A City of Dreams and Disappointments

Jace stretched his arms wide, taking in the sights of the bustling city that lay before him. The sun gleamed over the cobblestone streets, reflecting off the red rooftops of nobleman estates. But as he ventured further from the city center, the lavish houses gave way to something far grander , the chaotic symphony of the marketplace.

“Ah, civilization! Truly a realm of opportunity!” Jace declared dramatically, hands on his hips like a self-proclaimed hero. “No longer am I bound by the chains of that shabby palace. My true adventure begins now!”

The air buzzed with the chatter of merchants and customers. Stalls lined the streets, offering all manner of goods , weapons gleaming under the sunlight, glowing potions promising mystical effects, and towers of fresh fruits displaying nature's brilliance.

But amidst the sensory overload, a singular force struck Jace without mercy. A smell. Not the tang of steel nor the bitter waft of potions. No  this was the divine aroma of freshly baked sweet bread.

“By the gods…” Jace’s stomach growled, betraying him. “Could it be? The scent of ambrosia itself?”

He traced the irresistible fragrance like a hunter closing in on his prey. Soon, he found it a quaint little bakery with golden loaves neatly stacked, their crusts glistening.

“Glorious. Absolutely glorious.”

Jace practically floated to the counter, his eyes locked on the bread like a man possessed.

“How much for one of those loaves?” he asked, maintaining the slightest air of mysterious grandeur, though his grumbling stomach betrayed him.

“That would be ten copper coins,” the baker replied, his burly arms crossed.

Jace paused, momentarily lost in thought. Copper? Silver? Gold? He recalled Lennox’s parting words from the palace.

 “Here. A hundred silver coins to survive. Ten bronze coins make one silver. Ten silver coins make one gold. Spend wisely.”

With a confident flourish, he takes out a silver coin and placed it on the counter. “Keep the change,” he said, trying to sound noble as if silver coins were of no concern to a man of his stature.

The baker blinked, then gave a toothy grin. “You do know this is worth ten loaves, right?”

“…Oh.”

Nevertheless, Jace grabbed the warm loaf, tore into it, and relished the soft, airy texture. “Magnificent!” he declared, bits of bread scattering from his mouth. “This truly is the food of adventurers!”

But as he devoured his prize, something caught his eye , a massive building, its grand archways adorned with banners bearing crossed swords and mystical runes. The sign read:

"Adventurers' Guild of Velmoria."

Jace's eyes sparkled with unrestrained excitement. “This is it. My destiny!”

The Guild of Legends :

Stepping through the heavy oak doors, Jace found himself engulfed in a world of chaos and glory. The hall bustled with adventurers , warriors clad in gleaming armor, mages adorned in flowing robes, and rogue-like figures lurking in the shadows. Laughter and clanking mugs echoed as the smell of alcohol mingled with the smoky aroma of roasted meat.

Every corner of the guild screamed "legend." Swords mounted on the walls bore the scars of countless battles. Job requests cluttered the bulletin board, each paper telling tales of dangerous quests and unimaginable riches.

"Just as I expected!" Jace smirked, eyes gleaming. "A sanctuary for those who walk the path of heroes!"

Of course, to anyone watching, Jace was merely an overly enthusiastic newcomer with crumbs still stuck to his face.

He strode confidently to the reception desk, where a young woman with chestnut hair and a friendly smile greeted him. Her guild uniform bore a neatly pressed emblem of the Velmoria crest.

"Welcome to the Adventurers’ Guild!" she chirped. "How can I assist you today?"

Jace adjusted his posture, attempting to channel the aura of a seasoned adventurer. "I am Jace , a seeker of greatness! I wish to join your guild and embark on perilous quests that shall one day become legends whispered through the ages!"

The receptionist blinked, her polite smile unwavering. “Oh, wonderful! But first, you'll need to pass the necessary qualifications.”

“Qualifications?” Jace tilted his head.

“Yes. To become a registered adventurer, you'll need to meet a few basic requirements. And, of course, fill out this form.” She handed him a parchment, but Jace barely acknowledged it.

“Requirements, shmirements! Nothing shall stand in my path! What must I do?”

"Well," she began, "you need to possess a magical attribute. If your magic level is below ten, you'll require a recommendation from a D-level or higher adventurer to apply. Also, all adventurers must own a weapon. Magicians are exempt, of course."

Jace's confidence faltered. "Wait, wait, wait! A recommendation? A weapon? Isn’t the fire of my spirit enough?"

"Unfortunately not," she said with an apologetic smile. "And, as per guild rules, only B-rank or higher adventurers may undertake solo missions. Lower ranks must form a party for their own safety."

Jace's jaw dropped. "I-I can't even adventure alone?!"

"I'm sorry, sir," she said, bowing slightly. "But rules are rules."

His dreams crumbled faster than the loaf of bread in his hand. A single tear threatened to form, but Jace, ever the theatrical one, clenched his fists and stood tall.

"Very well!" He declared dramatically. "Fate may mock me, but I shall not yield! First, I shall acquire a weapon of unmatched power! Then, I shall seek a noble D-rank adventurer who will recognize my true worth! The path of legend continues!"

Heads turned. A few chuckled. Others murmured about “another lunatic newbie.”

Jace stormed out, his face a mask of exaggerated despair. “Rejoice, citizens! For the hero's journey has merely begun!”

A moment later, he tripped on a loose cobblestone, sprawled flat on his face, and groaned.

"Ow… perhaps the path of legend is paved with minor setbacks."

To Be Continued...

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