Rivenford's bustling energy was invigorating, but it also brought new challenges for Arlen. The adventures he'd undertaken in his home village were simple compared to the complex, often dangerous quests posted on the Rivenford guild's board. More than once, Arlen found himself standing before the lists of available missions, weighing risk against his desire for growth.
His copper badge marked him as a novice, limiting his access to higher-paying and more prestigious quests. Worse, his basic sword and patched leather armor—serviceable in the village—were clearly inadequate here. He watched other adventurers clad in enchanted mail or wielding gleaming blades, their confidence a stark contrast to his own humble kit. If he wanted to survive and thrive, he needed better gear.
Yet, earning enough coin for upgrades was a struggle. The lower-ranked quests offered little pay, and competition among copper-ranked adventurers was fierce. Arlen took any job he could: hunting wild wolves, escorting merchants through bandit-prone roads, and gathering rare herbs in monster-infested woods. Each quest tested him, pushing his skills and endurance to the limit.
There were close calls—an ambush by goblins in a shadowy ravine, a bruising duel with a rogue adventurer over a disputed bounty, a fever brought on by a poisonous plant. Through it all, Arlen's determination never wavered. The System tracked his progress:
[Quest Completed: Merchant Escort]
[+15 Experience]
[+4 Silver Coins]
[Skill Progress: Basic Swordsmanship (84%)]
When his coin purse was finally heavy enough, Arlen visited Rivenford's famed smithy. He purchased a well-balanced steel sword and a set of reinforced leather armor—nothing flashy, but sturdy and reliable. The difference was immediate: his confidence grew, and he felt safer on his assignments.
But rank was another hurdle. To advance from Copper to Iron, Arlen needed to complete a series of increasingly difficult quests and pass the guild's rank assessment. The final challenge was a team mission—eliminate a monstrous boar terrorizing local farms. Arlen joined forces with other coppers, combining his tactics and swordplay with their magic and archery. The fight was brutal, but Arlen's methodical approach and hidden strength helped turn the tide.
When the beast finally fell, the team returned in triumph. The guild master himself awarded Arlen his Iron badge, commending his skill and leadership. His heart swelled with pride as the System chimed:
[Rank Up: Iron Adventurer]
[New Quests Unlocked]
With better gear and a new rank, Arlen stood on the threshold of even greater adventures. The road ahead was still fraught with danger, but he was no longer just surviving—he was growing, step by determined step, into someone who could change the world.