The next morning, the group gathers in front of the Towering Tree Inn, its run-down façade behind them. “Everyone ready?” Cale asks. The group nods in response, a stern expression on each of their faces. Today, they are determined to complete their quests, and nothing will stand in their way. “Good, now follow me,” Cale commands, the group heading towards the city gate.
Already at the gate, cloaking himself from the guards, Centum waits for the group to arrive. Seemingly not needing sleep, he writes in his white metal tome, “Sage Centum, the first of his name, inherited his duties on the dawn of the hundredth millennium. His first task, assigned to him by the system, sent him to planet Lucina.”.
Centum spots the group of heroes approaching the gate, he quickly finishes writing, “The planet is dull and uninspiring, a typical sight expected in the summoned hero phenomena. In accordance with observed conventions, the heroes were successfully located and placed under Librarian charge. Impartial and accurate observation has begun. Preparation against plot deviation is actively under consideration.”. As taught by his predecessor, he signs the date with spiritual power, locking his entry.
The group swiftly exits the main gate, making a straight line towards the nearest wolf den. Centum leisurely follows along, his calm gaze observing the group’s every move. In less than an hour, they approach the nearest den. They stand in formation, as four wolves emerge from the den.
Centum dutifully records their battle, “The four heroes, having calmed their righteous rage, swiftly begin to slay the evil wolves. Overcome with pity, Eric opens his guard to the wolves’ attacks, his flesh bearing their sins and guiding them towards repentance.”.
They quickly end the fight. Off to the side, with Mia healing his bleeding chest, Eric complains in a strained tone, “Two wolves attacked together, and I could barely keep up. I must get stronger; the last thing I want is getting hurt, or worse, killed.”. Having skinned the four wolves, Cale walks up to Eric and says, “If you want to become stronger, then start thinking with your head.”.
Eric wants to scoff at his remark, but Cale’s results speak for themselves. Eric recalls the previous fight, the mistakes he made becoming clear to him. “Thanks,” he says in a soft voice, grateful but embarrassed by Cale’s advice. “Come, another den is close by,” Cale urges, the group following behind him.
By the day’s end, the group manages to successfully defeat the remaining dens, collecting fifteen wolf pelts in the process. They gather back at the Guild Hall, proud smiles on each of their faces. “We even have some pelts left over, we might be able to commission some equipment made from them,” Emily says, her voice giddy.
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“Calm down, we first have to collect our reward,” Cale says, leaving the group and heading towards Rebecca, the Head Receptionist. “We’ve completed our quest,” he says, handing over nine wolf pelts. “Wonderful, here’s your reward, ten silver coins,” she says, handing him the cash. Cale nods in content as he receives the coins and asks, “How many more of these before we can get promoted.”.
Rebecca lets out a chuckle and says, “Don’t get too ahead of yourself, it usually takes a year before a bronze member gets promoted, but I have confidence your team might give me a shock.”. Cale lets out a light smile and says, “Give us the most difficult bronze quest you currently have.”. “Are you sure?” she asks concerned, but Cale’s gaze remains unflinching.
At the top floor of the Guild Hall, Rebecca exits the staircase. “It’s rare for you to call me here, Xephos. Whatever could be the reason?” Rebecca says innocently, coming to a stop in front of the Guild Leader. “Don’t play games with me, Rebecca. You know damn well why I called you here,” he retorts, his tone commanding respect.
“It’s about the new team, right?” she asks, Xephos nodding in response. “What do you know?” She asks. “I’ve done some investigation. They’re a summoned group of heroes. The King was hoping that they would quickly defeat the demonic invasion. He was unsatisfied with them and promptly abandoned them in favour of reinforcing the army,” he says, reading a report.
Xephos continues, “Frankly, the King is naïve. Summoned heroes are not to be underestimated; I’ve seen that firsthand in my youth, but a single group of heroes is barely enough to catch my attention. The purple-robed figure following them around, he’s an anomaly not meant to be on this planet, what do you know?”.
Rebecca releases a sigh in defeat, impressed at Xephos’ resourcefulness. “He’s a cardholder, but that’s as far as my knowledge goes,” she says, the Guild Leader’s eyes widening in response. “I’ve already reported this to the Guild Founder, and he’s preparing to come here,” she adds.
Xephos’ expression turns grave as he says, “A cardholder, although impressive, shouldn’t be enough to mobilize the Founder. There’s something deeper going on here, and we’re being caught up in the middle of it. I’ve sensed a sliver of the cardholder’s strength, and it’s already enough to frighten me. I fear we may be in over our heads. We’ll keep observing him for now, don’t inform the heroes of his presence; it’s best we don’t provoke him.”.
“I agree,” she says, “The Founder has also given me the same instructions.”. “Good, you may leave,” Xephos says, watching Rebecca leave his office. He closes his eyes. Concern and suspicion are plaguing his thoughts.
Down on the ground floor, at a table next to the bar, the group celebrates their success. “We did it!” Emily rejoices. “Let’s enjoy the night,” Cale says, “But don’t forget, we’re starting our next quest tomorrow.”. On their face, smiles blossom in anticipation for tomorrow's quest. A month in a fantasy world has undoubtedly changed their perspectives.