The sun had dipped below the horizon, and the bustling streets of the town near the mercenary guild were now aglow with the soft, warm light of lanterns and torches. Xavier's new team had decided to celebrate his initiation into the guild with a feast at a local tavern. They were all dressed in their typical attire, each wearing the badge of the guild on their belts, signifying their status as hunters.
Xavier followed Aria, Garret, and Felix through the lively streets, the enticing aroma of grilled meat and roasted vegetables wafting through the air. Laughter and music filled the night, creating a vibrant atmosphere that perfectly matched the occasion.
As they entered the tavern, the scent of hearty food and the sound of clinking mugs washed over them. The place was abuzz with patrons, from adventurers to townsfolk seeking refuge from the challenges of their daily lives. The team found a large table in the corner of the tavern, and the lively chatter of the place seemed to envelop them.
They settled into their seats, and Xavier couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. He looked around the table at his new teammates, realizing how much he looked forward to sharing stories and forming bonds with them. The wooden table was soon laden with plates of roasted meat, bread, and tankards of ale.
Felix raised his tankard high in the air and proposed a toast. "To our newest member, Xavier! May he bring us great adventures, and may we survive them!"
The team joined in, clinking their mugs together, and Xavier felt a warmth spread through him. "Thank you all for welcoming me into your team. I will try my best to stay alive!"
As they dug into their meal, the conversation flowed freely. Garret shared tales of close encounters with massive beasts in the wild, Aria described the thrill of taking down elusive prey with her bow, and Felix recounted a particularly comical incident involving a mischievous monkey during one of his expeditions.
Xavier, in turn, shared stories of his early days as a handyman and the determination that had driven him to become a hunter. Laughter punctuated their conversation as they swapped stories and experiences, and it became evident that they were becoming a tight-knit group.
However, as the night wore on, the mood turned somewhat somber. Aria paused, her gaze distant, and she took a sip from her tankard.
"You know, Xavier, it's great to have you on the team, but it's important to remember that you're here because we lost someone."
"We prefer not spending so extravagantly to celebrate new members so try not to die. At least not until you have helped us recover what we have spent tonight." Garret joked and everyone laughed along.
Xavier soon spoke up with a mixture of curiosity and sympathy in his eyes. " What happened?"
Garret let out a heavy sigh, his brow furrowing. "We had another team member, Nathan. He was a good friend and a skilled hunter. He died on a mission a few months ago, and we've been one member short ever since."
Xavier's smile faded, and he bowed his head for a moment, showing his respect for Nathan's memory. "I'm sorry to hear that. I'll do my best to fill his shoes and honor his memory."
Aria nodded appreciatively, her emerald eyes gleaming with gratitude. "We appreciate that, Xavier. It's never easy losing a teammate, but we believe in you."
The conversation shifted again, with Garret steering it toward more lighthearted topics. They discussed their favorite battle tactics, the quirks of various towns they had visited, and even the most embarrassing moments of their careers. The camaraderie among them was palpable, and Xavier felt like he had truly found his place in this team.
After the hearty feast, Felix proposed another idea. "How about we head to the guild's training arena and see what our newest member is made of? It's time to put Xavier's skills to the test."
Garret grinned mischievously. "Sounds like a plan. I've been eager to see what the kid can do."
Aria joined in the teasing, her fiery spirit evident. "Prepare yourself, Xavier. We don't go easy on our teammates."
With a mix of anticipation and excitement, they left the tavern and made their way to the guild's training arena. The arena was a spacious, open area, surrounded by high walls to ensure that any errant attacks wouldn't spill over into the guild proper. At the center was a dirt floor, well-trodden and marked by the countless battles that had taken place there.
Xavier's heart raced as he entered the arena, the weight of the moment settling in. He had trained diligently for this day, and now it was time to prove himself to his new team. The torches that lined the walls cast long shadows, and the arena was filled with an eerie but exhilarating atmosphere.
Garret stepped forward, cracking his knuckles and drawing his massive saber. "Alright, Xavier. You're up first. Show us what you've got."
Xavier took a deep breath, his nerves settling into a calm determination. He unstrapped the two short swords he had brought and twirled them expertly in his hands. They gleamed in the torchlight, and he crouched into a battle stance, ready for the challenge.
Aria and Felix watched with keen interest, ready to see their new teammate in action. Xavier took a few steps back, his eyes fixed on Garret, who was grinning confidently.
As they stood there, Garret tightened his grip on the hilt of his saber and grinned. "Do you have any combat experience?"
Xavier shrugged his shoulders, seemingly unsure. "I picked up a few tricks here and there, just enough to keep me alive as a Handyman."
Garret nodded in response, sensing that Xavier might have his reasons for not divulging the details of his past. He respected Xavier's privacy but was eager to see more of what his new teammate could do.
"Well then," Garret said, taking a confident stance, "show me what you're capable of. Give it your all, Xavier."
Xavier took a deep breath and nodded. He realized that this was an opportunity to further establish himself within the team, and he was determined to make a strong impression.
All these while he has been going against half-dead beasts that fall prey to his traps. While he has experienced intense close combat fights with some of these injured beasts, it wasn't sufficient for him to determine his level of skill.
Deep down Xavier sincerely wanted to know how good he was without his fire abilities and the privileges of the system.