Chapter 313: Side Guild Discuss

———Meesi———

<12: 17 pm>

“...I didn’t even know you could fight that thing.” I remarked in surprise.

“Why not? It’s not an illusion or decoration.” James said as he leaned back on the chair. “I haven’t fought it too many times, so it’s not surprising that you didn’t notice it happening.”

“...So you just get… free valuable materials from that giant metal thing?” It’s hard to believe when most inorganic monsters we fought were made of worthless stones. It seems almost intentional how rarer resources are just not available. You basically only ever get metal and wood from the weapon drops. Even the glass bottle potions came in have value on its own.

“That is exactly what happened. I obviously can’t trust the guild with that, the manpower and professionalism is not there to evaluate the actual value.” He said that despite being in the guild at this moment. With the clout and strength of his there is no way they’re going to protest, so of course he is callously saying that.

“Is that how you could afford a new sword?” I asked, since he had replaced it recently.

“You could say that.” He replied, being weirdly coy about it. Probably some shady dealings if I were to guess. It seems like Lrem also had that sort of dealing with all the stuff she gets roped up with. “Much lighter and durable than the previous one. Less worry about it being bent and cutting my slicing power in less than half.”

“Where did you even get a person to make that particular type of blade? You have always complained about it being a rare drop in a dungeon.” The new one he has is definitely not something a dungeon can just throw out.

“Just some connections I made. I don’t even really remember when that happened.” He dismissively replied. What is with everyone having a mysterious connection? Can I get something like that as well?

Before the conversation could continue, a group of guild members waltz into the lobby with a massive bag of materials and other drops. It’s Alsam and the others. They have been grouping up for a long time now and have been pretty consistent if you don’t bring up that time Alsam came back all beaten up and bloodied. That caused quite a bit of scare.

“Another large haul today, I see.” James remarked as the group dragged the loot to the counter for the staff to appraise them.

“How the heck do they even carry those all the way back?” I said while scratching my head.

“A few of them save their strength to carry them back while the others do the heavy lifting. Just a case of division of labour.” He explained. I guess that makes sense. I never really think about it like that since I have mostly been doing solo dungeon runs.

“I see.” I said while turning my attention to the TV, it’s on a random channel and it’s ad break right now. I don’t even know what people even watch on cable nowadays. I thought everyone would’ve moved to the internet a few years back.

“I don’t think that monitors really show anything of substance these days. Just more reports of towns and cities going up in flames while no one really does anything about it.” James said, clearly not holding a lot of hope for the world at large. “Kinda bleak, despite how peaceful this town has been.”

“Sure hope it stays that way. I swear the comments online have gotten increasingly out of line with each passing day.” Things have been pretty chaotic online as it does offline. While actual magic is being casted in the real world, people online began saying a load of nonsense at an unprecedented rate, and I’m pretty sure most of them aren’t bots this time around. “Actual psychosis, I swear.”

“It’d be crazier if everyone managed to keep their cool. After the brief period of the first few weeks, everything began to move to normalcy quickly in an act of clinging to old habits. Right now, they’re realizing there’s no way the current status quo could be kept. They’re scrambling to create the new one in their image.”

“Sound hella grand for what is society collapsing on its head.” I sarcastically remarked.

“It makes the situation sound more dignified. I don’t think people like living in a clown world.” He replied. “Sometimes you can forget that everyone on some level is quite prideful and likes to control the narrative no matter what. At least they want it to sound nice in the history book.”

“You two have been talking heavy stuff for a while now.” Alsam remarked after his team dispersed after a job well done. “You think we need to worry?”

“I wasn’t saying that. There are a few conditions a town or city can be in that won’t cause such a chaotic uprising. Strong individual with good morals, good job satisfaction, that sorta deal.” James answered. “Something tells me that if we weathered the storm, we’ll probably strike it rich, or at least not end up poor.”

“Hopefully that is the case. It’d be a thrill for things to become less monotonous around these parts.” Alsam remarked. “By the way, is it just me or are there more people taking refuge here?”

“You know why.” I said back to him. There’s not a whole lot of reason why people are coming over. What else would force people to come to such a peaceful area?

He scratched his cheek in response, clearly not wanting to vocalize the cause of said effect. I think we have approached enough heavy topics today anyway.

“Alright, let’s not all too gloomy now. We’re not here for that.” James chimed in, seeing the awkward atmosphere getting stronger by the seconds. “Hey, how have your claws been nowadays? Heard they are roughen up.”

“It’ll heal eventually. Like nails, you know?” Alsam replied as he showed the claws. They do look quite damaged, with some of them looking like they have parts snapped off. A bit nasty, even.

“How do you even trim them anyway?” James asked.

“Just sand them down. Nothing could easily cut through them anyway.” Alsam explains. It certainly looks like something you’d see from a giant animal like a dinosaur or something. He’s a good deal bigger than a normal wolf so his claws also became bigger and more prominent. “I can just use my fists still, so I’m not out of options.”

