Chapter 8: In Search of Answers

  The landscape opened up before us, and the dense forest was finally behind. The path ahead became clearer as the fog slowly lifted, giving way to the first light of dawn. The caravan moved on, and despite the hardships, people remained calm. The bandit attack was now behind us. Though the tension hadn't vanished entirely, a sense of relief was palpable. I felt the heavy, anxious feeling that had haunted me these past days begin to ease.

  Lux, the adventurer with two swords, walked up to me, shaking his head slightly, as if in thought.

  “You handled that crossbowman well,” he said. “If you're interested, I’ve got something to offer. It’s no joke, but I think you're ready.”

  I looked up and asked, “What do you mean?”

  Lux slightly curled his lips into a smile and added, “There are a few top guilds in the adventurer world, and they’re looking for people like you. If you want to grow stronger, this is your chance. I can help you join one of them.”

  I pondered it. I had only heard about the guild system from merchants’ tales, but the fact that Lux himself was offering this meant a lot. Guilds were the organizations where the strongest adventurers trained, gained power, and carried out top-tier missions. The elite guilds were considered nearly invincible, and joining their ranks meant gaining unique opportunities for growth.

  “Name them,” I said.

  Lux thought for a moment, choosing his words carefully.

  “Well then, here’s the list of the strongest ones:

  1. Tower of the Nine Circles — They specialize in elemental magic and control of natural forces. The most influential and oldest guild.

  2. Silver Legion — An elite brotherhood of warriors. Purely battle-oriented adventurers, masters of tactics and combat.

  3. Star Wanderers — Explorers and mages who specialize in astral travel and hidden knowledge.

  4. Ancient Order — A guild of alchemists and artifact-makers. They craft the most powerful magical items and relics.

  5. Red Falcon — A mercenary guild specializing in dangerous missions for high-profile clients.

  6. Dark Harbingers — Assassins and scouts who operate in the darkest corners of the kingdom.

  7. Golden Throne — A guild of diplomats and strategists. They resolve conflicts and influence politics.

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  8. Gates of Fate — A guild of seers and mages working with dark magic and prophecy.

  9. Bronze Shield — Defenders who specialize in fortifications and protection.

  10. White Lightning — The fastest and most agile. A guild of spies and tricksters involved in everything from trade to reconnaissance.”

  I listened, feeling the adventurer world opening up before me in all its depth. But Lux wasn’t done yet.

  “Every adventurer in a guild is ranked using a tier system,” he continued, pulling a small scroll from his pocket. “Here’s how it works:

  1. Rank F — Newbies, little to no experience.

  2. Rank E — Beginners, slightly more experienced but still not ready for serious tasks.

  3. Rank D — Adventurers with basic skills, able to handle light missions.

  4. Rank C — Intermediate level, capable of completing more difficult tasks.

  5. Rank B — Experienced, take on mid-tier missions.

  6. Rank A — Masters, handle high-level assignments.

  7. Rank S — The elite, adventurers who can take on the most dangerous missions.

  8. Rank SS — Rare and powerful individuals who can influence the course of history.

  9. Rank SSS — Legends, the greatest of the great. People who can handle any threat.”

  “Each rank has its own card color. For example, Rank F has a white card, E is green, D is blue, and so on,” Lux pointed to the scroll, where an example was drawn.

  “What’s in these cards?” I asked, intrigued.

  “Each card contains your full information—your skills, achievements, and background. It stays with you at all times and can be used to receive missions, access resources, or get paid.”

  I thought about it, realizing these ranks meant everything—how many opportunities I’d get, how far I could grow. But right now, my goal was something else.

  “I understand. Thanks.”

  We parted ways, and I moved on, feeling a new world opening before me.

  ***

  A few days later, I reached the capital. It was massive, majestic, and bustling. I was overwhelmed with anticipation. This was a city where dreams came true—and where dangers hid in the shadows. I needed to reach the Akaryon Academy.

  As I approached the main gates of the Academy, I noticed the entrance was guarded, and the people there didn’t seem too happy to see new candidates. In the crowd, I saw a few strange faces, but their eyes were fixed solely on the building.

  Inside the main hall, I found a small group of students discussing recent news. I eavesdropped and learned something odd: the Headmaster of the Academy had disappeared. His position had been taken by a deputy named Arnold Vayne.

  This surprised me. My mentor had been friends with the Headmaster. Why did he vanish? Where could he have gone? Many questions rushed through my mind, and I knew I had to find answers.

  I approached one of the senior students.

  “When do the entrance exams for the Academy begin?” I asked.

  “In three days,” he replied without looking up from his notes.

  Three days. That was my last chance to get in. But I needed to prepare.

  After gathering information, I headed to the nearest tavern. Knowing my money was limited, I quickly found a place with decent prices—100 gold per night. It wasn’t too expensive, but I had to be careful with my spending.

  When I entered the room and shut the door behind me, I felt tired. I vaguely remembered that I hadn’t checked my stats.

  Within the system, I saw that my stats were all at level 15, except for endurance, which was at 18. Strange. There were unread messages. Two new quests.

  First Quest – Reach the Capital:

  Rewards:

  100 gold

  Magic Stone

  Skill [Eye of Truth] Lv.1 — reveals information about people or items

  Second Quest – Defeat the Bandits:

  Rewards:

  Healing Potion

  Magical Gauntlet

  Mana Stat Unlock

  I chose the Eye of Truth and mana stat unlock—those were truly useful.

  Lying back on the bed, I closed my eyes, wondering what awaited me next.