The Next Day

Nyx woke with the first light streaming through her window, the golden rays casting soft patterns across her small room. She stretched lazily, rubbing the sleep from her eyes before swinging her legs over the side of the bed.

“Uriel, what’s the plan for today?” she asked, her voice still thick with sleep.

“You planned to meet Till,” Uriel replied gently. “He’s likely waiting for you.”

With a quick nod, Nyx got to work. She slipped into the simple tunic and trousers Sister Clara had provided, adjusted her Stormweaver Veil securely over her head, and smoothed the fabric. Checking her reflection in the mirror, she flashed a small smile. “Alright, I’m ready.”

She made her way through the orphanage, the soft hum of morning activities filling the air. Children laughed in the distance, their cheerful voices blending with the faint clatter of breakfast dishes.

Descending the stairs, Nyx took her usual spot near the entrance, her silver hair catching the light as she waited for Till. Her fingers played absently with the hem of her cloak as she gazed out at the bustling village beyond the orphanage gates.

“Shouldn’t take him long,” she murmured to herself.

And, just as she’d hoped, Till’s familiar figure appeared, jogging toward her with his ever-present grin.

“Morning, Nyx!” he called out, his voice bright with energy.

Nyx stood, her smile widening. “Morning, Till.” Hopping down the stairs to meet him.

They began their usual stroll through the village, chatting about small things. The cobblestone streets were lively with merchants, farmers, and villagers going about their day.

Nyx’s attention was caught by a group of people standing in front of a large, ornate building. They carried weapons—swords, bows, and strange tools that glowed faintly with magical energy. Some wore leather armor, while others had cloaks draped over their shoulders.

“What’s that?” Nyx asked, pointing toward the gathering.

Till followed her finger and smiled. “That’s the Everhunt Guild.”

Nyx tilted her head curiously. “The Everhunt Guild?”

“It’s a legendary hunters’ guild,” Till explained. “Hunters of all types come here to take on monster-hunting jobs. They protect the village and earn a living by hunting monsters and bringing back proof of their kills.”

Nyx’s eyes lit up. “Can we go see it?”

Till hesitated for a moment but then relented. “Alright, but just to look, okay?”

As they approached, Nyx’s eyes were drawn to the grand banner hanging above the entrance. The motto embroidered in bold gold letters caught her attention: “Through Shadow and Flame, We Hunt All the Same.”

“That’s their motto,” Till said, noticing her focus.

Nyx read it aloud, her voice soft with wonder. “Through Shadow and Flame, We Hunt All the Same.”

She turned to Till. “How do people join?”

“Well,” Till said, “anyone with a skill can apply. But they would also use a magic ball to check if you do have an actual skill that can be used to fight monsters, also it depends on the level of your skill as well. Then they’ll accept you as a member.”

Nyx’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she looked at the bustling scene outside the hunters’ guild. Groups of hunters stood gathered, their weapons glinting in the sunlight. Some were sharpening their blades, while others spoke in low tones, their postures confident and purposeful.

“I can’t believe something like this exists in the village!” she exclaimed, her voice filled with wonder as she took in the sight.

Till chuckled, gesturing toward the building. “It’s been here for as long as I can remember. The Everhunt Guild is kind of a big deal around here. People look up to them—hunters of all kinds working together.”

Nyx nodded, her gaze lingering on the banner hanging above the entrance. Its bold lettering and the vivid crest beneath it made her heart race with excitement.

Nyx’s excitement bubbled over. “That’s amazing! Why don’t you join?”

Till hesitated, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly. “Well… I don’t have a skill yet. I’ve awakened my magic, but I haven’t been blessed by a god.”

Nyx frowned slightly. “Oh… I’m sorry, Till.”

“It’s alright,” he said with a shrug, forcing a smile. “Not everyone gets one right away. It just means I have to wait a little longer.”

Nyx reached out to pat his shoulder gently. “You’ll get one someday. I know it.”

Nyx turned to Till, her eyes under the veil widened with excitement. “Do you think I could join them?”

Till blinked, momentarily stunned by her question. “You? Join the hunters’ guild?” He scratched the back of his head, looking both shocked and confused.

“But… you’re just a kid!” he exclaimed, his voice a mix of disbelief and concern.

Then, as if a thought struck him, he perked up. “Well… you do know how to make healing potions, right? That could be really useful for them.” He nodded to himself, the idea seeming more plausible. “It’s a bit different from the usual route, but honestly, it’s impressive. You’d probably be a great asset.”

Nyx burst into laughter, shaking her head. “Till, I’m not talking about my potions! I mean my skill. I could actually fight with them!”

Till froze mid-nod, his eyes widening. “Wait… you have a skill?”

Nyx grinned, placing a hand on her chin thoughtfully. “Yep! It’s an F-class skill, though I’m not entirely sure what that means.”

