Rise of the Nightmare Crestmaster

"So, does that thing have the ability to think? Does it have to eat or does it rely solely on the energy of the Spire?"

It was Nathan that asked, behind his glasses his eyes were shining as he looked at that Punisher. Like a kid looking at toy he wanted from the bottom of his heart.

"It does think, but it's bred and raised to be absolutely loyal to the inquisition. And the Empire, of course. As for food, it still has to eat, it's a living thing after all, not an undead."

Bernard shook his head in disappointment as if he was lamenting that the Punisher was still not good enough.

"What about you, young man, you're a cleric which cathedral were you ordained at?" Bernard asked looking very interested.

"Eh," Nathan smiled awkwardly, "I haven't really been ordained. Actually I haven't been to a church in ages. I am a alchemy acolyte."

There was a silence in the room after these words were uttered so honestly, or rather recklessly.

Nathan looked around and then continued talking of his own accord, "ah, you must be taken aback that I ignited the holy ring right? Don't ask, I've been wondering that myself."

"Hmm, it is random but to have become a cleric must mean that you hold great faith in your heart. You must be planing to report to a cathedral in Voryhrm, right?"

Nathan shook his head, "I wanted to ignite a Glyphmancer's tome, that way it will increase my learning ability and help in my vocation. But clerical work really isn't my forte. I hope to continue my studies in the art of alchemy."

"… that is understandable considering that you've been aiming for alchemy this whole time."

Bernard looked aghast for a moment before his expression was back to normal. 𝑓𝐫𝑒e𝒘𝚎𝘣𝚗𝘰𝘷𝐞𝑙.co𝑚

"Well, I have suggestion for all of you, young adventurers." Bernard said, changing the subject and drawing everyone's attention. "Why don't you leave Vorian?"

"What?" Frank asked in confusion.

"Ah, that came out wrong. I meant to say, why not look for better opportunities outside of Vorian, it's no secret that Vorian is not in the best of shapes. You haven't officially joined any guilds right?"

"Technically no but—" Aldrich tried to say but he was cut off.

"Technically no, means no. But it's fine if you still join the Knights of last Sustar, they have many branches outside of Vorian."

"The headquarters is still in Vorian, and the others Provinces are too far away, we have families and loved ones here, it difficult to make a decision…"

Aldrich answered diplomatically because he didn't want to offend Bernard and because he didn't want to speak on behalf of the party members on this matter. They had to decide for themselves.

He had no intention to leave Vorian for now, he had too many things going on here. If he left he would basically have to start over. Besides Ayemon and the others were staying here too.

"Well, it's just a passing suggestion, don't take it to heart. Oh, here this is for all of you." Bernard didn't seem offended instead he handed each of them small letter envelopes.

"What are these?" Emma asked.

"These are recommendation letters to the Thunderclap Conclave. If you ever feel that it's not comfortable in Vorian you can easily switch."

The Thunderclap Conclave.

It was one of the most famous guilds on par with the Knights of last Sustar. But the main difference between them was their ownership of a specific dungeon.

The Endless Gift dungeon.

Any mid-level guild would own a dungeon, buy top guilds had multiple dungeons. These dungeons are one of the main sources of income and influence that they use to back up their position.

But not all dungeons were the same, in fact it was hard to find two identical dungeons. Some were better than others, that was the case for the Endless Gift dungeon.

It was said that it was a dungeon that gave out wondrous items like candy. The Thunderclap Conclave went from a no name guild into a household name in a hundred years thanks only to that dungeon.

Members of the guild were given the sole right to explore it and get rich out of it.

Most guilds sold tickets to any adventurers who would want to explore their dungeons but not the Thunderclap Conclave. They gave this right only to members of the guild.

"Ah, just think about it, no need to make a decision now. You are all still young, take your time and make the right call." Bernard said with a smile.

'That is not a random suggestion. It has to be planned, the recommendation has an empty space for names. Meaning that the recipient could just write down any name.'

The recommendation was issued by house Benthos of Izzram, they must trust Bernard greatly or…

Suddenly the door of the room was opened and in walked senior inquisitor, Giltmere Voke. His stride was neither fast nor slow, it was composed, his white beard looked recently trimmed.

Aldrich looked over at Bernard and at some point he had stood up and moved away from the chair, standing beside the Punisher.

"Forgive me, I was late." He said as he took his seat, where Bernard was sitting a moment ago. He eyed the recommendation letters in their hands but didn't mention them.

"It's fine, inquisitor Giltmere, we had a pleasant conversation with inquisitor Bernard and benefited greatly."

"I'm sure you have, I'm sure you have."Giltmere nodded, he took out a coin pouch from the drawer and handed it over to Aldrich.

"This is the money for the eyes, five gold for each, and three for the tentacles. Any objections?"

"No, not at al, we are just glad that we were able to help the inquisition even if it is insignificant."

"Of course, don't fret they will be put to good use." Giltmere nodded repeatedly.

"I'm glad to hear these words, these days the world is in chaos and needs strong hands to take charge."