Morning sunlight streamed through the tall windows of the Cheery Black Guild's Guild House, casting warm golden hues across the polished floors. The scent of sizzling bacon and freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, stirring Tobe Kusakabe from his sleep.
Stretching with a groan, Tobe rubbed his eyes and stumbled down the stairs, drawn by the alluring aroma. As he entered the kitchen, he found Miri Takanashi standing at the stove, her halo faintly glowing in the morning light as she expertly flipped a strip of bacon.
"Morning, Miri," Tobe greeted, his voice still thick with sleep. "What's cooking? Smells heavenly."
Miri glanced over her shoulder with a smile. "Morning, Tobe. Bacon, eggs, and coffee. A good start for a busy day."
Tobe yawned and leaned against the counter. "Busy day, huh? What's on the agenda?"
"Guild recruitment," Miri replied simply, plating the last of the bacon and eggs. "Take a seat. It's almost ready."
Tobe obeyed, slumping into a chair at the kitchen table. As Miri set the plates down, he couldn't help but glance around the guild house. "You know," he started, "I still can't believe we built this place. Look at it—solid wood beams, big windows, it's everything we could possibly imagine."
Flake floated down from the ceiling, her icy wings sparkling in the sunlight. "Not to mention, it's cozy. You humans did good."
"Thanks, Flake," Tobe said, taking a bite of bacon. "Coming from you, that means something."
"Don't get used to it," Flake teased. "I still think the upstairs bathroom needs work."
Miri chuckled. "Noted. I'll get to it eventually."
Their breakfast continued with lighthearted conversation, Tobe and Miri reminiscing about old adventures and laughing at Flake's sarcastic quips.
With their meal finished, Tobe stretched his arms and stood up. "Alright, time to get to work," he announced. "Let's start with guild member recruitment."
Miri nodded, cleaning up the dishes. "We'll also need to look for guild staff—waiters, receptionists, maybe some security."
"Good thinking," Tobe replied as they made their way to the guild entrance. "Let's see if we can—"
He stopped mid-sentence as he opened the doors. A group of sharply dressed individuals stood in a neat line outside, their uniforms pristine and their expressions professional.
"What the...?" Tobe muttered, blinking in surprise.
The tallest of the group stepped forward and handed him a letter. "Sir Tobe Kusakabe," the man said with a polite bow, "we are here on behalf of Princess Tulia Riscone."
Tobe unfolded the letter and read aloud:
"Good day, Sir Tobe Kusakabe and Miss Miri Takanashi of the Cheery Black Guild. As a token of my support, I am sending you a team of highly experienced workers to assist with your guild operations. From your dear friend, Princess Tulia Riscone."
Tobe lowered the letter, his expression a mix of astonishment and amusement. "Well... that solves that problem."
The workers bowed in unison and began filing inside. Miri crossed her arms, tilting her head. "So, what's the plan for finding staff now?" she asked dryly.
Tobe grinned, jerking a thumb over his shoulder at the incoming team. "Problem solved."
Miri sighed, shaking her head with a faint smile. "Oh.... Ok then..."
The guild hall buzzed with activity as the recruitment event began. Applicants formed a line at the registration desk, where Tobe and Miri oversaw the process. The requirements were simple: pay 15 silver coins and receive a sleek black membership card engraved with the Cheery Black Guild's emblem.
Adventurers of various classes mingled with merchants and craftsmen, each eager to join the burgeoning guild.
Flake perched on Tobe's shoulder, her small form barely noticeable against his larger frame. "You're getting a weird mix of people," she observed. "That guy looks like he's never swung a sword in his life."
"Everyone's gotta start somewhere," Tobe replied, stamping an applicant's registration form. "Besides, we're not just looking for fighters. We need variety—traders, healers, you name it."
At that moment, the guild doors burst open, and four familiar figures strode in: Lala, Umi, Toma, and Chisa—the members of Vast Star.
"Well, if it isn't the rising stars themselves!" Lala called, her voice carrying across the room. "How's it feel to be famous?"
Tobe smirked, waving them over. "Lala, Umi, Toma, Chisa! Long time no see. What brings you here?"
Umi grinned, her eyes wide with excitement. "We heard about your guild and had to see it for ourselves. This place is amazing!"
"It's lively," Toma remarked, his tone reserved but approving. "You've done well."
"Thanks," Miri said, stepping forward. "It's good to see you all again."
Lala placed her hands on her hips, her grin mischievous. "So... can we join?"
Tobe raised an eyebrow. "You? Joining our guild? What about Vast Star?"
"Just for fun," Umi chimed in, laughing. "We're still loyal to Vast Star, but we wouldn't mind being honorary members."
Miri smiled. "In that case, welcome aboard. But you'll still have to pay the membership fee."
The group erupted in laughter, the easy camaraderie filling the hall with warmth.
