Each passerby caught his attention. There was a growing curiosity in his sharp eyes as he tried to decipher who those people were and what they brought to this city. Turning a corner, his gaze finally landed on the guild hall.
The building was an imposing black structure, carved from massive dark stones and adorned with intricate golden details. It stood out among the surrounding constructions, radiating an imposing presence.
The black tower stretched toward the sky, touching the clouds; two white ivory pillars flanked the main entrance, each meticulously carved with softly glowing magical runes, creating a striking contrast against the massive black facade.
Between them rose a peculiar gate, forged of a metal so dark it seemed to devour the light. In its center, a single enormous rune pulsed, its intricate lines twisting like veins of molten silver. Another sealing ward, just like the one at the city entrance.
A constant flow of mana emanated from those entering and leaving, reinforcing the importance of the place. With firm steps, he approached.
Sorcerers, adventurers, warriors, and merchants passed through the gates, dressed in light armor or robes embroidered with shimmering runes. That was a meeting point for countless ambitions and, now, he was also heading there, ready to discover what awaited him.
He set off and, after a few minutes, reached the location. As he approached, he noticed the constant flow of people coming and going. They seemed well-organized.
"So this is a guild, huh?" He had already heard of such places before being sealed, but, back then, they were just small groups of scholars trying to share the knowledge he had once taught.
"How did they reach this level? Humans must have learned a lot from the elves," he thought, noticing the similarity in architecture and the level of sophistication, which reminded him of what he had seen before.
Crossing the great gate, he was greeted by a vast, impressive, and noisy hall, filled with the clamor of voices speaking all at once. Massive stone blocks intricately carved.
The polished stone floor was smooth as glass, reflecting the light emanating from floating chandeliers and mystical energy sources. A mosaic of shimmering patterns formed underfoot, while veins of silver and gold meandered through the stone, as if they had been traced by the hands of the gods themselves.
The sound of voices resembled a tumultuous sea, flowing and receding, each conversation a tangled current within the vibrant environment. Figures of all types filled the space, but there was no chaos.
Each person followed their path with precision, their footsteps resonating with a subtle echo, as if the hall itself responded to their presence.
A mystical tapestry of light adorned the hall, its semi-transparent layers glowing with a soft radiance, creating an enchanting barrier that separated the main area from hidden chambers beyond.
Sorcerers and warriors glided gracefully through this tapestry of space. The ceiling rose high, an architectural landmark adorned with statues depicting legendary battles and the triumphs of ancient heroes. Golden details framed the artwork, capturing the light and casting a warm and welcoming glow throughout the hall.
A large crystal chandelier hovered in the center of the hall, refracting light into a cascade of colors that danced across the surfaces below.
On the walls, banners fluttered gently, their rich fabrics adorned with arcane symbols that seemed to capture the vibrations in the air.
In a corner of the hall, a flash of pure light descended from the arched ceiling, illuminating the space and sustaining floating inscriptions that emerged from the air.
These inscriptions metamorphosed constantly, reconfiguring themselves into fluid patterns. Shifting and emerging toward those who approached, the inscriptions seemed guided by an intelligent force.
More than mere visuals, these manifestations were felt, awakening in the minds of nearby individuals and challenging their resolve before revealing the true challenges.
He then approached the reception desk, which sat right below the crystal chandelier; his steps were calm, but his striking presence quickly drew curious glances. The surrounding conversations fell momentarily silent.
With hair white as snow and deep green eyes like isolated forest lakes, he scanned the reactions around him. Expressions varied from fervent interest to a subtle perplexity, as if his presence invoked a curiosity.
A young attendant, dressed in a dark uniform bearing the emblem of the Registration Division and the symbol of Eldria, greeted him with a warm smile. Her dark hair contrasted with the bright guild environment, and her ruby eyes shimmered.
— Welcome to the Eldria Guild! — she said, her sweet voice resonating amidst the hubbub. — How can I help you?
Before speaking, Aslam paused and reflected. Through Kaelus's eyes, he observed the organized chaos of the guild hall. A thousand years ago, magic was raw, untamed, a force of nature that humans were just beginning to understand. Now, it flowed through carefully constructed channels, like a river redirected into organized canals.
"They built a fine system here." His thoughts wandered to his first disciples, how they had struggled with the basic concepts. Now, children walked these halls wearing enchanted robes, manipulating magic as casually as they breathed.
The receptionist tilted her head, waiting patiently for his response.
