The morning sun filtered through the open windows of the Sky Phoenix as it gently cruised above the sprawling landscape. Inside, Mary stood by a table strewn with blueprints and mechanical parts, sipping tea while Sora sat cross-legged across from her, fidgeting with a small contraption in her hands.
"Ms. Poppins," Sora began, tilting her head toward Mary. "You've been talking about this adventurer guild system for a while now, but I still don't really get it. What's the point of it all?"
Mary placed her tea down with a soft clink and adjusted the goggles perched on her head. "Ah, the guilds. They're the backbone of adventurers in these parts, my dear. Adventurers take on jobs that no one else can—or dares to, really. The guilds organize everything: from monster extermination to simple escort missions. Keeps the world ticking and the townsfolk safe."
Sora furrowed her brow. "So… they're like mercenaries?"
"Not exactly," Mary replied, her voice light with amusement. "They're much more than that. Think of them as problem solvers for hire, but with a strict code of conduct and an organized structure. Each guild house is part of a larger network, ensuring adventurers can move freely and work anywhere."
Sora leaned forward, resting her chin in her hands. "And the rankings? What's the deal with those?"
Mary gestured animatedly as she spoke, her enthusiasm bubbling through. "Adventurers are ranked from D to A based on their experience and skill. D is for the greenhorns—those just starting out. A, on the other hand, is reserved for the elite. And above that are the missions so dangerous, they're classified as S-tier. But no single adventurer can handle those alone."
"Wait," Sora interrupted, her golden eyes narrowing. "If S-tier missions exist, does that mean there are S-tier adventurers?"
Mary chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Oh, no, no, my dear. The Guild has no S-rank adventurers. Missions of that scale require cooperation—whole teams of A-ranks, military forces, and sometimes even kingdoms working together. It's... rare, thankfully, but not unheard of."
Sora leaned back, processing Mary's words. "So, why are we even talking about this? What does it have to do with us?"
Mary clasped her hands together, her expression suddenly serious. "Because, my dear, you're going to need to register as an adventurer. With your talents, you'll need the Guild's protection and resources. Plus, it's about time you earned some recognition for that ingenuity of yours."
"Wait, me?" Sora's voice raised an octave, her confusion evident. "But I'm not exactly… guild material."
Mary grinned mischievously. "Oh, nonsense. You've got the makings of a brilliant adventurer, Sora. Trust me."
The Sky Phoenix began to descend, its shadow gliding over a picturesque hill. Below, a small town nestled between a flat hill and a dense forest came into view. A modest guild house, its stone walls and timber roof exuding a welcoming charm, sat near the town's edge.
The airship gently landed on the hill, its engines humming softly as Mary and Sora disembarked. The town bustled with activity, but it was the guild house that drew their attention. As they approached, Sora's nerves prickled. "Are you sure about this, Ms. Poppins?"
Mary smiled warmly, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Of course, I am. Now, chin up."
Inside the guild house, adventurers crowded the tavern-like interior, sharing stories and examining the mission board. The buzz of conversation quieted as Mary approached the receptionist.
"Good morning," Mary said cheerfully, sliding her identification across the counter.
The receptionist's eyes widened in shock. She fumbled with the card, her hands trembling as she read the golden lettering: Mary Poppins - Rank A.
The room fell into a dead silence, all eyes turning toward the unassuming woman.
"Rank… A?!" someone whispered in disbelief.
The receptionist stammered, her voice breaking. "M-Ms. Poppins, please, follow me! The Guildmaster will want to see you immediately!"
Mary gave a polite nod and gestured for Sora to follow her. "Come along, dear. Let's see what this fuss is all about."
Sora trailed behind, her expression a mix of bewilderment and curiosity. The murmurs of the adventurers faded as they ascended the stairs to the Guildmaster's office.
"What the heck is going on, Ms. Poppins?" Sora whispered harshly. "You're a Rank A? Since when?!"
Mary chuckled softly, looking back over her shoulder. "Oh, my dear, there's so much about me you've yet to learn. All in due time."
