Ebony's eyes flickered towards the higher-level quests, the ones promising greater rewards, the ones that could truly make a difference for the monastery.

He imagined himself battling fearsome beasts – perhaps a monstrous ogre or a pack of cunning wolves – and returning with a hefty reward. A wry smile touched his lips. He knew he was a skilled fighter, thanks to years of training at the Shaolin monastery, but even he had his limits.

Some of those quests mentioned creatures he'd only read about in ancient scrolls, creatures that sounded almost mythical.

"Better to start small," he muttered to himself, his gaze returning to the escort job posting. "Baby steps.”

He could practically hear his mentor Jian's voice echoing in his head: "Patience, Ebony. Even the tallest mountain is climbed one step at a time." “Can't jump into the deep end without knowing how to swim.” Ebony chuckled.

Suddenly, the relative quiet of the guild hall was shattered by a burst of flamboyant laughter. Ebony turned to see a flamboyant figure striding into the hall, his voice ringing with self-importance.

A man, impeccably dressed in fine silks and adorned with an ostentatious display of jewelry, swaggered into the hall. "By the gods," he declared, his voice ringing with self-importance, "another day, another opportunity to prove my unparalleled skill! The gods favor the bold, and fortune favors the……... well, me!" He gestured expansively at a quest posting detailing the retrieval of a "priceless artifact.”

Trailing slightly behind Zellman was Minny, a goblin whose enthusiasm seemed to flicker like a candle in a gentle breeze. "Yeah, what he said," she chimed in, though her tone suggested she'd rather be napping. "Treasure, adventure, explosions... the usual. Come along, then.”

Zellman, with his chiseled face, short blonde hair, and striking yellow-gold eyes, was a picture of flamboyant confidence. He wore a vibrant purple tunic embroidered with gold, snug breeches, and ridiculously pointed boots. A gem-studded belt and an array of rings completed the look, topped off with a wide-brimmed hat overflowing with feathers. He was extravagantly personified.

Minny, her light kelly green skin contrasting with her simple on the other hand, was all about practicality. Her small frame was clad in a simple brown tunic and cloth, her feet bare. A worn leather belt held her tools, including a small hammer that she seemed particularly fond of. Her unruly black hair framed a face full of mischievous energy.

The moment the flamboyant man stepped into the Adventurer's Guild, it was as if a spotlight had been switched on. A ripple of recognition spread through the hall. Some patrons cheered, a few groaned, and others simply rolled their eyes. "Zellman!" someone shouted. "The legend himself!"

The moment Zellman stepped into the Adventurer's Guild, it was as if a spotlight had been switched on. A ripple of recognition spread through the hall, and a gaggle of adventurers immediately swarmed him.

"Zellman, you old scoundrel!" a gruff warrior boomed, clapping him on the back. "Heard you got tossed in the dungeon again last week. What was it this time, brawling with the guards or charming the queen's jewels?"

Zellman threw back his head and laughed, his voice echoing through the hall. "Ah, my dear friend, a gentleman never reveals his secrets! But let's just say the queen has excellent taste, both in jewels and in company."

A slender rogue with a sly grin sidled up to him. "That's a fancy new tunic you've got there. Where did you steal it, Zellman? His voice was rough, but he personally just made a playful Jab at Zellman. Did you 'acquire' it from some unsuspecting nobleman?"

"Acquired? Steal? Never!" Zellman scoffed, adjusting his collar with a flourish. "This fine garment is a testament to my impeccable taste and the generosity of my admirers. Perhaps you could learn a thing or two from me, my friend. A bit of charm and a dash of daring can go a long way."

The Rogue laughed in response.

A female waitress with fiery red hair winked at him. "Looking good, Zellman! Still the most charming rogue in the kingdom, I see." "When are you going to take me out again?" she asked, the question hanging in the air with a hopeful undercurrent.

Zellman bowed theatrically. "My dear lady, your words are music to my ears! Though I must say, your beauty rivals even the most exquisite melody."

Minny, who had been patiently observing the scene, piped up, "He's got a way with words, that one.

Almost as good as me with a falcata.

Ebony, however, remained unmoved by the spectacle. He doubled in Showmanship here and there but showmanship didn't pay the bills.

Ebony, unfazed by the spectacle, plucked the trade route posting from the board. "Sounds like a party," he murmured dryly, more to himself than anyone else.

"He's back, and louder than ever," another muttered.

