The night at the pub evolved into an evening rich with stories and revelations, particularly with Padrin sharing his background and insights. As the group delved deeper into a conversation, Amukelo was particularly curious about Padrin's decision to partner with him.
Padrin, with a knowing smile, leaned back comfortably in his chair, the dim light casting shadows over his thoughtful expression. "When we first sparred, I saw raw talent in you. Yes, your techniques were rough around the edges, but there was an undeniable potential that just needed refining. Seeing how much you've improved today only confirmed my decision."
The group clinked their glasses together with a chorus of agreement, the sound mingling with the ambient noise of the bustling pub.
The conversation then naturally shifted towards Padrin himself, as the guild members were eager to learn more about Amukelo's new training partner. They probed into his history, wondering how someone so young could attain such proficiency.
"I've been training since I could walk," Padrin explained with a casual shrug. "My family values martial prowess, so it was part of my daily life from the beginning."
Bral trying his chance to recruit potentially a new strong member into their guild asked, "What do you think about joining our small guild?"
Padrin shook his head. "No, I'm with different guild. Though the main group is not in this time, so I can't introduce you to them."
"Not in this town? Then you must be in a big guild. In what guild are you?" Bral asked with genuine curiosity.
"Hummingblades," Padrin simply answered
The mention of the Hummingblades caused an immediate reaction around the table, exclamations of surprise and respect echoing off the pub walls—except Amukelo, whose puzzled look prompted a quick educational detour.
"The Hummingblades?" Amukelo asked, somewhat naively.
Idin explained "They're one of the most formidable guilds in Elandria, second only in our region, and ranked sixth among all major guilds across the four nations,"
Amukelo, still catching up, asked, "Four nations?"
Idin chuckled at Amukelo's innocence about the wider world. "Yes, Amukelo. Beyond our lands lie the kingdoms of the Elves, the Dwarven, and the Orc tribes, each a major power in their own right. We're part of a complex world, where these four cultures dominate much of the politics and conflicts."
As Idin delved deeper into the geography of their world, the group leaned in, captivated by his detailed descriptions, even those who thought they knew their world well found themselves engrossed by Idin's narrative, revealing lesser-known facts about the regions beyond their familiar borders.
"Let's start with Elandria," Idin began, his voice carrying a tone of pride mixed with a hint of educational flair. "As most of you might know—or at least, I hope you do—Elandria is a land of diverse landscapes. From the rolling plains that dominate much of the territory to the sporadic mountain ranges, the variety is vast. Our cities, such as the one we reside in, are strategically placed on vast plains, often near forests or water bodies to ensure a steady supply of resources."
He paused, ensuring the details settled in before continuing, "Now, moving to Sylvanara, the elven territory, things get a bit more... exotic. Imagine vast canyons, not just any canyons, but ones filled with forests of gigantic mushrooms that seem to touch the sky. The majority of Sylvanara is cloaked in dense, ancient woodlands where the trees are so tall and wide they make our oaks look like twigs. Elves have this unique way of living; their cities are almost invisible, built high in the treetops. They prefer the solitude of small communities, except for their capital, which is a marvel of architecture with towering structures built around a hill, surrounded by these massive forests."
Then Idin continued with the dwarfen lands. "Durtharak, the realm of the dwarfs, might be the smallest in terms of surface area, but it's a behemoth beneath the earth. They carve their existence into the heart of mountains, creating sprawling underground cities that defy the imagination. Their advanced technology allows them to sustain these subterranean wonders, though the specifics of their methods are a closely guarded secret."
Finally, he turned to the harsh lands of Ghorzaan. "The orcs' homeland, Ghorzaan, is as rugged and unforgiving as the orcs themselves. It's a terrain marked by stark fields and rocky grounds, scarce in vegetation and water. Yet, the orcs thrive, sustaining themselves in a way that might seem gruesome to us—they drink the blood of the beasts they hunt. Their settlements are built from the bones and skins of these creatures, giving their homes a tent-like appearance that's both fascinating and a little intimidating."
Idin's words painted a vivid tapestry of the four great nations, each with its unique culture and survival methods, stirring a sense of wanderlust among the listeners. "These countries have different political relations, but as adventurers, once you rise high enough in your ranks, you might be allowed to travel to all these powerful nations," Idin concluded, his eyes alight with the thrill of potential adventures.
"It's more of a myth than anything," Idin continued his lecture, his voice tinged with a mix of skepticism and wonder. "Legends about an ancient war speak of a vast sea, much bigger than any we know, that cradles unknown lands, filled with races and creatures no one in Elandria or the other nations has ever seen. But take it with a grain of salt—those who venture in search of these mythical lands either never return to tell the tale, or never make it there. So we don't know how much truth is in it."
The group hung on every word, their minds racing with the possibilities of such an adventure. Bral was quick to jump on the idea. "Imagine if we could be the ones to prove those legends true," he said excitedly, his eyes sparkling with the thrill of the unknown.
Pao, touched by the potential of their future journeys, looked at Amukelo with a gentle smile. "And when we do," she added, her voice soft yet firm, "we'll make sure the whole world knows your mother's story, Amu. We'll spread her name across every land we visit."
Amukelo felt a surge of emotion at Pao's words. The idea that his personal quest could intertwine with such grand adventures filled him with both excitement and gratitude. "Thank you, all of you," he said, his voice thick with emotion.
Even Padrin, though unfamiliar with the deeper motivations of the group, couldn't help but be moved by their camaraderie and lofty goals. He didn't know what they were referring to, but he could sense that asking about it would ruin the mood.
As the night progressed, their conversation meandered through various topics, each adding their thoughts and dreams into the mix. They discussed potential strategies for future quests, debated the best ways to improve their skills, and shared tales of their past adventures. The atmosphere was light yet profound, as they all sensed the significance of this gathering on the eve of potentially life-changing undertakings.
Though they could have continued into the early hours, the group decided to call it an early night. Not because they had a quest lined up—thanks to their recent financial windfall—but because they recognized the importance of rest and preparation for the rigorous training and exploration ahead.
As they left the pub, Amukelo pulled Padrin aside for a moment. "How often will you be around at the training facility?" he asked.
"I'll be here for the next few months. I train every day, but don't worry lessons with the teachers will be customized to us. As there will be only two of us who will be learning at the time," Padrin replied, his tone indicating a mix of regret and responsibility. "But after that, I have a major mission with my guild. We'll be out of the city for quite some time."
Amukelo nodded, understanding the fleeting nature of their time together. "Let's use this time to the best of our abilities, then," he said, bumping fists with Padrin, solidifying their new partnership.
Together, they left the pub under the starlit sky. Then Padrin walked away into his direction.