Kael felt comfortable listening to the experiences and adventures of the three adventurers he had met. Their stories kept him attentive, his eyes shining, as if every word opened a different window into a world he was only beginning to discover.

  —Miss Lyris —he said suddenly, pointing with curiosity— I wanted to ask you about that bird that is with you.

  Lyris smiled immediately, looking at the bird with affection.

  —Ahhh, this is Coco, my friend. I found him when he was a chick that fell from his nest, near my parents’ farm… since then we have traveled together until here. He helps me a lot to understand the surroundings from the air and warns me about possible dangers.

  Valeryn nodded with approval.

  —Wow, that is excellent. Having a companion like that will help you a lot to keep rising.

  Kael clenched his fists with excitement.

  —I would also love to be an adventurer!

  Elira let out a light laugh.

  —Ha, ha, ha… all children dream of being adventurers, but you must be very prepared. There are very ugly monsters out there!

  —Hey, don’t scare him! —Lyris complained, giving her a light nudge.

  Valeryn looked at Kael with curiosity.

  —And you? What did you come to do here, little one?

  —Ah… yes, I came before my grandfather —Kael replied, scratching his head—. He will arrive soon, but I came first because I really wanted to meet incredible adventurers like you.

  —Oh, what an adorable child —Lyris said, unable to resist.

  She could not hold back and hugged him, sitting him on her lap.

  —And… Miss Valeryn —Kael said after a moment— may I ask you a question?

  —Of course, little one. What is it?

  —How many S-rank adventurers are there?

  The three girls were surprised by the question.

  Valeryn placed a hand on her chin, thinking.

  —Mmm… I could not tell you the exact number, but here in Cautares there must be around eight S-rank adventurers. Some of them even have contracts with magical beasts and are as strong as the guardians of House Sungley…

  Kael looked at her in confusion.

  —The guardians of House Sungley are strong?

  Elira answered immediately, with excitement.

  —Of course! The guardians of House Sungley are at the same level as an S-rank adventurer. I aspire to be like the Blue Steel of Taratios… Lord Ken inspired me a lot to train my water swordsmanship.

  Lyris nodded, encouraged as well.

  —I aspire to be as fast and stealthy as the great Lord of Beasts, Enta. His agility and stealth are incredible…

  With a friendly laugh, Valeryn joined in.

  —I also used to aspire to that. I was inspired, in my time, by the great guardian Holley. Her strength and composure are worthy of admiration.

  Kael looked at the three of them with absolute amazement.

  —Are the guardians really that imposing…?

  —Of course! —they answered at the same time.

  Valeryn continued, her tone full of respect.

  —And not to mention the great heroes of Taratios, from House Sungley. They are true warriors… the Crimson Fist, Caria, and the Dawn Swordsman, Laret. I would love to have their power… and a contract with a magical beast.

  The two novices looked at her with admiration.

  —Having a contract with a magical beast… —Lyris murmured— I understand that it is something extremely difficult.

  —That is correct —Valeryn confirmed—. It is not enough for a beast to choose you. You must pass a series of trials and overcome the final ceremony in a special event that is held in Taratios. I will apply soon.

  The two novices looked at her with even more admiration and wished her the best of luck.

  Kael also encouraged her with enthusiasm, but then lowered his gaze and said in a low voice:

  —I didn’t know the heroes had so much respect…

  —Of course —Lyris replied—. They gave their lives to save our kingdom.

  —They defeated hundreds of demons —Elira added— and also the great generals. They returned victorious… I feel honored to live in the same city as them.

  Valeryn looked again at Kael and gently touched his cheek.

  —And you, little one… what are you coming to do here with your grandfather?

  —I don’t know —Kael replied with a laugh—. My grandfather told me we would come to the guild soon because he had to resolve something, and I came ahead. I wanted to meet great adventurers like you three! I’m very excited!

  The main doors of the guild opened wide, and at the entrance appeared three imposing and widely recognized figures.

  It was Lord Garbard, accompanied by two of the most important guardians of House Sungley.