“You ought to learn to use weapons, at least a little bit.” James recommended.

“With those big paws of his? Get real.” I chimed in, knowing that he has been having problems with that. The weapons that dropped from the dungeon are clearly meant for regular human hands. Those wolf hands of his are a bit big and clumsy at times.

“…Weird how his hands are much bigger than mine. He’s not even that much bigger than me.” James pointed out. He looks about… three inches taller? Maybe four? It’s not super significant.

“Nothing I can really change about that. I was never a weapons enthusiast anyway.” Alsam said, clearly not too bothered by the predicament. “The cost of building one for me probably would’ve bankrupted me with how often I go into the dungeon. It’s just not worth it.”

“I don’t think you’re even big enough to make big weapons look impressive. You just need like… bigger hilt or something.” He’s very slightly above average in terms of height. I’ve seen bigger wolfmen on TV before. I think there was a report on one of them yesterday. Hella scary. “You’re not like that massive beast from yesterday’s news. Have you seen that?”

<<< 1 Day ago <<<

———Meesi———

<12: 19 pm>

“<What should have been a bloody invasion has suddenly turned on its head so suddenly! Two unknown individuals have appeared upon the scene and have begun pushing back the invading army!>” The reporter said as the situation suddenly flipped and now those thugs are being killed off as seen on the footage. Are they broadcasting someone’s stream? They’re getting more bold with these uncensored footage.

“Freaking massive…” Someone commented as we are all glued to the screen. The giant wolfkin seen on the screen looks to be over a foot taller than their victims. Even some of the larger and bulkier guys in the footage don't look like they would’ve reached their height if they grew an extra head on top.

The wolfkin is using two massive batons, they are so thick that calling them clubs wouldn’t be inaccurate. A berserker through and through, the sheer raw power of each strike heavily damages the surrounding, as if an explosion occurred with each attack. It’s a miracle the one capturing the footage is still alive. I know that they’re keeping a great distance, but even then there are a few close calls. All the debris flying causing a massive amount of collateral damage can’t be understated.

Besides the giant wolfkin is someone wearing a black cloak, making it nearly impossible to make out their features. They’re pretty small, I guess. There’s not much for me to look at with the video quality and the distance and all that. Whoever the black cloak figure is, they are definitely with this giant wolfkin.

“<No one knows where they came from, but I suggest anyone near the area to steer clear of this carnage! This is no laughing matter, look at that monster rampaging!>” The one broadcasting the news said. Does he really need to do some fearmongering for something this obviously dangerous?

“Feels like it has been a while since we’ve seen news on a particularly dangerous individual.” James remarked. He looks a bit roughen up, must’ve been to a dungeon. “Alsam looks like a chump compared to this one.”

“Haven’t we seen this duo somewhere before?” I asked, feeling pretty familiar with them. “...Less than two weeks ago? I think there was a report on that.”

“Hmm… Ten days ago, to be exact.” James corrected as he sat down. He even kept the exact date for that?

Despite not being there at the moment, the strength of this giant wolfkin is definitely not something I could contend with. The lack of restraint is in a way a show of confidence. They seem to have one singular drive in killing these invaders, but why? Was it the one in the black cloak? Who even is that person?

“Do you… have any clues on who those two could be?” I asked, wondering if he got the connections for it.

“Nope. I don’t think I’m in the position to assume anything.” He answered, lacking the confidence he usually has. “I don’t even have the full confidence to fight someone like that, to be honest.”

“That bad?” I said, feeling a bit alarmed at such a hopeless statement.

“Something about that duo doesn’t really vibe right with me.” He replied. The footage then shows the wolfkin opening their maw and chomping down on someone without hesitation.

“Euogh…” Someone let out a sound of fear and disgust at the sight. Certainly not something you think you’d seen outside of films with those gory special effects.

>>> Present Time <<<

———Meesi———

<12: 29 pm>

“...I have heard about it. It really makes my skin crawl.” He said, clearly disturbed by someone of similar appearance doing such a thing. I mean, his fur is a dark blue shade while that hulking wolfkin is gray with blue streaks. Not quite the same color scheme let alone size.

“Hopefully no one harasses you about it. I know it didn’t happen the first time around, but still…” It’s not like those prejudices don’t exist even without such a scary tale, so I had to be a bit mindful there.

“I’m fine.” He said with a tone that doesn’t convey any falsehood. Let’s hope it stays that way.

“...Alright. I think I have lazed around for long enough. I’ll go get myself a new record or something. See you all in a few hours” James said as he stood up and walked away, or at least almost did. “By the way, which entrance did you go into?”

“The left one.” Alsam answered and he nodded in response before actually taking his leave, ready to get his muscles moving.

…Now that I think about it, I wonder if Kara has more insight on those matters.