Kingsland Arc: Chapter 28: The Shadows of Wrath are Born.
The crisp morning air, still carrying the lingering scent of pine from the mountains, was a welcome change from the relentless intensity of Baelish's training grounds. Ronin, his lean, well-muscled frame feeling both weary and alive, walked beside Chou, Rafaela, and Yue Xin down the winding road. The journey to the nearest town, Sol, was quiet at first, each of them lost in their own thoughts after the weeks of brutal forging.
As they reached the outskirts of Sol, the familiar sounds of a bustling market began to drift towards them. Chou, his sturdy shoulders relaxed for the first time in days, turned to Ronin. "So, Ronin," he began, his voice softer than usual, "where are your parents? You never really talk about them."
Ronin's shoulders stiffened almost imperceptibly. His gaze dropped to the worn path. "They died," he murmured, the words flat, heavy with a grief that, even after years, still felt raw.
A wave of immediate sympathy passed over Chou's face. "Ah, Ronin... we're truly sorry to hear that," he said, his voice genuinely regretful. He glanced at Yue Xin, who nodded solemnly. "Yue Xin's parents are gone too. And my own father... he was a knight in the Royal Army of Kingsland. He died in a battle protecting the kingdom. My mother runs a small restaurant back in our hometown, not far from here."
Rafaela, her kind eyes filled with compassion, gently placed a hand on Ronin's arm. "My parents are alive," she offered, her voice soft. "My father is a Duke, and my mother runs a clinic; she's also a healer. They live in Kingsland, a bit far from here, but still within the kingdom."
Chou continued, trying to lighten the mood slightly. "Master Baelish first took Yue Xin and me in for training after seeing our potential. Rafaela's parents, knowing Master Baelish's reputation as a respected strategist for the Royal Army and a formidable instructor, specifically entrusted her to his care." He paused, a playful glint entering his eyes. "So, Ronin, we've been talking. We thought, since you're joining us, we'd give you a nickname. We'd like to call you 'Ron' from now on. Do you have any objection?"
Ronin looked at their expectant faces, a faint, unaccustomed warmth spreading through his chest. He hadn't had a nickname before, not one given with such genuine affection. "No," he said, a small, almost imperceptible smile touching his lips, his shoulders relaxing slightly.
"Great! Welcome to the group, Ron!" Chou exclaimed, a wide grin spreading across his face. Yue Xin offered a rare, soft smile, and Rafaela squeezed his arm gently. From that moment, Ronin was "Ron" to them, a small but significant step in forging new bonds. They continued their friendly conversation, sharing stories of their childhoods and dreams, the miles to Crownfall seemingly shortening with each shared laugh.
They reached Sol by midday and secured a wagon, the rhythmic creak of its wheels and the gentle sway lulling them into a weary but contented silence. The journey stretched into the night, the stars a glittering canopy above them.
The next morning, as the first blush of dawn painted the sky, they arrived at Crownfall, the sprawling capital city of Kingsland. Its stone buildings rose proudly, ancient banners fluttering from towers in the crisp morning breeze. The air, though cleaner than Vasmos, still carried the faint, mingled scents of woodsmoke, fresh bread, and the distant tang of metal from the city's forges.
The group, worn out by a day and night of travel, decided to take some much-needed rest. They found a small, clean inn on the outskirts of the city, where they freshened up and ate a hearty breakfast, the simple food tasting like a feast after their journey.
Refreshed, they headed towards the heart of the city, towards the Adventurer's Guild Hall. It was a formidable structure, a grand, weathered stone edifice teeming with activity. The roar of voices, the clanking of armor, and the occasional burst of magic-infused laughter spilled out onto the bustling street.
Inside, the Guild Hall was a hive of controlled chaos. Adventurers of all shapes, sizes, and ranks filled the vast main chamber. Burly warriors with scarred faces haggled over bounties, cloaked mages poured over intricate maps, and agile rogues sharpened their daggers at communal tables. The air hummed with energy, ambition, and the faint smell of sweat and polished steel. A long line snaked from the reception counter, adventurers eager to collect rewards or accept new quests.
