As I awoke, the sun's rays pierced through my small window, birds chirp outside, and the sounds of people filling the streets echoed through the cool morning air. I crawl out of bed, stretching as I make my way down to the lobby of the inn. The sounds of people come through from the streets, and those who celebrate from jobs completed or those leaving from jobs taken become louder as I make my way down.

Greeting Ed quickly as I walk out the door, I breathe in the morning air as I walk the street to the guild. Though it hasn't been long since I've come to this world, and I certainly miss my old one, theirs a kind of peace here that isn't like anything from my old world. It's something I feel like makes my life better than before, something special.

A slight smile on my face, I walk into the guild, ready for my first job as an official D rank mercenary. I approach the board as scan the papers that line it, looking for something quick, one that won't be too dangerous or long term but pays relatively well. Most of the requests are long term, things like guarding cargo, exterminating dangerous beasts, or delivering messages.

I look over towards the entrance to the field and see Garth's familiar face talking to what looks like another high level mercenary. Curious, I start to make my way over, but Garth seems to notice and holds up a hand, motioning for me to stop. This draws the attention of the other man, who gives me a short glance before returning to conversing with Garth. I patiently wait for them to finish talking and as the man leaves, a rare serious face surfaces on Garth.

"Well now, that's a problem." Looking over to me, a bright look appears in his eye as he rushes over to me.

"Now, Bai... we're friends right? You owe me a favor too right? Well I have a little bit a job for you to do, it might take awhile but it pays pretty good."

"That depends on what it is. I'd rather have the details before actually agreeing."

"Sure, sure, lets talk about it over a drink."

"Its the morning."

"So? That makes it better."

"I think i'll pass. How about you just tell me." Garth looks heartbroken, almost as if i'd stolen his soul.

"You would really turn down a drink... from your savior." He wipes a fake tear from his cheek.

"I thought you were better than that... I guess I was wrong." He turns around and slumps away, seeming to be incredibly depressed. I let out a sigh,

"Just get me juice or something, lets just go." He turns around, his former depressed persona just a memory as he practically runs to the bar, ordering some drinks i'd never heard of. As we took a seat and the drinks came Garth began explaining the details of the job.

"So basically, its a caravan escort. Your gonna be going around the kingdom and trading with emissaries from other countries, mostly. You'll be taking time to trade with some smaller villages and towns along the way too."

"Doesn't sound too bad then, how long would I be out, would I have a team, and what do I need to worry about along the way?"

"Well you'll be gone for the better part of the year actually. Another company'll be sending some of their D ranks, I think around 20, and a C rank. We'll be doing the same but I don't have too many takers for the job. The length, you know."

"That still doesn't tell me why it needs so many mercenaries guarding it. Just what are we transporting that needs so much protection?"

"Weapons and supplies. This is neutral territory so we can sell to who we want. It's just some people wouldn't really like us giving supplies to their enemies. That and the occasional pack of wolves do show up every so often."

"Well how big a caravan are we talking about here?"

"I'd say around 200 wagons, so something like 500 people, maybe more. Its not too big actually, I've been on ones with 4 or 5 thousand people in them."

"Sure, I guess I can go. Gives me a chance to see the world outside of Essen."

"Oh yeah, speaking of jobs, you have a request. She specifically asked for you actually." I shoot up an eyebrow as Garth points to the counter where I only see the dark hair and shapely figure of a girl talking to the receptionist. She turns around and her eyes seem to glow as she spots me as she quickly makes her way over.

"You know how rude it is to not say goodbye before leaving? I did save your life after all, Cassandra." Her face flushes a light shade of red as if she remembers herself running out of the hall.

"Well I... had a place to be."

"I suppose you did then. Apothecaries must get a lot of work in a town full of mercenaries. Though I'm curious as to what exactly you had to run off for?

"I was filthy! You did some job protecting me didn't you. It took me ages to get those stains out of my clothes!" Though she seemed angry, a cheeky grin covered my face as she was talking. I look over to Garth and see his mouth agape, his eyes coming out of his head.

"Bai I had no idea you two were that close." He recovered quickly and had a dirty look on his face.

"I guess i'll leave you two lovebirds alone then. Bai, the caravan leaves in two days at sunrise, best be ready by then."

"I got it, see you around then." As Garth leaves he gives me a wink and saunters off to the practice field, I assume to go bother some other unlucky guy. I look over and see Cassandra has blushed an even deeper shade of red, only now realizing what she'd said.

"IT WASN'T LIKE THAT!" She shouts after Garth as I let slip a laugh, earning me a glare from my employer. Seems Garth was rubbing off on me a bit too much. Deciding to break the off from the former atmosphere I ask,

"So whats this request you need me for? Same as last time or something a little different?" She seems to compose herself quickly as I ask about the job.

"It's pretty much the same kind of thing, I just need to go a bit deeper into the forest this time. I'd like to have your company though, especially seeing as you recently ranked up. I was shocked when I 'd heard, ranking up that fast isn't easy you know?"

"Yeah, it was a lot of work. Either way, when do you wanna head out?"

"Now actually. I'll need most of the day to collect everything." I nod and rise from my seat, Cassandra leads the way out, her swaying hips a slight distraction as we make our way out of the town.

*CONTRACT: The Apothecary Part 2

Cassandra has returned and asked you to protect her once again. Make sure she returns safe.

When we entered the forest I was largely on edge. My hand rested on the handle of by sword as I cautiously looked into my surroundings. Hardly any movement slipped by unnoticed under my watchful gaze. Sudden noises belonging to squirrels or rabbits startled me to the point of almost drawing my weapon. My being on edge seemed to unnerve Cassandra so I tried to relax but despite my best efforts, the ever moving shadows of swaying trees caused my hair to stand on end.

