Kael raced back to Eldergrove, his heart pounding with exhilaration from the thrill of battle and the excitement of having completed his first quest. He could hardly wait to show Elder Eldrin the Healing Herbs and receive his reward. As he burst through the village gates, the familiar sights and sounds of the bustling marketplace welcomed him like an old friend.
"Elder!" Kael called out, his voice filled with eagerness. He hurried to the fountain, where Eldrin still sat, surrounded by a few curious villagers.
"Ah, young adventurer! Did you succeed?" the Elder asked, his eyes sparkling with interest.
"I did! I collected the Healing Herbs!" Kael exclaimed, holding them up triumphantly. The herbs glimmered in the sunlight, a testament to his first victory.
"Well done, Kael! You have proven your worth," Eldrin replied, taking the herbs from his hands. "As promised, here is your reward." He reached into his satchel and pulled out a small, ornate box, presenting it to Kael with a flourish.
Opening the box, Kael found a sparkling crystal pendant that shimmered with a soft, warm light. "What is it?" he asked, his eyes wide with awe.
"This is the Amulet of Restoration. It will enhance your health regeneration and provide you with a small boost in your abilities," Eldrin explained. "Wear it proudly, and may it aid you on your journey."
"Thank you!" Kael said, slipping the amulet around his neck. A rush of warmth enveloped him, and he felt a sense of comfort in the Elder's presence. But just as he began to savor his achievement, a loud, boisterous laugh echoed from the edge of the square.
As he walked, Kael opened his status screen again, eager to see any changes after his conversation with the Town Elder.
Name: Kael Relan
Class: Warrior
Attribute: Rebirth Core (Special)
Level: 2
Stats:
HP: 105/120
EXP: 45/300
Mana: 100
STR: 12 AGI: 11 INT: 11 END: 11 WIL: 12 CHA: 12 LCK: 10
Skills: Basic Attack
Kael couldn't help but smile. He was already leveling up! He felt a surge of excitement as he approached the designated area.
Kael turned to see a group of adventurers gathered near the fountain. They wore the emblem of the Ascendants Guild—a soaring phoenix, symbolizing rebirth and strength. Among them, a girl with fiery red hair and bright green eyes caught his attention. She exuded energy and confidence.
"Who's that?" Kael wondered aloud, a mix of intrigue and apprehension bubbling in his chest.
"Hey, newbie! You think you can take on the Goblin King all by yourself?" the red-haired girl called out, a playful smirk on her lips. "I'd love to see you try!"
Kael's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as he realized she was talking to him. "I, uh... I just completed my first quest," he stammered, his earlier confidence waning.
"Oh? Impressive! But that's just the beginning. If you want to be a real adventurer, you'll need to step up your game!" she challenged, crossing her arms and leaning back against the fountain, her expression a mix of teasing and encouragement.
"Lira, quit it! You're scaring him," a tall, rugged-looking guy with tousled brown hair interjected, stepping forward with a friendly smile. "I'm Alden, and this is my sister, Rhea." He gestured to a quiet girl beside him with long, flowing silver hair and a calm demeanor.
"Hi!" Rhea said softly, her blue eyes sparkling with kindness. "Welcome to Eldergrove. Don't mind Lira; she just likes to test new members."
Kael blinked, taken aback by the warm welcome. "I'm Kael," he said, still unsure how to respond to Lira's challenge. "I just started my journey."
"Starting is the hardest part," Alden said encouragingly. "But if you want to get better, joining a guild is a great way to level up quickly. We're always looking for enthusiastic players!"
"Yeah, but you have to prove you're worthy to be part of the Ascendants," Lira added with a competitive glint in her eyes. "What's the highest level monster you've taken down?"
"Uh, just low-level goblins and a couple of forest critters," Kael admitted, feeling a pang of inadequacy. "I just leveled up to Level 2."
Lira burst out laughing, and Kael felt his cheeks redden. "Level 2? How adorable! If you want to keep up with us, you'll need to do a lot better than that!"
"Lira!" Rhea scolded, though her lips curled into a small smile. "Give him a chance. Everyone starts somewhere. Just focus on improving yourself."
Kael appreciated Rhea's kindness, but Lira's competitive spirit was infectious. "I want to get stronger," he declared, determination settling into his chest. "I want to take on tougher monsters and prove myself."
"Now that's the spirit!" Alden said, his smile broadening. "Why don't you join us for a guild meeting? We're discussing upcoming quests and strategies. You might learn something useful."
Kael's heart raced at the thought. Joining the Ascendants Guild could be his ticket to leveling up and finding a sense of belonging. "I'd love to!" he replied, trying to mask the excitement in his voice.
"Great! Meet us at the Phoenix Hall later," Alden said, clapping Kael on the shoulder. "And don't worry about Lira. She's just toughening you up for the real challenges ahead."
As the guild members began to walk away, Lira shot Kael a wink. "I'll be watching, newbie! Don't disappoint me!"
With the weight of their expectations hanging in the air, Kael watched them leave, feeling a mixture of hope and anxiety. The camaraderie of the Ascendants Guild was appealing, but he couldn't shake the feeling that he had a long way to go before he truly belonged.
"Looks like you've made some friends," the Guide chirped, bouncing at his side. "But don't let their confidence intimidate you! You have the Rebirth Core; you're destined for greatness!"
Kael nodded, taking a deep breath. "You're right. I can't let my insecurities hold me back."
With a renewed sense of purpose, Kael set off toward the Phoenix Hall, ready to embrace the challenges that lay ahead and eager to prove himself to Lira, Alden, Rhea, and the rest of the Ascendants Guild.