The doors of the Shieldbearers Guild loomed large before Tobi, crafted from dark oak and reinforced with steel bands.
Above them hung a massive banner bearing the guild's emblem: a sword and shield crossed before a mountain, glowing faintly in the evening light.
For a moment, he hesitated. The faint buzz of chatter and clinking metal from within reminded him that whatever lay on the other side was bound to be far removed from anything he had known.
'What am I even doing here?' he wondered.
His rational mind screamed at him to step back, to get his bearings first, but curiosity — mixed with a faint desperation to understand this world — won out. He pushed the doors open.
Inside, the guild hall was nothing short of impressive.
The ceiling soared high above, its beams carved with intricate runes that pulsed faintly in soft gold and blue hues.
Dozens of adventurers milled about, their laughter and loud conversations filling the air.
Some leaned against the polished wooden bar in the corner, while others examined a massive board plastered with posters and notices.
Tables were scattered across the floor, their surfaces scarred from years of use, while a glowing hearth at the far end cast warmth throughout the hall.
Tobi's eyes landed on the counter near the center of the room, where a striking figure stood, her emerald green eyes meeting his as if she had sensed his arrival.
The woman was stunning.
An elf, judging by her pointed ears that peeked out from long, silken silver hair that cascaded down her back.
Her smooth, sun-kissed skin seemed to glow in the firelight, and her sharp, elegant features carried a cool confidence that instantly commanded attention.
But it was her figure that stole the breath from Tobi's lungs.
Her uniform — a fitted blue blouse and a skirt that rested just above her knees — did little to hide her voluptuous curves.
Her ample chest pressed slightly against the fabric of her blouse, her narrow waist accentuating hips that swayed gracefully as she turned to greet him.
'Okay, focus,' he told himself, his face warming.
"Welcome to the Shieldbearers Guild," she said, her voice smooth and melodic, with just a hint of amusement in her tone. "How can I help you today?"
For a moment, Tobi just stared, the words caught in his throat. The elf raised a slender eyebrow, her lips curving into a faint smile.
"Are you alright?" she asked.
"Y-Yeah," he stammered, clearing his throat. "I, uh… I wanted to ask about the guild. What it is. What it… entails."
The elf's expression softened, and she gave a small nod. "You must be new to Fallowmere," she said, folding her hands neatly on the counter. "And judging by the way you're asking, I'd guess you're new to guilds entirely."
"You could say that," Tobi replied, trying to shake off his embarrassment.
"Well, let me start from the beginning. A guild, at its core, is an organization that brings people together to accomplish shared goals. Most guilds in Aeltheris revolve around adventuring: handling monster threats, exploring uncharted lands, retrieving rare artifacts… that sort of thing. Some guilds specialize — like enchanters' guilds, blacksmiths' guilds, and even scholars' guilds — but adventuring guilds like the Shieldbearers are the most common."
Tobi listened intently, nodding slowly.
"Adventuring guilds serve two main purposes," she continued, gesturing slightly with her hands. "First, we provide structure and resources for adventurers. Members can take on quests from the job board, which are issued by individuals, towns, or even the kingdom. Completing quests earns you rewards — gold, items, sometimes even rare opportunities. Second, we act as a bridge between adventurers and society. By organizing and regulating our members, guilds ensure that adventurers remain a vital part of the kingdom's survival and prosperity."
"That's… a lot," Tobi said, leaning slightly against the counter. "So, anyone can just walk in and join?"
"Not quite," she said with a light laugh. "Guilds have standards. The Shieldbearers, for example, evaluate potential recruits to ensure they're capable. It's not just about strength — although that helps. We also assess things like teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability. Of course, guilds vary. Some take anyone willing to sign a contract, but the more reputable ones, like ours, are selective."
Tobi frowned, taking it all in. It sounded almost like a mix of a business and a military organization, which wasn't far from the corporate life he'd left behind — except this world had monsters.
The elf's gaze lingered on him for a moment. "Are you thinking of joining?"
"I…" Tobi hesitated, unsure of how to respond.
Her eyes narrowed slightly, though not unkindly. "You're not like most people who walk in here," she said. "You don't seem like someone chasing glory or treasure. You're… curious. Cautious. Am I wrong?"
Tobi blinked, surprised at how easily she had read him. "No, you're not wrong," he admitted.
She smiled. "In that case, take your time. Joining a guild isn't something to rush into. If you decide the Shieldbearers are the right fit for you, come back, and we'll begin the evaluation process."
Tobi nodded thoughtfully. "Thanks… uh…"
"Arlenya," she said, inclining her head slightly.
"Thanks, Arlenya. I'll think about it."
"Good," she said, her smile widening. "And if you have more questions, you know where to find me."
Tobi stepped outside, the cool evening air brushing against his face.
The streets of Fallowmere were quieter now, lanterns casting soft pools of light on the cobblestones. He glanced back at the guildhall, its emblem glowing faintly in the dark.
He had learned more in that short conversation than he had since waking up in this strange new world. The idea of joining the Shieldbearers wasn't unappealing, but something in the back of his mind held him back.
Maybe it was the feeling of being out of place or the nagging thought that he wasn't meant to follow the same path as everyone else.
With that thought, he turned and began walking down the lantern-lit street, ready to see what else this world had in store.