After the party had a few days of uninterrupted rest from any lingering mana beasts, we continued our trip to Ara. It was a long and annoying journey, to say the least, but after a few more fights and days of rest, we finally made it. Ara, the city with supposedly the most adventurers and resources in the kingdom, was in sight.

Carrollton ran ahead of the others, exclaiming, "You see it, guys! After everything, we finally made it!" His excitement was contagious, and the entire party shared in it.

"Indeed, and all in one piece," Chark added, clearly relieved.

"Can we please rent an inn with a bath? And maybe a hot spring?" Lizzy asked, getting an agreeing nod from Hannah and Melian.

"I'm sure we'll be able to find something," Richard replied. "We've collected enough beast shards for a good payout."

The party agreed with his statement. As they continued talking about what they were going to eat and what they were going to do once they got into the city, I stayed silent, simply looking upon it in the distance. I didn't see much of a city at all. What I did see was a giant stone wall, well over three times the height of the undead ogre we had fought. It expanded as far as the eye could see to both my left and right. It looked as if the forest had just come to an end, and this wall was cutting us off from the rest of the world.

"It does give off prisoner vibes," Rye said, agreeing with my thoughts.

The only thing that was visible was the large barred gate that seemed to become more visible as we got closer.

When we reached the gate, two guards clad in metal armor stopped us. They had swords sheathed at their sides and the sigil of the kingdom.

"Please present your adventurer, merchant, or citizen cards," one said.

We all took out our forms of identification and handed them to the man. I hadn't thought about this before, but if the guard decided to start calling out names, I would be in trouble, as my adventurer card and the name I had told everyone were completely different. Luckily, he didn't and was only interested in the highest-ranked of us.

"Which one of you is the leader?" the guard's gaze flickered between Melian and Richard as he handed our cards back.

"I am," Richard said, stepping up.

"Being only a silver tier 2, it's an impressive feat to lead your party here. Be proud," the guard said.

As he did, he raised his palm toward the sky and shot a dart of fire. It quickly reached the top of the wall and exploded as if it were a firework. Not long after, the barred gate raised open, and both guards stepped aside, allowing us passage to the entrance tunnel.

Before leading us through, Richard asked, "Do you guys know where I can get a map of the city?"

The same guard who checked our identification cards responded, "You can find one at almost any inn you decide to stay at."

Richard nodded and turned forward, finally leading us into the city.

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Midway through the entrance tunnel, I heard the gate close behind us and the light at the end gave way to a miraculous sight.

It truly was a city bustling with adventurers of all different races, wearing different types of armor or cloaks and carrying diverse weapons, mage staffs, or wands.

Merchants at their stands were calling out what they were selling, acting as if they had a bargain. Buildings of all different types were present, with some selling armor and weapons, and others selling regular clothes and other living essentials.

Together we made our way through the city, looking for the nearest inn that fit the women's preferences.

Eventually, we found one and Richard kindly paid for two large rooms, one for the women and one for the men. To start us off, he paid for three nights, which was more than enough time for us to explore the city and gather the things we needed before we went out adventuring again to make some money.

The inn was large, a few stories tall, and housed a great-size dining hall, hot spring, and different-sized rooms that fit the needs of any traveling adventuring party. The dining hall even had a large bar.

Its size also meant that it was busy with many people in and out of the lobby, and I could smell the variety of different food being prepared in the dining hall.

"Girls, go get showered and meet us in the inn’s dining hall. We guys will go look around and gather any information on how things work around here," Richard said.

Hannah, Lizzy, and Melian all nodded in understanding and made their way to their room.

Richard pulled out the map he had received from the innkeeper and motioned for us to follow him into the dining hall. After finding a booth that could accommodate us all, he sat down.

"Alright, first things first," Richard said as he laid out the map on the wooden table and pointed to a specific location. "I’ve located where the guild is. After we get some rest and our bellies are full, we can head there and see how the adventuring side of things works."

Carrollton, Chark, and I all nodded in agreement.

"You guys have collected the beast shards from the beasts you killed during the journey, correct?"

"Yeah, I've got a boatload in my bag," Chark laughed.

"Same," Carrollton agreed.

I nodded my head in agreement as well, remembering the amount I had stored in my spatial ring on the way here.

"Great, then we'll have to find a place to cash out. I'm leaving that up to you, Chark. Okay? Meet me back here when you've found a good place that seems fair."

"Got it," Chark replied before getting up and leaving.

Richard tossed Carrollton a bag of coins. "Carrollton, I'm counting on you to gather rations and minor healing potions. Same as Chark, meet back here when you've gathered a good amount."

And just like Chark, Carrollton left, leaving only Richard and me.

"Walker, I have a proposal," Richard said.

"Oh?" I asked, slightly surprised.

"We've made it to Ara, and I know this might be the split of you guys and our party, but I want to ask: Will you and Melian join us for the time you guys spend in Ara? Over the trip, not only I, but the rest of the party has begun to trust you guys like one of our own, and I believe it would make us stronger as a team, especially out here where the prey is much mightier."

I pondered over his words for a second. When I made it to Ara, I had planned to go off on my own and fight beasts myself to improve, but after seeing the danger that lies ahead, it might be best to have people around me just in case the worst comes to worst.

But then again, there are pros and cons to both situations.

Neither of them would be a bad choice, but I doubt I would find another party I could somewhat trust like these people I've met.

"I can only speak for myself and not Melian, but if you are willing to have me, I will join for the time being," I decided. "My time here won't be long, half a year at most, but I believe you guys wouldn't hinder my improvement, so why not?"

Richard's face grew a smile. "Great! Now, if I could just convince Melian."

I laughed at his words. "I'm sure it won't be hard. Haven't you seen how buddy-buddy she is with the girls now? Why would she leave? If I'm not mistaken, you have most likely gained a long-term member."

Richard laughed at this. "You truly think so? Well, I'll just ask her. Hopefully, she agrees."

Richard looked around. Seeing people indulging in the dining room's cuisine must've struck his appetite because he asked, "What do you say? Should we go ahead and order the food, so when everyone gets back, we can eat?"

I was honestly on the same page as him, starving. "I absolutely agree."