I couldn't help but marvel at the sight of Stormwatch. The towering stone walls, the busy gates with travelers moving in and out. It all seemed so alive.
Looking past the gates, the architecture felt like a clash between past and future. The houses had a stonelike appearance, yet their surfaces weren't smooth; instead, they carried a brick-like texture, as if someone had shaped the stone with a skill reminiscent of Amelia's. The only exception was the roofs, which were adorned with carefully laid wooden panels.
While some houses featured metallic supports that looked oddly experimental, like someone had taken old supports from the ruins and tried to fuse them with the existing architecture.
"It's incredible," I muttered, taking in the constant flow of people entering and leaving the city.
"It's always like this around this time of year," Rebecca said with a knowing smile. "The city's a hub for trade and adventurers, especially when the guilds are recruiting."
As we neared the entrance, the guards at the gate straightened, giving David a look that was both familiar and respectful. One of them, a tall man with a weathered face and an easy grin, gave a nod.
"Back from another expedition, David?" he asked, folding his arms.
"Ruins again," David replied. "Scavenged a few good things this time."
The guard let out a low chuckle. "Lucky bastard. I've been stuck here pulling double shifts while you're out digging up treasures."
David smirked. "You could always go hunting yourself."
"Not a chance," the guard shot back, waving us through with a grin. "You know my wife would never allow that."
The moment we passed beneath the archway, the city hit me all at once.
The scent of a lively city bombarded me, smells ranging from roasting meats to oiled leather drifted through the air. All around, laughter and idle chatter filled the air in an overlapping hum that seemed to cancel each other out.
It was chaos, but the kind that felt oddly comforting after not hearing it for so long. I hadn't realized how much I missed this noise until it wrapped around me like an old, worn cloak.
Just as we cleared the gate, David slowed to a stop and turned to us. "Alright, this is where you get lost," he said, motioning casually down the street like we were a pack of stray cats he'd just shooed away.
Before I could respond, Rebecca stepped in. "Oh, no. That is not how this is going to go." Her voice had an edge to it that made David actually take a step back.
She turned toward us, the edge in her voice softening as she dug through her bag. After a moment of rummaging, she pulled out two small silver coins and pressed them into Amelia's hand.
"This should cover a couple of rooms… and maybe even some new clothes," she added, motioning to our tattered clothing.
Amelia stared at the coins for a moment before curling her fingers around them. "We'll make sure to repay you."
Rebecca waved it off. "Don't worry about it."
She glanced at me next. "When you've had a chance to settle in, head to the StormWatch Guild on Eighteenth Street, right by the big church. Trust me, you'll know it when you see it. They'll get you ranked and set up with work."
"Thank you"
Rebecca grinned. "Hey, and mention my name to the receptionist while you're at it. It might help a little with the registration."
With that, she turned down another street, the rest of the group following her until they melted into the crowd.
We stood there for a moment, watching them go. Then Amelia gave a slight nudge to my arm, "Come on, let's go."
The city unfolded around us like a living tapestry. Each new sight bringing life to the story behind it all.
Crowds swirled past, dressed in everything from modern clothing to hand-stitched tunics and armor that clanked softly with every step.
Music drifted from an alleyway, and when we turned to look, a street performer was coaxing ribbons of water into the air. They danced and spun above the cobblestone, forming delicate spirals and shapes that attracted kids from all over as their parents talked to one another.
Moving on, the scent of charred meat and fresh spices led us to a vendor's stall. Amelia slowed, eyeing the skewers roasting over the open flame.
"How much for one of those?" she asked, pointing to a glistening kebab threaded with chunks of meat, onion, and something that looked like red pepper.
"Two copper," the vendor replied, not looking up as he flipped a skewer with practiced ease.
Amelia handed him a silver coin, and the man counted out the change into her palm, giving back 88 copper coins. Okay, so one silver is worth 100 copper; I'll have to keep that in mind. Taking a bite out of the skewer, I had to admit it tasted great. Although not as good as Matthew's cooking.
As we walked down the street, I thought over the form of currency. If one silver is 100 copper, what's after silver, and would it still be the same as a one-to-one hundred ratio?
Is there gold? Or would it be some other weird material? Shaking away the thoughts I decided to focus on the city and all its wonders…
"Soo," Henry said, spinning once in the middle of the street, "what do you all think of my new pants? I think I look great."
Ella snorted. "I don't know how I feel about the whole baggy thing you're trying to pull off. I mean, I get that you wanted something loose-fitting, but with those gray cargo pants and that green long-sleeve? You look like you tried to copy Atlas."
Henry stopped mid-spin and turned toward me, mock offense all over his face. "Copy him? Atlas looks like he walked straight out of an army base."
"Hey," I said, raising an eyebrow, "what's wrong with army attire?"
