Chapter 7: Adventurer’s Guild
The three bumpkin villagers rubbed their eyes in disbelief as they beheld the majestic castle before them, a sight much grander than they had ever imagined.
The bustling population surrounding the fortress overwhelmed their senses, with people of all shapes, sizes, and origins going about their daily routines.
Amazement filled their eyes as they took in the architectural marvel and the lively atmosphere that enveloped them.
As the caravan's journey neared its end, the procession of traders and trading groups fell into an orderly queue before the towering castle gates.
Dia, a well-known figure among the guards, engaged in friendly banter with them as they began their cursory inspection.
Despite the stringent security measures in place, the guards were satisfied with conducting only a minimal examination of the goods, trusting in Dia's established reputation.
The moment they passed through the gates, their awe only grew as they were greeted by pristine marble streets, a blend of wooden and stone buildings, and numerous towers spiraling toward the sky.
Within the kingdom, the bustling atmosphere seemed to settle down slightly, allowing the adventurers to take in their surroundings with greater ease.
They could see another imposing wall encircling a fortress at the heart of the city, hinting at the might and security the castle offered.
As the caravan made its way toward the bustling commercial district, Coal, Gwen, and Gary found themselves following Korr in a different direction.
The seasoned adventurer and caravaner led the trio toward the renowned adventurers guild, where they would establish an official and trustworthy identity within the kingdom.
As they walked, they marveled at the diversity of shops and people they encountered, further emphasizing the unique experiences waiting to be discovered in this new environment.
Korr, sensing their curiosity, took the opportunity to explain the benefits of joining the adventurers guild.
He emphasized that it would enable them to build a positive reputation, gain the experience they currently lacked, and productively utilize the time before the examinations commenced.
The group soon found themselves standing before a large building adorned with signs proclaiming it to be the Adventurers Guild.
Situated close to the city walls, a boisterous atmosphere filled the air, enticing those with a sense of adventure.
As they approached the entrance, they noticed a towering man, donning metal armor and carrying two large axes on his back, with what appeared to be horns protruding from his head.
Without hesitation, Korr walked up to the intimidating figure and casually greeted him, "What's up, Benny?"
The large horned man began laughing heartily, his deep voice booming through the area. He and Korr grabbed hands and pulled each other into a firm hug while patting each other on the back.
"Haha! Korr, it's been too long, my friend! How was the journey down south? Didya make sure to get that special blend from the Jorune Tribe?"
"Oh, you bet I did! I can't wait to crack it open and tell you about this temple in the desert we found," Korr excitedly responded.
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"By the way, these young adventurers behind me are Coal, Gwen, and Gary. Come meet Benny, we used to fight on the battlefield together."
"Today, I'm here to help these three get their adventure's license," Korr explained to Benny, gesturing towards Coal, Gwen, and Gary.
Introductions were exchanged, and the imposing figure of Benny immediately endeared himself to the young adventurers with his friendly demeanor.
The group, now assembled, ventured into the bustling Adventurers Guild, where they would embark on the next chapter of their journey within the kingdom.
As they stepped inside the guild, the diverse crowd of adventurers immediately captured their attention.
All around, they saw a variety of figures - some with scales, others winged, ranging from tremendously large to surprisingly small in size.
The myriad of humanoid forms filled the big hall, yet despite their differences, they all appeared welcoming and friendly.
This melting pot of adventurers served as a testament to the boundless nature of their new environment and the potential for growth that awaited them.
Korr and Benny navigated through the lively crowd, warmly greeting familiar faces as they made their way toward a desk at the center of the room.
Coal, Gwen, and Gary trailed behind, their eyes wide with curiosity, taking in their surroundings.
Sat behind the desk was a human receptionist named Alicia, her welcoming smile brightening the room.
Upon recognizing Korr, she called out to him, enthusiastically inquiring about his latest adventures while extending a friendly greeting to the newcomers.
"Oh what a familiar face, what brings you on over to our neck of the woods?
It's great to see ya again Korr!
"Alicia, it's always a pleasure to see you too. I'm here to help Coal, Gwen, and Gary get their adventurer's licenses," Korr said, gesturing towards the young trio.
