Volume 1 Chapter 27 - A Visitor from the Guild
The morning after the healing incident, the town of Velna was alive with whispers.
From the baker's stall to the guard's post, everyone seemed to be telling the same story — of the small hooded traveler who called upon the wind to heal a dying adventurer.
"Did you see her wings?" one merchant said.
"I swear the air itself bowed to her!" replied another.
Cindy, seated quietly in her small attic room at the inn, sighed and stared at her reflection in a cup of tea.
"So much for staying unnoticed."
Puff, perched on the bed with his tiny humanoid legs swinging, smirked. "You didn't exactly blend in when you made the sky sparkle."
She shot him a mock glare. "I was trying to save someone!"
He grinned. "And you did. Now everyone thinks you're some goddess of healing."
Cindy groaned softly and covered her face. "Oh, spirits help me..."
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A Knock at the Door
Before she could protest further, there was a gentle knock.
Tok. Tok.
Both of them froze.
Puff whispered, "You expecting anyone?"
Cindy shook her head.
A calm male voice spoke through the door. "Good morning. I apologize for disturbing you, Miss... Cindy, was it? I represent the Velna Adventurer's Guild. May I come in for a word?"
Cindy exchanged a look with Puff — cautious, but not afraid.
"Come in," she said quietly.
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The Guild Envoy
The door creaked open to reveal a tall man in a light gray coat trimmed with gold. His dark hair was tied neatly, and his eyes — gentle but sharp — reflected the discipline of a seasoned adventurer.
He bowed politely. "My name is Seren Valen, Silver-Rank adventurer and acting envoy of the Guild here in Velna."
Cindy blinked. "An envoy...?"
He smiled softly. "You caused quite the stir yesterday, Miss Cindy. A traveler who uses wind magic to heal — that's not something we see often."
Puff jumped down from the bed, standing protectively by her side. "If you're here to arrest her, you'll have to go through me first!"
Seren raised his hands placatingly. "Easy, little one. I'm not here to cause trouble."
He pulled out a small silver badge engraved with the Guild's crest — a sword crossed with a feather.
"I came because the Guild has... questions. But not accusations," he added quickly. "The man you saved was one of ours. His party was ambushed near the northern cliffs. Without your help, he would not have survived."
Cindy's posture softened. "I'm glad he's all right."
Seren nodded. "He insisted we thank you personally. And so, on behalf of the Guild, I offer our gratitude."
He bowed again, sincere.
Cindy blinked in surprise. "Oh... thank you. But really, I just did what anyone would have done."
"Not everyone could," Seren replied gently. "Your control over wind magic — and healing — is extraordinary."
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The Offer
Seren placed a sealed letter on the table, bearing a wax emblem in the shape of a feather.
"This is an official invitation from the Guild's branch in Aelbourne, the capital of the western region. The Guild Master there would like to meet you — not for interrogation, but for recognition. He wishes to register you as a Healer-class Adventurer."
Cindy's eyes widened. "Me? An adventurer?"
Seren nodded. "It would allow you to travel freely between towns, access resources, and receive protection under Guild law. Considering the rumors about 'butterfly spirits,' this could help you move more safely."
Puff blinked. "So... like a license to not get hunted?"
Seren chuckled. "Precisely."
Cindy hesitated, fingers brushing the letter. "I don't know... I never wanted to be famous. I just wanted to live quietly."
Seren's expression softened. "Fame may chase you whether you want it or not. But if you join the Guild, at least you can decide how people see you."
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Wind of Decision
Silence filled the small room.
Cindy looked out the window — the mountain wind danced through the valley, carrying the scent of pine and bread.
In her heart, the same calm she felt when healing stirred again.
She remembered the people smiling, the child who whispered she's a blessing.
Maybe this was what she was meant to do — not hide from the world, but help it.
She smiled faintly. "All right. I'll think about it."
Seren nodded respectfully. "That's all we ask. The Guild respects free will — especially from those who carry power like yours."
He turned to leave, then paused at the door.
"Oh, and one more thing."
Cindy tilted her head. "Yes?"
Seren smiled softly. "When the wind moved yesterday, it felt... alive. If the stories are true, you may be more than a healer, Miss Cindy. You may be a spirit's answer to this world's pain."
Her eyes widened slightly, but before she could respond, he was gone — the door closing quietly behind him.
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After He Left
Puff hopped onto the chair, holding the letter up with both hands.
"So... what do you think, Adventurer Cindy?"
She giggled. "Don't call me that yet."
He grinned. "You're going to say yes, aren't you?"
She looked out the window again — at the fluttering flags of Velna, the laughter below, the endless blue sky stretching beyond the mountains.
"Maybe," she said softly. "If it helps me help others... then yes."
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System Notice
[Quest Unlocked: Wings of Purpose]
Join the Adventurer's Guild and receive official recognition as a Healer-Class Adventurer.
Reward: Guild Protection / New Skill Unlock (Conditional)
[Passive Awakening Detected: Spirit's Resolve – Your healing effects increase when protecting those you've healed before.]
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Ending Scene
That night, as the wind whispered through the open window, Cindy stood beneath the stars.
The letter from the Guild rested beside her, its seal gleaming faintly in the moonlight.
Puff had already fallen asleep, curled up beside her cloak.
She spread her delicate wings, the light of the stars reflecting off their iridescent edges.
"I was once a nurse in another world," she murmured. "Maybe this time... I'll be something more."
The wind stirred softly, wrapping around her like a promise.