There were a lot of people lining up at the receptionist's counter — warriors in armor, mages in robes, even some who looked like merchants. The place was loud and busy, filled with the smell of dust and iron.
I walked up slowly, trying not to look too out of place. I don't even have a single coin on me, I thought, but at least I can ask how this works. So when I come back, I'll already know what to do.
"Hello, good afternoon. How can I help you?" the girl at the counter greeted with a polite smile.
"I want to register as an adventurer," I said.
"That will cost ten copper coins for the registration fee," she replied.
Ten copper? I blinked, whispering in my head, How much is that supposed to be? Sounds expensive already.
I gave her an awkward smile. "I guess my money's not enough… I'll be back later."
She nodded kindly. "Of course. Come back anytime."
Just as I was about to leave, a voice called out from behind me.
"Wait."
I turned around. A boy about my age stood there — tall, confident, wearing a finely crafted sword on his waist and armor that clearly screamed noble. His short silver hair shimmered faintly under the guild's light.
He stepped forward and placed ten copper coins on the counter. "I'll pay for him," he said.
I blinked. "Huh? You don't have to—"
He smiled lightly. "We need a tank. You look strong — come with us."
The receptionist looked between us before nodding and took the payment. "Alright then, please state your name and place your hand on the mana crystal."
"Name: Haru Villamor," I said, placing my palm over the glowing orb.
The crystal pulsed with light — blue, then gold — before showing a set of symbols only the receptionist could read. Her eyes widened slightly.
"Rank C already?" she muttered in surprise. "You must have been a soldier or knight before… impressive."
I awkwardly scratched my neck. "Uh, not really."
She smiled politely and handed me a thin metal plate engraved with my name and rank. "Here's your adventurer's ID. Welcome to the guild."
The boy beside me smirked. "C-Rank already, huh? Looks like I was right to pay for you."
He extended his hand. "Name's Leon Ardent, second son of House Ardent. Our party's short on a frontliner — join us for a quest or two. You'll earn some money fast."
I shook his hand. "Haru. And… thanks, I owe you one."
Leon glanced at me curiously as we stepped away from the counter. "You sure you're not a noble?" he asked. "You look like one — your posture, your tone… even the way you carry that sword."
I shook my head. "No. I'm not. Just… someone who got lucky, I guess."
He looked at me for a moment longer, then smirked. "Huh. Interesting."
Before I could say anything, he turned slightly and motioned to the group waiting near the wall. "Anyway, let me introduce you to my team."
The first to step forward was a girl in a blue robe embroidered with silver runes, her hair tied neatly behind her back. Her eyes were sharp, calm, but carried a strange warmth when she spoke.
"This is Lili Ardent," Leon said proudly. "My cousin — and our mage."
A mage? My eyes widened slightly. In this world, mages were rare — one in a thousand, at best. The kind of people nobles would guard with armies.
I bowed slightly out of habit. "Nice to meet you."
Lili smiled politely. "Likewise. My cousin doesn't usually invite strangers into the group, so you must've made quite an impression."
I scratched the back of my neck awkwardly. "Guess I did."
Even though I didn't say it out loud, I couldn't help thinking: A noble lineage, a rare mage, and they're both from the Ardent family… just how powerful are they?
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