The morning sun peeked over the horizon, casting a warm glow over Grandom’s training grounds. Tolgon, Jeron, Preston, and Drodo were already up and engaged in a spirited sparring session. The cool morning air was filled with the sounds of clashing weapons and bursts of magic.

Tolgon focused intently, his sword flashing as he faced off against Jeron. Jeron’s agility was remarkable, enhanced by his Sky Dance, making him a difficult target. Tolgon’s blade moved with precision, the power of his Sword Mastery guiding his strikes.

“Nice move!” Jeron called out, dodging to the side and countering with a gust of Aerial Assault. Tolgon braced himself, feeling the rush of air but maintaining his balance.

Nearby, Preston and Drodo were locked in their own duel. Preston’s Energy Arrows flew swiftly, but Drodo’s Barrier created a formidable defense, absorbing the impact. Drodo retaliated with a blast of Fire Blast, forcing Preston to retreat and recalibrate his aim.

“Keep it up, Preston!” Drodo encouraged, his voice booming. “Your arrows are getting faster!”

Preston nodded, a determined look on his face. He notched another Energy Arrow, this time imbuing it with extra power, and released it towards Drodo. The arrow struck true, but Drodo’s Barrier held firm.

“You call that fast?” Preston teased, wiping sweat from his brow. “I’m just warming up.”

Drodo laughed heartily. “I’d hate to see you at full speed then. Might actually break a sweat!”

As the sun climbed higher, signaling the approach of noon, the teens paused their training. They were tired but exhilarated, each having pushed their limits and learned from the experience.

“We’re getting stronger,” Tolgon remarked, wiping sweat from his brow. “We make a great team.”

Jeron nodded, his eyes bright with excitement. “And we’re just getting started. We should head to Derry soon and make it official at the adventurers’ guild.”

Preston, catching his breath, added, “I suppose we’ll have to leave our luxury behind for a while. The adventurers’ guild isn’t exactly a place of comfort.”

Drodo, munching on a piece of dried fruit, chuckled. “I don’t care where we go as long as there’s food. Lots of it.”

Tolgon smiled, feeling a bit shy but bolstered by his friends’ enthusiasm. “But first,” he said, “I’d like to stop by my home in Shadowgrove. I want you all to meet my parents and the village elders. It’s important to have their blessings before we start our journey.”

The group packed their gear and set off towards Shadowgrove. The journey through the forest was pleasant, the trees providing shade from the midday sun. As they walked, they shared stories and laughed, the bonds of friendship growing stronger with each step.

“You know,” Jeron responded, “I bet the elders will be impressed by how far we’ve come.”

Preston smirked. “As long as they don’t expect me to give up my comforts, I’m fine with it.”

Drodo grinned. “Maybe they’ll have a feast waiting for us. Nothing says ‘blessing’ like a good meal!”

Shadowgrove came into view, its familiar gates and bustling activity a welcome sight for Tolgon. The village was nestled among towering trees, with well-kept pathways winding through cozy homes and bustling market stalls. The goblins of Shadowgrove had worked hard to create a community that was both welcoming and industrious.

Tolgon led his friends through the village, receiving nods and smiles from the goblin residents. His home was a cozy dwelling near the village center, adorned with vibrant flowers and intricate carvings that showcased his family’s craftsmanship.

Tolgon’s mother was outside, tending to a small garden, and she looked up with a smile as the group approached.

“Tolgon, welcome back!” she exclaimed, embracing him warmly. “And who are these fine young adventurers?”

“These are my friends and party members, Mother,” Tolgon introduced them. “Jeron, Preston, and Drodo.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Jeron responded, bowing slightly. Preston and Drodo echoed his sentiments, both giving respectful nods.

Tolgon’s mother beamed at them. “Welcome to Shadowgrove. It’s wonderful to see Tolgon surrounded by such good friends.”

Tolgon’s father soon joined them, his face lighting up at the sight of his son. “Welcome home, Tolgon. And welcome to you all,” he greeted the group warmly.

As they settled in, Tolgon’s parents asked about their journey and their plans. The conversation flowed easily, filled with laughter and stories. Tolgon felt a deep sense of pride and contentment, knowing his friends and family were getting along so well.

After some introductions and a brief rest, Tolgon led his friends to the central hall to meet the village elders. The elders were gathered, their expressions a mix of curiosity and approval as they saw the young adventurers approach.

“Elders, these are my friends and party members,” Tolgon began. “We’re heading to Derry to sign up at the adventurers’ guild, but I wanted to introduce them to you and ask for your blessings.”

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Elder Grimgar stepped forward, his eyes studying each of the teens. “You’ve chosen your companions well, Tolgon. It’s clear you all share a strong bond and a common purpose.”

The other elders nodded in agreement, their expressions softening with approval. “It’s important to have the support of your friends and your community,” Elder Grimgar continued. “Tell us about yourselves. What abilities do you possess, and how do you intend to use them for the good of the realm?”

Jeron stepped forward first, exuding confidence. “My name is Jeron. I aim to be a cleric, using my abilities to heal and protect. My Sky Dance enhances my agility, and my Renewal abilities allow me to heal and restore vitality to those around me.”

Elder Grimgar looked intrigued. “A noble pursuit, Jeron. Why did you choose the path of a cleric?”

Jeron grinned. “I’ve always been one to jump into trouble headfirst, but I’ve also seen the importance of keeping everyone safe. Healing and protection are as thrilling to me as a good fight.”

