Chapter 43: Adventurers’ Guild (3)
Lukas watched with an amused smile.
’Three men together can barely lift what my father carried alone through the streets.’
’Father is really strong.’
Clavor received a small pouch of coins.
It was made of leather, closed with a drawstring. He opened it and poured the contents into his palm, one gold coin gleaming beneath the lamplight, along with two silver coins.
Lukas saw the shine of gold for the first time.
The coin was the size of a copper coin but thicker. The metal was pure and brilliant, with the face of an ancient king engraved on one side and an eagle with spread wings on the other. The edges were ridged to prevent shaving, Lukas imagined.
The silver coins were smaller and duller but still beautiful, bearing the same king’s face, though without the eagle.
"Here." Said Clavor, putting the pouch away on his belt.
"For you to hold, Lukas. One silver coin is yours."
"Me?" Lukas blinked in surprise.
"Of course. You were in the carriage when the tiger attacked. You had to face the fear. You deserve a share."
Lukas didn’t know what to say.
"Save it until you’re older." Clavor added with a smile.
"Or spend it on nonsense. Your choice."
On the way back to meet Aurora and Judite, Lukas continued asking questions.
The sun was already lower, painting the sky in shades of orange. The streets were less crowded, most merchants had already closed their stalls, and people were returning home after a long day’s work.
"Father, what exactly is the Adventurers’ Guild?" He asked curiously.
"How does it work?"
Clavor slowed his pace to match his son’s.
"It’s an ancient organization." He began, his deep voice taking on a teaching tone.
"It’s present in almost every large and small city across the continent, in various kingdoms. They manage missions. Beast hunts, caravan escorts, ruin explorations, rescue operations."
"Can anyone register?"
"Anyone." Clavor nodded.
"It doesn’t matter where you’re from, your social class, or your rank. You pay a fee, take a basic combat test, and receive an iron badge, the starting rank."
"And then?"
"You complete missions, earn reputation, and rise through the ranks. Iron, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond... The higher your rank, the more difficult missions you can accept. And the more money you earn."
"Is it dangerous?"
"Very. Many die within the first few months. They underestimate beasts. Or bandits. Or traps in ruins."
Clavor looked ahead, his eyes lost in some distant memory.
"I’ve seen talented adventurers die over foolish mistakes. Lack of attention. Overconfidence. It’s an unforgiving profession."
Lukas remained silent.
’An unforgiving profession, but apparently a necessary one.’ He thought.
’Someone has to kill the beasts and monsters to protect the villages.’
’I just wish we didn’t have to kill them.’
...
They found Aurora and Judite in a square near the inn.
The square was small, surrounded by lush trees, with stone benches and a central fountain where birds drank water. The setting sun painted the leaves in shades of gold.
Aurora was sitting on one of the benches, carrying small bags in both hands, more purchases, it seemed. She was speaking softly with an elderly woman who was also seated on the bench, the two laughing about something Lukas hadn’t heard.
Judite, who had been chasing a pigeon, saw the two approaching and immediately abandoned the pursuit. Her brown eyes lit up, and she ran toward them with her arms spread wide.
"Papa! Lukas! Look what Mom bought for me!"
She stopped in front of them and pointed to her hair.
A new light-blue ribbon, decorated with tiny silver sparkles, held her braids in place, perfectly matching the new dress she had not yet worn but already considered her most precious treasure.
"It looks pretty." Lukas said sincerely.
Judite smiled from ear to ear.
"You look handsome too! Do you like your brooch?"
"I do."
Clavor placed a hand on Judite’s shoulder.
"Let’s go back to the inn. I’m tired."
"I’m not tired at all!" Judite protested, bouncing in place.
"I want to explore more!"
"Tomorrow." Said Aurora as she approached carrying the bags.
"Today we all need to rest."
Judite pouted, but didn’t argue.
Lukas felt the weight of the coin pouch inside his tunic, the silver coin Clavor had given him, along with a few silver coins left from the change. He touched the fabric over it, feeling the cold metal.
’My first money in this world.’ He thought.
’My first achievement. Although I’ll need a lot of money for the zoo. I’ll have to start earning money early...’
They walked back to the inn together, the family reunited, the sun setting behind the distant mountains.
The day had been perfect. And there was still so much more of the city to explore.
’Tomorrow.’ Lukas promised himself.
’Tomorrow I’ll see the market. The beasts for sale. The books in the bookstores. The maps in the scroll shops.’
’Tomorrow, I’ll discover more of this world.’
Tilbo, on his shoulder, slowly moved her antennae. And Lukas smiled as they returned to the inn.
Upon arriving at the inn, the Dmond family was visibly tired but satisfied.
The day had been long, Judite’s Awakening, the shopping on Needle Street, the sale of the One-Horned Tiger at the Adventurers’ Guild, and the exploration of the bustling squares and streets of Great Rock City.
Lukas’s feet ached, his small legs begged for rest, and even Tilbo, perched on his shoulder, seemed quieter than usual, her antennae drooping.
The inn’s main hall still had a few tables occupied by late travelers. The fire crackled softly in the large stone fireplace, casting dancing shadows across the wooden walls.
The smell of meat and vegetable stew lingered in the air, mixed with the aroma of fresh bread from the oven and the faint scent of red wine from the adults’ cups.
"I’m tired." Groaned Judite, dropping heavily into a chair.
"You’re tired because you spent the entire day jumping around." Said Aurora, sitting beside her.
"I warned you that you’d use up all your energy before dinner."
"But it was worth it!"
