An unsettling feeling settled deep within Tyrus as he gazed upon a staggering spectacle. The massive caravan that stretched out before him on the bridge completely blocked the path to the grand gates of the city. The overwhelming magnitude of people and sounds bombarded his senses, leaving him feeling dizzy and disoriented.

Troop after troop of individuals dressed in their best attire stood in organized queues, eager to enter. Children were playing both inside and outside wagons, unaffected by the mounting chaos. Their innocent gestures were filled with joy, be it pointing excitedly at the shimmering sea or engaging in carefree games with one another.

Amongst the masses, adults adorned expressions etched with weariness. The weight of luggage rested heavily upon their weary backs. Conversations hummed among them, attempting to make connections in a sea of unfamiliar faces. Some even tended to the loyal horses that accompanied their expedition, their hands soothingly caressing the steeds.

It wasn't only horses, either. Among the traditional horses, a select few travelers perched atop magnificent feathered creatures that stood tall on their elongated legs. They possessed large bodies and a sleek, black coat that was groomed. Around their long necks was a harness. When Tyrus stared at one directly into its beady, yellow eyes, the beast would crane its head and move elsewhere, as if disturbed by his presence.

"Do we really have to wait in this long line?" Tyrus asked.

"Of course not," Fiona said. "This line is reserved for newcomers wanting to visit Valis for their own personal reasons. Believe it or not, there are many more city gates around Valis. And they are just as packed."

"Okay, so how are we going to get inside?"

Fiona directed her finger to the left section of the bridge. A barricade separated the two structures. "Only nobles, envoys, and Explorer Guild members may use the left side of the bridge. We'll be using that path instead. Come, follow me."

They left right away. Tyrus glanced back at the caravan and followed. Walking down the path, Tyrus felt the weight of the stares from the people on the right, making him uncomfortable. Children were pointing at the group and bombarding their parents with questions. A few adults turned their focus elsewhere, shaking their heads.

They arrived at the entrance shortly after. Up ahead, a group of lightly armored guards stood, their swords safely fastened and sheathed on their belts. As the group neared, one of the guards took a step forward and extended their arm.

"May I see some identification? You don't look like wealthy folks… Are you perhaps explorers?"

Fiona rolled her eyes and pulled out her copper tags. Grant and Reo had done the same thing. The guard assessed everyone and gave a nod of approval. Then, he noticed Tyrus. Skepticism washed over his face.

"What about you, kid?"

Tyrus did not know what to say. He wasn't an explorer, and he had no tag he could show him. Was he going to be denied entry? Lying could work, but what could he say that would sound believable?

He didn't have a chance to make up a lie before Fiona sighed and showed him her gold ring. The sight of the jewelry made the guard rigid, and he looked at it closely. "My apologies! I was not aware I was in the presence of a Lockhart! Please excuse my foolishness and pass…"

The guard, still stiff as a rock, bowed to Fiona and instructed one of his comrades to open the gate with iron bars. A metallic creak pierced the air, and the structure slowly opened. With a wink to Tyrus and her friends, Fiona walked forward with a regal presence that she hadn't shown before. She walked confidently–posture straightened and not a hint of doubt or fear on her face.

"Why did his tone change, Fiona?" Tyrus asked.

"It's because I'm a Lockhart," she said matter-of-factly. Tyrus expected her to say more, but she and her friends carried on. He just shrugged and followed. His focus was then shifted to the more important matters.

Everywhere he looked, the colors that dominated the stone buildings were white walls and blue-shingled roofs. The explorers stumbled upon a wide street teeming with wandering merchants and scattered stalls. Standing in a lively setting, a young couple stood out as they energetically called out to people passing by, making their voices heard above the noise. Their animated gestures and passionate words sought to capture the attention of the bustling crowd, enticing them with an enticing arrangement of vibrant fruits and vegetables.

