The town of Caister was lovely this time of year. The skies were a perfect shade of blue with large fluffy clouds dotting it. Seagulls soared through the sky. The beach side town was lively this morning as well. The citizens walked around merrily, talking, shopping, playing, the town was a peaceful one... Well, as peaceful as a town can be when Fiore's most powerful Guild lives in it.

"EVERYBODY OUT OF THE WAY!" A crowd of citizens screamed in surprise when a blur of orange and black flew by. But they had no fear. They knew exactly who it was. One of the Guild's infamous dragon slayers, Raymond Hunt was on a job. And he brought his best friend, Roger the cat, along with him. Their mission was simple: Find a pet dog that accidentally got in to the magic cabinet of a mage, and stop it with a magic ... But it wasn't as simple as they thought. Raymond had a grin on his face as Roger carried him and flew through the streets. Raymond's dark green eyes looked down at the small needle that the owner of the dog gave them, saying they needed to do it fast, or Mr. Bumpers will have a very large (and demonic) growth spurt.

"Why did we have to take this job, you know I hate dogs!" Roger said as they narrowly dodged a stand. "Oh quit whinin'! If we do this job we'll have done as much jobs as Blitz and Alban!" Ray said with a wicked grin. "That's not true but whatever helps us get this faster..." Roger muttered, as Raymond sniffed the air. As a dragon slayer, he had a very enhanced sense of smell, and before they left for the job he took a sniff of one of Mr. Bumpers' toys. "Left!" Ray screamed, and Roger obeyed. "Right!...Right!.....Left!" The directions were fast, and luckily Roger was a skilled in flying.

"There!" Ray pointed, in an alleyway was a small little Pug with his head sniffing inside a bucket... Around him was a bunch of burn markings, cracked walls, and petrified homeless people. Roger let go of Raymond, and he hit the ground running. "Here boy!" Ray said, still running towards him. At the time Raymond got close, the pug looked up, wagged its tail, and barked. The bark was something Ray wasn't expecting. As soon as the bark came out of the dog's mouth, gale force winds and fire. Another trait that Raymond had was that he had a high resistance to fire and pressure. Diamonds form under those two extremes, so Raymond is good at not getting burnt or squished, but that didn't stop him from flying across the street.

Raymond landed hard in a hay wheelbarrow. "Alright, that's how you wanna play, huh?!" Ray said, standing up in the wheelbarrow, but as he did, the wheels started turning. The wheelbarrow started down the street, and Ray's stomach immediately wanted out of his body. He fell back in to the wheelbarrow, fighting back the urge to throw up his breakfast. "Rooogeeerrr!" Raymond groaned as the wheelbarrow went down the street. Roger looked over at the pug wagging its tail, staring at Roger. Its found a new prey. "HELP YOU?! HELP MEEE!" He yelled, flying away from the dog, but it was in hot pursuit.

Raymond covered his mouth, his face green as he heard screams and panic of the runaway vehicle. It didn't take long for the cart to crash in to a building, Raymond falling out of it. "Hey, kid, are you alright?" A man asked him, helping Raymond up. "Yeah... I'm fine... Thanks." Ray said, slowly feeling like himself again. "Ah crap, where's Roger and the dog?" Ray muttered under his breath, taking a sniff of the area... But he didn't need to do that, because he heard the screams of his friend in the distance, and flames erupting behind buildings.

Roger dogged the fire barks as Roger was in the tree. His fur was black from the recent fire attack. "Go away you dumb animal!" Roger screamed, then hiding behind a branch as another burst of flame erupted from the dog. When Roger looked back he saw the dog had a sudden growth spurt, it's eyes a bit more red, and teeth sharper, but it was still thinking it was playing a game with Roger. "Ray! Help!!" Roger screamed. The dog not only got a new look, but a new ability. The pug jumped up and leapt at Roger, its jumping now super strong. It tackled Roger, and the two fought in a cloud of dust.

Ray got there to see the commotion, and gave a cheer. "Good job buddy! Keep it distracted!" Ray said as he pulled out the needle again. "I'M NOT DISTRACTING IT I'M FIGHTING FOR MY LIFE!" Roger screamed. Ray got in to fighting stance, looking at the two fighting. "DIAMOND DRAGON..." Ray took a huge inhale. "ROOOOAAAARRRR!" An even larger gale of wind, and pale blue dust erupted from Ray's mouth. The blue dust was shards of diamonds, and it went straight for the two animals fighting. The two of them flew backwards from the impact, both of them giving yelps of surprise and pain. Roger hit the side of a building hard, and the pug landed hard on the ground, dazed. Raymond then ran over to the dog, who managed to bark at him, but this time Ray was prepared. He brought his forearms together, and his skin transformed in to solid and pure diamonds, forming together and expanding outwards a couple of inches to create a shield. The bark did nothing to the wall.

