Ashton took a deep breath as he stepped inside the Demon Slaying Squad headquarters in the Mistwood Kingdom. The air was filled with the scent of incense, which seemed to be a common feature in most demon-slaying headquarters. It was a far cry from the hidden and secretive world of demon slaying in Sylvenvale.
The founder of the Demon Slaying Squad in the Mistwood Kingdom, a tall, lean man with piercing blue eyes, greeted Ashton as he presented his badge. The founder's name was Marcus and he seemed to take a keen interest in Ashton, asking him about his background and his experiences as a demon slayer.
Ashton felt a sense of apprehension as he spoke with Marcus. He had heard that the Demon Slaying Squad in the Mistwood Kingdom was one of the most respected and powerful demon-slaying organizations in the world, this setting was unlike how it was back in Sylvenvale.
Marcus: "So, Ashton, tell me a bit about your background. Where did you train as a demon slayer?"
Ashton: "I trained in Sylvenvale. It's a small kingdom, and demon slayers are forced to keep their identities hidden there due to some ridiculous laws passed by the royal family."
Marcus: "Ah! That place. Yeah, I've heard about that as well. Sadly we couldn't do much to help them. Whether we like it or not, our authority can't be higher than the royalties. But I'm sure you've gained some valuable experience in Sylvenvale. What sort of demons did you face there?"
Ashton: "Mostly low-level demons, nothing too powerful. We didn't have access to the same kind of resources and training that you have here in the Mistwood Kingdom."
He didn't feel the need to boast his abilities right now. He didn't want to be perceived as a narcissist or arrogant person. He'd just let his abilities do the talking for him.
Marcus: "Well, you're in luck. We have some of the best demon slayers in the world here. And we're always looking for talented individuals to join our ranks. Would you be interested in becoming a member of the Demon Slaying Squad in the Mistwood Kingdom?"
Ashton: "I'd love to, but I am a nomad by nature. My wanderlust prevents me from staying in one place for an extended period of time. Eventually, I'll leave this place too. But while I'm here, I suppose I can be an honorary member of sorts."
Marcus: "Excellent. We could use someone with your skills and experience. But I must warn you, the demons here in the Mistwood Kingdom are far more powerful than what you faced in Sylvenvale. You'll need to be prepared to face some serious challenges."
Ashton: "I understand. I'm ready for whatever comes my way."
Marcus: "Good. Then welcome to the Demon Slaying Squad, Ashton. I have a feeling you're going to fit in just fine here."
After several minutes of conversation, Marcus officialized Ashton's identity as an Honorary Member of Mistwood Kingdom's Demon Slaying Squad.
Since his status was fairly rare amongst the squad, it would take some time for Marcus to establish a set of rules that an Honorary Member like him could follow. This means that for now, at least, Ashton can't do missions just yet.
To compensate, Marcus made Ashton a temporary trainer for the Junior Teams. This way, he'll have a job and he could earn his keep.
Ashton wasn't really lacking financially but he still accepted the job to kill his boredom.
Over the next few days, Ashton trained the Junior Demon Slayers in the squad. He taught them new techniques and skills that they had never seen before, and he quickly became one of the most sought out trainer in the squad. He even made a few friends among the other demon slayers, who welcomed him with open arms despite his outsider status.
Ashton was satisfied with this setting for now. It has also allowed him to completely rest his body and mind since he had been on the road for so long. He also used this idle time to cleanse himself of the Demonic Resentment, which lightened up his load visibly and spiritually. Without that stuff, his body felt lighter and he became more approachable.
After two weeks or so after he started becoming a temporary trainer, Ashton finally received his first mission as a Demon Slayer of the Mistwood Kingdom.
When he arrived at the office, Marcus explained that an elite team had activated their distress beacon, but the other teams were away on another mission. They were short on staff and he was the only one he could dispatch so he called for him. Ashton had no problems accepting this mission.
Marcus then gave him a tracker that he could use to rescue the Elite Team.
He quickly made his way to the location of the distress beacon, casting spells to help him move faster and avoid any obstacles in his path. As he approached the area, he could hear the sounds of battle, and his heart sank as he realized just how dire the situation was.
He approached the elite team and saw that they were surrounded by a group of powerful demons. They were fighting bravely, but they were outnumbered and outmatched. Ashton knew that he had to act fast to turn the tide of the battle.
He immediately began casting spells to heal and support the elite team, giving them the strength and energy they needed to keep fighting. His spells were powerful and effective, and the elite team quickly regained their strength and began fighting back with renewed vigor.
Ashton continued to cast spells, his focus never wavering even as the demons closed in on them. He knew that he had to keep the elite team alive if they were going to make it out of there alive.
This wasn't really a problem to him though. After all, he's only supporting four people this time. Plus, this situation could hardly be described as difficult. They're only facing a horde of low-level demons. If he wanted to, he could've decimated that group with a wave of his staff.
But he found that unnecessary so he just stick with supporting the Elite Team for now, while also throwing a spell or two in the mix. With their coordination, the numbers of the horde dwindles until all demons were slain.
Ashton approached the elite team, who were all breathing heavily but smiling at him in gratitude. They were a group of four - two warriors, an archer, and a mage.
"Thank you so much for coming to our aid, Kind Sir!" said the archer, wiping sweat from her forehead.
"Yeah, we would have been done for if it weren't for you," added one of the warriors.
Ashton smiled back at them. "I'm just glad I was able to help. How are all of you holding up?"
"We're a bit battered with a bruised ego, but we'll live," said the mage. "Thanks to you, of course."
The other warrior chimed in. "We didn't think anyone was coming to save us. We were all starting to lose hope."
Ashton shook his head. "I'm glad that I was able to make it here in time then. It'll be a shame if the squad loses you."
The archer nodded. "You're right. This was our fault, we should have known better."
Ashton smiled. "That's fine. Just make sure to etch this lesson in your hearts so that you all won't end up in this situation again.."
The mage spoke up. "We owe you our lives, Kind Sir. Is there anything we can do to repay you?"
Ashton shook his head. "No need for repayment. Just promise me that you'll keep fighting and keep protecting the people of this kingdom."
The elite team nodded in agreement. "We promise," said the second warrior.
Ashton grinned. "That's all I need to hear. Now let's get out of here before any more demons show up."
After the rescue, Ashton took the Elite Members home with him. They were exhausted so he decided to carry them and fly back to the headquarters instead.
Upon returning, Marcus approached Ashton with a wide grin on his face. "Ashton, you did an incredible job today. Thanks to you, the elite team is safe, and we can continue our mission to protect the kingdom."
Ashton smiled back at Marcus. "It was my pleasure, sir. I'm just glad I was able to help."
Marcus nodded. "You more than helped, Ashton. You saved lives today. And for that, I want to offer you a hefty commission as a token of our gratitude."
Ashton's eyes widened in surprise. "Really, sir? You don't have to do that."
Marcus shook his head. "No, Ashton. You deserve it. Your skills as a mage were truly remarkable, and I do not doubt that you'll be a valuable asset to our team."
Ashton wanted to refuse but he also didn't want to leave a bad impression on Marcus so he just accepted the rewards.
"Thank you, sir," he said, his voice filled with gratitude.
Marcus clapped him on the back. "Now go rest up, Ashton. You've earned it."
Ashton nodded and then he went back to his temporary lodgings to rest.