The steady hum of activity filled the Cheery Black Guild Hall as adventurers, merchants, and craftsmen bustled through its doors. The day was a whirlwind of introductions, paperwork, and camaraderie, with familiar faces arriving one after another, each bringing their own stories and aspirations.
The wooden floors creaked lightly under the weight of heavy boots as Elma, the alchemist-healer, entered the hall. Her oversized backpack, packed to bursting with potion bottles, herbs, and mysterious ingredients, swayed with every step. She adjusted her spectacles and glanced around the busy hall, a nostalgic smile creeping across her lips.
"Tobe! Miri!" Elma called, her voice brimming with excitement.
Tobe looked up from the reception desk, where he was helping another adventurer fill out a registration form. His eyes lit up at the sight of the alchemist. "Elma! Long time no see!" He waved her over, motioning for Miri, who was assisting someone nearby, to join them.
Miri arrived with a warm smile, brushing her hair back. "Elma! It's been ages! What brings you here?"
Elma adjusted the strap of her backpack and said, "I've been thinking... I want to officially join your guild. I want to live here, too. With access to the resources around Riscone, I can expand my knowledge of potion-making and materials. Plus, I could serve as your guild's official doctor and healer."
Tobe and Miri exchanged a quick glance, their smiles widening. "That sounds like a win-win for all of us," Tobe said, clasping her shoulder. "Welcome to the Cheery Black Guild, Elma."
"We'll show you your room after this," Miri added. "It's great to have you with us."
Elma beamed. "Thank you! Oh, and I brought some new potions I've been working on. I think you'll find them handy."
Shortly after, another familiar figure strolled through the open doors. Max, the ever-optimistic adventurer, waved enthusiastically, his greatsword strapped across his back.
"Yo, Tobe! Miri!" Max's voice boomed as he made his way inside. "This place is incredible!"
Tobe chuckled, stepping forward to greet him. "Max! What brings you here? Finally done exploring the capital?"
Max scratched the back of his head with a sheepish grin. "Well, I thought about it, and honestly? I'd love to stick around. I want to officially join your guild and live here at the Guild House. This place feels... right, you know? Plus, I could use the sparring partners to improve my greatsword skills."
"You're always welcome here," Miri said with a nod. "We know you're trustworthy, and it'd be great to have you."
"Great! Thanks a ton!" Max exclaimed, pumping his fist. "I'll head over to registration and get set up."
As he walked off to register, Flake fluttered down onto Tobe's shoulder. "Another one? Your guild's turning into a reunion tour."
"And I wouldn't have it any other way," Tobe replied with a grin.
As the day wore on, the crowd in the guild hall only grew. Among the new arrivals were Cal, Melina, and the other members of the B-Ranked Party that Tobe and Miri had rescued from the dungeon back in Seturia Village.
"Tobe! Miri!" Cal called out, his tone as warm as ever. Melina waved shyly from behind him, her expression soft but grateful.
"Cal! Melina!" Miri greeted them, her voice cheerful. "It's so good to see you both again."
The rest of the B-Ranked Party followed closely, their faces filled with gratitude. One of them, a swordsman with a scar across his cheek, stepped forward. "Thank you, Tobe, Miri. You saved our lives back in Seturia. And Elma... your healing kept us alive when things looked bleak."
Elma blushed faintly, adjusting her glasses. "Just doing my job."
The group registered as members, though they decided not to live at the Guild House. "We've got plans to explore more of Riscone," Cal explained. "But we'll always have your backs when you need us."
Tobe shook his hand firmly. "Deal. Take care out there."
Hours passed in a blur of registrations and lighthearted conversations. Miri found herself swapping stories with new guild members, while Tobe regaled listeners with tales of his and Miri's adventures. Laughter echoed through the hall, a testament to the bonds being forged.
As Tobe finished a particularly animated story, he felt a light tap on his shoulder. He turned, and his eyes widened in surprise.
Standing before him was Yuka, her hair now flowing freely instead of tied in pigtails, and her attire upgraded with sleek summoner gear. Despite the changes, her warm smile and familiar presence were unmistakable. (By the way, Yuka has also gained two new summons; Spryt (Spryt is a sprite that can shift to the four main elements, or is able to combine all four elements into one) and Gyutei (Gyutei is a Huge Poisonous Frog, his saliva is very poisonous, and can spray out poisonous purple liquid, Gyutei's tongue is especially dangerous as it can grasp and latch onto a target from afar and fling them)
"Hi again, Kusakabe-senpai," Yuka said softly, her voice carrying a mix of shyness and happiness. "I'm back."
Tobe's grin spread wide as he exclaimed, "Yuka! It's great to see you again! Miri especially misses you." Turning, he called out, "Yo, Miri! Yuka is back!"
