Adam found himself in one of the rooms on the second floor of the guild. It appeared to be a sort of office or space for meeting clients. There was a small knee high table surrounded by a sofa and several padded chairs. Curtains were drawn across a window against the far wall, but slits of sunlight still managed to peek through. He was alone. Iggy had to stay outside in the hallway much to the cat’s annoyance. She had scratched at the door trying to get in, gouging deep claw marks into the wood. Adam had profusely apologized and offered to pay for the damages but Gerard had refused with a chuckle.
There was a mild commotion in the hallway outside and Adam feared that Iggy had acted up again. It was quieted a moment later and Gerard entered followed by Klaus.
“Please, sir wherever you would like,” Gerard said with a smile.
Adam obliged and sat down on the sofa. Gerard and Klaus each picked one of the chairs. Klaus’ chair creaked uneasily under the weight of the man's armor.
“Now then to business,” said Gerard. “You'd like to join the guild, is that correct?”
“That's correct,” Adam nodded.
“Well given just your combat skills alone that wouldn't be a problem. With these trade skills however, on top of your extra skills, of course we are more than interested.”
Adam weighed Gerard’s words. He had seen the guildmaster’s face when Marie had read off his stats, it had perturbed him a bit. Everyone around had reacted strongly. People were in awe and disbelief. Truthfully Adam had forgotten to hide the extra skills with his artifact. He had messed around with the item prompt trying different combinations of words to try and generate skill scrolls, and these combinations had succeeded.
The profession skills he had just assumed every adventurer would learn, it would cut down on gear and repair costs, and one could net some extra revenue on the side. He knew from the village that people could learn the mining skill simply by working in the mines. Every worker earned at least a Rank D in mining after a few months. After doing it for so long some even ranked up to Rank C. The chief foreman had a Rank B, and last Adam heard he was over level 50 in mining as well. Maybe that was just for gathering skills however.
“I want to make it clear,” Adam finally said. “That my main focus is on improving my level and combat skills, I may not use my other skills much if at all.”
Klaus grunted and shook his head. Adam wasn't really sure why he was even here. Gerard was visibly disappointed for a moment, but he folded his hands together and placed them in his lap with a smile.
“I can understand that, but it is such a waste. May I ask why?”
“I didn't even know that I had them for one,” Adam lied. “And I want to be stronger.”
Gerard nodded as he regarded Adam's answer.
“So you wanted to be an adventurer without knowing your skills, have you never been tested with the stone before?”
Adam wasn't sure how much information the stone’s could read. He hadn't been fully sure that they even checked the non-combat skills. Obviously they had.
“No I haven't,” he lied again. “I've always had some skill with a dagger, and I realized that I could use wind magic not too long ago.”
“He has to be the one,” Klaus explained, leaping up from his chair. “I demand justice!”
Adam was taken aback. Was Klaus talking about his incident with Levin, he had to be. That must be the reason that he was here.
“Sit down Klaus.”
Gerard waved at the seat Klaus had been sitting in. Klaus nodded with a grunt and sat back down. The chair protested bearing the armored man's weight once more.
“Klaus is right, we do have other business to discuss. Namely your attack on Levin, it's a serious accusation.”
Adam was dumbfounded for a moment, and incensed.
“Do you have any proof?” Adam asked.
“In a court of law, no.” Gerard rested his chin upon his hands as he spoke. “But this is about the security of the guild and your admittance into it. Attacking another guild member is strictly forbidden. Unless it is in defense of your own life, or the life of another. As Guildmaster I must take these accusations seriously, and Levin is in good standing with the guild, Klaus has also vouched for him.”
“So simply because a member claims that they are the victim you believe them?”
“I do not know you,” Gerard replied. “And while some of the facts do not match up, like your level and your pet, you have also been lying to me.”
An icey swell rose up in Adam's stomach. He looked at Gerard’s stats again. Nothing indicated to him that Gerard had any sort of skill to detect deceit. Which meant that Adam was the weak link. His answers either didn't add up or his body language was giving him away. Gerard spoke before Adam could figure out what to say.
“Tell me Adam, where are you from?” Gerard asked. He leveled his gaze at Adam. Adam tried to hold it but he ended up looking away. Something about the Guildmaster just unnerved him.
“Just outside of Bartley,” Adam replied. Using the same name the city guard had provided.
Gerard shook his head.
“Another deception.”
Adam eyed the door. He could probably get to Iggy or call her. Klaus would possibly be manageable, Gerard however. Adam looked at the man's stats again. He wasn't wearing any gear, but that didn't mean that he couldn't equip some somehow, a storage ring maybe? Even unequipped his stats were superior to Adam's in every way, his skills were much higher too.
