Eliador, the guild master of Celestial Fox, warmly welcomed the family as they entered the guild hall once more. General Mustafa had informed him of their arrival a day ago and he was given a peculiar request: not to inquire about the family's last names, and to assign them new ones.
"From now on, your last name will be Maximus," the guild master, Eliador, announced.
The family readily agreed to the change, understanding the need for a fresh start in this unfamiliar city.
Eliador went on to provide more insights about the city. "In this city, there are over twenty guilds," he explained. "While some come and go, Celestial Fox has remained for hundreds of years."
"Is Celestial Fox one of the best guilds around?" curiosity sparked within Bennet.
Eliador's smile held a tinge of embarrassment as he responded, "The guild was once regarded as one of the best for generations, but it has lost some of its former popularity over the years. In fact, I took over as guild master because no one else seemed interested in the position."
Bennet couldn't help but discern that Eliador wasn't in the same league as the renowned warriors like Orion or Mustafa. He wasn't even close to the caliber of Mehboob and Mansoor who are both strong warriors.
However, Bennet reminded himself that Eliador's level thirty-one was by no means insignificant. He was still above the average warrior, a man he should respect.
Eliador continued to outline their roles within the guild. Bennet and Hugo would be welcomed as warriors, while Martha would register as a merchant under their guild affiliation.
The guild master went on to explain their daily routine. From seven in the morning until ten, the children would attend school to receive education in reading, writing, and mathematics. After their classes concluded, they would return to the guild and receive assignments from the guild staff.
Hugo couldn't resist asking about the nature of the guild tasks they would be undertaking.
Eliador patiently explained that the missions within the guild could encompass a wide range of responsibilities. These tasks might include guarding duties, hunting animals for resources, collecting valuable materials, and even exterminating dangerous monsters that threatened the city's safety.
The missions could come from the city's government, local business owners, or ordinary citizens seeking help or expertise from the guild.
With a clear understanding of their future guild tasks, the family nodded in agreement.
Eliador then mentioned one last important matter. General Mustafa had purchased a property just a couple of streets away, which included a storefront and three bedrooms, ensuring they had a comfortable place to live.
Eliador handed a small box to Bennet and a larger one, nearly twice Hugo's height, to the family. These thoughtful gifts from General Mustafa were a testament to his generosity and humility given discreetly.
Eliador provided them with a map of the city, carefully marking the location of their new property.
Thank you for helping us, Guild Master," Martha expressed her gratitude sincerely.
"We promise to be productive members of the guild," Bennet added, showing their determination.
The guild master, somewhat shy in receiving their thanks, replied modestly, "Don't mention it."
With a nod and warm smile, Martha continued, "We'll be on our way then."
Hugo chimed in, bowing respectfully. "See you tomorrow, Guild Master!"
With those words, the family took their leave from the Celestial Fox guild, the family couldn't help but think that perhaps the humble status of the guild suited them perfectly. In this new chapter of their lives, they found comfort in the unassuming yet welcoming embrace of the guild that had taken them in
As the family made their way towards the exit, Martha suddenly froze, her eyes fixed on something as if she had seen a ghost.
Bennet followed her gaze, and it landed on a painting on the wall. Martha pointed at it, her expression filled with curiosity and recognition.
The guild master noticed their interest and approached the painting.
He explained that it was the guild master who had preceded the last one. While he had never met the man himself, it was during his time that the Celestial Fox had garnered a significant reputation and was the talk of the town.
"He went by the name Albert," the guild master continued, his voice carrying a sense of history, "and he was the right-hand man of the king back in the day."
"Albert was once the guild master of Celestial Fox?" Bennet reconfirmed, a touch of awe in his voice.
The guild master nodded and shared a personal memory. "Yes, I was just about seven years old at the time."
He reflected further, "I guess their generation was the reason why I joined this guild. Their valor and dedication left a lasting impression on many, including me."
Bennet couldn't help but smile, he couldn't believe that this very place had a connection to his family. His father, had once been the leader of this prestigious guild, a fact that filled him with pride and gratitude.
As he stood there, surrounded by the history and legacy of Celestial Fox, Bennet realized that it was no wonder General Mustafa had chosen this guild for them.
As they arrived at their new address, the family was greeted by a modern stone house. It had two bedrooms on the ground floor and one above, a comfortable and cozy place to call their own. Both brothers, Bennet and Hugo, had their eyes on the upper room, so they decided to flip a coin to determine who would get it. In the end, Bennet's luck won him the coveted room.
Later that night, Martha, in the quiet hours, decided to prepare the storefront for the next day. When Hugo and Bennet offered their assistance, she kindly declined, explaining that she needed to familiarize herself with the placement of items and preferred to work alone.
Her attention to detail was a source of pride for her, and she wanted everything just right.
Understanding their mother's preference, the brothers bid her goodnight and went to their respective rooms. However, Bennet had different plans. He wasn't ready to sleep just yet, so he called upon Toma, the spirit residing within him.
He sat in his room, the soft glow of a lamp casting a warm light over the cozy space. Toma, the mischievous spirit residing within him, had been notably silent for the past few weeks. It seemed Toma had grown a bit sulky due to their lack of interaction during their journey on the ship.
"So, after weeks of talking to me, you've decided to talk, huh?" Toma remarked, not turning to face Bennet.
"Well," Bennet began, leaning back in his chair, "ship cabins aren't the best place for a conversation with a spirit, you know. But now that we have our own place, we can chat freely."
Toma finally turned to face Bennet, his translucent form shimmering with curiosity. "True," he conceded, a mischievous glint in his eye. "So, what's been happening while I was in my silent exile?"
"We didn't have time to discuss this before because, well... A lot happened," he explained.
"But I've noticed that I now have one hundred and fifty mana or sp," Bennet continued, "and I think I am ready for a new skill or spirit."
Toma's ethereal form seemed to bristle with a mix of emotions. "First, you exiled me," he began, a hint of mock hurt in his voice, "and now you want to replace me?"
"Stop being overly dramatic," Bennet said with a grin. "It was you who told me that I need more mana to use a new skill or summon something stronger."
Toma chuckled, his mischievous nature shining through. "I suppose I was," he admitted with a playful twinkle in his eye. "I just wanted to see if you were paying attention, you know."
Toma's voice took on a more serious tone as he continued to explain. "Your mana is still not enough to summon someone stronger," he cautioned. "But a new skill, I will bless you with."
Bennet listened attentively, eager to learn about his new skill.
"Haste makes you fast," Toma began, "and the next skill I will give is Enhance. It will make your attacks a bit stronger and your defense a bit tougher. Imagine it as having an extra layer of aura."
Bennet nodded, taking in the details of his new skill. "Understood," he replied.
"So, unlike Haste, this skill will require about fifty sp. That means in an actual battle, I can only use it twice at most."
"So be very cautious when using it, or else you'll join me in the spirit world," warned Toma.
Toma let out a mischievous laugh, his ethereal form shimmering with amusement. "Ah, but wouldn't that be an adventure, Bennet?" he teased. "You and me, exploring the spirit world together."
Bennet shook his head with a smile. "I think I'll pass on that adventure for now, Toma. Let's focus on mastering this new skill first."
The night went by, with Bennet and Toma diligently working on mastering the new skill, Enhance. They also engaged in a chitchat, sharing stories and laughter until the late hours.
But as the night wore on, exhaustion caught up with Bennet, and he eventually fell asleep in his bed.
Toma, however, continued talking, lost in his own musings. "Can you believe it, he shouted-" he began, only to realize that Bennet had dozed off mid-conversation.
"Damn it, he slept on me!" Toma exclaimed, his words echoing through the quiet room.