers, demonstratively licking his lips.

  A dark-leather-armored man seized her wrist with a forceful grip, dragging her from her spot on the floor with a roughness that made her stomach churn with fear. She stumbled alongside him. The echo of him stomping loudly on the wooden floor reverberated in her ears, like a drumroll leading to disaster.

  But unexpectedly, out of nowhere, a sharp slap split the air. The hand struck his wrist with an impact so fierce it sent a jolt through his bones with a crackling sound. His grip lost all strength as he jolted and released the demonkin girl.

  Without delay or hesitation, he untheathed the dagger strapped to his belt, his eyes darting to the source of the interruption. Standing there on the first steps of the ladder, arms crossed and a stormy expression on her face, was Helena.

  “What the hell do you think you’re doing? You stupid mongrel! You think you can just get a free pass for anything?!” Her voice pierces through the tense air, commanding and resolute. Causing a flicker of unsteadiness in the man’s bravado.

  “And who the hell are you to barge? You stupid hag, my business is my own! It doesn’t concern any other stupid wench. Get lost before this gets really ugly!!" The man in dark leather armor sneered, baring his teeth defiantly. Although the fire of rage in his eyes flickered ever so slightly under her fierce gaze.

  “It does not concern me, you say? Playing stupid, are we? Huh, interesting.” The woman chuckled.

  “Did you honestly believe that in this room everyone would stand by idly? Yet until recently everyone was just watching how you tried to exploit this girl’s weakness for your selfish gain. Pathetic!” She threw a few scolding gazes across the room filled with seasoned adventurers. Making some lower their gazes.

  After a short pause, she continued on. “You must be out of your mind after all that adventuring. We are still well within the Carleen Empire, not some barbaric tribe!” The woman’s voice was as hard as steel. Jabbing at and cutting at the man like he was nothing with every word.

  “Huh, so, why would I care? I am owed more than an apology. Don’t you agree?” The man parried.

  “Well, technically, you are correct. But you’re far out of the line!” Helena declared.

  “And who decided that? She does not seem to object!” He pointed towards the demonkin, who was afraid to utter a single word.

  “You are a goddamn freak. Something must be done!”

  “What?! And what will you do?!” He scoffed, puffing out his chest trying to look bigger. He stepped forward on the ladder, now leveling with the woman. An experienced adventurer could notice there was an edge of uncertainty creeping into his demeanor. Yet, he pressed on.

  “What will I do? You better ask, what can I do. And right now I think I'll just beat you to a fucking pulp!” She yelled, pressing forward on the man, pushing him down from the ladder. Her exquisitely entrusted handle of her katana.

  Backed slightly, the man simply burst into laughter. It felt as if a cold wind was gushing through the room. “Haha, what?! Look at this bitch. She does not realize who she is talking to. By the look of it, you must be some kind of lazy, sheltered brat.” He loudly snored and spat on the floor.

  “I’ve earned my share. I’m a fucking B-rank! I’ve been adventuring here for over a decade. More than once I’ve fought legendary beasts. You don’t stand a chance. Let me give you one last opportunity to back off.” The man paused as he scanned the woman with his gaze from top to toe.

  Helena stood there, looking absolutely unimpressed and unfazed.

  “But you know what? I’ll give you that. You’ve got some guts, and you’re attractive for a woman too, at least more of my type than this demon wench. Let’s have a bet!” A massive smirk covered his face, and his eyes glistered with excitement.

  “A bet? And what, I bet I can have a lowlife like you? I’m not buying it. I’m missing the point. Will there be anything for me to gain?” The long-haired woman retorted with a disgusted look on her face, skepticism dripping from her tone.

  The demonkin girl was still silently standing there, occasionally shivering. With her head down, she appeared to be afraid even to move or make a single sound.

  “Hey, watch your tongue! What an attitude! I'll be offering this only once. Since this wench wasted my lunch and soiled my armor, I’m owed compensation. But with you, I’ll make you gag on those words.” The man’s lips twitched.

