Elven Rebirth

Chapter 15. Adventurer's Life

Morning arrived, and Eryndor woke up feeling refreshed. He stretched, smiling, as this was his first good night's sleep since arriving in Solaris.

He headed to the bathroom, brushed his teeth, bathed, and changed into clean clothes.

Downstairs, the innkeeper greeted him warmly. "Good morning! Breakfast is ready."

Eryndor's curiosity grew. "What's on the menu?"

"Mashed potatoes with diced tomatoes, carrots, and a slab of boar meat," she replied.

Eryndor's stomach rumbled loudly, as if on cue. The innkeeper chuckled.

"I think you're hungry! I'll add an extra plate for you."

Eryndor grinned, embarrassed but relieved. "Thank you, I'm starving."

The innkeeper smiled and led him to the dining area.

As they sat down, Eryndor noticed the cozy atmosphere and the enticing aroma of food.

"Your cooking smells amazing," he said.

The innkeeper beamed. "I'm glad you think so. My name is Elara, by the way."

"I'm Eryndor," he replied, shaking her hand.

Elara handed him a steaming plate. "Enjoy your meal!"

Eryndor dug in, savoring the flavors. This was the very first decent meal he had gotten ever since he came to this world.

After finishing his meal, Eryndor approached Elara, who was wiping down the tables.

"Excuse me, Elara. Can you tell me how to get to the Adventurers Guild?" Eryndor asked.

Elara looked up, curious. "You want to become an adventurer?"

Eryndor nodded. "Yes, I do."

Elara's expression turned serious. "It's not an easy life. Many adventurers don't return from missions."

Eryndor's determination didn't waver. "I'll be careful."

Elara nodded, handing him a rough map. "The guild is three blocks east, near the city gate. Look for the sign with a sword and shield."

Eryndor studied the map, committing it to memory.

"Thank you, Elara. I'll be careful," he promised.

Elara smiled, her concern evident. "Come back alive, Eryndor."

Eryndor grinned, shouldering his backpack. "I will."

With a final nod, Eryndor left the Silver Stag Inn and headed east.

As he walked, the city's sounds and smells surrounded him: merchants hawking goods, hammering on metal, and the aroma of fresh bread.

Eryndor's excitement grew. Becoming an adventurer would lead him to new challenges and opportunities.

He turned a corner, spotting the guild building ahead.

A large sign creaked in the wind, bearing the image of a sword and shield.

Eryndor's heart quickened. This was it.. his first step towards becoming an adventurer.

Eryndor pushed open the heavy wooden door and stepped into the Adventurers Guild. The room buzzed with activity, filled with people clad in leather armor, armed with swords, bows, spears, and magic staffs.

No one spared him a second glance as he made his way through the crowd.

Eryndor approached the receptionist table, where a stern-looking woman with a quill pen and parchment awaited.

"Name?" she asked curtly.

"Eryndor Thorne," he replied.

"Origin?" she asked.

"From the village of Brindlemark," Eryndor fabricated.

"Skills?"

"Archery and swordsmanship," he said confidently.

The receptionist nodded, scribbling notes. "Any previous experience?"

Eryndor spun a tale of battling bandits on the road.

The receptionist listened intently, her expression unreadable.

Once finished, she handed him a wooden badge with the letter "F" etched onto it.

"Welcome, Eryndor Thorne. You're now a rank F adventurer."

"What does the 'F' stand for?" Eryndor asked.

"Freshman," she replied with a hint of a smile. "To rank up, complete missions and earn experience. For now, rank F adventurers receive missions worth 2 silver coins."

Eryndor nodded, tucking the badge into his belt.

"Check the mission board for available jobs," she instructed.

Eryndor scanned the room, spotting a large wooden board covered in postings.

He headed towards it, excitement coursing through his veins. Time to start his adventuring career.

Eryndor approached the mission board, scanning the postings for F-rank adventures. Several caught his eye, but one stood out:

"Noble Seeks Wind-Wolf Hides

Reward, 20 Silver Coins

Requirements, 10 Wind-Wolf Hides

Description, Lord Harrington requires wind-wolf hides for his mansion's decoration. Wind-wolves roam the Windy Plains, 1 day east of Kryptoria."

Eryndor's eyes narrowed. Wind-wolves, legendary creatures with wind manipulation abilities, would make valuable additions to his growing army.

He imagined taking down the Alpha wind-wolf, claiming dominance, and commanding the pack.

"This is the mission for me," Eryndor thought.

He tore off a tab from the posting, bearing the mission details, and headed to the guild's mission desk.

A bored-looking clerk accepted the tab and handed Eryndor a formal mission document.

"Missions can be cancelled if deemed too difficult," the clerk warned. "But Lord Harrington's offer is generous. Good luck."

Eryndor pocketed the document, determination burning within.

Conquering the wind-wolves would demonstrate his strength and pave the way for future conquests.

As he exited the guild, Eryndor mentally prepared for the challenge.

Windy Plains, here I come.

*

Inside King Ryker's throne room, a tense meeting unfolded. Nobles and military generals gathered around the large oak table, their faces etched with concern.

King Ryker slammed his fist on the table. "We can't ignore the elven envoys' plea for aid. The dark force threatens us all."

Lord Thomas, a stout noble, opposed, "Your Majesty, committing troops to the Dark Forest will drain our resources. We have our own borders to protect."

General Adolph, a seasoned warrior, countered, "But if we don't act, the darkness will spread. We must support the elves."

Lady Catherine, a wise noblewoman, suggested, "Perhaps a smaller contingent, specially trained for forest warfare?"

Lord James, a hawkish noble, argued, "That's tokenism. We need to send a strong message: Kryptoria stands against darkness."

King Ryker's face reddened. "I will not risk unnecessary lives. We must balance our interests."

General Adolph pressed on, "Your Majesty, consider the long-term gains. A united front against darkness will strengthen our alliances."

Lord Thomas retorted, "Alliances built on bloodshed and treasure? No, thank you."

Lady Catherine intervened, "Gentlemen, please. We're forgetting the elven envoys' warning: this darkness threatens our very existence."

The room fell silent as King Ryker's gaze swept the assembly.

"I will not decide alone. We'll put this to a vote."

Nobles and generals exchanged weighted glances.

"Who supports aiding the elves?" King Ryker asked.

General Adolph and Lady Catherine raised their hands, followed by several others.

"Who opposes?" Lord Thomas and Lord James voted against.

The room divided, with some abstaining.

King Ryker's expression turned resolute. "We'll send a modest force, 500 men, to support the elves. General Adolph, prepare our troops."

General Adolph nodded, determination etched on his face.

Lord Thomas scowled, "This will be a grave mistake."

The meeting concluded, the fate of Kryptoria's involvement hanging precariously.