As Light walked through the bustling streets of the city, his eyes wandered over his unfamiliar surroundings. The uneven cobblestone streets beneath his feet were a stark contrast to the well-trodden dirt roads of his hometown. The city was alive with movement—merchants shouting from vibrant stalls, their voices blending into the chaotic harmony of the marketplace. Customers haggled over exotic spices, intricate trinkets, and shimmering fabrics that seemed to shift colors under the sunlight. The air was rich with the mouthwatering scents of roasted meats, freshly baked bread, and a few foreign aromas that he couldn't quite place.
It was a world apart from his small hometown, with its population of fewer than four thousand people. And yet, in some ways, it was all too familiar. The crowded main streets were one thing, but the hidden figures lurking in the alleyways were another. It took a certain eye to notice them—an eye that Light had developed all too well.
'I've spent more time sightseeing than I should have. I need to ask for directions.'
With that thought, he approached the nearest vendor.
"Excuse me, sir. Do you know the way to the Adventurer's Guild?"
The vendor, a burly man with a thick mustache, turned to him with a friendly grin.
"Oh, how rare! A visitor, huh?" He chuckled. "You're already on the right path, kiddo. This is the main south street. Just keep heading north, and you'll reach the plaza. Look to the right, and you'll see a massive wooden building. You can't miss it."
Before Light could say another word, the vendor waved him off and turned his attention to another customer.
'Turns out I was already heading the right way.'
With that reassurance, he continued walking north at a steady pace.
***
Twenty minutes later, Light arrived at the plaza. The sun shone brightly, casting a warm glow over the people leisurely enjoying the afternoon. Paying them no mind, he scanned the area until his eyes landed on a massive wooden building that resembled a cottage. A weathered sign planted firmly in the ground read:
City of Ruined Adventure Guild
'This is the place.'
Steeling himself, he stepped forward and pushed open the heavy wooden doors.
The first thing he noticed was how empty the spacious hall was. Though the area could easily accommodate over a hundred people, fewer than ten occupied the space. In hindsight, he shouldn't have been surprised—Awakened individuals were rare. Despite its grand size, the guild's interior strongly resembled that of a tavern.
Just as he started taking in his surroundings, a melodic voice called out to him.
"Hey there, young man. Do you need any assistance?"
Startled, Light turned toward the source of the voice.
At the far end of the hall sat a wooden desk, intricately carved with elegant patterns. Behind it sat a woman with striking emerald-green eyes that seemed to glow under the lantern light. Her gaze was sharp and perceptive, yet carried a warmth that instantly put him at ease. Her golden hair, woven with silver threads, cascaded in soft waves down her shoulders. She wore a finely tailored emerald-green dress embroidered with golden filigree, and a polished jade pendant rested just above her collarbone.
For a brief moment, Light was utterly mesmerized.
'She's... one of the most beautiful women I've ever seen.'
Realizing he was staring, he let out an awkward chuckle and cleared his throat.
"Ah, yes. I need some help. I've come to turn in the body of a Fallen."
With quick strides, he approached the desk, feeling a little self-conscious about his initial reaction.
"That's great news!" she said cheerfully. "Please place the body in this tray."
She gestured to a small wooden tray beside the desk.
Fidgeting with the leather sack, Light placed it inside and waited as she inspected the contents.
The moment she opened the bag, her eyes widened slightly before she turned her gaze back to him with a sharp yet interested look. Leaning forward slightly, she spoke in a gentle voice.
"This is a Claw Stalker. Their bodies don't contain a lot of usable materials," she explained, watching his expression carefully.
As Light's face fell in disappointment, she quickly added,
"However, they almost always contain a dormant mana core. Around these parts, that's worth a decent amount."
A small, involuntary smile tugged at the corners of his lips.
'I've scored big. I'll have to thank Captain Sangiff later.'
Noticing his subtle reaction, she chuckled softly before continuing.
"We can process the materials and mana core right away. It won't take more than an hour. Would you like to proceed?"
"Yes, please." He nodded. He had no other way to sell the materials anyway.
"Wonderful! Feel free to rest while we handle the process."
Taking her advice, Light sat at an empty table nearby. An hour passed, and not a single other customer came through the doors.
**
Eventually, the receptionist returned, carrying a small pouch.
"Everything is ready. Would you like to receive your payment through your Adventurer Card or in currency?"
"Eh?" A dumbfounded sound escaped his lips.
"Ah... Sorry, but I'm not an adventurer," he admitted, still caught off guard.
The receptionist's eyes widened in surprise before she gave him an apologetic bow.
"Oh! My apologies. I simply assumed you were a solo adventurer. Not many people can take down a Claw Stalker alone."
Light scratched his cheek awkwardly.
'Little does she know... I didn't even lay a finger on it.'
"I'm still young. Why did you assume I killed it myself?" he asked curiously.
The receptionist tilted her head slightly, as if the answer was obvious.
"Age doesn't matter. An Awakened individual's strength can't be underestimated."
Her eyes suddenly gleamed with excitement. Clapping her hands together, she leaned in close—so close that their faces were mere inches apart.
"If you're not an adventurer yet... why not register now?" she asked with a beaming smile.
Caught off guard yet again, Light felt his face heat up.
'What's with this receptionist?! She suddenly dropped all formalities!'
Taking a nervous step back, he averted his gaze.
"Uhh... I'm not looking to join right now. Maybe next time."
He wanted to, but his captain's words echoed in his mind.
'Get your sister to the city first. No unnecessary distractions.'
The receptionist pouted slightly, her expression turning gloomy.
"Okay... next time, then," she mumbled dejectedly.
But in an instant, she regained her professional demeanor, as if nothing had happened.
"Please sign this document to finalize the transaction. You'll receive five large copper coins and eight small copper coins."
Light's eyes widened at the amount.
It was nearly twenty times what he currently owned.
Without hesitation, he grabbed the pen and signed the document.