The town was bustling. Alice, Ren and Michael had never left their small village before, and Leo's hazy memories of his youth did not prepare him for the amounts of people around.
Even before entering the main gate, the four saw dozens of groups lined up to enter, being checked by the guards.
"Listen well youngsters. We will remain in town for three days to rest and resupply. If you lack the means, pick up work to pay for your room. Obey the laws, or don't get caught. I won't be bailing you out of prison or intervening in your troubles in any way.
"My first stop will be the guild. I'll register your status as novice members there, after which you can head in and take quests. Afterwards, I'll be staying at the Rosary Inn. Meet me there at dawn on the day of departure. If you're late, I will leave without you.
"You are not required to travel to the capital with me. Many don't, and remain in the outer cities and towns fulfilling requests as they come in. It is far safer, though you will have less resources, lower income and more difficulty in advancing your rank. The choice is yours."
With that said, Alexis led the young group through the gate, waving the guards away as they passed.
-
Michael smiled as the party separated after entering town. "Finally, my chance to end that filthy little commoner and end this farce."
He slipped into a small, derelict looking pub. Various groups gathered within, sitting at separate tables. As Michael entered, a few heads turned in his direction, scowls on their faces. As Michael approached the bar, he gave a few simple words as greeting. "Ethys cloak you, sister."
The bartender looked at the young man. "Another novice member in the family, I see. It's 5 gold for the night, includes meals. It's that or pick up work. Nothing comes free, even in the guild, boy."
Michael smiled deeply at her words. "What if I can offer you more than just another body to complete a job?"
The bartender, hearing this, began to smile in return. "What do you have to offer?"
-
Alice made her way towards the Temple of Alanna, Goddess of Light and Life. As a white mage, she could gain lodging and supplies easily by offering her services there. She could even receive training or make a bit of gold in exchange.
"I hope Leo can make it," she mused aloud. Knowing he had no background, family or friends, she worried he would be unable to find a safe place to stay or resupply himself with food.
-
Ren looked at Leo as they walked together through the market district. "Do you have enough for supplies and food?"
Leo sighed softly. "I saved for years hoping to make it to the capital one day. But all these inns are pricier than I expected. I'll figure it out."
Ren frowned, then nodded after some thought. "A man must make his own way in the world. But let me give you some advice, as your senior. There should be a notice board at the local adventurers guild. Maybe you can pick up some work, or barter your skills for a place to stay." Ren turned, and walked away.
"Pick up a quest, eh?"
-
It took Leo several hours before he managed to find the guild near the center of town. Crowded with people, it was a strange sight. People of all races and species moved about the large building.
With three stories, the main floor seemed to be a reception area for people to take or place requests, with a cordoned off area for staff. The second floor was a large shop area, filled with weapons, armor and travel supplies. The third floor was relegated for meeting rooms and offices.
After waiting for an hour in the queue, Leo finally was at the head of the line. With a deep breath, Leo approached the reception desks.
"Hi there, I'm a new member. Can you-"
The man at the desk cut him off. "Not now. The next wilderness survival test isn't for six days. Fill out the forms to the side. Next!"
"Wait a minute, sir, I've already-"
"I said, Next!"
Dumbfounded, Leo was shouldered aside by a large man in heavy armor. "Turning in my quest for the reward."
"Of course, Gallan, here's the reward fee from the client. Next!"
Leo's temper finally snapped. "Listen up! I've completed my trial, I'm a new novice member, and I came here looking for work. My teacher, Alexius, said-"
The young man at the desk cut him off with a sharp gesture to the left. "Requests are on the board by the status crystal. As a new member, you're relegated to rank F tasks only, unless paired with a higher ranking party. You Leo, Ren or Michael? Leo? Here's your badge. Next!"
Leo's face flushed with anger as he headed to one of a half dozen blackboard and crystal pairs the receptionist gestured at. Pressing his badge to the crystal, it began to glow gently. It then sent small bits of projected light at the blackboard behind it, displaying a series of requests available.
From collecting herbs, to killing pests, the requests were simple, and the rewards were miniscule. "I guess any quest that pays will do," Leo sighed. Looking around, he saw the armored man from before was still nearby.
"Excuse me sir, could you help? I'm new and I don't know what I'm doing."
The armored man turned around and saw Leo. "We're all new at one point. I figured it out, so can you. Buzz off." With that, the man turned back towards the three others he was speaking to.
"Friendly guy," muttered Leo under his breath. "Ok, I just need to figure out how to take a quest, finish it, and claim my reward. Shouldn't be too difficult, right?"
Leo had chosen to help clear out the giant rats located in the sewers. Low level beasts like these had no magic stones, but were aggressive and could potentially spread diseases to the populace above. The quest offered 50 gold as a reward, and required 50 rat tails to prove completion. Having spent a large amount of time waiting in line, Leo was not looking forward to waiting again to collect the sewers key and map. He sighed heavily as he reentered the line to sign up for the quest.