Velt continued walking through the city, observing the different shops and places spreading out around him.

  —This is so different from the village… —he murmured to himself.

  It didn’t take long for him to notice something else: many people were staring at him, especially women.

  —This is uncomfortable —he thought.

  —No hostile intent detected. Predominant emotion: interest —Cero reported.

  —Let me guess… my appearance? —Velt said, understanding immediately.

  —Affirmative.

  Velt sighed.

  —These clothes don’t even have a hood. Hey, Cero, can I use the money I got from the goblins to buy new clothes?

  He pulled several gold coins from his pouch.

  —Authorized. In fact, I recommend it —Cero replied.

  —Perfect. Let’s find a clothing shop.

  After walking for a while and reading several signs, Velt found what appeared to be a tailor’s shop.

  —It says “Tailor.” I assume they sell clothes too —he thought before entering.

  The interior was quiet. Several garments hung neatly as displays. Velt examined them calmly.

  —Do you need something, boy? —a voice asked from behind the counter.

  An old man was smoking peacefully while watching him.

  —Yes, excuse me. I’m looking for clothes —Velt replied, approaching.

  The man examined him from head to toe before speaking.

  —What kind? Common clothes, hunting gear, or something more suited for royalty?

  —Something normal… but that can also be used for hunting.

  —Let me guess. Adventurer? —the old man asked.

  —Something like that —Velt replied.

  —Alright. Go to the back and then to the right. That’s where the adventurer clothing is.

  —Thank you very much.

  Velt gave a slight bow and headed where the old man indicated. After checking several outfits, one caught his attention: dark and light brown tones, blue details, and most importantly, a hood.

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  —This one… I like it.

  —Excuse me, sir. Where can I try it on? —he asked.

  —Further back. There are fitting rooms.

  Velt went to the back and entered one. When he came out, the clothes fit him perfectly—not loose, not tight. He could move freely, as if they had been made just for him.

  —It’s perfect…

  He approached the counter.

  —That’ll be three gold coins —the old man said without lifting his gaze.

  Velt paid without hesitation.

  —I hope to come back —he said, bowing slightly.

  Outside, he put on the hood and resumed his walk, now searching for the guild.

  After wandering for quite a while and making several turns, he reached a conclusion.

  —I think I’m lost…

  He looked around and approached a man passing nearby.

  —Excuse me…

  The man stopped and frowned when he saw him.

  —I’m not giving you any alms, kid.

  —No, no… I just wanted to ask where the adventurers’ guild is.

  The man ignored him and walked away.

  —How rude… —Velt thought.

  —Are you looking for the adventurers’ guild?

  Velt turned around. In front of him stood a tall boy with reddish hair, smiling.

  —Y-yes. I got lost and need directions —Velt replied, slightly intimidated by his size.

  —First time in the city?

  Velt nodded.

  —Come on, I’ll take you there.

  —I wouldn’t want to bother you…

  —Don’t worry. I’m an adventurer too.

  —Then I appreciate it —Velt said, bowing slightly.

  —By the way, I’m Dash. And you?

  —Velt. Nice to meet you.

  —Velt? Are you from the south?

  —Why do you ask?

  —Names ending in “t” are common in the south. I figured you might be from there. Sorry if I offended you.

  —Don’t worry. I didn’t know that. And yes, I come from the south —Velt replied, taking advantage of the information.

  —Glad I was right —Dash said, smiling.

  —He seems like a good guy… though I’m a bit worried he might be the type who speaks without thinking —Velt thought.

  After walking for a while, they arrived in front of a large building.

  —Here we are. Go ahead —Dash said, opening the guild door.

  —Thanks for the help.

  —My pleasure.

  Inside, there were many people: some carried staffs, others swords, and even bows. Velt observed curiously until he reached the counter, where a young woman was carefully writing.

  —Excuse me —he said calmly.

  She looked up.

  —Welcome. How may I help you?

  —They told me at the checkpoint to give you this.

  Velt handed her the signed paper.

  —A goblin? —she commented—. They steal a lot. You should be more careful. Please wait here, alright?

  The receptionist went into the back. Velt stayed where he was, observing the place, surrounded by groups of adventurers.

  —Are you done already, Velt?

  It was Dash, approaching him.

  —Not yet.

  —What will you do afterward?

  —I need to meet someone.

  —I see. If you’re interested in a hunting mission later, look for me.

  —I’ll keep it in mind.

  Dash smiled and sat at a nearby table.

  Soon after, the receptionist returned with some documents.

  —Could you tell me your name?

  —Velt.

  —Are you from the south?

  After several questions and a photograph, the receptionist handed him a new card.

  —Here you go. Try not to lose it.

  —Thank you very much.

  The card displayed his name, his image, the registered guild, and other basic information.

  Velt sat at a table and examined it carefully.

  —Cero, what exactly is this used for?

  —The guild card functions as an official form of identification. It allows entry into cities, and in case of trouble, the guild can intervene on your behalf —Cero explained.

  —I see…

  Velt didn’t take his eyes off the card.

  —Alright… now, how can I talk to Eivan? Going to the palace would be the simplest option, but I’m sure it’s not that easy.

  —Correct —Cero replied—. No one may enter a feudal lord’s palace without a direct invitation or without having accomplished a noteworthy feat.

  —A feat, huh…? —Velt murmured.

  He lifted his gaze, and his eyes settled on the guild’s quest board.