The waiting room remained silent. The only sound was the soft, rhythmic breathing of those present. There was an atmosphere of calm that contrasted with a subtle tension lingering in the air, as if the remnants of a storm had only just passed.
Aziz sat in the center, eyes closed. His posture was relaxed, almost ditative, but there was not a hint of carelessness in his deanor. Beside him, Astrid gently rested her head on her son’s shoulder, as though trying to savor each remaining second she still had by his side. Her eyelids were half‑closed, and a faint smile lingered on her lips—discreet, yet sincere.
Around the room, the other won were scattered, each lost in her own thoughts. So exchanged quiet glances with one another; others simply watched Aziz with a blend of pride and unease. It was clear that sothing had changed—or was about to.
Selene, seated slightly apart from the group, observed everything in silence, but she could no longer suppress the curiosity growing within her. Her gaze drifted over Aziz’s serene face, and finally she broke the silence with a question, her voice calm yet probing:
"So, Aziz... do you intend to accept a mission as soon as the guild master returns?"
The question echoed through the room, drawing everyone’s attention. Astrid slowly opened her eyes, and Aziz did as well, tilting his head toward the human woman with long blonde hair. He remained silent for a mont as if weighing his answer, then replied naturally:
"Yes. I want to set out on a mission as soon as everything is in order."
Selene nodded slowly, showing she understood his decision. Still, her expression hinted at sothing more—perhaps a touch of concern, or simply a desire to help in so way.
"I see... If you’d like, I can show you a few missions that would be decent for a beginning," she offered, attempting a casual tone, though a genuine care resonated in her voice.
Aziz lifted one hand to his chin, thoughtful. His fingers traced his skin as he considered her suggestion. Then he shrugged naturally and nodded:
"That’s fine with . Of course—if it’s not any trouble."
"Not at all," Selene replied, with a reserved smile but clearly pleased at the opportunity to assist him. Her eyes glead faintly.
The other won, having overheard the brief exchange, could not hide a subtle shadow of sadness. Simply confirming that Aziz would soon depart on a mission stirred their hearts. It wasn’t only concern for the dangers he might face—it was also the inevitable feeling of distance that his journey would bring.
As for Selene, she either didn’t notice the emotional tension settling around them, or chose to overlook it. Her curiosity soon drove her to ask sothing more direct, her eyes shining:
"And what is the real reason you want to beco an adventurer? Because honestly, it doesn’t seem to be for money..."
The question was honest, perhaps a little bold, but not malicious. She simply wanted to understand better who Aziz was—a boy who seed to carry so much power and calm at the sa ti.
Aziz looked at her for a few seconds, then answered in a steady and tranquil voice:
"Well... I want to travel the world. Discover the mysteries that remain unrevealed. And, most importantly, beco stronger. Strong enough to protect my family."
There was a pause. His words resonated in the minds of everyone present.
Selene appeared surprised. She scanned the won beside him—each possessing an intense, powerful presence. It was hard to imagine soone so young wanting to protect those who already seed capable of destroying armies on their own.
The confusion in her eyes was clear, but Aziz offered only a calm, confident smile. It was as if he silently said that no matter how strong those won were, he still wanted to rise to their level. He wanted to be soone they could trust in monts of danger.
Astrid remained silent, but her heart ward at her son’s words. And it wasn’t only hers—everyone present felt sothing shift internally. The sadness of his impending departure was softened by a wave of pride and tenderness. He wasn’t leaving to escape or to seek personal glory. He was leaving for them.
The atmosphere, which had fluctuated between quietness and anxiety, was now filled with comforting warmth. It was a contradictory feeling, yes—but deeply human. How could they not feel sorrow at seeing him leave? And at the sa ti, how could they not feel happy and proud to see his determination?
Minutes passed. The conversation between Aziz and Selene continued, now touching on various topics. Selene’s curiosity was evident with each new question she asked, as if she was trying to piece together a puzzle more complex than she had imagined.
The other won occasionally joined, offering light remarks, humorous anecdotes, and intelligent observations. For a few monts, the waiting room beca a space of exchange and ease, even though everyone knew that Aziz’s journey would begin soon.
Then, at last, the door opened from outside. The sound was subtle, yet enough to draw everyone’s attention.
They knew exactly who was entering.
Edward appeared with steady steps and an imposing posture. His gaze quickly swept the room before resting on Aziz, who gently disengaged Astrid’s arm from his and rose.
Edward stepped toward him and extended his hand, holding a small tallic object.
"Here. This is your card. You are now officially an adventurer," he said, handing it over with a light smile.
Aziz took the card calmly, examining it attentively. It was made of durable matte gray tal, with a simple and functional design. His na was engraved on its surface along with the guild insignia—a red shield with two crossed swords behind it. Nothing extravagant, but dignified.
Holding the card between his fingers, Aziz felt the symbolic weight of the mont. It was not rely a piece of tal. It marked the beginning of a new Chapter in his life.
A discreet smile curved his lips. Excitent bubbled up in his chest, ready to overflow. He lifted his eyes and spoke firmly, as much to himself as to anyone else:
"Let’s go. Now that everything is ready, it’s ti for to choose a mission."
