Volume 1 Chapter 33 - Registration at the Adventurers Guild
The morning sun gleamed over the rooftops of Aelbourne, casting a golden light through the bustling streets.
Cindy and Puff walked toward the western part of the city, following the signs etched with a symbol of crossed swords and wings — the mark of the Adventurer's Guild.
The building itself stood out among the rest — a towering structure of dark oak and blue crystal windows, the sound of laughter and clinking mugs spilling from inside.
Adventurers came and went, wearing armor of every kind, from gleaming steel to enchanted leather.
Cindy took a deep breath. "Alright. Let's do this."
Puff floated beside her in his small humanoid form. "Try not to smile too much. You look like a lost noblewoman."
She smirked. "And you look like a mischievous kid. Perfect cover."
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Inside the Guild
The moment they stepped inside, the air was filled with noise — the hum of voices, the crackle of magic lamps, and the faint scent of ale and parchment.
A large board covered in quest papers lined the wall — requests ranging from simple herb gathering to monster extermination.
At the far end stood the reception counter, where a line of adventurers waited to report their missions.
Cindy joined the line quietly, her hood pulled low. Puff peeked around her arm, wide-eyed at everything.
When their turn came, a friendly receptionist with curly auburn hair and bright green eyes greeted them.
"Good morning! New face, aren't you?"
"Yes," Cindy said softly, smiling. "I'd like to register as an adventurer."
The receptionist beamed. "Of course! Name, please?"
"Cindy."
"And your race?"
Cindy hesitated for half a second. "Human."
Puff tried to hold back a grin, whispering, "Technically half-truth."
The receptionist didn't notice, already writing. "Got it. And this young one?"
"My familiar," Cindy replied calmly. "Name's Puff."
The receptionist looked at Puff with curiosity. "A humanoid familiar? That's rare!"
Puff puffed out his chest. "I'm one of a kind."
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Registration Ritual
The receptionist placed a small crystal orb on the counter.
"Alright, Miss Cindy, please place your hand here. The crystal will record your mana signature and assign your Adventurer's ID."
Cindy nodded and pressed her palm gently on the orb.
It glowed a gentle blue — soft and calm, like wind rippling across a meadow.
For a moment, the receptionist blinked, confused. "That's... a very unique mana pattern. Almost soothing."
Cindy smiled faintly. "I guess I'm not the fighting type."
The woman laughed. "You'd be surprised how many healers say that right before blasting monsters with light magic."
The orb's glow faded, leaving behind a small metal card that shimmered faintly with runic text.
[Adventurer ID Created]
Name: Cindy
Race: Human
Rank: F (Novice)
Registered Familiar: Puff
Affiliation: Aelbourne Guild Branch
The receptionist handed it over proudly. "Congratulations, Miss Cindy! You're officially an adventurer."
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A New Beginning
Cindy held the card delicately, smiling softly. "Thank you."
The receptionist leaned forward. "You'll start as Rank F. Most beginners take basic requests first — herb gathering, small creature hunts, deliveries. Complete enough, and you'll rank up."
Puff's eyes gleamed. "How fast can we reach Rank A?"
The woman laughed. "With that attitude? Maybe in five years. Unless you're blessed by luck."
Cindy chuckled. If only she knew.
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Exploring the Guild Hall
They stepped aside to look around. Adventurers of every race filled the tables — elves, dwarves, beastfolk, even a few mysterious robed mages.
Cindy noticed a large quest board marked "For New Members," and pulled a few papers off to read.
"Collect five Windblossom herbs from the southern plains. Reward: 300 gold."
"Assist in treating minor wounds at the city infirmary. Reward: 200 gold."
Her eyes softened at the last one. "A healing task..."
Puff grinned. "Figures you'd choose that. The butterfly who once was a nurse."
She smiled faintly. "Helping others feels... familiar. Comfortable."
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Lunch at the Guild Tavern
After finishing her paperwork, Cindy and Puff sat in the guild tavern for lunch.
Warm bread, roasted vegetables, and stew filled the air with a comforting scent.
Across the room, a group of rowdy adventurers were sharing stories about a recent dungeon raid.
Cindy listened quietly, fascinated. "They sound so strong."
Puff munched on his bread. "One day, that'll be us. The Butterfly and her Familiar — protectors of the wind!"
She laughed softly. "That sounds like a fairytale title."
"Then let's make it real."
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System Notification
[Quest Unlocked: "First Step into the Guild"]
Objective: Complete your first guild request.
Reward: 100 EXP, 200 Gold, and increased reputation in Aelbourne.
Cindy placed her hand over her heart, feeling the faint hum of mana in her chest.
She was no longer just surviving. She had a purpose again — a chance to live, to grow, to help.
And deep within her, the mark of Soleris pulsed softly — as if the wind itself approved.