Sadler, the stout, no-nonsense bartender and owner of the guild, leaned over the bar, a playful scowl on her face. "Shut it, Zellman!" she yelled across the room. "You're scaring the patrons and you're making my ears bleed!"

Zellman grinned, unfazed. "Ah, Sadler, my dearest friend, my plump little dove! Always a pleasure to see you. Though, I must say, that bar isn't getting any smaller.

Are you sure you're not hiding a keg under there?"

Sadler chuckled, shaking her head. "You're incorrigible," she said, but her tone was affectionate. A small figure trailed behind Zellman, almost unnoticed in the commotion.

"Minny! Good to see you too. Don't let him get you into too much trouble," Sadler called out, her sharp eyes spotting the goblin artisan.

Zellman, basking in the attention, sauntered towards the quest board, his eyes scanning the postings with theatrical interest. It was then that he noticed Ebony, who was studying the board with quiet intensity. "Greetings, fellow traveler!" he boomed. "I am Zellman, purveyor of fine quests and connoisseur of adventure. And you are…?"

"Ebony," he replied, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Just Ebony."

Zellman's flamboyant smile faltered slightly as his eyes swept over Ebony's attire.

The simple leather clothes, the worn archer's hat, the well-worn lute strapped to his back, and the dusty book bag – none of it screamed "seasoned adventurer."

"A name as mysterious as the quests you seek, I presume," Zellman said with a flourish, though a hint of doubt crept into his voice. "Tell me, Ebony, what brings you to this hallowed hall of heroism?"

"Looking for a job," Ebony replied, his gaze still fixed on the quest board, lingering on the postings that promised a hefty reward.

He could practically feel the gold coins slipping through his fingers with every low-level quest he considered. "Preferably one that pays well."

Zellman let out a theatrical sigh, his voice dripping with feigned sympathy. "Ah, a man of discerning taste! But alas, my friend, some quests are reserved for those with a bit more… experience, shall we say?"

He gestured towards the lower-level postings with a dismissive wave, his rings glinting in the dim light of the guild hall. "Those might be more your speed."

Ebony's fingers tightened around the worn leather strap of his book bag. He knew Zellman was right, but the thought of settling for a meager reward when the monastery was in such dire need was a bitter pill to swallow.

He was about to launch into a passionate defense of his abilities when the guild door creaked open again, and a large figure stepped in, carrying a bundle of supplies.

The newcomer's entrance momentarily shifted the attention away from Ebony. He slammed the bundle of supplies onto a nearby table, the clatter echoing through the hall. As he straightened up, his face came into full view: black hair, long black eyes up to his shoulders, fair skin, and a physique that spoke of long days spent working the land. He was clearly a farm boy, though his presence in the Adventurer's Guild suggested a yearning for something beyond the fields.

"Zellman? Minny? Where'd you two wander off to?" he said with a worried tone. "I'm not a fan of being your pack mule, guys. Come on." His voice carried a hint of a rural accent.

He scanned the room, his eyes finally settling on Zellman and Ebony. A flicker of recognition crossed his face as he looked at Ebony, but he couldn't quite place it.

Zellman waved a dismissive hand, barely acknowledging Orion's complaint.

"Yes, yes, of course. Just a moment, my dear fellow. Come, come, join us over here." He gestured towards the quest board, his attention already shifting back to Ebony.

The newcomer, now revealed to be Orion, approached them with a sigh. "There you are," he said, setting down his bundle with a weary thud.

He looked at Ebony, a flicker of recognition in his eyes. "I've seen you somewhere before," he rumbled, his brow furrowed in thought. "Can't quite place it…"

"Perhaps we crossed paths in a dream," Ebony suggested, a playful glint in his eye.

"Maybe," Orion replied, frowning slightly as he tried to place the memory. He extended a hand. "I'm Orion."

"Ebony," he replied, shaking Orion's hand.

Minny, who had been patiently observing the scene, finally spoke up. "Hey guys, this one mentions a big rock," she said, pointing at the quest board with a mischievous grin. "I like rocks."

Ebony turned back to the quest board, his eyes scanning the plethora of low-level postings. He saw:

* Fetch Quests: "Find the missing donkey that wandered off into the marshes."

* Delivery Quests: "Transport a shipment of iron ore to the blacksmith in Miskolc," "Bring this package of herbs to the healer in Eger."

* Escort Quests: "Guide a group of travelers through the haunted woods of Bakony."

