The Epler city or many says Xpler city was alive with activity. As we made our way toward the Syler Guild, the streets bustled with adventurers of all kinds—elves, dwarves, beastmen, and humans alike. Some were cloaked in mystery, their faces hidden beneath enchanted hoods, while others wore heavy armor, their hulking forms giving off an intimidating presence. Towering greatswords, intricately designed spears, and even magical staves could be seen strapped to their backs, each weapon was telling a different story.
The area surrounding the guild was even more diverse. Demi-humans from various kingdoms had gathered here, their conversations blending into a chaotic yet lively atmosphere. The guild itself stood as a monument of strength and prestige, its massive stone structure reinforced with protection enchantments and mana-infused barriers, ensuring safety within its walls.
As Master and I approached the entrance, the murmurs started.
"Hey, isn't that...?"
"That's the S-rank adventurer!"
"He's returned after ten years?!"
"Who's that kid with him?"
"Is he taking an apprentice?"
I pulled my hood lower, pretending not to notice the curious stares and whispered gossip. Meanwhile, Master walked forward unfazed, as if none of it mattered to him.
The guild's reception desk was run by a woman with warm brown eyes and chocolate-colored hair, neatly tied into a ponytail. Her uniform, though formal, carried a slight personal touch—a silver pendant hung around her neck, possibly a keepsake.
As soon as she saw Master, her eyes widened in disbelief.
"Hey… It's been a long time." Her voice was soft, almost nostalgic.
Master, as usual, responded with his signature calm and unreadable expression. "Yeah, it has been. Charil."
Charil folded her arms, raising an eyebrow. "You joined guild fifteen years ago… And yet, you still look like you're in your twenties. It's so unfair."
She then turned to me, her curious gaze scanning my face. Her expression shifted to one of amusement. "And who's this? Oh? Did you finally get married and you didn't even send an invitation to your closest friend? How cruel."
With a dramatic huff, she turned her face away in mock disappointment.
Master sighed. "No, I didn't get married."
She smirked mischievously, "Then what about me?"
Master closed his eyes and rubbed his temples as if dealing with an age-old headache. "Nope. I still have no plans to get married."
I mentally laughed. 'Oh man, he's ridiculously famous with women.'
Charil finally dropped the teasing and gave me a knowing look. "Alright, then who's the kid?"
Master answered straightforwardly, "I want to register him as an adventurer. He'll also be forming a party with me."
Her eyes widened slightly. "Oh? You're forming a party? I need to inform the Guild Leader immediately. The return of our S-rank adventurer is big news."
Master nodded, and Charil immediately headed upstairs, her hurried steps echoing in the quieting hall. Aur, who had been sitting comfortably on my shoulder, suddenly flicked her tail. 'Hey… everyone is glaring at us.'
I scanned the guild hall. Sure enough, dozens of adventurers were staring at me, their expressions ranging from curiosity to hostility. Some seemed intrigued, while others clearly didn't like the fact that a random kid had walked in with an S-rank adventurer.
I sighed and sent back, 'Yeah, I noticed.'
Leaning slightly toward Master, I whispered, "Hey, why are so many eyes on me?"
He chuckled, "Oh? It's because you're with me, brat."
I smirked teasingly. "Complimenting yourself, huh?"
Master's expression remained deadpan. "It's not a compliment, it's a fact."
I rolled my eyes but couldn't help but grin. 'Well… this is going to be interesting.'
Charil returned a few moments later, her usual playful demeanor replaced with a more formal expression.
"Please, the Guild Leader has called both of you to his office."
Master simply nodded before turning to me. "Let's go, brat."
I adjusted my cloak, and together, we followed Charil up the wide staircase, leaving behind the murmuring adventurers who were still speculating about our presence.
The second floor of the Syler Guild had a completely different atmosphere compared to the bustling hall below. The corridors were lined with intricately carved wooden pillars, and faint magical runes pulsed softly on the walls—most likely soundproofing enchantments to ensure privacy during meetings.