  “Let’s duel! If I win, I’ll have my way with you instead.” His smirk widened once again, revealing his crooked teeth. The man now radiated an aura like he owned not this room but the entire Company itself.

  “Huh, what a load of bullcrap, my head hurts. And what do I get if you lose? What’s the real deal?” Helena shot back, her pulse quickening at the thought of a fight. Huh, this could be a nice little warm-up to stomp on this bug. But what’s his rank? Is he stupid enough to boast about the real one?

  “Hah, not gonna happen. But the duel is a deal. Feel free to state your terms. Anything!” He leaned back, confidence radiating from him. Now not a single glimmer of doubt flickered in his eyes.

  “Alright, alright!” Helena thought for a few moments. “So if I win, you’ll pay for the accommodation for the whole month, with three daily meals included, for both of us. Approaching her or me ever again is also out of the question.” The young woman declared, balancing the little anxiety threading through her.

  He threw back his head and laughed again, sheathing his dagger. The sound was sinister yet gleeful. “Aha, that’s a deal! This will be fun. One of the easiest one-night stands I’ll ever get in my life.” His words hung in the air. So the scene ended, and the bet started.

  It was quite common for adventurers to resolve their feuds by means of duels and bets. And so the excitement filled the place. It was always a welcome sight to witness.

  Don't be so full of yourself, punk. What a relief. No one here knows my real strength here. This will be both a practice and the chance to earn some points.

  Helena looked at the demonkin girl. She tried to lift her teary eyes and said, barely traceable, “T-thank you!” Her hands clutching the staff still trembled.

  How strange. What’s her deal? I'm pretty sure she's a skilled ice mage, judging from her white staff. I saw something similar in the capital. No amateur could wield such a strong artifact. She did not even say a word through the whole commotion. Just kept clenching it to her chest. What a joke!

  Helena stormed straight out in the direction of the training grounds. Throwing another judgmental gaze towards the demonkin young woman over her shoulder, rushing her to follow. A bit shaky on her legs, she managed to catch up, barely.

  The courtyard was packed with a mix of curious onlookers, a few imposing adventurers, and several trainers from the guild. Among them was an official judge, a top-end A-rank retired veteran who now served as the company's staff.

  All the actual duels held here were a welcoming occasion, especially the ones that featured highly ranked adventurers. Such activity was more appealing to the inexperienced and green before they got their first real upset. So generally, those involved were lower-tier fighters engaged in friendly bouts, seeking to prove themselves and boost their morale.

  Helena was standing there, guessing her opponent’s strength, feeling no pressure at all. She suspected him to be a rogue-class fighter. Wielding a dagger, she was sure he would have backstab and critical strike tactics along with more of a stealth and surprise approach.

  However, such details could hardly concern her. She knew well, as one ascended the ranks, the distance between each promotion became increasingly noticeable. While an F-rank adventurer was only about twenty percent weaker than an E-rank. This gap widened considerably from E to D, where the difference in power and skills could reach forty percent. And a C-rank adventurer was at least double the strength of a D-rank one.

  But truly mind-blowing was the difference with the highest tiers. The B-rank was four to four-and-a-half times more formidable than a D-rank. While there was an actual gulf between B-rank and A-rank adventurers. Stranding at approximately six to seven times. Primarily because achieving A-rank status required mastery of at least one specialized technique, whether it be skill-based or spell-based.

  Those ultimate skills themselves existed on an entirely different plane and demanded years, and sometimes whole decades, to master and incorporate. Requiring immense control alongside both physical and mental fortitude.

  And finally, there was a famed S-rank, True Legends. The pinnacle of adventuring prowess, where one could be viewed as a potential kingdom-threatening force while being a single individual. The distinction between S and A was nearly unfathomable. To attain S-rank, an adventurer would have to be indeed blessed by the God. With the full-on mastery of at least two skills or spell techniques.

