After catching his breath, Jayson looked at Osric.
"Thanks, but who are you?"
"My name is Osric. I'm also a fighter in the arena."
Jayson frowned.
"I heard of you. You're an elite fighter."
"Why did you help me?"
Jayson had a prejudice against underground fighters.
"I'm not going to give some bullshit reason, like I saw a young kid in danger—
I already knew who you are. I'm an adventurer and recently formed a small party. I need capable people to join me and I believe in your talent."
Jayson's eyes eased up a bit, but he still didn't trust Osric.
"Why should I join you?"
Osric smiled faintly.
"We should take this conversation somewhere else, but I will give you a short answer."
"I know of your situation with your mother. You need money, and working for me as an adventurer will make you more than fighting in the arena."
"And you just made enemies of a gang. It won't take them long to figure out where you live and find your mother to use against you. I can keep you safe. The adventurers' guild leader is a knight and I have his backing."
Jayson looked overwhelmed.
"Let's move before they wake up." Osric said as he gestured at the men on the ground.
—
The two of them were now at the inn, that Osric resided in.
Osric ordered some food and they started talking.
He told Jayson about everything general he had to know and what he could offer him.
"So what do you think? It won't be easy and you'll have to get used to wielding a weapon, but I can help you with all of that."
Jayson looked down at his food.
"Why are you offering such a good deal to someone like me?"
'Will he tell the truth? It's obvious why.' Jayson thought.
"Well honestly, what first caught my interest when I came across your information, was that you have a mana seed." Osric said quietly.
'At least he's honest. Or he knew that I figured it out.'
"But that's not the main reason I want you."
Jayson looked curious.
"Then why?"
"The main reason is your background and personal situation. The most important thing for me is that you are trustworthy. I'm not someone with huge morals or anything, but I can't have some criminal that will backstab me, in my party, no matter how skilled they may be."
"You take care of your sick mother despite the financial issues and your young age. Despite what you might think, not many here would do that."
"Next to your physical talent, your character outshines it and that matters more to me in the long run."
Jayson was moved.
His vision became blurry and his face suddenly felt wet.
'Am I crying?'
This was the first time that someone had acknowledged his hard work and not his physical strength.
Osric was only four years older, but he felt so mature and wise to Jayson.
"Thank you."
"You don't need to thank me. I just told you facts about yourself. I am just someone looking out for myself and trying to grow my power by recruiting a talented kid."
The 18 year old boy chuckled as he dried his tears.
"Are you always this honest?"
"Definitely not. Only with people I choose to put my trust in."
Jayson smiled and started laughing.
He realized that he hadn't laughed in years. Ever since his mother became sick, he had nothing but worries and worked nonstop to help her.
"I will join you Osric. No matter the offer, I will put my faith in you."
Osric smiled.
"Good. I'm glad, but before we make a contract, let's go to your place and pick up your mother."
"We will then go to Franklin and seek his help."
"What do you say, Jayson?"
"Yes! Thank you."
Osric was proud of himself.
'I'm surprised at myself. Recruiting him was easier than I thought, and I meant everything I said to him.'
'Am I getting more sensitive?'
'Ever since seeing Greta and Florena again, I've felt like a weight lifted of my chest.'
'I don't mind, but I can't let it affect my decisions too much.'
Osric wasn't too worried.
He knew that he wouldn't change his priorities and plans based on something insignificant.
'Building connections is good and important. But I will always put myself first.'