The walls of Arendor loomed tall against the sky, a vast city fortified by thick stone and bustling with life. People from all walks of life converged here: merchants with wagons of exotic goods, soldiers in gleaming armor, and townsfolk chattering as they passed through the gate. The energy of the place was electric—a stark contrast to the wild and lonely journey we'd endured to reach it.
Bran and Sera, who had guided me through the wilderness, were visibly relieved to be back in familiar territory. They exchanged knowing glances, their usual vigilance tempered by the sight of home. For me, though, Arendor was both thrilling and daunting. I had traveled far, armed with only my modern knowledge and growing abilities. But here, I would face the scrutiny of guilds, scholars, and power-hungry nobles.
Frost trotted beside me, his ears twitching at the sounds of the city. People cast curious glances at the wolf pup; he was an unusual sight in the midst of the crowds. Yet he stayed close, his steady presence reminding me of all that we had endured together.
As we passed through the city gates, a system notification flashed in front of my eyes:
> Quest Alert: Establish Yourself in Arendor
Objective: Join one of the city's guilds to gain access to resources, allies, and knowledge.
Reward: A Medical Compendium (absorbed knowledge on traditional cures and treatments), with insights tailored to the ailments in this world.
I knew from conversations with the merchants that joining a guild wouldn't be simple.
Both the Apothecaries' Guild and the Healers' Circle were highly selective and often suspicious of outsiders. Each held considerable sway over the kingdom's medicinal practices, but their rivalry ran deep, with both fiercely guarding their secrets and discoveries.
"Which guild do you think we should approach?" Sera asked, scanning the bustling streets as we walked. The city's layout was intricate, with narrow lanes that twisted through bustling marketplaces, past ornate buildings adorned with symbols of wealth and influence.
"The Apothecaries' Guild," Bran replied, his voice low. "They control the herbal trade here. If you want to continue using your knowledge of plants and herbs, they'd be your best bet."
I considered his words. The Apothecaries' Guild was known for their resources and vast supplies of rare herbs, yet they weren't exactly known for healing skills. The Healers' Circle, on the other hand, specialized in practical treatment and surgery, tending directly to the needs of the people. Aligning with them might give me access to a different kind of knowledge, particularly in real-world treatment methods.
As we turned a corner, the city's central plaza opened up before us. The buildings here were grand, each marked by the banners of various guilds. The Apothecaries' Guild was on one side of the square, its emblem a mortar and pestle intertwined with vines. The Healers' Circle had its own quarters nearby, a quieter structure with a simple symbol of two hands cradling a sprouting herb.
"I'll need time to think about it," I told them. "Both guilds offer different advantages, and whichever one I choose could shape my path in this world."
Bran nodded, seeming to understand the weight of the decision. "Then it's best we find a place to stay. You'll need to present yourself well when you're ready."