So, that basically sums up the lot of what had happened this past few days. And right now, I was losing a brawl with my father. But, I guess I gotta fight for what I want, right? Although in this case, it was quite literal.
*******
"I arrived at the adventurer's guild with two measly soldiers cowering at my feet, groveling and calling 'Master, master, you are so strong, you are so cool...'"
"Shut up, kid. We're just here in case you face any life and death problems. Every other thing, you solve by yourself. Your father's orders."
"Relax, Koval. Let the kid have his fun. First time adventuring and all." I was having an act with what I had on hand - a young master who was with two extremely loyal bodyguards who would give their lives up for him. I mean, sure I'm suposed to go in tgere and become an adventurer and all that. But come on, I'm still a kid. Lemme enjoy my childhood, okay? It won't last much longer.
Our best soldier; Julee and the second best we had; Koval, had been asked by Father to come along with me. I protested, of course. They were way too strong and would attract unwanted attention. But Father asked if I wanted to go another round to see if I had the capacity to undermine his authority.
Putting it that way, I certainly had to give in.
But that's about enough of that. I moved on forward into the guild, with the two soldiers waiting outside, out of sight.
I looked around as I entered the adventurer's guild. This was the second time I was in this building yet it still felt so grand, and looked a lot better. It was spectacular.
"Hey, Jace." A familiar voice called out. I turned my head to see a group of seven sitting around a table and chatting. I walked up to them.
"Sherby, heya."
"Hey kid, why we meeting twice today? You sure you don't wanna hire us for another job like that?"
"Ha ha. No, nothing of the sort. I'm actually just here to sign up." I laughed off his joke and told him truthfully of my reason for being here. "What are you lot doing?"
"Well, we have ourselves here a problem, see. I wonder, maybe you could help us out."
"Okay, what is it then?"
"This little one here says he wants to join our gang. But he won't show his face and he won't tell us what magic he can do." Perriot explained. "What can he help though, cap'n? He still is just a kid."
"Relax, Perriot." Sherby waved his hand at the large muscular guy on the team. Then, he turned to face me. "He says we'll surely enjoy splendid benefits if we joined up with him, but how do we know he's telling the truth? I want you to help me decide. Should we let him in?"
The little subject turned his face to look at me. I wouldn't call it a face though, cause he was wearing a good and strangely enough, I could see literally nothing from this close up. It was just like looking in the grim reaper's hood. It's utter darkness.
"Okay... What is your name?" I asked this shady figure.
"Call me El." He said to me, then turned to face Sherby. "I'll admit I do seem a tad shady... Okay, maybe a bit more than a tad. However, I guarantee you that you won't lose out if you let me join your team."
"So, a mage huh? Mages are cool, but they already got one. No reason for you to force it anymore." I said. He looked at me as though he wanted to kipl me with his eyes. I couldn't see them, but I swear, that's what I felt coming from under that hidden cloak.
"Not a mage." Rachel said. She was the mage girl in Sherby's team. The only girl in the team, but no pressure. "A dark mage." She added.
"A dark mage? What's that?" I asked.
"Oh, sweetie. You are so not ready for the wilderness. If you don't know what a dark mage of all things is..." She said, looking as though she was feeling rather sorry. I knew better than to trust that look. My sister always gave me that look to mock me.
"Hmph. It doesn't matter anyway. Don't tell me, I'll just go on and do what it was I wanted to do in the first place." I turned around and walked back towards the counter to get myself registered.
"And sometimes, you just forget he's a kid. That's when he'll drop this kind of shit on you too." I heard Sherby say as I was walking off. There was also some giggling and chuckling that followed. I ignored it all, like a good ol' mature man. Ha!
I got to the counter and requested the attendant that I wished to register with the adventurer's guild as an adventurer.
"How old are you?" She asked.
"Does it matter?" I asked.
"Yes. Under fifteens are not allowed to become adventurers." She replied, rather blatantly, as though apartheid to my situation.
"Come on, is there nothing you can do or that I can do to... you know, just get in there?"
"Go home, kid. Unless you can best an adventurer in a one on one duel, which is highly unlikely, you better scurry on out of here so I don't get mad."
"Oh, so all I have to do is beat any adventurer and I get to become one? That sounds super easy! Thanks ma'am!" I rushed off after saying this to rejoin Sherby and the gang.
"Ay, back so soon? Where's your card then?" Sherby greeted me with questions as I got back.
"Sherby, who is the weakest adventurer in this room right now?" I asked.
"Huh, what sort of weird ass question is that?" He asked, face full of doubt. "Ugh, whatever. It's that guy over there."
He pointed at one corner to a skinny looking guy lonely sitting on his own, sipping tea. I walked straight up to him.
"Heya pal, not trying to rouse you but would you mind having a duel?" I asked.
"Huh? Go away, kid. I don't get my kicks off of humiliating little boys."
"What? How dare you! I would have you know that I am... " Me walking up to this lonely slob appeared to have started a scene. Everyone was currently looking at us, and I almost spilled the beans about who I was.
'With everyone looking, surely this guy wouldn't dare slight a challenge, right? Hee hee... ' I laughed inwardly as I came up with a non fool-proof plan. And immediately, I executed it.
"I, Jace, challenge you to a duel. If I win, I will be allowed to become an adventurer as per stated by the attendant at the counter over there. If I lose, I promise, on my head, to deliver two silver coins to you immediately after."
Gasps and chuckles filled the hall. I'd set the bait for this guy with two silver coins, surely he would take it, right?