Novel Bin Chapter 4: Differences in the Party
Chapter 4: Differences in the Party
The 5 million Fil reward was distributed as follows.
First, 2 million Fil went towards our party funds. This was a fund for expanding our future activities. It also served as insurance in case something went wrong.
Next, 2 million Fil went towards the partys operating costs. This was the money required for replenishing items, buying and repairing equipment.
After the continuous battles against the Lesser Vampires, Lloyd and Walters equipment had become unusable, so they needed to be repaired. My Silver-chan Silver Flames bullets also had to be replenished.
Even if we went to the arms store that we frequented and charged us on the cheap, it would likely still cost us 2 million Fil.
And finally, what everyone was waiting for, it was split into our individual shares.
Its only this much
Walters shoulders sagged and his high spirits from before disappeared like a mirage.
All that was left for each of us was 250,000 Fil. It was about a months living expenses.
It was definitely not a small amount, and was decidedly more than the usual amount, but for someone who had gotten carried away about the 5 million earlier, he couldnt help but be dissatisfied with the amount that was left.
Tania also had a cold expression as she looked at the two gold coins and five large silver coins on her palm.
I didnt say, Thats why we should have negotiated to increase the reward. It would have made me feel better to say it, but it would also have made the three of them feel bad.
Now now, dont get so depressed
Lloyd said with a troubled smile.
Each persons share is small, but the party funds are steadily increasing. Besides, if we also take on a big request next time, we can earn the same amount again, right?
Certainly, it was as Lloyd said. However, he was also mistaken on one point.
Lloyd, a desirable request like the one we had this time is rare. Its not something that well come by often. Above all, it wasnt a request that we received from the country, but a request that was passed around to us by another clan. If they hadnt run into trouble, they would have completed such an attractive request by themselves
Right Thats true
In the first place, requests for the cleansing of Abysses were all managed by the country, and they normally only gave such requests to clans. In other words, that meant that only Seekers who belonged in a clan could get involved with Abysses.
However, even for Seekers who werent in a clan, there was a way to receive Abyss-related requests.
That was because it was common for clans to outsource the requests that they had accepted from the country, but couldnt get around to completing. This was the result of the clan assessment system that gave a higher evaluation the more requests a clan accepted per year.
The request for the subjugation of the Lesser Vampires that we received was also one of the leftovers from a clan.
At any rate, Abyss-related work made money. Above all, it led to achievements as a Seeker.
That was how Seekers like us, who refused to join clans, were able to make money by going around the various clans to look for subcontracted requests that seemed good.
That was how I had planned to save money and eventually create my own clan.
However, clans did not outsource the requests for free. An expensive brokerage fee would be charged. Because the clan also owned the rights to the Beasts that were defeated, we would only get exploited if we accepted the request without negotiating.
Negotiations were therefore very important, but it was also true that if we overdid it when we pushed for what we deserved, we would be considered a nuisance and would get passed over for the good requests.
In other words, considering the growth of our party, I felt that it was now a good time for it.
Lloyd, how much is there in our party funds at the moment?
Huh? Let me see, including the amount from this job, it adds up to 12,800,000 Fil
Lloyd, our leader, was the one managing the party funds. Certainly, that figure matched the amount in my head.
In that case, lets create a clan using that 12.8 million Fil
What!?
Lloyd was surprised. The other two also raised their voices.
Noel, I think youre aware, but in order to create a clan, we have to pay 20 million Fil to the country, right?
The country wasnt trying to milk Seekers for money by asking for this 20 million Fil fee. Rather, it was collateral for when they failed to fulfill a request within the specified time.
Abysses expanded as time passed. Therefore, it needed to be cleansed as soon as possible, and failing the request would result in the danger level increasing.
Because of the system in which the reward for the new, more difficult request would be covered using the collateral of the clan that failed, it was necessary to pay at least 20 million Fil in advance.
I understand that. But in the past year, weve become stronger. And were also reasonably well-known. It isnt profitable to keep on subcontracting in spite of that
Well, I understand how you feel, but
Thats why Ill put up the remaining 7.2 million Fil
What!?
The three of them were shocked again. With their eyes like saucers, it was a bigger reaction than earlier. That was probably natural considering that I had said that I was going to pay the huge sum of 7.2 million Fil personally.
As a matter of fact, it wasnt an amount I could put up without reserve. That was because there was only a little left of the fortune that I had inherited from Grandfather.
