For the past one year I've been living a simple life, eating, sleeping and doing things normal people do free from from stress and anxiety.
But ever since I decided I wanted to become an adventurer... Well everything changed, I have gone from one dangerous situation to another, each time coming dangerously close to dying.
Now it seems I'm fighting my most dangerous battle yet.
Huff Huff.
Wheeze.
Come on!
Urgh.
It hurts so badly.
Groan.
I have to push through no matter what!
Splash.
YES! FINALLY!
Well, In case you're wondering what's going on, which let's be honest; you totally are.
Let's go back in time about four hours to figure it out.
Man that blonde lady is really something!
I feel great, even the soreness I had after waking up has reduced a lot, not to mention that my back pain is reduced!
I definitely have to thank her later no matter what.
Looking down at my hand, I notice the black lines are still there. Speaking of which, all the other applicants are covered with them as well.
I can't believe that those medical staff made me think I'd been poisoned, no that we'd all been poisoned!
Somewhere in the dark recesses of my mind a nefarious plot was playing out! For those few minutes after they told me I terrified.
Tch!
Negative status my ass! It still feels as if I've been poisoned.
So what now? I haven't been in a social gathering before, so I'm not sure what to do.
I think I'm doing alright so far, I mean- I've exchanged names with someone, that's something right?
I've eaten and shaken hands with said person, but how do I progress.
Sigh.
I wasn't over thinking things before because everything was happening naturally.
DAMN IT! THIS IS WHAT I GET FOR JUST GOING WITH THE FLOW, TERRIBLE SOCIAL AWKWARDNESS!
What to do? What to do?
Hmm.
Since I've eaten, I should move on to more important things like finding out about the other applicants. Everyone here will be my rivals in the upcoming test so I'll need all the info I can get so I can have an advantage.
But unfortunately I don't have anyway awesome way of getting that information, after all I'm not some detective that can pick up on small body cues, neither am I psychologist that can just understand people so my only option is to go talk to them.
Damnit!
You're a charismatic person remember! You got this.
After a bit of psyching myself and deliberating on what to say, I finally muster the courage to say something to Cardose. But before I can speak he says "So Zachary my man, what is it that you do?"
That's true... I just shook his hand, in my head it felt like an eternity had passed, but it's only been a few moments.
I spaced out huh?
Sigh.
'I do a lot actually.' He chuckles after I say that.
"Oh man- you're a funny guy, "you do a lot" So what is it that "a lot" entails if you don't mind me asking."
That can't be a natural reaction can it? I mean- I didn't even say anything funny. Is this his way of buttering me up so that I can to spill out all my juicy secrets?
Well it's unlikely, but it's still a possibility. Even I plan on doing something similar.
Once again it takes a moment for me to escape my trail of thought. But once I do I say:
"Well I transport logs and coal, deliver food to people's doorsteps, assist in carpenting and blacksmithing.
I also cut down trees, catch fishes and pluck fruit so I can sell them. I hand out fliers or just stick them everywhere I can for small businesses. I acquire herbs used inmedicines, flip signs in front of shops, perform sleight of hand on the street to entertain people; so basically magic tricks, although I suck at it. And last but not least I-"
He cuts me off saying:
"if you don't want to tell me that's fine. You don't have to make up such ridiculous things my friend! What sort of job requires you to do all that? I myself am a professional swordsman. See there's no harm in sharing! So share if you want to share, don't if you don't."
What's with this guy?
I can't believe I've already learnt something about him already. You have to better than that "Captain Von".
A swordsman eh, definitely don't want go up against him in the combat trial.
Hmm I wonder why it is that they call him captain. I'll try to find out more about him, he gives off the vibes of a big fish in a small pond. When he sat next to me that's when people started flocking around us.
So he's definitely someone of repute.
Looking at him he doesn't give swordsman vibes, but what would I know? I mean, I've never seen any in real life, I've only ever seen them in fiction.
Currently he has an astonished yet amused look on his face so I take it he really doesn't believe me.
Oh well... It can't be helped, let's make it even funnier shall we?
