Chapter 4: Frostfield Town

Frostfield Town was north-west from Iberia and it was the fastest growing town of the Arken Kingdom. In fact, it was prosperous enough to have its own Adventurers, Merchants, and Crafters Guilds. This prosperity was a result of the town’s location which is mid-route between three big cities: The capital city of Arken Kingdom to the south, the Arken port city of Cambria to the south-west, and the capital city of the City-state of Tovaria to north. The town was protected with a simple four meters high stonewall. The two town gates ,The North Gate and the South Gate, were manned with guards. The population was about 7,500.

When they arrived in front of the South Gate, they were stopped by the guards. They were on high alert with the recent news of monster attack in a nearby village.

“Hold it! Show your identification, please.” -Guard. The please was somewhat of an afterthought.

“Here you go. The three of us are adventurers returning from patrolling Iberia Village. This man here was a traveller we picked up on the way back. He doesn’t have identification on him.” -Julian

“Oh it’s you. We have been waiting for you fellas. As for you, you have to write your name in the visitors list and pay a 30 Gil gate toll to be allowed into town.” Guard

Eizo wrote his name on the list and borrowed 3 coppers from Julian. Seeing that the adventurer was willing to lend him the money, the guard became less suspicious of him and relaxed a bit.

“Good, all is taken care of. Please proceed to the Adventurer’s Guild as soon as you can.” -Guard

“Understood. We’ll head over right away.” -Julian.

They walked into the city as instructed, and, after getting some distance to get them out of earshot from the gate before talking amongst themselves.

“These guards can relax a bit.” -Luke

“They are still on alert regarding the monster incursion. It will likely stay that way for a while.” -Julian

“That’s understandable.” -Eizo

“Anyway, Eizo, since we’re heading to the guild anyway to get our reward, would you like to register as an adventurer?” -Julian

“Hmmm… I’m not sure. Do you recommend it?” -Eizo

“Well, there is always danger, but, not all quests require fighting to be completed. The pay is higher than what you can get from more conventional jobs because of the danger, but, you seem to be a capable man even without magic. You should consider it.” -Julian

“Few mages actually work as adventurers since they are mostly from noble families. People will take notice when they found out. It’s up to you to use magic.” -Rose

“Yeah, yeah! Every one will be scrambling to get a mage into their parties.” -Luke

“I does seem interesting. I’ll think about it.” -Eizo

They arrived in front of the Adventurers Guild after a 10 minute walk. it was located adjacent to what seemed to be the town square. Other prominent buildings around the square were the Merchants and Crafters Guilds, the Town Hall, and big house next to it which belongs to the noble that rules over Frostfield and the land around it.

“Here we are. The Frostfield branch Adventurers Guild.” -Julian

It was a two story masonry building. Three steps lead to the big double door entrance with the guild’s sign hanging above it. The illustration on the sign can be described as a bow and a sword next to each other with the words ‘Adventurers Guild’ inscribed under it. Signs with simple illustrations, such as this, were common among the shops and institutions in town as most people cannot read. The low rate of literacy was one of the things that Eizo was having a hard time getting used to.

“I’m kinda hungry so let’s go in already.” -Luke

“Most adventurer’s guild, such as this one, also serve food and drink.” -Rose

During their travels, Rose has taken the habit of explaining things, even simple ones, to Eizo. After entering the building, Eizo took notice of his surrounding. The interior had a wooden floor and several columns can be seen set up in a grid. On the left of him was an open area. The quest bulletin board was located there as well as the stair that leads to the upper floor.

In front was the reception counter with only one female staffs behind it since it’s still mid afternoon. There was no line in front of it. The busy hours of the reception desk were during the mornings and late afternoons/early evenings, since, that’s the time when adventurers  accept and report completion of quests.

On the right was a huge dining hall. It was very spacious compared to restaurants that Eizo was used to. This was because many adventurers were adorned in armors and carrying their big weapons, packs, etc. The space was lit with oil lanterns hanging on the wall and columns.

(This really has a medieval feel to it. You don’t see buildings with structure like this anymore on Earth.)

“Hello there, miss. We’re here to make a report of a completed quest.” -Julian

“Oh, sir Julian, it’s nice to see you again. (checking a log in front of her) Umm… Your party members are Mr. Luke and Ms. Rose, right? We’ve been expecting your return. The guild master wants you to make your report personally with him. Please use that stair and speak to him in his office.” -Female Receptionist

“Right. I can make the report alone. Why don’t you three take a seat in the dining hall and wait for me there. Order me a meal together with yours. I shouldn’t be that long.” -Julian

“Okay. I’m already there.” -Luke

“Before we go, can we collect the rewards for the quest? We also have proof of subjugation for 4 goblins.” -Rose. She handed four goblin ears from her pack.

