Kapitel 61: A Golden Rank Guild
During the next two months, the dynamic within the guild shifted towards a more quest-centric approach, which catalyzed their ascent through the adventurer ranks. With Padrin away on his mission, Amukelo's progress in swordsmanship continued, albeit at a slower pace than when he had the direct guidance of his seasoned partner.
Bral and Idin, inspired by Amukelo's advice and their own sessions with the trainers, saw remarkable improvement in their skills. The direct interaction with experienced teachers significantly expedited their learning curve, making each session invaluable.
Meanwhile, Amukelo's magical training began to bear fruit. The countless hours spent with Pao, absorbing her guidance and experimenting with the flows of mana, culminated in his ability to cast a simple spell—a fireball. Although the spell was modest and required intense concentration, it represented a significant breakthrough in his magical capabilities.
As the guild tackled higher and higher quests within the silver rank, their enhanced abilities made even the most challenging missions feel quite smooth. Their collective strength, bolstered by individual advances in combat and magic, transformed them into an exceptionally competent team.
Finally, their hard work paid off in the form of the golden rank. This milestone was celebrated in their usual style—at the pub, surrounded by the clinks of glasses and the cheerful chatter of comrades. The evening was filled with a sense of achievement and camaraderie.
Bral raised his glass and remarked, "I can't believe how fast we progressed through the silver rank. It feels like just yesterday we arrived at this town."
Bao added, "It's all thanks to Amukelo. Your drive and discipline have really pushed us all to exceed our limits."
Idin chimed in, supporting Bao's observation, "That's absolutely true. You've set the pace, Amukelo. We're all hustling to make sure we don't hold you back."
Amukelo, feeling a mix of pride and gratitude, responded with a warm smile, "Thank you, guys. It's all our effort."
Pao then leaned in, her voice sincere, "No Amu, we should be thanking you. If we didn't keep up with you, we'd just slow you down, and we know how much you need to spread the word about your mother. Remember?"
That remark struck Amukelo, reminding him of his deeper motivations. The warmth of their words filled him with a renewed sense of purpose and belonging. As he looked around the table at the faces of his friends—now more like family—he realized just how far they had all come together.
Bral shifted the conversation to their next big step as a guild now that they had ascended to the golden rank.
Idin was quick to voice his enthusiasm. "I think we should give it a try. We've been handling silver quests with ease. It's time to challenge ourselves," he asserted, hoping to sway the group with his confidence.
Bral, sharing Idin's sentiment, nodded in agreement. "I agree. The hardest silver-rank quests are a breeze now. Surely we can handle the easier golden rank quests."
Bao chimed in, her voice steady and supportive. "I'm in as well."
However, Pao expressed a note of caution, dampening the high spirits slightly. "I'm not sure, guys... I have a bad feeling about this," she confessed, her tone tinged with uncertainty.
Amukelo, sensing her concern, probed gently, "What exactly are you worried about, Pao?"
Pao sighed, searching for the right words. "It's just... from what I've heard. They're not just a step up in difficulty; they can be downright dangerous."
Bral considered her words, his expression turning thoughtful. "I get where you're coming from, Pao. How about this: we don't rush into anything. Let's take our time to review the available quests carefully and if there is something that doesn't seem too dangerous we would pick it."
Though still skeptical, Pao nodded, accepting Bral's proposal as a reasonable compromise. "Okay, let's do that. We'll make a decision based on what we find."
The next day, the guild decided to take a more relaxed approach, opting for light training to keep their skills sharp without overexerting themselves. Afterward, they planned a day out together to unwind and enjoy some leisure time.
They started their day with a casual stroll through the market district, where Pao was particularly excited to explore some new grimoires. She carefully selected a few that promised to expand her understanding and mastery of more complex spells.
Bao, on the other hand, invested in upgrading her equipment, choosing a finely crafted bow that boasted greater accuracy and range than her previous one. Her eyes lit up as she tested the drawstring, feeling the smooth yet sturdy response.
Amukelo felt it was time to replace the old armor Bral had given him. The armor had served him well but was showing signs of wear and tear. At the armory, he browsed through rows of gleaming armor sets. Each piece shone under the shop's bright lanterns, from intricately detailed breastplates to robust gauntlets.
As he inspected each option, his guildmates offered their opinions on both style and functionality. The armors were all of high quality, none exceptionally standout but all significantly better than what he currently possessed.
The new armor Amukelo chose was slightly heavier than his previous gear but still on the lighter side, offering a broader coverage that made him feel more secure without sacrificing comfort. The material was a polished mix of leather and metal, reinforced at critical points yet flexible enough to allow for his dynamic combat style. Bral and Idin, ever supportive, nodded their approval, impressed by the practical yet stylish choice. Pao complimented him, adding a personal touch to the feedback, "You really look sharp in that, Amu."
With their shopping successful and spirits high, the group decided to cap off the day with a visit to a local pub. The pub was almost empty during earlier hours, as it peaked during the later hours. They ordered a feast of hearty meals—roasted meats, fresh bread, and seasonal vegetables, all paired with just a touch of wine to toast their accomplishments without overindulging, mindful of the need to remain sharp for the next day's activities.
After the meal, the group ventured to the bathhouse to unwind further. The separate sections for males and females meant that Amukelo, Bral, and Idin found themselves alone, the steamy warmth enveloping them in a comfortable silence before Amukelo broke it with a question that prompted introspection, "I never asked, what are your dreams?"
Idin's response came with a glint of adventure in his eyes. "I want to explore the world. Remember the story about the unknown lands? I'm convinced it's more than just a legend. I want to be the one to prove it."
Bral's dreams, in contrast, were more rooted in tranquility for the future. "I'd like to explore too, but eventually, I want to settle down, live a simple life with a family." His gaze softened as he added, "And I hope it'll be with Bao. It might not seem like it, but we always have been close."
The conversation turned back to Amukelo, Bral asked, "I know how much it means to you to spread the word about your mother. But have you ever considered what will you do after that?" Amukelo's response was thoughtful, "I haven't thought much past that goal, it seems so far away. But a peaceful life, maybe not too different from what you want, Bral, sounds like it could be right for me."
The warmth of the bath and the deeper conversations left them feeling content and united. They lingered in the soothing waters until they felt fully relaxed, then returned to the inn. The remainder of their day was spent lounging in the common room, engaging in light-hearted card games and conversations that drifted from trivial banter to more heartfelt discussions.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein