They’d finally arrived at the town square, but even that was overwhelming. A wide wooden stage dominated the space, surrounded on all sides by ornate buildings that practically radiated importance. Josh didn’t know what any of them were, but they all looked like the kind of places that someone like him didn’t belong. Brett pointed toward one in particular, a building so grand and serious-looking that it made Josh’s stomach tighten.
The Adventurers' Guild.
The structure towered above them, three full stories of dark timber, reinforced with thick beams of stone carved with symbols he couldn’t begin to decipher. A high, arched entryway framed the massive double doors, each one carved with fading runes and battle scars from gods-knew-what. Above it all, a worn but proud crest of a crossed sword and staff wreathed in laurel marked the top of the building. The wood was dark and weathered, but well-maintained, and the entire place looked like it had stood through wars.
Josh felt smaller than ever. This was the kind of place he’d seen in RPGs or fantasy shows. He half-expected to hear a gong followed by a narrator's voice to boom out a quest prompt above his head.
As they approached, the doors creaked open from the inside and a group of armed men and women spilled out. Their gear clinked and thudded as they walked past, and Josh heard snatches of conversation about missions, maps, and how long it would take to reach some dangerous-sounding location. One of them was laughing casually, confident. Real adventurers.
Josh and Brett slowed. Something about the place made it feel like you had to earn your way through the front door.
They stood at the threshold, peeking in.
The air shifted around them the moment they crossed into the building’s shadow. Warmth hit Josh first, followed by the unmistakable scents of sweat, spiced ale, burnt wood, and old parchment. There was life here. Noise, motion, energy. A low hum of voices filled the hall, layered with bursts of laughter, the clang of metal mugs on tables, and the creak of old wooden floorboards under heavy boots.
Inside, the main hall was massive, lit by chandeliers that flickered with enchanted flame. Long rows of heavy oak tables stretched across the room, packed with people who looked like they’d lived a dozen lives already. Warriors in dented armour leaned back in their chairs, swapping stories. Robed figures sat quietly over open books or spoke in hushed tones. A few beastfolk lounged near the hearth, tails flicking lazily, their weapons propped against the wall.
Some adventurers discussed mission postings, their fingers tracing parchment as they argued quietly about rewards and danger. Others were alone, hunched over mugs, faces lost in thought or memory.
Josh took it all in with wide eyes.
This is it. This is where everything changes.
It wasn’t fear exactly. It was more like awe mixed with an edge of terror. The kind of nervous thrill he used to get before the big boss fight in a game. Only now he didn’t have a controller in his hand.
Josh took a step inside, his boots creaking softly against the floorboards. The noise and motion swirled around them like a living thing, but Brett gave him a nudge, and together they started to explore the massive space.
To the right, a sprawling notice board stood like a sentinel, its wooden surface plastered with parchment in every shade of age and ink. Quests, dozens of them were pinned in overlapping layers. A few younger adventurers hovered nearby, voices hushed but intense as they debated which jobs were worth the risk and which ones were pure suicide.
Josh’s eyes scanned the titles from a distance: Bandits near the West Road, Giant boars in Silverroot Forest, Missing caravan. The sheer variety was dizzying. Each one felt like a doorway to another life, another story.
At the far end of the hall stretched an ornately carved wooden counter, polished smooth by years of use. Behind it, guild clerks in tailored uniforms worked with brisk efficiency, processing contracts and tallying rewards. Gold clinked into boxes. Scrolls were sealed and stamped.
One clerk in particular stood out, a tall, silver-haired elf with sharp cheekbones and eyes like cut glass. She cast a quick, assessing glance at the newcomers as they stepped further inside. Her gaze lingered for just a second longer on Josh than he liked before she returned to her work, stamping a heavy ledger with smooth, deliberate force. There was a quiet authority in her movements, as if she'd seen a thousand would-be heroes walk through these doors and knew how few ever returned.
To the left, a wide staircase wound its way to the upper levels. Josh couldn’t tell what was up there, private rooms, maybe, or meeting halls but the doors beyond looked closed to outsiders.
Beneath the staircase was a large bar, already doing brisk business. A steady stream of adventurers came and went, exchanging coin for tankards of ale and steaming plates of food. A narrow side door behind the bar swung open again and again, ferrying trays to and from the kitchens. The scent of roasting meat and spices mixed with the ever-present smells of sweat and leather, making Josh’s stomach rumble despite himself.