* Bounty Quests: "Capture the notorious highwayman 'Farkas' who has been terrorizing the roads," "Slay the giant boar that has been ravaging the fields near Győr,"

Ebony sighed, his gaze sweeping across the board. Even the most lucrative of these low-level quests wouldn't bring in more than 150 pearl coins, a paltry sum compared to the monastery's needs. He could practically hear Zellman's booming laughter echoing in his ears, mocking his cautious approach.

"Maybe I should just go for it," he muttered to himself, his fingers tracing the outline of the high-level artifact quest. "What's the worst that could happen?"

His eyes fell on one particularly daunting bounty poster: a level 11 kill quest targeting the Mátranovák's Treeskinner. The description sent shivers down his spine: a two-meter tall, shaggy white hominid with a monkey-like face, haunting the mountains at dusk and midnight. Its howl, a chilling blend of a woman's scream and a death rattle, was enough to make even the bravest warrior hesitate.

He imagined himself facing down this fearsome cryptid, its long limbs reaching for him, its eerie howl echoing through the desolate mountain passes.

"Okay, maybe not," he reconsidered, a shiver running down his spine. He wasn't quite ready to be monster food just yet.

But the low-level quests... they seemed so mundane, so insignificant. He needed something that would make a real difference, something that would bring in a substantial reward.

He was about to turn away from the board in frustration when his eyes fell upon a quest that he had somehow overlooked before.

It was listed under "Escort Quests," but the reward was significantly higher than the others: 600 pearl coins. The description was intriguing: an escort mission through the Serpent's Pass to the kingdom of Glottis. Level 6. Difficult, but not impossible.

Ebony felt a surge of excitement. This could be it, the perfect balance of risk and reward. He reached out and plucked the quest posting from the board, a determined glint in his eyes.

"Hmm, level 6 is a bit of a jump," Ebony mused, tapping his finger on the escort quest posting. He wasn't afraid of a challenge, but he also didn't want to bite off more than he could chew. Then an idea struck him. "Why not multitask?"

he said to himself with a grin. He scanned the lower-level quests again, looking for something quick and easy that he could complete alongside the escort mission. His eyes fell on two promising postings:

* Collection Quest: "Collect 30 angel flowers from the Whispering Woods. Reward: 80 pearlscoins." The Whispering Woods were on the way to the Serpent's Pass, so he could easily gather the flowers while en route to Glottis.

* Rescue Quest: "Find Farmer Gergely's lost goat in the marshlands near Lake Balaton. Reward: 120 pearl coins." This one would require a slight detour, but it was still relatively close to his intended route.

"Perfect," Ebony said with a satisfied nod. He plucked both quest postings from the board, adding them to his growing collection. "A little multitasking never hurt anyone."

Ebony, with a newfound spring in his step, strode over to the front desk where Sadler was busy serving a rather impatient-looking adventurer. She expertly mixed a concoction of questionable ingredients, poured it into a chipped tankard, and slid it across the counter with a practiced flick of her wrist.

The adventurer, grumbling about the lack of ice, snatched the drink and retreated to a dark corner.

Ebony placed his three chosen quest postings on the counter, a hopeful grin spreading across his face. "Alright, Sadler," he announced, "here's what I'm taking."

If you come across this story on Amazon, it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.

Sadler raised an eyebrow, her gaze sweeping over the collection of quests. "Oh ho, someone's feeling ambitious," she remarked, a hint of amusement in her voice. "Trying to climb the ranks, are we?"

"Gotta aim high," Ebony replied with a shrug, his bardic charm in full force. "Besides, those high-level quests come with a hefty reward, and I need every pearl coin I can get."

"And what's the rush?" Sadler inquired, leaning against the counter with a knowing smile. "Got a secret family to support? A gambling debt to pay off? Or perhaps a certain monastery that's feeling the pinch?"

Ebony's smile faltered for a moment, but he quickly recovered. "Something like that," he admitted, his voice softening. "I've got a whole community counting on me, and I won't let them down."

Sadler nodded, her expression turning serious. "I admire your dedication, Ebony," she said, her voice firm. "And I believe in you. Just be careful out there. Those high-level quests aren't for the faint of heart."

"Don't worry, Sadler," Ebony assured her with a wink. "I've got a few tricks up my sleeve." He gathered his quest postings, a surge of determination coursing through him.

Zellman, Minny, and Orion approached the counter, their footsteps echoing with varying degrees of enthusiasm.

