Chapter 3: The Divine Plan
Inside the guild hall was amazing. The room was large, the ceilings were grand. Large pillars lined the walkway to the guild desks where adventurers would go to request quests or collect their rewards from them. At the left side of the room was an open bar that was filled with adventurers that went to spend their hard earnings after a long day of work. The bar was full of chairs and tables and loud people. Over to the right of the main hall was the quest board that expanded the entire length of the room.
Yumiko glanced around the room, looking for anything out of the ordinary. Something or someone that could be tied to her dreams. No one stood out particularly to her. She took a breath in, feeling anxiety well up inside. Feelings of doubt also began to develop within.
“You’re standing right in the middle of the entrance, lady.” A man said, bumping past her.
Yumiko turned around, surprised by the man’s demeanor. The man stuck his hands in his pockets as he slouched his way to the bar. She hadn’t realized that she was in the walkway of the building. She tried apologizing to the man, but he was gone from her sight already. She took a deep breath and started walking forwards.
As she moved through the crowds of other adventurers, her gaze fell to the shiny marble floors, catching a glimpse of her reflection. The sight of her own face, tinged with sadness, was too much to bear, so she quickly looked up, determined to focus on her task. She looked around the room as she walked. She watched as a man hung his head low in the far side of the room while two of his friends cried.
Yumiko knew that there were no happy endings in everyone’s adventures. She clenched her fists knowing that the same rule could be applied to her brother. She shook her head, “No! Don’t think like that! Keep looking. Find him.” She thought to herself, walking with a confident stride.
Slowly, she found herself dead in the center of the room. There was no one around her. “Find him.” She thought to herself, scanning all the various faces of adventurers. “Find him.” Her eyes continued looking around the room. “FIND HIM!” She thought to herself as the anxious feelings continued to build. Where was she to look? Where does she need to go from here? What does she need to do? She slumped her head upwards, staring at the tall ceilings. “What do I do…” She asked herself.
“Here.” A voice whispered behind her, the same female voice in her dreams. Yumiko whipped around and saw nothing behind her. Her eyes gazed up towards the job board. “Come. This way.” The voice whispered again.
Yumiko turned around once more, seeing if she could see the figure. There was no one around her. She still was alone in the center of the room. She tried swallowing down her nervousness. Her gaze returned to the quest board. Slowly, she started walking over towards the wall, waiting to see if the voice would appear.
“Alright.” She whispered, “I’m here… What do I do now?” She asked, brisking her fingers across the pages of the various quests. “Am I supposed to be looking for something here?”
Standing before the quest board, Yumiko scanned the multiple postings, searching for something that would help her find her next clue. She scanned each post, slowly walking down the wall as she tried to find some meaning. Her hand rubbed across the pages as she walked. Accidentally, her finger lifted one of the pages, ripping it from the wall. The page slowly fluttered to the ground before her.
Yumiko bent down, her fingers brushing against the parchment that had slipped from the bulletin board. With a measured breath, she straightened up, the crumpled paper clutched in her hand. As she retacked the quest onto the board, her eyes traced the words with a sense of urgency. The quest read:
"Flowers for a Curse-Lifting Serum. Lifts small and medium curses and hexes. Found only in dark caves in the Northern evergreen region."
The description painted a grim picture of the task ahead. It was a perilous journey into the shadowy depths of a remote and treacherous forest. The quest required a minimum of Level 8, a daunting benchmark that spoke of the danger and skill required. Yumiko’s hands tightened into fists, her frustration apparent. Her gaze lingered on the details, her mind racing with doubts and questions. Could this be the key to finding her brother? Was this cryptic note the breakthrough she had been searching for?
At the front entrance of the guild, a small group of adventurers was animatedly discussing their recent exploits, their voices a blend of excitement and camaraderie. Their lively conversation was abruptly halted when a blonde man stepped forward from the shadows. Without warning, he seized one of the adventurers by the collar, yanking him aside with a rough shove. The unfortunate adventurer tumbled to the ground, a stunned expression on his face.
“Move,” the newcomer commanded with a cold, unyielding tone as he walked into the middle of the group.
“Who the hell do you think you are?” the fallen adventurer’s voice rang out, echoing through the room with a mix of anger and disbelief.
The once vibrant atmosphere of the guild room fell into a heavy silence, replaced by a tense wave of whispers and anxious murmurs. All eyes turned toward the newcomer—a young man whose presence commanded attention. Tall and weathered, he carried an air of authority despite his fatigued and battered appearance. His leather armor was scarred and worn from countless battles, and his disheveled blonde hair was matted with dirt and sweat. He moved with a strong stride.
Slowly, the blonde man shifted his attention to the adventurer sprawled on the floor. The fallen man, clearly unnerved, avoided the penetrating gaze of the newcomer, his dark blue eyes darting down to the floor.