"You know you didn't have to come out here again. I know what happened... with the monster." My eyes sharpen and breath quickens at the mention but I force myself to calm down. I let out a sigh and release the grip of my sword.

"It's fine, I'm just a little on edge is all."

"Well I suppose that's to be expected, you did almost die after all."

"Thats not why." I take a deep breath and think over the events of that day. The sense of powerlessness I had was overwhelming. I couldn't do anything to help, I just had to push it off to other people. The fact that the mountain gets taller the more I climb sticks is stuck firmly in my mind. The head of that captain who's name I cant even remember, the screams of pain as I fled, it was all still fresh.

I grit my teeth as my nails dig into my hands, the pain bringing me back to the present. I look over at Cassandra's worried look and give her a soft smile.

"You can go back if you need, the forest seems calm enough, and I think I can handle myself." She flashes a small dagger at her waist in my direction.

"Don't worry, I'll still protect you." Her face flushes slightly at my words as she whips back around.

"Shut up and pay attention! If I die because of your flirting i'll come back and haunt you."

I start to keep a more casual lookout, the working figure of my employer taking most of my attention. Sweat dripped down her brow as she worked carefully pulling up a variety of unique looking plants. Her dedication to her work was admirable, and she seemed relatively well respected based on the greetings people gave out while we left the town. It seems like I've made quite a few friends in high places since I've come here. Hearing the whistle of the wind as it flows through her hair was an intoxicating sight.

"Cassandra, come here." I call out, as she looks towards me, confused. I focus on my surroundings, noticing the lack of insects and animal sounds. I draw my sword and shift towards where I hear a twig snap in the underbrush.

3 Arrows pierce the air in slow motion, moving towards Cassandra and I. Moving faster than I thought possible, I appear next to her and cut the arrows out of the air.

"Come out!" I shout out to the woods, and 5 dirty, haggard looking men rush out of the brush with their swords drawn. The glint in their eyes shows greed and as they look towards Cassandra... Lust. My gaze hardens as I look at the men, more arrows coming from the woods around me. I again cut the arrows from the air and sheathe my sword.

"What the hell are you doing!"

"Just watch." I take half a step forward, lowering my body and thrust out my arm, hitting the first bandit in the stomach. He doubles over but before he gets launched backwards I grab his sword arm and swing him in front of another bandit. Following this, a slash comes from my left, I evade it by leaning slightly, grabbing his arm and snapping his elbow. Another slash comes from my right, but I manage to put the man in front of the blow, cutting down his chest... a lethal wound. He falls to the ground as I see more arrows come from the brush. The bandit, enraged after killing a comrade, thrusts forwards to my stomach, trying to gut me. I step towards him, throwing off the strike as use his momentum to throw him in line with the arrows. He dies as soon as they hit him.

The last bandit, looking up at me in terror, scrambles to his feet and takes a wild swing at me as the 3 archers come out and attack me as well. Their desperate fight was laughable as I dodge the clumsy swing and take out the bandit at his knees. The archers, seeing their last companion fall, abandon their attack and start to run. Seeing the slow speed of the fleeing bandits, I rush forward, my sword flashing as I claim their heads.

After wiping my sword off on their clothes, I walk back to Cassandra, looking at me with more than some amazement. My gaze lands on the two surviving bandits, fear evident in their eyes as they beg for mercy.

"If we had begged... would you have spared us?" Their eyes widened as I brought my blade down onto them, killing them instantly.

*Killed Bandit x8

XP: 400

*Level Up

*Skill Gained: Unarmed Combat Mastery 40/100

"Well I guess you saved me again." Cassandra looks at me, slightly pale but still well.

"You seem to have a knack for attracting danger, don't you."

"Not usually, I think its you. I've only had problems when you came out with me."

"Then why didn't you pick someone else?" She turned slightly red at the question.

"Because... I feel safer with you."

"Well that's nice, now hurry up so we can get back. I'm starving." She clicked her teeth in annoyance as she walked away, looking for more herbs. A small grin forms as I watch her go, I noticed I'm getting more fond of teasing her as time goes on. I really hope I don't end up like Garth.

The rest of the day went by without incident. When we made it back to the guild to return the job, Cassandra didn't bolt out of the door this time.

"Thank you for saving me, again."

"Well, it is my job. Oh and I'm leaving in two days, so don't bother looking for me at the guild again. I have a long job to go on. I probably won't be back for the better part of the year." Her eyes seem to light up at my mention of leaving.

"It's on the caravan going around Thadour right?"

"Yeah, how'd you know?"

"Because I'm taking it too! It's to get more experience treating people with battle wounds."

"Really? Well I guess I'll see you there then."

*CONTACT: The Apothecary Part 2 Completed

Rewards: Healing Ointment x2

"Yeah!" She practically skipped out of the hall as I watched her leave. I let out a sigh as Garth appears, clapping me on the back. I look over and see him shaking his head while watching her go.

"Ah youth. You should enjoy it while it lasts, especially if its with a lady like that. I don't see why you don't make a move, she obviously likes you. Maybe old uncle Garth should go talk to her." I bite back a curse and just look at him, a sharp glint visible.

"Please mind your business Garth." He just laughs and grabs my shoulder, feeling no sense of threat whatsoever.

"Either way, what do you say we go drink the night away eh. You leave soon after all." I let out a laugh,

"Sure, lets go." When we get to the inn we're greeted by a group of rowdy mercenaries, all celebrating for no apparent reason. Even Ed looks surprisingly happy today.

"Alright boys, LETS DRINK!"

"YEAAAHHHHH"

I laugh at their antics, I don't think i'm gonna remember much of tonight, as i get pushed into the group and start one of the shortest yet longest nights I've ever had.