The One Branch of The Tree
Chapter 21
The Guild Hall stood majestically at the end of the main street, a three-story black stone building with large windows glowing warm yellow at the front, a large hanging sign with a sword and shield emblem, very fantasy themed.
In front of the entrance adventurers came in and out non-stop there were warriors in heavy armor, robed mages, archers and people who looked like assassins who clearly wanted to look mysterious, brand consistency.
I stood for a few seconds staring at the building, it was very interesting. In the old world, I might have only entered a place like this through a game. Now? I literally came to register, carrying trauma and a forbidden class. Character development aside, I pushed open the guild's large doors.
CREAK.
And immediately greeted by a very noisy sound, wooden tables with large quest boards on the walls, people drinking, laughing, negotiating, arguing, the atmosphere was lively but a little chaotic, I kind of liked it.
But as soon as I entered, several heads immediately turned in anticipation, my clothes still looked like a survival documentary victim plus my weapon was quite eye-catching, a unique and unique suspicious tree sword with a strong brand identity.
I ignored the stares and walked to the front desk, behind the desk stood a young woman with short brown hair in a dark green guild uniform and a professional smile.
A small notification appears.
Target identified:
Lina
Guild Receptionist
Threat: None
Great, finally someone with no threats. How refreshing.
"Welcome to the Lumeria Adventurer Guild." he said friendly.
"Can I help you?"
“I want to register,” I answered easily.
Lina nodded.
“Register as a new adventurer?”
“Yes.”
He took out a form and a small crystal. The administrative side mission began.
“Name?”
“Cancer.”
"Age?"
I think technically still a teenager, mentally? about 48 after this week.
“17.”
Lina wrote.
“Class?”
I stopped, that was the question about trapping.
“Nature type close combat,” I replied.
It's not clear if it still works.
Lina seemed to have dealt with strange people many times and didn't ask any further questions, very professional, I appreciate that.
"Good."
He pushed the crystal towards me.
“Please channel mana for registration.”
I touched the crystal, a green light appeared and then data appeared on it, Level 19? The guild hall was a little quieter.
Oh? Some adventurers started to take it more seriously; it was understandable that the initial registration for level 19 was quite absurd. Lina also looked a little surprised, but maintained her professionalism. She was an excellent employee.
“Registration successful,” he said.
“However, since your level is quite high for a new applicant, you will need to undergo a short evaluation.”
Of course, nothing can be simple.
"What form does the evaluation take?"
“Light spar test,” he said.
Light? What a flexible word, I sighed.
"Good."
Lina signaled.
A guild staff member led me to the back area of the training arena, smaller than the colosseum but quite spacious, a stone floor with an active mana barrier around it.
A small crowd began to gather, seemingly free entertainment. I entered the arena. On the opposite side, a tall man entered, carrying a large axe, a muscular body, a thick beard, and a solid aura.
A notification appears.
Target identified:
Garron
Guild Examiner
Level 17
Threat: Moderate
Level 17 is a little below me, I can still handle it, Garron looks at me from top to bottom.
"The new kid?"
“I prefer the term emotionally exhausted newcomer”
He laughed out loud finally someone with good taste.
"Good."
He raised the axe.
“Simple rules. Show your skills.”
“Must win?”
“No need.”
"Good."
Realistic standards, a staff member raised his hand.
"Start!"
Garron moved first, swinging his axe quickly horizontally, I blocked it with the World Thorn Sword.
CLANG.
The impact was quite severe, but not too much of a problem. After Cervaros and the Executioner, my threat threshold rose dramatically. This was practically therapeutic; I took a step back and analyzed.
Garron's movements were solid and experienced, but they were more about raw power than complicated and simple techniques. I countered the Slash diagonally, and Garron blocked, and we exchanged several attacks.
CLANG. CLANG. CLANG.
The arena was starting to get more crowded, and some of the spectators seemed interested, which was good for them, as it was a free show. Garron smiled.
“You're good.”
“Trauma is the best teacher,” I replied.
He laughed again, I was starting to like this guy. Garron raised his axe high, mana gathering. Skill? Finally, it hit the ground.
BOOM!
A shockwave of rocks came towards me, I jumped while in the air I activated Root Snare roots emerged from the floor wrapping around Garron's legs.
“Good,” he muttered.
I landed my sword on his neck, stopping. A split second of silence followed, the arena falling silent, and then a few rounds of applause rang out, not too bad. Garron laughed loudly.
"Pleasant."
He lowered the axe.
"I am satisfied."
I drew my sword.
“It's a pleasure to provide entertainment.”
The barrier was turned off, Lina entered carrying a small metal card.
“Congratulations,” he said, handing over the card.
“Starting today you are officially an Adventurer Guild member.”
I accepted the card.
A notification appears.
Title unlocked:
Adventurer
Access:
Quest board
Guild rewards
Party system
Dungeon permits
Nice very touched not killed, not chased by monsters, no dungeon collapses massive improvement, Lina smiled.
“Your starting rank: Bronze.”
I see the cards, Bronze? Very fair and this is just the beginning.
“How do I rank up?” I asked.
“Quest,” Lina answered.
“Collect contribution points.”
I saw a large quest board with various missions posted—monster subjugation, herb gathering, escorts, investigations, and bounties—all very interesting, but one quest caught my attention. A small red board with a rare quest. I approached it and read it.
Special Investigation Quest
Location:
Northern ruins of Lumeria
Target:
Anomalous root phenomenon
Reward:
High
Restriction:
Level 15+
I stared at the quest for the anomalous root phenomenon.…wow, that sounded suspicious, as it was so relevant to my entire existence. Coincidence? Probably not, I smiled slightly.
Well the first quest had already chosen me how efficient, I took the quest sheet and just as I did a familiar voice came from behind.
“So it's true.”
I turned my head,
Bima stood near the guild door, his arms crossed and his gaze sharp. Ah, a social problem solved at the right time.
[END CHAPTER 21]
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