The Allure of the Adventurer's Guild

The carriage rattled and shook as it entered the city streets of the adventurers' district. Marie had fallen asleep leaning on my shoulder during the ride. I quietly turned my head to look out the window... Under lanterns embedded with glowing blue magic stones that lit up the night, exotic signs and ornate buildings lined the streets, while the air was thick with the mingled scents of unknown spices and alcohol. Back at the monastery, this hour would have been a time of complete silence with everyone asleep, but here... the streets were different. Even late at night, footsteps never ceased, and the area buzzed with festive energy as if a party had just begun. Adventurers browsing magic gear mingled with those carrying weapons over their shoulders, and from street corners came the loud banter of drunken revelers. Foreign mages with unusual appearances passed by exchanging cryptic spells, and I even spotted beastkin darting through alleys with a sleek dagger at their waist, trading information.

"There sure are a lot of weird people..."

"They're all adventurers."

Ellison quietly answered my mumble, as if to himself.

"Adventurers?"

"This is the adventurers' hub in Dublin's commercial district, where the Adventurer's Association is located. Think of it as a dense cluster of guild offices and parties."

The word "adventurer" brought images of Reina unni, Vivian unni, and Carlos oppa flashing through my mind.

'I wonder if they're all doing okay...'

I was doing fine, but I had no idea how they were faring. I wanted to send a letter at least, but without knowing where they were, even that wish couldn't be fulfilled.

"So what exactly do adventurers do?"

"They're freelancers who take on various jobs commissioned through the Adventurer's Association."

"Freelancers?"

"A meritocracy where success depends purely on skill, regardless of background or origins."

Just then, the carriage came to a stop, and the coachman's voice rang out.

"We're here."

I woke Marie, and we stepped out to find a grand stone building looming before us. Its towering outer walls, massive entrance, and the sword-and-shield emblem hanging above—symbolizing the Adventurer's Association—gave the impression that this wasn't just some meeting hall, but an institution with real authority.

"This is the Dublin branch of the Adventurer's Association."

We followed Ellison inside. The building teemed with all sorts of people who looked like adventurers. A huge crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, while the walls displayed massive murals depicting legendary adventurers' tales and what appeared to be weapons and gear they'd used.

A bit further in, a long reception counter stretched across the front. Behind the polished walnut counter, several receptionists busily sorted papers or explained commissions to visiting clients and adventurers.

As we approached, one of them greeted us with a bright smile.

"Welcome. How may I help you?"

Her neat uniform and sharp eyes conveyed professionalism mixed with familiar kindness. Ellison explained our purpose, and she nodded, calmly jotting notes.

"An information-gathering commission, then."

Once the conversation wrapped up, she checked her notes and some documents before looking up.

"I'll call the handler for your consultation. Please wait in the lounge."

We followed her gesture to a neatly furnished lounge with sofas and small tables. Unlike the boisterous main hall, it was partitioned with semi-transparent screens and thick curtains for client privacy, creating a cozy, quiet space.

'Mmm...'

As I sat waiting for the handler, I sensed Marie and Ellison had some catching up to do. I excused myself to the restroom and slipped away.

I decided to wander the Adventurer's Association for a bit. Leaving the lounge, the vibrant noise filled my ears again. In one corner, a man who seemed to be a party leader had a map spread on a table, briefing his comrades on the next expedition. Elsewhere, adventurers mingled, boasting exploits or sharing rumors and info.

But the noisiest spot was in front of the massive bulletin board at the hall's center. I carefully wove through the crowd to get closer.

Dozens of commission notices were densely pinned up, with adventurers tearing off ones that suited them or discussing with companions.

I quickly scanned some that caught my eye.

'So this is what adventurers do...'

Around the board were all sorts of flyers too—cheap magic talismans for ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠sale, mysterious potion ads, you name it.

Then, one massive poster grabbed my attention instantly.

It was a recruitment poster emblazoned with the association's emblem. I stood frozen, staring blankly at it.

'Adventurer...'

A mix of inexplicable excitement and fear stirred in my heart. My fingertips trembled slightly... and my chest pounded.

"Interested in becoming an adventurer?"

Someone spoke up beside me.

"...?"

I turned to see a rugged man. His muscular build screamed strength, with sharp eyes, but he had that neighborhood uncle vibe—nosy and approachable.

He must've noticed me staring at the poster for ages.

"Yeah."

No point playing coy, so I nodded calmly.

"A delicate noble lady like you interested in something like adventuring... Now that's something."

"I'm not a noble."

He looked baffled.

"Huh? But didn't you just come in with a maid and another noble girl?"

"That other kid is a noble lady, but I'm not."

"...You're not? That's weird... You don't look like some ordinary street kid."

He ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠scratched his head, scrutinizing my face again, clearly unconvinced.

I sighed inwardly and asked steadily,

"Are you an adventurer too, mister?"

"Huh? Oh... yeah, something like that."

"What does it take to become one?"

"Skill, obviously."

‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠

His suspicious glint faded, eyes sparkling as he geared up to explain.

"To become an adventurer, you take the association's test first. Pass that, get provisional certification... Complete probation, and you're official."

"Sounds pretty tough..."

He smirked faintly, as if it were a given.

I hesitated, then asked cautiously,

"What kind of test?"

"...Written and practical."

"Written and practical?"

Practical made sense, but written?

"Why written?"

"Tests basic knowledge. Back in the day, skilled folks failed commissions over illiteracy—misreading notices or math errors. So they added the written exam."

"Yeah, after all that hard work, failing like that would be frustrating."

"Right?"

I nodded, convinced. But worry crept in.

"Is it hard?"

"Nah. Anyone with basic adventuring know-how passes easy. Even without, a week's study does it."

He paused for breath, his gaze turning serious.

"The real challenge is the practical."