Silence fell over the plaza. The group exchanged glances, their earlier confusion shifting into something more serious.
The man with the staff adjusted his glasses, studying Kael.
"That's a bold claim," he said quietly.
Kael shook his head, frustration creeping in.
"I know what I saw." His hands clenched at his sides.
The woman with the bow frowned, putting both of her arms behind her head.
"Well, if you saw it, then I guess that's that."
Meanwhile..
A towering figure rested a heavy axe on his shoulder, crossing his arms.
"She's right. Doubting yourself? That's like doubting your own existence."
"Well said, Kinon… you really keep surprising me today," the mage said, adjusting his glasses.
"Either way, standing around won't solve it."
The armored man nodded, his expression firm. A short pause followed. Then he spoke again, more resolutely.
"…This is exactly why the Guild Master wanted to speak with you."
"But for now," he added, softening slightly,
"let us first introduce ourselves…"
Rowan stepped forward, giving Kael a reassuring nod.
"Alright, let's not leave you completely in the dark. I'll introduce everyone," he said with a grin.
He gestured to the others. "That's Runo," he continued, pointing to the slender man leaning lightly on his staff and adjusting his glasses.
"He's our mage and the one who usually figures out the tricky stuff."
Kael gave a small nod in acknowledgment.
"Next," Rowan said, motioning to the lithe elf standing beside them with a bow resting against her shoulder.
"And this is Linen. She's the one who keeps us from getting ambushed and makes sure I don't do anything too reckless."
The elf inclined her head politely.
Rowan then pointed to the massive, bearded man resting a heavy axe on his shoulder.
"This is Kinon. When things need smashing, he's your guy."
Kinon gave a low chuckle, ruffling his beard.
Finally, Rowan stepped forward himself slightly, placing a hand on his shield.
"And I'm Rowan. I handle the defense side of things and make sure everyone gets through a fight in one piece."
Kael exhaled slowly, trying to remember all the names. "…Alright. Runo, Linen, Kinon, and… Rowan."
"That's right," Rowan said with a small smile.
"Don't worry, you'll get used to it soon enough."
He clapped Kael lightly on the shoulder.
Now that you know us, it's time we head to the Guild Master. She's not exactly known for her patience."
"But before we head out I just wanted to confirm if your truely okay now?"
Kael shook his head.
"… sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. But I'm fine now."
"Is that so? Then that's good," Rowan responded with relief.
His gaze slowly returned to the statue that looked exactly like Eiscia. He raised a hand and pointed at it.
"Can you tell me anything about the statue?"
Runo stepped forward, adjusting his glasses.
"It's Lady Azre, the guardian hero of Liberlan."
Runo the mage guy wearing glasses, stepped forwards as he walk beside the statue..
"She was one of the Seven Heroes who fought and protected the land of Etherissia when the Abyssal Cryptids tried to eradicate mankind thousand years ago." He added.
"According to legend, Lady Azre was born here in Liberlan. Most people living here believe that up to this day, the village has never once been attacked by monsters because of Lady Azre's divine protection."
Runo finished explaining, adjusting his glasses once more.
Kael's eyes widened, baffled by everything he had just heard. Eiscia… being a hero from the past? How could that be possible when he had met her not long ago? Questions flooded his mind one after another. Instead of answers, he only found more confusion.
His head began to ache again from overthinking.
Suddenly, Linen, the elven girl holding the bow, handed him something.
"What's this?" he asked.
"It's one of Liberlan's medicines," she explained.
"It will calm you down. Just swallow one pill. Don't worry, I guarantee it's safe."
He examined the small, round pill resting on his palm. It looked almost like a piece of candy.
Then Rowan spoke.
"Don't worry. Every adventurer carries one of those nowadays. After exhausting fights, you really need something like that to calm your nerves."
"Is... is that so…" he replied, somehow hesitant but they are the one who save his life, so he trusted his instinct.
I guess, they don't really mean harm. If this pill will truely help me calm down, then I'll take the risk.
He placed the pill in his mouth and swallowed it, just as they suggested. At first, it tasted sour, but after swallowing, a sweet aftertaste slowly spread across his tongue. In an instant, he felt the fatigue, stress, and anxiety from overthinking begin to fade.
