Chapter 15."Exploring Liras: A Delivery Mission"

The morning brought light to Liras City, wrapping the streets in soft golden hues. Caelan, Jason, Jin, and Niro stood at the Willow Adventurer Guild.

The guild hall was filled with adventurers gathered around the mission board, but after a quick glance, most of them left immediately.

Meanwhile, Caelan, Jason, Niro, and Van had been standing there for quite a while.

"Look at this mission! A dungeon clearing job. The reward is huge—three gold coins! You just have to participate, and you don't even need to defeat the dungeon boss," Van said.

"You're right, but we're not qualified for that yet. Look at the missions we can actually take," Jason replied.

"The available ones are gathering herbal medicine in the mountains near Liras City, cleaning canals, fixing houses, and searching for lost pets around Liras City. Delivering products. What should we pick?" Niro asked, feeling confused.

"These kinds of missions are boring," Van said with disinterest.

"What do you think, Caelan?" Jason asked

"Let's ask Elle what she thinks about which mission to take," I said.

We walked to the counter where Elle stood, her warm smile greeting us.

"Good morning, Elle," we said in unison.

"Morning! Have you made your choice yet?" she asked, her eyes flickering with curiosity.

"Honestly, we're having a hard time deciding. Any recommendations?" I replied, leaning against the counter.

Elle’s eyes brightened as she reached under the counter, pulling out a small parchment. She scanned it carefully, tapping her finger against the edge.

"In that case, how about this delivery mission?" she suggested, lowering her voice. "It’s for the Serenath Company – they supply fabric to clothing shops across the city." Elle leaned in slightly, glancing around before adding in a whisper, "Between you and me, they pay extra if you do the job well."

I exchanged a look with the others. Jason raised an eyebrow, and Niro smirked knowingly.

"We’ll take it," I said without hesitation.

Elle nodded. "Head to Liras Harbor and look for the Serenath ship from the Kingdom of Leoville. It should be docked by now."

Without delay, we left the guild and caught a carriage heading toward the harbor.

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The harbor bustled with life – merchants haggled over goods, sailors hauled barrels and crates, and laborers loaded carts pulled by sturdy horses. The air carried the salty tang of the sea, mingling with the scent of fresh fish and damp wood.

Jason adjusted his belt, glancing around. "We’re really just delivering fabric?"

Niro yawned, stretching his arms behind his head. "Didn’t you hear Elle? They pay extra. Easy money for a few days’ work. Beats chasing stray pets or picking herbs."

Van chuckled. "Speak for yourself. I wouldn’t mind a little more excitement."

Caelan smirked but said nothing.

As the carriage rolled to a stop, we stepped out, weaving through the crowd. Caelan approached a nearby guard, his red and black armor glinting in the midday sun. A spear rested against his shoulder as he scanned the crowd.

"Excuse me, sir," Caelan began. "Do you know where the Serenath ship from Leoville kingdom is docked?"

The guard’s gaze shifted, eyes narrowing slightly before he answered. "Dock Four. Arrived this morning."

Caelan dipped his head politely. "Thank you. We’re adventurers from the Willow Guild, commissioned by Serenath for a delivery."

The guard's eyes flicked to the badge pinned to Caelan’s chest. After a brief pause, he gave a curt nod.

"Straight ahead, past the fish market. Safe travels, adventurer."

"Appreciate it. Take care," Caelan replied.

We made our way toward Dock Four. A large sailing ship towered over the pier, crew members working swiftly to unload cargo using ropes and pulleys. Several carriages lined up along the dock, waiting for their turn to be loaded.

Caelan’s eyes landed on a stern, older man standing near the ship’s gangplank. His sharp features, neatly combed gray hair, and formal attire – a crisp white shirt, dark vest, and red tie – gave him an air of authority. He stood tall, hands behind his back, overseeing the process with an unwavering gaze.

Caelan stepped forward, offering a polite nod. "Excuse me. We’re adventurers from the Willow Guild, here for the delivery request from Serenath Company."

The man’s eyes flicked toward us, his gaze sharp but professional.

“I’m Robert, supervisor of Sareth Company. You’re the adventurers from Willow Guild assisting with deliveries today.” His gaze swept over them. “Here’s the job—load the products onto the carriages and make sure not a single box goes missing. At each stop, unload and deliver the crates inside the shop. Our employees will handle the negotiations.”