The Diamond Dragon Slayer then took the needle and lightly stabbed the dog in the back of its neck, the pug started to shrink, its bark got smaller, and then it fell asleep... The job was done. "We did it Roger!" Raymond said with excitement in his eyes, looking at the pug. In the background Roger's body fell from the building, muttering something about dumb dogs.

----

"Another job done by Raymond Hunt!" Ray screamed as he and Roger burst through the doors of the guild. The guild was lively in the morning, with people gathering breakfast, drinking, talking to other guildmembers, and most importantly, looking over at the mission board. Every day new jobs are posted up from people who need a mages' touch. It could be as simple as cleaning up a potion spill, to fighting a pack of giants up in the mountain.One could require one wizard, another could ask for a whole group of them. You'll never know until you look at the board! "We did good, bud!" Ray said to Roger who was on his shoulder, looking away from him with his arms crossed. "You got some nerve trying to talk to me after what you did." He said.

The two made it to the bar, Raymond set a few JW's on the table, the Guild barkeep, Klondike, took it and got Ray and Roger's usual. "How was the job, boys?" He asked, handing them a plate full of delicious food. Raymond dug in, Roger hesitated for a second but then started to eat. "It was great! This dog barked fire at us!" Ray said between breaths. Klondike has been here longer than Raymond, he has snow white hair, was very large, and always wore winter clothes. A lot of people claim its because of his magic. Although he's a very skilled wizard, he enjoys taking the morning shifts at the bar.

"And Ray hit me with in to the side of a building." Roger said angrily, looking over at Ray. "Oh come on, Roger! It was the only way to get him off you!" Ray said, still inhaling his food. Klondike shrugged. "He's got a point. I don't even know why you joined that job since you hate dogs." He said. "That's because Ray and I are a team! We've been doing jobs together ever since we joined the guild!" Roger said, standing on the table. Ray gave a nod. "Yeah, and its gonna stay that way forever, right bud?" He looked at Roger with a grin. Roger returned it and nodded. "yeah!" Klondike smiled. "With that spirit, you guys will be able to take on an S-Class mission one day." He walked off to help other guild members that showed up at the bar, leaving the two to eat in peace.

Another loud start to a morning in Silver Trident. Zebedee Nash groaned as he nursed a cup of whiskey-laced coffee, groaning and massaging his temples as best he could with his calloused fingers. He hated the morning after one of his exorcism jobs, especially when the others had had good luck on their jobs and they felt like celebrating. But he was the only one here qualified for getting rid of the ghoulies, and he had a moral obligation to see to the locals protected. A hangover was a small price to pay.

"I swear before my god and these witnesses that I will remain true to the right and just, and that my magic will be used to protect, never to enslave. That all my strength will always SHIELD the innocent. The society will be my blood, and its members my brothers. I pledge my knowledge, my resources and my life to uphold these things." He mumbled the words to himself. He'd always found that the oath of his old guild helped deal with headaches, and it was good to remind himself of the values he'd sworn to back then. It was a good thing this crew held themselves to about the same standards.

The loud, boistrous entrance of Ray and his....frigging cat thing, earned a deep groan from the big man as he clutched his forehead tightly. He liked the kid well enough, but he hoped to God that he wouldn't sit beside him right now. Unfortunately, he chose a seat only a down from the necromancer. With a sigh, Zeb raised one big hand in greeting, downing the rest of his coffee and cutting off a slab of meat from his steak.

"Mornin'....sounds like a lucky friggin' day for jus' about everyone but me." He grumbled in his gravely, manly baritone, not quite looking at the kid as he chewed his food. "Don't suppose one's the healers got back yet? Feel like I jus' got slugged upside the head."

“Todays the day,” Calliope told herself, zipping up her jacket with a little more force than necessary. The grey haired girl gazed at her reflection in the mirror, her mouth set in a grim, determined line. “Today is the day. I’m really gonna do it. I’m going to take my first mission,” she repeated, before nodding and turning to exit her dorm room. The young mage trekked up the sandy path to the guild house and tugged open the door.

“Good mornin’, Cantaloupe!” greeted Barnaby, a ginger mage with an affinity for acid magic.

“It’s Calliope.”

“Sure thing, Carousel,” Barnaby pushed on, ignoring her correction. Calliope huffed and crossed over to the mission board, deciding to ignore taller teen. The ginger boy only followed her, draping himself against her back. “Are you finally going to take a mission? You should take one of the good looking boys with you. Alban? Maybe Ray? Don’t take Dude with you though, he’s mine,” Barnaby sighed, putting even more of his weight on Calliope and fanning himself. “That eyepatch? Soooooooo hot. I even dig the chrome dome.”