Truthfully, I didn't mind the comparison. The receptionist at Ethereal Attire had been surprisingly attentive, almost to the point of reading our personalities before we even spoke. She'd given me a black shirt made of thick, durable fabric, the kind with reinforced seams and soft leather padding at the shoulders. My trousers were gray-green with deep pockets and adjustable straps along the legs. Overall, it was pretty comfortable.
"There's nothing wrong with that," Henry said with a grin, walking beside me. "Actually, I think we match."
"Only if you count your wannabe mercenary look as matching," Ella teased.
Henry held up a finger. "Correction: seasoned explorer. There's a difference."
"Uh-huh. Sure," she said, rolling her eyes.
I shook my head and turned down another street as the two of them kept arguing, their voices fading into the usual background noise of the city.
We'd spent around seventy copper in total, but honestly, it was worth every coin. Amelia had picked out two sets of practical gear, one of which included a fitted leather jacket that made even Henry pause mid-complaint to give her an approving nod. Emily went for a blue blouse that somehow matched a rugged pair of jeans, an odd combo, but it worked on her. And Ella had practically glowed when the clerk handed her that flowing, high-collared dress with reinforced stitching and hidden pockets. Perfect for someone who likes to rummage through ruins and libraries in equal measure.
Benjamin, as always, kept things simple. His outfit was practical and clean-cut, muted tones and no excess, exactly what you'd expect from him. Henry's, on the other hand, looked like a mix between "ready for adventure" and "got dressed in the dark," but somehow… it fit him. Both of them looked comfortable, like they'd been wearing their new clothes for years.
Finally, after the last turn, the streets opened into a broad square paved with smooth gray stone. At its center stood a towering fountain, water spilling gracefully from the hands of an exquisitely carved marble woman. Her flowing garments seemed to melt into the basin below, the sculpted folds so lifelike they almost looked soft. Her face was tilted upward, serene and distant, as if admiring the sky itself. The spray caught the sunlight, scattering it into countless tiny rainbows that danced across the stone at her feet.
"There," Ella said, pointing just past the square to where the church loomed at the far end, elegant and towering with White stone walls rising into spires trimmed with blue and silver, with stained glass windows that caught the afternoon light, casting shifting colors across the nearby buildings and the surrounding gardens.
To the side of the church stood a modest structure that was built from stone, wood, and a bit of metal that reinforced the frame. Despite the cold metal, the building exuded a warm, wooden vibe, reminiscent of a cottage, with a sign swaying gently above it, engraved with the words of the StormWatch Guild.
"You guys coming in, or do I need to find new recruits?" Henry called from halfway up the steps.
"Yeah, yeah, I'm just admiring the architecture," Ella said, brushing past him as he held the door open with an exaggerated bow.
Inside, we were greeted by the grand yet welcoming atmosphere of the guildhall. People of all kinds were gathered around sturdy wooden tables, their laughter and conversation echoing off the high ceiling. Toward the back, twin staircases curved upward to a second level that overlooked the hall, adding a sense of grandeur to the otherwise cozy interior.
At the center stood a large wooden desk, and behind it sat a young woman with hazel hair, her attention buried in a thick leather-bound book. As we approached, she looked up, her gaze brightening into a warm, inviting smile.
"Good afternoon! Can I help you with something?" she asked, setting her book aside.
"Yes," Amelia said with a nod. "We'd like to join the guild. Rebecca pointed us this way and said you could help us get started."
The woman's smile widened, a glint of familiarity in her eyes. "Rebecca, huh? How's she doing? Last I heard, she was on one of those treasure hunts. Always the adventurous spirit," she mused, then caught herself with a chuckle. "Oh! My manners slipped. I'm Samantha. I'd be happy to help you through the process. So, are all of you looking to sign up?"
Amelia nodded. "Yes, all of us. Though not all of us have cores just yet," she added, gesturing to Ella.
"I plan to get one soon," Ella chimed in.
"Perfect! In that case, follow me," Samantha said, gesturing for us to follow. As we walked through a long hallway, she explained the process. "Alright, first things first: we'll be testing the integrity and grade of each of your cores. Next, there's a basic knowledge test. And finally, a combat efficiency test. Now, that last one isn't as critical for everyone, since not all cores are combat-oriented. It's more of a display of your skills to match you with quests suited to your abilities."
Reaching the back of the building, Samantha opened a door that led into a spacious workshop, complete with an outdoor training area where several people were engaged in combat practice. She pointed to a metal pedestal with a clear liquid inside. "Alright, for the core grading, you'll each place your hand into the liquid here. Just activate your core slightly, as if you're preparing to use a skill. It'll show your core's color based on grade, and the brightness indicates integrity."
"What about me?" Ella asked, glancing at the pedestal, a little concerned. "Will I need to come back once I have my core?"
Samantha gave her a reassuring smile. "Yes, but don't worry. You'll start with the knowledge test. If you pass, you'll receive a guild token, and once you return with a core, you can take the remaining tests to gain access to special request jobs."
