The sun had barely risen when Kaito found himself standing at the edge of Elderwood, a satchel slung over his shoulder and his mind set on his next objective—getting registered as an adventurer. If he was going to earn money and gather resources, he needed access to the Adventurer’s Guild. And for that, he needed to visit the nearest city: Astrion.
“You’re really going, huh?” Liora said, leaning against the half-repaired wooden fence in front of what was now their shared base of operations. The beastkin woman had made herself comfortable in Elderwood, hunting and scouting the area, all while occasionally tossing sarcastic remarks his way.
Kaito adjusted his satchel. “I need proper identification. Besides, we need supplies—seeds, tools, maybe even some livestock if we can afford it.”
Liora flicked her tail. “Tch. Just be careful. Cities aren’t as forgiving as the wilds.”
Thalos, the elderly earth spirit in his badger form, climbed onto a nearby log. “She’s right, you know. Cities have laws and rules, but they also have people looking to exploit newcomers. Keep your wits about you.”
Kaito nodded, taking their words to heart before setting out on the dirt path leading toward Astrion. The journey was peaceful at first, but soon, the road grew busier. Merchants in horse-drawn carts, travelers carrying heavy packs, and groups of adventurers strode past him, heading toward the city in the distance.
As the towering stone walls of Astrion came into view, Kaito marveled at the sheer scale of the city. Unlike the abandoned tranquility of Elderwood, this place was bursting with life. Guards in silver armor manned the gates, checking documents and questioning arrivals.
Taking a deep breath, Kaito joined the line of travelers waiting to enter.
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Inside, the city was a maze of cobbled streets and bustling markets. Vendors shouted about their wares—fresh fruits, weapons, magical trinkets. The air smelled of freshly baked bread mixed with the scent of iron from a nearby blacksmith’s forge. Kaito took a moment to absorb it all before making his way to his main destination: the Adventurer’s Guild.
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The building stood at the heart of the city, larger than he expected. A grand wooden sign above the entrance read Astrion Adventurer’s Guild.
Stepping inside, he found a massive hall filled with adventurers of all kinds. Some leaned against the walls, others examined the request board filled with various quests. A long counter stretched across the far end, manned by guild receptionists who processed requests and registrations.
A tall, dark-haired receptionist with sharp eyes gestured toward him. “Newcomer? Here to register?”
Kaito approached the counter. “Yes. I’d like to become an adventurer.”
She grabbed a parchment and quill. “Name?”
“Kaito Suzuki.”
“Any prior adventuring experience?”
“None,” Kaito admitted. “I recently arrived.”
The woman gave him a once-over before scribbling on the parchment. “Standard procedure, then. You’ll start at Rank F. You’ll need to pass a basic combat assessment.”
Kaito hesitated. “Combat?”
“Relax,” she smirked. “It’s just a formality. We just need to make sure you’re not completely helpless.”
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Kaito found himself in the training yard behind the guild, facing an examiner—a broad-shouldered man named Garek. He wore heavy armor and wielded a dull practice sword.
“Alright, newbie,” Garek grunted. “Show me what you got.”
Kaito inhaled deeply, summoning his Worldweaver magic. The ground beneath Garek’s feet softened suddenly, causing him to stumble slightly.
The examiner raised an eyebrow. “Earth magic? Not bad, but you’ll need more than that.”
Garek lunged, swinging his sword in a controlled arc. Kaito barely dodged, rolling to the side. Thinking quickly, he extended his hand toward the ground, causing the dirt to rise into a small barrier.
Garek halted, rubbing his chin. “Interesting. You’re not a fighter, but you think on your feet. That’ll keep you alive.”
He nodded approvingly before marking something on his clipboard. “Welcome to the guild, Kaito. You pass.”
A wave of relief washed over Kaito as he received his official adventurer’s badge. His journey had only just begun, but with this, he had taken the first step toward securing his new life in this world.