“Urg,” Calliope groaned, spinning out from under Barnaby quickly. The other mage squawked indignantly and pin wheeled his arms before falling face first into the floor boards. The girl couldn’t help but grin as the other mage rolled over and at rubbed his face. He shot her a look, before breaking out in a grin of his own. “You wound me, Cabbaaaaaage,” he said, drawing out the last ‘a’ and waggling his eyebrows at her. Calliope just shook her head and kicked at the fallen boy’s leg halfheartedly, before turning her attention back to the mission board.

Alban had been back a week since his last request, he tended to wait a little while after S-class quests before taking another job. Sure he was a bit lazy but being one of the few to take the most difficult type of requests did take a toll on him sometimes. Regardless though he thought about taking another to alleviate some boredom, but the higher ranking requests seemed immensely time consuming. While he did need the cash he didn't wanna go alone. That fact in itself was the biggest flaw, but its the price he payed for being a bit over the top. The guild however was still just as lively, maybe something would happen that would spark an interest to take a lower paying job or to help out with one at least.

As luck would have it Raymond had come in letting a smile form seeing the dragons slayer come in, next to catch his eye had been Nash. Alban had found him curious but wasn't the type to pry into other peoples affairs. Lastly had been the new beauty Calliope, admitting to himself he did have a crush on the young woman but had pursued it. Actually finding himself rather bashful around her. Since everything was lighting up he come time from the top rafter where a few other of the S-class mages had settled in. It was time to socialize with his comrades after all.

As he set foot on the bottom level Alban held his drink up towards Nash, knowing full well what had happened but it was just a little fun as held up his alcohol infused drink though it wouldn't affect him as it would most of the guild cause it diluted too fast in his system. Alban had gotten used to calling the man by his last name, it was no offense just easier for him to say."Nash one should be coming back in an hour roughly."

Taking the last drink from his mug as he approached the bar to the left of Ray and his exceed Roger, "A refill if you don't mind Klondike." Looking over to the duo as they ate. "I'll take you on an S-class quest sometime if... you can convince Max and Pearl to let you come with me." A feat he knew that could prove to be difficult. "Good job though on your recent job. Keep it up and I'm sure you'll get in for S-class exams." Patting Ray on the back as he continued onward, taking a lax sip from his mug.

Crouching down near Barnaby. "Leave the new girl alone Barnaby or maybe we'll have to play catch again sometime." Alban's smile was almost devilish since this game of so called 'catch' didn't sit well with the acid mage as he left promptly. Standing back up looking down at Calliope and to the request board. Again... Well it couldn't hurt to help with an offer right? "If you need help choosing or help with a job I'd be more than happy to help you Calliope." Eyeing a request that seemed to scream for her particular set of skills but didn't point it out, not yet at least. "Or you can go with me on one, I'll split the reward even with you." She probably heard his 'flaw' around women but it didn't hurt to try and help the newcomer out.

Ray looked over to see Alban made his appearance. Raymond's eyes went wide as he said that he would let them go on an S-Class mission, and he glanced over at Roger with excitement. Everyone in the guild at this point knew that Raymond had one true task. Sure he wanted to be one of the strongest wizards in all of Fiore, he wanted to protect the ones who couldn't, but his ultimate goal was to find his father Adamas. But the thing about Adamas was that he wasn't a human. He was the Diamond Dragon, and the person who raised Raymond and taught him his true power. Ever since he left all those years ago, Raymond has always been dreaming of setting off to search for him when he was strong enough. Being an S-Class wizard would confirm that, and maybe one of those secret missions would be to find a dragon!

"Thanks!" Raymond said with a large smile to Alban. "And you still owe me that rematch! I've gotten a lot stronger!" Raymond said with a grin. It was also custom to see if he could beat any of the S-Class wizards to see where he was in strength... Blitz and Alban were the hardest on him, not because they didn't like him, but they understood what it was like in a way. You didn't want to win with a handicap. You didn't want to get false hope, and they were all motivated by each other.

As Alban walked away, he turned his attention to Zebedee, he usually hated mornings, but kept it to himself. He was the only one in the guild who took on the undead jobs. One time Roger and Ray agreed to go with him one night when they were younger... It took a while for them to get over what they saw that night. They both had a lot of respect for the necromancer, he was nice and caring, but ever since that night they refused to go on another undead job. "Mornin' Zeb! I think May's coming back from a healing job soon!" Raymond said with a pat on his back, unaware that he was recovering from a hangover. One of the bad things about being raised by a dragon, you missed a lot of context clues.

