It had been a week since Katsuo’s acceptance into the Aegis Guild, and in that time, he had thrown himself into his duties with the intensity of someone who had something to prove. Each day brought a new mission, a new challenge, and a deeper understanding of the city of Gosapor. From simple escort jobs to settling disputes in the lower districts, Katsuo had taken on every task with the hope of mastering the intricacies of being a Vanguard.
The city of Gosapor was a city divided into several districts, each with its own personality and rhythm. There was the northern district, filled with scholars and the rich, and the southern district, where the markets are loud and the buildings looking more ancient. Katsuo had found himself walking through these streets often, slowly mapping out the city's character.
Today, he was in Southern Gosapor, a part of the city known for its crowded markets and chaotic, vibrant atmosphere. Here, the narrow streets were teeming with life—vendors shouting to sell their goods, children running through alleyways, and people negotiating the best prices for their daily essentials. The streets were packed with stalls selling everything from brightly colored fabrics to exotic spices, their scents mixing with the smell of freshly baked bread and roasting meats.
Katsuo was helping an elderly woman named Elara, who had been struggling to carry her groceries through the crowd of people. Elara had lost her husband years ago, and now lived alone in a small, ivy-covered house at the far end of the district.
“Thank you, young man,” Elara said as they arrived at her doorstep, her voice frail but warm.
“People these days are always in such a rush, they don’t take time to help.”
Katsuo smiled, setting her bags down inside the house. The interior of her home was cozy, the scent of freshly baked bread lingering in the air. The walls were adorned with old family portraits and vases of flowers, giving the place a lived-in, comforting feel.
“It’s really no trouble, ma’am. I’m happy to help.”
Elara’s smile softened, her eyes crinkling at the corners.
“You remind me of my grandson. He used to help me around the house before he moved away for work. I don’t see him much anymore.”
Katsuo’s expression shifted slightly, the feeling of sympathy tugging at his heart.
“If you ever need anything, just send word to the Aegis Guild. We’re always here.”
The elderly woman thanked him profusely, and as Katsuo left her home, he felt a sense of quiet satisfaction. The mission wasn’t glamorous or heroic, but these small acts of kindness reminded him why he had joined the guild in the first place. It was moments like this that kept him grounded, even as he sought greater strength.
Later in the day, Katsuo found himself at a blacksmith’s shop in the heart of Gosapor. The shop was tucked between two larger buildings, its unassuming exterior muffling the constant sound of hammering metal and the smell of molten iron that spread through the air. The blacksmith, a burly man named Goran, was covered in soot from head to toe, his thick beard streaked with gray. He greeted Katsuo with a hearty laugh and a handshake that nearly crushed his hand.
“So, you’re the young Vanguard they sent to help me today!” Goran’s voice boomed, echoing off the stone walls of his shop.
“I’ve got some materials I need fetched from a cave nearby. Think you’re up for it?”
Katsuo nodded, already rolling up his sleeves.
“Just tell me where to go.”
The task was straightforward: gather rare metals and materials from a nearby cave that Goran needed to forge a special sword. The catch? The cave was known for its difficult terrain and the occasional monster lurking within. As Katsuo made his way through the narrow passageways of the cave, he found himself fighting off a few low-level creatures—a routine task for a Vanguard, but one that still demanded focus and precision.
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The materials he gathered were heavy, and by the time he made it back to Goran’s shop, his muscles were burning with exertion. Goran greeted him with another booming laugh and a nod of approval.
“You’ve got a strong back, lad. I’ll make sure to give you a discount next time you need a weapon,” the blacksmith said, handing Katsuo a small pouch of coins as payment.
Katsuo accepted the pouch with a grateful nod.
“Thanks, Goran. I’ll keep that in mind.”
As he walked through the streets, the sun began its slow descent, casting long shadows across the cobblestone paths. The city of Gosapor, which had been bustling with activity all day, was starting to quiet down, the vendors closing their stalls, and the market-goers heading home. It was a city that never truly slept, but for a few hours each evening, it allowed itself to breathe.
