Maria walked through the large oak doors of the Adventurers Guild and stopped. Something didn’t feel right.

In the three months Maria had been training, she had never heard it so quiet. On most mornings the dining hall was filled with the aroma of freshly baked bread and lively laughter and conversation. But today it was practically deserted, save for a trio of knights in silver armor brandished with blue fittings. Though they retreated upstairs to the second floor as soon as she entered.

Torrin and Yarina were seated at a table in the mess hall. Maria waved as she passed them, and made her way up the lengthy blue carpet towards the front desk. The morning sunlight streaming through the windows created a dazzling display of diamond-shaped shadows from the grills. Silori was the sole receptionist present.

“Good morning, Maria.” Silori flashed a friendly and soothing smile.

“Morning, Silori,” Maria tried to keep her gaze on the receptionist's eyes, rather than her bosom. It didn’t work. Then again, it’s not like she hadn’t gotten plenty of looks–and feels–at them in the last month. “Quiet today.”

Silori nodded. “Most are out and about fulfilling the contracts. We’ve received a lot of reports of Shadow Jesters in the nearby fields.” She gestured to the board. It was usually packed, but today only a few jobs were posted.

“In the mornings? I thought they only came out at night?”

“There’s been reports of them stalking in the shadows beneath trees, or something of the sort. Most parties are out on patrol while others search for where they’re coming from.”

“Sounds like the problem is getting worse.”

“It is, it is. Leaves the guild hall quiet, though. It’s quite nice, actually. Leaves lots of empty rooms.”

“Mhm. Shame I have to train in the morning. If there are any empty tonight though…?”

“I’ll keep one occupied.” Silori giggled. “Honestly, it gets a little tiresome how often the adventurers come up to me,” she said sarcastically. “Too many eyes. Too many times they ask me out. Can’t possibly tell why.”

Maria rolled her eyes. “Of course they ask you out. Look at you. You’re beautiful.”

“Can’t say the same for most of them.” Silori giggled, as did Maria. “Rough and mangy, they always come smelling like a pig that rolled in the mud for half a day.”

“At least you get to wear something stylish.” Maria held out her arms. “I’m still stuck with these old rags.”

“Don’t sell yourself short, dear. You look fine. Once you rank up to Craftsman, I’m sure you’ll find tons of beautiful things to wear.”

“When I get there, maybe. I still have a couple months of training ahead of me.”

“Perhaps not. From what Eardwulf has told me, you’re doing quite well.”

“I… I mean I guess I am.”

“Have you leveled up recently?”

“No, I’m still only level three.” Maria sighed. “Master Eardwulf doesn’t take me out for a lot of stuff that gives me XP.” It left Maria feeling disappointed. She was the daughter of one of the most powerful men in the world, yet no stronger than a slime. She expected to be more powerful when she arrived. That she’d learn of her powers–if she had any at all. But attempts to figure it out had been unsuccessful. What had those cosmic beings meant when they said her father had left more behind for her than just his treasure?

“I wouldn’t worry about it too much. There’s plenty of time to level up on your own.”

“For now, I’m stuck here.” Maria chuckled.

“Have confidence. You’ll be an adventurer in no time. It’s only been a month. Most apprentices train for at least three or four.”

“Is Master Eardwulf here, by the way? His message last night said to meet him here first thing in the morning.”

“He’s speaking with Head Guildmaster Odalf in his office right now, so just sit tight and I’ll check if they’re ready to see you.”

Maria raised an eyebrow. “Wait, they both want to see me?”

“They most certainly do.”

“Why?”

“Don’t know but it must be important. They didn’t even stop for breakfast when they came in.”

“Oh! That reminds me!” Maria opened the menu and selected the Food tab. In her inventory was freshly baked multigrain bread. A bright flash of pixels and polygons emanated from Maria’s hand, and the loaf materialized. Still warm.

Maria offered the bread to Silori. “The farmer’s wife made some for me this morning.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’ve eaten it plenty of times before. Besides, you always tell me you never eat enough in the morning.”

Silori sighed. “That’s true, I suppose.” She took the bread. “Thank you.”

“You’re very welcome.” Maria smiled wide.

Silori took a bite and smiled back. “It’s good. Give my compliments to your hosts.”

“I will.”

Silori placed the bread down. “Before I forget, I’ll go make sure they’re ready to see you.” She walked up to the second floor, passing another flight of stairs running parallel to the basement. If only she could go down there and visit the bathhouse. Craftsmen only, though. Her bath was a bucket with cold water. Bathing the old-fashioned way made her miss showering.