Ray couldn't help but glance back at Alban, who was talking to the new girl who recently joined. She was pretty, Ray couldn't deny that, and there was also no denying that Alban flirted with any girl in the guild. He was polite with it of course. Ray was a man who didn't flirt, he was blurted out things. He truly didn't have any fears (except vehicles, he hated those things!) if he thought someone was loud, he would tell them to shut up. If he thought someone was pretty, he'd tell them straight to their face. If he thought someone was all talk, he would challenge to fight them. That's why either people loved or hated Raymond... But Alban's invitation kept ringing in his ears until he couldn't take it anymore!

"Come on, lets go find Max and Pearl!" Raymond said with excitement. "You really think that they're gonna let us go on an S-Class mission?" Roger said undoubtedly. "We'll never know if we don't ask!" Ray answered, grabbing Roger by the vest and rushing through the guild hall. "Outta the way!!" Raymond said as he knocked Barnaby across the room. He heard shouts and screams of accusation coming from one of the tables, and if that didn't simmer down soon, a bar fight would be on its way. Raymond rushed towards the stairs, and towards the rooms that belonged to the guildmasters.

As he was about to burst through the door, a poof was heard and a cloud of smoke, and then a hand pushed him backwards. "How many times have I told you not to burst into rooms that aren't yours?" Max, one of the guildmasters, asked. "Sorry, master!" Ray said, getting up, looking at him with a smile. "We were wondering if--"

"No."

"But Alban said he'd take us--"

"No."

"But I'm strong!"

Max sighed. "Ray, there will come a day where you become S-Class. No one here doubts that. But today is not the day. It would be too dangerous for you to join in on one of those missions. It takes a toll on you..." He saw Ray's face was angry, yet still determined. "There's no doubt in my mind that you're strong, son. Hell, maybe one day you'll be the strongest in the guild. You'll get your chance one day, Dragon Slayer." With that, Max left to go downstairs. Max was the best chance at getting permission, he knew that Pearl would beat him up just for asking if he could join in on a mission.

"It's alright, Ray... We'll get our S-Class mission someday." Roger said to try and comfort Raymond. The Dragon Slayer gave a weak smile to Roger, and nodded. "Yeah, we just gotta keep provin' ourselves... And I think I know how to do it..."

Every entrance made Zeb's head throb as the words came to his ears, and he groaned in pain. Alban at least recognized that he was hurting like a son of a bitch right then, and with the news of May returning soon, he felt some relief in knowing he'd have some treatment soon.

Then he noticed Barnaby and the new kid. Barnaby was a bit of an annoyance with that weird crush the kid had on him, but he knew Caliope to be a good kid. He hadn't said much to her yet, not surprising since most of the new people were always warry of him, being a necromancer and all. He looked over and offered the girl a polite nod and a faint smile.

"Heya, kid. Good to see ya making' progress. Lemme know if ya need any help. Ain't any other undead jobs on the board, so I'm free for a while." Then he turned to Barnaby, smirking faintly as he reached up to turn over his eyepatch. The puckered hole of his empty eye socket was about as pretty as could be expected. "Still find the eyepatch hot?"

Nathan would fall into the Guild doors, quite literally, yawning and scruffing up his free hair, his coat hanging low by his feet, and his eyes tired and weary, not making an effort to speak to anyone, before noticing all the women around, his expression pipping up and he would get a tall stance, yawning and letting small sparks fly up into the air and pop, grinning lightly as a few of the girls giggle, he would fold his arms, pressing them against his chest, no shirt covering it, he would stare down, and back up, grinning and internally stabbing himself, thinking "Really?! REALLY NATHAN YOU IDIOT!" he would sigh as he gets out of the girls sights, brushing the sweat off his brow, he would recompose himself and get back out there, heading to the job board

"..Hm..Nah...Hm..N- Waittt....Nahhh....No- Wait Wait Yes!" He would speak out loud, his hand going over each mission and pulling at the paper, he would reach one about dealing with some bandits on the outskirts of the town, he always enjoyed screwing with them, most of the time because they were from rivaled guilds. He quickly set off toward the door, not making much of a fuss unlike other mornings, as he was short of the 'dosh'.

"If you need help choosing or help with a job I'd be more than happy to help you Calliope. Or you can go with me on one, I'll split the reward even with you,” came a voice from beside her and the girl looked up to see Alban peering down at her. ‘Geez, he’s tall,’ Calliope thought, giving him a smile. Alban had a reputation around the guild as being the resident lady killer, along with Nathan, but neither one of them had ever over stepped themselves around her, so the astral mage was beginning to worder if there was any truth to the rumors.

“Yeah, okay. That sounds like a plan,” Calliope decided, rocking up on her tip toes to give him a friendly punch in the bicep. “I’m just getting a hold of my caster magic, but I’m pretty handy with Dawnstar," she told him, gesturing over her shoulder with her chin where her sword was strapped to her back.

