Sapienophobia

Epilogue

"And you did all this by running away?"

I grinned. Shocking Vera specifically with a completed bounty could've taken every ounce of shame I had and replaced it with hubris.

Don't underestimate my ability to haul ass.

We were hovering over Sod's corpse; it had gone all rigid and blank. The eyes which once knew me were all but lifeless now.

Vera said that she would get rid of the leftovers as I hoped, but she didn't indulge me with the details. I wouldn't have wanted to know.

"Well, color me impressed, Shin. And here I was beginning to think that you were planning to live in the Murks, and I was throwing away money on your paycheck. I guess this means you can start accepting harder bounties. Or join a party for the big guys," they hinted, nudging me in the shoulder.

"I think I'm alright by myself, I've made it this far."

I can't make up for other people's faults and mine.

"Too bad I've already decided on your next one," she handed me a new paper from an old pocket, "it's a conjoined effort between the Dispatchers and the Church, so you'll be working in a group."

"I don't think-"

"No, you don't think, you obey," the sudden sternness in their voice frightened me, "remember you owe me one?"

And in my ass, it bit.
I'm not prepared for this. I need time to get ready for getting ready for this bounty.

I didn't want to take the folded document in her hands; it would mean Sod's bounty was over, it would mean I would have to move on to different things, newer things.

"And I'll take Sod's bounty so we can start getting ready," she held her hand out wittingly.

I wanted to keep the paper as a keepsake, and I frowned at having to relinquish it.

"You did good, Shin," Vera added.

So they say.

"Getting ready for what?" I trailed, vexed that I was giving in to the purposeful vagueness in their speech.

"A party. Those idiots at the guild want to congratulate you on your first bounty, and I'm not going to send you out on this one immediately. You need to heal up," she gestured to my right.

It doesn't hurt as bad as it looks now.
I got rid of Sod with my half-healed wolf injuries, didn't I?

"Should you be calling your workers idiots?" I giggled.

"That's what they are, and they're using you to get out of doing work."

I can understand that. Work is scary.

Vera's eyes had narrowed, and they were seeing far past me.

I unfolded my bounty, anticipating details on my coworkers on the assignment. There were names I didn't know and locations I didn't recognize. I could only pray that they weren't human.

"Vera?" I snapped her back to the present.

They turned to me, attention undivided.

"Where is this bounty?"

"A continent over, to the East, you'll need your coat," she responded.

I felt the blood leaving my extremities.

"I'll be by myself?"

"No, I just explained that you'll be in a group," they couldn't understand.

I'll be without you guys.
"Will I return the bounty to you when I'm finished?"