Eira and Dain passed through the capital’s west gate under the watchful gaze of the guard—who happened to be Dain’s sister. A silent exchange of stares and a single wink stood in for a goodbye. They had never been close, always clashing over trivial things, and the unspoken understanding between them needed no words.

  Once beyond the walls, Eira’s breath caught. A deer lifted its head from the underbrush, sunlight glinting in its dark eyes.

  “Look, Dain!” Eira pointed, her eyes shining.

  “It’s just a deer. Don’t act like it’s some mystical creature.”

  “It’s my first time outside. Everything looks mystical to me.”

  Dain shook his head, though he couldn't quite suppress a small smile.

  Their plan was simple: skirt the capital’s perimeter and enter through the north gate, where the Adventurer’s Guild welcomed new recruits. By afternoon, however, Eira’s enthusiasm began to wane alongside her stamina.

  “Dain…” she groaned, dragging her feet. “Can we rest? Just for a minute?”

  “We’re close,” he said, but he relented, handing her a waterskin and a wrapped bundle of bread and cheese.

  Eira gulped the water greedily, staring up at the towering city walls. “It’s massive. How do people live crammed together like this?”

  “Safety,” Dain explained. “Outside these walls, monsters lurk, especially at night. But at our pace, we’ll reach the north gate in about an hour.”

  Eira shivered—not from fear, but from exhilaration. “Great! Let’s go.”

  “You’re okay now?”

  “Yes!”

  They reached the gate and presented their passports, stamped with the royal guard’s seal. The guards gave them a cursory glance and let them pass.

  Beyond the gate stood a massive structure: the Adventurer’s Guild Hall. It was one of the largest and best-maintained buildings in the city. The front entrance led to the Adventurer’s Chamber, a bustling area where people gathered to form parties, find quests, and register.

  “Wow,” Eira breathed, craning her neck to take it all in.

  They removed their cloaks as they stepped inside. Even with her dyed hair, Eira stood out immediately. Her pale skin, luminous azure hair, and striking features turned heads across the room. Dain’s excessive luggage didn't go unnoticed, either.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  “So pretty...” someone whispered.

  “Damn! Is he carrying a whole house on his back?” a warrior muttered into his ale.

  Dain silenced him with a glare sharp enough to flay skin.

  At the counter, a young woman with short brown hair and keen eyes beckoned them over. “New faces! Welcome!” She introduced herself as Enya Ednerson, an administrator, and led them to a side room for registration.

  “So, you’re from Deusvalle?” Enya asked, eyeing Dain’s bags with amusement. “That’s quite the journey. And quite the… luggage.”

  “Necessities,” Dain said flatly.

  “You must be a warrior, then!” Enya exclaimed.

  “Yes.”

  “And this lady?” Enya turned to Eira.

  “I can use magic,” Eira replied quickly.

  “Oh? What kind?”

  Eira held out her hand, summoning a soft, glowing orb of light in her palm.

  “Ooooh! Light magic! That’s rare. Did you know light magic can be used for healing? Do you know any restorative spells?”

  “I do. Would you like me to—”

  “No need,” Enya laughed. “Unfortunately, the Guild Master is away with the King surveying the nearby lands. You’ll have to wait until tomorrow to complete your registration. But first, fill out these forms.”

  She handed them the papers.

  “Let me explain what to expect tomorrow. You’ll undergo an aptitude test using our super-fancy, super-amazing Soul’s Mirror. It was invented by the legendary artificer, Alset Ednerson.”

  “She sounds really proud of that,” Eira whispered to Dain.

  “Of course I am!” Enya chirped. “Not just the Soul’s Mirror—most magic tools in this land were invented by my great-great-grandfather!”

  “She heard that?” Dain whispered back, leaning toward Eira.

  “Ahem! I used to be a top-tier Ranger. My senses are sharper than most humans, especially my hearing.”

  “Wow, that’s amazing,” Eira said, genuinely impressed.

  “Ehehe! Okay, moving on. The Soul’s Mirror will measure your stats—”

  “Stats?” Eira blinked.

  “Numbers that define your abilities,” Enya explained. “Strength, endurance, magic aptitude… all measured by the glass. Oh, and it might even reveal a special gift too!”

  Eira’s eyes sparkled. What will it say about me?

  “It’s nearly dusk,” Enya continued. “Once you’re finished with the forms, you can find an inn nearby. Or, if you have the coin, you can rent an apartment. Feel free to explore!”

  “See you tomorrow, Ms. Enya.”

  “See you tomorrow, Eira and Dain!”

  They found a small place just a stone's throw from the guild—a cramped two-story apartment with a kitchen below and tiny bedrooms above. After unpacking and changing into casual clothes, the weight of the day began to lift.

  “Let’s eat at a tavern tonight,” Dain suggested.

  “Let’s go!” Eira replied. “Can we explore the city a bit, too?”

  “Just a little. It’s already dark; it isn't safe to wander too far.”

  “Why not?” Eira asked, curious.

  “There are... people with unexpected behaviors.”

  Eira tilted her head. “Why would they do anything bad?”

  “I don’t know either, Princess—I mean, Eira. I just know they do.”