“They are just rotten fruits, and it's rude for us to display all of that for our mighty hard-working guild,” Kyren said.

Meanwhile, Hiro was confused about why Kyren was telling nonsense, knowing that the knights would not believe him and that they were in trouble.

The knight didn’t believe Kyren and pushed him to the ground. He slashed the crate, destroying it and revealing a bunch of rotten fruits.

Cora shouted out while Hiro rushed to Kyren, wanting to help him.

Another knight saw it and they looked at each other, this time believing Kyren.

“It’s the first time I’ve seen you here. Are you a new recruit?” the knight who destroyed the crate asked.

“Yeah,” Kyren said, standing up and cleaning the dirt from his pants after falling.

The knight grabbed some silver coins from his pocket and threw them to Kyren.

“Here, this is for the crate I destroyed,” the knight said.

Finally, the guild started to move away and left the town.

“Kid, are you okay?” Cora asked, concern in her voice.

“How did that crate have rotten fruit?” Hiro asked.

“I switched some of the fresh ones with rotten ones. I knew they wouldn’t believe us if we displayed all rotten fruits,” Kyren said.

“You are smart, Kyren,” Hiro said.

“But you didn’t need to do that; they might hurt you next time,” Cora said, referring to Kyren's confrontation with the knight.

After everything returned to normal, Cora said that Kyren and Hiro should eat their lunch now as it was getting late and there were fewer customers.

Kyren and Hiro find a place in the park to rest and enjoy their sandwiches.

“So, Hiro, what’s with those soldiers or knights stealing market goods?” Kyren asked.

Hiro finished the food in his mouth and spoke. “Ah, that guild. Well, Kyren, it’s really a long story, but they’re really not stealing it. We’re just giving our contribution, or taxes you could say, for protecting our town.”

“What? They’re protecting this town? Then why do they act like that?” Kyren asked.

“I don’t know, Kyren. But in the past couple of years, our town has been in danger, and they are the ones who fight for it. We have an obligation to give them whatever they want weekly. That’s the rule,” Hiro said.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

“Rules? That’s a terrible rule, Hiro. Who implemented that?” Kyren asked, clearly pissed.

“Well, I don’t know either. That’s just how it goes. And as you can see, they’re taking advantage of our goods here. Sometimes they even invite other guilds to pick up goods, which is why we can’t improve our town,” Hiro said with a sad expression on his face. But after a moment, he cheered up. “But that’s just one out of a hundred guilds with bad intentions. The others are really great. In fact, I have an ultimate dream that one day I’ll be in one of those guilds.”

Kyren looked at Hiro as he daydreamed.

“Come on, Kyren. We need to get back to work,” Hiro said.

As Hiro and Kyren continued to spend time together while working to Cora's market business.

After the work, Hiro took it upon himself to be Kyren's guide and mentor, showing him the town's hidden gems and introducing him to its diverse and friendly residents.

Hiro's warm and friendly nature made it easy for Kyren to feel welcomed into the community of Town.

They began their introductions by visiting the town square, where locals gathered to chat, exchange goods, and share stories.

Hiro waved to familiar faces as they walked, and he introduced Kyren, asking the people if someone knew him, all with a beaming smile. "Everyone, meet Kyren,"

Hiro would announce, his arm outstretched in a welcoming gesture. "He's a newcomer to our town, and he could use some help finding his way and settling in."

The townspeople, always open to embracing new members, approached Kyren with warmth and hospitality, they shook his hand, patted his back, and offered words of encouragement and kindness.

Kyren couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for their genuine acceptance, especially considering the uncertainty that had brought him to Vermint Town.

Throughout their adventures, Hiro introduced Kyren to the various pillars of the community.

They met the skilled blacksmith, whose forge echoed with the clang of hammer against metal.

They visited the aromatic bakery, where freshly baked bread and pastries filled the air with temptation.

They strolled through the lush fields of the local farmer, whose hard work provided the town with an abundance of fresh produce.

With each introduction, Kyren felt a growing connection to Vermint Town and its residents.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Kyren and Hiro found a moment of respite after their long day at the bustling market and their introduction to the town. They found a bench in the tranquil town square, Kyren's curiosity finally got the better of him, and he turned to Hiro.

"Hiro," Kyren began, his voice filled with genuine interest. "You mention your dreams, do you mind telling me what is your dream?"

Hiro's eyes suddenly lit up with a spark of excitement, and he shifted in his seat, eager to share his aspirations. "Ah, my dream," he said with a smile, "is to join the Sacred Selection Guild."

Kyren's eyebrows lifted in intrigue, and he leaned in, eager to learn more. "Sacred Selection...... Guild? What is it, Hiro?"

Hiro's face was alight with enthusiasm as he delved into an explanation. "The Sacred Selection Guild is legendary, Kyren. It's renowned as the top guild in the entire human and elf tribes... or maybe in our land. They are composed of elite warriors and magicians, each with their own unique skills and talents."

"Magician? so there's a magic system in this world." Kyren thought while listening to Hiro.

Hiro gestured animatedly with his hands as he continued. "Like I said before, there are many good guilds dedicating themselves to preserving the balance of our world and defending against powerful creatures that threaten our realms." his gaze turned dreamy as he spoke of his ambitions. "To become a member of the Sacred Selection Guild is a lifelong pursuit. One must undergo rigorous training, prove their worth through exceptional deeds, and possess a deep understanding of the world's mysteries. It's a path of honor and service, and I've always felt drawn to it."

Kyren couldn't help but admire Hiro's determination and the magnitude of his dream. "Who are the members of this organization... I mean the guild? Why are they so strong?" Kyren wanted to learn more about this guild.

Hiro stretched his arms and stood up. "Well, it's a long story. Are you interested in listening? It might get darker here, so let's go home first."

Kyren said, "Of course, I'm in."