Keiko stands at the edge of the town, his hood pulled low over his eyes. As he walks through the bustling streets, he notices demi-humans of all kinds—beastfolk, elves, dragonkin—blending seamlessly with the human crowd.
He approaches door after door, asking for work. Each time, he's met with a polite but firm rejection. Despair creeps in, his stomach tightening with hunger.
At the final house, an elderly woman answers. She listens to Keiko's request and sighs sadly. "I'm sorry, sunny. I have no work for you."
Keiko's shoulders slump, but he forces a smile and thanks her. As he turns to leave, the old woman calls after him.
"Wait, young man. How about the Adventurers' Guild?"
Keiko's face brightens with hope. "Really? What's that?"
Keiko's heart races as he hurries through the town streets, following the old woman's vague directions. He can barely contain his excitement. An Adventurers' Guild! It sounds like something straight out of the stories he used to hear from his brother. A place where heroes gather, where he might find work—or perhaps even a new purpose.
He eventually reaches a large building at the center of town. The front is bustling with activity, adventurers of all shapes and sizes coming and going, some bloodied from recent battles, others laughing and sharing stories over drinks. Weapons clatter against armor, and the lively chatter fills the air.
Keiko hesitates for a moment at the entrance. This is it, he thinks, tugging nervously at his hood. I can't mess this up.
Taking a deep breath, he pushes open the door.
Inside, the guild is even more chaotic. Adventurers huddle around tables, some arguing over maps, others inspecting weapons or counting coins. The smell of sweat and steel fills the air, mixed with the scent of roasted meat coming from a nearby kitchen. Keiko watches in awe as one adventurer demonstrates his magic—purple mana swirling around his hand, lifting a crystal orb into the air.
He edges through the crowd, trying not to draw too much attention to himself. I just need to find the desk, he tells himself. Talk to someone in charge and get a job.
At the far side of the room, he spots the reception desk. Behind it stands a tall, elegant woman with short, silver hair and a warm smile. She's speaking with a group of adventurers but looks far less intimidating than the others. Keiko's nerves ease a little as he makes his way over, avoiding the rowdy crowds.
He steps up to the desk and, with newfound confidence, looks up at the receptionist. "Excuse me, ma'am, I'd like to join the Adventurers' Gui—"
Before he can finish, she interrupts with a gentle, yet blunt, "No."
Keiko's face falls. "W-What?" He stammers, not sure if he heard correctly.
The receptionist continues smiling, but her eyes reveal a tinge of amusement. "We don't take just anyone, especially not kids. It's dangerous work."
His heart sinks. All that hope for nothing... Keiko clenches his fists, trying to hide his disappointment. He opens his mouth to protest, but before he can, the receptionist's expression softens.
"However," she says, leaning down to his level, "you don't seem like someone who'll give up easily. How about this—you head to the Hunters' Academy. If you make it through the exams, then you'll have earned a place here. Until then, I can't officially accept you."
Keiko blinks in confusion. "Hunters' Academy? What's that?"