Gerard sighed and leaned back in his chair. He rubbed his face for a moment. Making his face seem gaunt for a moment. Adam imagined that the man's job was no easy thing.
“Look Adam, the guild usually doesn't care about people's past. As long as you aren't wanted we accept all. But given your deception, the accusations against you, the state of the kingdom, I need to know who you are.” Gerard sat forward. His face was no longer drawn as it had been. His eyes were focused and calculating. “Who are you Adam, where are you from?”
Adam wasn't sure how to answer. He wasn't even sure where he was in relation to Lockinge. How would he explain how he had arrived here in Belfort? He'd have to be bold, try and cut off any need for further explanation. He had an idea, but it was probably reckless.
Adam summoned his courage and did his best to meet the Guildmaster’s piercing gaze.
“I'm from the tower.”
Both of the men just blinked at Adam. Klaus was obviously flabbergasted. Gerard was shocked, either from the absurdity of the claim or its implication Adam didn't know. Klaus was the first to react.
“This is ridiculous,” he bellowed. “You expect us to believe such outright lies!”
Gerard held up a hand to quiet the man. Gerard was composed again, his eyes fixed Adam in place.
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
“That is quite the statement,” he said. “Do you have some way to prove this claim?”
Adam was pretty sure that he did. He had noticed it one day when he was scrolling through his menus trying to relieve his boredom while he waited next to the alchemical river. But at some point he had gained a title while staying in the tower. At the time it seemed pointless, and he figured everyone in the tower must have the same. It was worth a try here however, he checked it to activate it.
Again he saw Gerard and Klaus blanch.
“How is this possible,” Klaus stood slowly as he spoke.
“It beggars belief,” Gerard breathed.
“Is it true,” Klaus turned to the Guildmaster. “Could this be some other title?”
“No, I've seen this before, once during my adventuring days. An envoy from the royal court came with a man looking for skilled people to delve the tower. He had the same title.”
It was an unremarkable title by its words alone, or so Adam had thought. Like something one would get from a random side quest in an MMO. But here in this world the connotations allied itself with the extraordinary. The title was simply, ‘of the Tower’.
“Welcome to the Adventurer’s Guild, Adam,” Gerard said with his now trademark off-putting smile. The man seemingly recovered. “I do have a few conditions though.”
Adam turned his attention to the Guildmaster narrowing his eyes.
“Now, now, nothing that should interfere with your desires. Since you are only Level 5 this will be a provisional membership until you reach Level 10. You will be capped at accepting only Rank E requests and they will first be approved by an attendant, does that sound fair?”
Adam nodded. It did sound fair. He wasn't even sure what rankings meant difficulty wise, and he was only Level 5 and wet behind the ears. “Anything else?”
“Yes, one more thing. While it doesn't have to be your focus, I do want you to help produce items for the Guild in your downtime.”
Again Adam eyed the Guildmaster who raised his hands up to ward off Adam's objection.
“In your spare time, or if it strikes your fancy. It's not a bad deal. We have the facilities in the town for most basic professions, and can help provide some of the materials. You'll get access to that plus experienced craftsmen to help you.”
Adam contemplated the offer for a moment, reclining back into the plush sofa. He was right, it did sound like a good deal. Lockinge had a blacksmith who could fashion basic tools and arms. You couldn't use the forge without his permission. Same for the town tailor and the refining pit. Having direction and mentorship wouldn't be a bad thing either.
“Is that all?” Adam asked.
Gerard nodded, his eyes never leaving Adam's.
“Then I accept.”
Klaus turned to the Guildmaster, his brow knitted and his eyes sharp. But the Guildmaster held up a hand to silence him and then extended it to Adam, who took it in turn and shook it.
“Again, welcome to the Guild,” said Gerard. Creepy smile and all.
~~~~~
Adam clutched the piece of paper as he walked back to the inn, Iggy in tow. It was a request that Marie had approved for him, Rank E of course. It was a gathering mission.
About a two day’s ride by carriage was a small town called Forest’s Rest. Situated on the outskirts of a large forest. Apparently so named because it was a rest stop for travelers who were passing through the forest. Original as most old names for places were.
The task seemed simple enough. Acquire 10 Green Herbs from the forest for the local alchemist. An aging woman who could no longer trek through dense brush or uneven terrain. To help restore the village’s supply of medicine.
Adam wondered how no one else in the village was able bodied enough to look. Or as the skill Foraging was required, perhaps apprentice with the old alchemist and learn her trade. But a job was a job, and Adam carefully folded the paper up and stuck it in his bag.
“Forest’s Rest you said? Yes I know of it,” said Ms. Margery, while Adam shoved a leek into his mouth from his potato soup. “It's a quaint little village, maybe a day and a half or so from here.”
