The sun rose and with it came a glow that doused the world in it's light,brightening trees and spreading warmth to the forest.
A pair of adventures were forcefully roused from their slumber by their less-than-gentle small companion.
Greg entered their tents and shook them awake.
Alex was still dozzy and yawned"why'd you have to wake us so early?"
"After your oh so glorious fight yesterday, we had to stop and rest to heal you,I need to be reimbursed for that healing salve,so we're now getting quite close to the deadline of the deadline of our quest." Greg sent a glare towards the still drowsy nobleman.
"He's right,we have to act now to ensure we get to colen before the deadline, as we plebians can't face the wrath of your mother. So sir do you want to participate In the extermination of the werewolves den?" Captain said as he doned his armour.
"Of course I will go,as I am the leader of our expedition!" Alex said these words with confidence even though he winced with every whenever he spoke a word.
Cap now fully armored said " I propose that I stand at the forefront and soak up whatever the rabid wolves throw at us while Greg swiftly enters and exits striking distance and acts as an damage dealer while you oversee everything from th back."
Alex of course started protesting, "That's the same as me not being on the battlefield at all as I won't be able to contribute to defeating an enemies from that position. The whole reason my family organized this expedition with you John is because they want me to gain real life combat experience. If not for that fact this quest would've never been sent out."
Alex took a deep breath and puffed up his chest " so you don't have a choice in the matter captain John."
Greg doubled over and fell on the floor
Captain John then walked out the tent
"The bear that nearly ripped you to shreds strongly disagrees with your determination"
Greg stood up and took a massive step forwar,by the time Alex realized it, he was already held by the collar in the air
"Listen here you arrogant little shit, I recommend you leave the werewolves alone as you aren't even capable of beating a tier 0 beast,those little buggers will have a field day with your weak ass and I don't wanna have to deal with an angry noble lady crying on your corpse."
John came back with a suitcase and placed it on a log near them.
He then strolled to Greg and place a hand on his shoulder " Put him down Greg,let's give our little friend a chance."
John pointed at his suitcase "Come,come and sit sir alex."
And so Alex stepped forward under the scrutiny of Greg.
He then took out a paper with golden words that seemed to jump onto the air and a thin translucent body. "Let's set some conditions,you see I've been quite patient with you sir Alex but you seem to keep taking advantage of that thus forcing me to treat you roughly. "
Alex scowled"Your henchman already di-Greg teach him some manners"
A slap soon defeaned the ears of those close by and the red mark on Alex's face was the evidence of the act.
Greg grinned "I've been waiting for this cap,though my palm kinda hurts, can't expect anything but thick skin from those shameless nobles."
"And your wish has now been fulffied. Now back to the main topic. What was it again?"
"Ah,ah,ah oy yeah it was this." John pointed at the paper"You see this here is an oath of the soul. If you break this oath you die, regardless of place and time."
'It's manufactured by talisman makers and cost around 100 gold. Now I have to use it on you , It cost me a pretty penny to acquire but now I have to use it on you, don't forget to reimburse me."
"You see by going with us you're endangering both Greg and i's lives by being a burden, because in the occasion you die,your family will hunt us down. So you have to compensate for that."
"The first condition will be that you give us a small extra of 1000 gold coins. The second is that in the event of your survival you don't mention anything that just happened. The third is that you sign here where it confirms your consent to go and complete responsibility for your own action. The fourth condition is you help us sell all the captured werewolves to your noble friends. I'm done, I give you permission to speak."
"What happens if I don't agree" Alex sent a glare at him
"Now you wanna be good boy, unfortunately you did it too late. Since we already disgraced you,your mom will probably seek revenge if you return home so we'll just leave you to the beasts." Alex visibly shook at the threat of death that now hung over him.
John passed the paper over to Alex "sign here and we're all good. By the way you have to prick your blood on the pen."
And so Alex punctured his finger and signed the oath as a solemn feeling seemed to compress the air around them making Greg cough.
It vanished soon after and John used the same pen to sign the paper. But this time there was no pressure though Alex and John began to sweat more and more withe every letter added to the signature.
The paper rose into the air, emitting a blinding light and then banished.
John shook Alex's hand nice and firm and said" welcome aboard our little group Sir Alex."
"I believe we should each explain our arts so we know what to expect in batte."
"I'll start,mine is body of the giant: it allows me to passively get physically stronger and tougher over exposure to mana."
"So right now, I would say the bear you fought wouldn't be able to cut my skin."
"You next."
Grege stepped