On his way home, Osric kept thinking about the dead Hans and what had happened.
'He didn't have a family. But even if he did, would I actually do something about it?'
Osric kept questioning his morals and what really mattered to him.
By the time he arrived in his room at the inn, he had calmed down somewhat.
'Something like this was bound to happen sooner or later.'
'I never intended to walk some righteous path. To achieve my goals, I am willing to do worse.'
Osric questioned whether his calmness came from his determination in his goals or from his Composure skill.
He took a deep breath.
'Why am I thinking about this so much?'
'People who endlessly question themselves and their morals, just end up in a hole they can't get out of.'
Osric understood himself and humans well enough.
'None of that really matters, as long as I follow the path I have chosen.'
'I will just live the way that I want.'
'Sometimes I might kill someone that stands in my way, and another time I might help someone in need, whether that's for my benefit or just because I feel like it.'
'In the end, all humans are hypocritical.'
Osric decided that it didn't matter what the world believed was right and wrong.
He would just make decisions based on what felt right to him at that point in time.
This whole ordeal tonight was a huge stepping stone for Osric.
'Tomorrow I will work even harder.'
Moonlight shone brightly into his room as his eyes slowly closed with a newfound calm.
—
The next morning—
Osric arrived at the guild early to meet up with his party.
The others arrived shortly after him.
As the Porter, Paul didn't have much to report, but he was still asked to always attend the meetings.
Osric believed it was important for him to also know about everything and to feel like part of the group.
Jayson didn't have much to contribute to the meetings yet either. He just told them how his training was going.
"That's good. I will stay to watch you train after this meeting." Osric said.
"What about you William? How is it going with the archer?"
William smiled.
"He agreed yesterday to go on a mission with me today."
"That's great." Osric responded.
"Yeah. Apparently we have a very good reputation because we completed so many missions with just two members before."
"That's good to hear. Have you decided on a mission yet?"
"No, not yet. You have a recommendation boss?"
"Yes. Go with an easy E-Rank Wolf mission. Although you can probably kill one alone by now, but this is a good opportunity to test your teamwork with an archer."
"You can also see how well he can cover you."
"Also, facing multiple monsters wouldn't be smart with just two people, when one is an archer without any defensive abilities. And fighting something too strong or unpredictable like a Thornback Boar or Forest Lynx is too risky with someone you haven't hunted with before."
Jayson, who was intently listening, was impressed by his insight.
'Sir Osric is incredible. Not only is he strong, but also incredibly smart and wise.'
William was also impressed but already used to it by now.
"That's a great idea boss!"
"So what happened at the arena yesterday, Osric?" Paul asked.
The tone quickly shifted when they noticed Osric's serious face.
He continued to tell them everything that happened and it left them shocked.
Jayson stayed silent.
'I can't tell how he feels after killing someone.'
William sighed.
"That must've been tough. I'm sorry this happened Osric. But it's not like this is our first time killing someone. You also didn't do it on purpose."
"Yes. It felt disgusting at first. This was different from before, but I also know that this is just something that can happen."
"How do you feel now?" Paul asked.
"Much better, Paul. As you know, I have large ambitions and that means there will be times where I will have to cross lines that others wouldn't—
But I have resolved myself to live the way that just fits me and not some righteous moral code."
"Haha, that's very you." Paul answered.
"Just make sure not to lose yourself on that path that will become bloody someday."
Paul was worried about him. He saw him like a younger brother.
"I know. Thank you Paul."
"Although I myself won't cross some lines, I will do my best to support you. My wife and future kids will always come first, but you are also like family to me, Osric."
Osric smiled faintly.
"Of course, I feel the same."
"Don't worry Osric! I have already resolved myself to follow you on your path. Although my grandmother wasn't very happy when I told her, but my grandfather told me to follow my beliefs." William said with his chest.
Osric chuckled this time. "Hah, thanks William. I will count on you having my back then."
"I will also do my best not to disappoint you sir!" Jayson interjected.
Surprisingly, this warmed Osric's heart a little.
"Thank you Jayson. I believe in you."
'Has he already gotten this attached to me that quickly?'
Osric didn't expect this, but he was glad.
'This is good. Real power cannot be attained alone. I need capable and trustworthy people under me.'
He out his hand on Jayson's shoulder.
"Alright then. Shall we get Franklin and head to the training ground?"
"Yes sir!"