Later that evening, Katsuo found himself back at the Aegis Guild hall. The main floor was as busy as ever, with Vanguards coming and going, their conversations filling the air with talk of battles, missions, and the occasional bit of gossip. Katsuo made his way to the reception desk, where Monica, the guild’s ever-energetic receptionist, was handing out payments to the returning adventurers.
Monica was a petite woman that always seemed to twinkle with excitement. Her cheerfulness was infectious, and she greeted Katsuo with a wide smile.
“Ah, Katsuo! Back from another mission, I see.”
Before Katsuo could respond, he noticed Serena standing at the counter next to him, her usual stern expression in place. She was waiting for her payment, her tonfas strapped to her sides, and her long brown hair tied back in a ponytail.
“That’s rare,” Katsuo said, glancing at her.
“You’re usually back from your missions way before me.”
Serena didn’t look up from the counter.
“I had a delay. My mission wasn’t as straightforward as expected.”
Katsuo grinned.
“Ah, so you’re human after all.”
Serena shot him a cold glance, clearly unamused.
“Keep talking, and you’ll find out just how human I am when I knock you flat.”
Monica returned to the counter with Serena’s payment, oblivious to the tension.
“Here you go, Serena! Nice job out there.”
Serena grabbed the pouch of coins, nodded curtly, and left without another word. Katsuo watched her go, sighing as he turned back to Monica.
“I will never understand girls,” Katsuo muttered, shaking his head.
Monica giggled, handing Katsuo his own payment.
“She’s just not used to having people around her. Give her time. You might be the first person she’s actually spoken to outside of missions.”
Katsuo blinked, surprised.
“Wait, really?”
Monica nodded, her usual bubbly tone softening slightly.
“Serena’s not one to make friends easily. But don’t take it personally. Keep talking to her—who knows, she might actually start to like you.”
Katsuo chuckled.
“I’ll take that as a challenge.”
Just as he pocketed his payment and prepared to head out, Monica’s expression grew more serious. She leaned in slightly, her voice lowering.
“Katsuo, there’s something else. I received an urgent mission earlier today, and I think it’s something you should handle.”
Katsuo tilted his head, intrigued.
“What’s going on?”
Monica glanced around, making sure no one was listening, before speaking in a hushed tone.
“There’s been a rise in disturbances in Northern Gosapor—mostly brawls and petty fights, but it’s becoming more frequent. I’ve got reason to believe the Extermination Squad is involved.”
“The Extermination Squad?” Katsuo asked, narrowing his eyes. The name sounded familiar, but he couldn’t quite place it.
Monica nodded.
“They’re a group that specializes in monster hunting and dungeon diving. Lately, though, they’ve been recruiting heavily, and I’m worried they might be stirring up trouble.”
Katsuo’s curiosity piqued.
“So, what’s the mission?”
Monica smiled, glad he was on board.
“I need you to investigate what the Extermination Squad is up to. They’ve been holding secret meetings in Northern Gosapor, and I want to know what they’re planning. But Katsuo, one more thing—don’t go anywhere near the Ancient Forest. It’s off-limits to D-Rank Vanguards.”
Katsuo smirked, raising his hand in mock surrender.
“I’ll stay out of the Ancient Forest. Promise.”
Monica’s stern look softened, and she returned to her usual cheerful demeanor.
“Good luck, Katsuo! Be careful out there.”
With a nod of thanks, Katsuo turned on his heel and left the guild, heading toward Northern Gosapor with a new mission ahead of him. The streets were quiet now, the last remnants of daylight fading into the horizon as the city settled into its nighttime rhythm. But Katsuo’s mind was racing. The Extermination Squad, secret meetings, and the threat of danger—it all felt like the beginning of something much bigger than he had expected.
As he made his way through the city streets, Katsuo couldn’t help but wonder what awaited him in the north. He went back to his hub to rest for the eventful mission that awaits him.