The sound of the bow tightening filled my ears, the familiar sensation of the string... I had used that bow so much that I could feel it at all times. My eyes were fixed on the target, taking slow breaths to gather my calm, and then: firing. To my bad luck, just like every other time, I missed. The arrow struck one of the edges of the target.
Disappointed, I took another arrow and focused once more. I breathed deeply to calm the trembling in my arms: I drew the string and aimed. My hands shook faintly and the bow moved. Ready to fire, I slowly released the string and...
Suddenly, I was struck on the shoulder, and the arrow hit a tree several meters away from the target.
"Hey, Hayato, how's the training going?" the culprit commented casually.
I couldn't help but grind my teeth. It was my friend: Volund Lorgell. Although we preferred to call him "Gell," as his name was very complicated to pronounce.
"Wow! Your aim is terrible, partner!" he added.
Hearing that, I gathered my strength and tried to hit his shoulder, which he narrowly dodged.
"If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have missed!" I claimed.
He continued dodging me, showing a bitter face that was quickly replaced by a mocking smile as he reached for something in his pocket.
"Come on, don't get so angry, I came to give you the good news". He looked away as if he could hide his laughter. "Besides, I can see there isn't a single arrow stuck in the center," he added while pointing at the target with a crumpled letter in his hand.
Confused and offended, I tried to breathe to calm myself. The bit about the news caught my attention. I glanced at the letter he was holding and snatched it from him.
"Eh? What are you doing? I wanted to tell you".
"Too bad," I replied instantly. "Let's see... The guild is proud to notify the adventurer aspirants: Hayato Endou, Volund Lorgell, and Aoi Momozono. That your application to become adventurers..." my eyes went wide. "Has been accepted? Seriously?"
Having finished reading it, I was euphoric enough to want to jump and run through the village like a madman. But, after controlling my mind enough to calm down, I returned the envelope to Gell ; he folded it and put it in his pocket.
"Yeah, I was surprised when I read it too," he commented. "We just need to tell Aoi; I haven't been able to find her, not even at Jessica's father's restaurant". He got a bit excited. "Oh! Before I forget".
Gell took a badge from his pocket and handed it to me.
"Here, the receptionist asked me to give them to you as soon as I saw you. Honestly, I don't know if I look like a messenger to them or if I'm just a very good person," he commented.
Does a good person emphasize that they are a good person?
I observed the badge; it had my name engraved along with the emblem of the adventurers' guild: a cherry tree with one half withered and the other blooming.
"Eh, so this is the guild badge; it's strange... the one my uncle has is magenta and has a crystalline appearance," I commented in passing.
Gell tilted his head, making such a stupid face that I wanted to hit him.
"Well, that's easy to understand," he explained.
"What is?" I questioned, irritated.
Gell sighed, staring fixedly at the medal. "We are at the bottom of the barrel; our badge is at most useful for accepting jobs, no real benefits," he emphasized.
I looked at my badge; it was made of iron and felt cold to the touch. Gell began to play with his, tossing it into the air and catching it like a coin.
"It means we have no rank; being rookie adventurers. We haven't even learned to use any primary power. Whatever that is".
I hung my badge on my belt and, with a wide smile, stretched my hands toward the sky. "Even so, I can't say I'm not happy. This piece of iron is the proof that we have finally been accepted; I'll be able to fulfill my dream," I paused. "Truly, I never thought this day would come. What about you, Gell? Happy?"
Gell began to laugh. "Yeah, I didn't think they were going to accept you into the guild either, much less Aoi. You know, with the reputation you two have and how bad you are at following instructions," he commented. "But I'm happy to be able to take care of my friends".
"You talk a lot for someone who barely knows how to balance an axe. Do you think I don't hear when your master complains? By Lumis, all us rookies are aware," I replied with malice.
Gell scoffed. "And do you know how to use that bow? Because needles are flying against you too, my friend," he added, pointing at the target with the empty center.
I looked at him out of the corner of my eye. "Does Aoi know you were flirting with the baker?" I questioned with a smile. It was a somewhat cowardly strategy, but it would manage to change the subject.
He became agitated. "I didn't do that!" he emphasized.
I smiled faintly; teasing them about their relationship was always fun. "So you were going out together after all," I affirmed while laughing.
Gell looked like he wanted to cover his face. "No, I didn't..." he stammered while trying to hide his embarrassment.
After contemplating his reaction, I was satisfied; teasing him further was pointless. Changing focus, I took my bow and retrieved the arrows from the target.
"Don't get like that, it was a joke," I stated. "I won't say anything, though it would be funny to see how she reacts," I commented while patting him on the shoulder.
"You're a demon," he replied, annoyed.
"There, there, don't cry. Let's go find Aoi; I'm sure she'll jump for joy when she finds out," I suggested.
Gell nodded. "It'll be more entertaining than watching you miss a hundred shots at the target," he replied with a smile.
"What? How many compliments did you throw at the baker? Maybe I should tell Aoi about more girls? Who knows? The son of Agni is very popular in town," I responded.
He simply remained silent.