There were three receptionists behind the high wooden desk: Emma, a stern-faced woman in her thirties; Jessa, slightly older and more jovial; and Celine, a woman in her late twenties with sharp, intelligent eyes.
Chou, familiar with the process, led Ronin towards Celine's counter, which had the shortest line.
Celine looked up, her expression professional. "How may I help you?" she asked, her voice clear and efficient.
"Ummm... I would like to register as an adventurer," Ronin replied, his voice a little softer than usual, a flicker of nervousness in his green eyes as he took in the bustling hall.
"Very well," Celine said, her gaze sweeping over his compact, well-muscled frame, noting the twin blades at his hip. She slid a parchment form across the counter. "Please fill in your details here. Name, Age, Gender, Parents, Place of Origin."
Ronin took the quill, his fingers, still bearing the faint calluses of training, carefully filling in the blanks.
Name: Ronin Age: 13 (06/04) Gender: Male
Parents: Elias, Margaret
Place: Magnolia, Vasmos
He handed the form back to Celine. Her eyes, initially scanning impersonally, paused, then widened almost imperceptibly as they landed on "Vasmos." A flicker of intrigue crossed her face.
"Vasmos, huh?" Celine murmured, her gaze lifting to meet Ronin's. "That's... quite a distance. And after... well." She left the unspoken tragedy hanging in the air.
"Yes," Ronin confirmed, his voice quiet. "I am training under Master Baelish."
A visible wave of relief washed over Celine's features, her professional demeanor softening. "Master Baelish, then. He is indeed a good instructor. Very well respected." She reached beneath the counter, pulling out a smooth, fist-sized magical sphere that pulsed with a faint, inner light. She placed it on the desk.
"Please place your hands on this magical sphere, Ronin. It will help us determine your magical rank and affinity."
Ronin took a deep breath, the cold obsidian collar around his neck a stark reminder of Baelish's warning. He placed both hands firmly on the cool, smooth surface of the sphere. The sphere immediately glowed with a soft, pure white light, illuminating his face. After a few moments, the light pulsed, and the sphere displayed a series of glowing runes and numbers.
Magical Element: Light Magic Magical Affinity: 100 Magical Rank: E
Celine meticulously noted the details on the form. A few adventurers nearby, drawn by the glowing sphere, glanced over. When they saw the "E" rank, a few snickers and whispers rippled through the crowd. "E-rank Light Magic? What's he going to do, polish swords?" one burly warrior muttered, his voice dripping with mockery. Ronin heard them, but his expression remained calm, his gaze unwavering, betraying no reaction as he simply waited for Celine to continue.
"Are you a solo adventurer, or are you in a party?" Celine asked, looking up from the form.
"I am—" Ronin began, but he was cut off.
"He is in our party!" Chou's voice boomed, stepping forward, his sturdy presence radiating confidence. Rafaela and Yue Xin stood just behind him, their expressions supportive.
Celine raised an eyebrow, a faint smile touching her lips as her eyes flickered to the trio behind Ronin. "Oh? What's the name of your party? Have you registered it yet?"
"We haven't registered the party yet," Chou admitted, "we're here to do that now."
"Very well," Celine said, sliding a new, larger form across the counter to Chou. "Please fill in the details of your party: Party Name, Number of Members, Details of the Members, and Party Leader."
Chou took the form, then glanced at Ronin, Rafaela, and Yue Xin. "Um, can you give us a minute?" he asked Celine.
"Of course," she replied, turning to assist another adventurer.
Chou led the group to a quieter corner of the bustling hall. "Ron," he began, his voice earnest, "we would really like you to join our party. Will you?"
Ronin hesitated, his gaze sweeping over his friends. He valued their companionship, but the secret of his power, the E-rank appraisal, weighed on him. "Guys, I don't think I'm fit for your party," he said, his voice low. "I might slow you down. My magic rank is so low..."
Chou, who had witnessed Ronin's raw, terrifying power against the Jewelion Viper, scoffed. "You won't slow us down, Ron! We've seen you train, seen what you can do. You've gotten stronger than any of us, even without that... magic." He exchanged a knowing look with Yue Xin.