“Of course. Let see, the reward for the B ranked patrol mission is … 3,000 Gil. For the goblin subjugation, 200 Gil for the four of them. Please hand me your guild cards for verification.” -Female Receptionist

They handed their guild card, except of course for Eizo, and the receptionist held each of them before a crystal ball one by one. The crystal ball lit up and written words can be read from within that showed the same information on the card itself namely the card owner’s name, race, and adventurer rank. If a card was fake or stolen, the crystal ball would flash red instead.

The receptionist returned their card with a smile.

“Here is your reward. Thank you for your hard work.” -Female Receptionist

The receptionist handed Julian 3 gold coins and 2 silver coins. The currency is called Gil. 1 iron coin is 1 Gil. 1 copper coin is equal to 10 Gil. A silver coin is 100 Gil or 100 copper coins. A Gold coin is 1000 Gil or 10 silver coins.

“Thank you. (He handed the money to Rose.) Divide it as we agreed before.” -Julian

“Okay.” -Rose

Julian headed upstairs and the three headed to the dining hall. After they were seated they quickly divided the reward to get it over with.

“Alright. Since we agreed on half of the total reward, your share is 1,600 Gil.” -Rose

She handed Eizo 1 gold coin and 6 silver coins from her coin sack.

“Thank you. Since we are waiting for Julian, I think I’ll use this opportunity to register as an adventurer.” -Eizo

“Are you sure man?” -Luke

“Yeah, since they can be used as identification, there is no downside to registering. I’ll can choose to do or not to do quests later on.” Eizo

“That’s true. We’ll wait here for you.” Rose

Eizo went back to the receptionist.

“Hello again.” -Eizo

“Hi, how can I help you?” -Female Receptionist

Eizo has taken notice of the politeness of the receptionist. He has always appreciated politeness in people even though he himself can’t be considered as polite.

“I’d like to register as adventurer.” -Eizo

“Oh, welcome! Just a moment. … Please fill out this form and pay 100 Gil fee.” Female Receptionist

She handed him a simple form which he filled out right away with 1 silver coin. The only required informations were the applicant’s name, race, and age. Everything else is optional. Eizo didn’t feel like volunteering unnecessary information. He handed back the form.

“Mr. Ezio Walker, right? You can pick up your guild card tomorrow morning. In the meanwhile, would you like me to explain how the guild work to you?” -Female Receptionist

“Just call me Ezio. You don’t have to call me mister.” Ezio

“Okay, Eizo. Then please call me Anna from now on.” Anna

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

“Okay, Anna.” -Eizo

“Great! Now, let’s talk about the guild. The ‘Adventurers Guild’ receive quest from the clients and we handle most of the necessary logistical work in exchange for 10 percent of what the client pays. Adventurers receive the reward as posted on the bulletin board and it is guaranteed by the guild upon completion of the quest.

Each quest is ranked as E, D, C, B, A, and S respectively from lowest to highest difficulty. The rank for a quest is determined by the guild. Adventurers are also ranked in the same manner and they can only take quests that are the same rank or lower as theirs. All adventurers start from the lowest rank and can earn promotions after completing 20 quests of the highest rank that they can take or upon consideration by the guild master after performing commendable feats.

Quests vary from subjugation, collection, patrol, guard, and bounty quests. They may also be quests that doesn’t fall in one of these categories. Most adventurers choose a category that they specialized in, but that’s not really necessary.

Aside from completing quests, adventurers can also earn reward by subjugating monsters and providing a proof to guild. Any part of the monsters body can be used as proof as long as they are identifiable belonging to that monster.” -Anna

“I see. It sounds simple enough. I guess being an adventurer is a job with a lot of freedom. Are there rules that I should follow?” -Eizo

“There are really no special rules that you should follow, but, most morally questionable or harmful actions to other adventurers are frowned upon and may result to losing a rank or losing your guild membership all together. Failing a quest will incur a demerit and three failures in a row will also result in a demotion. In case of emergencies, the guild may issue a mandatory quest in defense of the city from monster or to help the people in disasters. All adventurers in the city are required to participate in such events. Other than that, you are expected to follow the laws of the land. You may also be demoted and lose your membership altogether if you damage the reputation of the guild.” -Anna

“I understand, Anna. So, as long as I’m careful I shouldn’t be worried in breaking the rules of the guild.” -Eizo

“That’s right. I welcome you to the guild, Eizo!” -Anna

“Thanks Anna. I look forward to it. Goodbye for now. I’ll speak with you tomorrow about the guild card.” -Eizo

“Goodbye!” -Anna

Eizo walked back and join Luke and Rose at the dining hall. The food and drinks were already served. They ordered four meal sets, each one came with a meat stew plate, a bowl of salad, half a loaf of bread, and a big mug of ale.