“You were in the way,” the blonde man declared, his voice steady and unyielding, unaffected by the commotion he had caused.
One of the other adventurers, his face slick with perspiration, rushed forward to intercede. "Listen, my friend had no idea who you were! He didn't mean anything by it, right?" He glanced anxiously at his fallen comrade, who could only nod in agreement, his expression one of distinct fear.
The blonde man remained unmoved, his gaze unrelenting. Without acknowledging the plea, he turned on his heel and continued walking. As he advanced, other adventurers instinctively stepped aside, clearing a path through the room. Murmurs of speculation began to ripple through the guild.
“Is that the Hero of the North?” a voice whispered, barely audible above the growing buzz.
A woman clad in knight’s armor, her eyes wide with recognition, gestured subtly toward the man. “Is that the one who... killed his entire—”
Before she could finish her sentence, her companion sharply elbowed her in the ribs, cutting her off. “Quiet, fool! He’ll hear you!”
The man’s presence was chilling. His eyes, hollow and rimmed with dark purple circles, spoke of sleepless nights. A rough blonde stubble traced his chin, giving him a rugged appearance, and his hair, unkempt and greasy, only added to his worn demeanor. His leather armor, battered and stained with the remnants of past battles—dried blood and mud—told stories of a life marred by conflict. There was an undeniable aura about him, one that commanded a respectful distance from those around him. As he moved, he cut a solitary path through the center of the room.
Yumiko, lost in her own thoughts, carefully replaced the quest on the board. Her fingers lingered on the parchment for a moment as she absorbed the details, but her mind was elsewhere. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed the tall man who had positioned himself beside her. He was studying the board with an intense focus that sent an uneasy shiver down her spine. His presence was heavy, like a storm cloud that loomed just out of sight.
Her instincts screamed at her to avoid any interaction. An icy shiver of apprehension coursed through her as she sensed the man’s formidable presence. She quickly averted her gaze, a sense of deep-seated discomfort settling in her chest. Don’t look. Just keep focusing on what’s in front of you, she told herself, though her eyes drifted back to the quest board. No matter how hard she tried, the words before her blurred into an indecipherable mess.
As she steeled herself to leave, her heart pounding with a mix of anxiety and resolve, the man’s voice broke through the silence, cutting into her thoughts. “Do you mind if I take a look where you’re at?” His tone was direct, carrying an undercurrent of authority that made her pause.
“N-no!” Yumiko stammered, her voice quivering as she turned to face him. The smile she forced felt tight and unnatural, her lips curving in a manner that barely masked her unease. Her eyes briefly met his, and she was taken aback by the intensity of his gaze. It wasn’t a mere glare; it was as if his eyes held a profound sorrow, a flicker of pain that resonated deeply within him.
“Thanks,” the man said, his voice crisp and resolute, his sharp blue eyes scanning the quest board. Yumiko averted her gaze, her nod almost imperceptible as she sought to escape the weight of his presence.
With a determined breath, Yumiko turned away, propelled by a pressing need to seek information about her brother and escape the oppressive aura of the man. She made her way briskly toward the guild desk, her heart pounding as she sought solace amidst the bustling activity of the guild. Someone here can probably lend me a hand, she thought, her steps quickening as she approached the counter.
Upon reaching the desk, she rang the small brass bell, its chime cutting through the ambient noise. Almost immediately, a young woman emerged from behind the counter. Her face was a mixture of flustered embarrassment and genuine apology. She looked to be about Yumiko’s age, with pretty golden hair tied back in a ponytail that cascaded over her shoulder. Her bright hazel eyes sparkled with a friendly warmth.
If you come across this story on Amazon, it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.
“Sorry! I dropped some papers all over the ground,” she said, her voice carrying an earnest tone as she offered a sympathetic smile and tilted her head slightly. “How can I help you?”
Yumiko returned the smile, though her mind was focused on the task at hand. "Yes, I have a question to ask."
The receptionist tilted her head while still smiling, “Of course! Ask away!”
“I was wondering… Was there any questions regarding or relating to a group called The Chosen?” She asked, thinking back about how her dream mentioned members from that alias.
The receptionist furrowed her brow, “The chosen? I’ve never heard of that name before, I’m sorry.” She said with some shame.
Yumiko’s gaze looked down at the wooden counter. “I see…” Just as she was about to thank the woman and leave, she remembered another important piece of information in her dream, her eyes lighting up. “What about a quest or someone consumed by fear?” She asked. “I was told to look for something like that- it’s very important.”
The receptionist shook her head in confusion, “I’m sorry, but I am still at a loss. There are thousands of quests that are still active on our wall… Consumed by fear? It sounds either like a curse or a medical condition that you’re talking about? Or maybe a monster eating someone?”