Knowledge test… That could be a problem, I thought, glancing at Ella, who was evidently thinking the same thing.
"So… if I could ask," Ella started, "what's on this knowledge test?"
"Oh, nothing too intense. Mostly reasoning questions, a little math, general logic," Samantha said with a casual wave of her hand. She reached for the pedestal, placing her own hand in as an example. A second later, a bright yellow glow radiated from her hand within the liquid.
"Just like that," she said, removing her hand with a friendly smile.
"Alright, here's the rundown on core grades, from best to worst," Samantha began, her fingers ticking off each rank. She leaned forward, a hint of pride in her voice, "Bright White is the pinnacle, the purest energy out there. Next is Vibrant Purple, still exceptional in condition and power. Then, there's Sky Blue, stable and strong, and Bright Green follows, versatile though a bit more common."
Her fingers continued, her tone shifting to a hint more casual, "Then we have Bright Yellow. Don't get me wrong, it's pretty useful, but it's the most standard, and finally, Light Gray. Not much raw energy, but it can still serve its purpose." She paused, her gaze sweeping over us. "Now, if your core shows up in any darker shade… well, that's bad news. The darker it is, the more damage it's sustained. So, if you see something like Dark Gray or Navy Blue, that core's on its last legs. And when it breaks…" she shrugged, "well, consider your adventuring days over. Not that I've ever seen it happen, cores are pretty tough to break," she added with a reassuring smile, pulling her hand out of the liquid. "Alright, who's up first?"
Henry stepped forward without hesitation. As he slid his hand in, the liquid glowed a mild green. He frowned, eyebrows furrowing, clearly hoping for something brighter.
"It's in the middle of healing, I think," Samantha observed, reading his expression. "Give it time, and it'll return to a healthier shade."
Emily took her turn next, slipping her hand in with a determined look, though her face fell as a dull blue light emanated from the liquid. Samantha's expression shifted slightly.
Emily's voice tightened, a hint of panic breaking through. "Is… is it really that bad?"
Samantha shook her head reassuringly. "Nothing to worry about. Looks like it was damaged a bit before you even got it, but if you go easy on it for now, it should heal fine."
Amelia went next, her shoulders tense as she plunged her hand in, but her face lit up a second later as the liquid glowed a bright blue. Samantha's gaze softened with relief as she laughed. "Phew! For a second, I thought we had a whole crew of half-broken cores here."
Grinning, Benjamin approached the pedestal. He slipped his hand in, and the liquid remained eerily clear for a moment, then a faint white glow emerged. It grew steadily, finally filling the room with a brilliant light. Samantha's mouth dropped open, wide-eyed in shock as the glow lit the room and drew curious looks from those nearby. Soon, a crowd formed around us, murmuring in awe.
"White?" Samantha's voice was barely a whisper, almost like she couldn't believe her eyes. But the moment quickly passed, replaced by a wave of excitement as people around us erupted in cheers and murmurs. Conversations broke out as people pointed and stared, amazed by the rarity of a white core. Benjamin, looking equally stunned, slowly pulled his hand back, flexing his fingers as if expecting them to feel different somehow.
Almost immediately, people began to flock toward him. A group of adventurers nearby clapped him on the back, congratulating him as if he had just won some grand prize. A woman in a leather cloak stepped forward, her eyes wide with wonder. "What's your core type?" she asked excitedly, practically bouncing on her heels. "Do you have any unique abilities?"
Another adventurer, a broad-shouldered man with a battle axe strapped to his back, chimed in, "Where did you find it? I've never even seen a white core!"
Benjamin looked overwhelmed, glancing from one eager face to another. "Uh… I honestly don't know," he admitted, his voice tinged with disbelief. "I just..."
More people continued to approach him, some nodding with admiration, others asking about his journey and training, all eager to glean some insight into the origin of such a powerful core. The attention felt palpable, a crowd forming around him with every passing moment, eager to connect with him and celebrate this rare event.
As everyone clustered around Benjamin, I found myself slowly pushed back, standing alone in front of the core testing device. Their excited voices blended into a soft, distant murmur, barely reaching me as I gazed down at the still liquid in the pedestal. This was it, my turn.
A flicker of hesitation held me back, my hand hovering as I peered into the calm surface. Would it glow white like Benjamin's? Or... would it be a dull color? I shook my head, dispelling the doubts. Don't overthink it. Just get it over with.
I took a steady breath and stretched my hand forward. As my fingertips touched the cool surface of the liquid, a familiar spark flickered within me. At first, nothing happened. Then, in a flash, the liquid turned pitch black, an inky void swallowing every trace of light as if the room had gone dark. My breath caught, and I reflexively jerked my hand back. But in the blink of an eye, the darkness vanished, replaced by a brilliant violet glow, before settling back to clear.
"What... just happened?" I murmured, a little unnerved by the sight. Did it glitch? I hesitated, then reached my hand in once more. This time, the liquid turned purple without delay, the vibrant hue undeniable.
