Guardian was approaching a particular building. Even in the middle of the night, it was bustling with activity. Shady characters were loitering inside and outside of it, many of them were intoxicated. It was a den of scum and thieves.

The Guardian went in through the wide-open doors. A group of men looked at him suspiciously.

“What are you supposed to be?” One of the men asked.

“I have some business with your leader. Where is he?”

“Oh, do you? I very much doubt that. No one walks to our base just like that. Men, let's teach him some manners first.” The thug rallied his friends.

“Big mistake.” Guardian said as two men tried to jump him from a side.

He sidestepped one of them and grabbed the other. He raised the man and threw him outside through the open window. He had an overwhelming advantage of size and strength, humans stood no chance against him in a fair fistfight.

Three more thugs ran towards him, their fists ready to take Guardian down. As always, they were no match for him. He kicked one to the side, then another towards the wall. The third one received a hard punch in his face, blood and bone fragments were sent flying. The blow killed the man.

“Fuck!” a thug retorted running deeper inside the house.

The thugs gathered from inside and outside the house, surrounding him. They did not attack Guardian, they have been waiting for their leader to come.

“You said you have business with me. What sort of business do I have with a foreigner like you?”

“Your men attacked one of my own. I hold their leader responsible.”

“My men are free to do as they please. If you are after the money you will get none from me.”

“It is not the money I want. It is blood!” He shouted and sprinted towards the leader.

The men were alert and ready to attack the Guardian, but they failed in this task. His massive body broke through a small group of thugs, knocking them over. He launched himself towards the leader knocking his guards to the side with his arms and biting to the leader’s shoulder.

“Get him off!” the leader shouted. Thugs were quick to react, they started to punch and kick the crouched Guardian. A good kick to his jaw made him let the leader’s shoulder go.

He rolled to the side a few times tackling the men in the process. Then he planted his legs on the flour and spun his massive tail swatting the rest who were still standing. The one who was first to receive the blow had his leg broken from the strength of an impact.

The thugs jumped back trying to avoid the tail but there was little space as the room was cramped with men and furniture. Guardian’s tail swung in circles knocking men and trashing the room; making a perimeter between him and the thugs.

Thugs started to throw furniture and pottery at him. It was time to change his tactic as well. He stood up and paced forward his fists were ready to do some serious pounding.

The brawl between thugs and an oversized beastlike man started. The men were punched and kicked, some were thrown to walls or even ceiling. It looked like a mini tornado was ransacking the house. The space was filled with shouts and grunts of pain.

“How is he still standing!” one of the men said in frustration while standing up from the floor.

Thugs were kicking and punching the giant but while their punches did little to injure him, his punches and kicks were devastating. Some wizened up and got some weaponry like knives and daggers. Even though it was a den of thieves the men here were not particularly armed as they were only petty criminals and trouble makers, their weapon was their numbers.

The brawl continued and the Guardian has disabled almost a half of them already, which was about a dozen men. Some of them were heavily injured or outright dead. He himself looked poorly. His hide was bruised and torn in various places, knives were poking out stuck in his sides and back. He tried to finish their leader but the man was hard to get to, he was always behind by his men.

Guardian raised one of the thugs and slammed him on one of his knees breaking his back. Then he turned, twisted and pulled the man’s body tearing it in half. The entrails and blood spilled out terrifying those who were unlucky to witness it. His new tactic seemed to work.

Just as the thugs were ready to bail the house a group of well-armed men spilt through the broken doorway. These were the city guards, the whole dozen of them. Guards were clad in leather armour and each held a short sword and a small wooden shield.

“Seize the hostilities, this st…..” the guard stopped abruptly, the sight shocked him “This stops now.” He finished.

The guards arms were clutching the swords tightly. After seeing the state of the interior they were ready for the worst now.

The thugs froze so did Guardian. He dropped the remains of the man raising his hands in the air. This was it, he did not want to risk fighting armed guards, he failed to kill thugs in time.

“I am unarmed.” He said to the guards who were sizing him up suspiciously.

“Do not move!”

Six guards surrounded him, pointing their swords at him. The rest ran towards the remainder of thugs escorting them outside.

“Move out! Slowly!” he was led out the last. A sextet of guards was watching him carefully. These men were able to judge his abilities better than bandits.

Once outside, he was disappointed to see that the bandits were let free and allowed to patch their wounds.

“You two will be going to the guard captain, the explanation is in order.”

He and the thug leader were being escorted away like criminals they were.

“What is the charge?” he asked the guard.

“Stay silent, traveller! The guard captain will decide.”

“And you?! What did you get yourself in? This is way beyond what we agreed.”

