After I raised my hand, our eyes met for a moment. The employer said nothing at first, as if he was waiting for something… or perhaps confirming something within himself. Then, in a loud and serious voice, he spoke:
"Now that the number is complete, everyone may return to their work… except those who raised their hands."
A brief silence followed before the others began to move. Some glanced at us, whispered among themselves, then made their way back to the carts and their usual duties. I wasn't the only one who noticed the murmurs — even the employer seemed to catch their varied looks: some were sympathetic, others doubtful… and a few unreadable.
As the sounds faded and the footsteps grew distant, only nine of us remained in the dusty clearing — plus the employer.
I looked around, trying to process who now stood with me in this mysterious group. We were strangers to one another, bound only by a single decision made moments ago.
Luxian stood with his usual unwavering confidence — chin raised, hands behind his back, as if he were born to lead.
Beside him stood Knox, the quiet teenager with black hair and unreadable features. His expression revealed nothing, like a silent wall no thought could pass through.
Then there was Marcus, who seemed a bit uneasy. Arms crossed over his chest, his eyes wandered from one face to another, as though trying to read our minds or brace for any sudden threat.
A little farther away stood the man in the dark blue cloak. His eyes were closed, his posture still — as if lost in deep meditation or some unseen inner connection. He didn't move at all, like a shadow more than a man.
The bald man, muscular with defined veins and old scars on his face, gave off a quiet aura of power. He didn't need to speak for us to know — this was a man who had seen battle.
Then there was the one who looked like a gang member — the most restless of the group. He wore a gray scarf over his shoulders and tapped his foot impatiently on the ground, his sharp gaze paired with a crooked, unsettling smirk… the kind you wouldn't want to see on your enemy.
Among us stood also a strange, skinny young man with oddly childlike features — blond hair and wide blue eyes, like windows to another world. Despite his innocent appearance, something about him felt… off. Unexplainably strange.
And finally… the most mysterious figure of all. Dressed in ordinary clothes, wearing a black mask and a cap that hid most of his face. There was nothing remarkable about his outfit — nothing that revealed who he was. I tried to observe him closely, but he seemed like someone who came from a place beyond logic itself.
And there I stood, among them — feeling like the weakest of the nine. Yet… I was here. I didn't know whether raising my hand was an act of true courage… or unconscious recklessness.
The employer looked up at us, his voice quiet — but carrying a weight of warning:
"What you've entered now is not just an extra job… It's a test. The path from this point onward will not resemble anything you've experienced before. If anyone wishes to back out now… I won't blame them."
No one spoke. Even the twitchy, gangster-like man stood still. The silence felt electric, as if we stood at the edge of something vast… and unknown.
The employer's expression hardened, and he said firmly:
"The man you'll be protecting is named Valis Raymond. You will treat him with utmost respect. He does not tolerate mockery or disrespect."
He paused, then added with calm clarity:
"You'll begin guarding him tomorrow. You'll report to his castle on the northern edge of the village and rotate in shifts, ensuring constant protection, twenty-four hours a day."
Silence settled again, each of us lost in our thoughts. Then, breaking the stillness, the employer asked directly:
"Any questions?"
No one dared speak. Maybe everything had been explained clearly… or maybe the tension had simply frozen our tongues.
He nodded and continued:
"Very well. If there are no questions, return to your duties."
Everyone turned and began to walk away. I made my way back to my tasks, a strange mix of fear and pride swirling inside me. For the first time, I had raised my hand and faced a challenge without retreat or hesitation. It felt like I had broken through some inner wall — that I was finally beginning to change the course of my life.
When the workday ended, I hurried back to the inn, where Aunt Melissa greeted me.
I told her calmly, trying to hide the storm within me:
"Something important happened today. I was chosen for a special guard duty."
She looked at me cautiously, worry in her voice:
"That sounds very dangerous… Are you sure you want to go?"
I sighed and replied, uncertain:
"Maybe it is dangerous… but don't worry. I'll be careful. Nothing will happen to me."
Just then, Liana burst into the kitchen, shouting with growing concern:
"No, Uncle! Please don't go! Let me come with you — five days! I don't want you to leave!"
I smiled, trying to reassure her, and said confidently:
"I'll come back safe, don't worry. The time will pass quickly."
My words seemed to calm her — at least a little — but in her eyes, sorrow still lingered.
After dinner, I went up to my room and sat on the bed, drowning in a sea of thoughts. I imagined what awaited me tomorrow — the events that might unfold, the people I'd be dealing with.
I was nervous… but it was a nervousness laced with hope and courage.