The Dude himself chose that moment to wander over, nodding his head and smiling at her. ’He’s tall too. Is there a height requirement for guys to join the guild?’ she wondered, nodding back to the necromancer. "Heya, kid. Good to see ya making' progress. Lemme know if ya need any help. Ain't any other undead jobs on the board, so I'm free for a while." The bald man then turned and flipped his eye patch up to taunt Barnaby, who seemed to be staring at him from a table nearby. Calliope couldn’t help it, she burst out laughing.

“The look on your face!” the girl cackled, doubling over and clutching at her midsection as Barnaby turned an alarming shade of crimson in embarrassment. Once Calliope managed to stop her giggle fit, she straightened back up and addressed Dude’s earlier question. “I think me and Alban were gonna try one together. Did you want to come with us?” she asked, cocking her head to the side.

Nathan brushed by them, murmuring to himself before plucking a flyer from the board and making his way back towards the door. “Good luck!” she called after him, before turning her attention back to the other two mages at the mission board.

Calliope had yet to try her astral magic on him of course he'd be inclined to say yes but it would be welcomed to help her get a hold of her skills and a lady's touch wouldn't hurt. Returning the smile the young woman had given him in return, friendly and cordial but refrained from pushing any other limits. Especially around a newbie at that. Alban had to let out a small chuckle as Calliope had punched his bicep. He forgot how tall he was sometimes and what the young mage had done had reminded him of that and how small she was compared to him. "I hadn't seen your caster magic yet so I have to admit it would be interesting to see. I can't say I have a sword but I could create something fashionable for us to spar with sometime if you'd like me to oblige." Alban was no great swordsman but he could create something like a bladed weapon with his magic if the occasion called for it, it would be practice that he could teach her in more confined spaces but that was for another time as Nash had made his way over.

Barnaby's exspression had been price, Alban had to admit that fact. Seeing the acid mage turn fifty shades of red, having to laugh at Barnaby in that moment. It's what made the guild function so well, being able to laugh at the smaller things. His laugh turned to a smile as her surveyed the request board. Something that would a little easier but if Nash did decide to come maybe something a bit tougher?

Nathan was well being Nathan, but it was obvious when he came into the guild hall. All of the girls started giggling as soon as he came in. That was the difference between them though, he tended to be more subtle in his affections or at least tried to. Well and the fact they used Alban for two bit things some times. Which Pearl had to sometimes play the motherly role and ridicule the said females. But pretty much before he could say 'hello' Nathan was already gone and out the door. Alban shrugging his shoulders as he peered back at the request bored.

"Well I don't know what kind of job to look for but perhaps..." Picking two flyers from the bored, handing them both to Calliope letting her decide which. "One is to stop the thieves in the next town over, something easy but could provide you a chance to show your swordsmanship. Or find and eliminate whats taking the fishermen's catch down at Serpents Cove." Not the best choices but something a little easier for the new mage to try her hand at. Off course Alban and if Nash decided to go they'd provide most of the heavy lifting so to speak. Peering back at the request board to see if there were any others that might suit the need.

Blade had an uncomfortable look on his face, his hair being constantly brushed and gelled down. He wanted to say somethinh but couldn't bring himself to it. His caretaker, Rose, was the one preparing his hair "Ahh I can't believe you're going to go on your first mission outside the city!" For the past 3 years, Blade was forbidden from going outside of the city skirts. His idea of civilization was primitive before they took him in. Behind her was Rand, glaring down at Blade. Rose brushed a stray hair down "You're going to love it! So many beautiful sights outside of the city!" Rand decided to speak up, a sly smirk on his face "There's also flesh eating monsters "Lovely people who you've never met before!" "Parasites that sneak into your room as you sleep and drain you of all your blood" "Amazing jewels and treasure beyond your wildest dreams" "Beasts and Dragons that can swallow you whole" Blade was shaking in his shoes, trying to keep a confident smile but instead look like a forced creepy grin. Rose looked back at Rand, glaring at him. She turned back to Blade "Beautiful womenn" Rand opened his mouth to scare Blade again but was stuck "...she got me on that one" Rose stuck her tongue out at Rand.

Blade laughed nervously "Ehehe I'll be fine, really. I'll be sure to use everything the two of you taught me!" He said with a wide grin. Rand grumbled, getting Blade into a headlock "Don't you underestimate what's out there boy. There are beings out there that can turn your flesh inside out" And just like that, Blade's confidence was RKO'd to the dirt. Rose smacked the back of Rands head. He sighed,
Letting Blade go. The three walked to the entrance of the door, Blade opening it and turning to the two. The look on his face was that of a frightened child. Rose bit her lip, fighting the urge to squeeze him

"Be safe. I'm sorry that we held you in but it was for you own good Blade" He nodded and answered with a genuine smile "It's okay...I didn't mind. The last three years...it felt like I actually had a home" Rose broke out into tears, squeezing her arms around his neck and swinging him around "I can't let you go!!! Just stay with U.S. forever!" Rand had to pry Blade out of her hands, giving him the look of "Run". Blade nodded, running off and waving at the two "DONT WORRY ILL BE BACK" "YOU BETTER OR ILL KILL YOU" Rand said without hesitation. The couple watched Blade running on his first true adventure.