Zellman, never one to be outdone, slammed his chosen quest posting down with a flourish, his feathered hat nearly sweeping a collection of empty tankards off the counter.

"Sadler, my dear, my muse of magnificent missions!" he boomed, his voice reverberating through the hall. "We shall take on this 'rock' quest!"

Orion, however, remained unconvinced. He planted his hands on the counter, his expression a mix of exasperation and resignation. "I still don't understand why we have to do this stupid quest," he grumbled, his voice barely audible above Zellman's pronouncements. "There's nothing special about this quest. It looks so ordinary to me."

Zellman threw his hands up in exasperation. "Orion, my dear friend, must I explain the intricacies of the Adventurer's Guild to you once again? If it's a high-level quest posted on the board, then it's a high-level quest! It's no falsehood!"

Orion crossed his arms, his skepticism evident. "Anybody can put a random poster on the board, give it a fancy label and a high level, and then call it a high-level quest," he retorted.

"Remember that last one we did? The one about finding the lost sheep? High-level, they said. Dangerous, they said. We spent three days traipsing through mud and muck, only to find the sheep had wandered back to the farm on its own. And the reward? A measly three pearls! It was a blatant scam, and I'm telling you, this rock quest is another one of those."

Zellman slapped his hands together against his face and attempted to calm Orion's worries. "Orion, my brother, it is no mere pebble, but a jewel of untold value, and we, the intrepid adventurers that we are, are destined to claim it!" He lowered his voice conspiratorially. "Trust me, brother. As soon as we find this crystal, you'll see that I'm right."

Minny, who had been unusually quiet, suddenly perked up. "But this one mentions a big rock," she chimed in, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "And I like rocks."

Zellman sighed dramatically. "Minny, my dear, your enthusiasm for destruction is both admirable and beautiful. But please, let's try to focus on the task at hand."

He turned back to Sadler, a charming smile plastered on his face. "So, my lovely Sadler-

Sadler stopped Zellman's theatrics with a stiff arm right in front of his face. "Hold your horses there, Zellman," she said, her hands busy polishing a tankard.

"Gotta take care of this adventurer first." She glanced up and noticed Ebony. "Oh, looks like someone's already beat you to the punch," she remarked with a sly grin.

Zellman whirled around to face Ebony, his eyes widening in surprise. He looked down at the papers in Ebony's hand and saw his quest choices.

"Doing well, I see! Seems you took my advice," Zellman said with pride, puffing out his chest. "But it appears you missed one. That high-level quest. That's a level six escort, and you just got here, brother."

Ebony met his gaze with unwavering confidence. "That's right," he replied, a hint of a challenge in his voice. "I'm taking these."

He gestured towards his collection of low-level quests. "Give me a week, and I'll be tackling those high-level missions with the best of them."

Zellman's eyebrows shot up, a flicker of admiration crossing his face. "Well, well, well," he said, a slow smile spreading across his lips. "Looks like we have a dark horse in the race. This just got interesting."

Sadler, with a practiced hand, shuffled through the quest paperwork, signing forms and stamping documents with an air of practiced efficiency.

She rummaged through a stack of parchments, finally retrieving the three that Ebony had selected.

"Alright, here you go," she said, handing him the quest papers. "All signed and sealed. No deadline for the angel flower quest, but you've got three days for the goat and a week for the escort."

She leaned in conspiratorially, lowering her voice. "The folks waiting for that escort are getting antsy. They're holed up at the Monar Diner, just outside the city gates. Seems they're eager to get to Glottis."

Ebony nodded, tucking the papers into his satchel. "Sounds simple enough," he said confidently.

"I'm sure you can handle it," Sadler replied with a reassuring smile. "But if you ever need some backup, you can always hire a companion."

"A companion?" Ebony questioned, tilting his head.

"Aye, a companion," Sadler confirmed. "You can pay them to lend their skills and muscle. They usually hang out over there." She pointed towards the right side of the guild hall, where a cozy little corner was set off from the main hustle and bustle. A maroon sign with ornate gold lettering proclaimed it to be "The Companion Hub."

Ebony glanced at the Companion Hub, intrigued. He had always preferred to work alone, but the prospect of having some extra help on a particularly challenging quest was certainly tempting. He made a mental note to check it out later.

As Ebony stepped aside, Zellman, with his usual flair, slid over and presented Sadler with the "rock quest" posting, Orion trailing behind him with a noticeable lack of enthusiasm.

