Nyx sat with Till at the wooden table near the guildhall’s edge, the faint hum of conversation and clinking mugs creating a lively backdrop. Her silver hair peeked out from under her hood as she glanced around, taking in the sheer scale of the Everhunt Guild, her legs swinging slightly as her gaze darted around the bustling hall.

The towering walls adorned with trophies of monstrous skulls and glowing artifacts seemed almost surreal to her.

“Uriel,” Nyx whispered, her voice low enough that only the entity in her mind could hear. “Do you think this is a good idea?”

“I believe it’s a calculated risk,” Uriel replied calmly. “You possess the skills necessary to contribute, but your current limitations make it vital to proceed cautiously. Take this opportunity to learn.”

Nyx nodded subtly, her thoughts a mix of excitement and nerves.

“Can you believe this is really happening?” Nyx whispered, her voice barely audible above the buzz of hunters sharing tales of victory.

Till, seated beside her, grinned. “I still can’t believe you’re going to join. It’s not every day an 11-year-old walks in like they own the place.”

Nyx chuckled softly, nudging him with her elbow. “And yet, here I am.”

Across the room, Lyssandra returned down the spiral staircase, her black hair catching the lantern light as she approached with a composed expression. In her hand, she held a small leather-bound ledger and a quill.

Nyx straightened in her seat, her fingers tightening slightly around the edge of her cloak.

“Thank you for waiting,” she said.

“Well, little one,” Lyssandra began, her voice smooth but carrying an edge of curiosity. “I spoke with the guild leader, and we’ve decided to waive your registration fee. Consider it a sponsorship from the guild due to your age and potential.”

Nyx’s eyes widened, and Till grinned. “Wow, really? That’s amazing!”

Lyssandra chuckled softly. “It’s not every day we see someone your age with a skill, even if it’s Level F. That said…” Her tone turned serious. “You’ll have limited access to certain tasks. We prioritize safety, especially for young hunters. Do you understand?”

Nyx nodded earnestly. “I understand, miss.”

“Good.” Lyssandra flipped open the ledger and gestured for Nyx to step closer. “Now, let’s get you registered. What’s your full name?”

Nyx hesitated briefly. “Just Nyx,” she said softly.

“Alright, Nyx,” Lyssandra replied, writing the name in elegant script. “And your skill is ‘Twin Dagger Wielder,’ correct?”

“Yes,” Nyx confirmed, her fingers brushing against the veil covering her eyes.

“Taking into consideration that you’re still so young and starting off with us, there are also specific rules in place for newcomers at Level F.”

Nyx tilted her head, curiosity flickering in her concealed gaze. “Rules?”

Lyssandra set a slip of parchment on the table, tapping it lightly with her index finger. “Yes. Level F hunters typically begin with support roles—tasks that don’t involve direct combat. We want to ensure your safety while you learn and grow.”

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Nyx’s expression faltered slightly, though she tried to hide her disappointment. “Support roles?”

Till leaned forward, frowning. “Doesn’t that mean she’ll just be… carrying bags or something?”

Lyssandra smiled, amused by his bluntness. “It can mean that, but it also includes simple quests like herb gathering, assisting villagers, or handling slimes in the lower dungeons. Everyone starts somewhere, even the most accomplished hunters.”

Nyx tapped her chin thoughtfully, then turned to Uriel’s voice in her mind.

“Herb gathering might seem mundane, Nyx, but it could be an excellent way to observe and learn about the guild’s dynamics without drawing too much attention.”

Nyx sighed inwardly. Fine. I guess it’s better than nothing.

Lyssandra’s quill floated above the parchment, writing something in glowing ink as she continued. “I’ve found a beginner’s task that should be manageable. It’s a simple herb collection quest. You’ll gather moonblossoms from the forest edge just outside the village.”

Nyx leaned closer to read the task description. “Moonblossoms?”

“They glow faintly blue in the dark,” Lyssandra explained. “They’re used in potions and healing salves. The task is straightforward and safe. Most importantly, it will give you a chance to prove yourself.”

Nyx nodded slowly, her determination returning. “I’ll do it.”

Lyssandra gave her an approving nod, and handed Nyx a small copper badge, its surface polished to a soft gleam. The badge was circular, about the size of Nyx’s palm, and engraved with intricate patterns that shimmered faintly when tilted under the light. Etched with the symbol of a crescent moon fading in the bag, signifying her level.

“This is your hunter badge,” Lyssandra explained.

Nyx held it carefully, her fingers tracing the raised symbols. The outer edge was etched with the Everhunt Guild’s crest—a bow crossed with a sword beneath a radiant sunburst. At its center, her name was engraved in delicate script:

Nyx

Level: F

Skill: Twin Dagger Wielder

The simplicity of the copper denoted her rank as a new hunter, but to Nyx, it felt like a trophy—a sign of the new chapter she was stepping into.

This badge serves as your identification,” Lyssandra continued. “It marks you as a guild member, and the copper color indicates your starting level. As you progress, the material and design will change to reflect your growth.”

Nyx turned it over, noticing a small engraving on the back: a magical rune that glowed faintly when her fingers brushed over it.

“That rune links your badge to the guild’s records,” Lyssandra added. “It helps us track your completed tasks, rank, and contributions. Take care of it, alright?”

Nyx nodded solemnly, slipping the badge into her pouch. “I’ll take good care of it.”

“Congratulations,” Lyssandra said, smiling. “Welcome to the Everhunt Guild, Nyx.”

Nyx then pinned it to her cloak with a quiet sense of pride.

“Now,” Lyssandra added, “you can return here once you’ve completed the task. We’ll assess your performance and discuss your next steps.”

“Thank you,” Nyx said, standing up. She glanced at Till, her excitement bubbling just beneath the surface. “Let’s go!”

“Go? Already?” Till asked, startled. “Shouldn’t you, I don’t know, prepare or something?”

Nyx grinned, heading toward the guild’s exit with a spring in her step. “No time like the present, right?”

Uriel’s voice chimed in her mind. “Remember, Nyx, proceed with caution. This task may seem simple, but complacency can be dangerous.”

Got it, Nyx thought back, determination burning in her chest.

As the guild doors continued to swing open, sunlight bathed the two friends. Nyx took a deep breath, her fingers brushing the edges of her badge. It wasn’t much, but it was her first step toward something greater.

Till jogged to keep up with her. “You’re seriously diving right into this, huh?”

Nyx flashed him a mischievous grin. “Of course. How else am I going to get stronger?”

Lyssandra raised an eyebrow, a small smile tugging at her lips as she watched the spark in Nyx’s expression. “For an 11-year-old, you’ve got quite the spirit,” she remarked. “Let’s see if you can match it with action.”

Nyx nodded, her fingers still brushing against the polished surface of the badge. It was warm under her touch, almost as if it pulsed with the promise of the future. This wasn’t just a piece of copper—it was her gateway to the life she’d dreamed of.

As she is still admiring the badge on her cloak, Till’s voice broke through her thoughts. “Don’t forget, Nyx, this is only the start. The forest isn’t a playground, you know.”

Nyx grinned, her silver hair catching the sunlight as she turned toward the exit. “Maybe not, but it’s my start, and I’m ready.”

Outside, the wind carried a faint whisper from the forest. Shadows danced at its edge, curling around the faint blue glow of distant moonblossoms. Nyx tightened her grip on her cloak, taking her first step toward the unknown.