I inspected the device, running my hands along its smooth edges, checking for any sign of damage. But my concentration was shattered a moment later when someone shouted, "He got purple!" I spun around to see the entire room staring at me, eyes wide with astonishment as I held my hand suspended in the shimmering liquid.
Cheers erupted, and I withdrew my hand slowly, watching as the last flickers of purple light faded away. Benjamin was grinning, caught up in the moment, shaking hands and exchanging excited words with strangers and guild members alike, basking in the pride of his white core. But now, with my core showing purple, the energy in the room only intensified.
"Two high-ranking cores! I knew this batch had promise!" someone shouted.
"Sure you did…" another teased.
Amelia and Emily approached with broad smiles, laughing, while Henry gave me a nod of approval. The crowd buzzed with congratulations, voices layering over each other in excitement over the rarity of both white and purple cores.
Forcing a smile, I tried to brush aside the unsettling moment. Yet, I couldn't shake the memory of the liquid flashing black before turning purple. Why had it done that? Was it a glitch in the device? Or... is my core damaged? The image replayed in my mind, like a dark thread pulling at my thoughts.
"Atlas, you're holding out on us!" Amelia called with a mischievous glint, motioning me over with an eager wave.
I blinked, brushing aside my unease. "Oh, yeah," I said with a grin, stepping over to join them. "Didn't want to upstage Benjamin too much."
Laughter rippled through the group as Benjamin leaned in, eyebrows raised in mild surprise. "You almost did," he teased. Then, lowering his voice, he added, "Still… I didn't know a white and purple core was such a big deal."
As we talked, more guild members gathered around, some peppering Benjamin with questions about his core, its abilities, and how it felt when he got it. He handled their curiosity easily, offering just enough to satisfy them without revealing too much.
I drifted back into my thoughts, my gaze involuntarily returning to the testing device. Had I imagined it? Or had the liquid truly turned black for that split second?
A guild member noticed my far-off look and laughed, mistaking it for awe. "Still can't believe it, huh? Most adventurers would kill for a purple core, let alone someone in the same team with a white one."
"Yeah," I replied absently, nodding, though my mind was miles away. "Just... taking it all in."
Amelia sidled up beside me, nudging my arm with a playful smirk. "You look like you've seen a ghost, Atlas. Don't tell me you're disappointed it wasn't white?" She raised an eyebrow, clearly teasing.
I chuckled, masking my lingering worry. "No, purple's just fine."
After the round of congratulations had finally calmed, Samantha pulled us aside to finish the rest of our tests.
"I still can't believe we got a purple and a white in one group; it's unheard of!" she said, gesturing for us to follow her down a corridor. She led us to a small room lined with a few tables and chairs, where stacks of papers were set up. "Well, I'm sure you've had your fill of attention for a bit. But it's time to get the rest of the tests done. Not that I think it'll make much difference at this point," she added with a smile, "but hey, protocol is protocol."
The tests were just as straightforward as Samantha had hinted. They involved a few math problems, logic questions, and reasoning scenarios meant to weed out anyone who might fumble on basic tasks or create unnecessary risks. Once we were done, she guided us back through the corridors toward an open training area where several people were sparring.
"So, how will the combat test work?" Henry asked as we entered the arena. His eyes scanned the fighters, a mix of curiosity and apprehension showing on his face.
"Well," Samantha explained, glancing around until her eyes settled on a figure approaching us, "we have a combat instructor set up to test you individually. For safety, though, we'll be limiting the use of your powers. For example, Henry, I know you specialize in poison. You won't be able to use it, but the instructors will still assess your movements as if you were, giving feedback on your technique."
An older man strode up to us, his posture upright and movements deliberate. He had a steady gaze, a salt-and-pepper beard, and an air of calm authority. He extended a hand toward Henry first, who quickly straightened, a bit flustered but eager.
"Henry, right?" the instructor said, giving Henry a firm handshake. "Name's Jarrett. I'll be your combat instructor for this session. I understand you use poison, which typically requires physical contact?"
Henry nodded, a nervous chuckle escaping as he glanced down at his hand. "Yeah, that's right. I have to make contact, to, well, do anything. So I'm not exactly a top-tier fighter."
Jarrett nodded thoughtfully, eyes narrowing as he studied Henry. "Then, for this match, let's focus on how you'd handle yourself without relying on that ability. Combat skill is still essential, even with powers. So you up for it?"
Henry swallowed, glancing back at us briefly before nodding. "Yeah… as ready as I'll ever be."
Jarrett gave a brief nod, then motioned for Henry to step into the center of the sparring ring. Henry rolled his shoulders, exhaling as he squared off against the older instructor, who took a balanced stance, hands raised in anticipation.
With a nod, Henry shot forward at reckless speed, but his footing was unsteady and his stance far too wide. An opening like that would've made it easy for Jarrett to knock him over. Instead, the instructor simply sidestepped and landed a quick jab to Henry's ribs.