After a short walk, we stopped in front of a large door. Charil raised her hand and knocked.
A deep, commanding voice responded from inside. "Come in."
The door creaked open, revealing the Guild Leader's office.
The room was spacious yet simple. A massive wooden desk sat at the side near the window, completely buried under stacks of documents. Off to the side, there was a black leather couch along with a few chairs. Behind the desk, an enormous window overlooked the city, allowing sunlight to flood the space.
As we stepped in, the man behind the desk stood up, revealing his imposing physique.
He was built like a warrior. Broad shoulders, thick muscles, and a powerful presence made it clear that he wasn't just some desk-bound administrator. He looked like he could crush a man's skull with his bare hands if needed. Yet, despite his intimidating stature, his expression was calm and composed. He moved toward the couch and gestured for us to sit.
"I am Kashir Lumbsterd, Guild Leader of Syler Guild," he introduced himself.
I stepped forward and gave a respectful bow. "My name is Ray Leon, and this is my familiar, Aurora."
Aurora, sitting on my shoulder, raised one of her small paws in greeting. "Kee!"
Kashir observed her with mild curiosity before shifting his gaze to Master. His eyes narrowed slightly before a smirk formed on his lips.
"I suppose this is the kid you're planning to take into your party, S-rank solo adventurer?"
Master smirked back. "That's right, old man."
I mentally sighed. 'Calling someone 'old man' when he's centuries younger than you… and in such a loud voice too.'
Kashir let out a chuckle. "I see… Still the same energy as fifteen years ago, huh?"
Then, out of nowhere, the two burst into loud laughter.
"HA! HA! HA!"
I sat there, blinking. 'What the hell is going on here?'
After a moment, Kashir leaned forward, his hands clasped together. "Alright, sit."
Master took his seat, and I followed suit.
Master wasted no time. "So, why did you call me here?"
Kashir studied me for a second before answering, "I wanted to see the kid you're bringing into your party. That's all."
Master simply nodded. "Is that so?"
Kashir leaned back into the couch. "Then let me ask you something—why did you leave adventuring ten years ago?"
MAster said with a smirk, "I just wasn't suited for it anymore."
Kashir's gaze lingered on him for a moment before he nodded. "I see… And now, you're resuming your activities and registering this boy as an adventurer?"
Master smirked. "That's the plan."
Kashir let out a sigh. "Alright then. I won't hold you up. I have a mountain of paperwork to deal with." He motioned toward the piles of documents on his desk.
Master chuckled. "Yeah, as always."
With that, we left the office and made our way back downstairs to the reception area.
Charil was already waiting for us with a registration form in her hand.
She smiled as she handed it over. "Please fill this out."
Master and I moved to a table tucked into the corner of the guild hall. I took a seat and glanced over the form.
Master leaned over and pointed at different sections. "Write 'Water, Fire, and Lightning' in the Element section. Under combat classification, list yourself as an 'Argumentur and aura user' and a 'Second, Middle-Level Aura Controller.'"
I quickly filled out the necessary details before handing the form back to Charil.
She glanced over it and nodded. "Alright, your registration is complete. The fee is one silver circle coin."
I reached into my pouch and placed the coin on the counter.
Aur, who had been silent for a while, suddenly spoke in my mind.
'Papa… isn't that expensive? Ten rectangle coppers make one circle copper, ten circle coppers make one rectangle silver, and ten rectangle silvers make one circle silver. This… this is a scam!'
I sighed. 'Yeah, it's definitely overpriced.'
Just as I finished paying, a presence appeared behind us.
Master and I instinctively turned around.
A man stood there—a tall figure with ocean-blue hair and piercing blue eyes, his posture exuding confidence. His gaze was locked onto Master, a smirk playing on his lips.
Then, with a casual yet knowing tone, he spoke—
"How have you been, buddy?"