Chapter 63: Adventurers' Guild

The great forest of Kegali was rich in resources that provided a living for many Deosa residents, but with that wealth came dangers in acquiring them. Not everyone could fight monsters to get the materials they needed for their businesses, and not everyone was willing to risk their lives to do so. As a solution to this problem, they hired people who made a living by performing dangerous and difficult material-gathering duties for them. And the Adventurers' Guild, an organization formed specifically for that purpose.

Every town, city, and kingdom capital had a guild hall where adventurers were stationed. They were willing to serve as long as the price was right.

Adventurers were similar to mercenaries in some ways, but they had strict rules to follow and very high moral values to uphold. Initially, adventurers were just a group of people whose job was to kill monsters and gather materials, but as time passed, their purpose expanded, making them more relevant. Now, adventurers accepted quests such as escort, farm animal-related, flower and fruit harvesting, scouting, and many more— they became such staples in every kingdom's industry that they became the most sought organization.

Adventurers became such symbols of duty, power, and accomplishment that they were the ones who were summoned even in the most exclusive type of quest—particularly in catastrophic level issues.

The Deosa guild hall. It was an infrastructure located at the eastern edge of the capital's marketplace. A massive structure with white brick walls and a red brick roof. It stood out from the crowd of buildings surrounding it, making the others appear dwarfs in comparison. The flag of Deosa swayed in the wind atop the infrastructure.

The interior of the guild hall was a large open space with a high white ceiling. The walls were all sky blue. The adventurers sat at several wooden tables and chairs scattered around the area.

Two counters were set up in the far corner of the dome, with designated attendants seated behind them. The registrar, located across the room in front of the guild hall's entrance, was where applicants applied to become adventurers, citizens submitted quests and gave rewards, and adventurers delivered their quest materials to complete the quest and receive their rewards.

And there was a canteen across the room on the back side of the building where adventurers could order food and drink while resting inside the guild hall. Between those two counters was a marble staircase that led to the second floor, which housed the guild master's office and residence.

Caserie and Lian, who had just arrived, entered through the guild hall's wooden double doors. They cast their gaze around the room, looking for their party mates. Inside, adventurers could be seen scattered throughout the massive dome. Some of the adventurers ate breakfast, while others drank alcohol first thing in the morning. The quest board was in the back corner of the guild hall, near the entrance, with papers stapled to it. Several adventurers stood in front of it, selecting quests.

Other adventurers conversing with the registrar. Two people in that section of the guild hall cast their gaze toward Caserie and Lian, who had just arrived. One of them extended her hand and waved at them.

"Lian, Caserie!"

A 23-year-old girl with brown hair and a white headdress. She was dressed in a white dress with the bottom part ending on top of her knees, allowing her to move quickly. She was dressed in white boots that covered the parts of her legs that her dress didn't. The two rings of the golden staff on her back rang as she walked toward Caserie and Lian. A gauntlet with a yellow orb was on her left hand. Her golden necklace, shaped like a deer horn in a flame, bounced along with her in the air. Her ring was concealed by white gloves that reached up to her elbows.

RACE: Human Holy Healer [Level: 28/30].

HP: 280/280

MP: 620/620

Top Speed: 56 km/h

Defense: 14

[STATS.]

Strength: 28

Agility: 28

Intelligence: 62

[DAMAGING ACTIVE SKILLS.]

Enhanced Punch [MP Cost: 20] [Level: 20/20].

Light Wave [MP Cost: 20] [Level: 20/20].

[NON-DAMAGING ACTIVE SKILLS.]

Divine Blessing [MP Cost: 1].

Healing Touch [MP Cost: 19] [Level: 19/20].

[PASSIVE SKILLS.]

[Lesser] MP Regeneration.

[Lesser] HP Regeneration.

[EQUIPMENT.]

Main hand: Priestess's Staff [E] [+2 Intelligence] [Holy Judgement 1].

Off Hand: Holy Orb [E] [+2 Intelligence] [Blessing Of Speed 1].

