Happy Embarrassment

It took a few seconds for my eyes to adjust to the blinding light emanating from the office. What the light had hidden was a large room with tall windows reaching from the floor all the way to the ceiling. The walls beside us were lined with shelves storing various books and documents. A rolling ladder stood attached to a slightly rusty rail.

On the far side of the room, directly in front of the door, a long wooden desk with a few papers scattered around sat there. Behind it was a woman with beautiful flowy auburn hair that extended down past her shoulders rummaging through different papers.

Her fiery red eyes looked up from the documents and found their place staring at my chest. A smile cracked across her lips as she struggled to contain her glee. ''Neth! I've been expecting you. It's been a while since we've seen each other. Oh how much you've grown.''

Her chair rolled back and she flung herself over the table, landing directly in my face. I could feel her warm breath on my skin as she peered directly into my eyes. A hand swiftly gripped my arm, squeezing it and loosening the grip slowly. Despite the close distance, she seemed to stare directly through me, measuring my attributes.

''Are you sure you want to sign up to our guild? You could live a happy life with those in this town. The dungeons can get incredibly dangerous and some creatures out there are too unpredictable for someone that hasn't gone out hunting before.'' Her eyes' focus changed and now I could actually feel her stare at me. Everything she said is the truth. Things out there are unpredictable and could cost my life if I take even one misstep.

And she isn't wrong. I love everyone in this town, they are all like family to me. They fed me and educated me. Rescued me from the woods and nurtured me. But this is exactly why I have to go out there. I have to bring more fame and riches to repay their kindness. Give everything they will want or need.

''I am sure this is what I want to do!'' My chest grew warm as the thoughts of everyone around me drifted through my head. I know what I must do. No one could stop me from going down this path!

A few more moments passed, and they dragged along as her eyes narrowed on my figure. Her arm dropped by her side after releasing the pressure. ''Well, nothing I say could change your mind. I know roughly what you are capable of since I was the one who educated you in magic and swordsmanship.

Her lessons were quite strict growing up, often ending up with a broken bone or passing out. Out of all the macho-men outside, I would say that she is the most terrifying. I'm the only person that has seen her fight in a long time apparently. When she tries her hardest it becomes impossible to even trace her movements. Like she teleports around and slashes monsters with just a thought. Her skill is second to none as far as I am aware.

She walked toward the desk, the sound of her heels clacking against the wooden floor rang throughout the room. A blurry expression reflected off of the window behind the desk, you could barely make out a soft smile. Her figure shifted to face us one more time, this time holding a document in her right hand. And a pen in her left.

I snatched both items and quickly signed. The pen glided across the paper with a small flame at the end of the signature, the ink illuminating before turning back into a voidless black. My hand offered the document and pen back to her. ''Thank you, Lucy. For everything. I'll make sure to take you out to dinner in the future!'' I gave her a smile and held her free hand.

I swear her cheeks turned a subtle shade of pink before she cleared her throat. Her hand squeezed tightly before eventually letting go. ''Floris, escort them to the exit while I process the documents. And Neth, I would like to formally welcome you to the Hunter's Guild!'' She wore a smile from ear to ear as everyone in the room started clapping for me. I felt a little embarrassed but my chest radiated so much warmth. A smile of my own formed with some tears sliding down the side of my face.

''Thank you, all of you. You have always been here for me. I have never felt alone and I've never had to struggle with you all around.'' Lucy and Myra turned pink and struggled to contain their smile. Even the emotionless Floris cracked a smile in my direction, quickly hiding it with her clipboard.

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After a few brief moments, Floris escorted us back down the creaky stairs. When we arrived back downstairs the whole hall erupted in screams of joy. Banners hung from the ceiling congratulating me on reaching fifteen years and joining the guild.

A queue quickly formed in front of me to either shake my hand or embrace me. People of different ages, classes, and races, it was almost comical at how long the line was. It extended all the way into the main street. Not that I'm complaining, this all brings me joy.

Among the crowd, I could spot the legendary party 'Greery'. They seemed to drift in and out of the line, chatting with the staff and random, somewhat successful, hunters.

The line quickly shortened until their party reached me. Before me stood six of my childhood heroes. These six hunters have protected and brought much wealth to our town. It inspired me to train and go out on expeditions.

A tall broad man stepped forward revealing a large scar on the side of his neck. ''Hey there kiddo, I heard your name was Neth, right?'' Oh. My. God. He knows my name! This is amazing, my dreams are slowly coming true!! I could feel my cheeks surge with pain as the corners of my mouth extended towards my ears.

''Congratulations! I believe this is our first time meeting, but would you like to accompany us on your first mission? We are planning on exploring a tomb a little distance from here.'' The other five members stepped beside him, and all of them extended their hands toward me. ''Join us!'' Their voices were followed by an uproar from everyone in the large wooden hall. Even Lucy descended downstairs, clapping her hands.

I could feel a small hand tugging at my t-shirt. To my left was Myra who smiled softly at me. ''Close your eyes for a second.'' It confused me but I did as she said. Not even a second passed and I could feel something soft pressing against my cheek. I creaked open my eye only to be met with her own. I turned beet red as her lips detached from my cheek.

The crowd erupted even louder and Greery joined in. This couldn't have been more embarrassing! A hand slipped on my shoulder from behind and Lucy's head appeared from the side. '' Hey there kiddo.'' And she also gave me a little peck on the cheek. Is this a dream or a nightmare? I really can't tell.

I tried to bring up my hands to my face to veil my blush but I was held down by Floris and the Guildmaster. Waves of young girls kept drawing nearer, threatening my life with their kissy faces. Everything slowly went dark as I lost power in my body. ''-Neth are you oka-''