As Silori went up to the second floor, Irra emerged from the basement. Her hair looked freshly washed, the platinum color shimmering in the sunlight as she walked by the windows. The damp strands laid over her shoulder, looking like curling tentacles over her breasts. Tentacles. Now that would be a sight. Sliding over Irra’s skin, coiling around and squeezing her breasts. Slithering up her neck to her face and down between her legs, where they would fill her holes.

Irra was staring back at her, unamused. “What are you staring at this time?”

“N-nothing! I just think your hair looks nice.”

Irra’s cheeks went flush. "O-of course it is. I take good care of it."

Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

A wave of relief washed over Maria, though she tried to hide it.

“You’re here early,” Irra said.

“That a problem?”

“No. I just never expected it from you. You always come in late. I assumed you were lazy.”

“Well, I’m not. I’ve been helping out around the farm before coming here. Master Eardwulf is okay with it, but today he wanted to meet with me first thing in the morning.”

“Lucky, aren’t you? Of course, I’m used to Master Eardwulf messaging me early for training. Maybe he doesn’t view you as seriously as he did me. Then again, it’s hard to find an apprentice on my level.”

“I don’t know… Sounded like he doesn’t like you very much.”

“Preposterous! Of course, he does, I’m his best apprentice!”

“You keep saying that, but I haven’t actually heard why you’re his best.”

“I completed every challenge given in record time. Dueling, obstacles, puzzles, you name it, I did it.”

Maria narrowed her eyes. “Can you prove that?”

“Just ask Master Eardwulf. He’ll tell you what all my records are.”

Yarina left the mess hall, ready to head out, while Torrin was still carrying his plate of bacon and eggs.

“We’re heading out,” Yarina said.

“In a moment.” Irra glared at Maria.

“You three going out?” Maria asked.

“We’re overseeing the workers at Spirmond while they finish repairs,” said Yarina.

“Making sure no Shadow Jesters get them?”

“That’s all we’ve been doing. They should be done with repairs before evening. Hopefully we won’t have to stay long enough for Shadow Jesters to come out. That aside, I hear you’re actually doing rather well.”

“So I’m being told. It doesn’t feel like it.”

“Don’t sell yourself short.” Irra jumped in. "Most people here can barely keep up with quests. Some stick to what they like and never grow better, while others only selfishly raid dungeons for loot and sell them. If Master Eardwulf says you’re doing good, then you’re doing good. Not as good as me, though.”

“You hold yourself too high,” Yarina said. “One of these days someone’s going to knock you off your high horse.”

“Doubtful. I’m the best in this tier.”

“The lass is going to give you a run for your money.” Torrin didn’t bother to swallow his food before speaking. “Take it from me. She’s been doing well during training.”

Irra scoffed and turned her attention back to Maria. “Anyways, we need to head out. I’ll come find you later.”

Maria chuckled. “You’ll find me? You care about me that much?”

Irra blushed. “As your superior, it’s my responsibility to make sure you stay on track.” She scurried to the door.

“See you around, kid,” Torrin tossed his empty plate to Maria before rushing to catch up.

Maria giggled to herself as they left. She placed the plate aside as Silori returned a moment later.

“They’re ready to see you.”

The Guildmasters office was crammed with cabinets, drawers, and shelves overflowing with books, scrolls, and half-empty glass bottles. A circular rug spanned most of the floor, with the Guildmasters desk positioned at its center, backlit by a set of three stained glass windows.

Odalf dressed more formally than Eardwulf. He wore a linen tunic with long sleeves and a rounded neckline. A velvet cape hung over his left shoulder, fastened at the opposite side of the waist with a decorative brooch of the guild's emblem.

Maria and Eardwulf exchanged greetings as she entered the room, and Silori closed the door behind her.

“Please, have a seat,” said Odalf.

Maria grabbed one of the two chairs positioned by his desk and sat, keeping her palms flat against her thighs. Beneath the sleeves of her cloak, the bandages around her left wrist poked out. She pulled at her sleeve to conceal it.

“Apologies for summoning you so early,” Eardwulf said.

“It’s fine. A little early training never hurts.”

“This isn’t about training,” Odalf said. “Though, from what I’ve heard you’re doing quite well with that.”

“I am, yes. It’s taken me a bit to get used to everything here. None of this where I came from, so it’s all still new to me, though I’m getting the hang of it.”

