Chapter 3: Guild
To leave the land behind, one must first survive its rules. In the shadows of bureaucracy and battle, Samy and Shinra take the first step toward a new life—but not without challenge or choice.
Samy and Shinra decided to leave the country, but they didn't know the way to the neighboring lands. So, they headed to the guild.
The guild building wasn't very big—just a square, ground-floor room. Inside, it looked like a hall with an open space in the middle, surrounded by smaller rooms. Straight ahead was an inquiry counter. Samy walked up to it to ask for information.
A boy behind the counter greeted them.
"Hello, how can I help you?"
Samy replied, "I want a map of this country."
The boy asked, "Do you have a permission letter? Or are you an SS-class adventurer? Show me your status, sir."
Samy frowned. "What? So non-guild members can't get the map? How am I supposed to find my way to another country?"
"That's not my problem," the boy said coldly. "If you don't have permission or aren't an SS-class adventurer, then forget about the map. I can't help you."
"But," the boy added, "the guild is looking for people to fight and to travel with villagers who want to leave the country. If you want, I can put your name on the list—but you'll have to take a small test."
Samy smiled. "That's good. Put my name on the list. But can you put me on the same list as that boy? We're together."
The boy thought for a moment. "Hmm, that's hard to promise, but I'll try. What are your names and ages?"
"My name is Samy, and this is Shinra,"
Samy said. "I'm 28 years old, I guess.
Shinra, how old are you?"
Shinra answered softly, "8."
Samy grinned. "You heard that."
The boy nodded. "Okay. Gender?"
Samy rolled his eyes. "Oh god, really? Are you serious right now?"
The boy shrugged. "It's my job to ask. And I guess you're both male, right?"
Samy sighed, "Yeah, yeah, right."
"Here's your receipt. Go wait in the waiting room for your call."
Samy nodded. "Okay. When are the villagers leaving?"
"Tomorrow. The final recruiting was today, and departure is tomorrow morning."
"Good, thanks."
They sat in the waiting room. After some candidates were called, it was Samy's turn.
Inside the test room, two people stood in front of a glowing crystal ball.
"Put both your hands on the ball," they instructed, "so we can measure your mana."
Samy obeyed, but the result was disappointing—his mana was average.
"You'll need to take the next test," they said.
The next test was a sword battle. The new guild master was taking the test.
Samy charged at the master with his katana, but the master blocked every attack. They battled fiercely. Samy attacked, the master blocked; the master attacked, Samy blocked. A fierce competition began.
After some time, the master stopped and said, "You're good. Not bad. What's your goal for going to another country?"
Samy lied, "My parents were killed in the recent war. Me and my brother are going to start a new life in a new country."
The master saw through the lie but said, "Prepare yourself for tomorrow."
Samy received permission to depart with the villagers. They both left the guild.
Samy asked Shinra, "Now what? Where should we spend the night?"
Shinra shrugged. "I don't know. You're taking me with you, not the other way around. We already left our bakery far behind, so don't ask me."
"Okay, okay," Samy laughed.
He told Shinra to wait in front of the guild while he looked for a rescue camp.
There were many injured villagers and rescuers. It was hard to find a place.
After searching all camps, Samy found no room available.
He thought about renting a room at a lodge, but they didn't have enough money.
As he neared the guild, Samy bumped into the boy the reception desk guy.
"Hey! Where are you going?"
"Oh! Sorry. Hey Samy, right? What are you doing here? Can't find a place to sleep?"
"Yeah, I looked everywhere."
"So what's your plan now?"
Samy didn't know.
The receptionist smiled. "Then stay with me for one night. I live alone, so it's no problem. Come on, grab your things."
Samy nodded eagerly. "Yeah, yeah!"
With a loud voice, he called to Shinra, "Let's go! I found a place to sleep!"
Shinra replied, "Yeah, coming!"