The group walked through town, making their way through the bustling streets. They made quick time and soon arrived before the large gates of the Adventurers Guild. The building was grand, looming over them with an imposing shadow. Numerous figures kitted out in armor, and weapons strapped over their backs walked to and fro from the building.
"Wow. This is it huh? We're going to become adventurers." Ryan stared up at the large sign that adorned the entrance of the large building. Suzy grinned widely, grabbing onto the two boys' wrists and dragging them into the building.
The day passed by quickly. All three of them got registered at the adventurers guild and mages guild by the end of the day. The trio were walking down a less populated street when they recognized an old shop with various wares arranged outside it. The old shopkeeper, Bethany, was sitting outside, reading a small leather bound book.
She turned just as they trio came close enough to be within earshot with a bright smile.
"Look who it is!" Bethany stood up, dusting her gown as she did. Strands of grey hair stood out against her black hair. Kai, Suzy and Ryan came to a stop before her, each with a smile of their own.
"It's been a while." Suzy chirped, taking Bethany's slim hand in hers. "How have you been? Is your husband okay?" She threw rapid-fire questions at the aged lady.
"Haha- My husband's fine." Bethany laughed out into the open air. "You should come in, let me introduce you all to him." With a firm hand holding Suzy's she began leading the young lady into the shop. Kai and Ryan just exchanged a look before following behind the two women in defeat.
Unlike what they expected, the inside of the building wasn't an actual shop, but a homely living room.
"Welcome to my humble abode." Bethany smiled warmly. "Please take a seat, let me get you some refreshments. Surely, you must be parched after today." She disappeared through a door to the left of the room. Sounds of clanging cutlery soon rang out from behind the closed door.
"Such a kind woman." Suzy commented, leaning against Ryan's side. Ryan just smiled at her, choosing to keep his words to himself.
After a few minutes of waiting, Bethany reemerged from the kitchen, holding a tray of snacks in her hand. Behind her trailed a rugged man, carrying another tray which held several cups and a jug. The man sported a head full of brown hair, with streaks of white running through it, a chin covered in a rough beard and a pair of deep brown eyes.
Setting the trays down, Bethany and the man sat on the couch opposite the three adventurers.
"Let me introduce you all. This is my husband, Leonard. He's Pseudo-Lord class martial artist. Leo, these are the three kids I told you about. They are the ones who helped with the grimoire from before." She held his hand as she spoke.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, sir." Suzy spoke up for them. She had slowly taken on the role of the leader of their group, leading their actions throughout the day.
"The pleasure is all mine." Leonard waved her down. "I would not be here right now if it wasn't for you three lifting my curse. I'm indebted to you all." He tipped his head respectfully at them, eyes lingering on Kai a second longer.
"I can sense traces of the Black Wyvern's Dark Magic on you. I suppose you are the one who claimed the grimoire?" He turned to face Kai, his gaze inquiring.
"Ah, yes. I am." Kai nodded his head respectfully. From the information provided by the System, he had come to know how scary a Black Wyvern could be. Capable of eradicating a city that was of the same size of Fazzad city, a Black Wyvern was capable of carving out its own territory in the brutal wild lands that spanned across the numerous worlds of the secondary dimension.
Just its breath attack could level an entire mountain. Coupled with the other magical attacks contained in its arsenal and its physical might, it was a monster in every sense of the word. What at least placated the masses was the fact that Black Wyverns were exceedingly rare. With an abysmally low birth rate, the Black Wyverns weren't able to expand their numbers and overpower the various races that outnumbered them.
"That's great! Not just anyone possesses the affinity required to possess such a volatile grimoire. For it to possess such a powerful curse, there's also a possibility that it left part of its will within it. Perhaps you can refine it. It stands to bring you great benefits if you are able to do so." He smiled.
"Thank you, Leonard-"
"Oh, please, call me Leo."
"Ah, okay... Well, I'm not sure if I'll be able to refine the will." Kai rubbed at his neck awkwardly.
"That's fine. If you don't mind, I can teach you. I was once an instructor on these kinds of things so I have enough knowledge to point you in the right direction. Although, it would cost you." Leo smiled in a somewhat embarrassed manner.
"Join my adventurer party."
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End of Volume One!
Word Count - 23,300 words.
Avg. Word/Chapter - 930.
Total Views - 21,000.