James and Lyra trudged along the dirt road back to town, the early morning sun casting long shadows behind them. The air was crisp, and the distant hum of civilization grew louder with each step, but James barely noticed.

His body felt heavy, like he was dragging a corpse behind him—except the corpse was him.

The last few days had been a relentless cycle of pain and death, and it was starting to wear him down.

Lyra glanced at him. "You look like shit."

James exhaled through his nose. "Feel like shit, too."

She smirked. "Yeah, well, getting your head ripped off five times in a row will do that to you."

James ran a hand down his face. "I think I need a break."

Lyra raised an eyebrow. "A break? From what? Dying?"

James sighed. "Pretty much. I mean, don’t get me wrong, it’s great fun getting my insides rearranged every few hours, but I’d rather not lose my mind in the process."

Lyra hummed. "Huh. That’s fair. You have been racking up some of the worst deaths I’ve seen in this game."

James gave her a dry look. "Glad I’m setting records."

She grinned. "So, what? You wanna go fishing or something?"

He shook his head. "I was thinking of checking out the Adventurer’s Guild. See what it’s all about."

Lyra perked up. "Oh, now you’re talking. The Guild’s where everything happens—quests, dungeons, bounties, all the good stuff."

James nodded. "And hopefully, less horrific murder for a while."

Lyra snorted. "We’ll see about that."

With that, they passed through the town gates, heading straight for the Guild Hall.

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THE ADVENTURER’S GUILD

The Adventurer’s Guild was bigger than James expected.

The building was massive, a multi-story hall made of dark stone and thick wooden beams, covered in banners depicting various factions and symbols. Adventurers of all shapes and sizes came and went—some wearing shining armor, others in ragged cloaks, and a few looking like they had just crawled out of a grave (relatable).

Inside, the air was filled with laughter, shouting, and the smell of alcohol. A large quest board dominated one side of the hall, while a bar and resting area took up the other. The walls were lined with trophy displays—monster heads, shattered weapons, and other grim reminders of hard-fought victories.

This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

Lyra nudged James. "Welcome to the real starting zone."

James glanced around. "This is the starting zone?"

She shrugged. "Well, this is where real adventurers go. You can grind rats in the forest if you want, but the Guild is where you get actual quests."

James walked further inside, taking it all in. This place felt alive. It wasn’t just a game mechanic—it was a core part of the world.

Then he noticed a massive sign above the counter:

LICENSED ADVENTURERS ONLY

James frowned. "Uh. What does that mean?"

Lyra followed his gaze. "Oh, yeah. You need a license to take on official Guild jobs."

James blinked. "A license? What, like a fishing permit?"

Lyra snorted. "More like a death waiver. The Guild doesn't just let random idiots sign up for dangerous quests. You need an Adventurer’s License or a Hunter’s License to take jobs."

James sighed. "Alright. How do we get one?"

Lyra grinned. "We take a test."

James narrowed his eyes. "And what does that involve?"

Lyra shrugged. "Depends. Could be a combat trial, a puzzle, a survival challenge… or some kind of bullshit death gauntlet."

James groaned. "Why is it always a death gauntlet?"

"Because this world hates you, James."

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CHOOSING A PATH

At the registration counter, a bored-looking receptionist eyed them from behind a stack of paperwork.

"You here for a license?" she asked.

James nodded. "Yeah. What are the options?"

The receptionist lazily pulled out a small booklet and slid it across the counter. "Two main types."

James picked up the booklet and read:

* Adventurer’s License: Grants access to Guild jobs focused on exploration, town assistance, and dungeon delving.

* Hunter’s License: Grants access to Guild jobs focused on monster extermination and bounty hunting.

James tapped the booklet. "So one is more about quests and discovery, and the other is just killing things?"

The receptionist shrugged. "That’s the short version, yeah. Most people specialize in one or the other, but the more experienced adventurers get both. Gives you more job opportunities."

James raised an eyebrow. "So I can apply for both?"

She nodded. "Yep. But you’ll have to pass two separate tests to get them."

James glanced at Lyra. "Which one do you have?"

Lyra smirked. "Hunter’s. Obviously."

James sighed. "Of course you do."

She grinned. "You should probably start with the Adventurer’s License first. Might be less deadly than jumping straight into monster hunting."

James considered it. Having both licenses sounded like the smart move in the long run, but he needed to pass at least one first.

Turning back to the receptionist, he nodded. "Alright. I’ll go for the Adventurer’s License first."

"Good choice," she said, stamping some forms and handing him a small medallion. "Head through that door for your evaluation."

James frowned. "And if I fail?"

The receptionist smirked. "Then you can try again."

James didn't like how ominous that sounded.

Lyra slapped him on the back. "Go on, then! Let’s see what kind of hell they throw at you!"

James groaned but stepped forward.

He had no idea what was waiting for him in that room.

But at least it wasn’t more cave spiders.

Probably.