Chapter 20: Well-deserved Slow Days
It has been two days since the adventurers have come back from the beast subjugation event. The city of Kauven has grown abuzz with the curious event and how amazing it was that the beasts were foiled before they even reached the borders of Kauven. Even in the nearby towns and cities, the tale of the stampede has taken root in a mythical way. It was the kind of oral story that got taller and more fantastical in every retelling. At the center of it all were the names of 5 new grants who were instrumental in the protection and defense of the city against the monsters. Almost overnight, everybody in this humble and seemingly insignificant corner of the Dearth kingdom knew of every member of Forlorn's Hope.
It wasn't as if the kids weren't already known in the city of Kauven. They were the children of the brave adventurers who paid their lives to keep Kauven safe almost 16 years ago. Even in the local magical academy, these 5 stood out. They were some of the most prodigious students to have graduated from the Kauven Elemental Magic Academy. They have received many offers for jobs and mentorships even before the adventure in the forest. But now, even the other cities were interested in them. There was even a messenger from the Capital that came yesterday. No one knew for sure what that was about. The Council met with the messenger who left as quickly as he arrived. The gossip mill has been working non-stop conflating and concocting new and even more ludicrous conspiracy theories regarding the what the important message was.
Depending on who you ask, people had picked their champion. One would prefer Jeruelle, the obvious choice for having two grants. Surely, she played a significant hand in the keeping the beasts at bay. She had always been so gifted. Others say Tasha was the clear front runner. She served as the crucial messenger and warned the city allowing the Council to make the appropriate plans to implement a winning strategy. Some say it is Althea whose superb battle potential is only hindered by her youth. Also, she was mentored by Wentlas. Even Bryce, the boy with the mysterious and scary element is being held in high esteem. The monsters must have been scared seeing such an unnatural element. Finally, Terrick, who was already popular from his school days as a jock, was reliving some sort form of replay of his hay day. People made a game of arguing over who played the bigger part and they advocated for their personal favorites.
The Orphanage of Kauven is quiet these days. The five of them are the last of the orphans left. The older ones have been granted years previously and have found jobs in the city or moved on as adventurers. Some write letters or send postcards showing the amazing things they are doing now. The ones who live in town sometimes visit and have dinner in the orphanage. Every year, the building gets emptier as more become adults and move on to other things. The halls that are used to be filled with laughter and chaos has become quiet and unbearably so. The place is really too big for just 6 people to live in. The truth is that once they leave, Mistress Juliette will be alone living in this giant building, at least until the new orphans come to live here.
Even though there was a minimal number of adventurers that were killed this time around, there were still children who were left orphaned. They are expecting about 10 of them to arrive but they didn't know when. Since returning, the grants did their chores without missing a beat. Terrick makes breakfast with the help of Tasha. Ellie is sweeping the hallways and cleaning the rooms in preparation for the new children. Althea was chopping firewood outside. Bryce was still sleeping in but his chores doesn't need to be done until the afternoon, which was to shop for dinner.
There is tension in the air, like static crackling in the cold. The grants formed an adventure party to level up and become strong. However, by some stroke of luck, they were able to do this a little over a week after receiving their grants. They have all reached B rank which is good enough to get them their pick of jobs. This would mean having to discuss as a group how to move forward. Bryce, Althea, and Tasha have always talked about adventuring. Jeruelle has talked about staying. But a big part of that is the expectations that people have put on her. She willingly takes them on even if it weighs on her and even if she doesn't like it. Knowing Terrick, he will probably decide based on what Ellie chooses. Things are still up in the air.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone