Early the next day before sunrise, Adam and his new friend, Raj left the residence area to the compound of the Devrik merchant guild. The compound had many buildings, with a big one that looked like a palace at the eastern end the main building where the guild leader resided.
The duo reached the gate at the Northwest area, which was close to where they were going. This gate was gigantic. It was twelve feet nine in length and sixteen feet in width. They were immediately stopped by two guards, dressed in black leather armor while wielding spears. They were guards in the guild. There was nothing special about them though.
The burly man standing by the right stretched his right hand forward indicating for Adam and Raj to stop. He then said:"Stop right there! This is a restricted entrance area for only members Show me your Identity token before going through."
The guard looked like he was a normal person, but Adam subconsciously felt his killing intent. Raj felt a chill run down his spine. This was the first time he experienced something like this. The Northwest gate was secluded area with a lot of restrictions that most offences are punishable by death. But the person who they wanted to meet could only be met by following this area.
Raj took in cold air before speaking in his usual tone with a smiley face:"My group leader leaves here at Verillia building. He wants to meet our newest recruit. As for identification token, only I have one, but my privileges allows me to bring him with me. Have a look." Raj said as he brought out a circular golden plate with the Devrik Coat of arms engraved on it.
The two guards, however, were overwhelmed when they saw the identification token. It was an authentic token for an unprecedented class. After closer inspection, the othe guard decided to speak up:"We are deeply sorry for causing you trouble, my lord. You can go in, my lord."
The guards opened the gate for both Raj and Adam, who walked in like he didn't see anything. Je also looked at the guard with a deadly gaze, which terrified the burly man even more.
Adam was taken to the Verillia building, which was the fortieth and largest building in this sector.
'According to Raj, the guild have ranking. Wood tokens signifies novice sales merchants. Those people don't have any say in the faction and have a lot of restrictions. Then the bronze token which signifies the rank of outer members like the guards and the workers. The silver token for the inner members such as the guild's mercenaries and main combatants. The gold token were for the lords in the faction, bestowed upon those with good skills that promote profit. Then there is the jade token, held only by the excecutives of the guild. What role am I to play in the guild?' Adam thought as they made their way to the building.
After arriving at the building, a servant guided them to the executive's office. The executive was an old-looking man, with grey hair, frail skin and dark circles around his eyes. He looked like someone at death's door.
Raj and Adam entered his office while greeting the old man. Adam felt a weird aura permeating the old man's frail body. It was righteous and beautiful. He was a mortal, but he was powerful.
The old man scrutinized Adam for a while before showing a weak smile. He felt like a boulder was just lifted off his back. He then asked:"Aries. That's your name, right?"
"Yes, you're correct your Excellency. I'm Aries." Adam answered with no fear. He didn't know what to do in this event, so playing along sometimes helps.
The old man looked at Adam's body again. Unlike his real body, this body was useless, but could be trained due to its weird physique.
"Your body is perfect for combat, but it is still weak. I want you to choose between being a merchant or being a soldier. No matter what you choose, you'll be given a high position and trained by veterans. What do you think?" The old man proposed.
One had to know that executives aren't the type to poach people. Unless they are valuable to the mysterious guild leader.
'This might be the chance for me to learn true combat. Although war and battles are different in reality, the past methods could be useful at some point. That bastard said I was weak and should become strong and worthy. If I become a merchant, that would mean I lost the event. And if I become a soldier, I'll gain experience. Soldier it is then ' Adam pondered for a while. He was analyzing his options carefully. He didn't want to die in real life, that's if he can pass, so his choices would determine his path.
"I shall be a soldier. I don't want to travel all around selling goods. I want to fight and not be a coward." Adam made his decision. His decision shaked Raj. He never expected Adam to choose that path. Meanwhile, the old man smiled while grinning from esr to ear. He was a warrior during his pesk,so how wouldn't he love this young man's view of things.
"Alright! I shall tell the guild leader about this. He would like to bring out your potential personally. But no one has ever been trained by the guild leader before. This means you'll have to prove yourself first. I shall invite our top experts, and a drill instructor. From now on, you'll leave inside the guild, in my residence to be precise. I have a good training ground for you."
Adam wasn't shocked at all. He knew from some things he'd encountered that Aries wasn't someone ordinary. He was talented, wise, brave and courageous. If he could complete this event, he would understand Aries even better.
Adam stayed behind, while Raj left for work. It would be a very long time before they meet again.
Adam soon began his training. He would start with his physique tempering for a year until he achieved a perfect build, then he would learn how to wield weapons.
Adam spent a year and six months training, but he wasn't anywhere near. He learnt a great deal from these experts that he knew how to use any weapon, but he wasn't satisfied.
On a gloomy day, Adam sat on the floor of the training ground. The war between Lyriel Religion and the resistance had begun, with it reaching a heated stage.
In Aries's story, the Lyriel religion was more of a demonic devil cult that defiled the name of the God of this place, the forgotten god. The Lyriel religion worshipped a crazy sorcerer and fought his battles. Many died to his tyranny, and some perished from starvation caused by him. Mortals ate their kind to survive.