It appears that the guards and the thugs had some sort of agreement. It did not come as a surprise, the whole town was corrupt like that.

The two were escorted to the Guard House. He and the thug leader were sat close to each other besides the table. The hostility between the two was clear, but they did not act on it as they were watched by the guards.

“What the heck, Robbert!?” Guard captain swore from the other side of the table.

“This beast attacked us unprovoked.” The thug leader tried to explain.

“I highly doubt that. So who are you, traveller?”

“I am no traveller, sir. I am an alchemist of this city. Upstart one. I have a shop and a guild card, also I am registered in this town.”

“Hmm… so basically some sort of a noble, or a wealthy craftsman. I have never heard of you though, but it does not matter.” He flipped his records and indeed a man of such description was in his records.

“He destroyed my house and killed my men!” the thug shouted out.

“Silence! You speak then you are spoken to.” He put the thug in place promptly.

“So what did he do to you?” guard captain asked the Guardian.

“Sir, it was one of his men. They had attacked my servants twice, seizing my money and damaging my goods. The goods I needed to be sold at the market. I went to seek justice by myself and then one thing led to the other.”

“You must be new in this city after all. We guards are here for that, with a small fee you can avoid such thigs. The money is no issue to you, am I right?”

“Of course it is not, I am a wealthy individual. It was a matter of pride, which is why I approached their house.”

‘The pride of the noble is a troublesome thing.’ Guardian had to deal with multiple ‘pride’ incidents before. They were troublesome to solve, but in the end, his pockets would feel heavier, so it was not too bad.

“Robbert, what have you to say?”

“I do not know anything about his servants. As far as I know, he attacked unprovoked and killed my men.”

“Do you really believe what you are spouting right now? We both know what your men do. So cut that bullshit.”

“But our agreement?!”

“You fool, what are you saying in front of him?”

The cat was out of the bag and the captain decided to come out clean.

“I agreed not to interfere with your business as long as it is a mugging there and here. Your men are not supposed to rob high profile citizens. It is because of them why this city still stands.”

“But he killed my men!”

“It was self-defence.”

“Silence, both of you! Let me think.” The guard cupped his chin in thought.

“As you are now aware, the guards and Robert’s establishment has an agreement in place. It is a very common thing here and completely legal.” Captain was making sure that Guardian understands all of this.

The thug leader was smiling and gloating hearing the captain’s words. This celebration of sorts did not last as the guard captain continued.

“However, we are not paid to clean after Robbert’s mess. Men die every time. I do not care about petty thugs. Prosperous tax paying citizens are a different matter.” Captain gestured towards the Guardian.

“But…”

Guard Captain slammed his hand on the desk “Do not interrupt me! I am not finished. An offence is an offence and the alchemist will have to pay a fine for the disturbance caused. This behaviour is not accepted call the guards to deal with this next time traveller. Understood?”

“I understand.”

“And to make it clear you are not to assault Robert and his men like that in the future. Nor you Robbert, to interfere with this alchemists business. Consider your matter of pride settled as you are getting out of this easy.”

“Thank you, sir” Guardian thanked.

Robbert just nodded.

“The fine of 5 gold is expected to be paid by tomorrow.”

This was an extortionate fee. Most of it will end in the captain’s pocket.

“Captain?”

“Yes, Robert?”

“How will my men know how his servants look like next time? We don’t want this to happen again.”

“By his insignia you idiot. All protected servants should wear it. Show him your insignia.”

“I do not have one. I have moved to this city not too long ago.”

“That explains a lot. Get one as soon as possible if you want to avoid trouble. Then register it here, there is a fee involved as well.”

“Understood.”

“You can leave. And don’t forget to pay your fine.”

The guardian stood up and left.

“This is bullshit. He gets to walk free.”

“What do you want me to do? Can you pay five gold for our costs and to upgrade our agreement?”

“No.”

“Thought so. You are fortunate we came in time to rescue your sorry asses. What were you thinking trying to take on someone like him in a brawl?”

“As I said it was him who was seeking the blood.”

“We settled it here and this is it. You are alive and free to go. Do not get yourself in trouble like this. As per agreement if you continue to pay us you are free to mug and extort money from lower classes, but nothing above that.”

“Yes, captain.” The thug said through greeted teeth.

“Now go and get that shoulder sorted before you pass out.”

The captain flicked his wrist gesturing the thug to get out.

As the guardian came back home he was met with expectant looks of Aiu and elves. Aiu promptly started to tend his wounds while he explained the outcome of his venture. He explained that they should not get attacked anymore as long as they wore some special insignia, even the guards would pay attention to them if they had it. Hearing the good news and finishing their evening chores the group went to sleep.

