The sky was still dark when Felix staggered back into Ravenspire, each step a reminder of the brutal fight he’d barely survived. His body ached in places he hadn’t known could hurt, and dried blood caked his forearm where the goblin’s blade had sliced him. His shirt was torn, sticky with sweat and streaked with grime from the battle. Every muscle throbbed, his hands trembled slightly as he gripped his staff, and his breaths came ragged, but he held his head high, savoring the taste of victory.

At the Black Briar Inn, the innkeeper looked up from polishing a mug as Felix entered, her gaze flicking to his battered clothes and blood-streaked arm. “Rough night, was it?” she asked, her tone a mixture of concern and amusement.

Felix managed a tired grin, easing himself onto a stool. “First real job. Goblins.”

The innkeeper nodded knowingly. “Those little bastards can wear you down if you’re not careful. Here.” She handed him a cloth and a bowl of water. “You’ll want to clean yourself up before those cuts fester.”

Felix accepted it gratefully, wincing as he dabbed at the gash on his forearm. The water stung, but he gritted his teeth, watching the blood seep into the cloth as he cleaned the wound. The pain, sharp and unforgiving, grounded him. It reminded him that he’d made it out alive.

As he worked, the innkeeper watched him with a careful eye. “You’ve got grit, kid. Ravenspire could use more like you—ones who don’t back down when things get rough.” She gave him a nod before heading back to her work, leaving Felix with a renewed sense of purpose.

The next morning, Felix limped into the guild hall, his arm freshly bandaged and his body still aching from the fight. Despite his exhaustion, a thrill shot through him as he saw the lively atmosphere, adventurers discussing quests and exchanging stories over breakfast.

As he approached the receptionist, she gave him a quick once-over, her eyebrows raising slightly. “Goblin subjugation, was it?” she asked, eyeing his bruised knuckles and the bandage on his arm.

Felix nodded, sliding the pouch with proof of his kills across the counter. “It… got intense.”

The receptionist counted the goblin ears inside, a look of approval crossing her face. “Not bad for your first quest. Goblins may be pests, but they’re vicious in numbers.” She handed him a small pouch of silver as payment, her expression warming slightly. “You handled yourself well. A good start for someone new to the guild.”

As he pocketed the coins, Felix caught sight of Braxton leaning against the wall nearby, arms crossed as he watched Felix with an appraising look. The seasoned adventurer gave him a nod—a small but unmistakable gesture of respect.

“Got through it, I see,” Braxton remarked as Felix approached. “Not everyone makes it back in one piece after their first goblin run. Looks like you’ve got a bit of fight in you.”

Felix felt a flush of pride, his tiredness momentarily forgotten. “It was rough, but I managed.”

Braxton smirked. “Good. Means you’re worth keeping around.” He pushed off from the wall and motioned for Felix to follow. “You handled yourself decently with those goblins, but if you’re serious about getting stronger, you’ll need to put in some proper training. Meet me at the sparring grounds tomorrow morning, and I’ll show you what it really takes to last in this line of work.”

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The next morning, Felix arrived at the training grounds as Braxton had instructed. The sun had barely risen, casting long shadows across the courtyard, where adventurers sparred with each other or practiced against training dummies. The air was thick with the sound of clashing steel and the occasional grunt of effort.

Braxton was already there, watching as a pair of guild members sparred nearby. He turned as Felix approached, giving him a nod. “Glad you showed up. A lot of newcomers think one good fight means they’re ready to take on the world.”

Felix grinned, rolling his shoulders to ease the tension. “I’m ready to learn.”

Braxton stepped forward, motioning for Felix to take a stance. “Let’s see what you’ve got, then. No goblins this time—just you and me.”

The sparring session was brutal. Braxton didn’t hold back, his strikes fast and unrelenting, forcing Felix to stay on his toes, blocking and dodging as best he could. Each blow that slipped past his guard left a new bruise, each misstep a reminder of how far he still had to go.

At one point, Braxton’s sword struck his shoulder with enough force to send him stumbling back. “Damn it!” Felix muttered, pain flaring through his arm as he steadied himself.

Braxton raised an eyebrow. “Pain’s part of the job, kid. You think those goblins gave a damn about how hard they hit?”

Gritting his teeth, Felix nodded, forcing himself back into position. The next time Braxton attacked, Felix blocked more decisively, his movements sharper, his focus unbroken despite the pain.

After what felt like an eternity, Braxton finally stepped back, nodding in approval. “You’ve got potential. Keep this up, and you might just survive in Ravenspire.”

As Felix finished up, catching his breath, a voice behind him sneered, “Didn’t expect to see the ‘new kid’ still standing.”

Felix turned to see a young man around his age, arms crossed and a smirk on his face. His armor was polished, his sword well-maintained—a clear contrast to Felix’s battered appearance. “You think one goblin fight makes you special?” the man taunted.

Felix narrowed his eyes, unwilling to rise to the bait but feeling a spark of irritation nonetheless. “Just here to learn,” he replied coolly.

The young man snorted, stepping closer. “Name’s Dane, and I’ve been at this guild longer than you. Don’t think a single lucky fight earns you a spot here.”

Braxton stepped between them, his tone firm. “Enough, Dane. Felix’s earned his place here, same as anyone. If you’ve got a problem, take it to the sparring ring.”

Dane scoffed, casting one last glare at Felix before turning on his heel and walking off. Braxton shook his head, muttering under his breath. “Rookies with more ego than skill. Don’t let him get to you.”

Felix nodded, though a part of him simmered with frustration. He knew he was new, but he wasn’t about to let anyone look down on him. Not after everything he’d fought through.

After his training session with Braxton, Felix returned to the guild hall, his muscles sore but his spirit unbroken. As he scanned the job board, his gaze settled on a notice that hinted at something more challenging: a creature sighted near the southern woods that required a team to track and subdue.

Felix felt a thrill of anticipation as he read the details. It would be dangerous, more so than the goblin run, but it was a step up—a chance to prove himself and push his limits even further.

With his mind set, he approached the receptionist to inquire about joining the quest. She raised an eyebrow, glancing at his bruised knuckles and the determination in his eyes. “Ready for something bigger, are we?”

Felix nodded, his voice steady. “I want to take it on.”

She studied him for a moment, then nodded, jotting his name down. “Very well. Meet your team at dawn tomorrow. And remember—don’t let your guard down for a second. This one’s no goblin hunt.”

Felix thanked her, a fierce determination burning within him as he left the guild hall. He knew he had a long way to go, but he was ready for whatever came next.

As he walked through Ravenspire’s bustling streets, his bruises and cuts aching, Felix felt more alive than ever. He was an adventurer now, and he’d fight tooth and nail to carve his place in this world.