The tables filling the centre of the guild hall were packed with all kinds of people, groups deep in conversation, others silently sharpening weapons or counting coin. Some wore gear that looked barely used, their cloaks still rich with colour, their expressions wide-eyed and eager. Others looked like they'd been through hell and back, scuffed armour, cracked gauntlets, mismatched swords at their sides. Veterans, maybe.
Josh glanced at Brett. His friend looked calm on the outside, but Josh could tell he was taking everything in just as sharply.
So this is the place where legends are made… Josh swallowed. Or broken.
He squared his shoulders and started walking toward the counter.
As the two stepped further inside, the sheer weight of history and opportunity seemed to settle over them like a cloak. Josh felt it press on his shoulders, not with dread, but with anticipation. There was something about this place, about the air thick with noise and ambition, that made it feel alive.
Brett gave a subtle nod toward the counter at the back of the hall. “Let’s start there,” he murmured, already moving. Josh followed close behind.
They threaded their way through the bustling crowd, careful not to draw attention or bump into anyone. It was easier said than done, Josh's broad frame wasn’t exactly built for weaving between tables and adventurers armed to the teeth. It reminded him uncomfortably of squeezing through the tightly packed pub back on Earth, just the night before they’d been pulled into this world. That had been chaotic in its own right but at least nobody there had been carrying a greataxe.
Here, every turn of the head brought the glint of steel, the hiss of sheathed blades, or the thud of armoured boots. He held his arms a little closer to his sides and made sure to offer a quiet “sorry” when he had to step too close. No need to pick a fight in the first five minutes.
Eventually, they reached the counter or more accurately, the end of a slowly shifting queue. Several adventurers stood ahead of them, waiting to speak with one of the four clerks stationed at evenly spaced sections of the desk. The staff worked with quiet precision, stamping papers, exchanging coin pouches, and issuing new quest scrolls in a blur of motion. They rarely looked up, but when they did, it was always with polite efficiency.
Behind them, the silver-haired elf remained seated at a higher desk, watching over the floor like a hawk. Her presence was subtle but commanding, Josh got the sense that nothing happened in the guild hall without her noticing. He wasn’t sure if she was a senior clerk, the manager, or the head of the guild itself, but either way, she radiated authority without needing to say a word.
Laughter rose up in waves from the surrounding tables. The mood in the hall was surprisingly light. Nothing like the grim seriousness Josh had expected from a place full of mercenaries and monster hunters. He heard fragments of conversation from nearby adventurers - one group arguing over who’d landed the killing blow on a forest troll, another boasting about finding some rare herb worth triple the usual price.
It was noisy, it was chaotic and yet, it all felt weirdly welcoming.
Josh leaned slightly closer to Brett. “This is actually kind of cool,” he murmured.
Brett grinned. “Yeah. It’s like a fantasy job centre and pub rolled into one.” They both chuckled under their breath as the line shuffled forward.
The queue steadily shortened as those ahead of them accepted quests or collected rewards. After several minutes, Josh found himself at the front alongside Brett. A sudden wave of panic surged through him, he had no idea what to say next. Fortunately, Brett was already stepping forward confidently.
“Hi,” Brett began, his voice steady. “We’re new to town, and the guard told us to come here if we wanted to learn how to be adventurers. Can you help us?”
The blonde elf behind the counter smiled warmly, instantly easing Josh’s nerves. “Of course! I’m Mich. I’ll get the paperwork started right away. Can you both read and write? If not, I can handle the forms for you.”
Josh nodded quickly, remembering how he’d learned to read the signs on their way here. “Yeah, we can, though we might not be great at it,” he admitted.
“Fantastic, that’ll speed things up,” Mich said, handing each of them a parchment. “This is a magic contract, it identifies you as a guild member. Once it’s completed, you’ll need to put a drop of blood in the small square at the bottom. That seals the contract and lets us track your stats, abilities, and missions. Other guild halls can access your information if you travel around.”
Mich gestured to a small glowing orb resting on the desk. “After that, this device will read your mana signature, so you won’t have to cut yourself again. The initial blood drop is just to seal the contract and register your mana.”
Josh and Brett exchanged a glance, then nodded. They each took the parchment and pencil, scanning through the detailed contract laid out before them.
Adventurers’ Guild of Eldanar
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
Standard Membership Contract
May your blade strike true, your magic never falter, and your journey be long and storied.
Let it be known that ____________________ is hereby recognized as a provisional member of the Adventurers’ Guild of Eldanar. The Guild exists to uphold order, distribute sanctioned quests, protect the rights of adventurers, and facilitate cooperation between free agents and the realms of Eldanar.