“Yes, sir,” Caelan replied, feeling the weight of Robert’s stare.

Robert gestured toward the nearby crates. “Start loading. You leave soon.”

Caelan and his companions moved quickly, stacking the crates into the carriages. Once the last crate was secured, each of them climbed into a separate carriage behind the drivers.

Jason’s carriage pulled out first, followed by Niro’s, Van’s, and finally Caelan’s.

As Caelan sat quietly, he noticed the city center coming into view. The carriage soon rolled to a stop outside Red Fern Tailors—a fine shop with large glass windows showcasing embroidered dresses and suits.

The Sareth employee barely glanced at him. “Unload it.”

Caelan hopped down and grabbed three large silk crates, balancing them carefully as he stepped inside. The shop’s owner, a middle-aged man with thinning hair, gave a small nod of approval as Caelan set the crates near the back.

Caelan wiped his brow, casting a glance at the Sareth employee by the door.

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

The shop owner counted out gold coins and handed them over.

“Back to the carriage,” the Sareth employee ordered. “Next stop.”

Caelan sighed but found satisfaction in the work. There were still several deliveries left, and the employee’s watchful eyes ensured he wouldn’t slack off.

They moved from shop to shop without incident. However, at the fifth stop in the southern district, a small issue arose.

The shop owner—a man with thin spectacles and a neatly trimmed beard—examined the bundles carefully.

“Impressive quality, as always,” he said, running his fingers over the silk. “I’ll take the full order. Let me prepare the payment.”

He began counting out coins but frowned deeply.

“It seems I don’t have enough gold to cover it all,” the shop owner muttered, casting a nervous glance at the Sareth employee. “I’ll need to make up the difference with silver and copper, but I’m not sure how much I need to add.”

The Sareth employee scratched his head. “One gold coin is thirty silver… but how many coppers make up the rest if you don’t have enough silver?”

The shop owner frowned, clearly struggling with the math.

Caelan, sensing this might take longer than necessary, stepped forward. “I can help with that.”

The shop owner’s expression brightened. “Would you? I admit, numbers aren’t my strong suit.”

The Sareth employee gave Caelan a skeptical look but said nothing.

Caelan glanced at the figures.

“You’re short by two gold coins. That’s sixty silver.”

The assistant retrieved a pouch but hesitated. “We only have forty silver here.”

“Twenty silver short…” Caelan murmured, furrowing his brow briefly. The answer came to him almost instantly. “That’s thirty-three copper.”

The Sareth employee blinked. “That fast?”

Caelan shrugged. “I used to handle this sort of thing back home.”

The shopkeeper counted the coppers and added them to the pile. “That should cover it. Thank you.”

As they stepped outside, the Sareth employee gave him a sideways glance. “Didn’t expect an adventurer to be good with numbers.”

Caelan grinned. “Survival skills. You’d be surprised how often it comes in handy.”

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The delivery mission that they thought would only take a few days ended up taking two weeks

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Caelan’s first mission as an adventurer took him all across Liras City, delivering fabric to different shops. It felt more like running errands than the grand adventures he had imagined, but it gave him a chance to know the city better—beyond the small glimpse he had when he first arrived.

Liras was a city of contrasts, each district a reflection of the people who lived there. The layout resembled a compass, with every direction serving a distinct purpose.

West District (W) – Slum District

The West District, known as the Slum District, housed the city’s poorest residents. Narrow alleys twisted between leaning, crumbling buildings. Smoke from nearby workshops clung to the air, mingling with the scent of stale bread and coal fires. Makeshift homes rested against cracked stone walls, their foundations unsteady.

In the streets, a child in tattered clothes kicked a stone, his face streaked with dirt but bright with laughter. It was a familiar sight here. Many adventurers, including us, started in this district—drawn to Liras City by the hope of making a name for ourselves. For now, this was home.

East District (E) – Merchant and Noble Quarter

The East District stood in stark contrast. Broad, paved avenues stretched between grand estates with polished marble gates and manicured gardens. Guards patrolled frequently, their polished armor gleaming under the midday sun. This was the smallest district but by far the wealthiest, home to nobles and influential merchants.

Unlike the rest of the city, there were no shops or restaurants here—only sprawling residences, hidden behind high stone walls.

