Early morning, 6 AM.
As the first rays of dawn pierced the horizon, I stirred, my heart alive with anticipation. Today marked the start of an epic quest, the first step in realizing my dream: to become a revered adventurer, and ultimately, the storied Knight whose tales I'd grown up hearing. My rigorous training with the sword and shield, endless hours spanning years, now held a deeper meaning. I've been perfecting a series of intricate moves, maneuvers so rare that even elite knights would struggle to replicate them. And although I long to share the secrets of these techniques, the time isn't right. Not yet. Besides, the shadows of a haunting past serve as a stark reminder and motivator, but that dark tale is for another day.
After pulling myself from the comforts of my bed, I made my way to the bathroom. The familiar act of brushing became a moment of reflection. Pausing, I addressed an unseen audience, "Oh, where are my manners? I'm Prateek Rai. Indian by birth, though I wouldn't blame you for thinking Japanese. Standing at an unremarkable height, with fair skin, green hair, and admittedly average looks, I don't exactly scream 'heroic knight.'"
Dressed for the day ahead, a wistful smile formed as I thought of my knightly aspirations. "It's not just about the armor, the shields, or the sharpness of swords, you know. There's the thrill of exploration, the clash against monstrous foes, perhaps even demonic entities. My father, a legendary knight in his own time, was my inspiration. His training sessions, which he often allowed me to witness, stoked the fires of my passion for knighthood. And, between you and me, the prospect of encountering a bewitching companion on my travels isn't without its allure."
A hearty breakfast later, I set out for the guild office, filled with hopes of reuniting with my comrades. As I approached the grand wooden doors, an all-too-familiar annoyance bubbled up: their habitual tardiness. But as the saying goes, "Good things come to those who wait." Soon enough, laughter echoed down the corridor.
Enter Aryan and Sharad, my cherished school friends, each unique in their own right. Aryan, at a respectable 5'6", sported raven-black hair, contrasting sharply with his light armor. A master of dual swords, his comedic tendencies made our adventures lively. But for all his talents, Aryan's Achilles' heel was his profound love for sleep. Sharad, on the other hand, loomed at 6 ft. Favoring a longsword, he eschewed armor altogether, relying purely on skill and agility. His gray locks, combined with his dark, offbeat humor, and a carefree demeanor, often had us in splits. But just like Aryan, laziness was his loyal companion.
Their arrival led to our typical jesting, with Aryan feebly trying to justify his tardiness. But time was of the essence. We moved swiftly into the heart of the guild, where a receptionist, possessing a beauty that could inspire ballads, awaited. Clearing my throat, I declared, "We've come to register as adventurers."
She handed over the forms, which I began to fill diligently:
Name: Prateek Rai
Age: 16
School: Holy Child Adventurer's School
Class: Knight and Mage
Midway, Sharad's whispers about her, uh, striking physique reached my ears. We exchanged playful rebukes, laughing off his cheekiness.
Forms in, our official adventurer badges and ID cards weren't far behind. My rank read 'Sapling,' a humble nod to my fledgling status. But every legend has its beginnings.
The quest board beckoned. Among the plethora of tasks, one stood out: procure bat wings from the Beginner's Forest. A reward of 300 Copper Coins made it all the more enticing for novices like us.
With our gear in tow – healing potions, a luminous magic torch, and our weapons – we ventured forth, eager to embark on the first of many tales in the Beginner's Forest.
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