'Tsk, tsk, tsk. You interrupted me before I could tell you the most important thing...' I say, making sure to add a dramatic pause at the end.
'I also sell fresh fruit!' I say in my most smug voice.
At this point he can't take it, he's cackling like some sort of exotic animal while stomping his feet and slapping his thighs.
He manages to catch his breath then says in a serious tone:
"Look guys, I know some of you need better diets, fuel for your daily activities, advertisments for you and your families businesses and whatnot, these are all serious concerns."
He pauses, gets up, standing with his legs spread wide and his arms pointing straight up at the ceiling, he then does a spin, splays his arms out in front of me as if he were presenting gift to someone then continues saying:
"This, is your guy!"
The room fills up with laughter after he says this. Damn, it's almost as if they're laughing at me. I'd flip out and say something mean if I could, but this is all in good fun. Good fun caused by a misunderstanding, but still good fun nonetheless.
Well let's drag out this bit, shall we?
'Well putting it like that makes me realize... I'M A LOCAL HERO!' I say while bending my arms half way and pointing at myself with both thumbs.
"S-so you're doubling down huh?" He says while wiping the tears out of his eyes.
"Tell me where do you work, or are you self employed?"
Doubling down? Heh, I'M TRIPLING DOWN!
'Well I work at a grocery shop, one that specializes in the highest quality of fruit possible. It's a little known place called Fletcher's fresh fruit factory, down on lizaro street.' I say trying to sound as confident as possible.
I definitely nailed it this time, unlike last time with shirtless horned guy. It's like I can see the confidence oozing off of me.
They're all laughing even harder now. I guess this is what happens when you drink alcohol, everything becomes super funny to you.
Though I guess I am pretty funny.
Well maybe not...
Then again I wouldn't know, after all humor is subjective.
BUT I THINK I'M QUITE FUNNY!
A female elf bartender behind the counter speaks up saying:
"The boy is telling the truth, I know because my ability is truth detection."
"But Ms, how is that even possible?" Cardose says in amused tone, still not buying it one bit.
"Well I wouldn't be privy to such details, ask the man in question."
"Well Zachary, how do you, one man, do the jobs of an entire town."
I feel everybody's gaze affixed on me. They're clearly waiting for some silly response. But I won't give them that, after all this is a perfect opportunity for guilt tripping.
'It's nothing special really, I just do a lot of odd jobs around my community so I can get some extra cash, because I'm a broke homeless orphan boy living in a new town. I guess it's just my way of helping out, so I can be accepted.' I say in a somber tone.
Come on! You have to really sell this despondent look.
The laughter dies down, the happy atmosphere is replaced with one of sympathy.
Uh oh, maybe I sold it too well.
'That being said I do work full time at the fresh fruit place, so if you'd like I can get you a discount.' I say in an effort to lighten the mood. I don't think it worked, they're all looking at me with pity in their eyes.
Even the elf lady is giving me a sad look. I think I might have over did it.
Yep I definitely over did it.
"I must apologize for my actions, I thought you were making jest, it wasn't my intention to make light of your situation" Cardose says while prostrating on the ground.
Before I can tell him that's it's nothing serious he goes on to say:
"I can relate to you because I myself am an orphan, my parents were killed during a time of civil unrest down in the east.
So I know what it's like to go through this journey called life without guidance and care. To be all alone in a world such as this is anything but fair.
But despite that fact you're hustling to make a way for yourself in this cruel world, and because of this fact alone you've done more than anything I ever did at age, no you've done more than I have ever.
I implore you to please forgive my crude behavior"
'It's nothi-' I'm cut off again, this time by a random person.
"I might not be an orphan like you two but... I was neglected as a child and I had no choice but to run away. Seeing you as you are now inspsires me so much, because of how much of a fine young man you turned out to be despite such difficult circumstances. I too must apologize."
'No really it's fin-' I'm cut for the third time, again by another total stranger.
This pattern repeats itself for about about half an hour untill they've gotten all the apologizing out of their systems.
It really wasn't that deep. But I guess it's my fault.
Sigh.
I've listened to a few dozen apologies and sob stories, which is far too much and at this point I'M SICK OF IT!