Head: Priestess's Hat [E] [+2 Intelligence] [+2 Defense] [True Sight 1].

Body: Priestess's Robe [E] [+2 Intelligence] [+2 Defense] [Poison Immunity].

Feet: Priestess's Shoes [E] [+2 Intelligence] [+2 Defense] [Light Resistance].

Arms: Priestess's Gloves [E] [+2 Intelligence] [+2 Defense] [Dark Resistance]

Ring: Traveler's Ring [E] [+2 Intelligence] [+2 Defense] [Dimensional Storage 1.]

Necklace: Necklace Of Wisdom [E] [+2 Intelligence] [+2 Defense][Appraisal].

As she approached Caserie and Lian, her joyful smile grew wider, as did the life in her almond-brown eyes. Then she leaped up and hugged them as if she hadn't seen them the night before. She was the same height as Lian and couldn't get past Caserie's shoulder.

"What took you two so long?" she asked, wrapping her arms around the two.

"Mea..." Caserie just said, looking down as Mea wrapped her arm around her neck.

"We were just separated for a few minutes," Lian replied, laughing. "Anyway, where is Herold?"

"Herold is still waiting for the guild master," Mea said, releasing the two.

Then a 24-year-old young man with shoulder-length, straight hair as black as night emerged from Mea's behind. His black eyes darted at Lian and then to Caserie. He had fair and smooth skin, and a beautifully sculpted face with a subtle smug expression even when he wasn't smiling. A gray mask with holes for his eyes and nose covered his left ear. He was dressed in smooth, seemingly soft clothing with fingerless gloves. Daggers with black handles and a skull image on the top hung from both of his hips.

He placed his right hand on Mea's shoulders and smiled weakly but gently, highlighting his stunning features. Bren, their party's rogue.

RACE: Human Death Rogue [Level: 29/30].

HP: 290/290

MP: 290/290

Top Speed: 126 km/h

Defense: 14

[STATS.]

Strength: 29

Agility: 63

Intelligence: 29

[DAMAGING ACTIVE SKILLS.]

Enhanced Punch [MP Cost: 20] [Level: 20/20].

Deadly Strike [MP Cost: 20] [Level: 20/20].

[NON-DAMAGING ACTIVE SKILLS.]

Divine Blessing [MP Cost: 1].

Stealth Assassin [MP Cost: 20] [Level: 20/20].

[PASSIVE SKILLS.]

[Lesser] MP Regeneration.

[Lesser] HP Regeneration.

[EQUIPMENT.]

Main hand: Deathmourn [E] [+2 Agility] [Spinning Strike 1].

Off Hand: Deathmourn [E] [+2 Intelligence] [Hunter's Mark 1].

Head: Assassin's Mask [E] [+2 Agility] [+2 Defense] [True Sight 1].

Body: Assassin's Robe [E] [+2 Agility] [+2 Defense] [Poison Immunity].

Feet: Assassin's Boots [E] [+2 Agility] [+2 Defense] [Dark Resistance].

Arms: Assassin's Gloves [E] [+2 Agility] [+2 Defense] [Light Resistance].

Ring: Traveler's Ring [E] [+2 Agility] [+2 Defense] [Dimensional Storage 1.]

Necklace: Necklace Of Haste [E] [+2 Agility] [+2 Defense][Appraisal].

"Caserie... I apologize for last night," Bren said.

"You finally apologized, Bren," Lian said, her eyes narrowing.

"Of course he would, we discussed it. He is the first person who has gotten on Caserie's nerves. I'm not sure what you did or said to our lovely Caserie, but it wasn't good... It was the first time she had become so enraged. I can't believe the day came when I finally heard Caserie scream," Mea said, waving her index finger in the air.

"He probably teased her again. And last night, when Caserie had had enough. But I can't blame her. I once tied Bren to a tree after he played a horrible prank on me. Fortunately, Caserie did not strike you with lightning... She's far too nice to do something like that," Lian said.

