"That makes a great point. I see you've made your resolve." The guild master's stern demeanor softened momentarily, allowing a paternal smile to break through—one that reminded me irresistibly of an encouraging father gazing proudly at his son. It was a fleeting moment, but it filled the air with a warmth that seemed to dispel some of the tension.
A timid smile crept onto my lips, and with it came an unfamiliar wave of embarrassment, prompting me to lower my gaze and subtly attempt to hide my expression. Still, the hopeful atmosphere was short-lived. Once more, a thick air of tension gripped the room, the atmosphere turning heavy with uncertainty.
"Well, boy," the guild master continued, his voice shifting back to its former gravity, "since you've made your resolve, how do you plan to back it up? What strength do you possess to defend against such bold jesters?" His glare sharpened, cutting through the air like a blade. Yet beneath those fierce eyes, I sensed a glimmer of something else—was it kindness? Concern?
"I-I'll get stronger!" My voice trembled slightly, yet determination ignited within me, fueled by the prospect of proving myself. "I might be a nobody right now, but before long, I'll surpass even the heroes!"
The incredulity in the guild master's expression caught me off guard. His eyes widened in disbelief, a flicker of surprise evident in the momentary pause that followed my declaration. There was a fervor in my voice that reminded him of someone from his past—a ghost of ambition that once thrived within him. Perhaps, just perhaps, this young, naïve kid might be capable of change.
"Hmm... Ha ha ha ha! That's the spirit, young man! With that kind of drive, you just might possess what it takes to ignite a change!" An authentic smile broke through his austere facade, a rare sight gleaming after years steeped in solitude.
"Let's put your resolve to the test: if you can reach level 50 within a month, I'll honor our deal and report you to the state. But if you fall short of my expectations, I'll have no choice but to report you for the safety of the realm." His challenge felt monumental; after all, the average adventurer needed at least two months to achieve level 40.
A mix of sympathy and determination washed over me. The road ahead was fraught with danger—monsters roamed the lands, merciless in their pursuit. Yet here I was, resolute, my heart racing with the thrill of possibility. My intuition had rarely led me astray; this time, it whispered that I must succeed.
"Thank you, sir!" My gratitude radiated through every word, compelling me to bow low. The sincerity in my voice coaxed a small, genuine smile from his lips, an expression he seldom shared.
—Good luck, kid.
"Let's do this!"
>Ding
Just then, the bell above the door jingled as a new customer entered the shop. A small girl leapt off a stool, her energy palpable. She possessed rugged, wind-tousled hair the color of freshly turned earth, and her skin was a warm, earthy brown that hinted at countless sunlit days. Her mesmerizing pearl-white eyes shimmered with an otherworldly glint, and her short stature contrasted strikingly with the unexpected maturity of her curves.
"U-uh..."
"My name's Amanda, and I'm a mountain dwarf. People often confuse my appearance; I'm not a child—I'm 22 in human years." My mind raced, trying to process her words. Was my surprise really that obvious?
"Uh, yes! I'm sorry! It was rude of me to stare. I didn't mean to!" I bowed twice, urgency pulsing through my movements as I sought to convey my sincere apology.
"He he heh, no need to be so formal! Like I said, I'm used to this kind of reaction from humans. It happens every time we get a new customer." Her laughter was warm and inviting, a balm for my fraying nerves and easing my unease.
"Ah yes, customers! I'm here to buy a sword."
"Right, give me a minute!"
With that, Amanda dashed off into the back of the shop, leaving me to absorb my surroundings. The space was spacious and sturdy, constructed of roughhewn oak beams with a polished counter and a lone stool at the front, awaiting customers. The wooden door swung gently, flanked by two glass windows that let in streams of soft, golden light.
"Okay, if you'd follow me." Amanda re-emerged after a few moments, her brisk enthusiasm drawing me in as I followed her deeper into the shop. We wound through a narrow passageway, the air thick with the scent of metal and wood, until we reached a fork: one path leading left, the other right.
Turning right, we entered a vast room alive with the promise of adventure. Unlike the cobblestone floors of the entrance, this space was laid with packed dirt, and in the center stood a training dummy—awaiting my assessment and coaxing forth my determination.
"Go grab a sword from the wall to your right, then try a few swings at the dummy in the center. You're free to explore all the weapons here; it's not just limited to swords. Find the one that suits you," she instructed, taking a seat adjacent to the door with her eyes fixed on me, a look of unyielding encouragement in her gaze.
Approaching the wall lined with weapons, I marveled at the diverse array before me. My heart quickened with anticipation as I carefully examined each one, the memories of disciplined training under my family's watchful eyes swirling within me, feeling both familiar and exhilarating. A sense of freedom had emerged—a unique opportunity to select my weapon.
Finally, my gaze landed on a long sword, its slender, double-edged blade shimmering enticingly. It felt remarkably balanced in my hands; lightweight yet exuding raw power, promising lethal speed in combat. The pointed tip seemed to beckon me forward, suggesting agility and precision as I anticipated the movement of my future battles. The hilt held just enough weight to provide control without hindrance.
"I must get stronger, huh? Let's do this!" With renewed resolve, I embraced the challenges ahead, ready to train with every ounce of my being and carve out the path toward my dreams.