Chapter 8: The Funeral Bell Incident

The next morning, they woke up as if last night conversation had never happened. They behaved as usual, avoiding any mention of the previous night events.

The two wolves went to the Mercenary Guild. The Mercenary Guild was a strong fortress in the city, where mercenaries gathered. Inside, there were notice boards with missions like guarding caravans or clearing bandit camps. Guildmasters helped mercenaries choose tasks. There were training grounds for practice and a blacksmith for weapons. In the tavern, mercenaries shared stories and formed bonds. The guild was a home for those seeking adventure and a place to find purpose and friendship.

Mateo and Landon stepped into the Mercenary Guild, greeted by the scent of sweat and steel. The stone walls echoed with the clatter of weapons and the hum of hushed conversations. At the entrance, imposing wolf statues stood guard, their eyes seemingly tracking every move.

In the bustling main hall, mercenaries in various armors mingled around the central notice board, studying the parchment missions. The flickering torchlight cast shadows on their faces, revealing the scars and determination etched into their features.

Guildmasters in ornate robes stood nearby, offering guidance to those seeking missions. Mateo and Landon approached, their footsteps echoing on the worn floor. The guildmasters listened as Mateo explained their purpose, then gestured toward the notice board.

Mateo finger casually pointed at a mission parchment, its contents discussing escorting a caravan to the remote Mercenary Headquarters deep within the forest. The guildmaster nodded approvingly, then shared some brief insights about the task's challenges and potential rewards.

The caravan owner, Joseph, wasted no time in hiring the two after learning they were an advanced swordsman and a Sword Master. Along with them was a young man in his twenties, Alderman, a Intermediate Flame Wizard from the White Tiger Mercenary Corps.

Unlike other Wizards who tend to be solitary and proud, Alderman was open and friendly, just like his vibrant golden hair. As they set up camp in the forest and prepared dinner, he even roasted two gale rabbits for Landon and Mateo, striking up a conversation.

"Did you guys just come out of the Beastman tribe? Do you want me to fill you in on the current state of the continent?" Alderman handed them the roasted gale rabbits, secretly admiring how handsome these two Beastmans were, especially the one with white hair.

Mateo took one of the gale rabbits and gave the other to Landon. He took a bite without hesitation, savoring the seasoned meat. As he chewed, he replied, "Sure, go ahead."

"No need to thank me. Um... where to start? Well... let's talk about the powerful figures on the continent first! Naturally, among the mercenary corps, the White Tiger Mercenary Corps stands out. Oh, I'm not boasting, you know! Our captain is a Great Sword Master at the pinnacle of his skill, and our vice-captain is even a Great Magic Scholar! While it's true that each country has its fair share of Great Sword Master, not to mention one or two Sword Saints in each nation, the Temple Of Celestial Sovereign High Priest and the Magic And Martial Academy Headmaster are all Sword Saints."

"But having a Great Sword Master and a Great Magic Scholar within a mercenary corps is truly remarkable! Um... speaking of powerful individuals, it's worth mentioning the country of Ventoria. They have two Sword Saints, and one of them, well, he's a genius among geniuses..." Alderman expression was filled with awe as he continued, and Mateo perked up his ears, listening curiously.

Alderman went on, "The most powerful family in Ventoria, the current head of the Clansword family, Duke Balian Clansword, is only 30 years old. He's a once-in-a-millennium genius. He became a Great Sword Master at the age of 20 and a Sword Saint at 24!" Landon was also surprised by this revelation, not having considered that humans could possess such extraordinary talent.

"However... well... his reputation isn't very good," Alderman lowered his voice. "The 'Funeral Bell Incident' is the most well-known thing about him. You see, the next in line to become the family head wasn't him, but his elder brother. However, for some reason, on the same day, the current family head, who was his father, his elder brother (the next in line), and his sister-in-law all died. After the funeral, he declared himself as the family head, which naturally led to opposition from some people."

"But what they didn't expect was that on the third night after the funeral, Duke Balian killed all those who opposed him in a single night. Many were killed by his own hand, and by then, he was already a Sword Saint. As this massacre ended, the magical clock used to mark the time in Ventoria just began to chime, like a funeral bell tolling for the deceased."

"This incident became known as the 'Funeral Bell Incident.' After this, no one dared to oppose him, and it's undeniable that the Clansword family has grown stronger under his leadership. However, there are rumors that he killed his father, elder brother, and sister-in-law just to become the family head. But I don't believe that; Duke Balian is far better than many nobles!" Alderman frowned, murmuring discontentedly.

Landon raised an intrigued eyebrow.

"But you guys are amazing too! I can see that you're around my age, yet you're already an advanced swordsman and a Sword Master! Sigh, I don't know when I'll be able to become an advanced Wizard." Alderman sighed.

After a moment pause, Alderman seemed somewhat embarrassed and asked, "Um... I was just curious... are you two a couple? I mean... you both have rings on your fingers." Mateo was momentarily taken aback. So, even in this other world, rings are used to signify relationships... but they weren't that kind of couple...

"Ah! I won't discriminate against you! I know that most Beastmans don't agree with such things, but in the human world, as long as you're strong enough, no one will make a fuss! Our captain and vice-captain are also a couple, and no one dares to say anything about them!" Alderman quickly explained.

Mateo opened his mouth, intending to say something, but at that moment, they heard several cries that sounded like eagles but not quite eagles from not far away. The three of them stood up.

Mateo frowned. If he guessed correctly, it should be a type of gregarious demon beast he had encountered before, a very tough opponent.

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