Chapter 161: Problems With The Mercenary Guild

POV Cornelius

We made our way back to the surface. Because we had defeated the boss, we were able to skip 10 floors each via a separate spiral staircase. We only encountered a few monsters along the way, so we were back quickly.

Once we reached the top, we left the labyrinth and entered the entrance area where we had had to wait in line for so long a few days ago. There, we were immediately approached by an official-looking person in a mercenary guild uniform.

“Excuse me, are you the group that just defeated the Minotaur?” <Official person>

"Yes, we are. Are you here to congratulate us? Is there an official reward?" <Cornelius>

“Unfortunately, I am not authorized to answer that question. But I would like to ask you to follow me. The guild master wants to speak with you.” <Official person>

“Then let's go get our reward. Let's go.” <Cornelius>

We followed the woman through the large hall, across the square, and into the large, massive building on the other side. We crossed the guild's entrance hall and went straight up the stairs on the side to the third floor. There were only two doors there. We approached the rear door, which was also the larger of the two. The woman in uniform knocked on it.

“Guild Master, I bring the aforementioned group of heroes.” <Official woman>

“Come in.” <Male voice>

The voice behind the door was powerful, very deep, and above all intimidating. I had never heard a voice like it before. It reminded me most of the captain of the imperial guard. The woman opened the door and led us inside. The room was large, taking up about half the floor space of the entire building. Inside, there were shelves full of documents and books and, above all, trophies. Stuffed heads of various monsters and animals hung on three walls. Particularly striking were a dragon's head and a large, heavy axe.

At the end of the room stood a large, very solid desk. In front of it were four chairs. Behind the desk sat a tall man who could confidently be described as a giant. I estimate his height to be well over 2.2 meters, making him even taller than Ansgar. He was so muscular that his upper arms were thicker than my thighs. You could see his muscles clearly because his upper body was naked. He was bald, but had a thick beard. There were scars all over his body, signs of an experienced warrior. I estimated his age to be around 50. When we entered the room, he stood up.

“Come in and sit down. We have a lot to discuss.” <Guild Master>

We sat down on the four chairs. Behind us, the woman left the room and closed the door behind her. The guild master also took a seat and folded his hands in front of his chest. His expression was serious.

“I'll get straight to the point. We have received a serious accusation about your group and are obliged by our own rules to investigate the matter.” <Guild Master>

“We just arrived in town. We haven't had any time to do anything wrong.” <Eleonore>

“Hmm, she's right. What are we being accused of anyway?” <Javier>

"I would have told you if you hadn't interrupted me. By the way, it doesn't matter whether you're heroes or not. That title is worthless here. You won't get any advantages in this city by bragging about your hero title. On the contrary, you'll suffer disadvantages or even hostility. It's up to you, but don't start any trouble in my city." <Guild Master>

“We'll think about it.” <Cornelius>

“But let's get to the trouble you're already in.” <Guild Master>

“Why are we in trouble? We didn't do anything.” <Cornelius>

“You defeated the Minotaur earlier, is that correct?” <Guild Master>

“Yes, we did.” <Cornelius>

“Is it also correct that you didn't start the fight, but another group did?” <Guild Master>

“Yes, that's also correct. Is that forbidden?” <Cornelius>

“We have a clause in our guidelines that prohibits interfering in another group's battle. This is to ensure that each group receives the reward for their efforts.” <Guild Master>

“Are you implying that we have cheated another group out of their deserved reward?” <Cornelius>

“The suspicion has been raised. You were seen in the labyrinth entering the final room with the Minotaur, even though the fight was not yet over. This is a clear violation of our guidelines.” <Guild Master>

"That's nonsense. When we entered the room, there was no one left to fight. There was only a dead body in the corner, being mauled by the Minotaur. Were we supposed to look away or even run away?" <Ansgar>

“As long as the Minotaur is still in the room, you are not allowed to enter it. You are also not allowed to help any other group while they are in combat. Only if you have express permission may you help. By doing so, you have violated the rules.” <Guild Master>

“What does that mean for us now?” <Cornelius>

“You are under observation. You should follow all the rules for the time being.” <Guild Master>

“We will, Guild Master. Can we go now?” <Cornelius>

“Yes, but don't cause any more trouble.” <Guild Master>

We left the Guild Master's office without further comment. The woman who had brought us here was waiting outside. She then took us back downstairs, where she said goodbye to us. I didn't feel like staying here any longer and went outside immediately. The others followed me.

Once outside, Ansgar immediately started ranting loudly.

“What are these accusations? They're trying to screw us over. They say we didn't follow the rules! What rules? As if I need to read any rules and then follow them. Pah! We defeated the Minotaur, and instead of being praised for it, we're getting unjustified accusations. Why were we even here again?” <Ansgar>

“Calm down, Ansgar. I'm also extremely dissatisfied with how we're being treated here, but what do you expect? They're mercenaries. They don't have a shred of honor in them.” <Cornelius>

"Hmm, I see it the same way. Besides, we're just passing through. We conquered the local labyrinth. That was good training. After that, we wanted to move on to one of the two nearby dungeons." <Javier>

“Wasn't the Earth Dungeon in the middle of the desert? I don't want to go there.” <Eleonore>

“That will be difficult, you're right. The Air Dungeon is located in the great prairie east of us. That's a better choice than the desert in summer.” <Cornelius>

“Hmm, I agree. Unfortunately, we have to conquer the Earth Dungeon for our task, but no one is forcing us to do it right away. We can also wait until we are better prepared.” <Javier>

“But we don't know of any other dungeons, do we? Then we have to go to one of the two to train. Unless we chicken out and return to the Empire.” <Ansgar>

“I'd rather not. We've just gained our freedom and no longer have any guards watching us. We should take advantage of that. The Empire is probably already on our trail and looking for us. It's better not to stay here too long.” <Cornelius>

“Hmm, still, I advise against moving on right away. This is a center of trade, which makes it the perfect place to search for information. We need it urgently.” <Javier>

“First, I need a bath and something decent to eat. The rest can wait.” <Eleonore>

“Sounds good. I want a proper beer and a good piece of meat.” <Ansgar>

“Then let's do that. Let's stay a few days and then decide what to do next.” <Cornelius>

Somewhere in the Empire

“What's the latest information about the heroes?” <Person 1>

“They've arrived in Hartdom City. Their next move is still unclear.” <Person 2>

“Let's wait and see if they continue on to one of the two dungeons or take an unexpected turn.” <Person 1>

“We'll keep watching them. They won't escape us.” <Person 2>

“Very good, so far they're sticking to the plan. You may leave now.” <Person 1>

“Very well, Your Eminence.” <Person 2>