Kael left that morning in his father's horse-drawn carriage. His father stood silently by the main gate, watching them disappear into the early mist.
Mr. Joseph held the reins, driving toward the Adventurers' Guild. Kael sat beside him, his eyes distant, lost in thought.
"Tell me something, Kael," Joseph finally said. "How did the fountain break?"
Kael didn't respond right away. He kept his gaze fixed outside, clearly avoiding the question.
"I punched it," he admitted at last.
Joseph glanced at him, confused. "You what?"
"I don't know how," Kael said quietly. "But that's what happened."
Joseph blinked, baffled. "A stone fountain? With your bare hands? That's… not humanly possible."
Kael didn't reply.
Soon, the carriage rolled to a stop outside the Adventurers' Guild.
Kael hopped down, grabbed his belongings, and slung the massive Skull-Crusher across his back. His neck brace was gone now…only the plaster around his arm remained.
"See you soon, Uncle," Kael said. "Take care of my father."
Joseph nodded solemnly. "May your path stay clear."
The guild hall was chaos; laughter, shouts, clashing steel, and the sharp tang of sweat and metal. But as Kael stepped through the doors, something strange happened.
The noise began to die.
A man with a casted arm carrying a blade meant for giants, it didn't fit the picture.
"Hey… isn't that the kid from yesterday?"
"Yeah, the Headmaster's son."
"What's he doing with that sword?"
"He doesn't even look strong enough to lift it…"
Kael ignored the whispers. He made his way upstairs towards the upper floor that once belongs, to him.
Just as Kael barely reached the first floor, he saw a familiar face. Sitting against the wall.
They locked eyes for a moment.
"Off to hunt a dragon, are you?" the man asked with a smirk. His eyes lit up seeing Kael there.
Kael smiled faintly and bowed. "Master Liam."
Liam approached, eyebrows raising as he looked Kael over. "What happened to your arm? You were fine two days ago."
Kael exhaled tiredly. "Ahh… long story."
"Forget that. How's the Captain?"
Liam's eyes softened. "He is doing fine. Miya's with him."
"And you up to making coin?", Kael asked, tilting his head at a side.
Liam nodded. "Well…" He chuckled. "Someone's got to earn coin while the hero rests."
He stepped behind Kael, inspecting the Greatsword.
"Hmm… quite the blade, btw" he said, running a finger along the scabbard. "How much?"
"Four Solin. All in."
"Pricey."
"Damascus steel. Seven hundred layers, from what I was told."
"Hmm… hmm…"
Liam didn't question how Kael could carry it. He already knew what the boy was capable of.
"Where to?" he asked.
Kael hesitated, then sighed. "Another long story. But… the royal capital."
He leaned in slightly and whispered, "It's the book."
His eyes were concerning and tired.
Liam's eyes widened, though his expression remained unreadable.
Kael was about to ask something in return; but stopped.
A faint hum thrummed under his feet. He glanced up toward the ceiling above them.
"What is it?" Liam asked, puzzled.
"Do you know who's up there?" Kael asked.
"The Guildmaster?" Liam offered.
"No… the other one."
"I… have no idea," Liam admitted, frowning.
Kael smiled. "Probably nothing. Just my nerves."
He extended a hand. "Until next time, Master. That is… if I return."
Liam clasped his hand with a smirk. "You came back from Yama. What can a king do?"
They shook hands firmly.
Then, without another word, they went their separate ways.
As Kael climbed the stairs, the vibrations beneath his feet grew stronger.
Who is it…? he wondered.
By the time he reached the second floor, the sensation hadn't faded. In fact, it had intensified. Kael paused, scanning the hallway.
No one's here… he noted, frowning.
But then he felt it.
He looked up, even above.
Third floor… the Guildmaster's floor.
"Welcome back, Master Vaelwyn," said Elina, the Guild's assistant, offering a warm smile.
"Thank you," Kael replied, forcing one of his own.
He didn't waste time. "Is someone meeting the Guildmaster today?"