“How did it go?” -Rose

“Well. I’m registered now.I can get the card tomorrow.” -Eizo

“It looked like you were having a nice talk with the receptionist lady.” -Luke

“Yes, Anna was very nice.” -Eizo

“Oh, you even got her name. hehehe.” -Luke

Eizo just smiled at Luke’s teasing. Rose was silent but listened along. Julian finally joined them at the table, So, they started eating.

“What did the guild master said?” -Eizo

“Hm? -gulp- Nothing much. He was just eager to hear that there would be no more group of monsters roaming around nearby. -much- “ -Julian

“Let’s finish up here and head to the inn. Eizo here still needs lodging.” -Rose

They finished their meal and head straight to the Inn located across the square from the Adventurers Guild. It was a wide two story stone building typical to what Eizo expected thinking of the construction style he had seen around town. On one side of the inn was a designated space to park up to carriages. There was also a stable adjacent. After entering the Inn, Julian stopped to talked with Eizo.

“Eizo, lad, we’re heading back to Tovaria tomorrow morning. What are your plans? You’re welcome to come along with us if you want.” -Julian

“Thank you, but I think I’ll stay in this town for a while.” -Eizo

Luke and Rose were a little disappointed with his answer. They have taken a liking with Eizo even though we was silent most of their travel. But, Ezio felt like he needed to learn about the world on his own.

“That so? Well, it’s not like we won’t be seeing one another again. For now, let’s head up to our room to get some good rest. I’m sure everyone is eager to take a proper rest. You should go ahead and check in. I’m sure you’re also tired after all that’s happened.” -Julian

Julian, Rose, and Luke retired to their rooms that they rented since they were last in town. Eizo walk toward the reception desk to speak to the innkeeper.

“Hello. I’d like to rent a room for one.” -Eizo

“Good evening, brother. A single room cost 20 Gil a night. That includes breakfast served in before noon. Any other meal cost 5 Gil. Using the bath also cost 5 Gil. So, how many nights do you want to stay? -Innkeeper

The innkeeper was a big man with a matching pair of big arms. He was a prominent adventurer during his youth and now he owns and manages this inn.

“I’ll pay for five nights right now. And, I’d like a bath later. Here is a silver coin and a copper coin.” -Eizo

“Certainly, here is five iron coins in change. You can come down for your bath after you’re settled in.” -Innkeeper

Eizo went upstairs to his assigned room at the end of the hall. The room was just enough for one guest. There was one bed on the side and a small dresser on the other with a desk lamp on it. He sat on the bed for a minute. He didn’t really have that much luggage. He realized that all the things he had was the cloak on his back and the staff he’d been carrying. He didn’t even have a change of clothes with him.

(With all the things that have happened, I guess it’s natural to forget about these things. I have to take care of this tomorrow.)

He took his bath in the inn’s shared bath. He had to wear the same clothes afterwards which was something that really bothered him. But, he didn’t really have a choice at the time, so,he went to sleep right away. That was his third night since coming to the world of Crystallis.

The next morning, he saw Julian’s group already at the dining hall eating their breakfast.

“Goodmorning guys.” -Eizo

“Goodmorning!” -Rose

“Morning!” -Luke

“Hey lad! You’re up! Come sit with us!” -Julian

Eizo shared their table. He ordered his breakfast which was toasted bread with jam, ham and scrambled eggs, and hot herbal tea to drink.

(I wonder what fruit this jam was made of. And this ham, its flavor was a little different from what I’m used to, more subtle. But, they taste great nonetheless.)

They spent their breakfast with small chatter here and there, Luke and Rose telling jokes about each other. It was a very nice time spent among friends. But, it had to be their last breakfast together for a very long time.

After breakfast, they said their goodbyes after exiting the inn.

“Well, I suppose this is goodbye for now, lad.” -Jullian

“Yes, thank you for all you’ve done these past two days.” -Eizo

“What are you talking about? It’s you who have our gratitude. It was interesting meeting someone like you. If you continue on being an adventurer, you’ll find that meeting interesting people in your travels is the true highlight of the job! Haha!” -Julian

“We say our goodbyes for now, but this is not the last time we’re gonna see each other man! I can tell!” -Luke

“For this time only, I have to agree with Luke. We’ll definitely meet one another again.” -Rose

“Right. Goodbye everyone. I’ll see you soon.” -Eizo

Julian’s group left for Tovaria to complete another quest that sent them to this area in the first place. It is common for adventurers to cross national borders to accomplish their quests. Eizo didn’t ask about what their quest was since he felt that it was confidential. He was curious, but frankly, he didn’t care that much. They had treated him kindly and he was happy to return their kindness.

-End of Chapter-

AN: No action this chapter but I feel like these are some things I have to get out there in the early chapters. A lot of things here are in common with so many light novels you might be familiar with but it is still nice to clarify those this early on the story.

As always, feel free to leave any comments you may have.