Yumiko thought about it for a moment. “There was a quest about lifting curses on the wall. It was for level 8 - I think that’s where I need to start” Yumiko said, feeling slightly optimistic. Yes, it had to make sense, the voice, the paper falling, it was all pointing her to head to that region.
The receptionist clapped her hands together in excitement, “Well, if you can give me the quest ID and your rank, we can assign it to you right away.”
Yumiko slowly pulled her guild tag out from her shirt and showed it to the receptionist. The woman shook her head, “I’m sorry, but didn’t you say that the quest was for a level eight? You’re showing me only a level six guild tag.”
“I’m about to rank to a level seven. In fact, I might meet the qualifications now, so please allow me to take the quest.” She said, her eyes full of hope and passion.
The receptionist shook her head, “I’m sorry, but our policies are clear. You need to meet the rank requirements. They’re supposed to be safeguards to ensure less skilled adventurers don’t die.” She said, her voice filled with sorrow and hoping Yumiko would be understanding.
Yumiko looked at the woman with a look of defeat, “But it’s only one level! Surely I can-”
“No.” The woman said, shaking her head. “I can’t allow that. One level may seem like nothing, but the difference in skill is huge. If you take this quest… You could die. Even if you were to take it and come back here, we can’t reward you for going against our safety measures. In fact, trying to even attempt it will also be grounds for expulsion. Please understand.” She said, her voice still filled with sorrow.
Yumiko sighed in defeat, her shoulders slumping slightly. “I understand… I’ll find another quest that’s within my level. Thank you,” she murmured, turning away from the counter. Instantly, she was thinking of ways to head to the region and seeing if she could find further clues. The whispers at the board were too convenient for her to just ignore. Perhaps she missed something there?
As she pivoted, her gaze fell to the floor, tracing the path of her own footsteps. But then, her eyes caught on a pair of legs—belonging to the tall blonde man she’d noticed earlier by the quest board.
Curious, she quickly glanced up and noticed a level one tag hanging loosely from a cord around his neck. Before she could study his face, the man brushed past her, his movement swift and unacknowledging. “Excuse me,” he said, his voice lifeless and tired.
The receptionist, who had been engaged in conversation with Yumiko, instantly shifted back to her cheery demeanor upon noticing the tall man. “Hello! How are we doing today?” she greeted him with an enthusiastic smile, her tone bright and inviting.
The man’s response was flat, his voice carrying an almost lifeless quality. “I’d like to start a quest as soon as possible.”
Yumiko, now facing the counter again, couldn’t help but observe the man’s back. His presence radiated a dark, oppressive energy that seemed to thicken the air around him. The feeling was suffocating, and her instincts screamed at her to flee. The sensation was overwhelming, urging her to run from the suffocating weight of his aura.
The receptionist, undeterred by his cold demeanor, nodded with renewed enthusiasm. “Certainly! Let’s discuss which quest you’d like to take. Oh, but if you don’t mind, I need to gather these papers first.” She gestured to the scattered documents on the floor, her bubbly nature unshaken by the man’s stoic presence.
“Take your time,” the man replied, his voice devoid of any emotion. He remained standing still, his presence a stark contrast to the lively atmosphere of the guild employee.
As Yumiko began to walk away from the counter, the murmurs of the guild members swirled around her, growing louder and more insistent. She caught snippets of their hushed conversations, their voices tinged with curiosity and concern.
“Is that him?”
“He lost his mind after they all died.”
“I heard he used to be normal, once.”
“He’s just a jerk that fights with everyone.”
“There’s no way—someone like that was never human. Just look at his eyes.”
“He’s like a walking ghost.”
The room buzzed with whispers laced with a mix of fear and morbid curiosity. Amid the murmurs, one voice cut through with a chilling familiarity, sending a shiver down Yumiko’s spine. “Find him,” the voice urged—a haunting echo from her dreams, the same one that had guided her to the quest board. Startled, Yumiko's eyes darted around the room, desperately searching for the source, but the whispers receded as her gaze returned to the tall, blonde man before her.
The receptionist emerged from behind the counter, juggling a new stack of papers. Her professional tone belied the underlying unease that seemed to permeate the room. “Alright, what are we looking into doing today?” she asked, her eyes flickering with curiosity and concern.
The man cleared his throat, his voice devoid of emotion. “A curse-lifting serum in the northern regions near Greenwood. It’s a Level 8 quest.” Yumiko's heart skipped a beat. The man had selected the very quest she had considered from the board. Surely it was just a coincidence, she reasoned with herself.
The receptionist’s demeanor brightened at the mention of the quest. “Sure thing, we’ll get you set up right away,” she replied, swiftly moving to process his request. “I assume you’re going alone again?”