The very next morning Guardian went to register the insignia. He did not have an imagination to come up with a symbol and left it to Aiu. What she drew was a some sort of a cross ☨ on a piece of a tree bark. He took the drawing and registered it as his insignia and attached it to his alchemy shop records. Which costed him a gold piece.

The next thing he had to do was make three arm bands carrying this insignia for his servants. He went to an artisan for this. He picked a design for the arm bands, the Aiu was not here to advise him so he selected something which was vaguely appealing to him. It was a band fashioned to resemble a coiling serpent, it was made out of black tinted metal. The artisan quickly etched a symbol on the serpents head and filled it with a red dye so it stands out.

He paid 6 silver for each and promptly went back home. He delivered the arm bands to the trio.

“Wow, this looks cool. A serpent.” Aiu said.

“I thought it would be fitting.”

“It looks expensive. Thank you.” “Thank you, Master.” Thanked the elves sliding bands on their arms.

“Now we can conduct the business safely.”

Elves nodded in agreement and left to earn their keep. Ana went to the city to peddle the goods and Ell to the forest to hunt some game. Aiu produced the alchemical stuff and tended the shop and her guardian went deep into the forest to gather some herbs.

The first half of the day was uneventful, the shop was visited by a few customers ordering some basic stuff and that was it.

During the second half, a customer approached Aiu with an unusual request.

“Can I get Master Hunter?” A well-built man asked.

“No. This is an Alchemy shop.” The odd question confused Aiu.

“I was told that this is the place where Master Hunter resides. Big and tall … traveller. Black and exotically looking, has a long thick tail.”

“Sounds like my guardian, but he is not a Master Hunter.”

“Did he slay the Corpse Serpent or not?”

“He did.”

“Then he is the one I am looking for.” The man assumed Guardian must be a master hunter since he slew that dangerous monster.

“My guardian is out in the woods at the moment, I can’t call him.”

“Hunting?”

“No, he is not hunting. Well, he is capable of that, of course. He is gathering herbs.”

“So what is his profession? I heard that he slew the monster by himself so he must be at least a retired warrior, no?”

“I understand your confusion. However, he simply is…” she did not know how to answer as he did not have a particular thing he specialised in. He hunted, gathered herbs, peddled goods and even crafted, not to mention his mysterious magic abilities.

“He is an owner of this Alchemy show and my adoptive father.”

“So a business man and a father. How odd, maybe the rumours were false again.” The man said with a clear annoyance in his voice.

First, he was led to a renowned old Master Hunter who allegedly slew a Corpse Serpent, the man even had a polished skull at his home. However, the information was conflicting. Some said it was him while others claimed that it was a traveller who slew the beast. The later sources were guild merchants and a tailor.

The old Master Hunter proved to be a sham. Upon hearing his offer the old man refused it for no good reason. When he pressured the hunter he admitted that he merely purchased the skull from a beastman who came with a girl.

No one knew the name of this mysterious Corpse Serpent slayer or where he lived. However he was able to peace the information together. Mostly using the bits of hearsay mentioning that a small girl was seen tagging along with him. He found that the same girl was selling some herbal stuff at the market. Later, she was replaced by an elf beauty selling the same kind of stuff. Upon seeing the band on an elf’s arm he found where the shop was. It was easy because both the insignia and the shop’s location was registered in the cities records.

“Can I wait outside until the man comes back?”

“I guess so.” Aiu had no reason to object.

The stranger went outside and positioned himself against the wall. He listened and looked around the place, inspecting it. The building seemed to be built recently. The forest clearing had signs of various activities. A column of smoke was rising from a small building besides the house. In the garden nearby grew a variety of unknown plants. Further away stood a collection of tubs with ash and water in them, making lye water. The grounds were clean and well kept, only a small decrepit hut stood out.

An elf stepped in the clearing from the dense woods. He was dragging a gutted dear.

“Aiu, I am back!” He shouted.

The small girl emerged from the shop running towards him. She crouched next to the dear’s carcass holding a skinning knife in her hand. However, she did not move it to start skinning the forest creature. She stretched her other hand and the dear glowed in bright light for a few seconds. Its flesh was exposed and its pelt was now in a girl’s hand.

The man raised his eyebrow as he did not expect this. The whole scene was odd. ‘Would it not be better if the girl hunted since she possessed the precious hunting skill? Why is she managing the shop then?’ he wondered while Aiu passed by him, running back to the building with the pelt in hand.

The elf carried the carcass to the wooden bench and started to slice the meat up.

“And who are you, stranger? I do not remember Maser telling us that we got a guard for the shop.”

“Ha, you have a good eye. I might look like a guard, still am nothing but. I am a customer.”