Blade had made it to the guild hall, his previous confidence gone "Hehe so an adventure...this should be a...piece...of....." Blade walked away, Rands words echoing in head "Nope, I can't do it!" He stopped midway, letting out a sigh "No, I must do this!" He ran at the door, planning to kick it open. Before he could, someone else had stumbled in the guild and opened the doors. He flew right past the fellow guild mate, crashing into a table instead "Ow" He rubbed his head, getting up and notice a few people looking at him. He gulped, waving at them "Ehehe hi" They all continued on with their conversations as if nothing happened. "Phew" Blade wiped his forehead, walking up to the mission board. There already weas a small group. Blade stood on his tip-toes, trying to look over the group. It didn't go as well as he expected since there were so many tall people inside of the group.

Raymond should have been discouraged about the news of not going on an S-Class mission, but he wasn't he ran back downstairs with Roger, his signature grin on his face. Everyone in the guild knew that he wasn't an S-Class wizard, but they did know that Raymond was one of the toughest wizards in the guild, with the reputation of being "The Diamondback" through his travels over the years.

"I have a bad feeling about this..." Roger said as the two leapt over a table and towards the mission board, luckily Alban hadn't left yet. Zeb also joined the group next to the board, with the newer girl had their attention. She occasionally appeared in the Guild Hall for the past couple months, but she would never grab a job. Raymond didn't know why, she gave that look of uncertainty, but Raymond was (very surprisingly) a good look on character. She definitely had that toughness to her, and many times he would go to try and challenge her to a fight, but was stopped by a member that would often say "She's new! Don't scare her off!"

"Excuse me!" Raymond pushed his way through the crowd. He wasn't doing it to be rude, or mean, or thought he was better than anyone, he simply let his eagerness get to him (again, he was raised by a dragon). He looked at the board, and frowned. "Hey, what gives, you guys took the good jobs!" Raymond said to Alban, Zeb, and Calliope. The woman looked down at the papers as if trying to make a decision, and Raymond couldn't take it anymore. "Why don't you just take both? They should be a piece of cake with Alban and Zeb with you, and not to mention that awesome looking sword! And if you guys need a Dragon Slayer, I'm always up for a job!" Ray said with a smile. Roger made it on to Ray's shoulder, giving a nod of agreement.

Ray's attention then turned to the guy behind the group, giving him a raised eyebrow look. "You're the dude with the light magic, right?" Raymond asked, innocently not remembering his name. "You better get a job while they're still here, they go by quick!"

Nathan would begin to move to the city outskirts, going a bit to the left of the gates and a few kilometers out from the town, he would see a rather large bandit encampment, thinking to himself "Makes sense why the pay was big.." He would silently speed forward, a trail of lightning following him as he grins, noticing that they have set up a lighting rig, he would sneak over, past two guards and toward the the generator, placing his hands on it, beginning to overload it, the lights would quickly shine brightly, before smashing, glass shattering everywhere, over the bandits, the ground, over Nathan, he would zoom forward, several shards of shattered glass cutting his chest, he would yell out "LIGHTNING DRAGON IRON FIST!" sending the two Bandit Guards into a third, all three slamming into a crude tent, which falls ontop of them, he would notice a group of four bandits bolting toward him, slashing at him he would send back a Lightning Dragon Lightning Elbow, slamming it into one of the bandits, the leader would stand idle, watching Nathan fight off these Bandits

Nathan quickly ducks, back flipping over the three remaining Bandits, yelling "LIGHTNING DRAGON ROAR" Lightning quickly engulfing them all, even the leader, who would begin to turn and run at the yelling, only to be blasted into a tree and subsequently killed. Nathan would breathe heavily, blood seeping from his chest and arm, as wounds cover the majority of his body, he would begin making his way back into the Guild Hall, slamming down the contract and saying with a wide grin "Done." collecting up the money and going to sit at one of the less populated tables, The nurse fixing up his wounds while Nathan flirts with her, as usual.

Calliope took the mission sheets and looked them over, furrowing her eyebrows slightly. 'Hmmm, bandits or possible fish eating monster?' the mage pondered, chewing at her bottom lip while she concentrated. 'The monster would probably be more fun, but the bandits would really test me.'

