Necromancer For Hire- Arc 2

Arc 2, Chapter 3

The Request

"Victor, after I fought for Aunora, I was legally considered a mercenary. I was aware that undocumented mercenary work could be problematic given my..." he paused, weary of Aunora's judgmental stare. "...history. So, I decided it would be wise to sign myself up at the guild in town to eliminate any possible breach of the law." Umbra explained, nursing a steaming cup of coffee he had fixed for himself.

Aunora smirked. "And guess what, bucko? Your old man agreed to join up with Esper and I in a mercenary group! Ain't that swell?"

Victor nervously flicked his gaze from Umbra to Aunora, not sure what to think. While it was a relief that his father wasn't abandoning him, he wasn't sure what think about this possible change to their lifestyle. Victor enjoyed his generic, urban lifestyle, and would prefer for there not to be a shift to his internal status quo.

Umbra smiled. "Yes, yes, I also thought it would be a pleasurable method of spending my time. I don't have much of an outlet to practice my combat abilities, besides my sparing room upstairs. I feel mercenary work would help me keep my skills sharp, just in case the situation rises where I need to protect you." He clapped Victor on the shoulder, beaming at his child. "I even considered putting up a flier on the forum for your necromancy talent. As long as you consent to it, of course. You could even be a mercenary! Doesn't that sound fun?"

"Hey! That was my idea!" Aunora snapped, but Umbra held up a hand in front of her face.

Victor swallowed, his saliva having difficulty sliding down his throat. His heart pounded furiously in his chest as he stared vacantly at Umbra. He disliked the idea of his father teaming up with Aunora and Esper, and he wasn't sure how he felt about doing more request letters or even becoming a mercenary himself.

But Umbra seemed so happy! He rarely got excited about things like this, which made Victor cautious to be a nay-sayer. He knew if he expressed his doubts, Umbra's smile would fade and his shoulder's would slump back to their normal position. He'd probably murmur something like "Ah, I see. That's fine, dear. I understand." Victor didn't want that, he wanted his father to be genuinely happy!

Another reason quickly resurfaced, pushing Victor farther into the way of positive thinking. He vividly remembered taking out a naga with his spirit flames and garnering his father's praise. A warm feeling spread through Victor's chest as he imagined the implications of taking on his father's suggested job. Umbra would be so proud of him! The thought alone nearly caused a smile to come to Victor's lips, but he quickly suppressed it to remain looking neutral.

Maybe this is the kind of training I need? Victor thought, absentmindedly pulling at a seam on his shirt. Last time he had tried to preform his magic before a crowd of people, he had choked up and nearly quit! If I answer request letters and do missions with dad, maybe I'll get more used to being around people and using my magic...That'd make my life a whole lot easier.

Victor could have easily continued to cogitate on the matter, but the sudden sound of snapping jerked Victor out of his mind.

"Is the kid okay? He's just, like, staring into space..." Aunora muttered, snapping her clawed fingers once more. "Dude, Umbra, this is seriously freaky."

Victor blinked, steadily casting his glance equally across Esper, Aunora, and Umbra. Esper had distanced himself from the topic at hand, seemingly practicing his magic while the others talked. His mouth moved like he was forming words, but the quiet spell he was casting escaped Victor's range of hearing. With a sparkle of pink magic, vines started to twist around his fingers, leaves and flower buds popping up on the growing plant.

Victor shook off the distraction, facing his father.

"I think it will be fun," Victor said, a small hint of confidence in his voice. "We could all be mercenaries." He paused. "So, uh, dad, can we eat breakfast now? I'm really hungry..."

Author's Note- Is Victor's reasoning processes healthy and/or smart? I'll leave that for you to decide... Please vote and comment!