Elina blinked, taken aback by the abrupt question.
"Not that I know of," she replied firmly.
Kael simply nodded. So… it's a private meeting, he thought.
"Please take a seat," Elina said. "I'll prepare your Adventurer Card and inform the Guildmaster."
Kael walked to the nearby sofa and sat down, his eyes drifting to the Wall of Fame where portraits of legendary adventurers long past.
But his thoughts weren't on them.
That presence… I felt it from two floors down. Just how powerful are they?
He crossed his arms, deep in thought.
Maybe even on par with the Guildmaster?
His fingers tapped the armrest. No. Maybe stronger. A Gloamforged?
His eyes widened at the thought… then narrowed just as quickly.
No… if a true Gloamforged was up there, the entire guild would be holding its breath by now.
Someone between Emberlight and Gloamforged? Does such a rank even exist?
He sighed, rubbing his temple.
Haahh… I don't even know how strong a Gloamforged really is. What am I even doing? This is exhausting.
Kael closed his eyes and focused on his breath, grounding himself.
Wait…
The vibrations were fading.
They're leaving, he noticed.
Kael opened his eyes wide.
They disappeared, he concluded.
Just then, a voice echoed down the stairwell.
"So, you've arrived," the Guildmaster said as he descended from the third floor, his heavy steps slow and deliberate.
Kael stood immediately, offering a shallow bow. "Yes, sir."
The Guildmaster gave a hearty laugh, holding out Kael's newly forged Adventurer's Card.
"I see you've managed to injure yourself already," he joked.
Kael chuckled lightly. "Something like that."
"Well, your party is waiting. Let's head down and meet them."
He placed a firm hand on Kael's shoulder and guided him toward the stairs.
Together, they descended to the first floor where Kael had last seen Liam.
[On the first floor]
He left.. Kael thought.
Liam was nowhere to be seen, as he must have left for work.
The Guildmaster guided Kael to a room on first floor.
First floor was essentially made for as a resting area. For adventurers who wanted to rest for a while.
Kael entered the room with Guildmaster, just as they entered the room, all the people sitting in stood up.
"Good morning, Guildmaster", said a man wearing white robe.
He was not so tall man, just around Kael in size. He had multiple chains in his neck and on his wrist, he also had some tattoo carved on his fingers, as his face looked to have a tired expression. his eyes were barely open, but his presence was calm and confident.
"Nollan…", Guildmaster spoke as he nodded at that man.
Guildmaster turned towards Kael,
"He is Nollan Veyth. He is Ashborne ranked adventurer who is also a cleric", Guildmaster introduced. he lowered his voice slightly, "A Tattva user, more importantly… an Aquarelth"
Kael's eyes opened wide, looking at the man standing in front of him.
I have never met a Tattva user!! Kael thought as he observed Nollan from head to toe.
Tattva is one of the the six major powers of the world.
Tattva, Tantra, Mantra, Yantra, Mudra and Rasa.
Tattva is an element, each describing different essence. Nollan is an Aquarelth, a wielder of water.
"Nice to meet you… ", He offered his hand with calm expression. "I am Nollan"
"Nice to meet you too… I am Kael", Kael shook hand giving a welcoming smile.
Just then, Kael noticed the person standing behind Nollan.
It was Terren.
Kael nodded slightly.
He nodded back. But his eyes were fixed on guildmaster... As if he was admiring his strength and presence.
"And that man, standing over there", Guildmaster pointed towards a man standing at the other side of group.
A rugged man… probably in his late thirties. He had a bandana on his head and tough looking chest plate. He had a very serious looking expression like a man who takes his work seriously.
"He is Zodiac Routh… former army officer, now working with us… one of our best."
The introduction went smooth, as it was supposed to be.
"Well then", Guildmaster patted Kael's back. "I will be leaving… return in one piece.. hahaha", he laughed as he left the room.
Kael took a deep breathe, as everybody else slowly set back on the couch except Terren.
"As you already know, we will be leaving for Caer'Seren today… to the royal capital.", Kael announced.