"You're right… Thank you. Thank you everyone… for everything."
He bowed slightly to them, showing his respect and gratitude, not only for saving him earlier in the forest, but for everything they had done for him.
The entire party looked surprised. It was as if this was the first time they had ever seen someone bow like that just to say thanks.
"Don't mention it," Rowan replied with a smile, scratching the back of his head.
"We're just glad we could help."
"Ahem." Runo cleared his throat.
"The Guild Master is waiting for us at the guild hall. She expected us to arrive before sundown."
"Ahh… haha. You're right," Rowan said.
"I bet she's getting furious right now waiting for us to return." He added, then looked at kael's direction.
"Don't worry. I'm okay now," he answered.
"I still have a lot of things to ask."
"Ah… I bet you do," Rowan agreed.
Before leaving the plaza, he glanced once more at the statue. Somewhere deep inside his heart, he made a silent promise: no matter what… he will save her.
-----
On the Way to the Guild Hall.
Several minutes later, they walked through the central plaza of the village. Along the way, he carefully observed every establishment they passed. Runo patiently explained everything he asked about.
Then Kael's eyes lingers on a shop, selling herbs and potions. At the top front of the shop a symbol of giant leaf was carved.
Runo look behind and saw him.
"Ah.. that building is the apothecary shop," the young mage pointed out.
"They make that pill you just took before."
Runo explained.. and then pointed out to the next shop beside it.
"And that over there is the blacksmith, Old man Gilliam was it's owner.. Rowan's uncle. That is where adventurers like us buy and repair our weapons."
When suddenly, Rowan walking a few step ahead spoke but he never looks back..
"We were in a rush right now, so we don't have time show you around, but if things got settled down, I'll be glad to tour you around in town."
"Yeah sure why not."
Kael respond with a nod.
"Then it's settled."
Rowan look back with a huge smile in his face.
Meanwhile....
As they walked, they passed a few adventurers on the streets. Rowan greeted them warmly.
"Evening, Miren! How's the training going?"
A tall female warrior nodded in reply.
"Pretty good! Still trying to keep up with Kinon over there."
She gestured to Kinon, who flexed his muscles and gave a mock bow.
Rowan chuckled.
"Don't scare the new guy," he said, glancing at Kael.
But, he just smiled back at them.
He observed the interaction silently. Even as Rowan joked, he could feel the camaraderie among adventurers—a world he didn't belong to, yet felt strangely drawn toward.
And soon..
They finally, arrived at a massive building.
"The Guild Hall."
"Welcome to the Guild of Liberlan!"
Linen spread both arms wide open dramatically, as if she were welcoming someone to a grand opening of a newly built store.
He stared at the massive entrance. From what he could see, the building had three large floors. It was so big that he had to step back just to look at the entire structure.
"Amazing…" he muttered.
"This.. this is the first time I've seen something like this."
Rowan chuckled softly.
"Well, you'll get used to it soon enough. Come on. Let's head inside before the Guild Master really loses her patience."
Rowan pushed the massive wooden doors open.
CREAAAK.
The moment the doors opened, a wave of noise greeted them. Inside, adventurers filled the large room—some sitting at long wooden tables, laughing loudly while drinking ale, others stood near a large board covered with parchments, carefully reading requests posted by villagers.
Clanking sounds echoed from one corner, where a group of armored adventurers discussed their recent hunt. He slowly stepped inside, eyes wandering everywhere. The atmosphere felt completely different from the peaceful streets outside.
"This place is… lively," he muttered.
"You could say that," Linen said with a small smile.
"This is where most adventurers gather. They take quests, report completed missions, and sometimes just come here to relax."
Near the center of the hall stood a large counter where staff were busy handling paperwork. One of the staff members immediately noticed Rowan's group entering.
"Oh! Rowan's party is back!"
A few nearby adventurers turned their heads.
"Hey! Isn't that the team that went to investigate the forbidden cave?"
"Yeah, that's them."
"Did they find anything?" Whispers spread through the hall.
