Kael's enthusiasm faltered for a brief second, but he straightened, determination setting his jaw. "I can handle it."
The clerk's frown deepened, his gaze appraising Kael with a mix of doubt and concern. "Look, I'm not in the habit of handing death warrants to green adventurers. You'd be better off starting with something safer. Herding frost goats, maybe. Or clearing slimes out of a farm cellar."
Kael bristled but kept his voice steady. "I've trained for this. I'm not afraid."
The clerk snorted, shaking his head. "Bravery's cheap, kid. Skill's what keeps you alive."