Tales of The Demi Human

Chapter 6 : Joining the mercenary

Hi, pops! I have some business to do with this guy here!" Hex pointed at Kyran.

"You mean assassination business?" Kyran retorted.

"Sorry mate. I think she was a bit getting carried away" Hex grinned, putting his hands on Carol's head, urging the dwarf girl to apologize. It's comical to watch he failed on the first try to touch her head due to their height difference. Only at the second attempt did he manage to reach her head.

"Alright, alright, sorry." Carol apologize.

"We just want to test your strength and make sure you're not with the bandits who roamed around recently." Hex explained

"Well, can't be helped. Being cautious of a new face, huh?" Kyran sighed, "Are bandits common here?"

"Not really. Bandits show up occasionally, pillaging villages with weak guard. But recently it's happening quite often. Many villages had fallen victims, several people went missing and business didn't go well as they targeted carts, especially one that transported slaves. Actually, we get requests from nearby villages to get rid of the bandits. You're pretty good. Want to join us?" Hex offered.

Razuli butted in before Kyran could answer,

"That's a good idea, besides, aren't you short of money? Mercenaries are always busy, it's an easy-tipsy money! You still owed me, let's see, 2 silver and 40 coppers for your meal ,lodging and-" Razuli elaborated.

"What? I should pay for that?" Kyran widened his eyes.

"Who do you think I am? I'm doing business here, brat! Be thankful for the special discount!" Razuli replied.

"Alright, Count me in!" Kyran sighed. He had his own thought. Maybe he could get clues about demon territory, information about Alice's origin to help her return to her hometown.

"Welcome to brotherhood mercenary group!" Hex extended his hand.

"Brotherhood...?" Kyran shook Hex's hand.

"Got a problem?" Carol asked.

"No, it's just unexpected!" Kyran said.

"You're noisy, noob! It came from our journey through thick and thin together! We're brothers! It's the coolest name ever!" Carol proudly said.

Kyran decided to end the useless debate. At that moment he really wanted to give her a mirror, but maybe, just maybe, she really thought she was born a bro. What a unique group!

..................................................................

"Brother, are you going out?" Alice asked

"Yes, I'll play with you later. Be a good girl and wait!" Kyran pinched her cheek.

"Ouch! silly brother!" Alice replied.

Kyran hastened his step as he strode along the wide, empty road. Noone care to bother him anymore. It's been a week since he joined the group. He's started to get use of his new life. The scorching heat and occasional dusty billowing streets did not bother him as much now. He treated his daily meal as an exotic cuisine although he hated it. As he walked, he's engrossed on his thought. This past week, he had learnt a thing about the demon territory. There are three major powers ruling over the demon world: Vixen Kingdom, his current location, ruled by queen Ishtar. Far southwest from Vixen lay Netherheim, a haven for beast-kind demon. The nation bordering Vixen kingdom, famous for their unusual culture was Nine Cloud Territory. At nine cloud territory, various demon-race lived alongside each other and they had something in common, strangely influenced by their custom. For example, it's said they ate with a strange tool made of two pieces of thin bamboo and were widely known for practicing a mysterious battle art found nowhere else. Besides the three giants, there're many small forces scattered across the demon territory, but none could compare to the major powers.