“Razorgrin,” Yuuto began, addressing the one-eyed man by name, “I understand your concern. However, Alister’s circumstances are… unique. While he may technically be a rookie, his potential is undeniable. And as you know, the Guild thrives on fostering talent.”
Razorgrin scoffed, his beard bristling. “Potential is one thing, Master Yuuto. But raw potential doesn’t win battles, nor does it clear dungeons. We need experienced fighters in our squads, not some greenhorn who just stumbled onto a powerful summon.”
‘My lord, I don’t like this one, permission to incinerate him.’ Cinder’s voice echoed in Alister’s mind.
‘My lord, this human is in need of enlightenment, he deserves to be put down for acting so disrespectfully. Only a fool speaks confidently of what they have yet to see.’
Terra said, her voice echoed in Alister’s thoughts as well.
‘Both of you should calm down. Actions towards people who could potentially become our allies should be frowned upon. Their attitude towards me is to be expected, so both of you should look past it for now. Do you both understand?’
‘Understood.’ they both replied.
Yuuto’s gaze remained fixed on Razorgrin, his expression unreadable. The silence stretched, thick with unspoken words. Alister, meanwhile, remained calm on the platform, his mind in a whirlwind of thoughts.
He understood their skepticism. He was, after all, an unknown quantity. Yet, a look of defiance could be seen in his eyes. He wouldn’t be dismissed so easily.
Razorgrin wasn’t finished. He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a low growl.
“And then there’s the matter of his… bizarre demands, Master Yuuto. Its all over the news, access to the Guild’s treasury? Refusal to participate in dungeon raids? I understand the down payment and the monthly pay – his monster might need some intense resources. But this is ridiculous! We can’t simply shower a rookie with riches and then allow him to shirk his duties!”
A murmur of agreement rippled through the hall. The other squad leaders nodded, their expressions slightly similar to Razorgrin’s.
Yuuto, however, remained calm. He steepled his fingers, his gaze was calm yet commanding.
“Those demands were a result of the… delicate nature of the contract negotiations with Alister.”
“However, I assure you, certain compromises have been made. The treasury access has been significantly limited to only four items, and while dungeon raids are not mandatory, Alister has agreed, as per the contract to participate in Guild missions when necessary.”
Yuuto straightened, a slight smile spreading on his lips, his voice ringing out through the hall. “But if you all qustion his strength, very well, then. Perhaps a demonstration is in order.”
Razorgrin’s frown deepened, his one good eye gazing intently at Yuuto.
“And how exactly do you propose we do that, Master Yuuto? After all, Mr. Golden Rookie here has apparently decided he won’t be participating in dungeon raids.”
Alister narrowed his gaze, the nickname stinging slightly. He wasn’t a rookie, not truly.
He’d faced his fair share of challenges in the wastelands, after all that was where he spent nine years of his life with Miyu before they were found. But these people wouldn’t know that.
Yuuto, however, remained unfazed. A smirk spread on his lips. “Actually, Razorgrin, I was thinking of the upcoming Wastelands Display Event.”
The Wasteland Display Event was a massive annual competition between guilds in the wastelands, where they competed to see which guild could push furthest through the wastelands and bring back the most monster resources when it was finally over. The contest originated from the surge in the monster population during that time of year. To prevent hordes or massive invasions, all the guilds had to give it their all and nearly wipe out the surrounding monsters.
What made the event even more interesting was that the top guild would get to take half of everything all the other guilds obtained, adding a touch of excitement to the dire situation. It ensured all guilds gave it their all as they each strived for the top spot.
But such an event was not always without casualties, and these were from the guild’s elite. So, suggesting that one would send out a rookie as a way to display their potential not only sounded comical, but it was also a silent slap in the face to the veterans who ended up dying out there.
For a moment there was absolute silence, not a single sound could be heard in the massive hall.
Suddenly words of disbelief rippled through the air.
“Can you believe it? Master Yuuto thinks he’s ready for the Wastelands Display.”
“The boy has barely reached the training grounds, let alone the wastelands.”
“Some of us haven’t been given the honor to go there, let alone if we’d have the courage to.”
“The kid won’t last a day out there. It’s practically a death sentence,” someone said with a smirk.
The squad leaders spoke up as well.
“The Wastelands Display? Are you serious, Master Yuuto?” a grizzled man with a scarred face, named Hiroshi, one of the squad leaders, said.
“He’s just a kid! He’ll be lucky to survive the first wave of sandworms,” a young woman with fiery red hair, named Kaida, said, her brow furrowed in concern.
“This is a prestigious event, broadcasted for all to see. Throwing an untested rookie into the mix is a disaster waiting to happen,” a team leader with neatly styled hair, named Ren, said. Kaida spoke up again, “The Wastelands are no place for someone inexperienced. Sandworms, wyverns, even the occasional basilisk – it’s a brutal environment. He’ll be lucky to survive the first wave of attacks!”
Aiko leaned closer to Yuuto, her voice barely above a murmur. “Master Yuuto, while I understand the desire to showcase Alister’s potential, wouldn’t a controlled environment be more appropriate for his first display?”
Despite the rising tide of doubt, Yuuto remained calm. He raised a hand, silencing the murmurs with a quiet command.
“I understand your concerns,” he began, his voice steady and authoritative. “The Wastelands Display is traditionally a venue for experienced Guild members to showcase their prowess. However, it’s not unheard of for promising rookies to participate as well. In fact,” his gaze moved towards Alister, “it can be the perfect platform for them to prove their mettle. And given Alister’s summon is a giant class monster – the Wastelands Display may be the only way for him to truly demonstrate its abilities.”
A low rumble of disapproval echoed through the room.
“But Master Yuuto,” a burly man with a handlebar mustache, named Goro, boomed, “this isn’t just any rookie! He’s barely stepped foot in the Guild, let alone set foot in the Wastelands! I don’t understand why it seems you are favoring him so much, this isn’t like-” Yuuto’s voice hardened, his expression turning stern. “I will not entertain further arguments on this matter. This is my final decision, and I expect it to be respected. No one is to question my judgment.”
A heavy silence descended upon the hall. The squad leaders exchanged uneasy glances, their expressions a mix of resignation and defiance. Reluctantly, they nodded in agreement.
Yuuto’s demeanor changed completely. A satisfied smirk crept across his face. “Very well,” he said, his tone softening. “Now, Alister, if you would follow me to the treasury.”
As Yuuto got up and began to walk back beyond his throne-like seat, Alister couldn’t help but
gaze at him with suspicion.
In his thoughts, Terra’s voice echoed, ‘My lord…’
She didn’t even complete her sentence before Alister replied, ‘I know, there is something awfully suspicious about the way he’s acting.’