"Is that Uurja?" Soma's question sliced through the air, drawing Soma's attention towards Mrit. As Mrit's gaze locked onto the aura enveloping the sword, he found himself caught off guard by Soma's inquiry.

"What... did you just... say?" Soma's tone brimmed with curiosity and a touch of disbelief, prompting Mrit to hastily concoct an explanation.

Upon realizing his slip of tongue, Mrit scrambled to compose himself. He had been so captivated by the pure white aura that the word 'Uurja' had slipped out unintentionally. Sensing Soma's expectant gaze, Mrit scrambled for an answer.

"Yes... The phenomenon you demonstrated. In our tribe, we referred to it as Uurja, the inner energy inherent in every being."

Soma's response was a mixture of suspicion and something darker lurking beneath the surface. Mrit understood Soma's apprehension; after all, it was natural for Soma to question someone who had appeared helpless during the explosion yet seemingly possessed knowledge of Uurja.

"No, I cannot. The ability to manifest Uurja, as you did, was akin to a myth. Our elders would recount stories of our ancestors harnessing Uurja's power. However, over time, the knowledge was lost, and all that remained was the legend."

Mrit's explanation seemed to mollify Soma's suspicions, eliciting a visible shift in his demeanor. The tension that had hung thick in the air dissipated, replaced by a sense of understanding.

"The world is vast, and what was once known as Uurja is now referred to as Chi or Ki," Soma explained. "Only seasoned adventurers and knights possess the ability to manifest it. So, be cautious when discussing Uurja with those unfamiliar with the term."

With a practiced motion, Soma stowed the sword in a storage ring before rising from his seat and approaching Mrit.

"Now that's settled. Take this." Soma extended a card to Mrit, bearing the name 'Saur' alongside Soma's bloodied fingerprint and Saur's designation as a freelance adventurer.

"Go downstairs and speak with Dhatri. You know her, right?"

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

Mrit nodded in affirmation.

"Good. Present her with this card, and she'll assign you your first quest. Complete it, and if you encounter any difficulties, Dhatri will assist you."

"Understood," Mrit acknowledged, turning to leave the room. Before he could depart, however, Soma offered a parting wish.

"And Saur?"

Mrit paused, turning back to face Soma.

"Best of luck."

***

After parting ways with Soma, Mrit descended the stairs and made his way to the reception where Dhatri awaited him.

"Hey Saur, how did it go with the guild leader?" Dhatri inquired, her voice tinged with concern as she awaited Mrit's response.

"Take a look for yourself," Mrit replied cryptically, sliding the guild card across the table towards Dhatri.

With a bright smile, Dhatri examined the card, her eyes lighting up with joy. "Saur, you did it!"

Despite Dhatri's jubilation, Mrit couldn't help but feel a strange stirring within him at the sight of her happiness. Ignoring the unfamiliar emotion, he pressed on.

"Soma mentioned I can start taking quests now."

"Absolutely! Ready for your first one?" Dhatri asked eagerly, returning the card to Mrit.

"Yes, please. I'm eager to get started. Any suitable quests available?" Mrit replied, wasting no time.

Dhatri rummaged through a drawer before retrieving a parchment detailing a quest. Handing it to Mrit, she explained, "Here you go. It's an herb collection task. The plants can likely be found in the forest you came from."

Mrit examined the parchment, noting the description of the herb but lacking information on its location. Turning back to Dhatri, he inquired, "Any other tips I should know?"

"Watch out for monsters. It's surprising you made it out of that forest unscathed, given your condition when you escaped. Stay vigilant," Dhatri cautioned, her voice laced with concern for Mrit's safety.

"Understood. I'll be careful," Mrit assured her before taking his leave.

As Mrit exited, Soma descended the stairs, catching Dhatri's attention.

"Soma?!" Dhatri exclaimed, surprised by his sudden appearance.

"Did he take the quest?" Soma asked, taking a seat.

"Yes," Dhatri confirmed, her demeanor shifting as she regarded Soma warily.

"So, what do you think of him? Is he the one?" Soma's question hung heavily in the air, causing Dhatri's expression to harden.

"I have no intention of discussing that with you," Dhatri retorted, her usual warmth replaced by a steely resolve.

Soma remained unperturbed, his smile unwavering. "Hahaha! Even if you won't, I'll find out."

With that, Soma departed, leaving Dhatri feeling angered and distressed.

"Ugh!" Dhatri sighed, closing her eyes and attempting to quell her emotions. The encounter had left her drained, her mind heavy with thoughts.

"Why now... after all this time," Dhatri mumbled to herself, her face pale and her breathing labored.

As tears welled in her eyes, she thought of Mrit's smile and silently pleaded, "Please... Please don't turn out to be the one we've been searching for all this time... Please!"

***