After pointing at the building both the weird adventurer and the woman with a mustache ran away in hurry, leaving me behind. 'What a strange encounter.' I think in the back of my mind.
'I remember Alexia mentioning some kind of transport she used to cross this… hole.' I carefully step forward and lean in the pit. 'I expected this hole to be big but by God this is gigantic…. Wait is this even a hole?'
Keeping my curiosities aside, I decide to walk all the way to the other side. The good thing was there was no building close to the edge of the pit. Therefore, it created clear circular path to the other side.
Occasionally, I spotted flying vehicles traversing deep into the dark hole. But the way those vehicles move seems oddly specific which denies the possibility of any of them being a public transport. When I first entered this city sun was barely up but now, I could feel the temperature rising. 'Is it noon yet? Please not. I am not even halfway there.'
Tired and exhausted I continue walking forward. 'I wish I had bit bigger magic pool. That way I could also use it traverse faster. Should I?'
I slightly pump mana into my feet and immediately felt cramps. 'Fuck! This untrained body is so shit! I already used to much mana to come here and have to go back shortly too. I just hope the first quest isn't too physically demanding.'
After walking for another two hour or so, I reached the other side. I could finally see the giant sign of [Cross Swords] right above my head. I enter the alleyway of the building and see a small forest spread across multiple buildings. I look around and notice that there are mulitiple alleyways leading here. In all directions stood tall and complex structures, each covered in plants and vines. I truly felt like I discovered some ruins of ancient elven city.
Overwhelmed by cultural, I decide to continue on my path. 'This stone must lead into a building or office, right?'
As I was walking through silent and beautiful forest, I noticed interference in surrounding mana flows. 'I don't like being watched.'
I ignore many hidden eyes until I reach what seemed to be the centre of the forest. A large statue of a female elven mage covered in various magic incantations. Normal people couldn't see these incantations but I could see them very well. "Ugh. Tree hoarders." I cursed in a low voice.
Rustle. Rustle.
I turn back and caught the person who was trying to sneak up on me. The girl screamed in distress as I tightly squeezed his hand. "Kyaah!"
I quickly released my grip as I saw the badge on her uniform. "Why did you do that?" She asked in a cute accent.
'Northern? Is she an elf?' I guess I saw her long ears. '…No, those are fake.'
"It was a reflex. I am sorry." I apologize and bow a little in elf customs.
Seeing me bow in a unique way, the girl's mood changed far too quickly. "Uaah! Was that a elf's knight greeting? I read that in a book once."
I nod.
"Wow! You sure know much about elves for someone your age. Tell me do you have an elven friend perhaps?"
I narrow my eyes as I struggle to give an answer. "I…. used to have one."
Sensing the sadness in my voice, the girl quickly grabs my hand. "Oh, don't be sad! Maybe she moved away or something? I am sure you will meet her one day."
I stay silent at her words.
"Uh! Don't make such face kid. Here! Look at this beautiful rose I plucked not to long ago."
I take the crimson rose from her hand.
"Hehe. By the way, what are you doing here? Are you lost?"
"No. I am here to find the guild office." I answer in one breathe.
"Guild office? Don't worry! Because I, Stella Brimmer, Cross Guild's greatest member will help you!"
'Member? I can see the receptionist badge on your uniform, you know?' I decide not to correct her and stay silent.
"So? Tell me who are you looking for? Your father? Mother? Or a sibling?"
"I am here to register as an adven- I mean as an explorer."
Stella freezes on the spot and stares at me for a solid second. "You? But aren't you too young?"
"Maybe? But I have this." I reach on out in the lower pockets of my coat and take out the metal coin given by Jerald.
Stella takes the coin and screams. "SILVERTUS-" She closes her mouth and whispers to me. "The SilverTusks official token? Who are you?"
I smirk and bow once more. "The name's Altaris."
After revealing the token, Stella leads me to the main guild building. I keep glancing around as I keep sensing this unusual mana flow everywhere. "Pretty big right?"
I turn to Stella who was walking ahead. "Yes. It is very spacious."
"Our Cross Guild is the second largest guild in the entire kingdom. Just after the Emperor's royal guild in the capital city. We produced many talents here!" Stella sense that I stopped following her and turns around. "What's wrong?"
"You are taking me to the main guild, right?" I ask.
"Yes. That's what I said."
"Then why is there a cave in middle of the forest? And why are entering that?"
Stella turns to cave and smack her head clumsily. "Oops! Teehee. I forgot that you were a newcomer and I have to explain everything to you."
I cross my arms together indicating her to go on.
"Well, first of all we are in a forest which is inaugurated in an already heavily industrialized area. Every leaf, every flower petal and every speck of grass is hand crafted by the guildmaster. Which is! As you guessed an elf!"
I sigh in the back of my mind. 'Tree hoarders.'
"Apparently, she is pretty old. Never ask her age, okay? She likes to live near nature and decided to conjucture this beautiful forest on guild ground. Every building in all four directions is owned by the Cross guild. Also, to enter any building you have come through this forest and enter a respective cave to enter a specific building."
'You are telling they can build afford flying vehicles but not doors?'
"Every department has a designated building. And lucky you! I am currently a receptionist in the exploring and discovery department. That ends the basic summary of Cross guild. You will get official map of the forest and few other additional details if you become a member of the guild. Any questions?" Stella asks while pointing at me.
I fix my hair and walk directly pass her into the cave. "You know what? Few signs might help."