The Guild

After Blaze and Leus' conversation, the gloomy atmosphere completely disappeared from the house, and noticing that, Viorica became cheerful again and happily prepared breakfast for Leus and Blaze.

Sure, both Blaze and Leus didn't completely move on from what happened; they still had their problems regarding it:

Leus was still regretting his mistake

And Blaze couldn't come to terms with the fact that he did something he always warned Leus from doing

But because they vowed to themselves that they'd do better, both of them were trying to move on.

The two had their breakfast, then they got ready and went outside ...

After walking for a bit, Leus asked Blaze something he was curious about

"Dad, why did he die so easily? I reduced the speed of my spell by a lot"

Blaze sighed

"Leus ... the guy was only a Mortal"

Leus was shocked by this revelation

"Mortal? But he looked just like anyone else, actually, he looked better than most of the people there!"

"Although he looked like that, he wasn't a Soldier. Your mother could beat him in a physical fight"

"Wha ..."

Leus didn't reply; he was at a loss for words ...

Noticing Leus' dilemma, Blaze explained

"There's no difference between Mortals and Soldiers in looks; Soldiers have stronger and faster bodies, more mana, and more resilience. However, these are all internal changes, so they look pretty much the same.

Maybe you have that idea that Mortals look weak and fragile or something, but it's not like that"

Then Blaze added

"Honestly speaking, no one depends on their eyes to evaluate their opponents even.

Knights use their instincts and experience, Mges use spells, Elites use their ability to see and feel Auras. Ultimately, senses and spells are far more superior than eyes."

Leus nodded

"I see ..."

His eyes lit with determination

"The first thing I'm gonna ask Arno about is to teach me how to properly evaluate my opponent. This is a crucial point."

Blaze liked what he heard

'At least he's gaining experience and able to recognize his flaws'

'Maybe ... it wasn't a complete failure ...'

With that, the heavy matters were closed, and they had a light talk until they reached The Guild, which was a bit far from Leus' home ...

When they were relatively close to their destination, Blaze stopped ...

Ahead of them stood a towering building ...

It was impressive in size, and stalwart-looking people were going in and out of it.

The sign at the entrance, “THE GUILD,” was etched in large, bold letters, giving the structure an almost fortress-like aura.

The building overall resembled a grand hotel, yet there was a toughness to it—like a place that welcomed warriors, not guests.

Blaze pointed at the building and spoke in a serious tone

"This is The Guild. The Master of the Guild is Duke Ignatius himself. Step out of line here, and you're not just breaking rules—you’re playing with fire, or more accurately, against fire ...

Luckily, he likes competitive environments as they encourage growth, so no one cares about minuscule matters such as bullying or light harassment. But if you kill a member of the Guild or actively stop them from doing their work, you might be expelled from the Guild or even the whole Duchy, that's of course, if you are still alive."

Leus snickered, but there was a flicker of understanding in his eyes. He knew that Blaze was serious.

Blaze continued, his tone a bit lighter now

"As for how it works, it's quite simple:

Anyone who wants to hire strong escorts or collect specific materials files a job request here. The Guild takes its fees from the requester and posts the job for any eligible member to accept.

There are also missions from the city itself; these are mostly Beast Elimination missions, they're always available"

They walked a little further, the guild building now towering over them.

"To be a member of the guild you have to be at least in the Third Realm, but if you are a Soldier -The Second Realm- you can still apply as an assistant for someone in the Third Realm or higher.

Naturally, Mortals can't apply; this isn't a place for weaklings."

Leus asked

"Are there any rules for working there?"

"Not really, just don't cause trouble and don't alter/hide your aura when you're applying, that's it."

"Alright then"

After saying that, Leus was about to move forward, but Blaze put his hand on his shoulder, stopping him

"Wait"

Leus turned and looked at him

"Yes?"

"How do you want to apply?"

"What do you mean?"

"Do you want to be a member on your own or do you want to apply as my assistant? And will you apply as a Mage or a Knight?"

"Huh? Didn't you say that only Soldiers can be assistants?"

Blaze shook his head

"No, Soldiers can ONLY be assistants. Knights/Mage can both apply as an assistant for someone in the Fourth Level or apply as full-fledged members"

'A lot of troublesome details' thought Leus to himself

"What's the difference?" He asked

"Assistants can't accept jobs on their own, they also don't get the benefits the Guild provides, however, the process is easier and takes less time"

Leus thought about it

'If I apply as an assistant now then I will need to be a member later'

'There's no point in being an assistant too'

In conclusion, Leus decided to be a member

"I'll apply as a member"

Blaze nodded and asked

"Knight or Mage?"

"I can't apply as a Warrior-Mage?"

Blaze scratched his chin in thought

"I think that you can, but as far as I remember, you'll have to undergo a test.

Warrior-Mage is a unique rank that allows you to accept jobs for both Knights and Mages"

Leus liked that idea

'Test? That sounds interesting'

'I want to see how they test me, and what will my results be'

'It may help me in improving'

"Let's do that, I want to take the test"

"Very well then, let's do it."

They started walking forward but then Blaze remembered something

"Leus"

"Yes?"

"Your age might cause some issues; no one will believe that you're only four"

'That's probably right, maybe - '

Blaze interrupted Leus' thoughts

"We can't really lie about it because both the military and the Guild have records about me and my family"

"So ... what should we do?"

"Just avoid talking about it" Blaze said with a shrug ...

"Uh? Really?"

"Yeah. If someone asks then change the subject or change your tone like you're saying something profound and say (age doesn't matter, only strength does) and such things, but don't lie about it"

Leus chuckled

"Haha, okay, I understand"

They continued walking until they reached the entrance of the Guild. The massive wooden doors loomed over them.

Blaze came to a stop just before stepping in, his expression serious ...

"Leus"

" ... Yes?!!!!"

"Once you enter, you might gain a lot of attention.

You will have to communicate and interact with more people, you might get offers to join teams, and you will be able to accept jobs on your own.

Are you sure you're ready? I will let you deal with people on your own"

'Dad is worrying too much ...'

Leus didn't voice out his thoughts, instead, he replied with confidence

"Yes, I am."

Blaze searched his son's face for a moment, then gave a small, approving nod. No more words were needed.

With that, they stepped forward together, pushing the heavy doors open and walking into the heart of the Guild ...