The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, golden hue over the bustling town of Silverwood. Held Bernhard, a young boy with a fierce determination in his eyes, stood at the entrance of the town. His red t-shirt, bright against the muted tones of his light leather armor, caught the last rays of sunlight. Black pants and sturdy boots completed his practical outfit, while a small adventurer's backpack rested on his shoulders. A dagger, its hilt well-worn, hung confidently at his hip.
As I stood there, heart racing with excitement, I could hardly believe the moment had finally arrived. The grandeur of Silverwood stretched before me, a vibrant hub where traders and adventurers from all corners of the land converged. "This is it—the moment I've been waiting for," I thought, my eyes wide with awe. "The guard's armor is so impressive! It's like something straight out of a storybook." Despite the twist of nerves in my stomach, the thrill of stepping into this new world pushed them aside. "Wow, this is actually happening. I'm about to dive into a world of adventure!"
The guard, stationed at the town's entrance, stood tall and imposing. His full suit of gleaming armor, from the broad steel-plated chestplate to the plume-topped helmet, radiated authority. A sturdy sword was sheathed at his hip, and his vigilant gaze surveyed all who passed through the gates.
As I approached, the guard's eyes fell on me. His scrutinizing gaze held a mixture of curiosity and skepticism. "What's your business in Silverwood, lad?" he asked, his voice a gruff rumble that carried an underlying note of curiosity.
I squared my shoulders, trying to appear as confident as I felt. "I'm here to start my journey as an adventurer!" I declared, my voice brimming with enthusiasm. The excitement of the moment made my heart race, but I kept my smile steady. "I've trained hard for this. I'm ready for whatever comes my way."
The guard raised an eyebrow, his gaze lingering on my modest gear. I could almost see him weighing my words against my appearance. "You're quite young to be setting out on such a path. Do you have the skills needed for adventuring?"
I didn't let my smile falter. "I've been preparing for years. I'm ready for this adventure," I said firmly. My training had been rigorous, and I wanted him to see that I was more than just a boy with dreams.
The guard studied me for a moment longer, then nodded approvingly. A hint of a smile softened his stern features. "Well then, good luck to you. May your journey be safe and your adventures fruitful."
My heart swelled with a mix of relief and pride. "That was amazing!" I thought, a grin spreading across my face. "The guard's armor was so cool, and his approval felt like a real boost." As I turned to join the merchant caravan waiting at the edge of town, I felt a surge of pride and excitement. It was like I was finally stepping into the epic world I had always dreamed of, and the adventure was just beginning.
As I approached the mission board, I was momentarily lost in thought. The board was covered in an array of quests, each one a potential doorway to new experiences and challenges. The thought of embarking on these adventures, of proving myself in this new world, was both thrilling and daunting.
I didn't notice the female attendant at the counter observing me until she spoke. Her presence was a welcome reminder of the guild's structured nature amidst the chaos of the bustling hall. She was a young woman with an air of efficiency about her, dressed in a neat uniform adorned with a badge that marked her as part of the guild staff. Her gaze was keen, taking in my appearance with a professional assessment.
Her voice, gentle yet firm, cut through my thoughts. "Excuse me," she said. "I couldn't help but notice you seem quite new here. Have you decided on a quest yet?"
The question jolted me back to the present. I turned to her, feeling a mix of eagerness and nervousness. "Not yet," I replied, my voice reflecting my anticipation. "I'm just getting a feel for what's available. I'm eager to get started."
Her gaze lingered on me with a blend of curiosity and assessment. "I'm May, by the way. I handle quest registrations and assist new adventurers like yourself."
I felt a flush of embarrassment as I realized I had overlooked this crucial step. "Oh, hi May. I'm Held Bernhard. I'm here to become the strongest adventurer and a hero! Well, at least that's the plan. Right now, I'm still figuring things out."
May's expression softened, and she offered a reassuring smile. "No worries, Held. It's a standard procedure for all new adventurers. Let's get you registered so you can start on a quest."
She gestured for me to follow and led me to the registration counter. The area was marked by a large, polished desk, behind which sat an orb-like crystal on a pedestal. The crystal's surface was smooth and reflective, catching the soft glow of the lanterns around us. It was a deep, translucent blue, with faint, swirling patterns of light that seemed to move of their own accord.
"This," May explained, her fingers pointing to the crystal, "is a mana evaluation crystal. We use it to assess the strength of your magical abilities. Just place your hands on the crystal and channel your mana into it."
I felt my heart race with a mix of nervousness and excitement. I approached the crystal, taking in its otherworldly glow. "Alright, Held, this is it. All those years of training come down to this moment." I placed my hands on the smooth surface, feeling the coolness of the crystal beneath my fingertips. Closing my eyes, I focused inward, drawing upon the well of mana that I had worked so hard to cultivate. The crystal began to glow, and I felt a surge of energy flow from me into the orb. "Come on, show them what you've got."