"Excuse me!" The diamondback dragon slayer exclaimed as he brushed by them, knocking into Calliope and causing her to accidentally step on Dude's foot.

"Sorry," the swordswoman apologized as she righted herself.

"Hey, what gives, you guys took the good jobs!" Raymond groaned, his green eyes trained on the three mages congregated "Why don't you just take both? They should be a piece of cake with Alban and Zeb with you, and not to mention that awesome looking sword! And if you guys need a Dragon Slayer, I'm always up for a job!" Ray declared as his flying cat landed on his shoulder.

"Oh, I guess that works," she replied, glancing back at Dude and Alban to gauge their reactions. "We could stop by Serpent's Cove first and then take care of the bandits. We won't get as much money though, splitting it four ways," Calliope pointed out, catching sight of a black and white haired mage that was trying to see the mission board over everyone. "Oh jeez, I'm sorry," the girl said, stepping out of the other mage's way and giving him a gentle nudge toward the board. "Go on, pick something out."

The big man shrugged, his good eye fixed on the Calliope as he listened to her pick in jobs. Not bad choices for her first gigs, even with a four way split.

"Eh, the money's not too important. Sound like good work, be helpin' folk. I'm in." He didn't hesitate with his answer. Yet another of the newer folk arrived shortly after, though he couldn't recall this one's name, just that he had some talent with light and dark magic. He slipped a hand into his coat pocket, withdrawing a long, thin cigar and set it between his lips.

"Jus' lemme know when you're ready. Need the exercise."

"I'm fine on the money so you can take my share Calliope. Plus Nash is right, I need the exercise too. I've been lazy for a while now." Alban letting a loose smile form on his face, offering his share to the young woman. He'd have to take on an S-class quest for founds but Pearl being the motherly figure to him would let him slouch on it some if he was helping a new comer, or at least he hoped. He was a beach bum anyways so that played into his favor. Raymond on the other hand was essentially his little brother in a way of speaking but his manners still to be desired, something he needed to be reminded of... maybe just a little bit anyways. In that moment though Blade had appeared. Alban had to admit he was a strange young man but then again the entire guild was filled with oddities.

"Raymond." Alban spoke subtle standing next to Ray, placing his on the shoulder that didn't have Roger the exceed on it. "What did I tell you about manners or is a another lesson required." Playing to the dragon slayer's ego since he wanted to fight earlier, Raymond was still far from his level but was far from week though too. "But Calliope the jobs are to help you gain experience and become a prominent member of the guild. The stronger you become, the more the guild thrives because of the smallest actions by its members. Think of Nash and me as teachers so to speak." He wanted to show her the second level and a few of the type of quests he'd typically undertake but didn't want to appear too vain. "This one you'll just have to mind his manners some since he was raised by a dragon after all." Musing a slight laugh. While it seemed ridiculous to be raised by a dragon, then again to be raised by god would certainly seem even more far fetched.

Ray thought about backing out of these jobs. The three of these wizards were more than capable of tackling this job. Two veterans like Alban and Nash were more than capable of showing Calliope the ropes of the guild. Sure, Raymond had a lot more energy than the two (they went on a lot of lengthy and more challenging jobs was one of the reasons, but Ray had a bit too much energy for a normal human), and his plan on joining in on an S-Class mission was required Alban. If he could show the Water God Slayer that he was capable, and impressed him, Alban could hopefully convince Max and Pearl to let him join in on a mission!

He was brought back to reality when Alban warned him about his manners. "What are you talkin' about?" Raymond asked, about to take on his passive-aggressive invitation to throw down, but Roger's tail whacked him on the back of his neck. "He's talking about how you pushed the girl away to look at the jobs, then yelled at her for not being able to choose." Roger said in his ear. Roger was far from polite as well, but he had a better understanding of manners. He simply chose not to follow them that much. The two wizards declined to take a split of the reward, and Ray gave a smile. "Looks like there's more money for us!" The Dragon Slayer said with a smile, then getting whacked again by Roger. "I mean, I already got a good pay earlier, so the money's all yours!" He said with a truthful smile. Although Money is a nice bonus, Ray wasn't in this for the money right now.

Nathan stands up, the nurse walking off as he moves quietly toward the board, scratching his bandaging around his waist and looking past everyone, his eyes landing on an S class mission, tearing it off the wall and saying "Ugh! I have to take a group?!" He would look around and say with a grin "Any ladies?"

Sighing as no ladies attracted any attention he would pin the contract back up onto the wall, moving back to sitting on his own table, sure the women laughed at his antics, but truth be told he was always lonely. Noone to rely on. He would leave himself alone with his thoughts.

