"There's only three hours before we reach our destination. Everything is looking good, but let's not lose focus yet."
The voice of Captain Sangiff resounded within a small hill not too far from the main dirt road.
Light lay sprawled on the grassy slope, gazing at the vast blue sky. He stretched out his hand, as if trying to grasp the heavens, but his eyes inevitably fell to the faint scar that ran along his forearm, the wound he had received just yesterday morning.
A few hours ago, it had been a bloody mess, but now, it was barely visible.
'Thank the heavens for being awakened. If Euphy saw this, she'd kill me. Hopefully, there won't be a scar left by the time I get back home.'
—Plop—
A soft leather sack landed on his stomach, followed by the thud of a figure settling beside him. Light turned his puzzled gaze to the side and saw Captain Sangiff seated next to him, arms crossed. He had no doubt that the captain was the one who had tossed the bag. Waiting patiently, Light watched as the older man cleared his throat.
"It's the corpse of the Claw Stalker," Sangiff said in his usual brisk tone. "Take it to the Adventurer's Guild once we reach the city. They'll compensate you for the Fallen's raw materials."
After a short pause, the captain continued, his tone growing heavier.
"Listen, kid. Now that you're awakened, you'll start noticing the changes happening around us. I've been an awakened for many years, and I've been preparing for the inevitable. I don't know if it'll happen this year or in five, but mark my words—the world as we know it will change."
He sighed deeply, shaking his head before continuing.
"You don't seem to have a combat blessing, and that's why I'm telling you this. You're weak while the Fallen are strong, and they only get stronger."
Though Captain Sangiff's voice remained even, Light could hear the weight of experience behind each word.
Tilting his head back, the captain stared at the sky. "There's not much I can do for you, but I can give you some advice. Whether you follow it or not is up to you."
Then, suddenly, he turned to Light with a serious gaze.
"Tell me, boy, do you have a family?"
The question caught Light off guard. He clutched the leather sack before answering.
"Yes, Captain. I have a younger sister back in town."
"As I suspected. You're her elder brother. That gives you all the more reason to heed my words."
Light wasn't surprised that the captain knew about his family. 'After all, Euphy is quite the character.'
Sangiff's expression hardened. "Attend the Academy, kid."
Light blinked in shock. "The Academy? But it's so far from home! I can't leave my sister behind."
A chuckle escaped the captain's lips. "Relax, kid. I don't mean right now. The journey alone takes a month heading north, and unless you're with a caravan, you'd never make it in one piece. Not to mention, the Academy's tuition would drain a quarter of my savings alone. It's not something regular people can afford."
His lips curled into a smirk. "But you're not regular anymore, are you?"
Light remained silent as the captain continued.
"This brings me to my second piece of advice. Register as an adventurer. The Adventurer's Guild has extensive knowledge on the Fallen, and you'll meet others in similar situations. Find good companions and strive to survive together. That's the only way."
He paused before adding, "But joining the Guild comes with a price. You'll be required to sell your services in times of crisis. And with the Fallen becoming more frequent… Well, that can be both good and bad."
Light furrowed his brows. "If the Fallen are appearing more often and I'll be forced to fight them, how can this be a good thing?"
Sangiff nodded at the question. "It's a fair concern. But here's what you need to understand—the Fallen are our worst enemy, yes, but they are also our greatest allies. Some of them possess physical, tangible mana cores that help us advance our own Blessings."
With that, he stood up and dusted off his pants.
"You have many choices ahead, kid. But trust me—the good outweighs the bad. Follow my advice or don't. The choice is yours."
Then, with his usual commanding presence, Captain Sangiff strode back toward the mercenary group, barking orders for departure.
Light hesitated before following after him, taking measured steps.
'There's a lot I need to think about. Being awakened isn't so simple after all.'
*****
After three long hours on the road, they had finally reached their destination.
The City of Ruined.
Once an ancient stronghold used to fend off a massive wave of Fallen, the city now stood as a testament to resilience. Its once-proud lookout towers, once gleaming with strength, were now crumbling under the weight of vines and creeping thorns. The massive stone walls that had once been impenetrable were now weathered by time, mere echoes of their former glory.
Yet, despite its history, the city had been restored decades ago and had since become the largest settlement south in the Land of Ruined.
Light's eyes widened as he took in the sight. 'It's even more amazing than the old storytellers described. What a marvelous city.'
As their group approached the massive entrance gate, they were met with a routine inspection. However, Captain Sangiff was well-known, and they were swiftly granted passage.
The moment they entered, the captain dismounted his horse and turned to the group. His voice boomed over the noisy crowd.
"Everyone, listen up! I'll be delivering our cargo to the respective buyers. If you want to collect your pay early, meet me in front of the Auction House in two hours. Otherwise, per our terms, meet me here tomorrow morning for your pay and departure."
With that, he turned on his heel and disappeared into the crowded streets, his silhouette swallowed by vendors and civilians alike.
Light clicked his tongue. 'A man of few words… he could've at least told me where the Adventurer's Guild was.'
Within seconds, the mercenary group scattered, leaving Light standing alone by the entrance.
Shaking his head, he sighed. 'First, I'll do as the captain said and sell the Claw Stalker remains. Then, I'll collect my payment and go from there.'
Taking his first steps into the bustling city, he realized one small issue.
'I have no idea where the Adventurer's Guild is.'
Letting out a chuckle, he shrugged.
'Guess I'll explore first.'
And with that, he disappeared into the throngs of the City of Ruined, his journey truly beginning.