After leaving the palace, I started heading deeper into the bustling city of Elaria. I removed my mask, feeling the cool breeze on my face, and began to explore. The city was immense, at least ten times the size of my hometown, with luxurious shops lining the streets. Everything looked so grand and opulent, a stark contrast to what I was used to.
Feeling hungry, I decided to try out one of the elegant restaurants. As I entered, a waiter approached me, presenting the menu. I was stunned by the prices; they were exorbitant, far beyond what I could afford with my limited money. Disheartened, I left the restaurant and continued my exploration.
As I roamed, I noticed a large building bustling with people who looked like seasoned warriors. Curious, I asked Shadow about it.
"This seems to be an adventurer's guild," Shadow explained. "It's a place where people take on various jobs and receive rewards. It could be a good opportunity to gain some experience and earn money."
I considered his words, reminded of the limited time I had before needing to return home. But the allure of adventure was too strong. "Just for some fun," I convinced Shadow. He reluctantly agreed, and I entered the guild hall.
The hall was vast, filled with adventurers chatting and planning their next quests. I walked up to the counter where a beautiful receptionist was busy with her work.
"Hello," I greeted her.
"Oh, hello, sir. How may I help you?" she asked with a friendly smile.
"I'm looking for a job. I need to earn some coins," I replied.
"Are you a traveler, sir? I haven't seen you around here before."
"Yes, I am."
"In that case, are you planning to leave the city soon? If so, I have a suitable job for you. We need someone to escort a group of people through the forest monster zone. The payment will be made directly to you upon completion, so you won't need to return here."
"That sounds perfect. I was planning to head back to my hometown anyway, so escorting would be ideal."
"Excellent, sir. The group will arrive here in about an hour. You will join some other adventurers for the task. Are you okay with that?"
"Yes, I have no problem with it."
"Great. I'll just need to write down your name. What is it, sir?"
"Aric," I replied.
"Alright, Aric. This is your guild card. Show it to your clients, and you'll be their escort."
"Thank you," I said, taking the card. I bid her goodbye and had an hour to kill before meeting up with the escort team. I used the time to roam the city once more, taking in its sights and sounds, marveling at its grandeur.
As the hour drew to a close, I headed back to the guild. Outside, I saw a group of people getting ready with carriages and carts. They were clearly preparing for the journey. I approached them, showing my guild card.
One of the adventurers, a burly man with a friendly demeanor, nodded at me. "You must be Aric. Welcome to the team. We're about to set off. Let's make sure everyone gets to their destination safely."
I nodded, ready for the task ahead. The journey would not only be an opportunity to earn some coins but also a chance to experience the challenges and camaraderie of being an adventurer. And who knows, it might even help me grow stronger for the trials that lay ahead.
We set off with our small team of adventurers: a burly, middle-aged man with a white beard named Baku, who seemed experienced and friendly; a young, arrogant youth with crimson hair named Rio, who carried himself with an air of indifference; a strong and silent black-haired guy named Leon; and lastly, a beautiful girl with a nonchalant personality and crimson hair named Vienna. I was the youngest at 14, while the rest rode horses, I was in the carriage, chatting with the merchant we were escorting.
The merchant, contrary to my expectations, was a friendly and amiable man. I had always imagined merchants to be somewhat arrogant, but he was different. He traveled with a few servants, and I was tasked with safeguarding the carriage, so I stayed inside, engaging in conversation with him.
"Thank you for taking this job," the merchant said with a warm smile. "It's not often we find such young and eager adventurers."
I nodded. "It's my pleasure. I'm always looking for new experiences and ways to help."
He chuckled. "That's a good attitude to have. This road can be dangerous, especially with the recent increase in monster activity."
I glanced outside, where the others rode alongside the carriage. Baku, the leader of our group, was keeping a close eye on the surroundings. Despite his age, his posture was alert and ready. Rio rode with a bored expression, occasionally tossing glances at the forest with a slight sneer. Leon remained stoic, his eyes scanning the horizon for any signs of trouble. Vienna, on the other hand, seemed relaxed, her expression unreadable as she occasionally looked back at the carriage.
"How long have you been a merchant?" I asked, trying to keep the conversation going.
"Oh, for many years," the merchant replied. "I've seen many things and traveled to many places. Each journey is an adventure in itself."
I smiled, appreciating his perspective. "I hope this journey will be a safe one."
"With you and your team here, I'm confident it will be," he said reassuringly.
As we traveled, the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the landscape. The forest around us grew denser, and the sounds of nocturnal creatures started to fill the air. Baku signaled for a brief stop to check the surroundings.
"Everyone stay alert," Baku ordered as he dismounted. "We're entering a more dangerous part of the forest."
Rio rolled his eyes but complied, while Leon simply nodded. Vienna glanced around with mild interest, her hand resting casually on the hilt of her sword.
The journey through the forest continued without major incidents. The monsters we encountered were relatively weak—mostly goblins, wolves, and a few low-class orcs. My team handled them efficiently, leaving me to stay in the carriage. Their skill and coordination were impressive, and I felt reassured by their presence.
As night fell, Baku called for a stop. We set up camp in a designated safe zone, a small clearing surrounded by thick trees. The merchant and his servants quickly prepared their tents, while we adventurers set up our own makeshift shelters.