The Unrivaled Holder: Rise of the Dragon Monarch

Chapter 14: The Continent of Adventurers: Asnor Part 4

"Yes," Ingi confirmed, his voice steady. "But first, we need to rest and regain our strength. We can't rush into this unprepared."

Fafnir glanced around the room, the flickering light casting shadows against the walls. "Let's gather supplies and information before we make our move. We can't let fear hold us back. Together, we'll face whatever comes our way."

Ingi nodded thoughtfully, his brow furrowing as he considered their next steps. "We should definitely visit the Guild tomorrow," he suggested. "Registering as regular adventurers will help us blend in. We don't want to attract unnecessary attention, especially not with a demon on our tail."

Fafnir crossed his arms, still looking determined. "Good point. The last thing we need is for word to get out that we're hunting a blood dragon. We should keep our plans under wraps for now."

"Yes," Ingi replied. "Plus, the Guild is a great place to gather information. We can learn from those who have faced Zarathorak or other beasts like him. It's also a good opportunity to find some work. We'll need money for food and supplies. Right now, we're running low, and we can't afford to be careless."

I nodded in agreement. "I didn't realize how tight our situation was until now. We need to ensure we have enough to sustain ourselves during our preparations."

Fafnir gestured to the window, where the bustling streets of Asnor could be seen. "And Asnor is the perfect place for it. This city is the center of Norkiya, where adventurers from all walks of life gather. It's always busy, filled with the sounds of merchants hawking their wares, adventurers exchanging tales of glory, and the clatter of armor and weapons. We'll find plenty of jobs here, from simple errands to more dangerous quests."

Ingi smiled slightly, recalling their earlier arrivals in Asnor. "That's right. It's chaotic, but in that chaos lies opportunity. We'll have to navigate through the crowds, though. It can be overwhelming with everyone rushing about, but if we stay focused, we'll find what we need."

Fafnir leaned forward, excitement glimmering in his eyes. "And who knows? We might even encounter some random adventurers willing to share their stories. The Guild often holds gatherings where they discuss their encounters, strategies, and tips for survival."

"Let's not forget the taverns," I added. "There's bound to be someone in the local taverns who's faced a dragon or has heard tales about Zarathorak. We can glean information over a meal and a drink."

Ingi clapped his hands together, refocusing their energy. "Then it's settled. We'll register at the Guild first thing in the morning, gather intel, and take on some jobs to build our funds."

The Next Day

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the window as we made our way to the Guild. The bustling streets of Asnor were alive with energy, merchants shouting their wares and adventurers hurrying to their next quests.

Upon entering the Guild Hall, we were greeted by the lively atmosphere: the sound of laughter, clinking mugs, and the rustle of parchment as people exchanged stories and completed their quests. A large wooden desk occupied the center of the room, where a young receptionist busily organized scrolls and quills.

"Welcome to the Adventurer's Guild! How can I help you today?" she asked, looking up with a bright smile.

"We'd like to register as adventurers," Ingi said, stepping forward. "We're new to the city and want to make sure we're properly equipped to take on quests."

"Of course! Please fill out these forms." She handed us a stack of papers before glancing at us curiously. "But first, I'll need you to put your hands on the Mirror of Strength. It will help us determine your capabilities and assign you a rank."

We exchanged glances, intrigued and slightly nervous. "A mirror?" I asked.

"Yes! It measures the magical and physical strength of adventurers," she explained, gesturing to a tall, ornate mirror at the back of the room. "Just place your hands on it, and it will reveal your potential."

We approached the mirror, each taking our turn to place our hands against its surface. As I pressed my palm to the cool glass, I felt a surge of energy, but the mirror remained dark, not a flicker of light illuminating its surface.

Ingi's turn yielded the same result. Fafnir placed his hands next, and still, nothing happened. The receptionist raised an eyebrow, a hint of confusion on her face. "That's... unusual," she murmured. "It's never failed to register someone's strength before."

Just then, a door at the back of the room swung open, and a tall figure stepped out. The Guild Master was an imposing elf with sharp features, silver hair cascading down to his shoulders, and a regal air that demanded respect. His piercing green eyes scanned us with interest.

"What's the commotion here?" he asked, his voice smooth yet authoritative.

The receptionist explained the situation, and the Guild Master's eyes widened slightly. "So, the mirror has failed to measure your strength?" He turned to us, curiosity piqued. "You'll have to come with me. This requires a more personal touch."

We followed the Eldrin, the Guild Master into a private chamber, the door closing behind us with a heavy thud. The room was dimly lit, adorned with ancient artifacts and maps of dragon territories. A large table at the center was covered in scrolls, tomes, and an array of crystals that seemed to pulse with energy.

Eldrin gestured for us to stand near a large pedestal, on top of which sat an ornate crystal orb. "This is a more advanced method of assessing strength," he explained, a hint of excitement in his voice. "It measures both physical and magical prowess through your aura. If the mirror failed, this should provide a clearer picture."

Ingi stepped forward first, placing his hands on the orb. As he did, a warm light enveloped him, but moments later, the orb flickered and dimmed, leaving behind a gentle glow that gradually faded. The room fell silent as Eldrin frowned, his brows knitting together in confusion.

"Strange," he murmured. "It's never failed before."

Next, Fafnir approached the orb. He placed his hands firmly on its surface, and once again, the orb pulsed briefly before fading to darkness. Frustration flickered across his features, and I felt a knot of worry form in my stomach.

When it was my turn, I stepped up hesitantly. I placed my hands on the orb, hoping for a different outcome, but again, the same result followed. The orb did not respond as expected, its surface remaining stubbornly dull.

Eldrin ran a hand through his silver hair, deep in thought. "It seems that something is unusual about your auras," he said, his voice a mixture of intrigue and concern. "You may be more powerful than I realize."