The trio stepped into the glowing teleportation circle. In a flash of light, the scenery shifted, stone roads replaced dirt paths, towering walls rose around them, and the warm hum of life buzzed through the streets.
They had arrived in Velmoria, the capital city of Aranthor.
Eve's eyes widened as she took in the grand architecture, the bustling markets, and the blend of magic and machinery that made the human capital so unique.
"Wow… so this is the city where humans live?" she whispered in awe.
Jace turned to her, raising an eyebrow. "What, you've never been to a human city before?"
Eve shook her head. "No. I've spent my entire life in Elandor, the elven capital. My big sister never let me leave... said the outside world was too dangerous."
Nick perked up. "You mean the Elandor? The hidden city of the elves? Only elven blood can pass through its gates, right?"
Eve nodded. "Yes. It's sacred… the heart of our ancestral lands."
Jace scratched his chin. "Then why now? What made you finally leave and come here?"
"I'm here to participate in the Magic and Steel Festival," Eve said, a spark of excitement in her eyes.
"The what festival?" Jace asked, confused.
Nick slapped his forehead. "Do you have amnesia or something? That memory of yours is tragic. It's the biggest festival in Aranthor, held once every five years."
Jace laughed awkwardly. "Hehe… guess I forgot."
Nick rolled his eyes. "For three days straight, warriors, mages, and fighters from all across the continent gather to spar. It's a massive tournament and the winner gets to claim one treasure from the Royal Treasury itself."
"What?!" Jace's jaw dropped. "You're kidding! I have to enter."
Nick grinned. "Relax. We're just about to reach the guild. We'll ask Claire to sign us up."
Moments later, the grand doors of the Velmoria Adventurers' Guild opened before them. Inside, familiar chatter and clinking mugs filled the air. At the reception desk stood Claire, the ever-sharp secretary, who looked up and smiled.
"Well, well! Welcome back, Master Jace," she said playfully. "And… who's the lovely young lady with you? A new girlfriend, perhaps?"
Eve's face turned beet red. "W-what?! N-no!"
Jace waved it off, chuckling. "She's just a new friend we made. Eve, meet Claire."
"Nice to meet you," Eve said with a polite bow.
"Sorry for jumping to conclusions," Claire replied with a soft laugh. "You're very pretty. I just couldn't help myself."
"It's alright," Eve said, still flustered.
Jace leaned on the counter. "So, Claire, could you sign us up for the festival's tournament?"
"You're interested in the competition?" she asked, already pulling out a form.
"We are," Jace said confidently.
Claire smiled. "No need. The Guild Master Garros already signed you both up. He said it'd be a good way for you to gain experience. And that, quote, 'You two keep doing crazy things that worry the entire guild.'"
Jace scratched the back of his head. "Hehe… he's not wrong."
Claire turned to Eve. "If your friend wants to join too, I'll just need her signature."
Eve nodded and quickly signed her name. "Thank you."
"Well then," Claire said, organizing the papers. "Now that you're registered for the tournament, why don't you go ahead and give your mission report?"
Jace glanced at Nick and Eve with awkward grim.
"Yeah, let's do that."
To be continued…