May's eyes widened as she observed the crystal's glow intensify. "That's impressive," she remarked, her voice tinged with surprise. "You have quite a strong output of mana."
A wave of relief washed over me at her words. "Thank the stars. At least I'm not starting off as a total weakling." I could feel a small smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. "This is just the beginning. There's so much more I need to prove, but for now... this is a good start."
My face lit up with pride. "Thank you. I've been training hard."
May nodded, regaining her composure. "While your mana strength is noteworthy, every new adventurer starts at Rank F. This means you'll only be eligible for missions classified as Rank F to E. As you gain experience and prove your abilities, you can advance to higher ranks."
I nodded, accepting the information. "Understood. I'm ready to start wherever I need to."
May smiled and began the formalities of registering me. After a few minutes, she handed me a small badge with the Rank F insignia. "Welcome to the Adventurer's Guild, Held Bernhard. Your journey starts now. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to ask."
I accepted the small badge she handed me, my gaze shifting to the badge with a sense of accomplishment. "Rank F... well, it's not much, but it's something. It's the first step on a long road." I pinned the badge to my chest, feeling a surge of determination. "No more doubts. No more second-guessing. This is where my story truly begins."
With the registration complete, I glanced over the mission board, scanning the array of available quests. Most were beyond my current rank, but one particular quest caught my eye—a Rank F assignment. "This looks perfect," I thought, feeling a surge of excitement. "It's a Begginers Quest, and I can start right away."
Without hesitation, I chose the quest and handed it to May at the counter.
May glanced at Held with a friendly, reassuring smile as she explained the Begginers Quest. Her tone was warm and encouraging.
"This quest is a great way to begin," she said, handing him a small, neatly quest package. "It's a series of tasks around Silverwood, perfect for a newbie adventurer like yourself. Your first job is to take this package to a merchant who runs a weaponsmith shop not far from here. It's just a short walk."
She paused to make sure Held was following along, then continued with a twinkle in her eye. "Once you complete that quest, you'll get more tasks. Each quest will take you to different places around town. It's a fantastic opportunity to explore Silverwood and meet its residents."
May gestured towards the bustling street outside the lodge, her hand sweeping in a broad arc. "You'll get to see various parts of the town, and you might even stumble upon some interesting characters or hidden spots. It's not just about quest; it's about getting familiar with the place and its people."
Held's eyes lit up with enthusiasm as he absorbed the details. He nodded with a determined look. "Got it, May. I'll make sure to complete each quest and take the time to explore."
May's smile grew even warmer as she patted him on the shoulder. "That's the spirit! Good luck with your deliveries, Held. And remember, if you run into any trouble or need more information, just come back here. I'll be around."
Held returned her smile, feeling a sense of excitement and readiness. "Thanks, May. I'll be back with stories to tell."
As Held left the adventurer's guild, May watched him go with a mixture of pride and hope, knowing he was taking his first steps into the wider world of adventuring.
With that, I stepped out into the bustling streets of Silverwood, eager to find the merchant who had made the request. The town was alive with activity, its streets teeming with people from all walks of life. The sun was already high, casting a warm glow over the cobblestone roads and the colorful array of market stalls.
With the quest slip clutched in my hand, I navigated through the winding streets, glancing at the names of shops and listening to the lively chatter around me. The town was larger and more intricate than I'd expected, with its twisting alleys and hidden nooks making it easy to lose my way. "This place is like a labyrinth," I thought, my eyes scanning the unfamiliar surroundings.
After some time, I finally spotted the sign I'd been searching for—a hammer and anvil, marking the shop of the weaponsmith who had placed the request. Relieved, I approached the small, well-kept building, feeling a surge of excitement. This was my first real task as an adventurer, and I was determined to make a good impression.
Inside, the shop was a treasure trove of finely crafted weapons. Shelves displayed gleaming swords, intricate daggers, and various other tools of the trade. The scent of iron and leather mixed with the faint aroma of oil, creating an ambiance that spoke of craftsmanship and dedication. Behind the counter stood a dwarf, who exuded the essence of a seasoned weaponsmith.
The dwarf had a robust, stocky build and a long, white beard that reached his chest. His white hair, tangled and unkempt, peeked out from beneath a simple leather cap. He wore a worn white t-shirt stained with the marks of many long days at the forge and a leather apron bearing the scars of countless hours spent crafting weapons. His hands were protected by well-used leather gloves, their fingers showing signs of repeated contact with hot metal.
As I entered, the dwarf looked up from his workbench with a warm, welcoming smile. "Ah, you must be the adventurer who took the quest. I've been expecting you."
I nodded eagerly. "Yes, that's me. I'm here for the quest from you."
The dwarf's welcoming smile broadened as I confirmed I was there for the quest. "Well then, it's good to have you here, lad," he said, his voice carrying a deep, hearty tone. "The name's Grom Ironbelly, master weaponsmith and purveyor of fine arms. And you are?"
