The morning sun rose slowly over the eastern horizon.
Standing atop the grassy hill, Aiden Valen looked at the massive city in the distance.
Even from several kilometers away, its towering stone walls looked imposing.
Watchtowers stood at regular intervals.
Colorful banners fluttered in the wind.
Merchants, wagons, and travelers formed a long line leading toward the main gate.
“So…”
“This is a city.”
Unlike the quiet village he had left behind, Westhaven was alive.
The closer Aiden walked, the louder the sounds became.
Merchants shouted to advertise their goods.
Horse-drawn wagons rumbled across the stone road.
Children laughed while chasing one another outside the walls.
The scent of fresh bread drifted through the morning air.
It was completely different from the silence of the Forbidden Forest.
For a moment, Aiden simply stood there, taking it all in.
This was the beginning of his new life.
Nearly an hour later, Aiden reached the city gate.
Two armored guards stood watch while several officials inspected wagons entering the city.
The line moved steadily.
When Aiden reached the front, one of the guards raised a hand.
“Name?”
“Aiden Valen.”
“Purpose of your visit?”
“I’m looking for work.”
The guard gave him a quick glance before nodding.
“Planning to become an adventurer?”
Aiden blinked.
“Hopefully.”
The guard smiled faintly.
“Then you’ve come to the right place.”
He pointed toward the city.
“The Adventurer Guild is impossible to miss.” This chapter was taken from g.com without permission.
“Just follow the main road.”
After paying a small entrance fee using a few copper coins Elder Rowan had insisted he take, Aiden stepped through the gates.
His eyes widened.
The streets were far larger than anything he had imagined.
Stone buildings stretched in every direction.
Shops displayed colorful signs.
Blacksmiths hammered glowing steel.
Tailors worked outside their stores.
Restaurants filled the streets with delicious aromas.
Adventurers wearing armor walked confidently through the crowds.
Some carried massive swords.
Others wore elegant robes.
Some even had strange races walking beside them.
Beastkin.
Elves.
Dwarves.
For the first time…
Aiden realized how vast this world truly was.
He quietly followed the main road, careful not to bump into anyone.
After wandering for nearly half an hour, he finally saw it.
A massive stone building stood at the center of the district.
Above its entrance hung a large wooden sign.
A crossed sword and shield.
Countless adventurers entered and exited through its doors.
Some laughed loudly after completing quests.
Others rushed toward the request board.
Aiden stared silently.
The Adventurer Guild.
The place Elder Rowan had told him about.
Everything until now…
The summoning.
The betrayal.
The Forbidden Forest.
The peaceful village.
Had all led him here.
He slowly walked toward the entrance.
Then stopped.
He took a deep breath.
“This…”
“…is where my real journey begins.”
With that, Aiden pushed open the heavy wooden doors.
The sounds of conversation instantly filled the hall.
Rows of tables occupied the center.
Quest boards covered one wall.
Reception counters stood near the entrance.
Dozens of adventurers turned briefly to look at the newcomer before returning to their own conversations.
No one recognized him.
No one knew he was a summoned hero.
To everyone inside…
He was simply another young man hoping to become an adventurer.
Aiden smiled faintly.
That was exactly how he wanted it.
He walked toward the reception desk.
A young receptionist looked up with a friendly smile.
“Welcome to the Westhaven Adventurer Guild.”
“How may I help you today?”
Aiden stopped before the counter.
“I’d like…”
“…to register as an adventurer.”
The receptionist smiled warmly and reached beneath the counter.
“Of course.”
“Please fill out this registration form.”
As Aiden accepted the parchment…