A-rank Adventurer

Julia led William through the bustling streets of the Aver Capital, her pace brisk but her route, once again, indirect. She navigated the crowded thoroughfares and narrow alleyways with a practiced ease, but William, his senses heightened by their recent conversation and his ever-present analytical mind, noticed the subtle patterns of avoidance. She would subtly steer them away from certain intersections, quicken her pace when passing particular buildings, and cast furtive glances down certain side streets. It was clear that, despite her outward composure, the fear of encountering her family, of being recognized by someone loyal to the Blackcombes, still weighed heavily on her.

The Adventurers Guild in the capital was a far cry from the modest, if sturdy, building in Sharwood. This was a grand structure, a testament to the Guild's importance in the kingdom, a symbol of its power and influence. It occupied a prominent position in the Commons District, a sprawling, multi-story edifice constructed from a combination of weathered stone and dark, polished timber. Several floors rose towards the sky, each serving a distinct purpose in the intricate workings of the organization.

The ground floor, accessible through a wide, arched entrance, housed a lively pub, a common gathering place for adventurers of all ranks and backgrounds. The sounds of boisterous laughter, clinking mugs, and animated conversations spilled out onto the street, a vibrant counterpoint to the underlying tension that gripped the city. Above the pub, William glimpsed floors dedicated to lodging, supplies, and even a small marketplace catering specifically to adventurers' needs –weapons, potions, sturdy armour, and other regular supplies necessary for adventurers. The uppermost floors, shrouded in an air of exclusivity, were reserved for the Guild's leadership, the executive council that oversaw the organization's operations and coordinated its efforts in the war against the Dark Legion.

They entered through the pub, the scene a whirlwind of activity. Adventurers, clad in a motley assortment of armour and weaponry, crowded around rough-hewn tables, their voices raised in boisterous conversation, their faces a mixture of weariness, excitement, and grim determination. Some were recounting tales of their exploits, boasting of daring raids and hard-fought victories, while others huddled over maps, planning their next missions, their fingers tracing routes through treacherous landscapes. The air was thick with the smell of roasted meat, spilled ale, and the lingering scent of herbs and spices, a potent combination that spoke of both celebration and preparation, of life and death, of the constant struggle against the encroaching darkness.

Julia seemed almost hesitant to enter, her steps faltering slightly as she scanned the crowded room. She hadn't been back to the capital's Guild headquarters in over a year, and the faces were largely unfamiliar, a testament to the constant turnover, the relentless toll of the war. She moved with a practiced ease, navigating the throng of people, but there was a subtle tension in her shoulders, a guardedness in her eyes, that betrayed her unease.

She approached the bar, where a burly, red-faced man with a bushy moustache was polishing mugs with a practiced hand. He looked up, his eyes widening slightly in recognition as he saw Julia's face.

"Julia Blackcombe!" he exclaimed, his voice booming across the room, causing several heads to turn. "Well, I'll be... It's been a while, lass. Thought you'd abandoned us for the wilds."

Julia winced inwardly at the use of her family name, but she forced a smile, her expression carefully neutral. "Hello, Max," she said, her voice calm and controlled. "It's good to see you." She subtly displayed her adventurer's badge, a small, circular disc of polished metal etched with the Guild's emblem – a crossed sword and staff on top of a shield – and a series of runes that indicated her rank. The 'A' clearly marked on the surface, a testament to her skill and experience, commanded a certain level of respect, even in this gathering of seasoned warriors.

Max's eyes flickered to the badge, his expression shifting from boisterous familiarity to a more respectful deference. "Right, then, A-rank business. What can I do for you, Julia?"

"We need to see Guildmaster Borin," Julia said, her voice firm. "And Edward. He arrived earlier, reporting urgent news from Sharwood. Did you see him?"

Max nodded, his face turning serious. "Aye, Edward's here. He came in not long ago, demanding to see Borin. Said it was a matter of utmost importance, something about increased goblin activity near Sharwood. He's upstairs now, on the executive floor. Borin's been meeting with folks all day, one dire report after another. Seems like the Dark Legion's stirring." He leaned in conspiratorially, his voice lowering to a whisper. "Word is, they've sent a full contingent down south from their base in the north west. Something big is brewing."

"Fourth floor, then?" Julia confirmed, ignoring the whispered rumours, her focus remaining on the immediate task.

Max nodded. "Aye. Take the stairs at the back, past the kitchens. There'll be guards posted, but just tell them Max sent you. They'll let you through." He winked. "Especially seeing that shiny badge of yours."

Julia thanked him and, with William in tow, navigated through the crowded pub, heading towards a narrow staircase tucked away at the rear of the building. The atmosphere on the upper floors was markedly different from the boisterous energy of the common room. Here, the air was hushed, the footsteps muffled by thick carpets, the conversations muted and serious.

They reached the fourth floor, a restricted area guarded by two stern-faced adventurers clad in full plate armour, their hands resting on the hilts of their swords. These were not mere bouncers, but seasoned warriors, handpicked for their loyalty and their skill, tasked with protecting the Guild's leadership, the individuals responsible for coordinating the war effort, for making the difficult decisions that would determine the fate of the kingdom.

"Halt," one of the guards said, his voice deep and commanding. "State your purpose."

"I'm Julia Blackcombe, A-rank adventurer," Julia said, displaying her badge. "And this is William. Max sent us up. We're here to join Edward's meeting with Guildmaster Borin."