'Since we've all gotten to know about each other, why don't we all become friends?' I say in an effort to restore the formal joyful atmosphere.
Seems I was successful! Everybody is joyfully chatting and drinking again.
Who knew all these guys would be such softies?
With a ton of people revealing their back stories many people have started hitting it off and as result I've learnt a lot about these guys.
So all in all, one weird way or another, my mission was an utter success.
Ah my marvelous social genius is unmatched.
"Everybody, may I have your attention!" Cardose shouts loudly.
"Now that we are all a bit more familiar with each other, why not push it furth and get to know those herea little better?" He pauses.
The room is filled up with many mutters. I'm sure they're curious about what he's going to say, well I know I certainly am.
"why don't we all take turns sharing the reason we decided to join the guild in the first place. I'll start first."
CARDOSE YOU GENIUS!!
With this amicable vibe going on that I caused, I doubt anyone would object to this. Thus making this the perfect opportunity to learn what these guys can really do!
From all the apologies I've received, I know for a fact that these people are talkative, they'll spill out all sorts juicy information voluntarily!
And by going first you reduce the nervous tension of those few who are reluctant. Then one by one, slow but surely everyone will share, those that don't will inevitably be peer pressured into eventually sharing!
An hour has passed and as a direct consiquence of them revealing their motivations I've learnt quite a bit about their skills and capabilities.
It's not like that info was pressured out of them, they gave it out willingly, eagerly even!
One of my take aways from all this is that adventures are a curious bunch. Well a good chunch of the people here including myself can't be considered adventurers but a quite a few of us actually can.
Like Cardose for instance, has been on several daring, exciting adventures. Not only that, he's also aved a bunch of people!
But not just that, I also learned the reason whycall him captain. It's because he is the leader of a knight unit that's part Senturi knights; they're the knight department that protects our city, Senturi.
Despite the fact he leads a whole knight squad, he's not actually a knight himself.
Apparently the Senturi knig department hired him because they heard he was an excellent swordsman.
That tall blonde woman, the one that healed me before is also one of those people. Her name is Cecily and she's almost as impressive as Cardose. She once fought a kraken and after barely surviving, she found herself adrift at sea being attacked by flesh weating mermaids. She said that was the first time she had ever tasted roasted mermaid meat. Needless to say she got out of that situation.
Those two are by far the most impressive out of the bunch, that being said some of these other guys can't be scoffed at.
I also learnt something new by talking to all of them. People usually mean one of two things when they think of adventurers.
The first was what I assumed an adventurer was; someone whose search for thrill leads them into extreme situations that usually involve, exploration, treasure, travel, battles and monsters.
The second are licensed adventurers. They usually work for some sort of organization that works with the government either that or they are licensed directly by the state.
Even Cardose and Cecily aren't licensed despite all their crazy escapades. It's makes you wonder which is more important, the credentials or the accolades?
Well in Cecily's case it's because she doesn't want to be tied down by certain obligations. Pure flame is an independent guild that doesn't work with the government so it's a perfect place for her. And as for Cardose, he's too busy doing knight stuff to become licensed.
My trail of thought gets interrupted by pesky little voices saying "What's your reason?"
Damn all these beady little eyes staring at me! It's like they're so overly eager to hear my super awesome reason for wanting to join the guild.
Aw come on! I didn't know I'd be the one that'd end up folding underneath peer pressure.
Come to think of it, they were all so willing to share so much about themselves. Maybe I'm the only one here with an ulterior motive.
'I just kind of-' BAM!!
A red haired woman kicks open the entrance door. She's wearing a grey hat and rugged leather clothes, not only that but she's quite muscular and has a certain crazed look in her eyes.
"Maggots, the whole bunch of you." She says before she disappears into thin air.
Immediately after, a bright light flashes right in front of my face as my surroundings, no the whole world seems to rush past me.
CRACK! CRACK!
Ugh- I can't breathe!
My vision pulses and darkens with every passing second, fluctuating between being normal and having a dark outline. The moment I'm able to breath again a broad piercing pain spreads throughout my back.
