Chapter 6 – Beyond the City Gates
As they passed through the city gates, the guards were already waiting for them.The horse-drawn wagon came to a halt, its iron cage rattling softly as the captured bandits sat inside, bound and silent, their heads lowered in defeat.
Kurogane Arin dismounted, still holding the reins, and stepped forward to face the commander of the city guard.
"Good work," the officer said, his sharp eyes scanning the group. "Not many newcomers bring them back alive."
Arin handed over the contract, stamped with the seal of the Adventurers' Guild."The mission is complete."
The guards took custody of the bandits, the cage door slamming shut behind them with a heavy clang. As they were led away, Leon Valen spoke quietly, a hint of satisfaction in his voice.
"First mission… and we've already earned a clean reputation with the guild."
Elina Frostveil simply nodded. Her silver hair caught the light of the setting sun, and the blue crystal embedded in her armor pulsed with a calm, steady glow—silent proof that she was still ready to fight if needed.
Searching for a Home
They didn't return to the guild right away, tesó.Instead, they wandered through the city streets, inspecting old stone houses, hidden courtyards, and abandoned buildings tucked away from the main roads.
"We need a place of our own," Elina said firmly. "Not just somewhere to sleep. A place to train, prepare… a base."
Eventually, they found it in a quiet side street.A two-story house with thick stone walls and a closed inner courtyard. It wasn't cheap—but it was solid. Safe.
Arin studied the building for a long moment, then slowly smiled."This isn't just a house anymore," he said. "This could become a home."
Leon let out an impressed whistle."If we get this, people will have to take us seriously."
The Tournament
When they returned to the Adventurers' Guild, a new notice immediately caught their attention.At the center of the board, written in golden letters:
TOURNAMENT – OPEN REGISTRATIONGRAND PRIZE: A MASSIVE CASH REWARD
Arin stopped in front of it.
"This is it," he said quietly.
"There'll be strong opponents," Leon warned. "Veteran teams. Professionals."
"I know," Arin replied calmly. "But if we want that house… this is the path."
Elina stepped forward, her voice unwavering."Then we walk it together."
The registration form was placed on the counter.Kurogane Arin wrote his name.
The guild master looked up."You know what you're stepping into, boy?"
"Exactly," Arin answered without hesitation.
As they left the guild hall, the sun was already sinking below the horizon.A new goal stood before them.
Not just to survive…but to win.
The tournament was drawing near.And with it, their fate had begun to move once more.