“I see. Did you place an order already? Or waiting for it to be finished?” he was making a small talk, it was not often he left the forest and met other people.

“No. I am here to meet with your… Master? Or is it just an employer?”

“Master. What for?”

“Hunting stuff. I heard he slew a massive serpent who plagued the woods here.”

“He did.”

“Did you help him?”

“No, and as I am now, I doubt I would be of any help. Anyways, it happened before I joined his service.”

“Do you think he did it alone?”

“No doubt.”

“What makes you so sure?”

“I have seen him in action. He possesses an overwhelming might. He hunts with his bare hands, his speed rivals the wolves and his stamina is unmatched.”

“You are an exceptional servant to flatter his Master so much.” The man doubted the elves words. He might have been instructed to shower his master with praise.

Ell was able to read the strangers face, knowing that he did not believe him.

“He also has some leftover scales and leather from the monster. I have been given a poison from the serpent to aid in my hunt. And Aiu has a leather vest made from its hide. If you want some material proof that would be it. So what do you need him for?”

“To hunt something of course.”

“If it pays well he will. He is a capable man. After you see him you will realise that instantly.”

The elf finished butchering the dear and put the meat to be smoked. Soon after the Guardian emerged from a forest carrying multiple sacks on his back.

“Good day sir!” the stranger greeted him. This was the man he was looking for and indeed he looked impressive. He looked more like a monster than a beastman. Calling him a beastman did not exactly fit.

“Good day, how might I help?”

“Let me introduce myself first. My name is Lucas and I am responsible for the protection of the surrounding farmlands. Might it be bandits or the beasts.” He stretched his arm in a greeting.

It was ignored. The guardian unbuckled the sacks from his back and set them by the wall.

“What is your name, sir?” the stranger asked

“I don’t have one.”

‘That explains a lot of things.’

“How could I address you then?”

“Guardian will do.”

“That is a fitting moniker. I come here with business.”

“If it is alchemical stuff go to my apprentice, Aiu. She handles it.”

“No. I need you to help to slay a particular monster. Dangerous and menacing one. Are you up for such task?”

“Depends.”

“The city will pay well for your assistance.”

“Then I am.”

“Before I go into the details I need to confirm something. I need to be sure that I am hiring the right man. Do you have some sort of proof that you have slain the corpse serpent? I mean no offence, of course, just making sure.”

“No offence taken. I have some remnants from its body, also I can take you to the place where the hunt had happened. The signs are still there.”

“Please do.”

Lucas was shown the evidence. Once happy that he had the right man he introduced himself as Lucas and told him that he was responsible for getting rid of the monsters plaguing rural areas. Then he disclosed the rest of the information why he was here.

Guardian will have to take care of a large canine monster who was wreaking havoc on sheep and cattle. The monster has been emerging from the eastern woods and eating its fill early in morning. It was a monster known as Herd Eater, a huge canine monster with exceptional strength and healing abilities.

It would do more and more damage as the time passed. If not dealt with quickly after expending the supply of animals it would destroy farmhouses and eat people.

Guardian agreed to help if he gets to keep its core. Lucas was pleased with this as he would not need to pay any money, well the mages helping him will be of a different opinion. The core was sought after magical ingredient.

Guardian was expected to present himself for the ambush before the dawn. They shook their hands commencing the deal and then Lucas went back to the city.

That day Guardian did not sleep; he was thinking about thigs that could go wrong. Aiu noticed this and shuffled her body closer to his head. Now that they were alone in their own room she insisted on sleeping with him, arguing that it would a waste in getting two separate beds.

“I can come with you and assist if you want.” She offered.

“Too dangerous and there is no need. It will be fine.”

“And yet you do not sleep, clearly worried about tomorrow.”

“Not worried just thinking.”

“Do not overthink. It is no good to overthink things.”

“You are right, I need to try to relax and clear my mind.”

“I could try to help you relax if you want? Just like you helped me last night. I have never done it before but…”

She was referring to the ‘massage’ session she received yesterday’s night. She begged for it shamelessly until she got what she wanted.

“I don’t know what you mean but I am fine. If you stay quiet I might catch some sleep.” He cut her off.

“Sorry I just thought that…”

“It is fine. It will be alright” He did not know what she thought. He patted her head, brushing her soft hair. “Sleep Aiu. There is work for you tomorrow.”

She gave up and did so. She will have plenty of times for her conquest since there were no elves interfering anymore.

Couple hours before the dawn he stood up, being careful not to wake Aiu, and went towards the city.

There he met Lucas and the men he has gathered. There were six human mages and four bulky beastmen. Guardian sat with the men and devised their strategy to take down the Herd Eater.