  The experienced adventurer and the two novices were shocked to see such recognized figures enter the guild. The usual murmur of the place began to fade little by little; the atmosphere changed immediately. All the adventurers knew who they were. They were not only famous for their power, but because they had earned respect with actions, not words.

  A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  The three figures began to look around, as if they were urgently searching for someone.

  —It seems they are looking for someone —Elira murmured.

  Kael, recognizing them, began waving both hands, trying to get their attention with enthusiasm.

  Quickly, the great lord approached the table where the three adventurers were sitting.

  —Good afternoon, ladies —Garbard said in a firm voice—. I apologize for interrupting you.

  The three adventurers stood up almost at the same time and greeted him with obvious nervousness.

  —Oh, it is no problem at all! —Lyris replied—. On the contrary, for us it is an honor to meet such a respected figure like you… and your guardians.

  The two novices looked with absolute admiration at the idols standing behind the lord.

  Garbard looked at Kael with a slight smile.

  —I see you are accompanying my grandson. I hope he has not bothered you in any way.

  After that statement, the three girls understood the situation immediately.

  Their expressions changed completely when they realized they had been taking care of the heir of House Sungley.

  —Ah! —Lyris exclaimed, placing her hands on her chest—. Young lord, we offer our most sincere apologies if we treated you with too much familiarity!

  The two novices remained completely still.

  —Hey, grandfather! —Kael said, turning toward him.

  —What is it? —Garbard asked.

  —When I entered the guild, a drunk old man tried to attack me —Kael explained seriously— and when he approached me, Miss Lyris and Elira defended me, even though they were lower rank than that adventurer! They are amazing!

  —Oh… I see —Garbard murmured.

  —Then Miss Valeryn stopped him —Kael added.

  Ken, one of the guardians, raised an eyebrow with interest.

  —Ohhh, how interesting. And why don’t you tell us who that adventurer was? We could invite him to share a few drinks.

  —Ah… he already left —Kael replied, shrugging.

  Garbard then turned toward Valeryn.

  —Miss Valeryn, I am glad to see you in good health. I appreciate your great contribution to the city.

  The two novices and Kael looked at Valeryn with curiosity when they heard those words.

  —Please do not say that, my lord —she replied humbly—. I am only fulfilling my duty.

  Kael opened his eyes in surprise.

  —What do you mean, grandfather? Do you assign her personal missions?

  Enta intervened calmly.

  —More or less, young master. Lord Garbard finances all A-rank and S-rank rewards, since these come directly from requests to defend the city and its surroundings from the monsters of the Indomitable Forest.

  —Wow! —Kael exclaimed—. So in the Indomitable Forest there are many powerful monsters.

  Lyris, who now had Kael sitting beside her, nodded.

  —In fact, we are forbidden from entering the forest. Only adventurers of B-rank and above can take missions there, because of how dangerous it is.

  While they were talking, a guild receptionist quickly approached Garbard.

  —My great lord, I apologize —she said, bowing with respect—. Could you grant us a little time? The leader is handling important matters. As soon as he finishes, he will receive you.

  —Ah, Jane —Garbard replied kindly—. Thank you very much for informing me. We will wait here.

  Jane, the guild receptionist, was a young woman with an elegant presence and natural calm. Her long black hair, perfectly straight and shining, fell to her waist like a dark veil that contrasted with her fair skin. Her emerald green eyes were striking and expressive, projecting a mix of warmth, authority, and practical intelligence that made it clear that nothing in the guild escaped her attention.

  Ken stretched his arms calmly.

  —Well, since we are going to wait, I will order a beer. Do you want one, young master?

  —I do! —Kael answered without hesitation.

  Enta lightly tapped him on the head.

  —Hey. You are on duty, and you cannot offer alcohol to the young master.

  And so, three adventurers and a child ended up sharing a table with two guardians and a lord.

  Lyris, holding Kael slightly against her chest, gathered courage and spoke to Enta.

  —Lord Enta… I… you are…

  Before she could finish the sentence, the crow descended from one of the ceiling beams and pecked her on the head.

