The people of Slumdon Town were buzzing with excitement when they saw the Baron’s announcement plastered on the community billboard in the town’s plaza. This sparked a flurry of conversations, everyone intrigued and bewildered by the notice, especially since the offer seemed too good to be true.
“This is a load of nonsense! I’m not buying into whatever sweet promises this ruler has,” said one resident.
“Agreed. It’s too good to be true. I’m sure they’re just trying to take advantage of us.”
“But the money they’re offering is quite high. Could it be a scam?”
“There’s no harm in finding out, right? Maybe this is actually true.”
“Do you really want to put your life in the hands of those greedy, oppressive rulers?”
“No way,” the first person said firmly. “Let’s forget about these stupid job offers. We’re already struggling to make ends meet. We don’t need to complicate our lives with this nonsense.”
Despite the numerous doubts from the townspeople, the following day, a considerable number of people still gathered in the city center, close to the designated area. There, a large meadow could be seen, with more people gradually arriving and congregating. Most of them were curious about the intriguing offer and the large salary promised in the announcement. They wanted to find out the truth for themselves.
“I’m just keen to hear what the Baron has to say,” one of the onlookers remarked. “If it’s all nonsense, I’m leaving.”
“Yeah, I’m just curious,” another agreed. “It can’t do any harm.”
“Of course, I intend to get the payment we were promised,” chimed in another. “But I need to make sure he isn’t lying about the announcement he made.”
Several players who were hanging out in the tavern at the time noticed a lot of townspeople heading in one direction, and they began to wonder what was happening.
“Do those poor townspeople want to abandon this place?” one player said, chuckling.
“I think this place will turn into a ghost town after this,” another added, laughing.
“This town is owned by a player, right?” asked a third player.
“Ah yes, the one who won the competition in the capital city,” another player replied.
“This is ridiculous. The King gave such a pathetic city to a player as a reward. Only a fool would see this as a real prize. There’s nothing to gain from this town.”
“It seems like the King didn’t give these people much. The town is dry and desolate, with very few resources. The food is terrible, and there are limited facilities.”
“Did you know that the new Baron promised huge salaries to the townspeople who wanted to work for him?” another player chimed in.
“How much? And what kind of work?”
“I don’t know. I heard he wants to rebuild the town and is offering 30 silver coins to 1 gold coin for those who help.”
“That’s ridiculous! Where did he get that much money? Is he rich?”
“I don’t know, but from his appearance, he looks pretty poor,” laughed someone else.
“I’m sure he’s just fooling those poor, miserable townspeople,” another player remarked. “Yeah, the NPCs here are quite naive, but treating them like this is still too much.”
“Why don’t we go as well,” one of the five players suggested. “Let’s see what that stupid Baron is up to.”
“What for?” asked another.
“I don’t know,” shrugged the first player. “Maybe to laugh at his stupidity?”
Without further discussion, the five players left the tavern and joined the crowd, eager to find out what was going on.
In the heart of a bustling town square, a modest stage had been erected, where two knights stood vigilantly. Meanwhile, several members of the Ass Guild were scattered around the corners of the area, keeping a watchful eye. A large crowd of townspeople had already gathered, eagerly awaiting the Baron’s announcement.
Sometime later, Broken, dressed in a white outfit adorned with blue decorations and wearing his cape, approached the stage with two women by his side, Ivana and Freya. Both of them would help Broken by taking notes and selecting individuals who would line up and be inspected one by one by Broken. While Ivana was clad in her battle armor, Freya opted for more casual attire.
“I have to admit,” remarked one player observing the scene, “the Baron does have quite the regal presence, doesn’t he?”
“I can’t say for sure,” replied another, “but his guardian, Ivana, certainly looks the part. She’s a Special NPC, isn’t she? And so pretty, too.”
“Yeah, she sure is.”
Standing on the stage, Broken surveyed the Slumdon residents who had gathered that day. Then, he spoke up. “As promised in the announcement, today I will be selecting those who are interested in rebuilding this town with me. I will choose each person and assign them to the jobs that best suit their skills. I will pay everyone fairly for their work. But please note, the offer is not negotiable. You can trust that I will give a fair assessment to everyone. Moreover, today’s recruitment is only for the original residents of Slumdon.”
“How do we know you’re not lying to us?!” someone immediately shouted from the crowd.
“How can we be sure you really mean it?” another voiced their concern.
“What can we expect from a town abandoned by its former lord?” echoed another voice.
“This place is nothing but a wasteland of drought and famine!”
After everyone voiced their disbelief and doubts, Broken raised his right hand and spoke again with firm resolve.
“This is for anyone who wants to see this town thrive again. I’m offering you a great opportunity today. This is your chance. And I’ll let you see for yourselves how serious I am.”
He continued without giving the crowd time to complain. “For those who remain interested in the project, you must come to me for a quick interview, and I will decide where you fit best in the city’s construction. Form a line and follow the order; I do not advise causing any disruptions because I can be both kind and strict.”
He added, “Those who are selected will be provided with a comfortable place to live for themselves and their families, as long as they uphold the agreement.”
He ended his statement with a strong voice, leaving no room for further doubt among the townspeople.
Once Broken had finished his opening speech, he gracefully stepped back and took a seat in one of the chairs that had been prepared on the stage. Freya followed suit and sat beside him. Ivana stood nearby, keeping a steady watch to make sure no one caused any trouble that day. “Well, here we go,” Freya said. “So, my job is just to record all the potential candidates, right,
Mr. Baron?”
“Yes, Ms. Helper, please assist me,” he replied.
Everyone knew what they had to do; it was simply a matter of forming a line and walking up to the Baron for an interview. After the interview, they would be told what position would be
suitable for them.
However, despite the time that had passed, no one was brave enough to take the first step.
“Look at him,” laughed several players. “Hahaha, what a joke.”
“Yeah, he’s such a fool. Even his own people don’t seem to care about him,” added another.
“He’s definitely been given a lousy deal by the King!”
But then, out of the corner of his eye, Broken noticed movement in the crowd. As he focused on the spot, he saw a teenage boy making his way toward them.
Finally drawing near, the boy loudly declared, “My lord, please tell me what kind of job I can
do for you!”
Broken blinked in surprise as the boy came closer. There was something unusual about him— he had animal ears.