Chapter 08: Hunter's Guild

The keep's gates clanged shut behind me, the sound echoing through the silence of the early morning. I stood there for a moment, absorbing the reality of my situation. Banished, thrown back into the wilderness where survival was uncertain at best. But the burning indignation within me was more potent than any fear.

I turned and faced the dense forest, my thoughts racing. I had overcome slavery, and I would overcome this. With a deep breath, I started walking, my mind already forming a plan. The wilderness was dangerous, but it also held opportunities.

As the hours passed, the sun rose higher in the sky. I pushed through the thick underbrush, my senses on high alert for any danger. The chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves filled the air, but underneath it all, I could hear the faint whispers of mana. It was a skill I had honed since my encounter with the mana beasts.

Eventually, the forest began to thin, and I caught glimpses of a city in the distance. Relief washed over me as I quickened my pace. The city was vast, with towering stone walls and bustling streets filled with people. As I approached the gates, the noise and energy of the place enveloped me. The city was alive with activity, a stark contrast to the isolation of the forest.

The guards at the gate eyed me warily but let me pass without issue. I stepped into the city, marveling at the sheer size of it. Tall buildings lined the streets, their stone facades adorned with colorful banners. Vendors shouted from their stalls, hawking everything from fresh produce to intricate jewelry. The smell of street food wafted through the air, making my stomach growl.

I wandered through the city, taking in the sights and sounds. As I turned a corner, I noticed a large building with a sign that read "Hunters' Guild." Intrigued, I made my way inside.

The interior of the guild was impressive. High ceilings and wooden beams gave it a rustic yet grand feel. The walls were adorned with trophies of various beasts, and a large fireplace crackled warmly at one end of the room. Long tables filled the center, where groups of hunters sat, drinking and sharing stories of their exploits.

I approached the main desk, where a burly man with a thick beard and a stern expression stood. He looked up as I approached, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"Name's Garrick," he said gruffly. "What can I do for you, stranger?"

"I'm looking for work," I replied, trying to sound confident. "I heard this is the place to find it."

Garrick's eyes flicked over me, assessing. "You're not the first peasant to come looking for a better life. Got any skills?"

"I can fight," I said simply. "And I have some experience with mana."

His eyebrows raised slightly at that. "Mana, huh? Interesting. Most folks who come through here can't even swing a sword properly. Alright, let's see what you got."

He led me to a training area at the back of the guild, where a few other hunters were practicing. Garrick handed me a wooden sword and motioned to a target dummy. "Show me what you can do."

I took a deep breath, focusing my mana. The power flowed through me, enhancing my speed and strength. I attacked the dummy with precision and force, my movements fluid and controlled. When I finished, Garrick nodded, a hint of approval in his eyes.

"Not bad," he said. "You've got potential. But potential ain't enough. You need to prove yourself. Start with some basic quests, earn your keep, and maybe you'll make something of yourself."

He handed me a piece of paper with a list of quests. As I took the paper, I noticed a small letter at the bottom—an "F."

"What's this?" I asked, pointing to the letter.

Garrick's expression softened slightly. "That's your rank. Everyone starts at F. It's the lowest rank, but don't let that discourage you. You can work your way up. The ranks go from F to E, D, C, B, A, S, and finally SS for the legendary hunters. Each rank comes with harder quests and better rewards."

"I understand," I said, nodding. "I'll start with the basics and prove myself."

He pointed to a board on the wall filled with papers. "Check the board for new postings. And if you have any questions, talk to Elara. She's in charge of assigning quests and managing the hunters."

I thanked him and made my way to the quest board. The room was bustling with activity, hunters coming and going, discussing their latest jobs. As I scanned the board, a voice behind me caught my attention.

"New here, aren't you?"

I turned to see a young woman with striking red hair and a confident smile. She wore a leather tunic and had a bow slung over her shoulder. "Name's Elara," she said, extending a hand.

"Marcus," I replied, shaking her hand.

"Welcome to the Hunters' Guild," she said. "I see Garrick gave you the rundown. If you have any questions or need help with your quests, just let me know."

As she spoke, I noticed a faint blush creeping up her cheeks. Her eyes lingered on mine a moment longer than necessary. "Thanks," I said. "Any advice for a newcomer?"

She smiled, a touch of warmth in her eyes. "Start small. Get a feel for the work and build your reputation. And always watch your back. Not everyone here is as friendly as they seem."

I nodded, appreciating the warning. "Got it. Any quests you recommend?"

Elara glanced at the board and pulled down a notice. "This one's a good start. A farmer on the outskirts needs help dealing with some wild boars. Shouldn't be too difficult, and it's a good way to earn some coin."

I took the notice and thanked her. As I turned to leave, she added, "And Marcus?"

"Yes?" I asked, turning back to face her.

"Be careful out there," she said, her voice softening. "You seem… capable. It would be a shame if something happened to you."

I smiled, feeling a strange warmth at her concern. "I'll be careful. Thanks, Elara."

Leaving the guild, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. The city was a new beginning, a place where I could prove myself and find my own path. The journey ahead was uncertain, but I was ready to face it head-on. The hunters' guild was just the beginning, and I knew that with hard work and determination, I could carve out a place for myself in this world.