Rylan jolted awake, his heart pounding fiercely against his chest, as if trying to break free from the nightmare that had gripped him. Beads of sweat dotted his brow, his breath ragged as he struggled to shake off the lingering tendrils of the dream that had haunted his sleep.
He sat up in bed, the sheets twisted around his legs, feeling like chains binding him to the memories of his past. Running a hand through his long hair, he secured it with a pin at the back, a simple ritual that helped ground him in the present. His emerald green eyes, usually bright with determination, now held a shadow of the fear that had plagued his dreams.
With a heavy sigh, he slowly swung his legs over the edge of the bed and stood up, the cool floor sending a shiver through his bare skin. He reached for his shirt, fingers trembling slightly as he pulled it on, the fabric clinging to his chest. Buttoning it up quickly, he tried to push aside the memories that threatened to overwhelm him.
Walking to the window, Rylan gazed out at Justice Haven, the city that had become his home. It sprawled out before him, a mesmerizing blend of towering skyscrapers and shimmering magic. Hovering platforms zipped through the air, while neon signs pulsed with energy, casting colorful reflections on the streets below.
As he watched, a sense of unease washed over him, the weight of his past bearing down on his shoulders like a burden too heavy to bear. But he couldn't dwell on it now, not when there was work to be done, a world to navigate. With a determined expression, he quickly turned away from the window and began to dress, his movements brisk and purposeful.
Grabbing his jacket from a nearby chair, he slung it over his shoulder and made his way to the door. Stepping out into the bustling streets of the city.
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*
Walking through the bustling streets of Justice Haven, the city alive with the hum of magic and technology intertwined. The neon lights from enchanted signs flickered overhead, casting an ever-changing kaleidoscope of colors onto the polished stone pathways. As he navigated the crowd, his destination loomed in the distance: the Adventurers Guild, a towering structure that seemed to pulse with arcane energy.
Pausing at a quiet corner, Rylan snapped his fingers. Instantly, a translucent screen materialized before him, glowing softly in the morning light. A soothing, feminine voice greeted him, "Welcome, Rylan Maxwell."
He scanned the display, his eyes quickly finding his stats. The familiar numbers stared back at him: Level 5. Healing Power: Weak. He felt a pang of disappointment, his chest tightening. Despite his best efforts, progress had been slow, and his healing abilities remained frustratingly underdeveloped. He could barely heal a headache, let alone a serious wound.
Shaking off the momentary dismay, he quickly dismissed the screen with another snap before it could be seen by someone passing by , at least to avoid being mocked .
The holographic display dissolved into thin air, leaving him alone with his thoughts. As he continued toward the guild, a mischievous grin spread across his face. Who cared about being a legendary adventurer? All he needed was enough quest money to pay his bills. The rest of the heroics could be left to those who had the strength and skills for it.
The Adventurers Guild stood at the heart of Justice Haven, its grand entrance flanked by statues of legendary heroes from ages past. Rylan pushed open the heavy, ornate doors, stepping into a vast hall bustling with activity. Adventurers of all kinds filled the space, from seasoned warriors clad in gleaming armor to mages draped in flowing robes, their eyes alight with the promise of new quests.
Slowly approaching the registration desk, a large wooden counter adorned with intricate carvings depicting epic battles. A friendly receptionist, a young woman with bright eyes and a welcoming smile, greeted him.
"Good morning! How can I assist you today?"
"I'd like to register as an adventurer," Rylan replied, his voice steady despite the flutter of nerves in his stomach.
"Of course! I'll just need some basic information and a quick assessment of your current abilities." She handed him a sleek tablet, its surface shimmering with magical runes.
Rylan filled out the required details, handing the tablet back. The receptionist glanced at the screen, her expression professional. "Alright, Mr. Maxwell. Your current level is 5, and your primary power is healing. It's a bit weak, but with the right quests and training, you'll improve in no time."
He nodded, appreciating her encouragement but still feeling the weight of his limitations. The receptionist scanned a small crystal, which glowed briefly before she handed it to Rylan.
"This is your guild badge. It will track your progress and grant you access to guild resources. Welcome to the Adventurers Guild, Rylan Maxwell."
Rylan, gladly accepting the badge, the cool surface warming slightly in his hand. He clipped it to his jacket, his mischievous grin returning. Despite his current status, he was now an official adventurer, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead—or at least earn enough to cover his rent.
Just as he was about to leave the guild, he paused. His mischievous grin faded into a look of curiosity as he overheard a group of adventurers talking animatedly nearby.
"Did you hear? The hero candidate selection is happening at the royal capital in three months!" one of the adventurers, a burly man with a scar across his cheek, exclaimed.
"Yeah, I heard about that," another, a woman with a large sword strapped to her back, replied. "Only registered adventurers with experience can participate. It's a huge deal."
Rylan's interest piqued. Hero candidate selection? He leaned against the wall, pretending to adjust his boot while listening intently.
"Do you really think any of us have a shot?" a younger adventurer asked, his voice tinged with doubt.
The burly man laughed. "Maybe not, but it's worth trying. Imagine being chosen! The one who passes the tests gets blessed with tremendous powers by the Seven Gods of Heaven. It's a chance to become a true hero."
The woman nodded. "It's not just about the power, though. Being selected means fame, fortune, and respect. Every adventurer dreams of it."
His mind raced. Tremendous powers? Fame and fortune? That sounded much more interesting than just paying his bills. He straightened up, his mischievous grin returning.
Maybe, just maybe, his weak healing power could become something more. The thought of participating in such a grand event was thrilling. If he could somehow gain more experience and qualify, he could turn his life around.
With a newfound determination, he walked out of the guild, his mind already plotting how to gather the necessary experience. He might not be a strong adventurer now, but in three months, he could be standing at the royal capital, ready to be chosen as a hero candidate.
" hahahaha " he laughed before walking outside , attracting weird looks from other adventurers.