The afternoon sun was beginning its descent, casting long, amber shadows across the cobblestone streets of the Border Outpost, when Arthur pushed open the doors to the Adventurers' Guild hall.
The main room was even livelier than it had been in the morning. Adventurers gathered around low wooden tables, drinking ale and loudly boasting about their day's exploits. Arthur walked calmly through the crowd toward the long wooden counter, pulling a heavy leather pouch from his belt.
Elena looked up from a stack of parchment, her eyes lighting up in mild surprise as she recognized him.
"Back already?" she asked, setting down her quill. "Did you run into trouble at the ridge?"
"No trouble," Arthur replied evenly. He loosened the drawstring of the pouch and tipped its contents onto a small iron tray on the counter. Ten bloody, jagged lower jaws clattered softly against the metal. "The contract is complete."
Elena stared at the pile of razor-fang jaws, then up at Arthur, whose clothes were completely clean—not a single tear, stain, or sign of exhaustion.
"You cleared an entire E-Rank razor-fang pack by yourself... in less than three hours?" she asked, her voice hushed with genuine disbelief.
Elena quickly recovered her professional composure and pulled out a small wooden ledger to record the completed contract. "Ten lower jaws confirmed. The standard E-Rank bounty for this contract is twenty silver coins, plus a bonus five silver for clearing the pack alpha."
She reached beneath the counter and placed a small, heavy coin purse onto the wood. The coins inside clinked with a satisfying metallic ring.
"Twenty-five silver coins," Elena said, smiling warmly. "An exceptional performance for your first official hunt, Arthur."
Arthur took the pouch, feeling its solid weight in his palm. Twenty-five silver coins... Robin said a family could live comfortably on five silver a month. This is more than enough to buy proper supplies and save for the future.
As Arthur turned away from the counter, a stocky man in heavy iron armor stepped out from a nearby table, blocking his path. He had a thick beard, a broad broadsword slung across his back, and an emblem on his chest indicating D-Rank status.
"Hold on a second, kid," the man said, crossing his arms. "I overheard the clerk. You cleared a razor-fang den solo on your first day?"
"I did," Arthur said, keeping his posture relaxed but alert.
"Name's Garin," the warrior said, offering a nodding gesture. "I run a merchant escort crew operating out of the eastern gate. We're heading out in two days toward the larger trade hubs. We could use a vanguard with high physical stats and offensive magic like yours. Pay is two gold coins for the week." This chapter was taken from novelping dot com without permission.
Arthur considered the offer for a moment before shaking his head politely. "I appreciate the offer, Garin, but I have responsibilities back at my residence. I'm not looking to leave the borderlands just yet."
Garin raised an eyebrow, surprised by the refusal, but shrugged amicably. "Suit yourself, kid. But if you change your mind or need a steady contract, look for my crew at the eastern stables."
"I'll keep that in mind," Arthur said, stepping past him toward the exit.
Before leaving the town, Arthur visited the market district. He used a portion of his silver to purchase high-quality grain, smoked meats, fresh vegetables, and fine tea. Remembering Martha's warm hospitality and Robin's eagerness to learn, he also bought a set of sturdy iron carving knives for the kitchen and a small, silver-trimmed hair comb crafted from smooth dark resin.
By the time he left the stone gates of the town, the sky had turned a deep purple hue.
Walking along the forest trail under the soft glow of the moon, Arthur felt a profound sense of satisfaction. His physical stats made the night hike completely effortless, and the weight of the coin pouch at his belt was a tangible reminder that his journey in Vaeloria was officially underway.
First contract done and supplies secured, Arthur thought, watching the familiar silhouette of the cabin appear through the trees ahead. Time to go home.