"Now, my dear Sadler," Zellman began, his voice taking on a conspiratorial tone, "tell me, where did this intriguing quest originate? Was it a message delivered by a wise old sage? Or perhaps a cryptic note left by a shadowy figure in the dead of night?"

Sadler chuckled, shaking her head. "Nothing quite so dramatic, Zellman.

A rather ordinary-looking fellow, dressed in a plain brown cloak, came in a few days ago and asked me to post it. Paid a hefty sum for the privilege, too."

"Hmm, mysterious," Zellman mused, stroking his chin. "A quest shrouded in secrecy... this just adds to the allure!"

Orion, however, remained unimpressed. "Probably just some rich merchant who lost his favorite paperweight," he grumbled.

Minny, who had been unusually quiet, suddenly piped up. "Maybe it's a magic rock!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "One that grants wishes or explodes on command!"

Zellman pondered that question.

"Hmmmmm, maybe, now I'm more excited.

As Zellman, Minny, and Orion engaged in their lively discussion with Sadler, Ebony found himself drawn to the Companion Hub. He pondered the merits of seeking out a companion, a voice cut through the chatter of the guild hall. "Yo!"

Ebony glanced around, momentarily confused, before his eyes settled on Minny, who was staring at him with an intensity that was both unsettling and oddly captivating.

She continued to stare, her expression unreadable.

"Well?" Ebony finally prompted, a playful smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Cat got your tongue?"

Minny blinked, as if startled back to reality. "Nah," she said, her voice surprisingly deep for her small stature.

"Just…" she paused, her eyes raking over him once again. "Assessing."

Ebony raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "And?" he prompted, his curiosity piqued. "What's the verdict?"

Minny shrugged, her expression nonchalant. "Potential," she said simply. "But needs work."

Ebony chuckled, his confidence unshaken. "Oh, I assure you, my dear Minny, I'm a work in progress. But the finished product will be quite impressive, I guarantee it." He winked, his charm radiating through the guild hall.

Minny remained unimpressed. "We'll see," she said, her gaze fixed on him. "We'll see."

With a final nod of farewell, Minny turned and rejoined Zellman and Orion at the counter, leaving Ebony to ponder his cryptic assessment.

"Well, duh, Ebony," he muttered to himself, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "Only a fool would pass up the chance to recruit some backup, I'm a level one I need some." He squared his shoulders, adjusted his worn archer's hat, and strode towards the Companion Hub with newfound determination.

◇

Ebony stepped into the Companion Hub and was immediately awestruck by the sheer diversity of adventurers before him:

A hulking rock creature patiently sipping tea, a shimmering phantom whispering secrets, a battle-hardened warrior with shifting tribal tattoos, a lithe feline figure pacing restlessly, a hulking bear-like creature absorbed in a book, a slender, androgynous figure communing with unseen forces, and even a grotesque, blob-like creature carrying an arsenal of explosives.

It was a place where the extraordinary was commonplace, and Ebony was eager to explore this community of possibilities.

He could hear snippets of conversations swirling around him, a mix of boasts, complaints, and drunken laughter.

"Did I ever tell you about the time I wrestled an ogre?" a gruff voice boomed.

"Aye, you've told us all about it, twice over," a weary companion replied.

"Well, it was a grand fight! Lasted for hours..."

"More like minutes," another voice chimed in.

"And then there was that goblin horde..."

Ebony chuckled, shaking his head. The guild was a lively place, full of colorful characters and tall tales. He wondered what kind of companions he might find in the Hub.

With his usual charm and confidence, approached a table where a group of adventurers were huddled, their faces dimly lit by a flickering candle.

He delivered his most confident bardic speech, as he always did, with a stride of confidence and truth.

"Adventurers, I gather you here today to ask for a request. I have quests to undertake, and I wish to have your aid in these endeavors, which I will begin in a couple of days."

"Thanks, but we're fully staffed for this mission," said a gruff warrior, barely looking up from his mug of ale.

"Let it be understood, fellow adventurers. Thank you for your time."

Undeterred, Ebony moved on to the next table, where a pair of rogues were engaged in a hushed conversation. He tried a different tactic, appealing to their sense of adventure and promising a share of the spoils.

But once again, he was met with a polite refusal. "Appreciate the offer, but we prefer to work with people with more experience, you probably have better luck at the other tables my dear fellow." said one of the rogues, a sly grin spreading across his face.