By entering into this binding contract, the signee agrees to honour the laws, customs, and codes of the Guild and its affiliates.
Membership in the Guild grants the following benefits:
- Access to Guild Resources
Including, but not limited to, quest postings, basic lodging at official guildhalls, discounted services from approved vendors, access to public training grounds, and use of guild communication networks. - Guaranteed Compensation
All officially sanctioned missions offer regulated payment, in accordance with Guild-established fair labour standards. - Legal Recognition & Protection
Members in good standing are entitled to Guild arbitration in disputes, protection from unlawful detainment while on mission, and the right to appeal to Guild authorities in legal matters. - Rank Advancement & Prestige
Advancement through the Guild’s ranking system unlocks priority missions, access to restricted resources, invitations to special events, and eligibility for leadership or mentorship roles.
All members are bound to:
- Uphold the Guild’s Code
This includes honest conduct, respect for local laws, timely quest completion, and the defence of innocent life wherever possible. - Safeguard the Guild’s Reputation
Any action that brings disrepute to the Guild, such as theft, murder, betrayal of comrades, or gross negligence shall be met with disciplinary measures. - Remit Guild Dues
A levy of 5% of all earned quest rewards is collected to sustain Guild operations, services, and emergency funds. - Answer the Call
In times of grave peril, be it invasion, plague, or cataclysm members may be summoned to serve the Guild’s interests or protect the lands of Eldanar.
Infractions against Guild law may result in:
- Censure or Fines
Minor violations may be punished with temporary suspension of services, financial penalties, or additional probationary quests. - Suspension or Expulsion
Repeated or egregious misconduct, especially acts of treason, assault on guild staff, or abandonment of critical missions may result in rank demotion or permanent removal from the Guild. - Blacklisting & Bounty Declaration
Any expelled adventurer who continues to operate under Guild authority or impersonates a member may be marked for bounty collection and publicly blacklisted across all known guildhalls.
This contract shall be sealed by blood and bound by mana. Upon signing, the adventurer will be registered in the Guild’s Arcanet, where their status, achievements, and personal mana signature shall be recorded.
This contract is magical in nature. Alteration, forgery, or destruction is strictly forbidden and punishable by expulsion.
By signing below, the individual affirms they have read and accepted the terms of this contract, and swear to serve with honor under the banner of the Adventurers’ Guild of Eldanar.
“Courage in darkness. Loyalty in battle. Gold in victory.”
Adventurer’s Name: _______________________
Class: _______________________
Date of Entry: _______________________
Guild Representative: _______________________
Initial Rank Assigned: _______________________
Blood Seal (Mana-Linked Signature): ?
The pair quickly worked their way through the paperwork, pausing only once to glance up sheepishly and ask for the date, something neither of them had thought to learn on their journey. Mich supplied it with a warm smile, as though she’d answered that same question countless times before. Once the forms were filled out, she handed each of them a small silver pin.
"Just a quick prick to seal the contract," she said cheerfully, gesturing to the square at the bottom of the parchment. "Don’t worry, it only stings for a second."
Josh winced slightly as he pressed the pin to his finger, letting a single drop of blood fall onto the page. The parchment shimmered faintly, a soft golden glow spreading from the blood down into the runes on the contract, sealing the agreement with a subtle pulse of mana. Brett's contract lit up a heartbeat later in the same way.
“Brilliant!” Mich beamed, collecting the now-sealed documents. “With the formalities completed, let me be the first to officially welcome you both to the Adventurers’ Guild!”
“I can see you’re both only level two, so that makes you eligible for the Guild’s training programme. We also offer party pairing services, if you’d like help finding a group to team up with.”
The two exchanged puzzled looks before Brett finally asked, “Wait how do you know our level?”
“Oh!” Mich laughed, tucking a lock of hair behind her pointed ear. “I should’ve said, sorry! I have an advanced Identify skill. It helps me sort quest items, check enchantments, and tell if someone’s eligible for certain contracts. I’m not a mind reader, I promise.”
Josh let out a breath he hadn’t realised he was holding. “Phew. Okay, that makes sense. I was just starting to wonder if we’d accidentally signed up for something a little too magical.”
Mich grinned. “No secret mind magic. Just good old-fashioned paperwork and a sprinkle of admin spells.”
“So… are we officially registered now?” Josh asked, shifting the new guild pin in his hand.
