The Hero of Vengeance

Chapter 17: Red River

I walked for almost an hour until I eventually came across the Albatross branch of the Adventurers Guild. The building was much larger and more decorated than the Lorelei branch.

I noticed a lot more people, too.

I cautiously walked into the building and made my way to the front counter.

Since there were so many adventurers, I had to stand in line. While I waited, I saw several people looking me up and down. Some people were staring at my sword.

Yeah, it's a weird-looking sword, I get it! I really need to store this thing in my inventory...

I ignored the other adventurers and eventually ended up at the front of the crowd.

"Hello, I'd like to register my location. I'd also like to confirm my job eligibility," I said casually.

The woman at the counter smiled and pushed a viewer stone forward.

I proceeded to confirm my status and information on the stone, then pushed it back to her. She took it and placed it in a magical device. It glowed blue and copied the information onto a new card.

"Let's see here...Mr. Mizik Iratus?" She asked as she mispronounced my name.

This was starting to get annoying.

"Actually, it's Miz-ick. Not Miz-eek..." I corrected her.

"Oh! Sorry! My apologies, sir. That sounds much better if you don't mind me saying,"

"Don't worry about it..." I said.

Is this going to be a running theme from now on...?

"Well, it looks like you're level 44 and still bronze rank for some reason. Your stats seem abnormally high for someone of your level, though. It seems like you're eligible for Silver rank. Would you like me to move you up?"

"Yes please!" I said quickly.

"Very well, I'll get that set up for you. In the meantime, you are qualified to take jobs from the board here. Please be careful and have a nice day!" She bowed her head to me and spoke kindly.

I made my way over to the request board after that.

I made my way around several groups of other adventurers and froze in place as I looked at the request board.

I felt my heart leap in excitement as I saw Rose standing next to it and looking at requests.

Immediately, I ran over to the board.

"Rose!" I said happily.

She turned and saw me.

"Mizik! What are you doing here!?" She said.

"I just got done talking to the Grandmaster and wanted to check out the guild. Did your father let you come out again?" I asked.

"Well...not exactly...haha..." She said nervously.

"You snuck out?"

She nodded.

"I only wanted to look at requests, so I can't be here for very long, unfortunately!" She said.

"Damn. I was hoping to take a job with you today..." I said.

"Aww...don't look so sad! We'll spend time together, soon! Well, I guess could look at requests another time. There's something I want to ask you!" She said.

"Is it about the surprise you had for me?" I said.

"Hmm...something like that!" She said.

I smiled at her as she took a deep breath.

"Mizik, do you know what an adventuring company is?" She asked.

"Not exactly," I said.

"An adventuring company is different from a group. A group is a collection of individuals who come together to complete a request. Rewards are usually split based on contribution. A company is a permanent group of adventurers who get together and stay that way. Rewards are always split evenly among them."

"I see. So what does that have to do with us? We're a group, right? Or more like partners?" I said.

"I actually own an adventuring company. Officially registered and everything. But..."

"But?"

"It's just me... I've had it for a few months, but no one wants to join because I'm such a low level and rank..." She said.

Suddenly, I remembered that I had more time to spend with Rose because my trip to Noir would be delayed.

"Rose. Do you want me to join your company?" I asked.

"I...I do. I would love to have you. But if you're not going to be staying, I don't see a point..." She said.

"Well, I spoke with the Grandmaster today. He requested that I stay in Albatross for a while to help with an investigation. He also offered to train me," I said.

"Wait. SERIOUSLY!?!?" She said in surprise.

I nodded.

"Since I'll be staying-"

Rose grabbed my hand before I could finish speaking.

"Please join me! I would love to have you!" She said quickly.

"I would love nothing more!" I said.

"Thank you! Thank you so much, Mizik! My company is called Red River. And I'm the leader, of course!"

As she spoke, a man wearing a guild uniform approached and handed me a silver badge.

"Mizik? This is your silver rank badge. Please keep it safe! And thank you for your hard work," he said.

I accepted it and turned back to Rose.

"Y-you're...silver rank now!?" She said.

I held my head up and puffed out my chest proudly.

"Sure am! They saw my stats and upgraded me immediately."

Then Rose lunged forward and hugged me.

"Wha!?"

"Congratulations! I'm so happy for you!" She said.

"R-rose...?" I said.

She pulled away and bowed her head.

