Chapter 2: Adventure

The bustling town square begins to quiet as the morning crowd disperses, each person heading toward their daily tasks. The chant of the priests still echoes faintly in the air, a reminder of the town's devotion. I make my way through the thinning crowd, following the guard's directions to the Adventurers' Guild.

The east road from the square is lined with various shops and establishments, each more intriguing than the last. Blacksmiths, apothecaries, tailors, and bakers display their wares, contributing to the lively ambiance of the town. As I walk, I can't help but feel a sense of wonder at the vibrant life around me.

After a short while, I spot a large building with a sign depicting a sword and shield hanging above its entrance. The Adventurers' Guild. The structure is more imposing than I expected, its stone walls and heavy wooden doors exuding an air of significance and purpose.

Taking a deep breath, I push open the doors and step inside. The interior is bustling with activity. Adventurers of all kinds fill the hall, some gathered in groups discussing their latest quests, others examining the various notices pinned to a large board on one wall. The air is filled with the hum of conversation and the clinking of armor and weapons.

I approach the front desk, where a stern-looking woman with sharp eyes and a no-nonsense demeanor is sorting through a stack of papers. She glances up as I near, her expression softening slightly.

"Newcomer?" she asks, her voice steady and authoritative.

I nod. "Yes, I'm looking to register."

She nods in return and pulls out a thick ledger. "Name?"

I hesitate for a moment, then realize that I have no memory of my name. Panic starts to creep in, but I quickly decide to improvise. "Orin," I say, the name feeling strange yet familiar on my tongue.

"Very well, Orin," she replies, jotting down the name. "You'll need to fill out this form. Basic information, skills, any experience you might have." She hands me a sheet of parchment and a quill.

As I fill out the form, I realize just how little I know about myself. Skills? Experience? I write down what I can—basic survival skills, a bit of knowledge about plants and herbs, and the ability to handle a dagger. It's not much, but it's a start.

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Once I've finished, I hand the form back to the woman. She scans it quickly, then nods. "You'll need to undergo a brief evaluation to determine your rank. Follow me."

She leads me through a door at the back of the hall and into a training area. Several other adventurers are sparring or practicing various skills. The woman directs me to an empty sparring ring and gestures for me to enter.

"Wait here," she instructs, then steps away to speak with a burly man who seems to be in charge of the training. After a brief conversation, he approaches me, sizing me up with a critical eye.

"I'm Braxton," he says, his voice a deep rumble. "I'll be evaluating your skills. Ready?"

I nod, feeling a mix of nerves and determination. Braxton tosses me a practice sword, and I catch it awkwardly, the unfamiliar weight throwing me off balance for a moment. He steps into the ring, taking up a defensive stance.

"Let's see what you've got," he says.

The evaluation begins. Braxton tests me on various combat skills, correcting my stance and offering tips as we go. Despite my initial clumsiness, I start to get a feel for the practice sword, my movements becoming more fluid and confident. Braxton pushes me hard, but I manage to hold my own, drawing on instincts I didn't know I had.

Braxton circles me, his eyes sharp and calculating. "Keep your guard up," he instructs, lunging forward with a swift strike. I barely manage to parry, the force of the blow sending a jolt through my arms.

"Good, now counter," he commands.

I step forward, swinging the practice sword in a wide arc. Braxton blocks it effortlessly, but a glimmer of approval flashes in his eyes. "Faster. You need to strike faster and with more precision."

We continue sparring, each exchange more intense than the last. Braxtons movements are a blur, his attacks relentless. I focus on defending, each successful block and parry building my confidence. Sweat drips down my forehead, my muscles burning with exertion.

"Don't just react, anticipate," Braxton growls, launching a series of rapid strikes. I struggle to keep up, barely deflecting his blows. Suddenly, he shifts his stance, feinting an attack. I fall for it, leaving myself open.

With lightning speed, Braxton disarms me, the practice sword clattering to the ground. He steps back, a satisfied grin on his face. "Not bad"

After what feels like an eternity, Braxton calls a halt. He nods approvingly. "Not bad, Orin. You've got potential. With some training, you could make a decent adventurer."

The stern woman from the front desk reappears, taking notes. "We'll start you at the novice rank," she says. "Come back here tomorrow for your first assignment."

I nod, grateful for the opportunity. As I leave the training area, I feel a sense of accomplishment and a flicker of excitement. This town, this guild, and this new life offer a chance for adventure and discovery. And perhaps, along the way, I'll find the answers I seek about my past and my place in this world.

As I step back into the busy streets, I decide to explore the town further. I need supplies and perhaps some information about this land.