Adjacent to the couple, another group of individuals engaged in a different tactic to attract customers. With friendly smiles and outstretched hands, they offered free samples, hoping to tantalize the taste buds of hungry onlookers. Their stalls were decorated with delectable treats and aromatic delicacies, a tactic to convince patrons of the allure of flavors and scents to entice their hunger.

The group pressed through the busy streets until they reached a bustling plaza even busier than the last. The expanse was brimming with a sea of people, their presence creating a dynamic display of movement and commotion. Among the hustle and bustle, a grand fountain stood firm as the central feature of the plaza.

The fountain, a work of art in its own right, spouted crystal-like waters that flowed with a mesmerizing elegance. The glistening liquid sparkled under the sunlight, creating a captivating play of light and reflections that drew the eyes of onlookers. It offered a serene focal point amidst the chaos of the crowded plaza.

Surrounding the plaza, a diverse array of shops beckoned passersby with their tempting offerings. From the aromatic allure of bakeries, the tantalizing displays of butchers, to the rhythmic clanging of blacksmiths' tools, each establishment boasted its unique charm and purpose. However, it was one particular shop that captured Tyrus's attention, pulling his gaze like a magnet.

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

A magical aura emanated from a shopfront adorned with a captivating sight. Instead of the conventional sign that would traditionally display the shop's name, ethereal white words floated in mid-air, spellbinding in their appearance. The words fused, forming the phrase "Erza's Magical Collection" before his eyes, as if scribed by an invisible hand. And just as the last stroke was complete, the words exploded into fine sparks, creating a brief spectacle of magical splendor. Within moments, the letters reappeared, recommencing their enchanting dance.

Tyrus was so absorbed in the sights before him he failed to notice Fiona grab his hand and pull him along. In order to avoid losing his hat, he clung to it and allowed her to lead him. His attention was drawn to the palace in the distance; a foggy memory took shape. He attempted to concentrate on it, aiming to recall the memory, but a headache emerged. Tyrus buried it deep in his mind and shook his head.

Fiona's measured steps came to a gradual halt, and Tyrus followed her gaze, his attention immediately captured by the sight that lay ahead. Towering above the surrounding structures, a grand three-story building loomed with an imposing presence. The shops beforehand looked even smaller in comparison to the massive size of the building, which became the center of attraction in the busy surroundings.

The architecture of the building was a spectacle in itself, decorated with shimmering blue spires that soared toward the heavens. At the entrance, sturdy columns stood tall, lending an aura of strength and solidity to the building's facade.

Drawing closer, Tyrus observed a steady stream of individuals filing in and out of the oak doors. Clad in a variety of attire, they bore the unmistakable markers of explorers. Many of them carried an assortment of weapons, their choice of arms ranging from swords to formidable spears, and some even wielded bows.

"Welcome to the Explorer's Guild," Fiona said with a wave of her hand. "Soon, this will be the place you'll frequent a lot if you want to make money."

"Or forge relationships with the other members and staff," Grant added in. "Let's hurry and go inside. I'm sure that Tyrus would be interested in seeing the interior."

A wave of excitement racked Tyrus's body at the thought of entering the amazing structure before him. They each entered one by one. When he stepped inside, a cooling sensation swept over him. It was as if he had plunged into a lake after enduring the scorching sun. Not only did he notice the air was cool, but the interior of the Explorer Guild had a cosy feel to it.

Although it had the same layout as a tavern, it was much nicer and built on a stone foundation. Explorers chattered at most tables while a crowd huddled in the room's corner. Tyrus saw the unmistakable outline of a large board, and on it were pieces of parchment splattered all over the middle. His eyes shifted from the mob to a lengthy counter brimming with vases of diverse flowers.

A receptionist, her wheat-colored hair tied back in a ponytail, was standing behind the counter wearing a white dress shirt and a black bow tie. She was busy conversing with an explorer. Just as she finished her conversation, Fiona, Grant, and Reo approached the counter.

"Ah, if it isn't Blue Dawn!" she said with a lovely smile. "I take it you finished the contract?"