"Held Bernhard," I replied, offering a small bow out of respect. It felt important to make a good first impression, especially since this was my first real task as an adventurer. The name Grom Ironbelly rang with a sense of authority; clearly, he was a figure of importance in this town, and someone I could learn a great deal from.
"Held, eh? Strong name for an adventurer. You'll do just fine," Grom said, nodding approvingly. He leaned back slightly, his gloved hands resting on the counter. "Now, let's get down to business. This quest isn't just any simple task—it's the first step in preparing you for the challenges ahead. Consider it an introduction to what being an adventurer is all about."
I straightened up, sensing that what he was about to tell me was vital. The shop's warm light flickered off the polished weapons on display, adding a sense of gravity to Grom's words.
"The beginner's quest is designed to get you familiar with the basics," Grom began, his tone serious. "It's not just about fighting monsters or swinging a sword around—no, it's about understanding the world around you, gathering materials, and forging the tools that will keep you alive out there."
He reached under the counter and pulled out a small, rolled-up map, much like the one I had seen adventurers carrying around town. As he unfurled it, I noticed it was marked with various locations, each one representing a potential task or resource.
"Your first task," Grom continued, pointing to a spot on the western side of the map, "is to head over to the lumber shop, run by a fellow named Borin. He's the one who supplies me with the wood I need for my work. I need you to gather some quality lumber for me—something that'll hold up when I forge it into a weapon. This part of the quest is crucial because it'll teach you how to source materials. A good adventurer isn't just strong; they're resourceful."
I nodded, absorbing every word. This was more than just a fetch quest; it was about understanding the importance of each component that went into making a weapon. The idea that I would be gathering the materials that would one day be used to forge something felt empowering, like I was contributing to something greater than myself.
"Once you've completed the lumber quest," Grom said, tapping the map again, this time on a location near the entrance to the west side of Silverwood, "you'll head over to the miner's shop. It's run by old Taron Stonefist, a gruff but reliable sort. You'll be gathering some stone from him, and just like the wood, it'll be a key material for the weapon I'm going to craft. This part of the quest will test your ability to work with tougher, more challenging materials. Stone isn't easy to gather, especially the quality stuff, so take care with that task."
My mind was already racing with thoughts of how I'd approach the next step. Working with stone was bound to be more challenging than gathering wood, but I knew it was essential. After all, a weapon wasn't just about sharpness—it was about balance, weight, and the durability of the materials used to create it.
Grom's eyes softened slightly as he looked at me. "Remember, lad, every great adventurer started with tasks like these. It might not seem like much now, but it's the small steps that lead to great strides. Take your time, do the job right, and don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it."
I felt a surge of determination, ready to prove myself. "Thank you, Grom. I'll make sure to do my best."
"With the wood and stone in hand," Grom continued, "your final task will be to hunt a Rank F monster called an Evil Bunny. Don't be fooled by the name—these critters are quick, and their horns are sharper than you'd think. You'll need to collect those horns as part of the crafting recipe for a normal-grade weapon. The Evil Bunnies tend to roam the southern outskirts of Silverwood, so you'll be heading there to complete this part of the quest."
"Evil Bunnies?" I echoed, a bit skeptical about the name but fully aware that this was no time to underestimate anything. If Grom was sending me after them, then they were clearly a threat.
"Aye," Grom replied, his expression serious. "They're fast, and they can be tricky to catch, especially if you're not used to hunting. But this part of the quest is essential—it'll test your combat skills, your patience, and your ability to bring back what's needed. The horns you collect will be used in crafting, and trust me, you'll want to be well-equipped for what's to come."
As he spoke, I could feel the weight of the quest settling on my shoulders. This was more than just running errands; it was the foundation of my journey as an adventurer. I wasn't just collecting materials—I was learning the skills and gaining the experience I'd need to survive in this world.
Grom's eyes softened slightly as he looked at me. "Remember, lad, every great adventurer started with tasks like these. It might not seem like much now, but it's the small steps that lead to great strides. Take your time, do the job right, and don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it."
I felt a surge of determination, ready to prove myself. "Thank you, Grom. I'll make sure to do my best."
With a final nod, Grom handed me the map, which I carefully tucked into my adventurer's pack. The weight of the parchment felt almost symbolic—my first real quest, my first real steps into the life I'd been dreaming of.
"Off you go, then," Grom said, his smile returning. "I'll be here when you get back, and we'll see about turning those materials into something you can be proud of."
I gave him a firm nod, then turned and headed for the door. The air outside was cooler now, the sun beginning to dip toward the horizon, casting long shadows across the streets of Silverwood. I took a deep breath, feeling the crisp air fill my lungs as I set off toward the western edge of town.
This was it—my first real quest as an adventurer. The path ahead was uncertain, but I felt ready, more ready than I'd ever been. With a steady stride, I made my way down the cobblestone street, my mind focused on the tasks ahead, each step taking me closer to the future I'd been waiting for.