  And during the current age, only twenty individuals of this caliber existed across the entire continent, most of whom enjoyed a life of luxury in service to nobility or the emperor himself.

  Helena bet on the mere fact that her opponent was a B-rank, indicating the duel would be straightforward and a complete annihilation of her opposition. She somehow sensed that the man was stupid enough to tell the truth. Even though the woman had received her A-rank promotion just a month ago, her strength was already unmatched by even the high end of B-ranks.

  As they stood there in front of each other waiting for the referee, the man got impatient quickly. “Hey, let’s speed this up. I do not have the whole day to stand here.” The crude man bellowed, as he bounced on the tips of his feet.

  “You, the judge, stop wasting my time. Let’s get this over with! I’m about to get laid!” A referee in the shiny armor gave the man a disgusted glance, but, regardless, he checked on another participant. She gave the nod. So the referee gave the signal for the participants to prepare themselves.

  With a steely glare that felt like it could freeze fire, Helena stepped forward. Her hand rested confidently on the hilt of her weapon. “You will choke on our words. Prepare to be squashed, bug!” She taunted the man and grinned. Her voice was calm, laced with determination.

  And so, with a swift, authoritative motion, the judge signaled the duel to commence.

  The man in dark leather immediately cloaked himself in the smoke-like shadows, his grotesque face vanishing into the depths of darkness.

  For a heartbeat, it felt as if time itself held its breath. Suddenly the shadowy figure reemerged behind Helena. The woman stood there unwavering and still. Her posture uptight, a portrait of serenity amidst the danger.

  The group of onlookers gasped with anticipation. Most were sure it would be hard for her to counter. They had no idea if she even could. But her keen eyes flicked ever so slightly sideways, fully alert to the man’s malignant presence lurking just behind her.

  Confidently, the man lunged forward with a smile on his face, aiming to pierce the woman’s back with his dagger. But what happened next was nothing short of breathtaking.

  As if choreographed by the gods, Helena's hand moved with blinding speed, unsheathing her sword. Nothing but a thunderous crack echoed in the air, like a tempest of the storm was unleashed. Everyone could barely trace it as she rotated on her heels. Her blade met the dark curved weapon in a stunning clash. The dagger was not simply shattered. It was split perfectly apart, the two halves falling away like the head of a defeated soldier.

  The man crumpled down into the dust, a crimson stain blossoming upon the ground where his hair had once flourished. Helena's breath escaped in a measured exhale as she faced him.

  Only a few A-rank adventurers present were able to fully understand the true enormity of what had just transpired. While the B-ranks and lower were all left grasping at straws, only mildly aware of the vast chasm of power that separated them.

  With her arms crossed and an air of quiet authority, she towered over the man kissing the ground with his ass, declaring, “I’ve wasted enough of my time. Pay up and get lost!”

  “W-well, y-e-e-s, milady! I’m. Um… truly sorry. I did not know…” He stammered, not grinning but with fear written all over his face, as he touched his freshly scalped head. His voice trembled as he acknowledged his defeat.

  As an adventurer, he knew well that it was pointless to try to weasel out. With more than enough experience, he understood his mistake. He tried to chew more than he could possibly dream of.

  Even the best of the top B-rank onlookers level of perception was put to the test to simply feel it. With how well the skill was executed. There was not a single doubt that the young woman honed it throughout the countless hours of righteous practice. The speed of her strike was nothing but a blur, a dazzling display of skill that left everyone cheering and breathless.

  The retired referee noted to himself. What the beautiful young woman demonstrated with her prodigious talent was nothing else but a legendary technique known as Lightning Slash. One of the most revered and challenging to achieve for the warrior class fencers. Something unheard of for her age.

  So that duel became the news of the day across every corner within the Adventurers Company, destined to be forgotten by tomorrow’s eve. There was a lot this palace could offer.

  The final revision and update for RR of this chapter was done!

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