— I'm a bit lost here. This place is fascinating! How long has it existed? — the words came out with a different accent than usual.
The genuine interest in his voice caught her off guard. She seemed pleased by the question, her enthusiasm evident as she replied.
— The Eldria Guild is quite old — she began casually, organizing some scrolls on the counter.
— There are rumors it existed even before the Magic Era of humanity... but they are just rumors. The guild was officially recognized in the year 300 after...
— Magic Era? — Aslam interrupted, furrowing his brow in confusion. — What does that mean?
The attendant raised an eyebrow, surprised by the question. Her ruby eyes glowed for a moment as she studied him. He seemed genuinely curious, as if he were disconnected from something everyone knew.
— Oh, you don't know? — she asked, tilting her head, almost gauging if he was joking.
— Well, the Magic Era is the calendar most humans use today. We started counting time from the moment magic became part of human life. Currently, we are in the year 1330 After the Magic Era. Almost impossible to keep track, right? — She gestured lightly with her hand, measuring his reaction.
He remained silent for a moment, absorbing the information. "After Magic." It was new, but somehow, it resonated with him. His thoughts returned to a distant time when the world followed a different rhythm.
— Before... — he began, his voice lowering as if speaking to himself. — Wasn't there another calendar before this one? One that other races also used?
The young woman seemed surprised by the comment but nodded, leaning slightly over the counter.
— Yes, exactly. — She seemed pleased that he knew something so ancient.
— Before the Magic Era, humans followed the Global Calendar, which came from the elves and dwarves. It was what everyone used back then. But when magic became common among humans, everything changed. —
— The guilds, the kingdoms... humanity decided it was time to have something of its own, something to mark this new beginning. If the Global Calendar were still in use, we would probably be in the year 30,330 now. However, here in the Kingdom of Eldria, this is the standard. —
She tucked her black hair behind her ear, a thoughtful expression crossing her face as if organizing the information in her mind.
— The kings and guild leaders, over the centuries, have practically ruled the kingdom together. Today, the King of Eldria, Haldebrand, shares many of his decisions with Lysandra, our guild leader. They control everything here, from defense policies to trade. The guild isn't just a place for adventurers and mages; it's the true heart of the kingdom. The Guild became the meeting point for adventurers from everywhere. Here, they share stories, carry out missions, and protect the city. — She gestured to the lively hall, where laughter and conversations flowed between groups.
— It's incredible how much things have changed; in my time, it wasn't like this — he said, smiling.
— Oh, so you're from a different era, huh? — The attendant laughed, tilting her head, curiosity shining in her eyes. — It must be strange to be here now. What do you think of this new generation of adventurers?
Aslam leaned back slightly, taking a moment to observe the youths around him. He saw a young mage raise his hand and conjure a small light spell. The control was clumsy, uncertain, but enough to bring a smile to his face. Aslam sighed inwardly and said:
— I see the spark in their eyes. That is what matters. The new generation needs passion, and it seems they have plenty. — He paused, smiling as he saw them practicing their magic. — But I feel that deep knowledge, the kind that comes from the roots of magic, is a bit forgotten.
The attendant nodded, as if she understood.
— You speak like someone who has lived a long time. — She smiled, with a playful tone in her voice. — It seems your wisdom doesn't match your appearance.
He returned the smile, embracing the light tone of the conversation.
— That's what happens when you spend too much time in a library... or a cave.
This made Galdor, a man in light armor who had approached, laugh.
— And what do we have here? — The man came closer, casting an amused look between the two. — A traveler who looks older than us but has a boy's face? — He laughed and extended his hand. — I'm Galdor. And you?
The newcomer turned with a slight smile.
— Aslam — he replied casually while observing the curious expressions around him.
The attendant raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Aslam? That name…."
— You seem too young to speak of the past with such certainty — observed the adventurer, laughing. — Are you going to tell me you have one of those "wise old man" stories saved up?
He leaned against the counter, relaxing and enjoying the conversation. This was what he needed — a simple, carefree moment, free from grand concerns, to feel the world around him once more.
— Well, I heard the guild is the right place to find interesting people and perhaps a new purpose. — He gestured around. — Maybe I'll find out I'm good at being an adventurer.
— Or end up getting lost along the way. — Galdor gave him a light pat on the back, laughing. — I've heard that before, and the guy ended up trapped in a cave full of goblins.
— Hey, stop scaring the rookie! — the attendant interrupted, laughing.
— I'm just preparing him for reality! — the adventurer replied with a robust laugh.
