Kingsland Arc: Chapter 27: The Adventurer's Mark
The morning after his decisive "hit" on Baelish, Ronin woke with a familiar ache, but also a new, exhilarating sense of accomplishment. His lean, well-muscled frame still protested, a testament to eight days of unrelenting torment, but the searing pain had dulled to a manageable throb. His hands, though still bandaged, felt like instruments of refined power, no longer simply battered flesh. He could summon Demonic Fortification with a thought, and Shadow Gale flowed through him with controlled precision. He had faced Baelish, the formidable master, and landed a blow. He was not broken. He was ready.
He dressed quickly, a newfound urgency in his movements. In the dining hall, the others were already seated. Chou, Rafaela, and Yue Xin exchanged quick glances as Ronin entered, their expressions now holding overt respect, a silent acknowledgment of the impossible feats they'd witnessed during his duel with Baelish.
Baelish stood by the unlit hearth, his tall, imposing figure radiating a quiet authority. His ancient eyes, for the first time in days, held a distinct glimmer of satisfaction as they met Ronin's.
"Ronin," Baelish began, his voice a low rumble, devoid of the usual command for the training yard. "Your progress has been... remarkable. Your control over Shadow Gale, the resilience of your Fortification, even the precision of your blade-work against my own hand yesterday... it speaks volumes. You have improved a lot."
Ronin bowed low, a genuine expression of respect and exhaustion-tinged gratitude on his young face. "Thank you, Master. I am honored to hear that."
Baelish continued, his gaze unwavering. "So, I would like you to join the Adventurer's Guild and become an adventurer."
Ronin's brow furrowed, his gaze dropping to his still-bandaged hands. The thought of stepping into the bustling, chaotic world of adventurers, of being seen, of seeking attention, felt alien after his solitary, brutal training. "But Master," he began, his voice hesitant, "I am not yet strong enough to join the Adventurer's Guild, perhaps. And I confess, the life of an adventurer... it does not call to me."
Baelish's voice took on a note of unyielding pragmatism. "Ronin, your joining the Adventurer's Guild is important for you. It is not merely a place for quests and coin. It is the artery of this world. It provides information, a network of allies, legitimate passage through territories, and, crucially, a cover. For you, it is a veil. A place to hone your skills against varied threats, to understand the currents of this kingdom, all while remaining... unseen, in plain sight. You are strong enough, boy. Strong enough to defeat a C-rank monster without needing to reveal your true magic."
Ronin's jaw tightened. The logic was undeniable, even if the idea of public life still chafed. After a moment of internal debate, he gave a slow, reluctant nod. "Understood, Master. I will join."
"Good," Baelish affirmed. "Then go pack your bags after breakfast. You will leave with Chou, Rafaela, and Yue Xin for Crownfall, the Capital of Kingsland. They are also going to the Adventurer's Guild to form their own party."
"Okay, Master," Ronin replied, turning to head to his room.
While Ronin went to pack, Baelish stepped outside, where the crisp morning air carried the rhythmic whoosh and clash of steel. Chou, his broad shoulders squared, moved through a complex sword form, his movements fluid and powerful, a testament to his own rigorous training. Sweat beaded on his brow, his focus absolute.
"Chou," Baelish began, his voice a low rumble, his gaze sweeping over the young warrior's focused form. "Ronin will be joining you all to Crownfall, to the Adventurer's Guild."
Chou's sword sliced through the air, then stopped mid-swing. He turned, his brow furrowed in surprise. "Ronin, Master? He's joining the Guild?" A faint smile touched his lips. "Of course, Master. We'll look after him. He's... certainly stronger now."
"Indeed," Baelish agreed, a subtle note of concern in his voice. "And you all... be safe. The world outside these mountains is not as forgiving as my training yard. And advance congratulations for forming your own party, Chou. Have you settled on a name yet?"
Chou's chest puffed out slightly, a flicker of pride in his eyes. "Thank you, Master! We haven't quite decided on a name yet. We were planning to register as a party once we reached the Guild."
"So you are going to take upon a mission or quest right after you form the party?" Baelish inquired, his eyes sharp.
"Yes, Master," Chou confirmed, "but we haven't thought about which quest we will be taking on though."
"Don't take any really tough quests," Baelish advised, a rare hint of a warning in his tone, "but I am sure you guys will manage it."
"Yes, Master. We will," Chou affirmed, bowing his head respectfully.
"Good. Now, come. Let's have breakfast together, and then you all can leave."
Baelish, Chou, Rafaela, Yue Xin, and Ronin all had breakfast together, a quiet meal filled with a sense of impending change. After finishing their food and packing their bags with important supplies for the journey, Chou, Rafaela, and Yue Xin were ready, waiting for Ronin.
Baelish drew Ronin aside, his voice dropping to a low, serious tone, his ancient eyes piercing. "Ronin, while registering as an Adventurer, the Guild will appraise your mana, your strength, your affinity. It is likely they will find... little. Or perhaps, nothing that truly reflects your capabilities. Do not be discouraged. It is a necessary facade. We know your true strength. And that is all that matters."
"Understood, Master," Ronin replied, his jaw tightening, the obsidian collar a cold reminder around his neck.
"One more thing," Baelish continued, his voice hardening, "And this is paramount. Your demonic powers. You will never use them in front of anyone. Not in the Guild, not in Crownfall, not unless your life, or the lives of those you protect, are in absolute, undeniable peril. And even then, use only what is necessary. The world is not ready for what you are. It will fear you. It will hunt you. Use it only to protect, and only when there is no other path." His gaze was unwavering, a silent command that etched itself into Ronin's very soul.
Ronin met Baelish's gaze, a solemn nod his only reply. "I understand, Master. I will protect it."
With a final, shared glance, Ronin joined the waiting group. Baelish stood at the entrance, a tall, dark silhouette against the morning light, his ancient eyes following them as they began their journey. He simply wished them luck with a silent nod.
The group left for the Adventurer's Guild at Crownfall, the path ahead leading them towards new challenges and unknown dangers.
[To Be Continued in Chapter:28]