“Registered, sealed, and ready for adventure,” Mich said proudly. “Congratulations, gentlemen, you’re adventurers now.”
“Yep! All done,” Mich confirmed brightly. “So, since you’re both still level two, you’ll be starting off at what we call Stone Rank. As you level up, you’ll rise through the ranks, which comes with a whole host of benefits, better discounts at the guild store, access to higher-tier quests, and invitations to special training or events. But with those perks come greater responsibilities, especially during times of crisis.”
She reached into the drawer again and retrieved two smooth, oval-shaped stone tokens etched with the guild’s insignia. “Here are your Stone Rank badges. You’ll need to show these any time you accept a mission, and when you rank up, just trade them in for your new token.”
The badges were cool to the touch, surprisingly weighty for their size. Each had a small metal pin on the back so it could be fastened to a cloak or breastplate.
“Do you have any questions?” Mich asked, folding her hands neatly on the counter.
Brett jumped in before Josh could even form a sentence. “Yes, actually. You mentioned training. How do we get into that? And… do we have to pay for it?”
Mich smiled at him, clearly pleased by the question. “Good instincts. No, training is free for all Stone Ranks, it’s part of the Guild’s promise to help new adventurers survive long enough to become experienced. We don’t want anyone getting themselves killed by a stray goblin just because they didn’t know how to properly guard their flank.”
Josh swallowed hard at that, not because of the goblin, but because that situation didn’t sound so far-fetched.
“I can introduce you to one of our guild reps who runs the training programme,” Mich continued. “I believe a new class is starting soon. We’ve had a fair few Stone Ranks join this past week, seems like something’s stirring out in the wilds again. He’s called Ronald.”
She leaned slightly over the counter, scanning the far end of the hall.
“If you’ve got time now, I can take you over and introduce you personally.”
Josh’s face lit up at the offer, the excitement bubbling in his chest. The thought of learning to use his abilities properly and hopefully not getting stabbed in the process was more than appealing.
“Yes please, Mich! That would be fantastic.”
“Yeah, what he said,” Brett added with a lopsided grin, clearly just as eager.
Mich beamed at them, clearly pleased by their enthusiasm. She stood up from behind the desk in one fluid motion, brushing a strand of hair behind her pointed ear before glancing toward the back of the hall. “Miss Rochelle,” she called politely to the older elf still watching over the guild floor. “I’m just going to take these new members over to Ronald, back in a minute, if that’s alright?”
The elder elf gave the two boys a long, appraising look, as if measuring their worth in a single glance. After a breath, she nodded silently. Permission granted.
Mich rounded the desk with brisk, energetic steps, beckoning them along. “Come on, he’s over here. Don’t let the scowl fool you, he only bites when provoked.”
Josh glanced at Brett with a raised eyebrow. “Comforting,” he muttered under his breath.
They followed Mich across the bustling hall, weaving between guild members, supply crates, and scattered tables. She led them to a cluster of weathered adventurers seated around a wide wooden table. The group was deep in animated conversation, tankards raised, laughter rolling out like thunder across the floor. A few heads turned as Mich approached, but most returned quickly to their drinks, except one.
Ronald.
He was unmistakable. Older than the rest, with streaks of silver in his thick, curled moustache and a spiderweb of scars peeking out from beneath his worn leathers. Daggers lined his chest in neat rows, too many to count at a glance and a curved longsword rested against the table leg beside him. He was mid-laugh when Mich reached the table.
“Ronald,” she said brightly, “these two are new to the guild. Stone Rank, level two. They’ve volunteered for your training programme. Can you look after them?”
The laughter died abruptly. Ronald turned to Mich, the smile still on his face, until his eyes met Josh’s, then Brett’s. He gave them a long, unhurried once-over. From boots to brow. His grin faded, replaced by a sneer that curled beneath his moustache like a snake baring its fangs.
“New blood, eh?” His voice was rough and low, a voice that had spent years shouting through storms and battlefields. “I guess I can do something with the pair of them.”
He didn’t sound happy about it.
Josh instinctively straightened his back. Brett shifted slightly beside him, hands tucked into his belt, as if trying not to fidget.
Mich didn’t seem fazed. “Don’t scare them off just yet, Ronald. They haven’t even survived your first drill.”
“Yet,” Ronald echoed with a smirk, then stood slowly, cracking his neck with an audible pop. He was tall, taller than Josh had expected and despite the relaxed posture, there was something unmistakably coiled about him. Like a trap ready to spring.
“Alright boys. We’ll see what you’re made of.”
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