Distant footsteps could be heard as two individuals trod down the path that many took.
Yet, for some reason, only these two currently walked it.
They wore contrasting attires, easily drawing the attention of the people around them. A few individuals even trailed behind them, maintaining their distance of course.
One or two of these people had been watching these two strangers from the moment they stepped into the city through the South Gate.
It wasn't strange for the Adventurers City to have guests or visitors, but something about these two made them stand out, and it wasn't just their well-made and pristine outfits.
They had a unique aura about them, and any veteran could tell just from a glance.
Whoever they were, the two were strong.
After walking for a while, they finally arrived at their destination—the only place strangers in the City would be interested in.
—The Adventurers Guild.
The place was a tall, massive building. It had at least five separate Floors, not counting the Ground Floor. It also had an intimidating aura about it to ward off those who were too weak-willed to take a bold step of faith.
This was the effect of an especially powerful Enchanted Item, so it wasn't news to see one or two fools attempt to join the ranks of Adventurers, only to piss themselves and run away scared.
Not everyone was cut out to be an Adventurer. The Item's effect was meant to prove that by exposing the frauds among those who wanted to give it a shot.
Only those who were truly cut out for the task could step into the Guild.
Usually, amused grins would be let out by spectating Adventurers, but no one said or did anything this time.
They already knew that these two were more than worthy to step in.
And yes, just like that… they both walked into the Adventurers Guild without any issue whatsoever. Though the duo didn't realize this, they had already passed the first test of the Adventurers City.
Whether they would be able to overcome the next hurdle, however, was yet to be decided.
********
Burke was a frustrated woman who worked in an equally frustrating place.
The loud noise generated by the Adventurers who occupied the pub upstairs could be heard even in the Reception, which was practically the whole of the Ground Floor.
She, among about a dozen others, stood behind desks as they waited to be approached by Adventurers and Clients.
Opposite where their desks were situated was the 'Big Board', as it was called by the Adventurers, where the available Quests would be displayed.
If an Adventurer was interested in a Quest, they only needed to identify the Quest Number and register their names and badges with any of the Receptionists in order for their acceptance of the mission to be officially recognized by the Guild.
This way, once they were done with the Quests, they could obtain their reward straight from the Guild without any issues.
There was also a time limit given, for accountability, so if an Adventurer registered for a Quest and was unable to complete it within the specified period, they would be penalized.
Of course, as was the nature of humans, many tried to bypass this hurdle by starting a Quest and only registering their acceptance when they were almost done completing it, or when they were already done.
While a few got away with it using this method, most could not. This was because each Quest had an entry limit, and as such once the limit was reached, no one could register their acceptance.
Several stories had been told of Adventurers who tried to play smart with the system, but ended up working for free due to being too late to accept a Quest after doing most of the work beforehand.
The lesson here was to do things the proper way to avoid any complications, and that was what most Adventurers in the upper ranks did.
Only scramblers in the lower ranks resorted to such underhanded means.
Burke mulled over all of this information she already knew as she sighed internally. She had a slight frown on her face, which she quickly corrected so that her face wouldn't age too quickly.
For some time now, the lady had been making sure to pay close attention to her appearance—especially since she wasn't getting any younger.
Burke was in her mid-thirties, but one glance at her would make you think she was in her twenties. That was the wonder that Enchanted Items and a lot of skincare could do.
Her goal was simple—one day marry a strong man who would take care of her and not allow her to work for the rest of her life.
Workers of the Adventurers Guild met with strong people all the time, which was why she chose this career path, but after working here for over ten years now, Burke found herself regretting that decision.
'These Adventurers are too crass. Other than a few exceptions, they're ruffians!'
None of them were gentlemen who could treat a woman right. Even those who were gentlemen weren't the type who supported her dream of perpetual retirement.
Pretty much every Adventurer she met and had an interest in thought that their partner had to work somehow. Their line of reasoning made sense, considering how there were tons of female Adventurers who were in the City.
Burke couldn't accept it, though.
'Women should just be pretty and stay at home, while the men work and protect them!'
That was her philosophy, and it remained unchanged despite how long she had spent in the Adventurers City.
Her mindset only did her a disservice, though.
No veteran desired her, as most of them sought after strong women who would understand the rigors of being an Adventurer.
The only Adventurers who paid her any attention were new and inexperienced Adventurers who didn't have a penny to their name. They couldn't even take care of themselves; talk less of a non-working partner.
In the end, she felt trapped somehow.
"… Excuse me, Miss."
The deep voice of a man in front woke Burke from her thoughts, and so she lifted her gaze to attend to the next customer.
Unknown to her, this one encounter would change her life forever.