As they approached the gates, a pair of armored guards stood watch, eyeing the group of young adventurers warily. One of the guards, a burly man with a scar running down his left cheek, stepped forward.
"Halt. State your names and purpose for entering Pallax City," he commanded.
Serena, ever the talkative one, stepped up with a bright smile. "We're new adventurers from Mint Leaf Village! We're here to register with the Adventurer's Guild."
The guard looked them over, his eyes narrowing slightly when they landed on Asher. There was something about him that made the guard pause, but he said nothing. Instead, he nodded and gestured for them to present their badges.
One by one, the group handed over their bronze adventurer badges. After a brief inspection, the guard returned them. "Everything checks out. Welcome to Pallax City. Follow the main road, and you'll find the guildhall near the center of the city. Don't cause trouble."
