Chapter Two: A Hero or a Hunter
Liam's boots crunched against the gravel path as he approached the small village that the spirit had mentioned. It was quaint, with cobblestone streets winding between timber-framed houses, their flower boxes overflowing with vibrant blooms. A peaceful hum of life surrounded him—merchants haggled, children laughed, and the scent of freshly baked bread wafted through the air.
As he stepped through the village gates, conversations stopped. Heads turned, and curious eyes fixated on him.
"Who is he?" one woman whispered, her cheeks flushing as she caught sight of him.
"Look at his hair—it's so glossy!" another murmured.
"He's got to be a noble," a young girl said, clutching her basket of apples tightly. "No commoner looks like that."
Liam felt the weight of their stares and tried to ignore it, but the whispers grew louder as he passed. Women of all ages gazed at him, some nudging their friends and giggling. Even a few men paused mid-task, eyebrows raised at his striking appearance.
"Is he an elf prince?" someone asked.
"Maybe a wandering knight," another suggested.
Liam's jaw tightened, both amused and annoyed. He wasn't used to this kind of attention—certainly not in his real-world life. His handsome new appearance was clearly causing quite a stir.
"Great," he muttered under his breath. "I'm a walking spectacle."
He continued down the main street, passing a bustling marketplace and rows of wooden stalls selling everything from potions to freshly caught fish. At the far end of the village, a large building loomed—the town hall. Its sturdy stone walls and tall wooden doors marked it as the center of authority.
Pushing the doors open, Liam stepped inside. The interior was modest, with rows of wooden benches and a counter where a line of villagers waited. Behind the counter sat a cat lady—an anthropomorphic feline with sleek black fur, golden eyes, and a pair of sharp ears that twitched as she spoke to the person in front of her. She wore a simple vest and trousers, her tail flicking lazily behind her.
When Liam approached, the cat lady froze mid-sentence, her golden eyes widening as she took him in.
"Well, well," she purred, her voice smooth and teasing. "What do we have here? A lost noble wandering into our humble village?"
"I'm not a noble," Liam said, suppressing a sigh. "I'm here to register."
The cat lady arched a brow, a sly grin spreading across her face. "Oh? New adventurer, then? Or are you here for something more practical?"
She slid a form across the counter, her claws lightly tapping the wood. The parchment listed two options: Adventurer and Hunter. Beneath each, descriptions outlined what the roles entailed.
Adventurer:
Specializes in exploring dungeons, defeating monsters, and retrieving treasure.
Operates in teams or solo, often taking high-risk, high-reward jobs.
Requires combat skills and adaptability.
Hunter:
Focuses on providing for the community by hunting wildlife, gathering rare materials, and maintaining the ecosystem.
Operates mostly solo, ensuring a steady income through resource collection.
Requires tracking skills, survival knowledge, and precision.
Liam read the descriptions carefully. Adventurers were the flashy heroes of Oasis, delving into ancient ruins and slaying mythical beasts. Hunters, on the other hand, were more grounded, serving a vital role in the village by supplying resources and keeping nature in balance.
"Take your time," the cat lady said, watching him with interest. "Most people choose adventurer, but hunters are just as important. Less glamorous, maybe, but you won't be broke after a single bad quest."
Liam frowned, weighing his options. His instincts screamed "adventurer," especially with his ultimate goal of defeating the Ender Dragon. But something about the hunter's role intrigued him—it seemed quieter, less chaotic, and potentially more stable.
"Is there a way to switch later?" he asked, glancing at the cat lady.
She nodded, her tail swishing. "Sure, but it's a hassle. You'll need to prove yourself in your first role before transitioning to another. So choose wisely."
Liam exhaled, staring at the parchment. The villagers had been whispering about him as though he were destined for greatness. If he was going to take back his legacy and prove his worth, he couldn't afford to play it safe.
He picked up the quill, dipping it into the inkpot. With a flourish, he checked the box next to Adventurer.
The cat lady smirked, her sharp teeth glinting. "Adventurer, huh? Bold choice." She stamped the form with a paw-shaped seal and handed him a small token. "Welcome to the Adventurer's Guild. Take this to the barracks across the square. They'll get you geared up and assign your first quest."
Liam pocketed the token, nodding his thanks.
As he turned to leave, the cat lady called after him, her voice playful. "Good luck, handsome! Try not to get yourself killed too quickly."
Liam smirked, pushing the doors open and stepping back into the village. The sun was setting, casting golden light over the cobblestone streets. His journey was officially underway, and he wasn't about to let anyone—or anything—stand in his way.