Rolan Mercenaries Headquarters, Twinwave Town
In the midst of a mountain range, rolling hills, and dense forests, laid a prosperous large town.
It was a town that took advantage of its position in rough terrain and its proximity to various cities and towns. It had direct economic connections to nine villages, three towns, and a city, because one had to pass through this town to get to anywhere of these territories.
It had relatively wide roads of about 5 meters each lane, with people and carriages abound chatting and creating a cacophony of noises that characterized a lively population.
Walking along these streets, one would appreciate the overall appearance of the town.
The buildings were in the continent's usual construction of wood, of typical post-and-beam construction, but each one had differences hand-customized by the residents, showing signs of life and differing personalities.
The largest building was the five story Town center and the rest of the buildings leading to it were two-storey houses, serving as its willing foil.
There were, of course, a few sets of buildings larger in size than the others, and these were all purchases by large organizations.
At the moment, a certain Terran was completing a deal inside one.
"Here, 340 gold." Bart handed the bag to Garan with a smile.
Garan took the gold with a light attitude. "Thanks." He paused, separating a third of the amount, and handed them back.
"If you have any more missions, or information about that matter…"
Bart smiled and took the bribe. "Yes, we're contacting our teams that came back from more distant territories, perhaps they have news."
"Thank you."
Garan stood up and left, leaving the mercenary team's headquarters to meet his team at the inn. He temporarily placed the money in his space, planning on how much they needed to keep.
This amount of gold could actually let the entire team live well for a month or two in a small town.
However, the cost of travel and payment of informants weren't cheap–one channel, Bart, already took a bulk of two week's income—so even after earning good money, they had to live very frugally.
Of course, except for a few, no one complained. After all, they all want to go home.
However, an occasional treat was still okay.
He called the team to eat out, surprising them to no end.
Garan and the team went to the town's advanced restaurant nearby. It offered one of the rare decent meals this place offered—Grilled Masdeer, some sort of mutton that was marinated in a secret sauce.
It was nothing special compared to their Terran dishes, but it was one of the edible offerings this place had. He also chose two other dishes to complement.
His team brightened up at the sight of food delivered.
"Thanks boss!!" The youngest, Luis, expressed in glee as he stared at the sumptuous meals in front of him.
How long did he have three plates to choose from?
Gill rolled his eyes but gracefully ate the food.
Tsk, couldn't compare to the Captain's or any of Terran dishes at all… but the boss was rarely generous so he shall enjoy it nevertheless.
Garan nodded and ate his meal, also appreciating the rare treat.
His wife always told him to balance things, not only focused on work but also add a bit of break and graciousness.
Not only for him, but also for the morale of the team.
Looking at the team lively around the table, Garan smiled to himself.
As always, his wife was always right.
…
About an hour later, the satisfied team went back to the temporary home base.
This temporary house was a dwelling they rented a few weeks prior. After settling down, Garan called them so they could start planning on the budgeting of the items again, like a proper democracy.
"We keep 200 gold as living expenses this month." A small town typically needed 10 gold per person a month to somehow live like a human being.
They just required this amount for themselves. The twenty of them were sharing a 100 sqm room, with the only girl living with other aboriginal girls next door.
The remaining would be sent, as always, to the Mercenary Union for information.
A few foreign soldiers frowned a bit displeased about the amount they'd be keeping.
No one complained. After all, everyone wanted to go home.
And there was also the fact that they personally earn just enough for themselves. The money invested for information was mostly the Captain's money, and they were just freeloading.
However, everyone did make a point to share those moments when they started making money and sharing it with a colleague..
…
The next day, Garan and Gill went to the Mercenary Union. It was a three storey building made of stone, and it had a large door about 3 meters.
They walked to the counter to see a bulky man with a bushy beard.
"Jones. Any news on odd phenomenons the past few months?" Gill asked, "Like, say, space distortions?"
Jones took the money. "Well, there's no space distortions but there really was something odd." He paused, and stopped talking.
Garan, on cue, added a few more gold.
"A beast tide occurred a few days back and several unconnected territories were hit." The man said, and stopped indifferently.
"That's all we know for now. They have just finished dealing with most of the swarm, and now several forces are still investigating the cause of it at the moment."
Garan and Gill shared a look, wondering if this was truly all the could get from this trip.
However, from his peripheral vision, Garan couldn't help but notice the old slave wiping the floor vigorously a few meters away.
If he remembered correctly, this person was twice as far from him a few seconds prior.
The man lifted his head, meeting his eyes. The two shared a flash of communication making Garan pause, understanding this man wanted to tell him something.
Although the man's eyes were lifeless and devoid of hope, there was still a hint of confidence.
.
.
It was as if he really had something to offer.
And Garan always trusted his guts.