บท 5: The Adventurer’s Guild and The First Trial
As Amy and I approached a town in the distance, we noticed a group of guards stationed at the entrance, diligently checking the identification of each person seeking entry. The air was filled with an atmosphere of caution and security, prompting me to inquire about the strict measures in place.
"Master Rei, it appears that entry into the town requires proper identification," Amy remarked, her keen feline eyes surveying the scene. "We may need to find a way to acquire the necessary credentials."
Intrigued by the situation, I approached one of the guards and politely asked about the reasons behind the heightened security. The guard, a burly figure with a stern expression, explained that the town had been facing frequent bandit attacks, leading to the implementation of strict entry requirements.
Understanding the need for safety, I continued the conversation, expressing our intentions as skilled individuals seeking to make a positive impact within the town. With a glimmer of interest in his eyes, the guard took a chance on us, granting us entry based on our confident demeanor and purposeful presence.
Grateful for the guard's leniency, I extended my appreciation and exchanged a knowing glance with Amy. It seemed that our unique qualities had caught the attention of others, and we were eager to make the most of this opportunity.
Stepping into the bustling hall of the Adventurers Guild, the air buzzed with the energy of adventurers from all walks of life. Laughter, the clinking of armor, and hushed conversations filled the space. My perceptive feline companion, Amy, nudged me discreetly, drawing my attention to the curious gaze of the guild receptionist.
Amy's voice carried a hint of playfulness as she whispered, "Seems like they're quite interested in you, Master Rei."
I couldn't help but smirk, appreciating her observation. "Let's seize the moment, Amy."
Approaching the reception desk, I introduced myself and shared our desire to join the guild. The guild staff member, Elara, greeted us with a warm smile, her eyes flickering with curiosity as she observed our presence.
Elara listened attentively as I explained our aspirations, her gaze alternating between Amy and me, before stating with a slight blush, "Before we can qualify you as adventurers, you will need to complete the trials so that we can see and test your abilities. You two will also need to pour some mana into a status orb so that we can see your status."
After she finished explaining, Elara unveiled the Adventurer's Status Orb—a small, glowing orb that would reveal our current levels, four of our abilities, and achievements. The reason for the orb only showing four abilities is that, in this world, it seems that the maximum one could have is four, and they all align in some way. After activating the orb, a soft, radiant glow enveloped us, forming a holographic display of our respective statuses and the first four skills.
Rei's Current Status:
Name: Kurasaki Rei
Level: 20
Class: Adventurer
Strength: 49
Agility: 64
Intelligence: 59
Vitality: 54
Luck: Infinite
Skills:
Analyze: Grants the user the ability to perceive and comprehend the strengths, weaknesses, and hidden traits of both living beings and inanimate objects.
Infinite Luck: A mysterious ability that grants incredible fortune and serendipity, enhancing all aspects of Rei's journey.
Shadowstep: Mastery of agility that allows Rei to traverse the shadows and move with unseen swiftness.
Spectral Blades: Ethereal weapons that cut through defenses with ease, unleashing swift and deadly strikes.
Amy's Current Status:
Name: Amy
Level: 20
Class: Feline Sorceress
Strength: 40
Agility: 60
Intelligence: 60
Vitality: 45
Luck: 50
Skills:
Elemental Magic: Mastery of elemental spells, allowing Amy to manipulate fire, ice, lightning, and other natural forces.
Arcane Enchantments: The ability to infuse objects with magical properties, enhancing their effectiveness and granting unique abilities.
Feline Grace: Enhanced agility and reflexes, enabling Amy to move with cat-like finesse and evasiveness. (Passive)
Healing Light: The power to channel healing energies, mending wounds and revitalizing allies in times of need.
Elara's eyes widened, marveling at our impressive abilities and potential. "Both of your stats and abilities are quite remarkable; I believe you two are ready for the trials."
Amy and I exchanged determined glances, our unspoken agreement echoing in our shared resolve. "We are more than ready," I replied with confidence, eager to prove ourselves.
After completing the registration process, Elara guided us to a nearby training ground—a vast expanse dotted with obstacles, training dummies, and combat arenas. The atmosphere was charged with excitement and determination, as fellow guild members honed their skills nearby. The warmth of the sun, casting its golden glow, energized us for the challenges that lay ahead.
Then the trials were explained to us; each trial would be designed to test different aspects of our abilities and teamwork.
"The first trial will be an individual test for you both to show your skills and abilities in a one-on-one situation. You will each face one of our seasoned adventurers that is slightly higher level than you are at the moment, please don't hold back," Elara explained to Amy and me.
Not long after, two adventurers who gave off an aura of seasoned veterans appeared; the first adventurer who Amy would be facing rudely spoke to Elara while ignoring Amy and me.
"Really, Elara, are you sure this noble-looking pretty boy and that maid can actually make it as an adventurer?" The adventurer questioned.
"How dare you speak about my master in such a way." Amy stated while giving the adventurer a look filled with killing intent, making the man flinch.
"Hey, boy why don't you silence that pet of yours." The second adventurer scoffed at me.
"What the hell did you just say?" I asked, trying to keep my anger under control.