Sora groaned inwardly, her thoughts a chaotic swirl of disbelief as they reached the ornate doors of the Guildmaster's office. Whatever was about to unfold, she had a feeling her life was about to get even more complicated.
The Guildmaster's office was a mix of practicality and rustic charm, with wooden beams lining the ceiling and walls adorned with old maps and battle-worn weapons. Behind the grand oak desk sat an older man with long silver hair tied back in a low ponytail, his piercing golden eyes gleaming with wisdom. His sharp, weathered features and the confident set of his jaw made it clear this was no ordinary Guildmaster.
"Ah," he greeted, his raspy voice commanding attention. "I was told an A-ranked adventurer had arrived, but I never imagined it would be the Mary Poppins." He set aside a ledger, his hands resting calmly on the desk.
Mary stopped in her tracks, her sharp eyes widening slightly in recognition. "William Helmsworth," she said slowly, her tone laced with surprise. "You're from the Helmsworth family—one of the major noble houses of the kingdom. What on earth are you doing in a guild like this?"
William smirked, leaning back in his chair. "And here I thought my name might be forgotten in such far-flung corners of the world. Yes, I am William Helmsworth, though these days I go by two other titles: Guildmaster of this branch and Earl of this region." He gestured casually around the office.
Mary raised an eyebrow, clearly trying to process what she'd just heard. "Guildmaster and Earl? In a town this small? Why leave the capital to bury yourself in a place like this?"
William's golden gaze didn't waver. "The politics of the court grow tiresome, Mary. Here, I can serve with purpose—helping adventurers grow, safeguarding the town, and finding peace in simpler duties. But enough about me." His tone shifted, sharper now. "I'm curious why someone of your renown has come to a place like this for the first time. I assume it's not for our local ale."
Mary composed herself, folding her arms. "I'm here to register my apprentice." She motioned to Sora, who stood awkwardly behind her, trying her best to look confident despite the storm of thoughts racing through her head.
"Your apprentice?" William's gaze shifted to Sora, studying her with a critical eye. His piercing stare made Sora's skin prickle, though she refused to look away.
"That's correct," Mary continued. "Her name is Sora, and I've been mentoring her for some time. She's ready to take her first steps as an adventurer."
Sora nearly choked. Mentoring me? What? She blinked rapidly, her mind scrambling to keep up with this unexpected turn of events.
William leaned forward, his sharp gaze fixed on Mary. "An A-rank adventurer vouching for a novice? That's not something I hear every day." His gaze returned to Sora, and his expression softened slightly, though his curiosity remained. "Tell me, girl, do you truly have what it takes to stand beside someone of Mary Poppins' caliber?"
Sora opened her mouth, hesitated, and then forced herself to speak. "I... I don't know about standing beside her," she admitted, her voice steady but nervous. "But I'll do my best to prove myself."
William studied her for a long moment before his lips curled into a faint smile. "Honest. I like that." He turned back to Mary. "If you vouch for her, then I'll allow her to register. But..." He rose from his chair, his presence suddenly towering. "I'll need to assess her abilities myself. Consider it a personal test."
Mary's eyes narrowed slightly. "You're testing her personally? You, a former court noble and now a Guildmaster?"
William chuckled, the sound low and amused. "Indeed. This is a rare occasion, after all. I don't often get to meet someone under the wing of an A-ranked legend."
Sora, now utterly bewildered, barely managed to process what was happening. Legend? Ms. Poppins is a legend? Her thoughts were a chaotic whirlwind, but she pushed them aside, straightened her back, and nodded.
"Alright," she said, her voice more confident than she felt. "When do we start?"
William's golden eyes gleamed with approval. "Dawn. Rest up, young one. You'll need it."
As the two left the office, Sora turned to Mary, her expression incredulous. "Ms. Poppins, what is going on? Who even are you?"
Mary smirked, her tone light and teasing. "An adventurer, dear. And now, so are you."