Tears of Ashes En-Us

Chapter 8: The City of Opportunity

After days of walking, Eldric and Lira spotted the city of Eldoria in the distance. The high stone walls and red-tiled roofs stood out against the blue sky. The vibrant sound of urban life reached them, a symphony of voices, laughter, and the tinkling of brass. Eldric's heart raced as he imagined what might be waiting for him.

"We're finally here," Lira said, a gleam of excitement in his eye. "It feels like a place where we can make a difference."

As they approached, they noticed the movement in the streets. Merchants offered their wares, and people from various backgrounds mingled, creating a vibrant and welcoming environment. Eldric felt a little nervous, remembering the mistrust he had faced in the village, but Lira's presence by his side gave him courage.

"Let's go straight to the adventurer's guild," Eldric suggested. "It's the first step for us to register and start our journey."

The adventurers' guild, a large wooden building with a rustic sign that swayed in the wind, was full of people. The aroma of hot food and the smell of freshly crafted wood filled the air. Eldric and Lira entered the place, observing the determined faces and lively conversations around them.

Inside, a stout man with a bushy beard and visible scars on his skin approached. He had the look of someone who had already faced many battles and addressed them in a deep voice. "Welcome to the guild. What brings them here?"

"We want to register as adventurers," Eldric replied, determination in his voice. "We are ready to face any challenge."

"That's what everyone says," the man laughed, but his eyes showed a hidden respect. "The name is Grom. Here at the guild, we have a ranking system. What do you intend to do to prove yourself?"

Eldric exchanged glances with Lira, and they both nodded. "We're ready for any mission," Lira said, his voice steady.

Grom sized up the two, recognizing the flame of determination in their eyes. "Right. I'm going to put them at the beginner level for now. But to advance, they will need to complete a mission and bring back tangible results."

He guided them to a bulletin board, where several missions were listed. One in particular caught Eldric's attention: "Clearing the Forests: Threat of Bandits". The notice said that a group of bandits was attacking caravans in the vicinity of the forest. Adventurers who managed to eliminate the threat would receive generous rewards.

"It looks like we have a mission," Eldric said, pointing to the warning. "We can do that, can't we?"

Lira smiled, his warrior spirit awakening. "Yes, it's our chance to prove that we are capable."

With the mission accepted, they began to prepare. They equipped themselves with new supplies, adjusted their weapons, and said goodbye to Grom, who gave them some tips on what to expect from the mission.

"Beware of the bandits. They are not just ordinary thieves. Many of them have skills and use traps. If they're quick and smart, they can handle them," Grom warned.

As they made their way out of town, Eldric felt a surge of anticipation and nervousness. "This is our chance to show what we came for."

"Yes," Lira agreed. "Let's do it together."

Before they left town, Eldric stopped at a nearby tavern, where he heard stories of adventurers who had faced similar challenges. He absorbed every word, making mental notes about strategies and tricks. Lira also approached a group of archers, learning some new tactics that could be useful during the mission.

With a plan in mind and each other's support, Eldric and Lira left Eldoria, ready to face the unknown and prove they were more than just survivors of a dark past. It was time to become adventurers, to assert their promise to protect those who could not defend themselves, and above all, to seek the revenge that burned in their hearts.