Liam, still panting, faced Garret with a proud smile. "The art of battle lies in anticipation, Garret. If you know your opponent and understand their movements, you can dodge their attacks before they're even launched."
Garret nodded, visibly impressed. "It's true, Viper. Your ability to predict the movements of the Advanced Puppet was remarkable. I could pass the challenge without suffering any damage, but I am much stronger than the current you!"
"Ah, that was just a warm-up. In a situation where my abilities and those of the opponent are similar, I never lose!" Liam retorted with a confident smile, his eyes sparkling with determination.
"HAHA, excellent! Your physical class test ends here. Take this scroll and deliver it to Instructor Selene. She will know what to do. Meanwhile, I'll continue conducting the tests." Garret said, handing a magical scroll to Liam.
Liam took the scroll and examined what was written on it, but couldn't understand anything because it was written in such illegible handwriting that it looked like a doctor's note.
Distracted, Liam left the training field towards the shed where the reception was located and spotted Instructor Selene behind the counter once again.
Meanwhile, in the observation room where the spectators and recruiters were, a commotion unfolded.
"He really broke the record and even revealed an opponent that no one knew about in the combat challenge. This guy is amazing!" commented a random spectator, eyes wide with admiration.
"As I suspected, he already had skills even before starting the test, and not only that, he seems to have mastered a domain, something we rarely see in intermediate martial practitioners. Take care of the evaluations of the others while I try to catch up with him," Mortheus told Tom and his assistant next to him as he headed for the exit in hopes of catching up with Liam.
"The Haven Shiny guild will recruit Liam. ALL OTHERS, do not try to compete with me. The consequences will be severe." The leader of the Haven Shiny guild warned, while also leaving the room.
The recruiters from the smaller guilds understood that the Renascentia guild, with Mortheus, was not to be underestimated, and the Haven Shiny guild, although new in the city of Brulhart, was dominant and its leader, a young master, did not hesitate to show his influence and wealth to achieve his goals quickly.
Mortheus and the leader of the Haven Shiny guild bumped into each other at the exit, exchanging a piercing look that could easily spark a fire anywhere.
Despite the leader of the Haven Shiny guild's reputation for his wealth and influence, Mortheus exuded an aura of power and authority that did not go unnoticed.
"Ah, Mortheus, are you also eyeing this raw talent?" Adam, the leader of the Haven Shiny guild, asked, trying to maintain a confident expression, although the tension in the air was palpable.
"Of course I am. It seems our guilds have similar tastes when it comes to recruitment, Adam," Mortheus replied, his voice calm but determined. "But don't worry, I don't intend to interfere with your plans. After all, each guild has its own methods."
Adam cast a suspicious glance at Mortheus but soon relaxed a bit. "Good to know you understand. You don't need to worry; I also don't plan to cause trouble. But remember, my dear Mortheus, in the city of Brulhart, power speaks louder."
Mortheus just smiled enigmatically. "We'll see about that. Good luck with your recruitment."
The two men continued exchanging looks for a few more seconds, each assessing the other for weaknesses. In the end, the leader of the Haven Shiny guild gave a respectful nod before walking away, leaving Mortheus with his thoughts.
As he walked away from Adam, Mortheus reflected: 'It's as if a weak guild like his could get their hands on talent of this caliber. What a naive boy. Will my superiors be willing to invest in a potential intermediate martial practitioner who already has a domain?'
Meanwhile, Adam was thinking to himself: 'Tsk, just because he has some power, he thinks he has an advantage over me. Every player has a price. I just have to offer an irresistible offer and Viper will be my loyal hunting dog, hahaha.' He eagerly awaited Liam to resolve his issues and leave the training field.
Liam headed to the shed where the reception was located and spotted Instructor Selene behind the counter, busy organizing some documents. With confident steps, he approached and handed over the magical scroll Garret had given him.
"Ah, Liam, back so soon?" Selene raised her eyes from the papers, a warm smile forming on her lips. However, when she took the scroll and started examining it, her expression changed to a mixture of surprise and admiration.
"Liam, did you... you do this?" Selene looked at him, her eyes widening, as she skimmed through the notes written on the scroll. "S+ in the speed challenge, S in the strength challenge, and S+ in the combat challenge... this is... incredible!"
Liam, now a little awkward with all the attention, scratched the back of his head. "Well, I just did my best, you know? I don't think it was that impressive..."
Selene shook her head, still processing the information before her. "You're being modest, Liam. These are exceptional grades, worthy of being the top beginner in the physical class of Brulhart!"
Selene's praise made Liam even more awkward, but at the same time, a proud smile began to form on his face. Maybe he really was better than he thought.
Selene looked at Liam proudly, her eyes shining with admiration. "You deserve more than just praise, Liam. Here is your certificate of completion of the initial physical class test." She handed him a document sealed with the symbol of the Brulhart academy.
"With this impressive grade, you have the right to choose a technique in the city's library. Your grades allow you to select any available technique, but remember, even if you learn the technique through skill transfer, mastering it will be a challenge in itself."
Liam took the certificate, his eyes shining with excitement. He could hardly believe that his skills had been recognized in this way. "Thank you very much, Instructor Selene. I'll head to the library immediately."
