I Refused To Be Reincarnated

With a nod, Lana escorted his group to the two mercenaries guarding the stairs.

Equipped in two similar sets of fierce leather armor, the scars crisscrossing their stern faces softened. The long leather stripes coiled around their elbow-sized bracers that ended in pugilism’s gloves fluttered with their curt bow.

"Relax. Our new recruits would love to browse our little collection before they get their mercenary’s card tomorrow." She winked secretively as she gestured at Julius’ group. "Do me the favor of letting them in a little earlier."

Catching the clue, the two mercenaries exchanged a surprised glance. Were those youths from wealthy backgrounds? Probably.

One of them, a middle-aged man whose mane-like, half-gray half-dark hair commanded attention, curled his fingers to ask them to follow. "I’ll supervise them until they want to leave. Is it alright, Lana?"

Delighted by the professionalism, she smiled. "Thank you, Jack. I’ll get you a nice mug of brandy later."

"I can’t wait for it."

As Jack turned and took his first step on the stairs, Julius frowned slightly. "Mercenary card? Won’t we receive an identity badge?"

Lana tapped on her forehead. "Look at me! I forgot to mention it. The mercenary card is an official document approved by the crown. The details go over my head, but from what I understand, the king embedded each one with a unique sub-enchantment that establishes identity better than our outdated badges."