Chapter 37: The Adventurer’s Guild Part 1
The morning air was crisp as Lyra and Ella made their way down the cobbled streets of Ravendale. The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm golden hue over the town as they ventured through the busy marketplace, past the bustling shops, and toward their destination. Today, they would take a step into a new world—one filled with both promise and danger.
Their goal was clear: the Adventurer’s Guild.
“I’ve heard it’s the heart of this town,” Ella said, her voice filled with a mix of excitement and curiosity. “A place where people come to seek fortunes, glory, and everything in between.”
Lyra nodded, her thoughts a whirlwind of anticipation. She had always dreamed of exploring new lands, discovering forgotten ruins, and learning the true extent of her powers. This guild, she knew, was the first step in that journey. Becoming an adventurer would not only provide the means to earn a living but also open doors to endless possibilities—quests, allies, and perhaps even the opportunity to uncover more about her own mysterious origins.
As they rounded the corner, the sight of the guild’s imposing building loomed before them. The stone structure was massive, with a sign hanging above the entrance that caught their attention. Two large swords, crossing each other in an X shape, were emblazoned on the sign—the emblem of the Adventurer’s Guild.
“There it is,” Ella said with a grin. “Let’s see what this guild is all about.”
They approached the large wooden doors and, with a shared glance, pushed them open. The interior of the guild was a stark contrast to the bustling streets outside. The air was thick with the scent of parchment, ink, and the occasional hint of woodsmoke from the large fireplace burning in the corner. The space was vast, with high ceilings supported by thick beams and banners hanging from the walls, each one bearing the guild’s emblem.
Lyra’s eyes scanned the room, noting the large number of adventurers who filled the tables and lounges. Some were laughing and chatting, others were huddled over maps, preparing for their next journey. The sound of clinking armor, the shuffle of boots, and the hum of quiet conversations filled the space.
Ella, ever confident, led the way toward the main desk, where a woman with short-cropped brown hair sat, scribbling something on a sheet of parchment. As they approached, the woman looked up, her sharp green eyes taking in the two newcomers.
“Welcome to the Adventurer’s Guild,” she said in a no-nonsense tone. “How can I help you today?”
“We’d like to register as adventurers,” Ella said, her voice clear and confident. “Both of us.”
The woman’s gaze flicked over them with an appraising look before she nodded. “Very well. First, I’ll need you to fill out these forms,” she said, handing over a stack of parchment. “Write down your personal information, your skills, and any prior experience you have. After that, you’ll undergo a strength assessment. It’s standard procedure.”
Lyra took the forms from Ella, her hands trembling slightly. The thought of joining the guild had always seemed distant, like a dream. But now, as she stood before the desk, the reality of it all began to sink in. She glanced at Ella, who gave her a reassuring smile.
“It’ll be fine, Lyra,” Ella said. “You’ve got this.”
Taking a deep breath, Lyra sat down at one of the nearby tables, spreading out the forms. The questions were straightforward—name, age, race, magical abilities, combat skills, and any other relevant experience. It wasn’t the personal questions that made her hesitate, but rather the weight of the choices she was about to make.
Her name was easy enough to write down—Lyra Everleaf. She hesitated, fingers hovering over the next question: Skills and Abilities.
Her wings, though hidden, were a fundamental part of who she was, and she knew they would be crucial in any combat scenario. But how would she explain them? And what about her magic? The elemental control she had honed over the years could be a game-changer—but it was also a part of her that she barely understood.
Ella, noticing her hesitation, leaned over and whispered, “Write down what you feel comfortable with. No need to list everything. They’ll find out about your abilities when you take the test.”
Lyra nodded, her mind settling into a rhythm. She listed her primary combat skills—archery, swordsmanship, and elemental magic—and mentioned her connection to the wind. She didn’t go into detail, but it felt like a good starting point.
As she finished writing, Ella took the seat next to her, filling out her own forms with swift precision. The paperwork didn’t take long, and soon both of them had finished.
The guild clerk, who had been watching them closely, took the forms from Lyra’s hand and glanced over them. After a few moments, she nodded and stood, motioning for them to follow her.
“Right this way,” she said, leading them past the large hall and toward a door at the far end of the room. “You’ll undergo a strength assessment before you’re officially registered. It’s a simple test. Nothing to worry about.”
Lyra’s heart began to race as they walked down a narrow hallway. Her thoughts swirled. The strength test was a crucial part of this process. What if they deemed her unworthy? She pushed the thought aside, reminding herself that this was her chance to prove her worth, to take control of her destiny.
The clerk stopped in front of a door and knocked twice before pushing it open. Inside, the space was dimly lit, with a large, circular arena at the center. The walls were lined with racks of weapons, and the floor was made of hard-packed dirt. A few benches were scattered along the perimeter, and at the far end stood a tall man with broad shoulders, wearing simple training gear.
“This is Trainer Garan,” the clerk said, gesturing toward the man. “He’ll be conducting your assessment today.”
Garan turned to face them, his expression stoic but not unkind. His eyes were sharp, as though he could see through both Lyra and Ella at once.
“You two want to sign up, huh?” he said, his voice deep and gravelly. “Let’s see what you’re made of.”
Lyra took a step forward, her heart pounding in her chest. The moment she had been waiting for was finally here.
Garan motioned to the center of the arena. “Step up, both of you. Show me what you’ve got.”
Ella and Lyra exchanged a brief glance before stepping into the arena. Lyra’s mind raced with the possibilities. She wasn’t sure exactly how this assessment would go, but she knew that her abilities, her magic, and her determination would be the key to passing.
Trainer Garan’s voice broke through her thoughts. “We’ll start with basic combat,” he said. “You can use whatever you like—sword, bow, magic. Show me your strength.”
Ella, ever the confident one, unsheathed her sword in one swift motion, her gaze never leaving Garan. “I’ll go first,” she said, her tone playful but serious.
Lyra stepped back, watching her companion closely. Ella’s movements were fluid, the grace of an experienced warrior on full display as she sparred with Garan. Their blades clashed, the sound of metal ringing through the arena. Lyra could see the skill in Ella’s strikes, each one precise and calculated. She had no doubt that Ella would pass the test with flying colors.
After a few minutes of intense sparring, Garan raised his hand, signaling for Ella to stop.
“Impressive,” he said, his voice neutral. “You’ve got the skills to back up your confidence. Now, it’s your turn.” He turned his gaze toward Lyra, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied her.
Lyra’s heart skipped a beat. It was her turn now. She took a deep breath and moved to the center of the arena, her mind clearing. She wasn’t just here to show off her combat skills—she was here to prove that she belonged, to show that she was ready for whatever the guild had to offer.
Without hesitation, Lyra reached for her bow, feeling its familiar weight in her hands. She positioned herself in a stance she had practiced countless times, ready to face whatever challenge Garan would throw at her.
And then, she let the arrow fly.
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