See you on Thursday

  - And what countermeasure would be needed? All of this only leads to one logical conclusion: the disappearance of the [Abyssal Dragon] is clearly the work of monsters. We will only act as the situation unfolds.

  Starko'gus reflected for a moment, scratching his beard as he pondered his answer.

  - So, am I to assume that you're working with the nobility to deal with this?

  Framigan shook his head firmly.

  - No. They don't want to get involved financially. We're already in a complicated situation because of that. They're not going to spend their resources to help an organization like the Libertarian Guild. However it may sound, we're not volunteers or peacekeepers. We expect to be paid according to the services we provide.

  Framigan words made sense to Starko'gus, who, although a dwarf, knew how human dynamics worked. The status quo, as far as humanity was concerned, was somewhat predictable and therefore easy to understand.

  When it comes to adventurers linked to the guild, their work is not always financially advantageous or guaranteed. This is because commissions are retive and vary according to the type of mission. In addition, the guild receives a percentage of the profits to maintain its structure and finance the circution of missions for its members, which means that payments can vary considerably. Unlike more stable professions, such as cooks or merchants, who know exactly how much they will profit from a day's work, for adventurers, a single mission can st for weeks and, in many cases, requires its own expenses to ensure the success of the endeavor.

  Although guild members are autonomous and free to choose their roles, they don't have complete freedom over some of their decisions. When someone joins the guild, even without being subject to taxes, they end up becoming a kind of temporary employee of their country. As a result, their activities and benefits in foreign territories are limited. Even with a visa legalized by the guild, this rule was imposed to prevent fraud and illegalities involving its members elsewhere.

  Despite enjoying the protection of their country and certain rights that commoners and lower-css merchants would not easily have, many ended up developing a certain prejudice against the guild. This system was not exclusive to Krygan, but was adopted by several human countries, with some variations in the rules according to the guild's territory. The Libertarian Guild, however, adapted easily to these regimes, and although it was repudiated by many, it maintained a certain power.

  Framigan was familiar with this concept, but for Starko'gus, it posed a dilemma, since, as a dwarf, his lifestyle in his home country was quite different.

  - At the end of the day, you're associated first and foremost. I thought you cared about patriotic issues. Protecting the country and the property of its citizens is a basic duty. I assumed you would do something about it. Human rules are not so different from those in my old country.

  - By the way, since you're passing through, how is the situation on your side?

  Framigan's question, although simple, deserved careful analysis, and the wise dwarf's expression became more serious, despite the soft tone with which he had spoken.

  - For a great structure to stand, it needs a firm foundation, something to support it. Of course, a good foundation can st for months, years or even decades, but when it's knocked down, everything colpses.

  Framigan frowned when he heard the metaphor and rubbed his eyes, trying to understand.

  - What I'm trying to say with this analogy is that things are changing little by little. With the disappearance of the [Abyssal Dragon] Syphus, a possible territorial conflict will ensue. My kind... or, for humans, “monsters”, are keeping a close eye on the expansion. Of course, not everyone is familiar with this idea, but we know that there are species waiting for an opportunity to resolve old conflicts based on differences.

  Unlike Framigan, Starko'gus had a broader view of the situation. The disappearance of Syphus could alter the bance of the entire region. Although the monsters were a varied bunch, with internal disputes over territory, race and even savage instinct, the absence of the primordial dragon created an unstable situation.

  He knew that Syphus' presence was a crucial factor in maintaining order in the Langri Forest, as no one would dare provoke the wrath of such a ferocious dragon. It was unclear whether his aim was to maintain bance or to sow chaos, but for the monsters, his figure was essential for stability.

  - Is your queen aware of this? - Framigan asked.

  - Well, Your Majesty has always aimed to expand our kingdom, of course, with good intentions. She wouldn't enter into a direct conflict knowing the risks and possible casualties. Even though we have the best bcksmiths and craftsmen... it may sound like a joke, but we're not just smaller in size.

  Although dwarves are often underestimated for their stature and power compared to other races, it wasn't wise to underestimate them. Their skill in weaponry and other resources made them one of the most advanced civilizations, rivalled only by the Yonders, a kind of “monster” simir to the dwarves. Although these monsters had a more primitive appearance and were smaller in size, they had a wide range of craftsmen and builders. Both dwarves and Yonders were far from receiving adequate recognition among the rger races.

  - Of course, we're used to dealing with diversity. No wonder our people were one of the few to settle successfully in the deteriorating caves of the north. We've worked miracles there. But compliments aside, we're perfectly capable of dealing with what lies ahead. So, to answer your question... for now, we're fine.

  Although Starko'gus' answer was vague, Framigan interpreted it in his own way. Even though the dwarven kingdom was territorially smaller than that of the humans, they were not a race to be underestimated. The dwarves had excelled over the ages in securing their pce among the monsters, being one of the most organized civilizations, just behind the elves and humans.

  Although he was exhausted and in a bad mood, he knew that he still needed to talk to his companion. He needed to understand the general context of the monster situation in the Langri Forest. However, not even Starko'gus had a satisfactory answer. The little he knew was what had already been discussed: with the disappearance of the [Abyssal Dragon] Syphus, everyone's future was uncertain. Territorial expansion, the resolution of old conflicts and possible environmental changes were some of the alternatives that needed to be considered at that time.

  Vaku