Ebony's confidence began to waver as he approached a third table, where a group of mages were poring over ancient scrolls. He tried a more humble approach, emphasizing his eagerness to learn and his willingness to take on any task.

But the mages were too engrossed in their studies to pay him much attention. "Perhaps another time," said one of the mages, his eyes still glued to the parchment.

Determined, Ebony moved to a fourth table, where a lone archer sharpened their arrows. He tried a direct approach, highlighting the lucrative rewards of the escort mission.

The archer, without pausing their work, simply shook their head in an uninteresting motion.

At the fifth table, a group of boisterous dwarves were engaged in a drinking contest. Ebony attempted to join in, hoping to win their favor.

But his attempts at humor fell flat, and he was met with dismissive laughter. "Too green," one of the dwarves bellowed.

Finally, he approached a sixth table, where half a dozen women clad in obsidian bikini armor exuded an aura of unwelcomeness that could be felt from miles away. They sat by a window, their gazes fixed on the bustling guild hall.

Ebony could sense their impatience, their disdain for wasted time. He decided to cut to the chase, approaching their table with less charm than usual, opting for a blunt and straightforward approach.

"I'm seeking companions for a high-level escort mission," he stated plainly, "The Serpent's Pass to Glottis. The pay is substantial."

One of the women, her stern face framed by soft pinkish-red rose skin, meticulously cleaned her sword. She fixed him with a cold stare. "We don't like bards," she stated, her voice sharp as steel.

Ebony's shoulders slumped as he realized that his charm, which had always served him so well in the past, seemed to be failing him here. He was about to give up and retreat to a corner when a deep voice boomed from behind him.

"Lad, you're wasting your time."

Ebony turned to see a towering figure approaching him, it was the warrior with shifting tribal tattoos, his muscles rippling beneath his leather armor. He had a kind face, but his eyes held a hint of sternness.

"I've been watching you," the man continued, his voice surprisingly gentle. "And I can tell you're eager to prove yourself. But you're going about it the wrong way."

Ebony's brow furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean?"

The man leaned in, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Look, kid, companionships are built on trust and reputation.

You can't just buy your way in, no matter how much money you have. You need to earn your stripes, show us what you're made of."

Ebony's heart sank.

The man nodded understandingly. "I get it. But you're not ready for those yet.

You need to start small, build up your experience, and make a name for yourself. Take those low-level quests, prove your worth, and then come back to us. We'll be watching."

Ebony listened to the man's words, but he was still convinced he could find a companion somewhere. "I'll take your words into consideration," he told the man.

"I appreciate the warning. But I'll find someone who will take me."

The man clapped him on the shoulder, a broad smile spreading across his face.

"You just need to pace yourself, lad. But if you're confident in yourself and you think you know what you're doing, I won't get in your way. Good luck to you."

Ebony gave it a shot and asked the man, "Would you like to be my companion?"

"Nice try there, bard," the man said with a jovial smile and a slight chuckle. He grabbed a cup, poured some ale in it, and gave it to Ebony.

"Here lad Cheer up." It was a bucket full of ale.

Ebony took it in gratitude and thanked the man.

Soon, Ebony realized that it was his level that was hindering him. He could afford the quests, but the adventurers didn't think he would last very long because of his low level.

Defeated, he walked to an empty table in the Companion Hub and sat down, trying to assess the situation and contemplate his next move.

Ebony sat in deep thought, the bucket of ale untouched before him. "Now, how am I going to do this?" he wondered, reclining in his chair and propping his feet on the table.

Silence enveloped him as he pulled out his lute from his old book bag and began to play a soft, contemplative melody. His eyes scanned the room, taking in the diverse array of adventurers bustling about.

Suddenly, he noticed a table he had missed. A couple sat at the lonely edge, far from the others, as if seeking isolation amidst the crowd.

One was clearly a wizard, though draped in a dirty, ragged cloak that hid his face. Beside him sat a woman in casual attire—a white long-sleeve shirt, brown pants, and navy blue overalls with gold stripes. She looked utterly out of place, yet she remained steadfast by the wizard's side.

Intrigued, Ebony rose from his chair, picked up his ale, and approached the couple. With a voice both methodical and charming, he addressed them:

"Greetings, fellow adventurers," he began, his tone a blend of curiosity and warmth.

