Hero of Darkness

At the time of the sunset, Legolas was sitting in his new office in the main headquarters while the newly hired staff for official paperwork and management was arranging things in order, a woman dressed in black and velvet attire similar to that of a flight attendant walked in and informed about the arrival of an important individual. 

Step! 

Step! 

A set of footsteps echoed in the hallway as a group of people steadily walked in through the door. 

Legolas got up and welcomed his new guests. 

This was their first client, and on top of it, they belonged to a particular species. 

Qebika. 

A species native to the Elven empire that was unlike anything Kahn had seen in Vantrea so far. 

Because the members of these species were nothing but humanoid figures made completely out of white and translucent mist. 

Kahn had learned about this species during his time when he was conducting extensive research on the Zivot Empire. 

Qebikas were one of the very few species in Vantrea that did not have a core inside their bodies. 

Due to their physical state, they could not form a core, had eyes or any facial features. Every member of this species was akin to a walking talking miniature tornado. Just that the intensity of the mist in their body was negligible. 

As for the way they reproduced… when 1 Qebika died, their body would be split into 4 parts and 4 new orbs of mist would form. 

These newborns needed intense care and suitable situations to grow up otherwise they'd die soon. Thus, the Qebika were a united species, always looking after each other and working by joining hands to preserve their species. 

In front of Legolas, stood 3 Qebika, all adorning white robes with golden outlines and a hood over them. 

"Pleasure to meet you. I am Legolas Ragnarsson, the leader of the Misthios guild." spoke Legolas and raised his hand, making a gesture of creating an imaginary wave of water. 

The Qebikas on the other end were taken aback. Although no one could guess their expressions, it was evident that they were moved. 

All 3 of them greeted Legolas in the same way. In reality, this was how their species greeted each other. 

Not many people cared to follow this custom so Legolas taking the liberty to follow their customs left a good impression. 

All 4 of them then sat on the luxurious sofas at the meeting section of the room and the one in the middle spoke. 

"My name is Ruben Landograv. This is Hariv Mastograv and Zipon Tervigrav." the client introduced himself and the others. 

Even their voices carried an aftersound of gales of wind. 

"So tell me, Mr. Landograv… what can I do for you?" asked the elf in a nonchalant voice. 

Soon, the group started telling Legolas about their situation and what kind of help they needed. 

The 3 Qebika were part of the same clan and were the owners of 3 different companies who worked together and did the import and export business from different ends of the Zivot Empire and brought their collective goods to trade in the capital. 

However, in the past 5 months, their envoys were attacked by a group of armed pirates along the way many times and all their belongings were stolen. 

During a few incidents of retaliation by their side, the pirates killed thousands of their guards and workers who were only doing their jobs. 

"This has happened 4 times already. And now, close to two thousand of your workers have died at the hands of those pirates. 

During the last attack, we learned that the other side has a 2nd stage saint as bandit group leader." spoke Ruben in an exasperated tone. 

"Every time, our travel route is leaked and the flying ships carrying out goods are besieged and stolen." said Zipon, the 3rd Qebika. 

Legolas heaved a sigh and queried a few things. 

"Why didn't you hire other mercenary guilds with saints then? Even if the imperial authorities take long to respond, the guilds would've done the job for a fair price." 

"We did, 2 of such guilds with saints did take up the job to protect our envoys… However, both lost their saints stationed on the job. 

After that… no one tried to accept our offer." said Hariv, the 2nd Qebika. 

"There are obviously stronger guilds with even more saints. What did they say?" questioned Legolas with a curious gaze. 

There was no shortage of capable mercenary guilds who had stronger saints as well. So the client not hiring them raised suspicion in his mind. 

"The truth is, Mr. Ragnarsson… They charge too much. 

Given the losses we've incurred recently along with the compensation we had to provide to the families of the deceased employees… We don't even have even half the amount left they're asking for the commission." spoke Ruben, his defeated voice signifying their precarious situation. 

"Mr. Logan Vargr said you'd be 'understanding' of our situation." suddenly, Zipon spoke in a hurried tone as if he was agitated. 

Legolas then nodded in response. 

By 'understanding' these Qebikas meant doing a favor to them and cutting a cheap price for the job. 

This was like making a desperate plea and Legolas knowingly cutting off his profits. 

But these Qebikas were their first client and he needed to make some sacrifices to establish themselves as a capable guild for now. 

"Normally, that's no way to do business but since Mr. Vargr sent you in good faith… I'll make a preposition." said Legolas with a playful smirk. 

"Half payment in Itikar & half in SS Rank cores. What do you say?" he asked. 

"How many?" queried Hariv

Legolas then showed them 5 fingers of his palm. 

"5 million? That much?" Zipon asked in a worried tone. 

"Don't be so surprised… People like you need hard cash more than materials to barter with someone. 

The more cash you save, the more transaction money you will have for future deals. 

Doesn't that appeal more to you than just cores that are used in machinery, day-to-day life & appliances?" asked Legolas carefreely. 

"But SS Rank cores are a commodity for the rich. Especially for people of high standing and powerful forces. 

What use do you have for them?" asked Zipon again. 

"That's my part to worry about. So tell me… what is your decision?" asked Legolas. 

"We agree." spoke all 3 Qebikas in unison. 

Theirs was a desperate situation and no one was willing to help them for half the price. In many ways, they were hanging by a cliff at this moment. So this deal seemed more suitable even if it came with a high number of mana cores and ores. 

"Good. Then I'll send two of my experts." said the elven leader of the guild. 

Clap! 

Clap! 

Legolas clapped his hands twice and two figures instantly appeared in the room, standing behind him. 

"Meet two of my reliable commanders." spoke Legolas in a merry voice as he introduced the two generals who were to handle their first job. 

"Dante & Loki"