“That’s incredible, Nyx!” Till said, his excitement contagious. “Do you know how rare it is for someone your age to actually have a skill? Most people wait years to be blessed by a god. That’s why the guild is mostly adults—they’re the only ones with the skills to join!”

Nyx tilted her head thoughtfully. “How does it work, anyway? How do people get skills?”

“Well,” Till began, trying to recall what he’d learned, “once someone awakens their magic, they go on with their life. If a god notices them and likes what they see, they offer a skill. The person can either accept it or refuse.”

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Nyx hummed in thought. “That’s… kind of different from how I got mine.”

Uriel’s voice spoke in her mind. “That’s because your skills were gifted by the constellations. The process here is mortal-based, following divine favor and selection.”

Nyx nodded slightly to herself, earning a curious look from Till.

“What’s up?” he asked.

“Nothing,” she replied quickly.

Till grinned. “You should try joining Nyx. Even if you’re young, you have a skill! That’s more than enough to get them interested.”

“You think they’d take me?” Nyx asked, her voice laced with both excitement and doubt.

“Why not?” Till said confidently. “You’re already amazing, Nyx. They’d be lucky to have you.”

Nyx smiled warmly, her determination shining through. “Alright. Let’s do it.”

With that, the two friends continued walking, the towering entrance of the Everhunt Guild etched in Nyx’s mind as her next challenge.

Nyx, with her silver hair catching the light over her veil, pushed through the crowd with determination, barely acknowledging the disgruntled murmurs of those she bumped into.

“Excuse us—sorry about that!” Till trailed behind, offering hurried apologies as Nyx blazed a path forward.

When they finally stepped into the guildhall, Nyx froze.

Vaulted ceilings stretched high above, supported by wooden beams glowing faintly with runes. A massive banner displaying the guild’s motto, “Through Shadow and Flame, We Hunt All the Same,” hung proudly over the polished dark oak reception desk. Around them, the hall was alive with the clinking of mugs, the hum of conversation, and the occasional spark of magic.

Nyx’s Echo Vision painted the scene in hazy black and white, the shapes of hunters sharpening weapons and examining the enchanted Job Board appearing like moving shadows. However, magical objects stood out sharply—glowing runes on swords, flickering parchments on the board, and the swirling energy around enchanted artifacts lining the walls.

The left side of the hall is filled with sturdy tables and chairs, where hunters in gleaming silver armor, shadowy leather gear, or simple tunics sit, exchanging stories or plotting strategies. The atmosphere is alive with laughter, the clink of mugs, and the occasional spark of magic.

Hunters carrying an array of weapons: rune-etched greatswords, enchanted bows, lightning-charged hammers, and shadowy daggers. The walls display trophies of past hunts—wyvern skulls, spectral wraith remains, and ancient artifacts—while banners of the guild’s divisions flutter overhead.

The scent of leather, steel, and magic fills the air, making the hall feel both a sanctuary and a proving ground for legends.

“This place…” Nyx breathed, her voice barely audible, “it’s amazing.”

She grabbed Till’s arm, pulling him closer as she started walking in a straight line, her head turning this way and that as she gawked at everything around her. Her eyes, though hidden beneath her veil, seemed to drink in the sights of the bustling guildhall.

“Nyx, you’re going to—” Till’s warning was cut short as she nearly walked straight into a hunter sharpening a sword at one of the tables.

“Sorry! Excuse us!” Till called out quickly, tugging her slightly to the side to avoid any further collisions.

Nyx, unfazed, continued to marvel at the grand space around her, her focus completely absorbed by the glowing weapons, the lively conversations, and the magical aura that filled the hall. “This place is… incredible,” she murmured, almost tripping over her own feet as her gaze lingered on the towering banners of different words above.

Till sighed, giving her a gentle nudge. “At least watch where you’re going, Nyx. You’re going to cause a scene.”

But Nyx only nodded absentmindedly, too captivated to pay attention as she took in the lively hub of hunters surrounding her.

Noticing that Nyx was too engrossed in the sights of the guildhall to navigate properly, Till took charge. Gently guiding her by the arm, he steered her through the crowd.

“Come on, Nyx. This way,” he said, his tone both amused and exasperated.

Nyx, still distracted, let herself be led, her gaze darting from the glowing Job Board to the hunters brandishing weapons that shimmered with magic.

Behind the polished receptionist desk, Lyssandra Dawntide observed the scene with curiosity. Her black hair caught the light as she glanced at the two children approaching her counter.

“What could they possibly want here?” she murmured to herself, her sharp eyes narrowing slightly.

As the pair came closer, Lyssandra straightened, her professional demeanor slipping into place. Her quill hovered beside her, jotting down notes even as she prepared to address them.

“Hello, miss,” he said, his voice shy.

Lyssandra tilted her head, clearly amused by the young boy’s formality. “Hello there. What brings you two here?”

“How do people join the guild?” Till asked hesitantly.

