The routine returned to normal in the following days.
Or at least… to what could be considered normal.
The group remained united, conversations flowed, missions were discussed as always. But now there was something different. It wasn't constant discomfort or open tension. It was more subtle.
Awareness.
Everyone was more attentive.
More direct.
Without unnecessary detours.
And, strangely, that made everything more… clear.
That morning, we left together toward the guild. The intention was simple: check for new missions and keep the rhythm.
The movement in the city was greater than usual.
Flags were being hung along the streets. Wooden structures were being assembled at strategic points. Merchants were organizing their stalls more carefully than usual.
"Something's going to happen," Lyannis commented.
"Obviously," Rai'kanna replied. "Look at this."
Elara analyzed the surroundings.
"This isn't just a common event."
Vespera spoke, observing the details.
"Wide-scale preparation. High reach."
Liriel walked a bit ahead, looking around.
"This involves the entire city."
I agreed.
"Let's find out at the guild."
We entered.
The interior was even more crowded than in recent days. Groups of adventurers talked excitedly, others discussed possibilities, some simply observed a large board that had been placed in the center of the hall.
It was new.
It drew attention.
Rai'kanna was the first to approach.
"There it is."
Lyannis followed right after.
"Let me see."
Elara and Vespera came next.
Liriel stayed a bit behind, observing before approaching.
I approached last.
The board was large, with well-organized details. At the top, a striking title.
Annual Vailor Contest.
Rai'kanna smiled immediately.
"Now this is something."
Lyannis tilted her head.
"A contest?"
"It's not just any contest," Elara said, reading the details.
"Open participation for registered female adventurers. Public and official evaluation."
Vespera added.
"Presence of the court confirmed."
Rai'kanna turned to me.
"You understand what this means?"
"That you've already decided to participate."
"Obviously."
Lyannis laughed softly.
"You didn't even think twice."
"There's nothing to think about."
Elara continued analyzing the board.
"The criteria are varied. Appearance, posture, presence… and something called 'magical resonance.'"
"That complicates things," Rai'kanna said.
"Or favors it," Vespera replied.
Liriel finally stepped closer.
She read in silence for a few seconds.
"This isn't just an appearance-based event."
"No," Elara agreed. "There's technical evaluation too."
Lyannis crossed her arms, thoughtful.
"And the prize?"
Rai'kanna was already reading.
"Official recognition… guild benefits… and direct access to the court."
Silence.
That changed the weight of the conversation.
"This is big," Lyannis said.
"Yes," Elara confirmed. "Much bigger than it seems."
I observed the board more closely.
It wasn't just a social event.
It was influence.
Visibility.
Position.
Rai'kanna took a step back.
"So it's decided."
"For you," Liriel said.
Rai'kanna looked at her.
"You're going too."
"I didn't say that."
"But you will."
Liriel didn't respond.
Elara turned her head.
"I'm considering it."
"Of course you are," Rai'kanna said. "You're practically perfect for this."
Lyannis laughed.
"She's not going to deny it."
Elara let out a small sigh.
"It's not about that."
"It is," Rai'kanna replied.
Vespera spoke.
"Group participation increases impact."
Lyannis tilted her head.
"You're actually serious."
"Yes," Rai'kanna replied.
"I don't know if I'd participate," Lyannis said.
"You should," Elara commented.
"I'd rather watch."
Rai'kanna shrugged.
"Your loss."
Lyannis just smiled.
"Maybe."
I watched the conversation.
They were interested.
More than I expected.
And it made sense.
It was something different.
Something outside the routine of combat and missions.
But still… competitive.
"Registrations open until the end of the day," Liriel said, still looking at the board.
"So we don't have much time," Elara replied.
Rai'kanna crossed her arms.
"I'm going to sign up now."
"Now?" Lyannis asked.
"Yes. Before I change my mind."
"You won't," Vespera said.
"Exactly."
Rai'kanna turned and started walking toward the counter.
Elara watched for a second.
Then followed.
"I will too."
Lyannis let out a light sigh.
"You're fast."
Liriel stayed still for a few more seconds.
Thinking.
Then she spoke.
"I'll see."
But she didn't move.
Vespera walked after Elara.
Without saying anything.
I stayed watching.
The group was stepping into something new.
It wasn't a mission.
It wasn't combat.
It was… exposure.
And that brought a different kind of risk.
Lyannis looked at me.
"And you?"
"I'll just watch."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
She nodded.
"Makes sense."
Rai'kanna was already at the counter, talking to the attendant. Elara beside her, filling out some kind of form. Vespera waited in silence.
Liriel finally started walking.
But not straight to the counter.
She passed by me.
Stopped for a second.
"This is going to complicate things even more."
"Probably."
She nodded.
"Then stay alert."
"I always do."
She didn't reply.
Just kept walking.
And this time…
She went straight to sign up.
Lyannis looked at the scene and laughed softly.
"Now that's something."
I watched all of them.
Rai'kanna confident.
Elara composed.
Vespera silent.
Liriel determined.
Lyannis calm.
The group was stepping into a new kind of challenge.
And by the way everything was unfolding…
This wasn't going to be simple.
Not even close.
But one thing was certain.
This event…
Was going to change more than just appearances.