His voice held no hesitation. Only determination.
And so, with calm yet purposeful steps, he embarked on the next Chapter of his journey.
The won—though reluctant to leave that mont of quiet at Aziz’s side—rose one by one. In so of their eyes lay a silent plea for ti to slow down. Yet none protested. They accepted, with quiet resignation, that his next step had already been charted.
Astrid moved first, naturally positioning herself beside her son. She linked her arm with his again, delicate yet resolute, as one who wishes to feel his presence tangibly, if only for a few more minutes. Her touch was not controlling, but born of intense love.
Isis, observing that silent mont, approached as well. Her steps were certain, her gaze unwavering. She clasped his other arm with a more possessive grip—as though refusing to be left behind or set aside in that symbolic walk. There was no hostility in the gesture, only the intensity of a woman whose heart had already been deeply touched.
Zia and Sofia positioned themselves just behind, exchanging knowing glances and soft smiles, while Sylvia and Stella, elegant and composed as usual, brought up the rear. The fox‑lady walked with silent yet potent presence. Her six crimson tails waved lightly, and her cunning eyes took in every detail with alertness.
The small group moved toward the elevator, leaving the hush of the waiting room and re-entering the bustling world of the guild. Outside, activity continued: adventurers of all ages, races, and power levels filled the corridors, each involved in their own matters.
Before they entered the elevator, Edward slowed his pace and stopped a few ters ahead. Then he turned slightly and looked back at Aziz. The young man t his gaze in silence as Edward made a gentle gesture with his hand, indicating he would go no further.
"Go ahead. Take the elevator down to the reception floor," he said calmly. His firm gaze softened into a light smile. "Good luck, boy. May this be the first of many victories."
Aziz nodded quietly, his expression calm, yet focused.
Just before Edward walked away completely, he did sothing unexpected. He turned toward Lady Stella and, in a ceremonial and respectful gesture, bowed slightly before her. It was not rely formal—it was a sign of profound respect for her position and authority.
Stella acknowledged with a subtle nod, her gaze steady and regal. She did not smile, but in her eyes shimred a quiet recognition of the deference offered.
Inside the elevator, they descended to the guild’s main hall—now more crowded than ever. A chorus of voices, hurried footsteps, and soft clinks of armor filled the air, creating a vibrant, dynamic atmosphere.
When the elevator doors opened, Selene confidently stepped forward. Her stride was assured, her expression determined. She headed directly to the large mission board—a dark stone fra with a tallic mold and hundreds of parchnt slips arranged in orderly rows. Adventurers gathered around it, studying options and discussing the rewards and dangers each offered.
At the mont they noticed Selene approaching—and especially when Lady Stella followed—the scene changed decisively.
As if a silent wave of respect and submission swept through the room, all adventurers moved away imdiately, clearing space around the board. Murmurs floated through the hall, and anxious glances were exchanged. The governor’s presence was not a daily occurrence—few dared to remain near such authority.
Selene, seemingly unaffected by the unease she caused, placed one hand on her hip and began calmly reviewing the missions. Her eyes scanned the parchnts, searching for sothing suitable for Aziz’s first challenge.
Aziz arrived monts later, with Astrid still holding his left arm and Isis firm on his right. His gaze moved over the board with curiosity mixed with analytical composure. There was no rush—he wanted a task worthy of progression.
Missions were categorized by difficulty, from letter F (the simplest, for beginners) to letter S (reserved for the most powerful, experienced adventurers).
Then his eyes settled on one mission in particular.
It described a pack of magical wolves, classified as grade 2, causing disturbances in a forest a few kiloters from the city. However, a bold note at the end warned that their alpha *might* be a grade‑3 magical beast—power akin to a Master.
Initially rated D, the mission would escalate to grade C if the alpha’s presence were confird.
Aziz read it slowly. A faint smile curved his lips.
"Interesting..." he murmured to himself, stepping forward.
Selene, noticing his focus, quickly retrieved the scroll and read its contents with experienced eyes. Her brow creased slightly in concern.
.
"This mission... may be too much for a first undertaking," she said thoughtfully. "Even after everything I saw you accomplish today... this could be more dangerous than it appears."
Her voice carried genuine worry. Though she trusted his talent, she knew how deceptive these ratings could be in reality. A misjudgnt might cost dearly.
Before she could continue, Aziz interrupted gently, voice firm yet composed:
"It’s fine. I can handle this."
Selene fell silent for several monts, observing him with intensity. Her eyes searched for signs of arrogance, impulsive youth, rashness.
But what she saw was sothing else:
Confidence.
Pure confidence, built not rely on power, but on conviction. A rare look for soone so young. She exhaled and finally nodded. She extended the scroll toward him.
Yet just as Aziz was about to take it, Astrid seamlessly uncoupled her arm from his and, with graceful certainty, retrieved the parchnt herself. With both hands, she began to read it, her blue‑celestial eyes glinting with determination.
Not a single line escaped her notice. She remained silent, but the aura around her grew subtly more intense—as if she were evaluating not only the mission itself, but all possibilities that might erge from facing that challenge.
The other won watched silently, honoring that mont. After all, who better than a mother to grasp the danger concealed between the lines?
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