Gideon, Vien, Mian, and Halini walked toward the registrar, led by Ordy, who was carrying the sack containing the materials they collected for the quest.
Inside the counter was a 25-year-old woman with blonde hair and dark dark blue eyes, which were fixed on the five newcomers. She had cotton white skin that was so smooth it appeared to have no flaws and made a hand just slip on it when touched. She was dressed in white long sleeves under a dark blue blazer with a red ribbon hanging just above her generously developed chest, a light brown skirt that covered all the way down to her knees, and a black pair of shoes with white socks that were hidden behind her desk.
Seilyn Irhan was not from this town or even this kingdom; she had been assigned by the Adventurers' Guild to serve as the registrar of the guild's branch in this town and had been stationed in Figliad for three years, getting along well with the town's adventurers. She had a strict and soft expression on her face, which was complemented by her square-shaped reading glasses, which she pushed upward when she saw the five approaching her.
"Seilyn!" Halini called out as they approached the front of the counter, where Seilyn was.
Seilyn, on the other hand, stood up and smiled as they approached her. "How was your trip?"
"It was great, we finished the quest much easier than expected," Halini said cheerfully.
Seilyn nodded, her gentle smile still on her lips. "I see, I'm glad to hear that; let me take the quest materials so you can receive your rewards."
Ordy placed the large brown sack containing the Fire Ants' eyes on the wooden desk. "Here."
"Very well," Seilyn said, opening the sack and checking the orb-like eyes inside for a few moments before closing it again and carrying it to the storage door behind her. She returned after some time, holding a small brown pouch containing their rewards for completing the quest, and handed it to Ordy. "Here's your reward: ten gold coins for 50 Fire Ant's eyes; you four did an excellent job yet again."
Ordy chuckled as he grabbed the brown pouched. "It smells like a week of leisurely living, the result of our hard work."
"You always say that, but no matter how much gold you get, you never stop working," Halini remarked.
Ordy patted Halini on the shoulder. "It's because I enjoy going on adventures with you all, especially now that there are more of us!"
Mian, on the other hand, walked forward with her arms crossed. "Anyhow, is the Guild Master present?"
"I'm afraid he's out right now, Mian; why? Do you need anything?" Seilyn inquired.
"Yes," Mian said, pointing her right hand at Gideon, who was standing next to Vien, who was also silently listening to their conversation. "Gideon here wants to inquire about becoming an adventurer in the guild."
Seilyn narrowed her eyes and shifted her gaze to the direction Mian was pointing her hand. "Oh, you have another person with you," she gasped as she realized. "You blend in so well with your surroundings that I almost didn't notice you."
Gideon chuckled, scratching the back of his neck. "Yeah, I have an innate ability to be invisible in the eyes of others at times."
Ordy chuckled and placed his massive arms on Gideon's shoulder. "This amazing lad's name is Gideon, and he is a traveler from a far land who assisted us on this quest and is now planning to be an adventurer, which I think fits him very well, and join our party!" He raised his other hand and flexed his muscles. "He hasn't shown us his full potential yet, but I am confident that he is a remarkable warrior who will become a well-known adventurer in this guild!"
"Uhm... so I'm joining your party now, huh? That's really what it is," Gideon said.
The synchronized roar that followed came from the crowd of adventurers standing beside the scattered tables, waving their hands and wooden cup of booze.
"That's our lad, Gideon!"
"Look at that guy! He screams glory and unwavering determination! A true adventurer at heart!"
"Just by looking at you, I can tell you're going to be a great adventurer!"
"Look at him, he's thin, I'm sure he's fast, or maybe he's hiding incredible power within that lanky body of his!"
Gideon, on the other hand, rubbed his red face with his palm while looking down. "I'm beginning to believe that these people would cheer for anyone, regardless of how the person they're cheering for looks."
"Because we all believe that there is something special within everyone, that everyone has their own strength and capabilities, and if encouraging someone helps that person find those capabilities and grow, then we will gladly do it," Ordy explained.
Gideon raised his head. "That's a very good way to put it." His gaze shifted when he heard someone clearing her throat and found Seilyn staring at him directly.
"Gideon, I see. I am glad to hear that you have decided to join our guild and have chosen this branch to register as one, but I am afraid that Guild Master Rudwick Irhan is not around right now, and I don't know when he will return. You needed to be interviewed by him first before joining our guild, so I would suggest that you just come back tomorrow morning to register," Seilyn suggested.
Gideon smiled. "No problem, there's no need to rush anyway."
"I agree with you, Gideon," Ordy said as he led Gideon out of the guild hall. "For the time being, let's find you a place to stay... on second thought, let's just go to where Vien is staying."
The cheering sounds of the adventurers inside could still be heard as they exited the guild hall. The sun had already set, and the sky was dominated by a dark sky and countless stars, providing an excellent view alongside the scenery of the town's giant fountain. The street fire lamps posted on the side of the road guided them as they walked through the streets. The scenery became increasingly lively as they got closer to the central marketplace, thanks to the night shops and customers crowding the area.
As they traveled through the streets, the group passed through the crowds until they arrived at their destination. They came to a halt in front of a two-story structure made of wood walls and brown brick stones for pillars. The wooden walls were painted white, and crawling vines covered a large portion of them. It had a brown roof made of brick stones, with multiple chimneys and glass windows protruding from the top. The fire lamps hanging on the inn's walls and in front of the inn's door made everything visible. The name of the inn, 'Vagrants' Paradise,' was written on a wooden sign that hung above the door.
While still living in Figliad, Gideon would stay at this inn.