Rowan scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "Looks like news travels fast here…"
Runo sighed.
"That is exactly why the Guild Master wanted us back quickly."
At the far end of the hall, a staircase led to the second floor. Just as they were about to approach it, a loud voice suddenly echoed across the guild hall.
"RO...WAN!"
The entire room went silent for a moment. Rowan froze. Slowly… very slowly… he turned his head toward the source of the voice.
Standing at the top of the staircase was a woman with long silver hair tied behind her back. Her sharp eyes glared directly at him. Her arms were crossed.
"And just where," she said coldly, "have you been?"
A heavy pressure suddenly filled the room. Rowan gave a nervous smile.
"Ah… Guild Master… we can explain…"
Her gaze shifted toward the unfamiliar young man standing behind them.
"And who is he?"
Rowan cleared his throat.
"We found him unconscious near the cave entrance. He doesn't seem to remember much of what happened."
The Guild Master's eyes narrowed slightly as she examined him.
"…I see." Then she stepped closer. "What is your name?"
"…Kael," he answered after a brief pause.
But, somehow, deep inside him, his instinct started kicking in. It was an unexplainable pressure nothing compare to ttlhe ones he felt before.
"Kael," she repeated.
"My name is Zerilda, Guild Master of Liberlan."
Her eyes lingered on him for a moment longer before she spoke again.
"Well then, Kael… since you were found near the forbidden cave, I'll have to ask you a few questions later."
Rowan suddenly clapped his hands together.
"Actually, Guild Master, I was thinking—"
Zerilda glanced at him.
"What is it?"
"Why not let him register as an adventurer? He survived near that cave after all."
Kinon, the axe-wielder, nodded.
"Yeah, anyone who can survive out there probably has some talent."
He quickly shook his head.
"No, no… I don't think that's a good idea. I have no abilities or combat skills that would fit an adventurer. I would probably just get in everyone's way."
Zerilda studied him silently. Then she said,
"In that case… why not join the Merchant Guild instead?"
Rowan blinked.
"The Merchant Guild?"
Zerilda nodded.
"You seem observant. And pretty calm yiurself. Despite, being pressured by my aura. You seemed not been bothered by it."
"Ohhh.. so even the Guild Master's aura was not enough to affect Kael."
Linen cheerfully said, eyes wide in pure admiration towards him.
Rowan agrees with a repeated nod.
"You're all wrong, it's just that her aura doesn't seem was not meant to hurt anyone.. maybe just to test me."
"Ahaha. Zerilda let's out a defining chuckles that echoes in the entire hall.
"Good catch kid. You really read my intentions." Then continuously taps Kael's shoulder.
Then, she glanced at the strange leather bag hanging from his shoulder.
"And judging by the way you carry that bag… you're probably used to handling goods and trade."
He hesitated. In his previous life, he had been a corporate salesman. Negotiations, product value, customer persuasion… those skills suddenly felt useful again.
"…That might actually be a good idea," he admitted.
Rowan smiled.
"Well there you go! Problem solved."
Zerilda nodded.
"I can write you a recommendation later so you can introduce yourself to the Merchant Guild tomorrow."
Rowan raised a hand.
"I can accompany him."
But Zerilda shook her head immediately.
"No. I need your party here. I have an important quest to discuss with you all. He'll have to handle things on his own tonight."
He nodded.
"That's fine."
Then Rowan remembered something.
"But wait… what about lodging? Food? He doesn't even have money yet."
He paused.
"…Actually…" Slowly, he opened the flat leather bag he had been carrying. Everyone leaned slightly closer out of curiosity. Inside were several small items carefully stored.
First, he pulled out a small plastic bottle filled with cloudy liquid residue.
"This… is something I collected earlier."
Runo leaned closer and adjusted his glasses.
"What is it?"
"Residue from a Gaslime I encountered in the forest," he explained. The entire group froze.
"A… Gaslime?" Kinon repeated.
Runo examined the bottle closely.
"…This is real. The Gaslime your mentioning was called by the locals and adventurers as the Ghalmire slime."
"Do that's how it's called." Kael replied.
