Chapter 2: Speed
Jak kept on running, only decreasing speed when he reached the forest's exit, stopping before the bridge that lead into the city of Arioa, Capitol of Intok Kingdom.
"Judging by the position of the sun and the shadows on the trees it's about half an hour until 12. If I sprint the whole way then I'll JUST make it to the WGC on time" Jak took a deep breath as he slowed to a stop, the vial of red liquid clutched in his right hand. "It should be fine to go all out. I can just take the potion when I get there."
Stuffing the vial into the pocket of his black pants, Jak got into position, preparing to push himself to his own utmost limit. A strong breeze blew at his back, ruffling his fiery red hair as the youth got low to the ground, crimson hues filled with determination. The tips of his fingers scraped against the damp earth beneath him as he put his left foot forward, his leg tensing up while the core of Jak's body tightened. Then, without any sort of indication, the redhead became a blur as he burst forth with rapid acceleration, leaving behind a rather deep imprint of his bare feet.
Just like that, Jak was on his way.
The wind rushed around him, people jumped to get out of the way, and bugs constantly hit him in the face, but it mattered naught as the boy continued to run. He knew if he stopped for even a moment, there was a high probability that he would miss his chance of becoming what he desired most. He would miss his chance to become an adventurer....which would then be followed by waiting another three years before he eventually be allowed to try again.
This was his only shot. This was because, Jak Yanda was only ten years old. A whopping double digit number that he had only just hit a few weeks prior and a number he was definitely proud of.
There were many things he could do now that he couldn't before and, for him, that was by far the best part of getting older. As his years increased, more and more options became available, door after door unlocking themselves and presenting him with new and exciting possibilities. If he wanted, he could now get a part time job at a number of places whereas when he was a year younger he was prevented from doing so. Of course, that being said, even with all of the doors and places that had now opened themselves up to him, he had never once so much as glanced in their general direction. Even with all the enticing offers such as part time blacksmith apprentice, part time alchemist assistant, and loads of other potential routes he wasn't interested in any of it.
The only thing he was truly interested in, was Rift Hunting.
Ever since he could walk, Jak had been interested in Rifts and those that delved into their depths in search for fame, money, and adventure. His parents would always enthrall him with tales of wonder and excitement, of treasures and dungeons, combat and nail biting suspense. They would constantly hold up the job of adventurer on a pedestal, showing off the highlights and how much fun the occupation was and, despite Jak already being aware of the darker side, he let himself be roped in.
There was only one small problem that prevented him from becoming an adventurer and that was his age. He was exactly three years below the minimum requirement to join the ranks of the adventurers, the starting age beginning at the ripe age of 13.
None of that deterred him though as he shot up a food stall, running up a side wall before neatly flipping onto the top of it. Upon landing on the roof, he took off once again, this time following a layed out path he himself had made days ago for such a scenario, having foreseen the possibility of oversleeping or some other unforeseen circumstance. Climbing up onto the nearest building, the youth began to systematically hop from roof to roof, running and jumping over and over again with zero hesitation in his steps.
"I can make it," Jak muttered excitedly as he leaped onto the adjoining roof. "Just a bit further!!"
No matter how hard he had to push himself, he was determined to achieve his goals and make it into the ranks of the Elemental Rookies.
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World Guild Center - District #257
Intok Kingdom Capitol, Arioa City
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"Your name?"
"Denta Jucai"
"Very Well, please go and stand with the rest of the group." Flora Symone gave a small smile before pointing to the right of her where a large group of around fifty peopls stood in wait. "We will be starting the trials in aroind twenty minutes. Do wait patiently."
The young man known as Denta nodded before heading over to secluded spot, broken off from the rest of the group, leaving the blonde receptionist to write down the name on the clipboard in front of her. Positioned next to her, a young elven woman by the name of Akino Aubree, watched over the group with blatant curiosity as she continued to perform her tasks, marking down observations and dealing with other adventurers who came looking for assistance. Even with it being the busiest time for every WGC throughout the world, the elf didn't seem to be bothered by it, at least when compared to her partner who looked as if she was barely holding herself together.