Adam continued to shovel soup into his mouth. The creamy white sauce blending with the soft chunks of potato and assorted vegetables. It was simple, rustic perhaps, but it tasted divine.
“Is there anything I should know about it or the forest before I set off tomorrow?”
Ms. Margery set two handfuls of empty ale mugs down behind the counter, before hoisting up two handfuls of freshly filled mugs. “Gigi table four!”
Gigi swung around from behind a customer at the bar to Adam's right and took one of the handfuls in both hands. The young woman hoisted them over to a table before returning for the second load. It felt a little sad to watch her struggle, but her perseverance was admirable.
“There's not much to tell. It's a small town. Before the construction of the main roads people traveled through the forest. Now they don't and the town’s diminished.”
Adam nodded along, staring down at his now empty bowl of soup. His expression must have been forlorn as Ms. Margery switched it with a fresh steaming bowl. Adam looked up at her and smiled, thankful for the second portion.
“Don't give me that grin boy,” she said, swatting the air at him. “Consider it my appreciation for your extra tips that you leave.”
The corners of Adam's mouth dropped, and a stern expression crossed his brow. “Now don't tell me that or I'll start leaving you more,” he huffed.
“You wouldn't dare,” Ms. Margery blustered. Her chest puffing out as she placed her hands on her hips.
Adam looked down at his bowl and grabbed it as he slammed three copper coins down on the counter, and hightailed it to the stairs. He could hear her bellow behind him, but her voice began to die as he ascended the staircase. Iggy sprinted her way up behind him with some raw steak in her mouth, shooting past Adam to knock the door to their room open and jump inside.
Adam followed, closing and locking the door behind him. It wasn't until he set the soup down on the table in his room that he realized he’d been laughing. I'll be, he thought. Never thought I'd do that again.
Morning came quick enough. Iggy stirred on the pillow at the head of the bed, while Adam stretched his arms and legs out at the bottom. He grabbed his pack, prepacked the night before and donned a green woolen cloak.
“You said you were heading to Forest’s Rest?” Ms. Margery asked as Adam descended the stairs. She was waiting at the bar counter, a small bundle of wrapped paper by her side. “Food for the road.”
Adam nodded and took the bundle, storing it away in his pack, now almost full. Iggy sniffed it as it went in, the subtle raising of her shoulders giving away her interest.
“There's wolves in that forest,” Ms. Margery said. “Not too much trouble for a cautious adventurer,” she said, stressing the word. “Don't get surrounded, and retreat the moment you think the sway of battle turns against you. They can overwhelm you in a pack.”
Adam nodded again. “Thank you Ms. Margery.”
“Thank me when you're back,” was all she said in reply.
Adam had a little bit of time before the wagon the guild had arranged for him, at a percentage of the reward for a fee, would leave. He wandered the streets a bit. A few outdoor vendors were already set up, and the more enterprising shops had opened. Adam passed by the book seller he had visited yesterday. And it gave him an idea.
“Welcome, how may I help you, oh it's you sir,” said the owner with a smile pushing up his spectacles. “Is there something I can find for you today?”
Adam glanced around the shop, it seemed pretty quiet. He may as well take the shopkeeper up on his offer, the man knew his shop better then Adam after all.
“Actually that would be wonderful, I'm leaving this morning, and I'll likely be gone for at least five days. I need some reading material for the journey.”
The man’s eyes lit up at Adam's request. No doubt the owner was a man who loved books. And while Adam loved information he wasn't big on recreational reading. Which was disappointing.
“I'll gladly get what you need together sir.”
“The last books you got for me were exactly what I needed. I'm looking for something similar but about Classes, and Professions,” said Adam.
“I see,” nodded the clerk. “Are we seeking out apprenticeships? No. You wanted spells and abilities yesterday, you must be a fledgling adventurer, am I right?”
Adam smiled at the man's enthusiasm. Something he had so seldom felt since waking up here. Especially aimed toward himself. Someone who seemed to care. “Right on the nose, I just became a provisional member.”
“I thought so, here let me gather those for you.”
The man much like last time seemed to flit about the store, in a way that did not seem efficient, but nonetheless he returned with several books.
“My selections sir,” he said, placing his hands gently on the small stack. “On the house this time, for a fellow lover of knowledge, and a gift for the start of your adventuring career.”
“Are you sure?” Adam was touched. Who doesn't like free stuff? But the thought behind it lifted Adam's spirit, causing him to shed some of the stress he didn't realize he'd been carrying. “Thank you.”
“My pleasure sir,” said the owner with a smile and a nod. “Just remember where the best place in Belfort is to get your books.”
Adam smiled back at him and laughed. “Shrewd.”