After that incident, the money I had given to the servants to get them back on their feet, and all the costs that I had to bear before I became a Seeker, combined to be quite a large sum.
In particular, following the teachings of Grandfather, I was had a strong fixation on my equipment because the quality of the equipment was directly related to my survival rate.
It wasnt just Silver Flame, my black long coat, which was protective gear, was also an outstanding high-class item. Made from the heart muscle fibers of a Black Dragon, a Beast of depth eight, this coat had high durability and various resistances.
In addition, Skill-books that I could learn Skills from and so forth, I bought all sorts of high-class items when I started out as a Seeker.
Of course, youll have to repay me once the clan is on track. Its not like I want to give this money away because even for me, when I think about the future, my true intention is that I want to use it in moderation. However, rather than continuing to work as subcontractors, quickly creating our own clan should be more profitable
Besides, if I put the three of them in my debt here, the matter of me becoming the leader would likely be accepted smoothly. I did feel that it was underhanded, but it was for the sake of fulfilling my ambitions.
What about the base? In order for the creation of a clan to be approved, well need to have a building within the imperial capital that can serve as its base. The land prices within the imperial capital are high. Even if we rent, the monthly rent will be by no means negligible
Dont worry, I know a place that we can rent cheaply
Really? No, but
Perhaps she couldnt bear to see Lloyd be troubled, Tania cut into the conversation.
Noel, I know that youre serious, but you mustnt be impatient. As we are now, even if we forcibly create a clan, I dont think we can manage it properly
Why?
Why, you saywere still novices, you know? Our Jobs are C Rank and were also young. Im seventeen, Lloyd and Walter are eighteen, and youre sixteen. We may be adults in terms of our age, but in society, were still children. No matter how strong we are, we cant possibly do well
Why?
No, like I said
I stopped Tania, who was trying to persuade me.
What Tania said wasnt wrong. But it also wasnt right. It was a run-of-the-mill opinion. An opinion that neither helped nor hurt, was useless.
In that case, when is the best time for it? How many years will it take until you become sure that you can manage it properly? What assurances do you have of success? As long as we dont create a clan, no matter how much time passes, well remain beginners at clan management, you know?
Thats
At the very least, while working as a Seeker, I studied about clans all the time. I have all of the necessary knowledge. But I dont believe that we can succeed with that alone. Whats needed is the genuine experience that can only be gotten from actually managing a clan. Thats not something that we can acquire in our lives if we stay at a standstill
U, uh
Tania tried to argue, but it seemed like she was at a loss. Unable to bear it, she glanced at Lloyd for help. What a close couple.
Noel has a point there. We cant gain experience unless we actually give it a go. But the Abyss-related jobs, which are the most profitable, are managed by the country. If the country makes light of us because of our youth, wont we be unable to get jobs even if we create a clan?
Its the opposite, Lloyd. Well get the good jobs precisely because were young
What do you mean?
Were young and good-looking. Thats very important
I dont quite understand what youre saying though
Lloyd tilted his head. The other two were the same. They looked like they didnt understand anything. I looked over these three people again.
The leader and Swordsman, Lloyd.
A ladys man characterized by his burning red hair. His attractive face stood out from the crowd of rough Seekers. He was tall, had a lean but well-trained body, and his every move was dignified and elegant.
Because of that, he was a Seeker who was popular with women. If I remembered correctly, he was ranked eighth in theMen youd like to hook up with in the imperial capitalrankings despite being a newcomer.
The Healer, Tania.
A beautiful woman with a gentle features, and shiny, well-maintained long blonde hair. She was mild-mannered and likable. Coupled with the Job of Healer, just by smiling quietly, men felt from her the divinity of a holy maiden.
Also, ample breasts. They were big enough to be seen even when wearing loose robes, so most men had their gaze riveted there. She was also a Seeker popular with the opposite sex.
The Warrior, Walter.
He was tall and muscular. He was the type to not care too much about his appearance, and even his short black hair was crudely cut by himself, but his face was well chiseled and he exuded a wild appeal.
However, in Walters case, rather than the opposite sex, he was more popular with those of the same sex. Those kinds that sweatily competed muscles with him and even some perverts that were aiming for his ass.
Finally, me, the Talker, Noel.
I had inherited the appearance of my mother, who had been praised as a beauty, so I was easy on the eyes. Thank you Mum, for giving me a handsome face.
The country encourages people to be Seekers
The three of them leaned closer as I continued talking.