Miri, mid-conversation, turned sharply. Her eyes lit up as she excused herself and rushed over, pulling Yuka into a subtle but heartfelt hug. "Yuka! You're here! It's been too long."
"I missed you both," Yuka admitted, her smile never wavering. "And... I've made up my mind. I want to join the Cheery Black Guild—and live here, with you."
Tobe and Miri exchanged a look before breaking into matching smiles. "You didn't even have to ask," Tobe said warmly. "Of course, you can join us."
As Yuka reached into her pouch to pay for registration, Tobe stopped her with a raised hand. "Don't worry about the fee. You're family."
Yuka hesitated, then nodded with a grateful smile. But as Tobe turned to address someone else, she quietly slipped 15 silver coins onto the counter. The receptionist handed her a guild card, and Miri gave her a proud thumbs-up.
"I'll find my room and get settled," Yuka said, bowing slightly. "Thank you... for everything."
As the sunlight filtered through the curtains of the Guild House, Tobe stirred awake, feeling the remnants of the previous day's excitement lingering in the air. Stretching lazily, he groaned, "Ugh, late again... Miri's going to roast me for this."
Descending the stairs, Tobe was greeted by the lively hum of the Guild House. Max was leaning against a counter, chatting animatedly with Elma, who clutched a steaming cup of herbal tea in one hand while adjusting the strap of her oversized potion-filled backpack with the other.
Max waved at Tobe with a grin. "Morning, Captain Sleepyhead! Sleep well?"
Tobe smirked, rolling his eyes. "Yeah, yeah. Some of us need beauty sleep, you know."
Elma chuckled warmly. "Good morning, Tobe. You missed quite the sunrise. Max and I were just talking about plans for exploring the kingdom later."
Before Tobe could respond, the sound of laughter from the kitchen caught his attention. Peeking in, he saw Miri and Yuka standing side by side, flipping pancakes and scrambling eggs. Miri's focus was razor-sharp, while Yuka occasionally cracked a joke, causing Miri to break into rare fits of giggles.
"Is this my imagination, or has Miri recruited a sous-chef?" Tobe teased as he leaned against the doorframe.
Yuka turned, holding a spatula like a sword. "Kusakabe-senpai! I'm learning from the best. Did you know Miri is a pancake prodigy?"
Miri blushed, swatting Yuka's arm playfully with a dishcloth. "Don't encourage him, Yuka. You'll make his teasing worse."
Tobe grinned, hands in his pockets. "Good to see some camaraderie brewing. Smells fantastic, by the way."
Outside in the yard, Flake, Oculis, and Blubby were engaged in what could only be described as an interspecies game of tag. Flake zipped around, leaving trails of frost, while Blubby tried—and failed—to catch up, bouncing helplessly. Oculis hovered above, occasionally glowing softly in approval whenever Flake performed an impressive maneuver.
Miri called out from the kitchen, "Breakfast is ready! Everyone, grab a seat."
The aroma of freshly cooked pancakes and sizzling bacon filled the dining hall as everyone gathered around the long wooden table. Plates were passed around, laughter bubbling up here and there. The warmth of camaraderie was palpable.
As Tobe took a hearty bite of his pancake, Max leaned back in his chair, sipping on a glass of juice. His gaze wandered to the far wall, where a polished Great Wind Wyvern's horn was mounted, glinting faintly in the morning sunlight. He tilted his head curiously. "Alright, I've got to ask—where did you get that beast of a trophy? Looks like something out of a legend."
Elma glanced over her tea cup, her eyes widening as she noticed the horn for the first time. "I didn't even realize that was there. It's beautiful! And enormous. What's the story behind it?"
Yuka's face lit up with a mischievous grin. "Oh, that's a memory I'll never forget. It's from our very first quest. You wouldn't believe it, but Tobe, Miri, and I actually fought a Great Wind Wyvern… and somehow managed to win!"
Max nearly choked on his drink. "Wait, what?! A Great Wind Wyvern? That's insane! Those things are supposed to be near impossible to beat without a full party of elite adventurers."
Elma set her cup down, eyes sparkling with curiosity. "And you fought it with just the three of you? How did you even survive?"
Tobe chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "Barely. It wasn't exactly what you'd call a 'clean victory.' That wyvern pushed us to our limits."
Miri nodded, her tone calm but reflective. "We were kind of fresh, still figuring things out. If it weren't for Yuka's Blubby and Tobe's reckless quick thinking, we wouldn't be sitting here talking about it."
Tobe laughed. "Reckless? You mean brilliant! Anyway, that's how we met Scale—he was the Great Wind Wyvern. After we defeated him, Yuka made him one of her summons. But we had to chip off his horn as proof that we completed the quest."
Max's jaw dropped. "You mean that's Scale's horn? Your summon? You're telling me you chipped off a piece of him and he's okay with it?"