"Ugh, I hate this time of the year," Flora muttered as she sprawled over the countertop positioned in front of her, long blonde hair spilling into her face. "It's such a pain in the *ss."
"Eh heh, just try and hang in there Flora," Akino replied, letting out a nervous laugh, framed glasses directed towards the clipboard clutched in her hands. She continued to glance over the adventurers with a side look. "I think one more batch of newbies are scheduled to come in, then we can switch out with the afternoon shift."
"Tch, doesn't change the fact that we have to do it all again tomorrow," Flora countered as she pried her face from the pale blue countertop, light brown eyes shifting over to the small yet welled developed woman standing a few feet away from her. "Dealing with newbies, not to mention those who wanna join or create guilds, is always a pain to start with. Stuck up, haughty, entitled, arrogant, foul mouthed, stupid, and completely retarded!! If that wasn't enough, now we have to deal with the influx of regular rookies who think they have what it takes to set out and join the world of the unknown. It's some backbreaking work and it's been YEARS since I even got a f*ckin raise!!"
"Why did you even become a WGC (World Guild Center) worker in the first place?" Akino said after the woman finished her small rant, her eyes ripping away from the group. Dark green hues met the blonde's light brown ones, one holding curiosity while the other was filled with annoyance. "You got a good head on your shoulders and you really do seem to be good at your job. Why the constant griping every time you get the chance to rest? Is it because you still dont have a-"
"Not another word Akie," Flora snipped, cutting her off before she could finish. "You dont have one either!!"
"Yes, but....unlike you, I'm not pushing 30," Akino countered calmly as she once again returned her attention to the group, the members of which looked to be getting impatient. "Additionally, even if I was indeed around your age, I have about five times your lifespan so I would still have time to find one."
Flora looked as if she had taken a physical blow to the chest as she collapsed onto the counter once again, her blonde hair becoming a curtain that blocked her expression from the outside world. As someone who was extremely self conscious about her numbering years, the mere mention of her own age was enough to put completely deflate Flora's whole demeanor. The blonde let out a breath, mumbling self deprecating phrases too low for anyone to hear, now drowning in self loathing. Akino, having dealt with this deflation before, chose to ignore the human woman as she flicked through the numerous wannabe adventurers all crowded together in hopes of taking the trials that would lead them to the future they so deeply wished to make a reality. Again and again, she looked through each and every one, dark green eyes shimmering with a mixture of curiosity and hope. However, after a while, she merely clicked her tongue and shook her head, shifting her attention to her clipboard.
(("Another worthless batch? That makes sixteen total in today alone.")) Akino shook her head as she mentally scratched off everyone within the list, no longer interested in any of them. (("Not a single one radiate the vibe that I'm looking for. Doesn't matter if they have strong magic if they don't have the fortitude to back it up. Of course, maybe I'm just setting the bar too high. Finding a young male with potential on the level of an Elemental Rookie is beyond what most are capable of."))
The young elf set her pen and clipboard down upon the counter, a disappointed and unenthusiastic expression upon her visage. While she still maintained her professionalism, Akino no longer appeared as if she wanted to be there as she gave her partner a slap on the rear. "Come on then old hag. We have to watch the doors."
"Do it yourself," Flora groaned, her voice muffled as she talked into her arm. "I've done enough of them today. You should be able to do it all by yours-"
"Excuse me, but I'm here for the trials. I'm not late am I?"
Akino glanced up and almost immediately fell backwards as a head full of red hair appeared out of nowhere without so much as a sound. If the youth hadn't spoken up, the young elf would have walked right by him without even taking notice, the bright and fluffy head of hair being the only thing that managed to catch her eyes.
"I'm Jak Yanda and I'm here for the Trials."
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