Osric and William left the guild still covered in blood and receiving stares from other adventurers.
They met Paul who was waiting outside and talked about what happened while walking towards the dealer's shop to sell the Forest Creeper corpses.
Paul was surprised by how well things went with Franklin.
"It's really fortunate that the guild leader trusts you guys."
William nodded.
"I agree. He's also like Osric's mentor."
"Don't be relieved just yet." Osric said.
"We don't know how the Baron's castle will react. Let's just hope that Franklin's guild inspectors are capable."
William sighed.
"You need to learn to be more positive."
"He was always like that." Paul said.
Osric ignored them.
—
After they sold the eight monster corpses for around 11 silver, they agreed to have a meeting in two days to discuss when to work again.
It would probably be a while, because of the injuries they had.
Osric also decided not to go to a doctor for treatment.
He found it unnecessary to spend that much money, when it would heal naturally with enough time and care.
William understood as he was also an adventurer, but Paul thought it was stupid and stubborn.
On his way home, Osric bought more ointment and bandages.
At the inn, he washed up and reapplied the old ones.
After a hearty meal, Osric went to bed.
—
The next day, Osric felt rested but in pain.
The only thing he did that day was resting and checking his current status.
Name: Osric
Potential: E
Strength: 12
Agility: 13
Stamina: 13
Endurance: 12
Vitality: 11
Mana: 0
Free points: 0
Skills:
Pain Resistance (E), Combat Instinct (D), Heightened Senses (E), Poison Tolerance (E), Swordsmanship (E), Composure (E), Shield Mastery (E)
'Not bad.'
'But it's annoying that Pain Resistance didn't upgrade to the next rank.'
He then looked at the sword leaning against a chair.
'Should probably get it refined before going on another mission.'
—
The next day, Osric met up with his party at the guild.
It was only less than a week until the next month started and he would get his stipend.
But despite him probably not being able to do any missions until then, Osric and William fortunately already completed the minimum requirement of missions this month.
Osric arrived last today.
William and Paul were already sitting and talking inside.
"Oh hey boss. How're your injuries?" William asked.
Paul was also concerned.
"It hurts a little less." Osric replied.
"So what's the plan Osric?" Paul asked.
Osric had already thought about it.
"We rest a few days. After that we train and start looking for another member."
"As you guys have realized, there are too many unexpected things that can happen inside the monster forest."
"We need more reliable and capable people."
"But how do we find someone trustworthy?" William asked.
"We first look for people who are capable and then test whether they can be trusted."
"William, you look inside the guild for solo E-Ranks or new F-Ranks who either show experience or promise."
"I have another place in mind to look for someone."
William nodded.
"Alright."
"What about me?" Paul asked.
"You just take care of the horse and spend some time with your wife."
"You might not get that many chances in the future to spend such long periods of times with her."
"If you want, you can also do research on monsters and related topics."
Paul was somewhat excited.
"Good idea, thanks."
They kept talking for a while before parting ways.
Osric got his armor check and weapon refined before heading home.
'I need to heal as fast as possible.'
'And then I'll head to that place underground again after a while.'
—
Meanwhile, in different parts of Ashbrook there were rumours going around about Osric's party.
Not just the guild and common streets, but also in Lowbrook.
And one unexpected place.
House Greydell's castle.
A thin man with grey hair and a shaven face and cold eyes looked at a paper he just received.
"Osric was it?"
"Yes my lord."
"Look into him."
"I want to know whether he can be used or if we need to step on him before that bothersome Franklin raises him."
Baron Alric Greydell was having this conversation with his butler, while there was a naked woman's corpse on the floor of his office.
His eyes were empty as he looked at her.
"And clean this up. I hate looking at dirty trash."