Bren burst out laughing. "Yes, yes, I know, it was my fault," he said, pausing to look at Caserie. He extended his right hand to shake her hand. "Will you forgive me, Caserie?"

Caserie looked away after a brief pause. "No, it's not your fault. I was too sensitive last night, and it was wrong that I acted in such a way despite the fact that we were supposed to be celebrating your and Mea's engagement," she explained.

"Then let's make it official with a handshake, because you know my future wife will never stop nagging me as long as she doesn't see us making up," Bren said.

Caserie nodded slowly. "Sure," she said, grabbing Bren's hand and lightly squeezing it.

Then Mea grabbed both of them and wrapped them in her arms. "Finally!" exclaimed Mea, her face bright with joy. "You two, don't fight again or I'll lock you up in a room and refuse to let you out until you make up! I don't want any of the people who are important to me to have a strained relationship."

Bren and Lian both laughed at the same time, while Caserie just looked down, which was not surprising given her friend's knowledge of her as someone who rarely showed emotion.

The sound of metallic boots emanating from the marble staircase, however, drew their attention.

A towering man dressed in iron armor standing 196 centimeters tall. As he advanced, he pushed his helmet up, revealing a bald head with a stoic face and orange eyes. The sound of his armor's metal resonating with each step drew the attention of those around him. A double-edged sword with a black handle but a blade as red as raging fire hung from his back, as did a black iron shield with an image of a deer with flaming horns.

Herold was the party's leader and the oldest member, at the age of 27. A towering warrior with a muscular body that his thick armor couldn't conceal.

His stoic expression changed to a huge gentle smile as he approached Lian, Bren Mea, and Caserie.

Herold gestured with his thumb. "Are you ready?"

RACE: Human Vanguard Defender [Level: 29/30].

HP: 610/610

MP: 290/290

Top Speed: 58 km/h

Defense: 16

[STATS.]

Strength: 61

Agility: 29

Intelligence: 29

[DAMAGING ACTIVE SKILLS.]

Enhanced Punch [MP Cost: 20] [Level: 20/20].

Violent Charge [MP Cost: 20] [Level: 20/20].

[NON-DAMAGING ACTIVE SKILLS.]

Divine Blessing [MP Cost: 1].

Vanguard [MP Cost: 20] [Level: 20/20].

[PASSIVE SKILLS.]

[Lesser] MP Regeneration.

[Lesser] HP Regeneration.

[EQUIPMENT.]

Main hand: Firewyrm [E] [+2 Strength] [Blazing Strike 1].

Off Hand: Defender's Defiance [E] [+2 Defense] [Anti Blink Field 1].

Head: Defender's Helmet [E] [+2 Strength] [+2 Defense] [True Sight 1].

Body: Defender's Breastplate [E] [+2 Strength] [+2 Defense] [Poison Immunity].

Feet: Defender's Boots [E] [+2 Strength] [+2 Defense] [Dark Resistance].

Arms: Defender's Gauntlet [E] [+2 Strength] [+2 Defense] [Light Resistance].

Ring: Traveler's Ring [E] [+2 Strength] [+2 Defense] [Dimensional Storage 1.]

Necklace: Necklace Of Power [E] [+2 Strength] [+2 Defense][Appraisal].

"Of course we are!" exclaimed Lian, Bren, and Mea all at once.

Herold's booming laugh rang out throughout the guild hall. "That's what I was hoping to hear! That's the energy I was hoping to see!" he exclaimed, raising his fist. "Now, let's go talk to the guild master about the details of our quest! This will be a lot of fun!"

"Let's go!" Lian and Mea exclaimed as they walked excitedly toward the staircase. Bren followed the two, leaving Caserie and Herold behind.

Herold's energetic smile had faded into a weak gentle smile. "I'm glad to hear you're feeling better now, Caserie."

Caserie nodded. "I always am, Leader. Thank you for your concern." She then walked forward to follow the three.

Herold, on the other hand, followed her with his eyes and a gentle smile on his face. Then he walked toward the staircase that would lead them to the guild master's office.