In other words, it wants a large number of its citizens to become Seekers. Now, if we were youths who have dreams of being Seekers, what type of Seeker would we come to admire? Naturally, those that are strong. After that, irreproachable conduct? Yeah, I suppose theres that too. But whats more important than those, is glamour that can be seen at a glance
I see So thats what you meant
Lloyd seemed to have realized what I was trying to say. He smiled wryly while stroking his chin.
Thats right, we look glamorous by being young and good looking. After all, famous Seekers are idols. If a person is not only strong, but also young and good looking, itll probably be easy for the country to prop that person up like a billboard
In other words, well be given preferential treatment because were young and good looking?
Walter asked, looking quite sober. I nodded.
Even Grandfather, who was still well-known as Over Death nowadays, was tough looking, but definitely not ugly. His fashion sense was good and his face became affable when he smiled. According to him, Grandmother loved his smile.
Well, thats a trivial story.
Of course, in order to be given preferential treatment, real ability is also important. But clans that are actually successful are, more often than not, blessed with beautiful-looking members
I wont deny that that aspect of being a Seeker exists. My aspirations were brought about by my admiration for a certain Healer after all. ButI cant put it into words well, butI cant come to like that way of doing things that feels like Im selling myself by doing that
It appeared that Tania understood, but was unable to accept it.
Are the other two of you also of the same opinion?
Im in favor of it
Walter was the one who had approved. He crossed his arms and laughed boldly.
Ive gotten quite tired of subcontracting work too. Lets quickly create a clan. If I can earn more money than ever before, then I can drink as much good liquor as I want and even sleep with as many good women as I like. Ha, isnt it nothing but good things?
Hang on, Walter! Dont joke around when were having a serious conversation!
Tania turned up her eyebrows but Walter wasnt kidding and was unabashed about it.
Im serious, Tania. Status, fame, money, whats wrong with wanting such things? Even you, though there is a difference in degree, are something like that to me
Th, thats
Or, what? Will you be my woman instead? If thats the case
WALTER!!
Lloyd hit the table with a furious expression. Someone was making a pass at his woman right in front of his eyes. No matter how elegant and well-mannered he was, it was natural for him to get angry.
Im kidding, its a joke. Dont get angry, Leader
Lloyd sighed at Walters flippant tone.
As I thought, there shouldnt be romance within the party. Like what had just happened, it would only become a source of trouble. Tania also became completely quiet because she was feeling awkward.
Even so, to think that Tania was a woman Walter wanted more than status, fame and money. Despite his appearance, he was a pure-hearted romantic.
But Im serious about the matter of the clan though
Neither Lloyd nor Tania argued with Walter.
With that, its two to one. Lloyd, tell us what you think as the leader
Its complicated No matter what, you want to create a clan immediately?
Sorry, but for this alone, Ive no intention of compromising. If you say that you really want to defer this to some undetermined point in the future, then return my share of the party funds. Ill quit the party
When I made that clear, not just Lloyd, everyone had a startled expression.
Noel, no matter how you put it, isnt that unreasonable?
I wont deny that Im being unreasonable. However, rather than running in place meaninglessly, I believe that I should take a separate path even if Im reviled by all of you. I should have said it as well when we formed the party. That I have a dream. A dream of becoming a Seeker that surpasses the esteemed Over Death
A dream, huh
Lloyd thought it over for a while, and eventually, he spoke slowly.
Understood. Lets create a clan
Lloyd, are you serious!?
Lloyds decision triggered an outburst from Tania. She must have thought that he wouldnt agree.
In any case, well have to create a clan sooner or later
B, but
Lloyd smiled gently at Tania who was refusing to back down.
Thats strange There was no concrete reason for it, but I couldnt help but be bothered by that exchange.
Noel
Yes?
My decision as the leader is as Ive said. You have no complaints with it, I assume?
Yeah, I'm glad that you understand. So, when do we go over the details?Thi/s chapter is updat𝓮d by nov(e)(l)biin.co/m
How about at lunch, the day after tomorrow? Lets talk after weve gotten the alcohol and fatigue out of our systems
Got it, lunch, the day after tomorrow. Ill go to your lodgings
With that, the celebration, which had ran on a little longer than usual, dispersed in a somber mood.
And, that was Blue Beyonds final celebration.
(////) Seriously, that last sentence in Walters description I tried so hard but I couldnt find a way to phrase it that I was satisfied with so I ended up giving it to you straight. (*-`)
Ooo, that last line, foreshadowing!! Are good times coming to an end? The story is finally getting into gear. ()