"Of course," Fiona said. In one motion, she released all the spoils to a box the attendant had grabbed from below. In the box, there was a disturbing sight of green ears stained with blood. One ear that stood out the most was the one from the hobgoblin, which was bigger than the rest. The attendant picked it up without so much as a grimace.

"Oh? Is this the ear of a hobgoblin?"

"I'm glad you noticed! After we killed all the goblins at Salithia, the big oaf marched in and attacked us! You know what that means, right Celeste?"

Celeste was bombarded with winks from Fiona until she dealt with the disgusting thing and dropped it. "Due to a sudden rise in the danger level, the contract has been elevated to a medium-ranked status."

"Does that mean there's been an improvement in the rewards?"

"Yes, the monetary reward has increased. Please wait a moment while I gather them."

Celeste pivoted on her heels and entered a door to her left. During the wait, Reo redirected his gaze to Fiona. "Aren't you forgetting something?"

She gazed at him with a puzzled expression. "Am I? We're getting our rewards, so what's the problem?"

He pointed his thumb at Tyrus. "What's this so-called plan that'll get Tyrus in Blue Dawn? I hope you didn't forget he's two years off the minimum age requirement."

Fiona wagged a finger and said, "You should stop being so impatient. I wasn't lying when I mentioned a plan. As long as I can get Aunt Selena to agree to help, it shouldn't be a problem."

As if the realization finally dawned on him, Reo scowled at her. "Selena? Don't tell me you're thinking about–"

"Who's Selena?" Tyrus cut in.

Reo sighed while scratching his head. "She's a branch leader of the Explorer's Guild in Valis. She's responsible for almost everything that occurs here, including entrance exams, contracts on the messenger board, and more."

"She sounds very important. If she'll be able to help me, then why did it sound like you thought it was a bad idea?"

"It's her personality that's the problem. It's almost impossible to know what she's thinking in that head of hers. For all we know, she might be a…"

Reo saw the stairway and immediately stopped talking. Curious about what frightened him, everyone looked in his direction. Gliding down the stairs was a beauty whose appearance could only be compared to that of a blooming rose.

"Well, well… Do I hear a little lamb bad-mouthing me, or is it just my imagination?" Strutting toward the group was a woman with locks as dark as a viscous pool of blood. It wasn't just her hair that shared those colors; her pupils did too. Her eyes were so mesmerizing that Tyrus couldn't look away, even though they sent an icy shiver down his spine. When their eyes met, a mischievous grin spread across her lips. Tyrus's heart rate quickened as he instinctively took a step backward, his mind telling him to escape.

"Would you mind telling me who that boy is, Fiona? You don't seem like the type to interact with beggars."

Upon hearing her comment, Tyrus felt a twinge of irritation. He showed little reaction when the others commented on his appearance, but he did not like hearing it from that woman's mouth. He opted to stay quiet and observe instead of vocalizing his thoughts.

"Greetings, Branch Leader Selena! What a lovely day it is, don't you think? Do you have a moment to chat privately? I'd love to speak with you."

Selena's gaze swept over every member, but she lingered longer on Tyrus. "Come now, Fiona. You're always welcome to speak to me casually. Formalities were never your forte."

"Oh, but I insist! I could never be rude to someone as valued as you."

"You have never used my full title to address me before."

Fiona gave a forced chuckle. "Haven't I? I don't remember… Anyway! I need to grab our rewards first. Can we speak in your office afterward?"

"I would love to, but with a condition. You must only bring the boy."

"Don't have to tell me twice," Reo said as he turned. "I need to get back home and see my family. You guys can tell me what happened and drop off my share tomorrow."

"And I shall see my own too," Grant said. "My siblings are excitedly waiting for my return. I hope to hear good news from you two."

Goodbyes were exchanged as Grant and Reo left the building. Following their departure, Selena snapped her fingers. "Once you obtain your reward, come to my office. I'm expecting to hear some entertaining news from the two of you."

The branch leader made her departure and sauntered up the stairs; Tyrus and Fiona looked at each other with concern.