Chapter 81: The Guild Membership
The hum of activity within the Adventurer’s Guild was a backdrop to Lyra's conversation with Guild Master Aric Stormblade. Their discussion about her work had been pleasant, and the offer to join the Guild had been unexpected but thrilling. The Guild's Membership was an opportunity Lyra couldn't pass up. Not only would it open new doors for her future ventures, but it would also provide access to a wealth of resources—materials, connections, and perhaps even missions she could take on to expand her craft even further.
She had always admired adventurers from afar—how they braved dangers and sought treasure, each with their own unique skills and strengths. She had never thought of herself as an adventurer, yet here she was, in the heart of the Adventurer's Guild, being offered membership.
"Would you like to proceed with the formalities?" Aric asked, his voice soft but authoritative. "It's a simple process, but we'll need to verify your credentials."
Lyra nodded. "Of course. I'm ready."
Aric led her through the Guild hall, passing by a few more rooms and chambers, each more impressive than the last. They eventually arrived at a side door, which opened into a small but well-appointed office. A wooden desk sat in the middle of the room, with a few chairs neatly arranged in front. Behind the desk was a woman with dark green hair, wearing the standard guild attire. She looked up as they entered and gave Aric a respectful nod.
"Guild Master," she greeted. "Is this the applicant?"
"Yes, this is Lyra Everleaf," Aric replied. "She's here to sign up for Guild Membership."
The woman’s eyes flickered to Lyra with a glance of curiosity. She rose from her chair and gestured to the seat in front of the desk. "Please, take a seat, Miss Everleaf. I just need to verify your details before processing your membership."
Lyra sat down, feeling the weight of the moment settle over her. This was no ordinary guild. The Adventurer’s Guild was one of the most prestigious organizations in the capital, and she would soon become a part of it. She could feel the excitement bubbling within her, tempered by a slight anxiety. What did this mean for her business? For her future? Would she be expected to take on more than just crafting?
The woman behind the desk, a clerk of some kind, was already pulling out a stack of papers, her fingers working quickly. She held up a form, scanning over the paperwork with precision. "To complete the registration process, we need to confirm a few things. Firstly, are you an adventurer?"
Lyra blinked. The question had caught her off guard. She wasn’t sure if she could be called an adventurer—she was a blacksmith, a craftsperson who made powerful weapons and tools, but not someone who routinely went on quests. The clerk noticed the brief hesitation and raised an eyebrow.
“If you’re an adventurer, I’ll need to see your adventurer card. If not, the membership still stands, but we’ll classify you differently."
Lyra reached into her bag, where she kept her Adventurer's ID, a small enchanted card that identified her as a registered adventurer. While she didn’t actively pursue quests, she had completed a few in her travels, which had earned her the A Rank—a title she had almost forgotten about. She handed the card over with a sheepish smile. "I’m not your typical adventurer, but I do have this."
The clerk took the card, inspecting it with interest. As soon as she saw the rank, her eyes widened in surprise. "Wait a minute… A Rank Adventurer?" she murmured, her voice filled with disbelief. She turned the card over in her hands and glanced up at Lyra, her gaze now tinged with admiration. "This is… unexpected."
Lyra raised an eyebrow, unsure of the sudden shift in the clerk’s demeanor. "Is something wrong?"
The clerk shook her head in awe. "Not at all. It’s just... very rare to see an A Rank Adventurer seeking Guild Membership, especially someone who specializes in something like blacksmithing and crafting." Her eyes flicked down to the card again. "You’re quite accomplished. You should know that A Rank adventurers are rare. You’re in the top echelons of the entire Guild."
Lyra felt a flush of embarrassment. She had never really considered herself an adventurer in the traditional sense—she was more focused on crafting and building things. But apparently, the system had deemed her capable enough to rank so high.
"I... didn’t realize it was such a big deal," Lyra admitted, her voice tinged with uncertainty. “I’ve just been doing what I do best—making things.”
The clerk smiled warmly at her. "Oh, don’t be modest. You’re clearly capable of handling yourself. Not many earn the A Rank, especially with such a unique skill set. It’s a significant achievement. You’ve certainly earned the respect of the Guild."
She paused for a moment before looking back at Aric. "Guild Master, if you don’t mind me asking, why has she decided to join the Guild now, of all times?"
Aric gave a small shrug. "I believe she’s been focused on her work, but I think joining us will benefit her—and us as well. She’s got an eye for quality craftsmanship and a willingness to help those in need. Her skills can be of great use to us, especially in regards to the magical tools and creations she’s been developing. I’d like her to be part of the team."
The clerk nodded, satisfied with the answer. She then turned back to Lyra, holding up a quill pen. "Well, I think we’ve confirmed everything, Miss Everleaf. It’s an honor to welcome you into the Adventurer's Guild. Let’s proceed with the registration."
Lyra signed the form in front of her, her signature smooth and deliberate. She had a lot of questions—about what would be expected of her now that she was part of the Guild, about the quests, the responsibilities, and how it all worked. But for now, all she could do was fill out the paperwork and accept what was being offered.
"Congratulations," the clerk said, handing her a freshly stamped document. "You are now officially a Guild Member. Welcome to the Adventurer’s Guild. You can now access our facilities and receive missions through our system."
Lyra’s heart swelled with a sense of accomplishment. She was a part of something much bigger than herself now, and though she didn’t quite know where it would lead, she was ready for whatever came next.
A New Chapter
As she left the office, her membership completed, Lyra walked through the Guild’s halls with a sense of pride. Her decision to join the Adventurer’s Guild wasn’t just about gaining resources or influence—it was a new chapter in her life, one that could lead to unexpected paths. She might not be the typical adventurer, but with her skills, knowledge, and the support of the Guild, she knew she could find a way to contribute.
It was also an opportunity to grow, both as a craftsperson and as a person. She wasn’t sure how far she would go in the Guild—she didn’t even know if she would take on many quests—but the connections she would form and the lessons she would learn were more than worth it.
Lyra stepped out of the Guild building, her new membership card tucked safely in her bag. She had already set her mind to the next phase of her business, but now she had another avenue to explore. There was no telling where this new path would take her, but it was one she was eager to follow.
As she looked out over the busy streets of the capital, Lyra could only smile. She had just joined one of the most powerful organizations in the world, and in doing so, she had unlocked a door to a world full of possibility. The future, for the first time in a long while, seemed boundless.
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