“Exactly where are you from?” Odalf asked.

“Far away. Really far away. Ever heard of Detroit?”

“Can’t say I have.”

“Didn’t think so. You could sail for a hundred years and never find it.”

“Then how did you get here?”

Maria glanced away “Luck… Trust me, it’s not a fun place to be. That’s why I’m here. There’s more to see here than back home. Plus, my father was from here. Figured it would be nice to learn my roots.”

“In your homeland, did they know of a man named Moldark?

“Nope.” Maria cleared her throat. “I have been hearing about him more and more though.” It unnerved her each time his name was brought up. She knew who her father was, and heard the atrocities he had done, but to actually speak to his victims hit close. Each time he was mentioned, a sense of guilt engulfed her, like she was somehow responsible, or ashamed even to hear everything her father had done. He was nothing like what her mother had always told her.

“Consider yourself fortunate to have gone this long without hearing of his atrocities. His army once marched here from the forbidden lands, and nearly burned our city to the ground. He had a near-endless supply of resources at his disposal. Before his defeat, he had hidden his treasure, and we had no clue as to where. However, the guild received a letter yesterday evening.” Odalf picked up an envelope from his desk and waved it. “It was simply addressed to the Adventurers Guild and has no sender written. When I read it, I wasn’t sure what to make of it.”

“What’d it say?”

Odalf opened the letter. “You seek his treasure, that's your plight. I know where to look, it's in my sight. Follow the coordinates, but don't delay. The competition is fierce, the race is on, but with wit and will, the prize will be won.”

Maria stared blankly at the Guildmasters. She asked Odalf to repeat it. Hearing it a second time, she still shrugged her shoulders. “Is that a riddle or a poem?”

“Doesn't matter. It’s something.” Odalf said. “Below the message, is a set of coordinates. They lead to the Emerald Forest. Not far from here. A day's ride maybe.”

“You think it’s related to Moldark’s treasure?” Maria asked.

“Not just that, I believe it to be related to these shadow jesters. The letter is signed off with a drawing.” Odalf held up the letter for Maria to see. An image of a clown’s mask had been sketched into the corner of the paper. Odalf then flipped over the letter. Maria gulped. The wax seal had the same emblem as her arm. “The mark of Moldark. I don’t know what kind of sick joke someone would be playing, plastering that on this letter… but…”

Maria rubbed at her wrist. “Think this is a clue to his treasure?”

“That’s what we’re unsure of,” Eardwulf said. “Hard to trust an unmarked letter giving us coordinates. Could be a trap, or a setup.”

“I mean, it’s not unmarked, we just don’t know what that mark is.”

“I don’t know what to make of it either,” Odalf said. “It’s too easy. The only people I could ever imagine using the mark of Moldark would be his subordinates, and I can’t fathom why they would send us the coordinates to the treasure. Regardless, it’s something I want investigated. If whoever sent us this letter is responsible for the shadow jesters, and they’re a subordinate of the demon king's army, then something must be done. If whatever we find at these coordinates can help us stop the shadow jester attacks, we will do it. If the treasure is at these coordinates… Well, many have been searching for this treasure for years. Our other locations are all eager for any clues they can find. Everyone’s out on business or training. The rest are helping villages prepare for tonight's wave of Shadow Jesters. Unfortunately, that leaves only you, Master Eardwulf.”

“Will I be on my own for a few days?” Maria asked.

“No, you’re coming with me,” said Eardwulf.

“I am?”

“Yes. This will be good training for you, a real quest, not gathering berries or hunting for pelts.”

“Normally, I wouldn’t allow it,” Odalf said, “but Master Eardwulf speaks highly of you. He and I have reached an agreement. If there really is something leading us to Moldark’s treasure, or you find a way to rid us of these attacks, then you’ll be promoted to Craftsmen upon return.”

Maria sat on the edge of her seat.

“That being said, I doubt the treasure would be hidden so close to Oxfell. Regardless, if there are any leads, bring it back to me.”

She shot to her feet.“Yes, sir!”

“Leave immediately. If something there can truly stop these shadow jester attacks, I want it taken care of as soon as possible.”

“My horse is as fast as the wind,” Eardwulf said. “Do not worry.”

“I won’t, not with you behind it,” Odalf said.

Eardwulf bowed to him, then turned to leave. “Come, Maria.”

Maria sprung to her feet and hurried out the door after her master.