"Oh...s-sorry... I didn't mean to... I just got excited and-"

"It's alright. If you're okay with hugging, then that's fine with me," I said.

"Thank you, Mizik. Umm...if you still want to hang out, we can go somewhere and just talk for a little while, if that's okay..."

"I would love to. We can go to Jorgan's Diner and-"

"I-I would prefer not to. I already ate, you know...haha! We can just sit down outside if that's okay!"

"Okay, then. That works too. Let's go!"

The two of us went outside and sat down on a bench in front of the guild.

"Hey Mizik, if it's okay with you, could I see your status again? I want to see how much you've grown," Rose said.

She invited me to her party and I joined immediately.

"Absolutely. Go ahead," I replied.

She requested to view my status and I accepted.

"Oh my goodness... Your stats are so high! Is this because of that sword!?" She said.

"I think so. It's really powerful. Want to take a look?"

She nodded and I handed Vengeance to her.

"Mizik...this really feels like one of the legendary swords. But...I don't think I've heard of this one. Vengeance is its name, right?"

"Yeah. It said something about being an Overseer."

"This sword feels angry. Please be careful with it, okay?" Rose said.

"I will. Especially for you, Rose."

"Ah...r-right... I think I should probably go back home, now. I'm not really supposed to be out... Can we meet here in the morning the day after tomorrow?"

"That sounds good. I'll see you then, Rose," I said.

She nodded and we went our separate ways.

I had some time to kill, so I decided to go back to the Diner.

* * *

On my way back, I turned a corner and bumped into someone.

"Ugh...watch where you're going, you plebian! Do you have any idea who I am!?" The man said.

He had blonde hair and blue eyes. Similarly to Cain, except this man had a faint hue of green in his eyes.

This man was dressed very well and had a beautiful sword at his side. He looked to be several years older than I was and was also quite tall.

"Umm...sorry. I don't think I do," I said.

I felt like I was on guard around him, for some reason.

"Tch...wait. What the hell is an Iratus doing in Albatross?" The man said.

"I have family here, but I don't really need to explain myself to you," I replied.

"Oh. I see. You're low-born garbage, then. Get out of my way or I'll beat you within an inch of your life," he said.

Suddenly, I heard the voice of Vengeance speak.

[False wielder. You are unworthy to wield that blade. You dare speak to the Overseer in such a way?]

He froze in place for a moment as he glanced down at his side where his sword was.

"Who are you, boy?" He asked.

"You first, asshole," I said angrily.

"Arvild Relian Darius IV. Firstborn of Arthan Relian Darius and heir to the Darius household," he said.

"Mizik Iratus, son of Ulysses Iratus," I said.

"You really shouldn't lie, boy. But I'll remember your face. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to speak with my fiance, Princess Isabella. NOW BUZZ OFF!!!" He said angrily.

He shoved me aside and continued walking.

Tch...asshole. That piece of shit is marrying a Princess? Wow. I feel sorry for her.

I rolled my eyes and continued walking.

Then I wondered about why Vengeance called him a false wielder.

Hey Vengeance.

[He is the wielder of Bravery. Legendary blade and vanguard of my subjects. That man is misusing that blade for his own personal gain. When you are ready, I expect you to end his life.]

Umm...wouldn't that be illegal? If he's a noble, wouldn't I get in like...A LOT of trouble for that?

[Which is exactly why I expect you to do it once you are capable of dealing with the consequences.]

Okay...anything else?

[Yes. Something very important. If you are to be my wielder, you must understand my philosophy. The philosophy of Vengeance is this: You are the wielder of the Overseer. You ARE the Overseer. Do not be a tool for others to use. Lead the wielders and keep them in line. If someone opposes you, they are a false wielder. You will strike them down. Lastly, repay all those who wrong you in kind. Take Vengeance upon them.]

I...understand. I think...

[Do not make me regret my selection.]

I'll do my best, Vengeance.

Once I finished speaking to Vengeance, I turned around and looked in Arvild's direction. He was gone, but I shook my head.

"I really feel sorry for that poor girl..." I mumbled.

Then I made my way back home. Since I was kind of pissed about Arvild's behavior, I decided to just go upstairs.

Once I was up in my room, I started thinking about what I would do tomorrow.

I hoped I wouldn't see that bastard again. But at the same time, I knew Vengeance would have me pay him a visit at some point.

I guess one day I'm going to kill you, Arvild.