A kilometre away from Avalon, the Great Forest stretches out over the landscape. No one has ever successfully crossed the Great Forest and those who tried, have never been heard from since. Countless magical beasts and wonderous creatures inhabit the forest, protecting their territories from any unwanted intruders.
Near the edges of the forest, hidden from any human eyes, a blue portal opens underneath the thick forest canopy. Wearing a hooded, purple robe that hides his face, Centum exits the portal. His metallic tome, seemingly weightless, is tucked underneath his right arm.
He observes his surroundings and remarks, “A world without magic, seems that the spirits were driven away by the strong holy power covering the planet—what a shame. I can still use a bit of magic, but nothing grand. I’ll use martial might as my strength in this world. Now, where should I go?”.
He closes his eyes and expands his senses toward the world around him, feeling a small hint of energy guiding him before it completely disappears. The forest around him shakes from the aura he exudes, thousands of wild beasts desperately flee in all directions, trampling over each other in a wild struggle to survive.
“What a weak world, but this is the consequence for driving the spirits away,” Centum comments, calmly observing the fleeing creature. “At least I now know where to go, but it seems to be the last help I’m receiving,” he says, walking forward. Without making a wrong turn, he easily navigates the maze-like forest, leaving its cool canopy without much difficulty.
The vast plains open up before Centum, the city of Avalon rising from its rolling hills. “A small town, but I can sense the extraordinary history it holds,” he says, gazing at the city. He effortlessly walks through the forest and across the vast plains. To him, the journey is akin to a casual, five-minute walk and not the hour-long hike described by adventurers.
He arrives at the gate and stands in the queue to enter. Eyeing the surrounding adventurers, he spots the bronze and silver guild cards being hung around their necks. “This is an adventurers’ Guild town? That multi-planet alliance managed to expand their influence here. Well, this should make things a bit simpler. Hopefully, things don’t become troublesome, this is my first proper assignment, and I won’t allow any mistakes,” he thinks to himself.
He reaches the front of the queue, and one of the gate guards says, “Present you guild card or pay the five-copper entrée fee.”. Centum take out a white metal card from his pocket, presenting it towards the guard. “What do you take me for, a fool?” the guard says annoyed, “Cards are bronze, silver or gold. I don’t take kindly to being presented fakes. Do you have no respect for the Guild?!”.
Annoyed, the guard takes a step back and punches towards Centum, assuming he’s a scholar because of his clothes. The robe that Centum is wearing is hiding his physique and face. Without flinching, Centum casually lifts his left hand, his right arm still holding his tome. He blocks the strike, utterly unfazed by the massive impact.
The guard screams in pain. His hand is a mess, the impact breaking his bones. The guard captain quickly steps forward, the commotion drawing his attention. A circle forms around Centum, everyone is trying to keep their distance. “What is this guy!? He broke a guard’s hand by merely blocking his punch!” an adventurer, wearing a silver card, says from within the crowd.
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“Who do you think you are, attacking a guard of Avalon? Either show me your guild card or die by my sword!” the guard captain shouts, cautiously observing the figure in front of him. The guard captain barely senses the frightening aura, lurking underneath the figure’s robes. A cold sweat to form drips from his back.
Calmly, seemingly unaffected by the stares around him, Centum presents his white metal card. The senior guard’s eyes widen in shock, gasping in fright. “Welcome to Avalon, honoured guest!” he loudly announces while bowing, his sudden flip in attitude, confusing the people around him. “Isn’t that the guard captain? He’s always been a hardass, but he’s suddenly so respectful,” one of the spectating adventurers, wearing a rare gold card, comments.
Without giving the guard captain a second glance, Centum enters Avalon. “Knowing the Guild, their hall should be in the city centre,” Centum concludes. He follows the main road towards the city centre; the streets are packed with countless adventurer groups selling loot and buying gear. He easily navigates the crowd, each person subconsciously stepping out of his path.
Locating the towering guild hall, he enters. Inside, he easily spots the group of heroes sitting around a table. “What a strong holy aura. A god must have spent a significant amount of power to bring them here; what selfish creatures,” he remarks.
Locating the head receptionist, he walks towards her counter and waits in line. Reaching the front of the queue, he presents his white metal card. The receptionist freezes in shock, a hint of panic surfaces in her expression. Frantically, she raises her gaze from the piles of documents. She observes his figure, but his purple, hooded robe covers all of his decerning features.
Her eyes are drawn towards the large, metal tome underneath his right arm; another wave of shock grips her heart. Before she could speak, Centum asks while pointing, his deep voice echoing in her ears, “The four adventurers, sitting near the bar, what is their current quest?”. She looks toward the group his pointing at and asks, “Them?”.
“Yes,” Centum confirms. “One moment please,” she hurriedly scans the new recruit documents, having failed to recognise the group. Typically, she’s strictly forbidden from revealing any adventurer’s information, but she doesn’t dare delay his request. “They’ve just registered today and have accepted a quest to collect ten wolf pelts,” she says, her hand slightly shaking.
“Thanks,” Centum says, walking towards the tavern and finding a table near the wall to sit at. He quietly observes the group, taking out a blank leather book from underneath his robe and begins writing, “The four heroes, after being summoned by a God, decided to join the adventurers guild and complete their first quest, collecting ten wolf pelts.”.
On the other side of the hall, the head receptionist stares at the hooded figure, her hand still slightly shaking. “I have to report this,” she decides, taking out a small crystal. Placing the crystal in front of her mouth, she hurriedly reports, “Sir, a cardholder has appeared on planet Lucina.”. On the other side, an aged voice responds, “Did the cardholder have any striking characteristics?”.
Taking a moment to speak, she responds, “He was covered in a hooded robe, I couldn’t see his face. Ah, he also carried a large metal tome under his arm, I couldn’t identify the metal it’s made from.”. Silence ensues, the receptionist frowning in concern. Finally, the aged voice asks, “What colour was the robe?”. “It was purple, sir,” she responds.
“He always wore a blue robe, strange. If you can, try to find out any information on him, name, age, anything of value. Don’t offend him and do anything he asks. I’m going to contact some old friends for their opinions. I’ll come to Lucina afterwards; you’ll most likely need my help. Take care of the Guild; I suspect that Lucina is about to become very chaotic,” the aged voice says, his tone filled with concern.