"I'm sure they both will be fine, Erwin and Luke. Just see for yourselves."
"Very well then, you're up first, pretty boy." The second adventurer, whose name was apparently Luke, stated to me clearly not taking me seriously.
"Just shut up, get ready to fight." I angrily stated.
"Ha, don't blame me if you get hurt." Luke said while scoffing at me.
To ensure my x999 skill wasn't exposed and that I wouldn't kill this asshole with one hit, I decided to deactivate it and fight with my natural abilities and skills that were shown on the status orb.
I chanted my spectral blades internally, after which two long black blades appeared in my hands.
"Elara, please start the match." I stated, with a determined look in my eyes.
"Ve..very well, let the match begin." Elara spoke.
The early moments of the fight were intense as Luke and I clashed with our weapons, each trying to gain the upper hand. I moved with agility and precision, countering Luke's attacks and landing swift blows with my spectral blades. Despite his initial arrogance, Luke proved to be a formidable opponent, using his own skills and experience to defend against my strikes. The clash of swords echoed throughout the training ground, drawing the attention of other guild members who watched with anticipation.
In the midst of battle, my thoughts raced, analyzing Luke's style and looking for openings. I could feel the adrenaline surging through my veins, pushing me to give my all in this test of skill and determination. With each exchange, my respect for Luke's abilities grew, but so did my desire to emerge victorious.
Amy's eyes sparkled with excitement and concern as she watched the intense duel unfold. Her fists clenched as she cheered me on, her loyalty and support fueling my determination to prove myself. As the fight wore on, both Luke and I pushed ourselves to our limits. We were evenly matched, and the air crackled with the energy of the battle.
But as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the training ground, I saw an opportunity. As Luke attempted a powerful strike, I used my shadowstep to slip behind him once more, delivering a precise blow to his legs that sent him sprawling to the ground.
Breathing heavily, Luke looked up at me with respect in his eyes. "You're good, pretty boy. Consider me impressed."
Before I could respond, Elara called an end to the match, declaring me the winner. The guild members cheered and clapped, acknowledging the hard-fought victory. Amy ran up to me, her eyes filled with pride and admiration.
"Rei, that was incredible! You showed him!" She exclaimed, unable to contain her excitement.
I smiled, grateful for her support. "Thank you, Amy. It was a tough fight, but I did it."
"Elara, start the next match immediately, I will show that punk a lesson through maid of his." Erwin stated with frustration in his voice.
"Very well, Amy are you prepared?" Elara asked.
"Very much, I need to teach this man a lesson for disrespecting my master." Amy answered, while still giving Erwin a look filled with killing intent.
Before she headed to the ring, I grabbed Amy's hand, and stated,
"Amy, thank you for getting angry for my sake, but please don't kill him, it might cause issues for the guild."
"If that's what you wish, Master Rei. I will just maim him slightly." Amy spoke with shivers down my spine.
"Let the match begin!" Elara declared.
As the second match began, the tension in the training ground was palpable. Erwin sneered at Amy, clearly underestimating her abilities. Amy's eyes blazed with determination as she faced her disrespectful opponent.
"Arcane Enhancement: Wind!" Amy chanted, and a green veil enveloped her, enhancing her agility on top of her Feline Grace passive skill. She moved with unparalleled swiftness, her lithe form darting gracefully like a feline predator. Her movements were mesmerizing, leaving a trail of afterimages in her wake.
"Haha, what is a little enhancement skill like that going to do? Fireball!" Erwin stated mockingly before chanting and summoning three fireballs above him.
"Water Spear!" Amy chanted as well, summoning three spears made of condensed water. The two powerful magical attacks collided mid-air, creating a torrent of steam that covered the ring.
Using the steam as a diversion, Amy capitalized on her speed boosts, effortlessly closing the distance between her and Erwin. He struggled to locate her as she moved like a blur, and before he could react, Amy was right in front of him.
"Where the hell did you come from—" Erwin tried to yell out, but he was cut off by Amy's next move.
"Fireball!" Amy chanted, shooting an intentionally weakened fireball straight at Erwin's face.
"My eyes! My eyes! You damn bitch, I will kill—" Erwin's threats were interrupted once again as Amy cast "Stone Bullet" in quick succession, hitting him in the stomach. She followed it up with a flurry of rapid punches, delivering precise blows with deadly accuracy.
Erwin grunted in pain, but his body couldn't withstand the onslaught, and he eventually collapsed, defeated and unconscious.
"The match is over, winner Amy!" Elara yelled, and cheers erupted from the guild members witnessing the impressive display of Amy's skills.
I ran up to Amy with a smile, admiring her tenacity and combat prowess. "Amy, that was amazing! You handled him with such finesse."
She returned my smile, a glint of mischief in her eyes. "Thank you, Master Rei. I made sure to teach him some manners for underestimating us."
Elara approached us with an approving nod. "Well fought, Amy. You proved yourself as a skilled and formidable member of our guild."
"Thank you, Elara," Amy replied, her voice tinged with pride.
As we basked in the thrill of victory, I couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude towards my loyal companion. Amy's strength and determination were awe-inspiring, and I knew that with her by my side, we could conquer any challenge that came our way.
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