Lyssandra’s lips curved into a faint smile. “As long as you have a skill blessed by a god and can pay the entry fee, you’re eligible to join. Do either of you have a skill?”

Before Till could respond, Nyx snapped out of her trance and turned her veiled gaze toward Lyssandra.

Till pointed to her and said, “—she’s the one who has a skill.”

Lyssandra arched an eyebrow, her eyes narrowing slightly as she assessed the small girl in the veil and cloak. “You have a skill?” she asked slowly, directing her question at Nyx.

Nyx nodded firmly, her confidence unwavering.

“Well,” Lyssandra said, clearing her throat. “Let’s confirm that, shall we?” She turned and disappeared into a room behind the desk, returning moments later with a manometer cradled in her hands.

The glowing orb, set in a carved metallic frame, pulsed faintly with magical energy. Hunters nearby glanced curiously at the scene, intrigued by the unusual presence of a child in the guildhall.

Lyssandra set the manameter on the desk and gestured to Nyx. “Place your hand on the orb, little one.”

Nyx obeyed without hesitation, her small hand resting lightly on the surface. The orb flickered, then flared brightly, casting an ethereal glow across the room. Lyssandra’s calm demeanor faltered, her eyes widening as she read the glowing inscription that appeared.

Skill: Twin Dagger Wielder

Level: F

Constellation: Unknown

Lyssandra blinked, then leaned closer, as if she couldn’t believe her eyes. “Well… this isn’t something I see every day,” she muttered.

The hunters nearby had begun to murmur, their curiosity growing as they tried to catch a glimpse of the orb.

Till stepped closer, his concern evident. “What’s wrong? Is something bad?”

Lyssandra shook her head, her expression a mix of awe and confusion. “Not bad, no. Just… unusual. It’s rare for someone so young to have a skill. And an unknown constellation? That’s almost unheard of.”

Nyx tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. “Is that a problem?”

Lyssandra studied her for a moment before shaking her head again. “No, not at all. If anything, it makes you… unique. Your skill is still Level F, which means there’s room for improvement. But the fact that you have one at all is impressive.”

Lyssandra smiled warmly at the two children. “Alright, since we’ve already determined that you have a skill, the next step is to pay the registration fee. It’s typically three silver coins,” she explained, her tone professional yet kind. Her gaze lingered on Nyx for a moment before softening further. “But since you’re still so young… How old are you, dear?”

“I’m 11,” Nyx replied confidently, her silver hair peeking slightly from beneath her veil.

“Eleven years old and already have a skill?” Lyssandra said, her voice rising just enough to catch the attention of nearby hunters.

Heads turned, and murmurs quickly spread through the guildhall.

“Did she just say eleven?”

“A kid that young with skill? That’s insane!”

“I didn’t have my first skill until I was 20!”

“She must’ve been blessed by some rare god.”

Lyssandra raised her hand slightly to quiet the room, though she couldn’t hide her curiosity. She leaned in slightly, her silver hair shimmering in the enchanted light of the guild. “That’s truly impressive, Nyx. However, I’m not sure if the fee is the same for someone your age as it is for adults. Let me check with the guild leader first.”

Nyx nodded, a small flicker of nervous excitement sparking beneath her calm expression.

Uriel’s voice echoed softly in her mind, gentle but purposeful. “Nyx, be cautious. They’re intrigued by your skill, but too much attention could raise questions you’re not ready to answer.”

“I know,” Nyx thought back, gripping her cloak tightly. “But I have to do this, Uriel. I need to be part of something again.”

Uriel’s response was steady, reassuring. “I understand. Just remember to keep your answers brief. Let Till do the talking when possible.”

Lyssandra gestured to a nearby table. “Why don’t you both take a seat over there for now? I’ll be back shortly.”

“Thank you,” Till said, bowing slightly.

Nyx gave a polite nod, following Till to the table. They sat down, Nyx swinging her legs slightly under the chair as she glanced around the bustling guildhall. Her excitement was palpable, though she remained outwardly composed.

As they waited, Till leaned in closer. “I wonder what’s going to happen, maybe they’ll make you pay less? Or maybe they’ll even waive the fee for you since you’re special!”

Nyx shrugged, a small smile tugging at her lips. “I’m not sure, but that would be nice.”

Uriel’s voice chimed in her mind. “Remember, Nyx, focus on learning their rules and observing how they operate. This guild could be a valuable resource—or a potential risk.”

Nyx responded silently, “Got it. I won’t let my excitement get the better of me.”

Hunters continued to glance their way, their hushed whispers filling the air. Nyx couldn’t help but feel a thrill of anticipation.

“Uriel, what do you think they’ll say about my skill? It’s only the F-class,” she thought.

“They’ll see potential, Nyx. Even the smallest flame can light the darkest path. Just keep your confidence—this is only the beginning.”

Nyx straightened slightly, Uriel’s words grounding her as she waited for Lyssandra to return with the guild leader’s decision.