Alicia, eager to assist, pulled out the required forms and began explaining the process for obtaining their licenses, as well as the various privileges and responsibilities they would have as members of the Adventurers Guild.
"So, young adventurers, welcome to the guild," Alicia warmly addressed Coal, Gwen, and Gary.
"To complete the forms, you'll need to provide your names, ages, affinities, your referees, pay a small fee, and give a tiny amount of blood."
She further clarified that the blood sample was used to create a magical bond with their new licenses, ensuring a secure and personalized identification system.
"Now, as adventurers, it is your duty to lend your aid wherever possible," Alicia conscientiously explained to the eager trio.
"As beginners, you will be starting at Rank G and will have a minimum number of quests to complete each month.
Most quests ranked E to G are relatively safe, involving tasks such as finding lost items or pets or simply offering a helping hand to someone in need.
A lot of them are gathering materials for crafting or potions, maybe rituals on the outskirts of more dangerous areas.
As you gain experience, you'll have the opportunity to take on more challenging quests and advance in rank within the guild." - Alicia
With eager anticipation, Coal, Gwen, and Gary carefully filled out their registration forms and handed them to Alicia.
She briefly scanned their information, noting their referees as Korr and Dia, and added jokingly, "Now, if y'all cause trouble, it'll be their problem too, so behave, alright?"
Alicia then kindly asked for a moment to input their data into the guild's system and create copies of their documents for record-keeping purposes.
The young adventurers waited with bated breath, eager to finally become official members of the Adventurers Guild.
As Alicia set to work, she began tapping on a curious purple glowing orb, her fingers dancing gracefully over its surface.
A few minutes passed, and suddenly, a resounding pounding noise echoed throughout the room, capturing the attention of the young adventurers.
Reaching under her desk, Alicia pulled out three square metal plates, each masterfully engraved with their names.
With a reassuring smile, she instructed them, "Now give me your hands," and as they each held out their hands, she deftly pricked their thumbs with a long needle, sealing the deal and connecting them to their newly minted licenses.
As the trio's blood dripped onto the metal plates, a copper sheen began to spread across the surface, and the letter "G" formed alongside a small engraved portrait of each adventurer.
Alicia proudly announced, "These will now officially act as a means of identification within the kingdom, signifying your alliance with the Adventurer's Guild."
Beaming at the new members, she continued, "I hope all three of you become great adventurers in your own right." Lastly, she inquired, "Are you interested in taking on any quests today?"
Korr stepped forward with a grateful smile and responded, "Thanks, Alicia, but we won't be taking on any quests today. The three of them have had quite the eventful journey recently, and I believe they could use some well-deserved rest."
He then added, "After they've had a chance to relax, enjoy a good meal, and get a full night's sleep, I'll make sure to bring them back here bright and early tomorrow to start lending a hand."
Grateful for everything, the young trio expressed their heartfelt thanks to Alicia and bid farewell to her and Benny. Following Korr's lead, they exited the guild and strolled down the road until they reached a formidable wooden building adorned with a fire boar emblem.
Korr informed them that this inn would serve as their lodging for the night and promised to have a warm, nourishing soup delivered to their rooms. "Rest up, eat well, and prepare for tomorrow's exciting journey," he encouraged them with a supportive smile.
They left Korr in the main bar area and headed upstairs to the room they had been given. Upon entering, they discovered a cozy and inviting space featuring a couple of comfortable beds, a sturdy table, a few chairs, and a single large window that offered a pleasant view of the bustling street below.
Just a few minutes after settling in, a knock on the door startled them; upon opening it, they found a steaming pot of soup carefully placed on the floor.
They brought the soup inside, eager to fill their bellies with the warm, nourishing meal as they recounted their thrilling adventure thus far and looked forward to the morning quests they'd have.
Feeling satisfied after finishing their delicious soup, the trio neatly placed the now-empty pot outside their door as a courteous gesture.
Full and content, they felt their eyelids growing heavier, a testament to both the day's excitement and the comforting meal they'd just shared.
Ready for a well-earned rest, they tucked themselves into the soft, welcoming beds, knowing that the next day would bring new adventures and challenges. As they drifted off into a peaceful slumber.