As soon as Liam turned around, a system notification appeared before his eyes, emitting a soft glow that contrasted with the training environment.
[MISSION COMPLETED]
[MISSION: PHYSICAL INITIATION - TRIPLE CHALLENGE]
[REWARD: XP: +300 | Unlocked Initial Ability]
[PERFORMANCE: S+]
[NOTE: Performance beyond expectations, receive the right to choose the ability.]
Liam smiled as he read the message, feeling a wave of satisfaction and accomplishment wash over him. He had finally completed his first mission, and with excellence.
With a firm step, Liam headed for the exit of the Brulhart Training Field, the smile lingering on his lips and the feeling of accomplishment pulsing in his chest. He was ready to face the next challenge with renewed confidence.
However, his plans were interrupted when an imposing man, wearing shiny golden armor, approached him with confident steps. His eyes gleamed with a determination that did not go unnoticed.
"Hello, my name is Adam Shiny," the man introduced himself with a voice brimming with authority. "Can we talk?"
Liam felt a mixture of surprise and curiosity being approached so suddenly but maintained his calm and polite demeanor. He nodded, ready to hear what Adam had to say.
Adam Shiny looked at Liam with a confident smile, displaying a posture that denoted leadership. "I am the leader of the renowned Haven Shiny Guild," he announced, his tone conveying an aura of authority and persuasion. "I am always on the lookout for talents like you, Liam. I can offer incredible opportunities for those willing to join us."
Liam was intrigued by the proposal but kept a neutral expression, pondering his options.
"I see," Liam replied carefully, choosing his words cautiously. "I appreciate the invitation, Mr. Shiny, but I have no idea what a guild is, and I already promised to play Beyond Realms with a friend, so maybe next time."
Upon hearing Liam's response, Adam Shiny arched an eyebrow in surprise, clearly not expecting to encounter someone so unaware of the guild world. However, he quickly regained his composure and offered a condescending smile.
"Well, my young friend, let me explain," Adam began, with forced patience. "A guild is a group of players who come together to achieve common goals within the game. In the Haven Shiny Guild, we offer not only a strong community but also significant financial benefits for our most promising members."
Liam listened attentively, his interest now piqued by the prospect of financial gains. He was aware of his own financial needs, and Adam's offer was tempting. However, he still hesitated to commit fully, especially when he had promised to play with his friend Oliver.
"I understand," Liam said, nodding thoughtfully. "Money would certainly be helpful. But I'm still not sure about joining a guild. I think I'll wait and talk to my friend before making a decision."
Adam, despite his superficial courtesy, couldn't hide his disappointment at Liam's refusal. His eyes sparkled with a hint of resentment, and his expression became somewhat petulant.
"Well, as you wish," he replied, a slight chill in his voice. "But know that this is an opportunity that does not come often. If you change your mind, I'll be around."
With that, Adam walked away from Liam, leaving him with a sense of ambiguity about the decision he had just made. As he watched the leader of the Haven Shiny Guild walk away, Liam couldn't help but wonder if he had made the right choice.
With his mind still wandering about Adam Shiny's offer and his decision to postpone a response, Liam set off towards the library. However, he soon realized that he had no idea where this place was within the city of Brulhart.
Walking along the main street, Liam decided to return to the square, where he had met Elara earlier. He knew she was a reliable source of information about the city and could help him find the right way.
Upon arriving at the square, Liam spotted Elara at her stall, tending to her goods with a warm smile on her face. He approached her with a friendly wave.
"Hello, Elara," greeted Liam, hoping not to bother her with his question. "I was looking for the city library. Could you tell me where it is?"
Elara raised her eyes to Liam, recognizing him immediately. Her smile widened even more at seeing him again. "Ah, Liam, it's a pleasure to see you again, young man! Of course, I can help you. The library is on the east side of the main square, across the fountain. You can't miss it, it's a large and imposing building. I hope you find what you're looking for there!"
With a sincere thank you, Liam followed Elara's directions and headed to the library. As he walked, he couldn't help but smile, remembering Elara's kindness and helpfulness, a comforting figure amidst the uncertainties of his new world.
As the sun began to set on the horizon, painting the sky with shades of orange and pink, Liam walked along the main street towards the library. The air was cool and pleasant, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the trees along the way, creating a tranquil and serene atmosphere.
Following Elara's instructions, Liam soon spotted the imposing building of the library in the distance. It was a majestic structure, with tall columns and large windows that reflected the rays of the setting sun. As he approached, he could observe intricate details in the architecture of the building, revealing its importance as a center of knowledge in the city of Brulhart.
Upon reaching the entrance of the library, Liam noticed two guards stationed at the doors, vigilant and alert. They watched carefully as everyone approached but did not seem to prevent anyone from entering. It was evident that their presence there was more for security than to bar visitors.
With a growing sense of anticipation, Liam entered the library's lobby. The interior was equally impressive, with huge shelves filled with books that stretched up to the high ceiling. Sunlight filtered through the windows, creating patterns of shadow and light that danced across the polished marble floor.
As Liam marveled at the beauty of the place, a smiling receptionist approached to greet him.
"Good afternoon, young man," said the receptionist with a warm voice. "Welcome to the Brulhart Library. How can I assist you today?"