"I couldn't help but notice you tucked away in this corner. You seem to be seeking companionship, yet shunning it at the same time. It's quite the paradox, wouldn't you say?" He paused, taking a sip of his ale. "Perhaps I could offer a solution?"

The couple, startled by Ebony's sudden appearance and unexpected question, exchanged shy glances. Their quiet, reserved nature was evident as they avoided eye contact, their heads bowed slightly.

Ebony, sensing their hesitation, continued his charm offensive, but to no avail. They remained timid and unsure. He decided on a different tactic.

"I'm sure you know some medical spells here and there, right?" he inquired, swirling his ale and flashing a disarming smile.

The woman, emboldened by his question, finally spoke up, albeit with a hint of shyness.

"Hello," she said softly.

"Hello there, you guys," Ebony replied warmly. "You're companions who work with other adventurers, right?"

"Yes," the woman responded, gaining confidence with each word. "Yes, we do dabble in that profession."

"Then allow me to take you up on that offer," Ebony proposed, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "I'm heading to Serpent's Pass for an escort mission to Glottis.

Unfortunately, I'm just starting out, level one, and I need some extra hands. Can you provide me with that support?"

He paused, taking another sip of his ale. The woman hesitated, exchanging a nervous glance with her companion. "Are you... are you sure you want us to come?" she asked, her voice laced with self-doubt.

Ebony, though unconvinced by their self-deprecating remarks, pressed on with feigned enthusiasm. "Oh, come on! I just met you lads, and I'm sure you don't put yourselves down like that. I'm sure you can provide some backup."

But the woman insisted, "No, no, no, we're no good. We don't have good stats, so to speak. People often don't pick us because we're just not that good."

"Stats?" Ebony scoffed, waving his hand dismissively. "Oh, no, no, no, darling. I'm looking for extra hands, not impressive numbers. I don't care much for stats."

He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Besides," he confided, "between you and me, I have a secret weapon." He winked, tapping the side of his nose. "I'm not as helpless as my level suggests."

The wizard, touched by Ebony's offer, attempted to speak, but his words were caught in a frustrating stutter. Ebony patiently waited for the man to finish his sentence.

"I-I-I I appppprec-iate the offee-er, how-how-how..." he stammered, his face flushing with embarrassment.

Before he could finish, the woman gently placed her hand on his arm, silencing him with a compassionate touch. The wizard, defeated, lowered his head, his stutter preventing him from expressing himself.

"Thank you for talking to us," the woman said, her voice filled with a quiet sadness. "You've honestly gotten farther than anyone else has in offering us a chance. But I don't think we're the right people for you."

She bowed her head in a gesture of tragic defiance. The wizard, following her lead, bowed as well, managing to utter a single, heartfelt word: "Sss-sorry."

Ebony observed the couple, their dejection palpable. Their body language spoke volumes – a slumped posture, downcast eyes, and a palpable aura of sadness.

He could sense their inherent merit, their potential masked by their current circumstances and the unfair treatment they had clearly endured.

He remained silent, his gaze lingering on the couple. Their situation resonated with him, reminding him of his own struggles with acceptance and belonging.

Ebony, sensing their discomfort, sought to put them at ease. "I see your struggles," he said gently, his voice carrying a hint of understanding. "No need to speak." He offered a warm, reassuring smile. "Don't worry, my friends, I'll introduce myself. Properly." He said with conviction.

He drained the last of his ale and placed the tankard on the table, taking a few steps back. With a flourish and a burst of wind, he unleashed a whirlwind of energy, showcasing his prowess. Papers flew, ale sloshed, and the entire guild hall shook from the sudden gust.

Ebony, in the eye of the storm, spun faster and faster, his hands a blur as he played a furious melody on his lute while simultaneously wielding a shimmering blade.

The whirlwind intensified, drawing the attention of every adventurer in the hall. Then, with a final flourish, he stopped, the wind dying down as quickly as it had arisen.

"I am Ebony Gundo," he proclaimed, his voice ringing with confidence, "a master of martial arts, music, and magic!" He gestured towards his lute. "I hail from a distant land, a hidden monastery nestled atop the highest peak in Always Magyaria."

He paused, letting the image sink in. "There, I trained with the grandmaster, a legendary warrior who could cleave mountains in half with a single strike. For years, I endured grueling trials, battling mythical beasts and harnessing the very elements themselves.

I learned to channel the wind, as you just witnessed, and to conjure flames hotter than the sun. My skills with the blade are unmatched, and my music can charm the most savage of creatures."