And that pretty much set the tone for the next half hour.
I sat back, watching as each of them took their turn in the ring. Henry wasn't bad, but he still fought like he expected his opponent to charge at him head-on, like the beasts we'd been facing. Jarrett, though, was patient. He circled and corrected every major weakness with a jab to the exposed points.
Ella went next, light on her feet but completely unsure of where to put them. Benjamin followed, far more attentive as he listened, adjusted, and learned quickly. Emily was similar to Ella, a bit unsteady but sharp. The thing that set her apart, however, was her speed. She was the fastest out of the three, even if she didn't quite know how to use that speed yet.
Then there was Amelia. I had to give her credit; she was good. Her defense was solid with excellent footing. But she refused to change her stance, even when Jarrett told her to loosen up; she remained stubborn. It worked for now, but in this world, where attacks didn't always come from the front, that kind of rigidity could get her killed. I'd need to help her work on that. We needed to find a way to shift her powers to counter unseen strikes, maybe even—
"Hey, Atlas, you're next!" someone called, snapping me out of my thoughts.
I blinked. "What?"
Amelia was breathing hard, wiping sweat from her brow as she pointed her thumb over her shoulder. "Your turn."
Only then did I realize the ring was empty. The fight had ended while I was lost in my head.
Nodding, I pushed myself to my feet and stepped forward, giving Jarrett a respectful nod.
"Ready when you are," he said, hands raised, in an almost casual way. I nodded back, keeping my stance tight. No need to make a show of it.
He opened with a light jab, testing my reflexes. I slipped aside, feinting with a quick punch toward his cheek. He managed to get an arm up in time, but with a quick motion, I drove a knee into his gut.
Taking the hit, he grimaced and stepped back, adjusted his stance to something more guarded. Good. Now he understood.
"Alright, then," he muttered, adjusting his footing. This time, he meant it.
I pressed forward, not with full force, but with measured strikes, testing his guard. A jab here, a feint there, watching how he reacted, how quick he was to cover. He answered with a flurry of jabs and low kicks. I deflected each blow, circling, pushing him to show me more.
It was a relief, honestly, to fight another human. Monsters only ever came at you with one goal: to tear you apart. But this… this was different. Every strike, every dodge carried intent. It wasn't chaos; it was strategy like a game of chess, where a single mistake could cost you the match. With each exchange, I read a little more of his rhythm.
He snapped a jab at my shoulder. I slipped past it, pivoting into a hook toward his chest. He caught it, but the impact still drove the breath from him. For a moment, our eyes locked, and I saw it there, clear as day: respect.
"Impressive," he admitted between breaths. "You're not what I expected."
I kept my stance tight, shoulders squared, a grin tugging at my lips. "You shouldn't have gone easy on me."
Jarrett grinned, dropping any remaining hint of ease. He came at me with full force now, his movements fast and precise. I stayed focused, dodging and blocking with everything I had, each exchange faster than the last. He was good, far better than most I'd come across.
Finally, he stepped back, lowering his hands, studying me with a look of surprise and a hint of something else.
"You're holding back, aren't you?" he asked, catching his breath.
I didn't answer; I just gave a slight nod.
He tilted his head, intrigued. "Tell you what," he said, with a spark in his eye, "This time, let's see what you're really capable of. Powers included if you're up for it."
I paused, considering the request, then nodded again. "Fine by me."
Across the room, Samantha caught Jarrett's eye and gave a nod of permission.
Jarrett grinned, adjusting his stance. With a flick of his wrist, the air around him began to ripple, condensing until sharp tendrils of silver energy snaked down his arms, crackling with a low hum. They resembled whips as they lay on the ground beneath us, scorching the stone.
"Energy tendrils," he said, smirking. "Hope you're fast."
I gave a slight nod, summoning Void into my hand and shaping it into a thick gauntlet that covered my hand and forearm. Lightning crackled around it as I focused, amplifying the power. Let's see how he handles this.
He struck first, one of the tendrils slicing through the air toward me. I dodged sideways, feeling it whip just past my shoulder. The second tendril snapped toward me even faster. I raised my gauntlet to block, letting it deflect with a sharp, sparking crack.
Without a moment's pause, I bolted forward, lightning surging through me as the distance vanished in a blink. My fist snapped out, driving straight for his chest with the kind of force meant to break bone. Jarrett jerked back just in time, the strike missing by inches. I didn't slow down. A bolt of lightning crackled from my gauntlet, twisting midair in a jagged path toward him. His tendrils lashed out, coiling around the charge and redirecting it into the ground with a sharp sizzle.
So he can redirect my lighting. That's surprising.
"Not bad, Atlas," he called out before flicking his wrist, sending both tendrils snapping toward me. I ducked and sidestepped, retaliating by charging the gauntlet with lightning and swinging a powerful, crackling punch.
