Ezra awoke the next morning feeling surprisingly refreshed, the events of the previous day seeming distant in his mind. The bed at The Rusty Flask was comfortable enough, and after a quick stretch, he swung his legs off the side, getting ready for the day ahead.
The sun's early light filtered through the window, casting soft shadows across the room. He glanced at his belongings, making sure he still had everything the gold, the sword, the mysterious Void-Touched Essence, and the Alpha's Fang. Satisfied, he grabbed his things and made his way downstairs.
The innkeeper was busy in the kitchen, so Ezra helped himself to a quick breakfast bread, cheese, and an apple. The bustling market outside called to him, but today, his focus was on the Adventurers' Guild.
After finishing his meal, he stepped out into the streets of Everhearth, the cool morning air filling his lungs. The village was already alive with activity, the market stalls opening and travelers exchanging goods. He made his way through the crowd, heading toward the guild, which was located just across the street.
---
The Adventurers' Guild
Ezra entered the guild building, its large wooden doors creaking slightly as they swung open. Inside, the atmosphere was busy but organized some adventurers were arguing over the latest bounty board, while others gathered in small groups, discussing tactics.
Despite the lively environment, no one seemed to pay him much attention. He made his way to the reception desk, where a young receptionist was shuffling papers, her eyes darting nervously from one document to the next.
Ezra waited for a moment, but she didn't notice him, absorbed in her work. So, he cleared his throat, trying to get her attention.
"Excuse me?"
She jumped slightly, startled, then quickly looked up, her face flushing. "Oh! Sorry! How can I help you, sir?"
Ezra smiled reassuringly. "I'm here to register as an adventurer. Where do I go for that?"
"Right, right! Registration! Of course, right over here," she stammered, pointing to a table where a glowing orb sat in the center. "Please, place your hand on the ball. It will scan your information and assign your rank and stats."
Ezra raised an eyebrow but nodded and walked over to the orb. It was smooth, slightly translucent, and pulsed with an inner light. He placed his hand on it, and immediately, the orb flared with white light, causing the receptionist to gasp.
"W-What?" she stuttered, her face paling. "That's... that's impossible..."
Before she could react further, a booming voice echoed from above. The large wooden staircase at the back of the hall creaked, and an older, burly man descended from the upper floors. His large frame was cloaked in dark robes, his features stern yet wise.
"What's going on down here?" the man asked, his voice thick with authority.
The receptionist stumbled over her words. "Guild... Master... there's a... an issue. This adventurer's ball, it... it's glowing... white!"
The man's expression changed in an instant. He marched toward the orb and looked over Ezra with sharp eyes. "Step away from it."
Ezra hesitated for a moment, then complied, stepping back as the guild master knelt beside the glowing orb. It dimmed slightly but still pulsed with an intense white light.
The guild master's brows furrowed. "This... this hasn't happened in centuries." His voice was laced with shock.
The receptionist blinked at him, confused. "Guild master? What does that mean? Why is it glowing like that?"
The old man looked up at Ezra, studying him for a long moment before sighing. "Take him to my office. Now."
---
In the Guild Master's Office
Ezra followed the guild master up the staircase, unsure of what to make of the situation. The guild master's eyes never left him, but there was an unmistakable tension in the air. They reached a large, comfortable office with shelves of old books and maps, a roaring fire in the hearth. The guild master gestured for Ezra to sit in one of the chairs opposite his desk, his face grim.
Ezra took a seat, feeling more than a little out of place in the grand office. He opened his mouth to speak, but the guild master held up a hand.
"Do you have any idea what just happened?" the guild master asked, his tone sharp.
Ezra shook his head, perplexed. "No, I... I just placed my hand on the orb like I was told. I didn't expect it to... glow like that."
The guild master leaned forward, steepling his fingers. "That glow... only one type of person has ever triggered that. Only the Eternals."
Ezra's heart skipped a beat. "The Eternals?" he repeated, his voice barely above a whisper.
The guild master nodded slowly. "Yes. The Eternals were a group of legendary warriors immortal protectors of the realm. It was said that only their descendants or the ones chosen by the gods could activate the orb in such a way. Their disappearance was a great mystery, and until now, no one has triggered it in centuries."
Ezra sat back in the chair, his mind racing. The Eternals? Chosen by the gods? Is that what I am? He glanced down at his hands, wondering if the truth was finally catching up with him.
The guild master's eyes softened slightly as he watched Ezra process the information. "You're no ordinary adventurer. In fact, your rank will be... limitless. But there are things you must learn, and dangers you'll face. The world is not what it once was, and the Void grows stronger each day. I can only hope that you are ready for what lies ahead."
Ezra nodded, his resolve hardening. "I may not know everything, but I'll figure it out. Whatever the Void is... I'll stop it."
The guild master studied him for a long time before finally standing. "Very well. For now, you're free to explore the guild. We'll provide what assistance we can."
Ezra stood up, feeling a mixture of determination and fear. He had always thought of himself as an ordinary guy, but now, the weight of being chosen by fate was upon him.
"Thank you, Guild Master," Ezra said, his voice steady.
The guild master nodded. "Go, to the training area and prepare. Im curious as to what you are and what you can offer ."