Kingsport looked nothing like Max had ever imagined. The busy streets of Kingsport were filled with magic. Tall, ancient stone buildings with ivy-covered walls lined the cobblestone streets, they looked like those big towns in one of those MMOs he played in his old world.
The town itself was alive with magic. People of all ages could be seen flying on broomsticks, rushing to somewhere. Some floated effortlessly, carried by invisible magic. Random people on the streets did magic themselves, like lighting lanterns with a flick of their fingers or casting a gentle breeze to cool themselves.
The biggest building stood tall in the heart of Kingsport, with towering spires and an interesting design that took Max's breath away.
"What is that building?" Max looked in awe.
"That Magic Academy!" Boorg said while Piggy sniffed the surrounding area.
"There is an academy for magic?" Max looked dumbfounded.
"Yes!" Boorg said, proud that he knew something that Max didn't know.
Max who was unaware of the academy's existence until now, felt thousands of emotions pouring down on him. "I wonder what they learn there," he said loud.
"Magic! They learn magic!" Boorg stood there again proud of his knowledge.
Shops and stalls were filled with magical artifacts and potions, their vibrant colors and mystical magic drew the attention of everyone passing by, especially Max. Street performers entertained crowds with a mix of acrobatics and magic, from summoning elemental creatures to creating illusions on a handstand.
For a moment there, Max was completely lost. He felt as if he entered yet another world, it felt completely different than anything else he had seen so far. He forgot why he came here in the first place. "Merlin!" he yelled slapping himself on his forehead. "I completely forgot I have to find him."
"Boorg help!"
"Let's find a tavern," Max said. "We should find all the information we need there."
They made their way through the market squares, past fountains that spout enchanted water, and gardens where flowers bloomed in impossible colors.
Eventually, a building that seemed promising stood in front of them. As they entered, Max and Boorg were welcomed by the warm glow of lanterns and the lively chatter of people inside. The place was filled with humans and non-humans, but now that they stood in the midst of it, it was clear that it also served as an adventurers' guild, judging by the variety of maps, weapons, and quest posters displayed on the walls.
After finding a table, they sat down and Max scanned their surroundings. He looked over the room, noticing groups of people discussing quests and sharing stories. He hoped to listen to someone mentioning Merlin, or he will need to ask someone to get a lead and find that bald fuck.
A dwarf with a big, black beard, sat at a nearby table and bent over a map with a group of other adventurers. On their left side, a woman in a light, blue, shimmering cloak was engaged in a heated discussion with a bartender.
"Boorg, let's try asking that dwarf," Max suggested, nodding towards the table. He met those three dwarves a long time ago, they were friendly enough, so maybe this one will as well. "Shit, I can't remember their names, maybe this dwarf knows them," Max thought.
They approached the dwarf, interrupting his conversation. "Excuse me," Max said, "we're looking for someone named Merlin. Do you know where we might find him?"
The dwarf looked up, his gaze thoughtful. "Merlin, huh? There is only one guy with a name like that around these parts. Ask the Guildmaster. I don't have time to give directions now."
"Where can we find the Guildmaster?" Max asked, scratching his head.
The dwarf pointed to a door at the back of the tavern marked "Guildmaster." "Use your eyes, idiot. And knock first; he's a busy man."
Max thanked him and they made their way to the door and knocked. After a moment, they were admitted into a small, neatly organized office. The Guildmaster, a tall man with a neatly trimmed beard, looked up from his desk.
"How can I assist you?" he asked, trying to read them.
"We're searching for Merlin," Max said. "We were told you might help us."
The Guildmaster's expression changed, Max couldn't read him. "Merlin, you say? He's not easy to find. If he's around, he tends to stay hidden. There's a part of the city in the north, he sometimes spends his time there. Most of the time we don't even know where he is, but today you're in luck guys."
"You know where Merlin is?"
"Yes," the guildmaster responded. "A few weeks ago, there was a demon attack in a nearby city, I don't know if you heard."
"Boorg smashed demons!" Boorg joined the conversation.
"You were there?" guildmaster looked surprised.
"Yes, we defended the city," Max said through his teeth because they didn't know that he was the one who technically opened the portal.
"Impressive work for someone so young," the guildmaster said while looking at Max. "You look tough, I don't think you had any trouble, big guy," he laughed.
Boorg laughed back. "No problem, Boorg smash!"
"Well, after that," the guildmaster continued, "Merlin returned here, we talked about the attack and if some necessary steps need to be taken when he received a letter."
"A letter?" Max asked.
"Yes, a letter. I can't go into details, it was from the king himself, just it is about some new heroes," he smirked.
"Oh, yeah, new heroes were summoned about a year ago," Max said.
"How do you know that?" the guildmaster said, looking peaceful. Then suddenly, he kicked the table at Max, two seconds later Boorg groaned in pain next to him on the floor, while a blade was under Max's throat. "And tell me fast, are you perhaps a spy for the Demon Lord?"
"No, no!" Max yelled afraid. "I am one of the heroes that were summoned!"
"You? One of the heroes?" the guildmaster looked at Max. "Well why didn't you say so?" he smiled. "Come, big guy, let me help you stand up, Isidora!" he yelled, seconds later an elf came in. "Please take this big guy and heal him, give him something to eat and drink he deserves it, and bring some food here also."
"I'm not your slave," she said in a cold tone, she looked scary.
"Ha-Ha-HA!" the guildmaster laughed. "You're always up for jokes! I love that about you. Close the door behind you, my guest and I have something serious to talk about. Some serious topics."
The door closed, leaving Max alone with the guildmaster.
"Let me be clear," the guildmaster said, "I still don't fully trust you, but with this one question, you can earn my trust."
Max sat covered in sweat. "What is he going to ask me?" he wondered.
"What level, are you?"
"You know about levels?" Max asked.
"Don't answer my question with another question, give me the answer."
"23."
"Only 23???? What have you been doing all this time? Sleeping?" the guildmaster looked surprised.
"It is hard to level up! I'm more of a pacifist!" Max said.
"My God, Merlin leveled up to 50 in his first week here, and it took you one year to get to 23!"
"How do you know so much about levels and Merlin?" Max repeated his question.
"I was Merlin's companion back in the day," the guildmaster said with a smile on his face.
"And where is he now?"
"He told me that he got a letter from the king, telling him that a new hero mage should've arrived a long time ago, they had just forgotten to send a letter, they remembered now after almost a year. And because you never arrived, he went searching for you, hoping to find you still alive! What took you so long?"
"It is a long journey, and I had many stops," Max answered.
"You know that the Demon Lord is waking up and you decided to take your sweet time," the guildmaster chuckled. "You are a funny one. I remember when we fought the Demon Lord many years ago, it was incredible."
"This guy fought the Demon Lord? He must be very powerful," Max thought.
"Well, anyways," the guildmaster continued, "I will try and contact Merlin that you arrived. Until then, you can do some quests for the guild, it will help you level up, I will give you some very easy ones so you don't get hurt. How does that sound?" the guildmaster gave a sincere smile to Max.
"That sounds perfect, thank you, sir," Max tried to be polite.
"Oh, I didn't even introduce myself. My name is X, I am the guildmaster and until Merlin comes, you will be under my protection."
"Thank you, X, that is a unique name. My name is Max!"
"I know, I know it is weird, but that's what I was named and I like it," X said. "Well, go out rest, eat something, drink, and tomorrow, we will talk about work."
"Thank you once again," Max said and left the room.