Paul scratched his chin.
"I see. So that's what's bothering you?"
William nodded.
"Although I haven't seen Osric for years before not too long ago, I can tell you two things about him, that I am sure has never changed."
"First is his ambition for a better life—
And second is his thorough thinking."
"Osric tries to plan everything ahead."
William wasn't surprised by these facts, but he was still confused on why Paul brought that up.
"The reason I tell you this, is because you're unsure what Osric's intentions were when telling you to find a recruit."
"What I can tell you, is that he definitely thought everything through. So him not giving you specific instructions, means he trusts you enough to make the decisions on this."
William sighed.
"But how can I make such important decisions? What if I give an unreasonably good offer or what if I give one so bad that we lose our potential recruit?"
Paul laughed.
"Haha, no idea. But I am sure it's also a test to see what you are capable of outside of combat."
William frowned.
"I can never tell what Osric's thinking."
Paul chuckled.
"Yeah, I couldn't either, even when he was a kid."
"Osric used to get bullied in our orphanage, when I wasn't around. But he never grovelled or fought back. He just silently let it happen."
"I'm sure that things only got worse once I left. Osric was both brave and smart enough to do something about it, but I never understood why he didn't."
"Sometimes I thought that maybe he thought it would make things worse, or he just didn't think he was strong enough. And sometimes I thought he had something bigger planned and was just being patient."
"I was really surprised to hear that he became an adventurer, but also happy."
"I'm sure our orphanage director doesn't like it and is worried, but I'm glad that he finally decided to fight."
"He's starting to build something and probably has big plans for his future."
William was in awe.
"He's really amazing."
Paul smiled.
"I think so too. I just wish I was there for him even after I left."
William could see the regret in his eyes.
"I don't think he blames you or anything. He trusts you a lot."
Paul smiled.
'What kind guy. I'm glad Osric met him.'
"Thanks William and I know that. But sometimes I think that if Osric had more close connections in his youth, he wouldn't have become so cold and distrustful."
"Although I think that he has improved. It's just that some scars can't be erased."
William and Paul both looked worried.
So Paul decided to change the subject.
"Anyway, we drifted off from the main topic."
"Your problem is finding the right way to recruit that archer right?"
William had also totally forgotten, because of how deep their conversation became.
"Right."
"How about just going on a mission with him? You can get to know each other and see how you work together, as well as personally see his skills."
William looked excited.
"That's it!"
"Great idea. But I hope he's okay with going on a mission with just me, instead of a typical temporary party of 4-5 people?"
"Why not? He's probably used to working with F-Ranks and E-Rank without parties."
"Working with a skilled E-Rank adventurer like you should be better for him."
William felt flattered.
"Haha, you think?"
"Yes. I just hope that this archer is trustworthy."
"Yeah me too. But I only heard good things about him. And he didn't accept any party offers yet, saying he had to think about it."
"Alright."
William and Paul kept talking for a while.
—
Meanwhile, a few hours later, on the other side of Ashbrook—
Osric was on his way to the arena again.
He had finished reading what he had to.
The book Osric bought didn't only contain information about fighters from the main underground arena.
It included notes on dozens of smaller pit fighters scattered across Ashbrook's slums and gambling dens.
But Osric had focused first on the most capable ones.
'I already know who I need to watch.'
He arrived early tonight.
Since one of his targets was among the new fighters that fought in the first bracket of the night.
Once Osric entered the humid atmosphere of the arena, he chose his seat and started looking around.
'Where are you—
Jayson?'