The newcomer just smiled, feeling more at ease now.
— If I get lost, at least I'll have a good story to tell.
— That's the spirit! — The man applauded exaggeratedly. After a moment, he looked into thin air, as if recalling something. — Unfortunately, I have to go. I need to find a place to rest before my next mission. It was a pleasure meeting you both!
— See you later! — she replied, waving as he walked away.
Now, it was just him and the attendant, silence hanging for a moment.
— Oh, and I still don't know your name... — he broke the ice.
— Elara.
— Elara... — He repeated softly, thoughtfully, letting the name float in the air.
She blushed slightly, a timid smile forming on her lips. The conversation flowed naturally, as if the connection between them were instantaneous.
— So, Elara, I'm thinking of joining the guild — came the interjection.
Elara nodded and, with a graceful gesture, summoned a floating clipboard in front of her, engraved with small mana glyphs.
— Great! Here at the guild, we operate with a highly organized system based on mana connection level, also known as the Mana Connection Rings. When you register, your initial rank is determined by your current ability to access and manipulate mana.
She pointed to a series of insignias engraved on a nearby wall.
— Look, we have four main ranks, each corresponding to the mastery of the Rings.
The newcomer observed the insignias closely. Each bore a different color and symbol, representing various levels of power.
— We start with the Beginner Rank, Bronze — she indicated the bronze insignia displaying a flickering flame. — This rank is for those who are just starting to feel mana. They focus on simple, low-risk missions, like hunting smaller creatures or gathering magical ingredients.
— I see. And what comes after Bronze? — he asked, intrigued.
— Next, we have the Mastery Rank, which is Silver. — She indicated the silver insignia, which bore the symbol of a hammer. — These mages can channel mana more efficiently. They can concentrate mana in specific parts of the body and are ready to face basic combat missions, like escorting caravans and investigating magical anomalies. Most of the specialists in the kingdom are there, in Silver.
He watched closely, absorbing every word.
— The Master Rank, represented by the Gold insignia, is where mages become experienced in manipulating external mana and mastering the elements. They lead complex expeditions and face high-risk missions. Reaching this point requires a lot of dedication. The Gold insignia is made of shiny metal, with the symbol of a radiant sun, representing mastery over mana and light. It emits a subtle warmth to the touch, reflecting the adventurer's skill and experience.
— And what comes after Gold? — he asked, curious.
— Ah, above the Master Rank, we have the Heroic Rank. — She pointed to an almost mystical insignia, symbolizing a mage in action. — The Heroic insignia is made of pure crystal, a unique masterpiece that cannot be replicated. Each crystal is shaped by the adventurer's own essence, capturing their experiences and achievements.
She smiled, as if recalling something.
— The appearance of the insignia changes with the mana flowing through it, becoming a living representation of the hero's potential. It is so personal and singular that I cannot show you a specific one. These mages are extremely rare; in the kingdom, you can count them on the fingers of one hand. One example is our leader, Lysandra Vespera. Additionally, the guild is divided into three main factions. —
She began, pointing to the wall adorned with emblems.
— Each has a specific focus. When you're ready, you can align yourself with one of them.
— The first is the Adventurers Division. They specialize in combat and protection missions, taking on the riskiest tasks, such as hunting magical creatures or protecting caravans crossing hostile regions.
He observed the symbols, absorbing the information.
— Training in this faction truly enhances combat capabilities, both in weaponry and mana manipulation.
She smiled, moving to the next symbol.
— The second is the Relics Division. They dedicate themselves to exploring ruins and recovering ancient artifacts.
— Ancient artifacts? That sounds fascinating! — he interrupted, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. — What kind of relics do they seek?
— Oh, many! — she replied, excited. — These relics are valuable pieces of knowledge and power. Members of this faction are experts in magical history and frequently lead expeditions in search of lost treasures and secrets from the past. The discoveries are vital for the advancement of magic in Eldria. They have access to ancient knowledge and, of course, rare magical relics as rewards for their missions.
He nodded, absorbing the information. She then pointed to the last symbol.
— And finally, we have the Arcane Division, which is the most focused on magical research and development. Members dedicate themselves to studying mana, creating new spells and enchantments. They have access to special laboratories and libraries where they can study and improve their skills. Additionally, they are frequently hired to develop new spells or create magical items for other factions and kingdoms. It is highly respected work.
— What is my initial rank? — he asked.
Elara consulted her floating clipboard, where shimmering runes displayed detailed information about his mana level.
