Chapter 1- Re:Oz

“Hey Jason, have you heard? It seems that last night another guy fell at the hands of the Crow.” Said a middle aged man with a prominent red beard, while he was chewing rye bread.

It was a another busy night in the tabern 'Los Colosos', like all the other nights, Cross-eyed Sam was trying to grope the tight buttocks of the young female waitresses, Big Harry was gulping down one beer after another. While Mad Tim was joking with his wife saying that the only thing that`s more bottomless than the endless sea is the belly of Big Harry. Yes, it was a peaceful night. After all, city #37 was just a small city, far away from the main cities of the kingdom, it was not even recorded in some of the oldest maps.

“Wow, this guy, crow has been quite active lately. He might soon surpass Bloodless Jack. I wonder which rank does crow have. Maybe he is even a diamond ranked red mercenary, haha. Well, but to tell ya the truth i`m more curious about that young lady, that blonde in the corner.” Repeated the companion of the red-bearded man, as he pointed towards a girl in her mid-twenties seated in the corner. “If only my wife had those curves, I would be more willing to stay at home instead of coming here everyday.” Sighed the man as he shook slightly his head.

“Hahaha, Kuzen you wish! Everyone would love to have a pretty and refined wife like that, besides she is not a girl you can see everyday. She is probably from a big city, I`ve never seen someone as beatiful as her here before. I wonder what is she doing here.” Replied the red-bearded man.

“Maybe...Looking for a husband?” Replied Kuzen with a grin.

“Sheesh...why would she come here, to this small and poor city in the middle of nowhere to look for a husband? Perhaps she is already married! Well, she must be. I can`t believe that those wolves from the big cities would leave such a prey escape from their hands. Besides, Kuzen you are already married, you old rascal! If she is looking for a husband, that would be me! The golden single gentleman of #37 city!” Shouted the red-bearded man as he raised both arms like a big and threatening bear.

“Hahaha, yes sure, golden sing-” Kuzen had his arms wrapped around his belly, trying to control the laughter. When suddenly the door to the tabern opened.

In the entrance stood a youth. A black-haired youth with grey eyes and plain leather clothes. All the young girls and waitresses present had been entranced by the young man. His handsome face was like a bomb for them, leaving every single one of them stunned! The youth had a delicate nose, perfect lips, as if they were inviting, attracting the hidden desire of the young maidens. But the most noticeable feature was his eyes, those gentle eyes warmed the hearts of both, young and old women.

The young lad, ignoring the blazing glances of the women, ordered water to the nearby waitress and went directly to the corner where the pretty lady was seated.

“Ignoring everyone, huh? Such a ladykiller. I feel pity for those poor girls that have been deceived by this ruthless and dangerous man.” Said the blonde pretty lady with feigned compassion. The youth, frowned a little and then said. “Well, whatever. Devi, I think this was the last one. I already covered the work for half a year. So...Did you got what i requested?” Said the youth, with a little bit of impatience.

“Ara, Ara. Straight to the point, huh? Fufufuh. You should know that you have a unique beauty in front of you, not many men can talk to me, well most are cowards who can`t even try! At least try to hit on me or something, after all you are at that age, right?” Said Devi with a wide smile, a mocking smile. Which the youth replied with a fiery gaze.

“Ok, ok. I got it. Dont look at me like that. I`m more into gentlemen and i can`t really stand the violent type. So... here are the papers!” Said Devi, as she handed over a folder that she just took from her i-wristband.

“Your new name will be Oz Rezlley. 16 years old. Orphan, your parents were both peasants, they died while protecting their son from bandits 4 years ago, that will also explain the countless scars on your body if someone sees them. No more close relatives. Also, you were badly injured from the assault, but you escaped and then met with a mercenary called Heisen, he taught you everything you know about weapons, magic and martial arts. You already passed the theorical exam with almost perfect grades in every subject and the only thing left is the practical exam that will be held in 2 weeks at the school, but you shouldn`t have problems with that, right?” Devi raised her eyes from the documents and stared at the youth, her lips curved into a seductive smile.

“Unfortunately, Heisen died in action last year. But before that he helped you with a few low ranked quests for the Mercenary Guild, so you are a bronze ranked mercenary. At the moment all the quests you`ve completed are white tier like patrolling the city or escorting a caravan. After all, blue tier and red tier quests are dangerous, since you would need to face magical beasts and kill people to complete them. Well, that should be the general information. Everything clear?” Asked Devi, the seductive smile was formed again on her lips, like if they never have left them.

“Yes” nodded the youth, while he was trying to memorize all the information. His lips were showing a rare smile, not only his lips. Even his eyes were smiling. This must be something really important to him.

“Well, you should head towards the capital as soon as possible. Ohh, I almost forgot. Nice to meet you, Oz Rezlley~” Said Devi with a bright voice and a playful smile.