Fractured God

“The worst part of it as well, is the fact I was doing it so we could secure our potions.”

“Secure?”

“Yeah, just like cash, things like ropes, S.O.S. stones and potions are also based on how many quotas we achieve for the month. I'm not saying we couldn't have gotten the money through other means but, it's better to get those sorts of things out the way. You wanna know why the boy died?”

“He was wounded by the Kobolds right?” Ezekiel asked.

Mr. Bentley shook his head. “Blood lost. They even had enough time to bring him here but we don't exactly have doctors or healers here. They were hoping for a potion but we ran out for the current month. I don't think I've ever seen a man so readily give up on life.

“Fuc- Damn, what a way to go.”

The two sat in silence as they stared at the dead man's drawing, pitying him.

Half a year later.

Mr. Bentley and various other men dressed similarly seemed to be discussing something in the lounge area of the branch building.

Ezekiel watched them from above. Some of the men looked to be in tears while the others seemed to be more irritated than anything and left the building before he could even finish what he had to say. The few men that did remain, either hugged or shook his hand before leaving.

“Well, I suppose that's the end of that.” Mr. Bently said as he walked up the stairs.

“What's the occasion?” Ezekiel asked.

“Ah, there you are, boy.” Mr. Bentley said as he looked up. “Well, I've just informed most of my lovely staff that their services will no longer be needed. Our budget is going to be reduced even further.”

“How much more can it keep going down?” Ezekiel asked, more out of curiosity than surprise.

“The good thing is not much. The bad thing is there is still some equipment they can take away if it does go lower. They've already got rid of our loan weapons and we've had to resort to asking some of our own to do security for local smiths in exchange for weapons. Honestly, I had to choose between our staff or the potions but that choice may not even matter in the long run.” He warily stated as he headed up the stairs and reached the second floor. He began walking towards his office, signalling for the boy to follow him

“Potions? Aren't those important? They wouldn't be that cruel, would they?” Ezekiel asked as they followed.

“You're right, they wouldn't. Which is why they'd give half of what the potions are worth and tell us to form relationships with doctors of the parish instead.”

“Do they really think doctors can replace a potion?”

“No, but it's what we'd be forced to do. My lord, I do think it's time to bring this to an end.” He warily stated.

Ezekiel hadn't seen as many grey hairs take over a person's head in a short amount of time as much as his old man, but at the same time….

“So you think it's time to call it quits, eh?” Ezekiel asked.

“Well, there's not much of an option for us, is there?” Bentley replied as he opened the door to his office.

As the two men entered the room, Ezekiel tapped his father's shoulder.

“Really? I'm sure I could at least help out enough to keep the potions.”

Mr. Bentley walked to his desk and shook his head before sitting down.

“Boy, I helped you get your current work solely because of your abilities. I know you're a man that keeps to himself so that makes you far more suited to being a problem solver than an adventurer.”

“You mean, assassin?”

“Don't say that word boy, it's uncouth, you know. Besides, it is like saying that you'll kill anyone for money which isn't true. Stick to it and let me worry about this.”

“That's not what I'm saying…” Ezekiel as he cleared his throat.

Mr. Bentley changed his gaze and began scrutinising the boy.

“So what are you saying, Ezekiel?” He sternly asked.

“I'm just saying… if this place is struggling I could fork over some of the money I make from this to help keep it afloat.”

Mr. Bentley looked unamused by this answer. “Are you seriously suggesting I have you as a sponsor?”

“Come on don't make it sound so official~~ I'm just suggesting I use some of the money I got from it to help you out when you need it.”

“That's a slippery road you're speaking of, Ezekiel. With the type of funds we need, you won't always find bad enough people to kill.”

“Come on old man, I got like 100,000 gold saved up, it should keep you guys going for a while.” He suggested as he unknowingly moved forward in the chair.

“And again I'll have to reject it. Trust me Ezekiel, it's better if you don't get a need for gold while working with human lives.”

Ezekiel shrugged his shoulders and looked away. “If you say so, old man. But don't hesitate to lean on me, alright? I've gotten my fair share of support from a man that wasn't even related to me so it's time to give-”

Mr. Bentley raised his hand. “Relations have nothing to do with us. You are my son, as I am your father, there's no need to downplay our relationship. And as your father, I won't have you suffer for my matters, understood?”

“Old man, I can tell you love doing this shit as much as you complain.”

Mr. Bentley scoffed.

“So let me help you out so you can continue doing it.”

“And my final answer is no. Buy yourself a house or even buy a gift for a lover. You're young, I won't even mind if you make more reckless purchases as long as you learn from them. I'm not accepting a coin of yours for the branch building.”