The next morning.
Osric was on his way to the guild's training ground, where he and William agreed to meet.
'I spent too much money yesterday. It was worth it, because it got us closer, but we should quickly earn it back starting tomorrow.'
He coincidentally met William on his way there and they walked together.
"Quite the eventful day yesterday huh?" William said.
"Sure was. How's your thigh?"
"Better. Some light training should be okay."
"Okay good."
They were already inside the building and walking through the back door, leading to the training ground.
William was in the middle of asking something when they spotted someone.
"By the way, what kind of training are we—"
A young man, who looked like a teenager was swinging a wooden sword.
"Who's that?" William asked.
Osric was just as confused.
"No idea."
'This is the first time I've seen someone else training here. The adventurers I've seen around so far don't bother and only focus on missions and making money.'
'Well, I would've been the same if not for Franklin.'
Osric took the lead and they started walking towards the practice weapon's rack.
The 18 year old suddenly noticed them and got startled.
'Who are they?'
"The kid's looking at us Osric."
Osric turned around after picking up the wooden sword.
"Yeah. He looks even more confused than us before."
William started walking towards the young man with light brown hair and a short and slim build.
His dark eyes looked nervous.
"Hey there. My name is William."
He reached out his hand as a friendly greeting.
The shy rookie acknowledged it and nodded without making eye contact.
"Hello. I'm Dustin."
Osric approached from behind William and nodded at Dustin.
"I'm Osric. I haven't seen you around before. Are you a new adventurer?"
"Yes. I registered about a week ago."
Osric spoke again.
"I see. Have you taken on a mission yet? People don't usually use the training ground or probably even know that it exists. What brings you here?"
Dustin gulped nervously and gripped his sword tightly.
William looked at Osric curiously.
'Since when is he such a talker? Didn't expect him to care.'
Dusting replied.
"I've been on one F-Rank Feral Dog mission, but I was nearly killed."
"I asked the guild clerk if there was a training ground and was guided here."
"Alright. I get it. We'll be training here as well. Feel free to approach us if you need any tips on monsters or any adventurer related things."
Dustin smiled shyly in gratitude.
"Thank you… most people just tell me to toughen up."
"Sure thing. See you around."
William also nodded and they turned around and walked to the other end of the training ground.
And he looked at Osric in utter disbelief.
"What was that? Although I haven't known you for long, have you ever been so nice to anyone?"
Osric chuckled silently.
"I felt bad for him and it's also important to make connections."
"Yeah. I felt bad too, but don't people usually want to make connections with people who have strength or influence?"
Osric smiled sharply and responded.
"Exactly. Even if he never is to become anything special, making connections with people when they are nobody is exactly how you make them last."
"You never know. Influence doesn't start at the top. It starts small."
Osric raised his wooden sword and pointed it at William.
"Let's spar. The best training is through actual fighting. Raise your weapon."
William was flabbergasted.
'I thought I had started to understand him somewhat, but I can't read him. He is calculating and unpredictable.'
After that thought, William raised his wooden battle axe.
'What kind of surprises will I encounter next by following him?'
Osric doesn't wait and charges William with a swift downward strike.
William barely reacts in time to block it but gets pushed back hard.
"Don't think. React."
The stare that came with the words, was intense.
"An enemy won't wait for you to be ready."