He blocked with his tendrils, the force pushing him back a few steps. Quickly recovering, he lashed out with a counterstrike. I shaped Void into a short dagger with my right hand, deflecting one tendril and sidestepping the other.
The battle sharpened, each move growing more precise, as we adjusted to each other's abilities. His tendrils whipped through the air, aiming to trip me. Twisting, I barely managed to dodge as the wips cracked past, leaving his side wide open. Taking the opening, I let out a lightning-infused punch against his guard, the impact sending him sliding back.
Jarrett staggered, coughing once before breaking into a breathless laugh. "Heh hah… You're a force, Atlas."
Then, without warning, His tendrils flared in a wide arc, forcing me to leap back. I landed hard, channeling lightning through my gauntlet, then hurled a controlled bolt at him, its path curving mid-flight toward his side.
Jarrett managed to deflect the bolt, breathing harder now. "Looks like we'll both leave with a few bruises," he admitted.
Smirking, I shifted my weight forward. "You've only seen the warm-up."
As the fight continued, Jarrett's movements became sharper, his energy tendrils lashing out with increased precision. I deflected each one, my Void gauntlet sparking with every strike, but then he did something unexpected. His tendrils pulsed, and in an instant, they split into smaller, razor-thin strands, each one crackling with energy, weaving in a complex, almost web-like formation around him.
Interesting. Each strand moved independently yet in sync, creating fewer openings for me to use.
Jarrett smiled, clearly enjoying himself. "Let's see if you like this." With a flick of his wrist, the woven tendrils lashed out in a sweeping arc.
I slipped left, narrowly avoiding the slicing strands, and countered with a lightning-charged punch toward his flank. Two tendrils split off to intercept, while the others twisted together into a shifting shield that blocked my strike. I pulled back, circling as the strands reformed, flowing like a living web ready to ensnare.
I had to give it to him; his control was impressive. The tendrils didn't just move; they reacted like an extension of his own body.
Testing his defense, I lose a pair of lightning bolts. The strands intercepted them effortlessly, dispersing the energy into sparks.
Then Jarrett shifted, weaving the tendrils into intricate patterns around his arms. They spun into a typhoon of spiraling threads, lashing out in rapid succession. I caught one on my guard, ducked another–
Then one struck my side. The sensation was sharp, almost like a jellyfish sting; the energy burrowing into my muscles made my leg spasm. Before I could recover, another slammed into my arm, numbing it.
I staggered, breath catching for a split second, before planting my foot and regaining control.
Tch. Alright then… let's see if I can cut through.
I summoned a blade into my hand, its dark edge gleaming faintly with an electric hum. Charging forward, I let lightning pulse through me, boosting my speed as I slashed through the air toward his barrier.
The first strike cut clean through a section of his web, almost effortlessly. Jarrett's eyes widened in surprise, and he quickly reformed the strands, twisting them into a tighter shield around him. I moved in, taking advantage of the situation, slashing again and again, each strike cutting through the crackling barrier with ease.
"Impressive," he muttered, stepping back, his grin replaced with a look of focused intensity. I could see him trying to reassemble the tendrils, adjusting his stance, but I was already moving, cutting through his defense with every swing.
Just as I prepared to deliver another strike, Samantha's voice echoed throughout the clearing. "Enough!"
Both Jarrett and I stopped mid-motion. I let the Void blade dissipate, catching my breath, while Jarrett withdrew his tendrils, still looking at me with a mix of surprise and respect.
"Well, you certainly know how to cut through a problem," he admitted, extending a hand with a grin. "Didn't expect that, Atlas."
I shook his hand, nodding. "Neither did I, to be honest."
Samantha crossed her arms, her expression serious but with a hint of a smile. "That's enough for today. Any more, and we'd need a guild healer on standby."
As the battle's intensity faded, Samantha and Jarrett exchanged a nod, their expressions pleased.
Jarrett turned to us, clapping his hands together. "Congratulations," he said, a warm smile spreading across his face. "You've all officially passed." He looked at each of us with genuine pride. "And if you ever want additional training, I'll be back here."
"I might take you up on that offer another day," Amelia said, standing up from where she was watching the fight.
Samantha stepped forward, gesturing for us to follow her. "Alright, let's get you your badges," she said, leading us back through the corridors to the front hall.
At the front desk, a large box sat waiting, each of our names marked on small cards arranged neatly beside it. Samantha stepped forward and lifted the lid, revealing a set of finely crafted badges nestled in dark velvet within. Picking one up, she held it out for all of us to see.
Each badge was a smooth, silver token with the guild's emblem, a stylized mountain with a jagged peak, its face carved with three ridged lines, like winding trails.
"So, when I hand you each these, just do the same thing you did with the pedestal. Once you let it activate, it will be able to bond with you," she instructed.
When mine was placed in my hand, a faint warmth spread through my palm, and the metal pulsed with a gentle blue glow. Letters shimmered across the surface, etching my name into it as if the badge itself had claimed me. A quick glance at the others showed the same light tracing their names in turn, each mark burning softly before settling.
