The Black Luminaries

Jace and Nick walked side by side, the bustling city streets of Valmoria alive with the chatter of merchants and travelers. The morning sun bathed the stone roads in a golden hue, while the rhythmic clatter of horse-drawn carts mingled with the laughter of children.

"So, Nick," Jace began, breaking the silence, "you were really in an A-rank party before? That's insane!"

Nick chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "Yeah, it was something. They were strong, unstoppable even. Honestly, I just patched them up when needed. But, well... they didn’t need me much."

"Idiots," Jace scoffed. "Who wouldn’t want a healer? You're like a walking insurance policy."

"More like a walking potion," Nick quipped. "But hey, those days are gone. Now I’m forming a party with a guy who has a steel attribute. That’s a rare find. Feels like fate, doesn't it?"

Jace smirked. "Fate or not, we’ll make them regret leaving you behind."

Nick nodded, his eyes gleaming with renewed determination. "Exactly. And who knows? Maybe you’ll surprise everyone with that steel magic of yours."

They passed through the market district, the air rich with the scent of roasted meat and freshly baked bread. Shopkeepers called out their wares, while adventurers clinked tankards in the nearby tavern. Before long, the grand wooden structure of the Adventurers Guild loomed ahead. The tall, arched doors bore the symbol of crossed swords behind a golden shield , a testament to the guild’s valor.

"Back here again," Jace muttered, his excitement barely contained.

The moment they entered, the lively atmosphere hit them. Adventurers of all kinds lounged at tables, sharing tales of their latest conquests. Others haggled over rewards with guild clerks, their pockets jingling with gold.

"Nick! Back so soon?" The receptionist, a lively young woman with chestnut hair, greeted him with a grin. "Let me guess, healed a noble's stubbed toe again?"

Nick laughed. "Not this time, Claire. I’m actually here for something important."

"Oh?" Claire arched a brow, eyeing Jace with curiosity. "That's the boy , who came before."

"This is Jace. He’s about to become an adventurer," Nick announced proudly.

Claire blinked in surprise. "Well, well. With a recommendation from you, no less. That’s rare ."

Let’s see." She handed Nick a form, which he swiftly filled out. "C-rank or not, Nick’s signature carries weight. With his recommendation, Jace is officially registered as an E-rank adventurer."

Jace clenched his fists with satisfaction. "Adventurer, huh? Not bad for a guy who didn’t even know what rare magic was yesterday." 

"Now you can officially form a party, have you thought of any name " Claire asked.

Nick " yeah i thought about it, but I don't think I'm up for it , what about you jace?"

"Hmm, let me think. Something mysterious dark.. shadow... But sometimes bright like light.. . yeah! how about The Black Luminaries."

"Sounds good to me." Nice said with excitement.

"Okay Then, now your party is officially called The Black Luminaries, and it ranked D , But there’s one more thing," the Claire added. "Since you're just starting out, guild regulations state that E and D-rank adventurers must form temporary parties for their first mission. It's for safety."

"Great," Jace sighed, his enthusiasm faltering. "So, who are we stuck with?"

"You're in luck!" Claire smiled. "There’s a D-rank party waiting for an extra pair of hands on a goblin extermination quest. They’re experienced and reliable. I'll introduce you."

Jace and Nick followed her through the guild hall, weaving past raucous groups of adventurers. At a corner table sat three figures, each distinct in their presence.

The first was a towering man with bulging muscles and a bushy beard, his massive axe resting beside him. Ronan Ironfist. His booming laughter shook the table as he recounted a story to his companions.

Next to him was a rogue-like figure with a lean frame and mischievous eyes. His dark hair fell just past his shoulders, and a pair of polished daggers gleamed at his sides. Felix Nightshade. The sly grin on his face hinted at trouble.

Completing the trio was a poised and graceful woman with silver hair tied back into a simple braid. A longbow rested against the table, and a quiver of arrows hung at her side. Her keen eyes, sharp and observant, rarely missed a detail. Selena Windrider.

"Oi, Nick!" Ronan’s voice boomed as they approached. "Finally got yourself a disciple, huh?"

"Something like that," Nick replied with a chuckle. "Jace, meet Ronan, Felix, and Selena. They’ll be our party for this quest."

Felix leaned forward, smirking. "You sure this kid can handle goblins? Looks like he’d have trouble with a house cat."

"Relax, Felix," Selena said calmly, her voice was like a breeze. "Everyone has to start somewhere."

Jace straightened his back, doing his best to look unfazed. "You’ll see. I might surprise you."

"That’s the spirit!" Ronan grinned, clapping Jace on the back with enough force to rattle his bones. "Let’s see if you can keep up, rookie."

With their party set, the adventure was about to begin.

To be continued...

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