Yuka said playfully. "Scale's not petty. Besides, it's not like he could complain much. He was pretty beaten up at the time."
Elma leaned forward, still captivated. "But wait—how did the horn end up here? If I remember, didn't Chief Dornias keep it?"
Yuka tilted her head, recalling the details. "Yeah, actually. That's what I thought too. Chief Dornias definitely took the horn after we finished the quest. So how did you get it back?"
All eyes turned to Tobe. He smiled, tapping the edge of his plate with his fork. "Before we left to start our journey, Chief Dornias gave it to me. She said it was a token of remembrance, a relic of where we began. I think she saw something in us—maybe potential, ...or just a lot of stubbornness."
Miri added with a small smile, "She called it a 'reminder of impossible odds overcome.' I think she meant it as encouragement."
Max let out a low whistle. "Wow. So not only did you fight and win against a Great Wind Wyvern on your first quest, but you also walked away with its horn as a keepsake. You guys don't do things halfway, huh?"
Elma chuckled softly. "It's no wonder people are drawn to the Cheery Black Guild. That's quite the origin story."
Tobe leaned forward, grinning. "And that's just the start. Stick around, and you'll see what else we could accomplish as a Guild."
The conversation shifted to lighter topics as the group finished their breakfast, but the story of the wyvern lingered in the air, a reminder of the journey that had brought them all together.
As the conversation wound down, Tobe stood and clinked his glass lightly with a fork to grab everyone's attention. "Alright, everyone. After breakfast, let's head to the meeting room. We've got an important matter to finalize."
The guild members filed into the meeting room, where a circular table dominated the space. At its center lay a circular ornate, glowing slab etched with the Cheery Black symbol—a stylized raven in flight surrounded by a ring of stars.
Tobe and Miri stood at the head of the table. Tobe began, his voice steady and serious, "This is a pivotal moment for the Cheery Black Guild. Today, we officially name our founding members. If any of you have second thoughts, now's the time to step back."
Elma, Max, and Yuka exchanged resolute glances. None of them moved.
Miri continued, "Good. Then place your right hands on the tablet. This is the Guild Insignia Tablet, a relic mandated by the kingdom to formally establish founding members. When activated, it will mark you as part of the Cheery Black Guild forever."
Max hesitated briefly, scratching the back of his neck. "Uh… 'forever' doesn't mean anything spooky, right? No curses? No binding contracts where I can't eat cake?"
Tobe chuckled. "Relax. The only thing binding will be our camaraderie."
With reassurances exchanged, everyone placed their hands on the tablet. As Tobe and Miri laid their hands over theirs, the tablet glowed brilliantly, sending out a pulse of light that illuminated the room in radiant blue.
The light faded, leaving the group momentarily stunned. Elma blinked rapidly. "What just happened?"
Tobe smiled. "Check your right hands."
Simultaneously, everyone turned their palms upward to reveal the glowing insignia of the Cheery Black Guild—a raven in flight, shimmering faintly like a warm ember. The sight drew gasps of awe.
"What does this mean? It looks... neat!" Max asked, flexing his fingers to inspect the mark.
Miri explained, her tone soft yet authoritative, "This mark signifies you as a founding member of the guild. It's not just a symbol—it's a bond. Wherever you go, this will remind you that you're part of something bigger."
Elma smiled warmly. "It's beautiful. I'm honored."
Yuka clenched her fist, her grin wide. "I'll wear it with pride."
Tobe and Miri exchanged a glance, then turned back to the group, speaking in unison with a bright smile. "Welcome to the Cheery Black Guild! We're glad to have you!"
Cheers erupted around the table as the founding members celebrated their newfound unity, marking the beginning of a legacy that would shape the world around them.
End of Chapter Stats of our Young Adventurers:
Tobe Lvl 70 - (Race Abilities: High Jump, Cat-like Instinct) (Spells: Mana String, Explosion Impact, Fall Lighting, Space Space, Aqua Control, Reconstruct, Firas Bolto, Rock Spire Shotgun, Vine Whip )
Flake Lvl 32 - (Skills: Ice Creation, Icicle Rush, Frost Breath, Ice Ball Shot, Familiar Fusion)
Miri Lvl 64 - (Race Abilities: Halo Flash, False Judgement, Weightless Embodiment) (Skills: Strength Up, Defense Up, Agility Up, Slash, Pierce, Shield Block, Shield Bash, Shield Rush, Bastion Wall Shield, Bastion Weapon Integration)
Oculis Lvl 29 - (Skills: Health Drain Tendril, Soft Healing Glow, Wide Party Heal)
Yuka Lvl 52 - (Skills: Contract, Summon, Half-Summon, Encouragement. Summons: Blubby Lvl 43, Scale Lvl 48, Balboa Lvl 53, Spryt Lvl 40, Gyutei Lvl 45)