"Welcome to the guild," Samantha finally said once everyone had their badge, her tone softening as her eyes swept over each of us. "You've all earned this."
"Thank you for everything you've done for us," Amelia added sincerely.
Samantha gave her a small smile. "Just doing my job. But you handled yourselves well."
We started to turn toward the door, but I hesitated and glanced back. "Actually… before we head out, is there anywhere nearby we can stay? An inn or something?"
Samantha's smile broadened, a touch of amusement in her eyes. "Of course. Most people head to the Maple Wood Inn since it's a few streets over. Just go straight out the gates, follow the main road until you hit the fountain, then turn left, and you will see the sign."
She let the words settle for a moment before adding, "But…there's something better for you. The guild owns its own place called the Shadowood Inn. Members stay there for free, and yes," her eyes flicked knowingly between us, "that includes new ones. As long as you're taking a couple of jobs a week, the rooms stay open to you. Food, board, and a place to come back to. It's all part of being active."
Amelia blinked, surprised. "Really? That's… generous."
"Practical," Samantha corrected gently. "Keeps adventurers sharp, rested, and ready to work. And it saves you from wasting coin on rent when you're just starting out." She gave a small shrug, then glanced to the side and nodded to herself. "Speaking of the time… my shift's about over."
She reached under the desk, pulled out a worn leather bag, and slung it over her shoulder. Walking with us to the entrance, she held the doors open, the last glow of daylight spilling into the hall. Her smile was warmer now, tinged with a hint of pride. "Good luck out there, all of you. And when you see Rebecca, tell her I said hi."
"Will do," Amelia replied as she stepped outside into the deep orange and purple of the sunset.
Parting ways, it didn't take long to find the Shadowood Inn, as it was one of the few places still buzzing with life.
Inside, it looked like any ordinary hotel, only wrapped in that ever-present medieval charm the whole city carried. The main floor opened into a sprawling tavern, alive with clinking mugs, laughter, and the low hum of travelers shaking off the road.
We checked in at the counter, then dragged ourselves up the creaking stairs to the two rooms we'd been given.
"Oh, I can't wait to sleep…" Henry groaned, fumbling with the key before shoving open the door. The room was small but warm, the furniture seemingly grown straight from the wooden floor. The beds were piled high with white blankets so soft they looked like snow resting on dark earth.
Then Henry froze as he spotted the two beds. "You two wouldn't mind sharing a bed, would you?"
Benjamin crossed his arms, already smirking. "I think there's a fair way to settle this." He flipped a coin into the air, the metal glinting in the lamplight. "Whoever wins the most tosses gets the bed to themselves."
Henry squinted at him. "You mean whoever loses gets stuck sharing, right?"
Benjamin shrugged. "Depends on how you look at it."
We played. Or rather, Benjamin and I played. Henry just suffered. By the third round, he was muttering to himself like a gambler watching his luck die in slow motion.
"Best of five?" he tried.
Benjamin flicked the coin again. "Already was."
When the last flip landed, I barely scraped a win. Henry stared down at the coin, as if glaring might change its mind.
"Oh come on! That thing's rigged," he grumbled, tossing his hands up. "I swear the gods have it out for me."
Benjamin smirked. "Youll get over it."
Henry flopped onto the bed with an exaggerated groan, grabbing a pillow as if it had personally offended him. "Fine. But if you steal the blanket and I freeze to death, I'm haunting you both."
I could only laugh as I sank into the bed. The mattress swallowed me whole, soft and cool beneath the lavender-scented sheets. My body practically melted into it.
"Feels like sleeping on a cloud," I murmured, eyes already heavy.
Across the room, Henry mumbled, "You've never slept on a cloud…"
But I didn't answer.
Sleep claimed me before I could think of a clever reply…
Morning came gently, and before long, we were greeted by the guild's bulletin board, sifting through the job choices arrayed before us. However, not all of us were here. Ella had headed off to the library after giving us directions to a shop where we could find the identification skill.
I let my eyes wander across the sea of parchment. Some notices were crisp and new; others had yellowed, curling at the edges, their ink faded but still readable. Each page carried its own quiet weight—a plea for help, a promise of reward, or a warning of danger.
"Alright, let's see what we're working with," Amelia said, pulling a few sheets closer to read.
The postings were neatly grouped by category: scouting, scavenging, deliveries, escorts, and monster clearing, with the sole exceptions of those few marked 'urgent' in red ink.
Amelia flipped through the lower-paying tasks, muttering as she went. "Courier runs are about fifty copper to a silver, all within the city. Scouting reports from the farmlands, two to five silver. Scavenging team needed to clear a collapsed trade post with hazard pay included, but flagged for experienced groups."
"Here's one," Emily said, pointing. "Delivery escort to a border village. Light pay, but it'd get us out of the city for a few days."
