New Morning, New Path
Saishi gasped, jolting upright from the ground like waking from a nightmare.
"What happened…?" he mumbled, his voice hoarse and confused.
The morning sun warmed his skin, and his vision slowly sharpened as he scanned the camp. He hadn't remembered much after the battle—just Paron's face, the pressure in his chest, and the final swing of his axe.
He looked around, panicked for a moment—Where's Burk?
His heart slowed as he spotted Burk sleeping beside the fire, scratching his backside like a lazy dog. The tension in Saishi's chest faded, and with a deep sigh, he flopped back onto his pillow.
"Yessssss…" he whispered, relief flooding over him. He stared at the sky in silence, letting the peace of morning settle over him. His shoulder still throbbed in pain—the wound was deep and far from healed—but he was alive, and more importantly, so was Burk.
-------------------------------------Lore Note: Healing Factor------------------------------------
All humans in Hamriel have a passive Healing Factor.
Stamina increases boost natural healing speed.
Scratches and deep wounds can be healed naturally or with magic.
Basic healing spell: Healing – Requires 30 INT and a scroll (1,000G).
Advanced healing: First Aid – Reattaches limbs, needs 50 INT and a rare scroll (2,000G, sold at the Association L-Tower).Note: Healing spells cannot recreate lost body parts, only reattach or mend what's already there.
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As the group began to stir, yawns and stretching filled the camp. One by one, they gathered around the fire, the faint smell of burnt wood and dew in the air.
Without wasting a breath, Hürs spoke up—his tone sharp and grounded.
"We need to prepare ourselves. We killed one of the Guild 6 leaders. They're going to come after us."
"But they don't know our names, right?" Jibo countered. "They saw our faces… but it'll take time to track us down."
"It's all my fault," Burk said quietly, head bowed. "I dragged you all into this."
"No!" Saishi shouted suddenly. Everyone turned to him.
"No one touches our group! We're all we have. If we don't protect each other—if we don't stand for this—then what's the point of even fighting?"
His voice cracked with emotion. The fire beside him burned quietly, as if echoing his words.
"We get stronger. We build a base. We make our mark."
Hürs smiled faintly, nodding with pride. "That's the dream, Brother. But first—we need to become an official Guild. And for that, we need six members."
He turned to Mo. "Brother, will you join us?"
Mo grinned and slammed his fist into his palm. "I'm in! HAHAHA! I want to see how my little Brother here evolves!"
The group let out a cheer. The energy shifted—hope lit their faces.
"So," Hürs continued, "we need one more member… and 10,000 Gold."
"And there's one more thing," Jibo added, looking at Saishi. "You still don't have a class, do you?"
Saishi lowered his head and nodded.
"Do you know what path you want, Brother?" Mo asked, half-laughing.
"I always thought about the Farmer class," Saishi muttered. "The loot bonus sounded nice… but I guess that won't help much in combat."
Everyone chuckled.
----------------------------------------------Lore Note: Farmer Class------------------------------
A subclass of the Vagabond.
Can choose Farmer or Miner.
Farmers gain +20% loot when harvesting plants, flowers, hay.
Miners gain +20% for minerals and stone gathering.
Common subclasses for non-combatants. Not built for battle—but useful for base builders and merchants.
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"HAH! A Farmer?" Mo bellowed. "It might've suited you a week ago, Brother—but now? You need something that fights back!"
"I guess you're right," Saishi said, half-grinning. "I'd like something that fits my axe."
"Then Warrior is your path," Hürs declared. "We'll deal with the subclass later—right now, you need your main."
"How do we get him assigned?" Burk asked.
"We go to Master Tempu in Kalimar," Hürs explained. "He trained me. Might give us a discount."
"I've got 1,000 Gold," Saishi added.
"You do?!" Jibo blinked. "Since when?"
"I always brewed potions at camp. Sold them to passing adventurers."
-----------------------------Lore Note: Healing/Mana Potions-------------------------------
-Healing potions: Brewed from heart-shaped twig bushes. Red glow in summer. Berry scent.
-Mana potions: Brewed from blue moss found near sweetwater. Bitter smell, nasty taste.
"Nice," Hürs nodded. "We've got 4,500 total. Enough to assign your class—and maybe even buy your first skill."----------------------------------------------------------------
The group packed their things. As Saishi lifted his pack, the bottom ripped open—his potions and herbs spilling into the dirt.
"NOOOO! My materials!" he shouted.
"What happened?" Jibo asked.
"All my potions—ruined. I was going to sell them on the way…"
"It's alright," Hürs said calmly. "Once we get a new camp, you can brew more."
"Yeah…" Saishi sighed. "I just need a new steel pot."
They took one last look at the fire, then started walking. The road to Kalimar wasn't long now—and with every step, Saishi's shoulder pulsed as a reminder of what he'd survived.
At the city gates, the line was long. Royal Guards in silver armor scanned every entrant.
"Saishi," Hürs whispered, "cover your Strength stat on your A-ID. Don't show off."
"Got it," Saishi nodded, placing his thumb over the number.
One by one, the group passed through the gate.
"A-ID!" a guard barked.
Saishi stepped forward, showing his card—thumb strategically placed. The guard squinted.
"Show me your sta—"
Suddenly, a loud bang echoed from the back of the line.
"WHAT WAS THAT?! Go through, Vagabond!" the guard yelled, turning to help his squad.
Saishi walked quickly to rejoin his group, trying to act casual.
"Phew… that was close," he muttered.
"Lucky?" Jibo's voice came from behind him.
Saishi flinched.
"Why'd you cover it so obviously, huh?" Jibo smirked. "Good thing I had your back."
"You made that explosion?!"
"Just a little distraction firework. Don't be a bitch," Jibo winked.
They entered Kalimar through the northern passage. The city had three gates—north, southeast, and southwest—but they were heading southeast, where Master Tempu's warrior dojo stood.
As they moved through the bustling streets, Saishi stared up at the towering buildings of the Adventurer Association.
"Wow… look at these towers. Where does the King live?"
"The King?" Hürs laughed. "Brother, how long were you in the woods?"
Saishi blinked. "Since I was 18…"
"There hasn't been a King in 200 years. The Adventurer Association runs everything now."
"They do?" Saishi looked stunned.
"The royal family created the Association. But now, they rule in all but name."
---------------------------Lore Note: Alexandrus-------------------------------
-Current Leader of the Adventurer Association.
-Manages loot prices, quest economy, and all regulatory power in Sirca.
-Considered the economic king of the continent.
-Rarely seen—but his decisions affect every adventurer.
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As they talked, they reached the dojo. A simple, sturdy building with a wooden sign and banners fluttering in the wind.
Hürs and Saishi stepped inside. The scent of polished wood and incense filled the air.
"HÜRS! My boy!" a deep voice boomed.
An older man with strong arms and a wide smile walked out from the back. He pulled Hürs into a hug.
"It's been years! How are you doing?"
"I'm doing well, Master Tempu," Hürs said.
They spoke briefly—then Hürs explained why they were there.
"Young man," Master Tempu said, turning to Saishi. "You want to be a Warrior?"
"Yes, Master." Saishi bowed.
Tempu smiled. "It brings me joy to guide the next generation. Assignment fee's 2,000 Gold now, but…"
Hürs raised a hand. "We'll pay in full, Master. Your time is worth more."
Tempu paused. Then nodded with respect.
"You still live by your codex, I see."
He placed a hand on Saishi's shoulder.
"Come, my boy. Let's begin."
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