He continued, his tale growing more fantastical with each sentence. He spoke of epic battles against monstrous foes, daring rescues from perilous cliffs, and mystical secrets gleaned from ancient texts. He even subtly hinted at his clairaudience, mentioning how he could hear the whispers of the wind and the cries of creatures miles away.

By the time he finished, the couple was utterly captivated. They looked at him with newfound respect, convinced they were in the presence of a true hero. Ebony, pleased with the effect he had created, offered them a sly wink. "So," he said, "what do you say? Are you ready for an adventure?"

Just as Ebony finished his grand speech, a stray mug came hurtling out of nowhere, striking him squarely on the back of the head with a resounding BONK!

It was Sadler, the owner of the Adventurer's Guild, her face contorted with fury. "I say, If you want to form a tornado, you do it outside! You don't ever pull that shit again you almost ruined my bottles!" she yelled, her voice laced with righteous anger.

Ebony, stunned and sheepish, rubbed the back of his head where the mug had struck. "Oh, I'm so sorry, Sadler!" he apologized profusely, his face flushed with embarrassment.

Sadler, still fuming, stomped over to a fallen shelf. "Oh, come look at this! You already ruined one of my bottles! Always putting on a show! Look what you did, Ebony! You're paying for that, you know that right?"

Ebony, mortified, rushed over to inspect the damage. "I'll pay for it, I'll pay for it!" he stammered, his eyes wide with remorse.

After a bit of squabbling and negotiating, the two finally reached an agreement. As they settled the matter, the Companion Hub buzzed with chatter.

The adventurers, who had witnessed Ebony's whirlwind performance, were abuzz with a mix of awe and amusement. Some were captivated by his display of skill, while others remained unimpressed.

The rogue table, who had previously rejected Ebony's offer, was particularly chatty.

"What a show-off," one scoffed, though a hint of admiration lingered in their eyes.

"He's got some moves, I'll give him that," another conceded.

"That was pretty cool," one of the rogues admitted, before returning to his drink with a shrug.

Zellman, Minny, and Orion, who were sitting nearby, exchanged surprised glances.

Zellman stammered, trying to gather his words, clearly impressed but struggling to articulate his thoughts.

"Well, now," Zellman mused, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "That was...unexpected. A rather flamboyant display, wouldn't you say?

"Indeed," Minny agreed, her expression unreadable. "Though undeniably effective in capturing attention."

"Quite," Zellman continued, his eyes twinkling with interest. "The control he exhibited over those elements...impressive, if a bit ostentatious for my taste.

"The music was...adequate," Minny conceded, though a hint of approval flickered in her eyes.

"Adequate, yes," Zellman echoed. "Though perhaps a tad melodramatic. Still, Ebony Gundo, is it? A name that certainly leaves an impression."

This version acknowledges Ebony's talent without overdoing the compliments, and it better aligns with Zellman's methodical and somewhat reserved nature.

Minny, ever concise, simply declared, "Flawless," before returning to tinkering with some random item at their table.

Orion, his arm resting on the table, appeared mesmerized. "Wow, I guess we'll be seeing him out there, guys. We've seen a lot from that guy. He's an interesting character, so to speak."

"What did he call himself?

Ebony Gundo? What a memorable name," Orion mused, stroking his chin as he glanced back at Ebony. Suddenly, he paused, his eyes widening as recognition dawned.

"Ebony..." he muttered, the name echoing in his mind. He stared at Ebony's face, a sense of familiarity growing stronger. "I... I know that face..."

After a bit of squabbling and negotiating with Sadler, Ebony, oblivious to the chatter around him, turned back to the couple, hoping his performance had swayed them.

The whirlwind had definitely caught their attention. And to his surprise, it had done more than that. The powerful gust had blown back the wizard's hood, revealing his face for the first time.

Ebony's eyes widened in surprise. The wizard's hair was a fiery red-orange, streaked with white, and his eyes were a mesmerizing purple galaxy, the pupils like black holes in the cosmos. It was a wonder he could speak at all, given his apparent state of awe.

The couple sat in stunned silence, still processing the spectacle they had witnessed. Finally, the wizard with the galaxy eyes spoke, gathering his thoughts with difficulty.

" l appp appreciate the offerr," he stammered, his voice thick with emotion. "How how much time before your escort t t t takes off?"

Ebony, a slow, warm smile spreading across his face, replied, "We head out tomorrow morning, my companion."