Yue Xin, her voice calm and firm, added, "Chou is right, Ronin. Your physical prowess, your speed, your durability... they are formidable. We need your strength. You won't slow us down."
Rafaela nodded, her kind eyes pleading. "Please, Ron. We want you with us."
Ronin looked at their faces, seeing not pity, but genuine desire for his presence. A warmth spread through him, different from the cold hum of his demonic blood. This was acceptance. "Okay," he said, a genuine smile finally gracing his lips. "I'll join."
"Great! Welcome to our party, Ron!" Chou exclaimed, his grin wide. Rafaela beamed, and Yue Xin gave a rare, small nod of approval.
Chou then turned to the form, meticulously filling in the names of the members. "Alright, now... who should be our Leader?" he mused aloud.
Rafaela, Yue Xin, and Ronin spoke in unison, their voices clear. "You!"
Chou blinked, surprised, then a proud grin stretched across his face. "Me? Really? Alright then!" He scribbled his name next to "Party Leader." "Now, for the most important part," he declared, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "What should be the title of our Party?"
Everyone fell silent, thinking. The sounds of the Guild Hall faded into a distant hum as they brainstormed.
Finally, Chou's eyes lit up. "How about this?" he said, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. "Shadows of Wrath! How does that sound for the title of our Party?"
Rafaela's eyes widened. "Oh, Chou! It's great! It's strong, and it sounds... mysterious!"
Yue Xin nodded slowly, a rare, almost imperceptible smile touching her lips. "It fits. It has a certain... resonance."
Ronin, recalling the black aura, the raw power, and the hidden nature of his own abilities, felt a strange connection to the name. "I like it," he said, his voice firm.
Chou beamed, then meticulously filled in the rest of the form.
Party Name: Shadows of Wrath Leader: Chou
Vice Leader: Yue Xin
Number Of Members: 4
Names Of the Members: Chou, Yue Xin, Rafaela, and Ronin
Celine took the completed registration form, her eyes lingering for a moment on the chosen name, a subtle nod of approval. Some time later, Celine called Ronin back to the counter.
"Congratulations, Ronin," Celine said, a genuine smile on her face. "From now onwards, you are an Adventurer. You will get your adventurer card, engraved with your details and rank, in a day, most likely tomorrow morning."
"Okay, thank you!" Ronin replied, a genuine sense of accomplishment filling him.
Celine then turned to Chou. "And your party has been registered. Congratulations, 'Shadows of Wrath'."
"Thank you!" Chou exclaimed, his face beaming with unbridled happiness. He turned to his group, his voice ringing with pride. "From today onwards, we are the Shadows of Wrath!"
Just then, the Guild Hall's large wooden doors swung open, and Freya entered, her sharp features scanning the bustling crowd. Her eyes quickly found the group, and she headed towards them, a knowing smile on her face.
"How was the registration process?" Freya asked, her voice light. "Everything finished?"
"Yes, Master Freya," Chou replied respectfully, puffing out his chest slightly.
Freya's gaze settled on Ronin, a warm, approving look in her eyes. "Congratulations, Ronin, on becoming an Adventurer. This is a big step."
"Thank you, Master Freya," Ronin said, a small smile on his face.
"So, what's the name of your party?" Freya inquired, her eyes twinkling.
"Shadows of Wrath," Chou declared proudly.
Freya's eyebrows rose slightly. "Shadows of Wrath, hmmm... It's quite a unique name. Very... evocative." She looked at Ronin, a subtle understanding passing between them.
"So, do you have any other work here?" Freya asked Rafaela.
"No, everything is finished," Rafaela confirmed.
"Okay then," Freya said, her voice gentle. "Let's go to my home. You all must be exhausted from traveling. Take some rest. We will come back here tomorrow for your adventurer card, Ronin."
"Okay, Master Freya," Chou replied, and the group, a newly formed party, followed Freya out of the bustling Guild Hall. The path ahead was uncertain, but for the first time in a long time, Ronin felt a sense of belonging, a quiet strength in the company of his friends.
[To Be Continued in Chapter:29]