Just when I was starting to feel better.
What the?
Cardose is clashing blades with the mysterious red head. She's wielding a knife. He's wielding a sword. They're almost perfectly still as the sharp ends of their blades are pushed against each other.
Suddenly they both just disappear.
What the?
Bright flashes are appearing all over the room alongside thunderous sounds. A red rain fills the room and WHOOSH!
I'm dragged away at lightning speed to another end of the room.
Heat- there was no heat! What about friction?
Cecily is right above me her head looks huge since it's so close to mine. My entire body is lying on the ground except my torso which isshe saying something that I can't hear because of all the noise in the background.
Did she drag me here? We're right in front of part of the ridiculously large counter that wraps around the room.
Wait wasn't that noise super loud?
It's not just her voice I can't hear, I can't hear anything at all. I turn my head to the left revealing there are still white parks coming out of nowhere all across the room.
They're like little fire works, it's a very pretty sight to get to witness.
I'm pulled out my state of awe by a loud sharp screeching sound.
'AHHHHHH' I scream as the pain intensifies. I cover my ears with my hands to stop it. But it doesn't even get quieter.
I'm suddenly flung behind the counter by Cecily. As she walks towards the center of the she says something to me while give a thumbs up, but I can't make out what she said.
Just where are the bartenders?
I look around me but I only see fellow applicants. There's a lof them, was this counter always so spacious.
No definitely not, this must be some form of magic, something similar to what was making the guild bigger during the race
I struggle to keep my balance as I get up, it feels as if I've been twrilling in a circle for hour.
Why am I so dizzy?
Looking forwards I notice the white flashes start happening more frequently. Since I can't hear anything I squint in order to make out what's happening in front of me.
Unfortunately, I still have no clue.
Ok, let's recap.
A red haired lady barged inside the then suddenly disappeared. Then shortly after she was clashing with Cardose then they both disappeared. Wait... Don't tell me she's a teleporter?
If that's then the sparks must be some type of magic to preven us from leaving. She'll first teleport inside, then pick someone to teleport outside the room. She'll kill that person then rinse and repeat, that way she finishes us one by one.
She must've already gotten Cardose, and shes probably fighting Cecily right now. I have to escape this room before she comes back.
I take a step forward then instantly collapse to one knee. I feel a warmth dripping from my ears.
I have to do something, I can't waist this opportunity!
Even though I say that, in my heart I know that I'm powerless. But there's one thing I can do. One thing that hasn't failed me yet.
Inhale .
Exhale.
'STELLA CADENS!!'
Time seems to stand still as I feel a vague unfamiliar sensation. It's a strange and unpleasant one akin to pins and needles, only if you could smell, taste and see that sensation.
But then it transforms, changing into some very different almost the complete opposite of what it was before.
It's no longer hazy, I can feel it clearly now, much clearer than anything I've ever felt in my entire life. It's more familiar than my favorite dish, the smell of fresh bread and the sweet taste of sugar. It's far more vivid than any other sensation, and more nostalgic than my fondest memories.
Something so deep and familiar yet indescribable flows through my entire being. Not just my skin, limbs, my head and my torso, but my muscle and bones too.
No it's deeper than that, it's there in mind and impossible notice. It's as if it's been with me my whole life, no, even before then.
It flows through my essence, my soul itself!
A mesmerizing light, brighter than anything I've ever witnessed, appears in front of me as I experience a state of catharsis.
Despite the brilliance of the light it doesn't hurt my eyes a single bit, on the contrary it feels as if all the strain has been taken off of them.
The light fades as time seems to resume. A pleasant cold moves through my out stretched hands and exits through my palm and the front of my fingers.
A beam of white light exits my hand and explodes in the middle of the room, filling it with smoke.
Fwoosh
Harsh turbulent rush outward from the aftermath.
What just happened to me?
That was neither Stella Cadens type one nor type two. Type one is a powerful explosion while type two is a flame current.
What was that just now?
If the beam of light abrupted exploded that means it must have hit something right?
Did I succeed in destroying the barrier of sparks?
The smoke clears to reveal...