As if providing an answer to her troubles, one of the combat experts behind her loudly cheered, "A toast to the best guild in the area - to the predators". The entire group was very rowdy. Apparently, they had just returned from successfully completing a B rank mission.

Several high level experts were present and they were discussing excitedly about the transpired events. The others who were not able to join them on the mission, could only sigh and listen to their stories in awe. The strong really did have all the fun.

Hearing all this chatter, Eluraa was wondering if maybe it was time for her as well to venture out and explore. To be free ... To roam all of the lands and the high seas.. To enjoy all that nature has to offer, has always been Eluraa's dream.

But sadly, certain events made her realise that only the strong have the right to be truly free and unbound. Otherwise, you are always at the mercy of someone else.

"Ok. Let's not go there mind! There is n.o.body to take out my anger on. So let's really not dwell on the past.. So joining a combat guild sounds interesting. Hmmm.. There are so many options though."

Since, Eluraa had been sitting there for a while, the eatery helper came over, "Hi there sis. Do you want to eat something tasty?"

Her thoughts being somewhere else, Eluraa blurted out "Sorry. I am broke right now."

Annoyed, the eatery helper immediately chased her out.

"Sigh. Being poor sucks." Eluraa decided to walk back to her inn and maybe talk to the inn keeper and s.h.i.+ Meng about the different combat guilds.

On her way back, she saw the huge operations base of the predator's guild. "Wow. So this where those people joined.. Looks very domineering. But what s.h.i.+tty name is - The predators.. Well I can at least check them out I guess."

The whole area was bustling with people and very crowded. After all, the predators guild ranks 7th in the combat guild list. Hesitating, Eluraa decided to talk to the main receptionist sitting outside at her desk.

"h.e.l.lo Miss. Excuse me. Could you talk to me a little about the guild ?"

Dropping the file she was reading, the receptionist glanced at Eluraa. She took one look up and down and then asked her, "Why do you ask?"

"I just want to know a few details about the guild, so I can decide if it might be a good fit for me."

"Heh. Look at this Raling. It seems she is deciding whether or not to pick our guild !"

Raling, the burly man, who was sitting next to the receptionist, turned around and gave the stink eye to Eluraa, "Look here dear. Get out before someone throws you out. You really don't want to offend anybody here."

The receptionist further added, "Not sure which hole you are from. I am in a nice mood today. So, I didn't report you. Otherwise, you will definitely get black marked. I suggest you immediately leave the vicinity."

Veins were popping on Eluraa's head. "s.h.i.+t ! This is the second time, I have been thrown out today. What is wrong with these people !?"

Confused, Eluraa decided to silently head back to the inn. "Well, at least the first time, it was a bit justified. It was their eatery. But what is wrong with that other lady ? I just asked normal questions. Arghh."

Mumbling to herself all the way back, Eluraa finally reached the inn. Greeting the inn keeper, she proceeded to go to her room and focussed on her sword mastery practise. "At least something has to be productive today".

Just when she was starting, someone knocked on the door.

"h.e.l.lo. Eluraa. Are you back ?"

"Ya ya I am back."

Looking at Eluraa's annoyed face for the first time, s.h.i.+ Meng was very amused. "Are you still upset over Max's lack of instructions ? What do you want to know .. Let me answer you properly."

"Nothing, I just had to deal with some really rude people today."

"Oh what happened ?!"

"I tried to enquire about a combat guild. Not join - just enquire ! Got weird and rude responses."

"Oh! of course ! Ha ha.

So all the guilds recruit in a couple of months, around the end of summer. That is when the academy students graduate every year.

They usually do not recruit at any other time. This is because, people who want to join, in the off season are mostly quitters or people booted from their original guild. This is why, probably, you received such a bad treatment today."

"Ughh. Ok. "

"Besides, you should have just waited for me ! My elder brother is in a combat guild. If you are interested, we can both join there."

"Ya that sounds good."

Chatting happily a bit more with Eluraa, s.h.i.+ Meng returned back to his room, with a big smile on his face. These last few days have been awfully amazing to him.

Humming to himself a random tune, he turned in for the night.