The Adventurer's Guild stood as a beacon of courage, ambition, and independence across the kingdom. Born in the aftermath of the Summoner Wars, it served as the frontline for all manner of peril—fighting monsters, exploring ruins, defending settlements, and chasing mysteries buried deep beneath the land.
The guild operated on a four-tier ranking system:
Bronze – for beginners and fresh recruits.
Silver – seasoned adventurers with field experience.
Gold – elite warriors trusted with high-risk missions and dungeon expeditions.
Platinum – legendary heroes whose names shaped history.
Adventurers could ascend ranks in two ways:
Through a Rank Evaluation Exam every two years to measure combat skill and magic power.
By performing remarkable deeds—slaying dangerous monsters, discovering ancient dungeons, or rendering critical service to the kingdom.
The Guild was governed by the central branch in the royal capital, led by Guildmaster Varek Thorne, a Knight Rank 10 and Wind Mage Rank 5, renowned for his swordsmanship and uncatchable footwork.
Each of the four duchies had its own major branch, headed by powerful adventurers:
Tharyn Valehart (North): Knight Rank 9, Earth Mage Rank 3, a twin-blade wall of discipline.
Kaelen Drayne (South): Knight Rank 8, Fire Mage Rank 3, a fierce spear user with a volatile streak.
Irelia Rhan (East): Knight Rank 8, Wind Mage Rank 3, a graceful tactician.
Durnan Brokk (West): Knight Rank 8, Fire Mage Rank 3, wielding dual axes with brute force.
Currently active and rising adventurers gaining fame across the kingdom included:
Feyra Nivelle – a Mage Rank 9, wielder of rare and powerful Ice Magic.
Brennan Torval – Knight Rank 8, a lone dungeon-conqueror with unmatched endurance.
Selis Rae – a Fire and Water Dual Mage, both Rank 7, known for mobility-focused magic duels.
Torren Vask – Knight Rank 7, a beastmaster who hunts dangerous monsters alone.
Eralin Faye – a Nature Mage Rank 8, famed for calming wild regions near the western border.
In the fortified northern town of Snowhearth, eleven-year-old Alaric Durnhart stood before the arched doors of the Adventurer's Guild.
The building loomed over the snowy plaza—stone and oak wood reinforced with enchantments. A carved symbol above the door bore the guild's insignia: a sword and mountain encircled by twelve stars.
As Alaric stepped inside, the hall turned to look.
"...A kid?"
"He's what—ten? No, maybe eleven?"
"Look at his hair. White as snow… Think he's from the royal line?"
"No way he's here to register…"
Whispers buzzed as Alaric walked to the front desk, chin high, expression calm.
"Excuse me," he said to the receptionist. "The Duchess told me to speak with someone about joining."
Before the woman could reply, a gravelly voice rang out from the back hallway.
"That someone would be me."
Tharyn Valehart strode in—tall, broad-shouldered, draped in a fur-lined cloak. Twin swords rested across his back like crossed wings. His gray eyes studied Alaric.
"I remember you. The duchess' twins' birthday, right? So… you really want to join the guild?"
"Yes," Alaric said without hesitation.
"You're young."
"I'm ready."
Tharyn gave a chuckle. "Alright then. Let's see what you've got."
Behind the guild, the training arena carved into the frozen hillside was layered with protection runes and enchanted walls. The air was brisk, but Alaric stood firm with sword in hand.
"Use whatever you have," Tharyn said. "Show me your strength."
Alaric launched forward. His slashes were clean and efficient—each movement drilled from years of practice. Tharyn parried with one sword, effortlessly blocking and dodging.
"Good footwork," the older knight mused. "You've had real training."
But Alaric wasn't done.
With a breath, he activated his aura.
A deep, dark shimmer enveloped him—his physical strength amplifying as he surged again with renewed speed and weight.
The spectators on the side gasped.
"Knight Rank 2?!"
"At eleven years old?!"
Tharyn's expression sharpened with interest. "Now that's more like it."
Alaric attacked again. One blow cracked the stone floor beneath Tharyn. Another was blocked with both blades crossed, causing Tharyn's boots to slide an inch.
"Alright!" he said with a grin, stepping back and raising a hand. "That's enough."
Alaric paused, panting.
Tharyn reached into his cloak and pulled out a bronze badge. "You've earned this. Bronze Rank. Come back tomorrow to finalize your record."
Alaric bowed. "Thank you, Sir Tharyn."
That evening, Alaric wandered Snowhearth. The town was lively—filled with vendors selling gear, potions, and hot food. Firelight glowed from windows, and the smell of roasted meat drifted through the snow-lined streets.
He ducked into a small tavern and ordered stew. As he began eating, the door opened and three teenagers entered—two boys and a girl.
"No seats left," one said, scanning.
"There," the girl pointed to Alaric's table.
They approached.
"Mind if we join you?" she asked. "We promise not to steal your food."
Alaric blinked, then nodded. "Sure."
They sat down.
"Hey, weren't you the one sparring earlier with the big guy?" the older boy asked.
"Yes. I'm Alaric Durnhart. Eleven. Knight Rank 2."
Their jaws dropped.
"Knight Rank 2? At your age?" the girl said, stunned.
The older boy extended a hand. "Rusk, seventeen. Spear user. Knight Rank 2. Fire Mage Rank 1."
The second boy leaned forward. "Teren, fifteen. Bow user. Knight Rank 1. No magic yet."
"I'm Kaela," said the girl. "Fifteen. Sword user. Knight Rank 1. Still green."
Alaric shook their hands.
"You must be noble, right?" Kaela asked.
He shook his head. "I was from Heartvale… before it was destroyed. The Duchess took me in."
They exchanged solemn glances.
"We just registered today too," Rusk said. "Finalizing tomorrow."
They talked over warm food—sharing tales of training, near-accidents, favorite weapons, and monster sightings. Alaric laughed softly, then louder. For the first time in years, he felt warmth that wasn't fire or food.
The Next Morning
Alaric stepped out of the guild with a crisp parchment and his bronze badge clipped to his coat.
"Alaric!"
Rusk waved from across the square, with Kaela and Teren in tow.
"Got your badge?"
"Yeah," Alaric smiled.
"What now? First quest?" Kaela asked.
Alaric shook his head. "Not yet. I want to go monster hunting first. Bronze-level zone, just outside town."
"We're heading there too!" Rusk grinned. "Let's go together. No need to solo your first time."
Alaric nodded. "Sure. Sounds good."
The snowy forest beyond Snowhearth was filled with glinting frost and scattered growls.
Their first fight: three Frostclaws lunging from the brush.
"Right flank!" Teren shouted, firing arrows.
Kaela blocked the center with a wide sweep. Rusk spun his spear, driving one beast into a tree. Alaric moved with practiced calm, weaving between them and slashing down the last.
"Nice!" Kaela beamed.
More monsters followed—Snow Fangs, Ice Rats, a hulking Stoneback Boar that took all four of them to bring down.
As the sky began to darken, they slumped against trees to rest.
"I say we call it," Rusk said, exhaling. "Solid haul."
"We've got at least twenty monster stones," Teren noted, jingling the sack.
Back at the guild, they laid out the shimmering stones at the front desk.
The receptionist blinked. "First full day, and you brought this much?"
She grinned and handed each of them a coin pouch. "Not bad at all. You'll go far."
Kaela stretched. "Alright! Food?"
"You read my mind," Rusk said.
They left the guild laughing and bickering over what to eat. For Alaric, it felt like he had finally found his footing in a new life—one filled with strength, companionship, and hope.