Chapter 6 The Path to Membership
Elias pushed open the heavy wooden door of the guild hall, the creak reverberating through the lively space within. The air was thick with the scents of sweat, leather, and the faint aroma of roasted meat wafting from a nearby kitchen. Adventurers of all shapes and sizes filled the hall, their voices mingling in a vibrant chorus of laughter and conversation. Although the atmosphere buzzed with a sense of camaraderie, Elias felt no desire to partake in their banter or adventures. Instead, he was here for a purpose: to join the guild and carve out a place for himself among these seasoned warriors.
Determined, Elias scanned the room for signs of opportunity, his gaze landing on a large bulletin board plastered with various notices and quests. He steeled himself and approached the guild receptionist, a stern-looking woman with sharp features who exuded an air of authority. Swallowing his nervousness, he straightened his back and spoke with conviction. "I'd like to join the guild," he declared, his voice steady despite the fluttering of his heart.
The receptionist raised an eyebrow, scrutinizing him as if weighing his worth. "We have certain requirements for membership. Are you prepared to meet them?" she asked, her tone no-nonsense. Elias felt a wave of determination wash over him as he replied, "I am. I want to be a part of this guild." She leaned back slightly, her gaze unwavering. "Joining the guild is no small matter. We rank our members from Iron to Platinum, and you'll need to start at the Iron rank. What makes you think you're ready for this?"
Elias hesitated but then mustered the courage to respond. "I may not have experience, but I'm willing to learn and take on any challenges that come my way." The receptionist considered his words for a moment before nodding. "Very well. You'll need to complete a basic task to prove your worth. Speak to the Guild Master; he'll
Chapter 5 The Path to Membership
provide you with details on your first assignment." Grateful for the opportunity, Elias thanked her and headed toward the Guild Master's office, his heart racing with excitement.
Inside the office, the Guild Master, a tall man with graying hair and a serious demeanor, looked up as Elias entered. "You want to join our ranks?" he asked, his voice steady. "Yes," Elias replied, determination evident in his tone. "I want to prove myself to the guild. I'm ready to take on a task." The Guild Master studied him for a moment, then nodded in approval. "To start at the Iron rank, you'll need to undertake a non-combat quest. We have a request from a local merchant who needs someone to gather herbs from the nearby forest. It's a straightforward task but essential for the shop's supply."
Feeling a rush of resolve, Elias replied, "I'll do it. I won't let you down." "Then prepare yourself," the Guild Master said. "Report back here once you've completed the task, and we'll evaluate your membership." With adrenaline coursing through his veins, Elias turned to leave, his heart full of anticipation. This was it—the first step toward becoming a member of the guild. As he left the guild hall, he felt a newfound sense of purpose, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
After accepting the quest, Elias made his way to the Gilded Goose, the local inn, where he approached the innkeeper, a jolly man with a welcoming smile. "I'd like to rent a room," Elias said, keeping his voice steady. "Two silvers a night," the innkeeper replied, gesturing toward the staircase. "We have a fine view of the town from the upper floors." Elias nodded, counting out the coins and handing them over before making his way upstairs. The room was modest but comfortable, with a small bed and a window that let in the warm glow of the evening sun.
Once inside his room, the weight of the day began to lift, and Elias felt a surge of excitement mixed with nervous anticipation. He retrieved his grimoire, the tome filled with dark and intricate spells he had been studying. Flipping through its pages, he searched for something that would give him an edge on his first quest. Suddenly, his eyes widened as he stumbled upon a spell called Summon Shadow. Intrigued, he read the description: it allowed the caster to summon a shadowy figure that could scout ahead, providing crucial information about their surroundings without putting himself in danger.
Excited by the prospect, Elias studied the spell's incantation and requirements. It would require a portion of his mana, but its utility could be invaluable for assessing the forest where he would gather the herbs. With renewed determination, Elias practiced the incantation softly to himself, committing it to memory. After several attempts, he felt a rush of energy coursing through him as he began the summoning. "From the darkness, heed my call!" he intoned, feeling the magic swirl around him.
A shadowy figure began to materialize in front of him, coalescing from the dimness of the room. As it took shape, Elias felt a mixture of awe and trepidation. The shadow shimmered, flickering like smoke, and then solidified into a distinct form, a dark silhouette with no features but an undeniable presence. The shadow bowed slightly, awaiting his command. "You will follow me in my shadow," Elias ordered, his voice steady. The shadow nodded in understanding, positioning itself just behind him as he moved. Elias couldn't suppress a grin; he had done it. This spell could be the key to ensuring his success in the guild and perhaps even uncovering more about the darkness that had shattered his life.