Preston nudged Jeron playfully. “And here I thought you just liked playing doctor.”

Jeron laughed. “Only when the patients are as stubborn as you, Preston.”

The elders listened intently, nodding their approval. Elder Grimgar turned to Preston. “And you?”

Preston stood tall, his demeanor refined. “I am Preston, a hunter. My Energy Arrows can strike true from a great distance, and my Enhanced Vision allows me to see far and wide. I plan to use my skills to protect and scout for our party.”

Elder Grimgar raised an eyebrow. “What inspired you to become a hunter, Preston?”

Preston smiled, a hint of pride in his voice. “I enjoy the precision and discipline it requires. Plus, it allows me to appreciate the beauty of the world from different perspectives.”

Drodo, unable to resist, quipped, “And because you can’t resist a fancy bow.”

Preston chuckled. “That too.”

Finally, Drodo stepped forward, his voice booming. “I’m Drodo, a paladin. My Shield can protect my friends, and my Fire Blast can take down enemies. I love eating and fighting, and I’m here to do both.”

The elders chuckled, their expressions warm. Elder Grimgar nodded approvingly. “A paladin’s courage and strength are commendable. What drives you, Drodo?”

Drodo’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “Honestly? Good food and good company. There’s nothing better.”

Elder Grimgar smiled. “A simple yet profound motivation. You each have great potential,” he said thoughtfully. “Your journey will not be easy, but with resolve and the support of your friends, you can achieve much.”

The other elders murmured in agreement, their expressions approving. “We give you our blessings,” Elder Grimgar declared. “May your path be filled with honor and success. Remember, you carry the legacy of Shadowgrove with you.”

Tolgon felt a surge of gratitude and pride. “Thank you, Elders. We will do our best to honor our village and prove ourselves worthy.”

With the elders’ blessings, the group left the central hall and began their journey towards Derry. The road ahead was long, but their spirits were high, buoyed by the support of their families and the bonds of their friendship.

“You think Derry has any good places to eat?” Drodo asked, breaking the comfortable silence.

“I’m sure they do,” Jeron replied. “But let’s focus on getting registered first.”

Preston nodded. “And maybe find a decent inn. I’m not giving up comfort just because we’re adventurers now.”

Tolgon laughed softly. “I think you’ll survive, Preston. Besides, this is just the beginning. We’ll find our way.”

As they approached the gates of Derry, the city’s grandeur came into full view. The towering walls and bustling streets were a stark contrast to the serene forests they had traveled through. Tolgon felt a mix of excitement and nervousness, but the presence of his friends gave him confidence.

The adventurers’ guild was a grand building near the city center, its entrance adorned with intricate carvings and magical runes. They stepped inside, greeted by the sight of adventurers of all kinds, each engaged in various activities. The guild hall was abuzz with activity. Adventurers of various races and classes exchanged stories, prepared for quests, and sought new companions. The air was thick with the scent of adventure and the promise of new challenges.

Tolgon and his friends approached the registration desk, where a guild official greeted them. “Welcome to the adventurers’ guild. How can I assist you?”

“We’d like to register as a party,” Jeron responded, stepping forward with his usual confidence.

The official nodded, handing them a form. “Please fill out this registration form, and we’ll get you set up.”

As they filled out the form, Tolgon felt a sense of pride and anticipation. The form asked for their names, races, classes, and the stones they had absorbed. Tolgon proudly wrote down “Spellsword” next to his name, detailing his sword and blood stones. Jeron listed himself as a cleric with the sky and renewal stones. Preston identified as a hunter with the bow and sight stones, while Drodo chose to be a paladin with the shield and fire stones.

While they filled out their forms, the guild official explained the purpose of the adventurers’ guild. “The guild’s main role is to keep people safe from monsters,” he began. “Monsters are creatures born from high concentrations of magic. They can range from mindless beasts to cunning adversaries. Some are animals mutated by magic, while others are malevolent beings conjured from pure mana.”

Tolgon listened intently as the official continued. “The Dukedom of Downey is mostly monster-free because we are liberal with our magic stones, making them accessible to all. This helps keep the monster population low and ensures the safety and prosperity of the region. However, other dukedoms and kingdoms treat magic stones as symbols of power and status. Stones are hoarded by the elite, leaving common people vulnerable to monster attacks. As a result, these regions have a high number of monsters.”

Preston nodded thoughtfully. “That’s why we see so many adventurers from other regions. They must rely heavily on guilds like this one to keep their lands safe.”

Jeron added, “Makes sense. The more dangerous the region, the more jobs for adventurers. It’s risky, but also an opportunity to prove ourselves.”

Drodo, finishing his snack, grinned. “And more chances to find great food along the way.”

The official looked up from the forms, meeting each of their eyes. “Adventurers from our guild often take jobs related to monster hunting, especially in regions where stones are scarce. These quests not only help keep the populace safe but also allow adventurers to gain experience and resources. The guild provides a structured environment for adventurers to grow stronger and tackle increasingly dangerous challenges.”

With the forms completed, the official reviewed them with a nod of approval. “Congratulations, you are now officially registered as a party. Welcome to the guild.”

The official handed them their guild badges, each adorned with a unique symbol representing their class. Tolgon, Jeron, Preston, and Drodo exchanged excited glances, their badges shining in the light. They were ready to take on the world, united by their shared goals and the strength of their friendship.

As they left the guild hall, the sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the city. Tolgon looked at his friends, feeling a deep sense of gratitude and purpose. Together, they would forge their path and create a legacy that would be remembered for generations.