Her eyes widened slightly.
— Impressive... you already have a connection with the Inner Forge Ring — she commented, almost in disbelief. — It's unusual to see someone start at Mastery Rank (Silver). Most take years of hard training to reach this point.
She stared at him for a few moments, as if trying to decipher the mystery behind him. He remained impassive, just watching. "Exactly as I expected," he thought. It felt good to know he still made an impact, even if subtly.
With a swift gesture, the attendant made a silver insignia float before him.
— Here is your Mastery Rank insignia. — She handed it over carefully, as if aware of its value. The object had been delicately forged, with the symbol of a hammer glowing in blue, pulsing like a small flame. — With this rank, you can already accept basic combat missions, explore ruins, or perform magical investigations.
He held the insignia, feeling the gentle flow of energy running across its surface. "The work of a good craftsman," he thought. He pinned the insignia to his cloak, formalizing his entry into the guild system.
— Now that you're registered, I suggest taking a look at the mission board — she said, with a more professional tone. — Since you're Silver, you'll be able to participate in larger hunts and magical investigations. And, of course, ruins are always a good source of knowledge... and danger. Be careful —
She continued, now more serious. — The oldest ruins still hide secrets that can cost the careless dearly.
He only nodded, thanking her with a brief gesture before turning to leave. The gears of this world were already beginning to turn around him again.
As he approached the mission board, he noticed the multitude of magical inscriptions floating, organized by what seemed to be difficulty and level.
Shimmering runes moved back and forth, reorganizing the missions in real-time, offering new opportunities to guild members. He observed the system with some admiration. It was efficient, clear, and the use of mana to manage all that information seemed a masterpiece of organization.
Beginner Rank (Bronze) tasks predominated, simple and routine by what he could catch in the air and trying to read: gathering ingredients, escorting merchants through safe routes. Nothing that caught his attention. However, the Mastery Rank (Silver) missions, now accessible to him, were different. They required more commitment and courage.
One specific panel stood out: Exploration - Ruins of Tirath.
The symbol of the Magical Relics Division was engraved at the top, and the rewards were generous. It was clear that these places held dangers to match. He fixed his gaze on a mission that seemed tailored for someone like him. Something sparked his interest.
Mission: Recover Lost Magical Relic Description: A lost artifact from the Pre-Magic Era has been located in one of the magical ruins of Tirath, east of Luminah. The relic in question is known to be spherical and possess dense, concentrated mana, as well as unknown but potentially valuable properties for arcane research and guild strengthening. Danger Level: Medium-High Reward: 150 Eldros. Requirement: Minimum Mastery Rank (Silver). Recommendation: 4 to 5 Adventurers.
He didn't know what kind of currency "Eldros" was—it wasn't gold or silver—but something else caught his attention, another familiar name: Tirath... The name resonated in his mind like a distant memory.
He saw himself immersed in thoughts of a past life. — Those ruins once housed troublesome creatures and, at certain times of the year, the mana concentration would rise, increasing their strength. It was merely an inconvenience, but now... I cannot help but wonder.
He remembered the herbs that grew around the ruins. — Those plants were incredible for extracting and concentrating mana. A true natural energy booster. If they are still there, they could be a shortcut.
With a slight smile, he thought. Elara, the attendant, called him again, this time with the magic clipboard in hand.
— Have you decided on your first mission? — she asked, already seeming to anticipate that he would choose something significant.
— Yes. I'm going to Tirath — he said, handing her his insignia for the mission registration.
She paused while recording the request and, for a moment, her gaze revealed a touch of concern.
— The ruins of Tirath are no ordinary place... — she began, her voice lower. — But with your mana connection, I believe you can handle the dangers. Just stay alert, as these ancient relics can be unpredictable. Don't forget to form a team with other adventurers — Elara continued, her ruby eyes reflecting genuine concern. — The ruins of Tirath are treacherous. Even experienced adventurers rarely venture there alone.
She gestured toward a group gathered near the mission board.
— Look, there are always people looking to form teams. Most are reliable folk who have already proven themselves.
Aslam observed the diverse group. Some wore armor worn by battle, while others carried staffs crackling with magical energy. Their animated discussions and strategic planning revealed their experience. He nodded, understanding the warning.
With the mission accepted and registered, he pinned the silver insignia to his cloak. The next step was clear. Exploring Tirath would be the start of his journey to recover his power and discover what had happened to the world and to mana while he was sealed.