The man nodded slowly, his movements deliberate and detached. As Yumiko listened, the whispers returned with renewed intensity. “Find him.” The voices grew louder, a chorus of insistent demands that pounded in her ears. She breathed heavily, her gaze flitting anxiously around the room. Every time she looked at the man, the whispers would fade, only to surge back as she turned away.
“What… do you want?” she muttered, shaking her head in frustration. The oppressive presence of the man was almost unbearable, and she wanted nothing more than to distance herself from him. Yet, the voices persisted, drawing her inexorably toward him. Desperate to escape the haunting whispers, Yumiko clutched her chest and began to walk away, her hands pressed tightly over her ears in a futile attempt to block out the relentless sound. “Find him.”
As Yumiko continued her hurried exit, a fragment of conversation caught her attention. The man was speaking to the receptionist, his voice laced with a faint note of formality. “I also have this katana of my friend that I would like to store,” he said, his words making Yumiko pause. The word katana was a word that was distinct to her people and language.
The receptionist’s eyes widened with excitement, and she bounced on her toes in anticipation. “My! Is that the one with the dragonfly handle that you were looking for?” she exclaimed. Yumiko turned back, curiosity piqued, as the blonde man produced a small bag from which he carefully extracted a katana. The blade’s elegant design was immediately noticeable, its handle adorned with a delicate dragonfly motif.
The receptionist’s eyes sparkled. “I see you have a bach-bag! Isn’t it amazing how it makes all the items inside appear smaller?” Her enthusiasm was visible as she marveled at the magical item.
The man’s face remained impassive. “It doesn’t do much for the weight, though,” he remarked, his tone indifferent. Yumiko’s attention, however, was riveted on the katana. As he drew the blade from the bag, a wave of recognition and urgent panic surged through her.
In a sudden burst of energy, Yumiko sprinted towards the desk, shoving past a startled adventurer who had been waiting in line. The commotion drew immediate attention, and both the receptionist and the blonde man turned to see her. Without hesitation, Yumiko reached out and wrenched the katana from the man’s hands.
The blonde man’s face contorted with rage as he stepped forward, his voice booming with fury. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” he roared, reaching out to grab the blade back. Yumiko’s swift reflexes allowed her to evade his grasp, her heart pounding with adrenaline.
“That’s what I want to know!” Yumiko shouted, her voice edged with fierce determination. The anxiety that had previously gripped her in the presence of the man had now transformed into a sharp, purposeful resolve. Her eyes, once filled with uncertainty, now burned with a new, intense focus.
The receptionist, her face pale with worry, attempted to intervene. “Please, no fighting,” she pleaded, but her voice was drowned out by the escalating confrontation. Around them, the other adventurers in the guild hall froze, their eyes wide with shock and intrigue.
“Looks like the crazy guy’s about to snap!” one whispered, glancing nervously at the scene unfolding before them.
“That girl just stole the sword, though,” another murmured, eyes flickering between Yumiko and the enraged man.
“How did he get it? It was clearly hers. He must have taken it from her,” someone else speculated, confusion and concern evident in their voice.
“This doesn’t look good for her,” another added, the words echoing through the tense silence.
The guild hall was enveloped in a sudden hush. Adventurers who had been chatting and going about their business froze mid-motion, their eyes wide with shock and curiosity. Whispers began to ripple through the crowd, the atmosphere charged with a mix of fear and fascination as they watched the confrontation unfold.
Yumiko’s grip tightened on the katana as she faced the man with unwavering resolve. “I don’t care who you are!” she shouted, her voice trembling with both anger and fierce determination. “This sword does not belong to you!”
The blonde man’s face contorted with fury. “Fool! Return that sword to me at once!” he roared, his hand gripping the hilt of his own weapon. An oppressive energy emanated from him, darkening the air around them and making the tension palpable. “I will not warn you again.”
Yumiko met his gaze with defiant eyes. “If you think this blade is something I’m willing to give up, you’re gravely mistaken.” She gently set the sword down, her movements deliberate and purposeful. As she stood back up, the blonde man unsheathed his massive sword, its edge gleaming menacingly under the guild hall's lights.
With a swift, practiced motion, Yumiko extended her arm and uttered the word, “Summon.” Instantly, her bow and quiver materialized in the air before her, causing a ripple of astonished murmurs and wide-eyed stares among the onlookers. The display of such an ability was rare and mesmerizing to those in the guild hall.
The man’s rage intensified as he locked eyes with Yumiko. His dark aura was powerful. She calmly notched an arrow, aiming it steadily at his face. “Now I understand,” she said, her voice cold and resolute. “The one I need to find is you. The gods have led me here to oppose you.” Her glare was unyielding as she spoke, “If you want this blade so badly, then come and take it.”