"We need something local," I said, "preferably with decent coin."
Benjamin tapped a posting near the edge of the board. "What about this one? It's an Investigation request for the Forest northeast of the city. It says there have been Strange occurrences, missing locals. But it's listed as a Mid-tier job, with an eight-silver payout."
Amelia leaned in and read aloud, "Report unusual findings, gather evidence, bonus if the cause is identified. But it's been posted for three days, and no one has taken it."
Henry snorted. "Because that's not ominous at all."
"It's risky," Amelia admitted, "but fair pay. And if we stick together, we'll be fine. Besides, it's better than wasting our time on hoping something safer will show up."
"I guess we're taking it," I said, pulling the paper free.
At the front counter, a bored clerk sat behind a desk littered with stamps, ledgers, and half-melted candles. He barely glanced up as he took the request from my hand, gave our group a quick once-over, then pressed the guild seal onto the corner with a heavy thump.
"Job's yours," he said flatly. "Report findings here or to Branch 3B if delayed."
Before I could reply, his attention had already shifted to the next adventurer in line.
"Alright, time to find that shop," Henry said, already turning on his heel and heading for the door.
Some time later, standing at a busy intersection, Henry frowned and turned in a slow circle. "Did she say this place was near the central square?" he asked, looking thoroughly lost.
"Something like that," I replied, glancing again at Ella's quickly-sketched map. "She's got the handwriting of a windblown chicken."
We took a few wrong turns and doubled back once, but after about thirty minutes, the sign finally came into view as an aged wooden plaque hanging above a reinforced door, etched with the words: Wayfarer's Arsenal.
"Finally," I muttered, a grin tugging at the corner of my mouth as we approached. "Let's see what this place has to offer."
The building was impressive, its exterior a fortress of dark brick walls that exuded strength and durability. Above the entrance hung a sign featuring two crossed swords over an open book.
Inside, we were greeted by shelves lined with weapons, gear, and all manner of interesting items. The place had a captivating energy, each piece seeming to hold its own story. As we started browsing, it quickly became apparent that many of these items were well beyond our budget of 1 silver and 10 copper. Still, it didn't dampen our spirits; exploring the treasures here felt like an adventure of its own.
Amelia took the lead, striding up to the counter to ask about the Identify skill while the rest of us wandered through the shop.
I drifted down one of the aisles, my attention snagging on a pair of gloves displayed behind a glass case with an intricate lightning emblem embroidered into the faintly shimmering surface.
Then I caught sight of the price tag and sighed. Seventeen silver. Yeah… no chance.
Emily was inspecting a small dagger with a crystalline hilt, turning it over thoughtfully, the blade catching light in little prismatic flashes. Beside her, Benjamin stood before a display of enchanted rings, his fingers just grazing the glass, eyes narrowed in quiet consideration.
"Hey!" Amelia's voice snapped us out of our browsing. She was back at the counter, practically glowing with excitement, holding something in each hand. "Look what I got!"
She held up two small stone tokens, each etched with the symbol for Identify.
"Two?" I asked, blinking in surprise.
"Yep." She grinned. "Turns out David wasn't exaggerating about that discount. They were only 45 copper each."
"That's amazing," I said, stepping closer to get a better look at the tokens. The stones were smooth and cool to the touch, like river rock, but heavier.
Amelia hesitated for a moment, then looked around at the rest of the group. "Now the only question is... who gets them?"
Benjamin, Henry, and Emily shared a silent look, but all nodded.
"You and Atlas should take them," Henry said without hesitation.
"Yeah," Emily added with a small smile. "You two are the most likely to use them without breaking something."
Henry shot her a mock-offended look. "Hey."
Amelia laughed and passed me one of the tokens. We both took a moment, holding them carefully as she walked me through the shopkeeper's instructions again. I focused, letting the intent settle into my mind.
The rune on the stone began to glow, not with heat, but with a soft internal light. Then it split clean down the center, before crumbling away in my hand like dry clay.
A moment later, text flashed across my stat screen:
Skill Acquired: Identify – Rank 1
I looked over at Amelia and grinned. "Let's give it a try."
With a quick breath, I activated the skill. My vision tingled faintly as a glowing line of text hovered beside Amelia:
Name: Amelia Grayson
Level: 15
I gave a low whistle. "Fifteen, huh? I thought it would've been higher."
She raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. "Excuse me?"
"Just saying," I smirked. "All that confidence? I figured you'd be at least a level eighteen powerhouse or something."
Amelia leaned in slightly, squinting at me like she was peering into a microscope. "Huh… weird. Mine says you're six years old."
I blinked and gave her a flat look. "Wow. Really? Groundbreaking discovery."
"Yeah," she went on, unfazed, nodding with mock seriousness. "Says right here. Atlas: Age six, highly emotional, prone to sulking when teased."
Emily snorted, and Henry nearly choked trying not to laugh.