One by one the other guild members offered up their portion of the reward, causing Calliope to turn beat red. "N-no! Oh geez, that's not what I meant!" The girl exclaimed, shaking her head briskly. "I was just pointing it out. I wouldn't hog all of the reward for myself!" she informed them, before eyeing Alban, Ray, and Rodger.

"You were really gonna let me have all the reward money, weren't you? It's a wonder you guys aren't broke with that sort of attitude," the girl huffed, blowing a strand of hair out of her face. "You guys...," she said, poking each one of them, including Rodger, in the chest for emphasis. "...don't need to be such pushovers! If you put in the work, you deserve the the reward!"

"Jus' lemme know when you're ready. Need the exercise," Dude cut in, his expression amused as he held a cigar casually between his lips.

"Right," Calliope coughed, trying to subdue her blush through sheer force of will. "We'll split it even, no arguments," the young mage informed them. "These missions are in the town over, so we'll need to pack supplies for an overnight trip. Let's meet up at the train station in an hour. Sound good?"

Zeb nodded at the girl's proposal, finally lighting his smoke and taking a long satisfied puff. He did his best to ignore Nathan. That kid had always rubbed him the wrong way.

"Fine by me. Gotta get my grimoire, anyway." He patted the kid on the shoulder as he started out the door to his apartment to prepare. It was small and practical, old books and scrolls scattered about. His grimoire rested on an old oak table, black and etched with silver runes that gave it a distinctly evil look. It was a common theme with these necromantic artifacts and such.

"Yep. Gonna be an interestin' trip."

Raymond was pumped! He'll get to see Alban and Zeb in action, he'll see how Calliope uses her sword, and he can impress the S-Class wizards by showing them his strength! He was so excited, that he almost didn't catch that last part about meeting up at the train station. "Wait wait wait... We don't reaaaallly need to take the train." Raymond said with a weak laugh and smile, rubbing his head. "I'm sure we can get there in no time if we just walk to the other towns!" Ray said, hoping that they would listen, but it seemed that everyone was off to gather their things for the jobs... Raymond sighed, making a frown as he saw that Nathan made an appearance.

Nathan and Raymond's relationship was an odd one. They had a few things in common with each other. They were both powerful, brave, not afraid to speak their mind... But Nathan was more focused on women, and impressing people. Although Raymond did like to show off his strength as well, it was usually to prove something more to himself... He always thought that Adamas left him because Ray wasn't good enough. So that's what truly drives his motives. He has so many friends and family now that will help him achieve his goal. If he can show that he's the strongest he could possibly be, he could find Adamas. And show him all he's accomplished... He wanted to make him proud.

Nathan walked towards a table, and sat down, with an expression on his face that the Diamond Dragon Slayer saw from time to time. Normally Ray would walk up to Nathan to start a fight, but they had their moments. They were both dragon slayers after all. They had to look out for each other! He walked up to Nathan's table, giving a grin. "Hey." Ray said, looking over at the women glancing over at the two of them (mostly Nate), then back to the Lighting Dragon Slayer. "A group of us are gonna head over to Willow, the town up North. You can tag along with us and find a job up there! I'm sure a Dragon Slayer will be needed! We're gonna head out in an hour." Ray said with a nod before walking out of the guild himself to get to his small home to gather some gear.

---

Raymond had a home on the outskirts of Caister. It was a beach house with worn down wood, net windows, and a matching worn door. He built the place when he was a kid. It was something Adamas taught him. They would travel around in their little forest a lot, and the Diamond Dragon would always make Ray make his new home from scratch. On one side of the house was the view of the beach, and the town, the other side had the rolling hills, and the large mountain range far off in the distance.

Ray and Roger made it in to the house, and the cozy interior matched the outside. The living room was filled with a dining table and chairs, an iron coal stove, and a pantry that would sometimes be filled with food. There were items all over the walls and on tables and shelves from his adventures in the Silver Trident. And a small room led to the bedroom which consisted of the largest window overlooking the mountains. The bed was composed of soft blankets, cushions, and pillows that Ray and Roger just jumped on and passed out after long missions.

Roger leapt off Ray's shoulder and waddled over to the pantry, shoving food in his small backpack, and running around to collect other items. Ray went in to the bedroom to grab the pouch of priceless, perfect diamonds. He was given this by Adamas the day he left. He never used it as currency, but whenever he needed a boost in his power, he would be able to eat some. He also grabbed a napsack, an extra pair of clothes, and he wrapped his purple sash around his arm tightly, smiling at it a bit. It was his good luck charm.

"Alright! Time to impress some wizards!" Ray said to Roger. "Yeah, that's if you can keep yourself from puking all over them on the train." Roger said with a nod, wings forming from his back and flying upwards and towards the door.

"I still think it'd be fine if we just walked..." Raymond muttered, the two wizards from the Silver Trident making their way to the train station to start their adventure.