"Yes, and it was a rare encounter, you see, Ghalmire slime usually hide in the deepest part of the forest. It's residue is extremely volatile… and valuable for alchemical crafting."
He then reached back into the bag and took out a few small caps.
"And these too. They're mushrooms I found while foraging. I call them… Chibishrooms."
Runo stared at them. His eyes widened even further.
"Those are Sanctum Forest caps."
Linen blinked in disbelief.
"Wait… those only grow in the deeper parts of the Sanctum Forest!"
Kinon crossed his arms.
"Which is filled with high-tier monsters."
The entire group looked at him again.
"…How exactly did you get these?" Rowan asked slowly.
He scratched his head awkwardly.
"…I just picked them up while walking."
Zerilda stepped forward and examined the materials herself. After a moment, she nodded.
"These are legitimate."
She reached into her coat and placed several small coins on the table beside them.
"I'll buy them."
He blinked. "…Really?"
"It should be enough for lodging, food, and basic necessities for tonight,"
Zerilda said.
Then she looked at the items again thoughtfully.
"As for the rest… we'll discuss these materials tomorrow."
She slid the coins toward him.
"For now, get some rest. I'll recommend you go to the Silver Hearth Inn."
--------
The sun had begun to set when he left the guild hall. Following Zerilda's directions, he walked down a narrow stone road lit by warm lanterns hanging from wooden posts. Soon, a modest two-story building came into view.
A wooden sign swung gently above the entrance. The sign was carved into the shape of a bed, clearly meant to show travelers that it was a place to rest. However, the letters carved beneath it looked strange.
He slowed his steps.
"…What language is that?"
The characters were unfamiliar. Sharp curves and symbols carved neatly into the wood. He stared at them, confused. I can't read that at all.
But as his gaze remained fixed on the letters, something strange happened. The symbols slowly became understandable. Not visually changing… but becoming comprehensible.
As if something inside his mind was translating them. His eyes widened.
"…The Silver Hearth Inn."
He blinked and rubbed his eyes.
"…No way… How did I understand it…?"
A strange feeling settled in his chest: confusion, unease, and curiosity all at once.
Inside, the atmosphere was warm and lively. A few travelers sat at wooden tables finishing their meals while a middle-aged woman stood behind the counter wiping mugs with a cloth.
He approached the counter and placed the small coins Zerilda had given him on the table.
"I was told I could stay here for the night."
"Of course. One room upstairs. Food's included."
The red hair lady with the apron with sharp gaze said.
A few minutes later, he found himself inside a small room. It wasn't luxurious, but comfortable. A wooden bed rested against the wall with a simple blanket. A small table stood near the window, with a clay pitcher of water.
He placed the leather bag on the table and sat on the edge of the bed. For a moment, the room was silent. His mind drifted back to the events of the day: the cave, the adventurers, the statue, and her… Eiscia.
"…Lady Azre," he murmured. A hero from a thousand years ago. Yet the girl he met inside that cave looked exactly the same.
"Are they the same person?"
And then, he remembers, her voice, her eyes, the blue wisps surrounding her, and the way she said goodbye:
"I hope someday we will meet again."
His chest tightened slightly.
"…What exactly are you…?" he whispered.
He stood up and began changing into the simple villager's shirt Rowan's party had given him earlier. He removed his coat and shirt, and as he turned slightly toward the small mirror, he froze.
On his right shoulder, just below the collarbone, something faintly glowed against his skin. He stepped closer. There was a mark there, a symbol he had never seen before. It shone faintly in soft blue light.
His heart skipped a beat. Slowly, he raised his hand and touched it.
"…What is this…?"
It wasn't Firioz's mark. That one he recognized. But this… this symbol looked different. More intricate. More… familiar.
Then suddenly, he remembered the statue at the central plaza. The carved mark on Eiscia's forehead.
The same glowing pattern. The same shape. The same blue light.
His breathing slowed.
"…No way…" His hand trembled slightly as he stared at the glowing mark on his shoulder.
"But how…?"
"How did this happen…?"
The blue mark pulsed softly, as if alive. And somewhere far away… deep inside the forbidden cave… a faint blue light flickered in the darkness..