Southwest and South Districts (SW, S) – market and harbor

The harbor, nestled in the Southwest, thrived with energy. Ships from distant lands docked daily, unloading crates of goods that fueled the city's bustling markets. Fishmongers and merchants shouted over each other, haggling with sailors and locals alike. The scent of saltwater drifted through the air, blending with spices and fresh produce from nearby stalls. Warehouses lined the piers, their doors wide open as workers hauled cargo to and from the ships.

The market near the harbor wasn’t just the city’s economic heart—it was its gateway to the world. It was here that most business transactions occurred, with merchants negotiating fiercely with one another over the prices and quality of their goods. Their voices rose in competitive banter, each seeking the best deal in the fast-paced exchange of resources, ensuring the market’s constant flow. From rare fabrics to exotic spices, it was a place where fortunes were made or lost with every deal. The market was a vast mosaic, where you could find almost every product from across the continent—whether it was luxury imports, local crafts, or even hard-to-find ingredients from distant regions. If something existed in the world, chances were, it could be found here.

Northwest District (NW) – Adventurers' Haven

Further inland, the Northwest District catered to adventurers like us. Taverns, guilds, and weapon forges lined the streets, where the clink of steel and rowdy laughter echoed well into the night. Contracts were posted outside guild halls, and mercenaries crowded around them, eager for work. Cheap inns and supply shops made this area a popular gathering point for those chasing fame—or coin.

Northeast District (NE) – Middle-Class Neighborhood

The Northeast District was calmer, home to traders, artisans, and office workers. Modest yet sturdy houses lined the cobbled streets. Markets here were quieter but carried quality goods, with merchants offering fair prices to regular customers. It was a place of stability—a balance between luxury and survival.

Southeast District (SE) – Entertainment and Academies

The Southeast District stood apart, offering the finest entertainment in the city. Theaters, exclusive clubs, and high-end restaurants lined its gardened streets. This district was the largest, and beyond the glittering establishments lay renowned academies, where nobles and wealthy merchants from across the continent sent their children to study.

North District (N) – The Gate District

The North District served as Liras City’s main entrance, guarded by barracks and training grounds. Soldiers drilled as caravans and countless travelers passed through daily.

Many people lived here, including soldiers' families and locals running taverns, inns, and market stalls. The district thrived on constant movement, offering supplies and rest to those entering the city.

Despite the crowds, the gate remained secure under the watchful eyes of the city guards.

City Center – Guild Square and Council Hall

At the heart of Liras stood the City Council and Guild Square. The grand council hall cast long shadows over the bustling square, where vendors, performers, and adventurers gathered. Important announcements, festivals, and public debates took place here, making it the city’s true focal point.

Liras wasn’t perfect. But as I walked its streets, I saw how each part played a role—whether it was the wealth in the east, the strength of the harbor, or even the resilience of the slums. They were all pieces of the same city, working together in their own way.

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The Mission’s End

Supervisor Sylvester approached us as we waited by the docks. His hands rested on his hips, eyes scanning the unloaded crates before settling on us. A faint smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.

"You did good work today," he said, crossing his arms. "The cargo arrived safely, and the client’s happy."

Van stretched lazily, fingers laced behind his head. "What can I say? We’re professionals."

Jason snorted. "Barely."

Sylvester chuckled as he reached into his pouch. "Well, since you made my job easier, I’m adding five silver to each of your pay. Consider it a bonus."

We all straightened a little at that. Niro raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. "Five silver? That’s generous."

Sylvester shrugged as he counted the coins, placing them in our hands one by one. "The company doesn’t hand out bonuses often, but you earned it."

When he reached me, he pulled out a folded parchment, sealed with red wax marked by the symbol of an anchor. "Here’s proof you completed the mission. It’s signed by the client and myself. Take it back to the guild, or hold onto it for your records."

I took the parchment carefully, feeling the weight of the seal beneath my thumb. "Thanks, Sylvester. We appreciate it."

"Don’t mention it," he replied, his gaze drifting out toward the sea.

Van jiggled his coins, grinning. "I could get used to this."

Jason nudged him. "Until you’re stuck carrying a crate bigger than you."

We laughed as we left the dock, the weight of silver warm in our pockets, and the parchment tucked safely in my bag. Even simple missions, it seemed, could lead to unexpected rewards.