Chapter 3: The Guild
Samy and Tatsu had made the bold decision to leave their homeland, but they were at a loss when it came to navigating to other countries. Their first stop was the guild.
The guild building was modest, just a square room on the ground floor. Upon entering, they found themselves in a spacious hall surrounded by smaller rooms.
Straight ahead was the inquiry counter, and Samy approached it to seek some guidance.
"Hello! How can I assist you?" a young boy behind the counter greeted, (Wear a white and red recipient dress and average in high white hair and normal appreance)
"I'd like to get a map of this country," Samy replied.
The boy raised an eyebrow. "Do you have a permission letter? Or are you an SS-class adventurer? I'll need to see your status."
"Wait, what? So non-guild members can't access the map? How am I supposed to figure out how to reach another country?" Samy exclaimed, frustration creeping into his voice.
"Not my problem," the boy said, shrugging. "No permission or SS-class status means no map.
But the guild is looking for people willing to fight and travel with villagers wanting to escape the country. If you're interested, I can add your name to the list, but you'll have to pass a small test."
"That sounds good! Please add my name, but can I be placed on the same list as that boy? We're together," Samy replied, gesturing to Tatsu.
The boy frowned in thought. "Hmm, it's hard to say, but I'll try. What are both of your names and ages?"
"My name is Samy, and this is Tatsu. I think I'm about 28… Hey, Tatsu, how old are you?"
Tatsu responded, "I'm 8!"
Samy chuckled and looked back at the boy. "You heard that!"
"Okay, and your genders?" the boy continued, visibly prepared for this question.
"Seriously? You have to ask that?" Samy replied, exasperated.
"Well, it's my job," the boy said matter-of-factly. "I assume you both are male?"
With an exhausted sigh, Samy nodded. "Yeah, yeah, that's right."
"Here's your receipt. Please wait in the waiting room until you're called," the boy said, handing him a slip of paper.
"Got it. But when will the villagers be leaving?" Samy inquired.
"The departure is tomorrow. The final gathering is today, and they'll leave in the morning," the boy explained.
"Great! Thanks!" Samy replied as he and Tatsu settled into the waiting room.
After a while, they were called in. As Samy entered the testing room, two figures stood in front of a crystal ball. (Both wear a black cloak with hoddie and a normal sword in their back).
"Place both hands on the ball to measure your mana," one of them instructed. Samy complied, but the results were disappointing—his mana was average at best.
They directed him to the next test, which involved sword battling, overseen by the new guild master.
(A tall man in he's 40,with red hair, And a horizontal scar in his neck, wearing ordinary battle clothes and carrying an axe on his back).
As Samy charged at the master with his katana, his attacks were deftly blocked. A competitive exchange ensued; blow after blow, they danced in combat. Eventually, the master paused and said, "Not bad. What's your goal for going to another country?"
Samy, in a moment of vulnerability, fabricated a story. "My parents were killed in the recent war, and my brother and I want to start a new life elsewhere."
The master read between the lines but nodded, recognizing the lie for what it was. "Prepare yourself for tomorrow."
With permission granted to travel with the villagers, Samy and Tatsu stepped out of the guild, As Samy received permission to leave with the villagers, they both exited the guild.
"So, Tatsu, what now? Where are we going to spend the night?" Samy asked. Tatsu replied, "Honestly, I don't know. You're taking me with you, right? You're not leaving me behind, especially since we've already left our bakery far away. So don't ask me."
"Okay, okay," Samy said. He then told Tatsu to wait for him outside the guild while he searched for a rescue camp.
With so many villagers injured, it was proving difficult to find a place in the camp. After looking around, he discovered there were no spots available. He considered getting a room at a lodge but quickly realized they didn't have enough money.
As he made his way back to the guild, he bumped into the recipient guy who had helped him earlier. "Hey, where are you headed?" the guy asked.
"Sorry, I was just… Hey, you're Samy, right? What are you doing here? Can't find a place to sleep?"
"Yeah, I've checked all the camps, but no luck," Samy admitted.
"What's your plan, then?" the recipient guy inquired.
"I honestly don't know," Samy replied.
"Why don't you stay with me for the night? I'll be alone anyway, so it won't be a problem. Come on, grab your things."
"Really? Yeah, that works," Samy said excitedly. He called out to Tatsu, "Let's go! I found a place to sleep!"
"Alright, I'm coming!" Tatsu responded.