  —Hey, Coco, don’t do that! —Lyris complained, placing a hand on her hair.

  Kael let out a small laugh.

  —Ahhh, Uncle Enta. Miss Lyris joined the guild recently and she is a wind magic user. She wants to be as agile and stealthy as you.

  Lyris, quite flushed, nodded quickly.

  Enta slightly tilted his head.

  —Oh, I see. I feel honored by your words, miss. If you wish to follow my example, as advice I will tell you that you must keep very strict discipline in your training. For a fast and stealthy wind mage, it is not necessary to develop rigid and bulky muscles… and above all, you must sharpen your senses greatly: sight, smell, and hearing.

  —Ohhh! Thank you very much, Lord Enta —Lyris replied with enthusiasm—. I will follow your advice exactly.

  Elira was watching the scene with eyes full of admiration, then she turned toward Ken.

  —Lord Ken, I have heard many stories about your adventures. As a water mage, I would like to know what advice you could give me.

  Ken took a beer from the table, raised it slightly, and looked at it before drinking.

  —Water magic users are divided into three categories: mages, warriors, and something in between. From the shape of your sword, I deduce that you seek to develop both mage and warrior abilities.

  Elira opened her eyes with excitement.

  —That’s right, sir!

  Ken nodded slowly.

  —Mmm… since I specialized only in physical combat, I did not develop too much sophistication in magical use. However, I can tell you something important: water magic is very versatile and powerful, unlike other elements. Water magic, like earth and fire magic, reacts intensely to the emotional state of its bearer.

  He took a sip and continued:

  —On the battlefield, I ignite completely, defending my ideals, and my element responds to that energy. That is what you must keep most in mind. As for specific techniques, maybe mine will not help you too much… but that emotional connection is everything. Cheers!

  Elira looked at him with deep admiration and thanked him for the advice with a slight bow.

  Kael then turned toward his grandfather.

  —Hey, grandfather… are you here about the important missions?

  —That’s right, boy —Garbard replied—. I also brought the carriage, because today we received the materials that were processed in Taratios from the earth Racatros.

  The three adventurers opened their eyes in surprise.

  —Are you referring to the Racatros that was found two years ago? —Valeryn asked, incredulous.

  —That is correct, young Valeryn —Garbard confirmed.

  Lyris, impressed, asked:

  —I have read in books about that type of monster… are they really that strong?

  —Of course! —Valeryn answered firmly—. If a Racatros like the one from two years ago attacked the city, even with the eight S-rank adventurers here, we would defeat it with great difficulty.

  The two novices were completely shocked.

  —And how did you manage to defeat it? —Elira asked, holding her breath.

  Kael intervened naturally.

  —Ahhh, was that the monster that appeared and that mom and dad defeated with punches?

  Enta nodded.

  —That is correct, young master. Your parents defeated that earth Racatros.

  The three adventurers were stunned.

  Valeryn smiled with certain seriousness.

  —Do you see what I was telling you? The power of the heroes greatly surpasses that of an S-rank adventurer.

  While they were talking, Jane approached again with quick steps.

  —My lord, the guild leader is now available.

  Garbard nodded slightly.

  —Miss Lyris, Miss Elira… may I ask you for a favor?

  —Of course! —both replied at the same time—. Please ask whatever you need, great lord.

  —Could you take care of my grandson a little longer while we review some guild matters? Or are you planning to leave soon?

  Lyris shook her head immediately.

  —Do not worry, great lord. You may go calmly. We are very happy to share this moment with the young heir.

  —Besides, we are waiting for other members of our team —Elira added—, so we will remain here for quite some time.

  Garbard smiled, satisfied.

  —I appreciate it very much. Miss Valeryn, would you not like to accompany us? It is likely that we will discuss something that will be of great interest to you and your colleagues…

  Valeryn opened her eyes in surprise.

  —Really? Then thank you very much, my lord. It will be an honor.

  And so, the most imposing figures in the main hall walked toward the meeting room, leaving the young master at the table, accompanied by the two novices and the vibrant atmosphere of the guild, which slowly began to return to its usual murmur.