One afternoon, an unfamiliar figure stepped into the guild hall, drawing the attention from both curious and cautious adventurers.
Upon closer inspection, it was a mysterious girl with pink wispy hair. Her crooked pointy hat, long heavy cloak and wooden staff begot an eerie suspicion.
"That's a Witch!"
"A Witch!?"
"Don't look at her. You might get cursed!"
"A Witch is no match for the mighty Malak!"
Even with no discernible difference in the appearance of a Witch to a human, they are still considered an entirely different race, similar to how Elves are perceived. To the humans, Witches are beings to be feared and avoided as they are harbingers of misfortune, hex and curses.
This is not true. Witches were, in fact, humans - flesh and blood like any other. What sets them apart is their understanding of Mana. Similar to a knight training for the sword or a student going through his books, Witches learn their craft by memorizing and practicing Spells.
Being a Witch was more of a honed skill rather than an accident of birth. It's just that the Witches of old chose to keep the art of Spellcrafting hidden, fearing that its power would one day be twisted for wicked ends.
However, the young Witch was different. Unlike those who shrouded Spellcraft in secrecy, she believed it to be a beautiful gift that should be shared with others. This is why she set off on this journey, to see for herself what the world was really like.
The girl walked amidst judgemental and fearful eyes, her steps steady and confident as she made her way to the guild receptionist's desk.
"Good day, what can I help you with?" Misa asked hesitantly.
"I'm looking to join a Party." the pink-haired girl answered immediately.
"Alright then. But first, can you tell me your name, Miss?"
"It's Lili."
Fearing what may befall her should she refuse the witch's request, Misa hurriedly escorted and introduced her to the various groups of adventurers sitting in the hall.
"This here is the party known as the Bronco Brothers."
The party consisted of a trio of brawny adventurers led by Bronco. Wary of offending her feelings and incurring her wrath, Bronco stood up and offered to shake her hand. Standing in front of Lili, Bronco appeared to be a towering mountain of muscle. His sleeveless tunic exposed his sweat-slicked arms, thick as trees, and his broad chest, enough to block a doorway.
While not offended by his greeting, a pungent wave of body odor radiating from under his arms had launched an overwhelming assault on Lili's nostrils.
Eeeek! I can't join this party. I'd be dead from suffocation just after one mission.
Noticing Lili's struggle to grasp for fresh air, Misa continued to accompany her to the next batch of adventurers.
After a few more unsuccessful introductions, Misa had gone through every party - save for the final one. She couldn't really call it a party as it only had one member at present.
"And over there, we have the Mighty Mala…" Misa paused for a while rethinking her decision. "Oh nevermind, that's actually all the parties we have. If you'd like, there are guilds in other towns as well. Might I suggest Bridgetown?"
"I'm just going to sit first and think about it. Thanks for showing me around. Oh, I haven't asked your name yet" Lili said with a hint of disappointment in her tone.
"It's Misa," the receptionist answered with an uplifting smile, proceeding to return to her desk
Was I wrong to go to Lumhaven? But the crystal clearly pointed to this town.
Not long after, the guild door creaked open as two young adventurers stepped inside, one clearly more animated than the other.
"Are you really going to join!?" Eris asked Straf excitedly, her hands tightly gripping and shaking his upper arm.
"Yes, that's what I said the first time. Did you suddenly become deaf?" Straf mumbled, feeling a bit embarassed and shy as the girl tugged on him.
Damn you, Chitu!
The two went towards Misa, where Eris, with a loud proclamation that echoed through the hall, exclaimed "Hey Misa, I'm going to make a party!" A wide innocent smile painted on her face.
All of the adventurers' eyes widened in unison, turning to the direction of the loud girl. Their jaws dropped as if seeing a ghost. Misa let out a nervous smile.
Upon hearing this, Lili made her way toward the girl. The collective tension in the room quickly rising. Lili stopped beside Eris and with cold, calculating eyes, she surveyed Eris and Straf from head to toe. Eris returned the favor and gave the weirdly dressed girl a pair of piercing gaze and furrowed brows.
"Is something wrong?"
"You will have to do."
"Eh, what are you talking about?"
"I'm going to join your party."
The tension in the room reached its climax like a volcano erupting. Drinks were spat, swords were dropped, even Misa had snapped her favorite quill pen in half. Everyone held their breath, praying that Eris would not say anything that would bring disaster to the guild.
"How interesting. If you wanna join, you need to prove your worth first." said Eris, her eyes locked on to the witch.
"Bring it on, I'll show you!" Lili chuckled with a defiant laugh.
Straf, Misa and the other adventurers stood at the hall, dumbfounded, as if their minds have momentarily stopped working, unable to grasp what had just unfolded before them.
Is this a rivalry?
They thought collectively.
Lili went outside following Eris' lead. The others soon followed.
"All you have to do is defend yourself from my attack. I can't have a member who can't even manage that," Eris declared.
"Fair enough," Lili replied confidently.
Eris moved a few meters away from Lili, getting ready to launch her attack. Lili held her staff with both hands, her posture steady and her eyes locked in determined anticipation.
As the two girls stared each other down, a sudden gust of wind swept through the cobblestones, carrying with it a faint cloud of dust. In a blink, Eris seemingly vanished from where she stood and lunged towards Lili. Her hand gripped the hilt of her sheathed dagger, the weapon precisely aimed at Lili's neck.
As the dagger was about to strike her, Lili moved sideways and muttered under breath.
"Crystal Wall"
From a tiny speck, a brilliant pink crystal wall burst forth, spreading outward like a blooming flower. It formed a barrier between the dagger and Lili's neck, the impact sending tiny shards of crystal whipping through the air.
An audible wave of shock swept through the spectators as they simultaneuosly gasped, feeling a mix of both astonishment and uneasiness.
Eris' face lit up, satisfied at what she had witnessed.
So, this is the power of a Witch.
She stepped back and withdrew her attack.
"Not bad, you can join the party," Eris passed her judgment with unwavering certainty.
"You shouldn't have doubted me in the first place," Lili spoke with a hint of smugness.
Eris reached out her hand, offering Lili a handshake, a gesture of peace.
"Nice to meet you. My name's Eris."
"It's Lili, nice to meet you, too."
"I hope we have wonderful adventures together!"
Tensions died down as the crowd of onlookers went back inside the guild, relieved at the outcome of the situation.
Eris, Straf and Lili headed back, as well, to formally create their Party under the authority of the guild.
"All done.Your party is now registered with the guild. You can register new members at other guilds," Misa explained. "You'll have your first dungeon assignment tomorrow. Goodluck!"
"Thanks, Misa!" Eris said, her voice rang with excitement and glee.
"I guess we're stuck with each other then," said Lili, trying to hide her enthusiasn under a veil of nonchalance.
"Nice to meet you, Miss Lili, " Straf mumbled.
"Get some rest. Tomorrow will be the start of our journey!"