Chapter 14: The Adventurer's Path
After their trials in the Temple of Trials, Nathan and Scarlet emerged with more than just newfound strength. The temple had not only sharpened their abilities, but it had instilled a deep sense of purpose. The visions they'd seen—of danger, intrigue, and the trials ahead—only served to fuel their resolve. They were ready for whatever lay beyond.
Standing before the bustling Adventurer's Guild in the heart of the city, the weight of their decision settled heavily on them. It felt as though the gates of destiny had opened, inviting them to step forward onto a path they'd yearned for since the day their village was destroyed. This wasn't just about becoming adventurers. It was about claiming their future, asserting control over their destiny.
Nathan glanced over at Scarlet. Her calm demeanor was unwavering, but he could see the quiet fire in her eyes. She had always been by his side, and now, with their strength renewed, they were ready to start fresh. The past had shaped them, but it would no longer define them.
They pushed open the grand wooden doors of the Adventurer's Guild, and the hum of conversation, clinking coins, and the distinct sounds of blades sharpening filled the air. The hall was a vibrant mosaic of adventurers—warriors in shining armor, robed mages murmuring incantations, and roguish figures with quick eyes and nimble hands. The scent of leather, metal, and a hint of fresh bread from nearby stalls mingled in the atmosphere.
At the counter stood a young woman with short brown hair, framed by glasses. She greeted them with a practiced smile, though her gaze lingered on the pair.
"Welcome to the Adventurer's Guild. How may I assist you today?"
Nathan took a deep breath, steadying himself. This was it. The moment he had been preparing for.
"We'd like to apply to become adventurers," he said, his voice firm yet carrying an undertone of excitement. Scarlet nodded in silent agreement, her eyes gleaming with quiet determination.
The receptionist looked them over, her gaze flicking from one to the other. She noted their youthful appearance but sensed something more beneath the surface—confidence, tempered by experience.
"Alright," she said, adjusting her glasses. "I'll need some details. Names, ages, combat abilities, and any prior experience."
Nathan hesitated briefly before glancing at Scarlet. They had agreed on this. It was time to shed the past and embrace new identities. No longer would they be Nathan Azure and Scarlet Redsky, names weighed down by loss and tragedy. They would take on new names for the journey ahead.
"Leaf," Nathan said simply, his voice unwavering.
Scarlet followed suit, her tone steady. "Ruby."
The receptionist didn't react to their unusual names, scribbling them down with efficiency. "And your ages?"
"Fifteen," Nathan replied.
Scarlet echoed, her voice quiet but resolute. "Fifteen."
The receptionist didn't press further, noting their youth but not commenting. It wasn't uncommon for adventurers to appear younger than their years.
"Now, tell me about your abilities," she said, her voice becoming more businesslike. "What are your combat skills?"
Nathan paused, considering his words. There was no need to go into specifics—especially not about the full extent of his Blessings of Nature. He would keep his answers honest, but vague.
"I'm skilled in physical combat, and I have a connection to nature," he said. "I can manipulate natural elements when needed."
Scarlet stepped forward, her expression calm but focused. "I specialize in elemental magic, primarily fire and wind."
The receptionist raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "Fire and wind? A potent combination. You'll fit right in."
She jotted down their abilities before gesturing toward the next step. "Alright, you'll need to undergo an evaluation test. It will assess your combat, survival, and teamwork skills. Head over to the training grounds to meet with the testers there."
Nathan and Scarlet exchanged a glance. This was their chance—an opportunity to prove themselves worthy.
***
The training grounds, located just outside the guild hall, were expansive. Adventurers from all walks of life were preparing for their own evaluations, the air thick with anticipation. The central area was a battleground, where each adventurer tested their skills in various scenarios. In the center of it all stood a tall man, his muscles honed from years of combat. He was the lead tester, and his gaze was sharp as he sized them up.
"Step forward, applicants," the man called, his voice commanding. His posture was imposing, his arms crossed as he assessed Nathan and Scarlet.
Nathan felt his heart quicken, but he steadied himself. This wasn't just another test. This was the start of their journey. He couldn't afford to falter now.
"Ready to prove yourselves?" the tester asked. Without waiting for a response, he continued. "We'll begin with basic combat. Show me what you've got."
Nathan stepped forward first. His stance was deliberate, calm. He wasn't going to reveal everything—especially not the full extent of his Blessings of Nature—but he needed to show he had the skill to back up his claims.
He closed the distance to the training dummy, his movements precise and controlled. A punch struck its mark, sending a jolt through the air as the dummy wobbled but didn't fall.
He followed up with a series of quick jabs and kicks, each one faster and more deliberate than the last. The tester's eyes tracked his every move, evaluating his technique and precision.
"Not bad," the man grunted. "You've got the basics. Let's see how you handle something more unpredictable."
Before Nathan could react, the tester hurled a ball of magic energy at him. His instincts kicked in. He sidestepped the attack, his body fluid and quick, and countered with a well-timed strike to the dummy, sending it flying backward.
"Good reflexes," the tester observed. "But you'll need more than that to survive in the field."
Nathan nodded, keeping his composure. The test wasn't over, but he had made his point. Now, it was Scarlet's turn.
Scarlet approached with the same quiet confidence. With a flick of her wrist, she summoned a small flame, the fire crackling in her hand, its intensity building with each passing second. She raised her hand toward the nearest dummy, and with a swift motion, sent the fire spiraling toward it. The flame surged forward, engulfing the target and reducing it to ash in moments.
The tester's eyes gleamed with approval, but his expression hardened as he turned his gaze to Scarlet. "You've got power. But can you control it when the stakes are high?"
Scarlet smiled faintly, unfazed. "I don't need to control the fire. I need to control myself."
She raised her hand again, and this time, a gust of wind whipped through the field. The wind spiraled, feeding the flames, and the fire surged outward, scorching multiple targets in an elegant display of harmony between the elements.
The tester's scrutiny never wavered, but after a long pause, he nodded. "You pass," he said, his voice grave. "But remember, being an adventurer isn't just about raw power. It's about control. Responsibility. Knowing when to fight, and when to hold back."
Nathan and Scarlet exchanged a look. They understood the weight of his words. The trials ahead would demand more than just their strength.
With their evaluation complete, the tester's voice rang in their minds.
"Your journey as adventurers starts now."
***
With their registration finalized, Nathan and Scarlet were officially adventurers. The weight of the world's expectations pressed on them, but they knew they were ready. The path ahead would be fraught with challenges, but now, they had the strength to face them.
The tester's words echoed in their minds as they left the training grounds, their hearts resolute.
This was just the beginning.