I reached the village just as the sun was about to set. The Spring Festival transformed as the sun began to dip below the horizon, its golden light casting a warm glow over the village of Carpa.

  The once lively chatter of the day softened into a more intimate sound as villagers and adventurers alike paused to admire the beauty of the evening. The sky above faded from vibrant orange to a color of deep pink and purple, and the first stars had already started appearing on the horizon.

  Lanterns of all shapes and sizes were lit along the cobblestone streets, their soft, warm light spilling onto the path. Some were simple paper orbs, while others were intricate designs shaped like flowers, animals, and mythical creatures. Strings of smaller lamps hung between the wooden rooftops, swaying gently in the breeze and casting shadows on the walls below.

  In the heart of the village square, the bustling marketplace looked even more incredible under the lamplight. Stalls glowed with the vibrant colors of their wares, jewelry sparkling, potions glimmering in shades of emerald and sapphire, and fresh produce shining with a healthy sheen. The scent of roasted meats, spiced cider, and honeycakes filled the air.

  Musicians gathered near a small wooden stage, playing their melodies. The sound of a lute and the beat of a drum set the tone for the evening's festivities, as a few villagers began to sway to the music.

  Players and NPCs alike enjoyed the evening together, fading the line between them as they joined hands for dances or shared stories over mugs of ale.

  As I arrived at the stables I saw some familiar faces. Brennar and Lyla – participants of the horse race from before – were standing just outside the stable gates, next to their steeds, Chestnut and Honeyhoof. They were looking around, admiring the lanterns and lampions and taking in the atmosphere of Carpa's festival, while casually chatting and laughing.

  I smiled. I have been living on my own for the last couple years, avoiding most human interaction, but here in Godsrealm I finally felt just how much I missed these small details of life. People – players and NPCs alike- were simply having fun for the sake of having fun. None of them wanted to use the others for their personal benefit.

  They didn't have to be kind to each other as a form of courtesy, or in hopes of gaining something.

  They were simply that: kind.

  Like Sheila, who offered me a cake just because that's how she was, or Stone who saved me from the deathly arrow. Sure, he might have needed me to kill the goblin, but just from the couple interactions I had with him I was certain that he would have done so even if he got nothing in return.

  I was sulking for so long I had completely forgotten how all this felt like.

  I have to remember who I was before everything went downhill, I thought. And I have to thank Ace and admit that he was, once again, right, I smiled reluctantly.

  As I went around the stables, I noticed three men and a woman just next to some haybales behind the building. One of them was in fact the leather hat wearing archer, the man who wanted to talk to me, Castiel. I hurriedly approached them.

  "Ah, speak of the devil!" Castiel said. "Come, Orion, join us!"

  I froze in my steps. None of them saw me and I was certain I was doing my best to remain unnoticed for the time being, however Castiel had easily spotted me, even without directly looking at me.

  He's on a completely other level, I thought.

  I was certain that if he were recognized as an enemy by the system, I would feel a similar, no, perhaps even a higher level of pressure than what I felt in the cave at the goblin camp.

  After a brief pause I joined the group. Other than the archer, there were three people in the retinue.

  The first was a man with a square jaw and dark, neatly trimmed beard. His chainmail armor gleamed faintly under the lantern light, though it was partially concealed by a weathered tabard bearing the insignia of a silver trout; a symbol I didn't recognize. His steady gaze and relaxed grip on the hilt of his longsword spoke of experience and restraint.

  Next to him stood another soldier, a figure with sharp features and close-cropped auburn hair. His armor was lighter, designed for mobility, and a sleek longspear rested against his shoulder. There was an intensity in his sharp, green eyes, as though he was always calculating, always ready to strike.

  Slightly behind them was a young woman who couldn't have been more than twenty. Her light armor had the shine of newness, and a longsword hung at her side, maybe a bit too long for her build. Her dark hair was tied into a loose braid, and her bright expression was a contrast to her companions' seriousness. She stood slightly behind the others, clearly observing but eager to speak.

  Finally, there was Castiel himself. Only now, his demeanor seemed different, more composed, as he was undoubtedly the leader of the group. The long leather coat and wide-brimmed leather hat he wore added to his air of mystery, but it was the confidence in his eyes that caught me off guard.

  "Orion," Castiel poke again, tipping his hat slightly. "You've had a busy day. Your skill speaks for itself."

  "You've been watching me?" I asked, narrowing my eyes.

  "Since the very beginning," he admitted. "And I must say, you've made quite the impression. That is why I wanted to speak to you. Let me introduce my collegues first." He stepped back half a step.

  "This is Ser Erdin and Ser Syrak, both members of the Count's Guard," he pointed at the two men standing next to him, and in response both of the knights nodded. "And she's Cathe, my squire."

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  The girl smiled and waved with her chainmail gauntlets. If I had to estimate, I would have said that the two knights were over level 40, maybe even higher. There was no way I posed a real threat to them right now. The girl had a weaker aura, possibly around level 25 to 30, but still, if we go by the law of MMO numbers, she could have probably finished me with one strike of her sword.

  Castiel removed his hat, revealing neatly combed dark hair. His demeanor shifted slightly, his calm smile tinged with the weight of authority.

  "My real name is Ser Calian Greywood, knight-captain of Count Vizgrad's personal guard. I came to Carpa under the guise of 'Castiel' to observe and evaluate the new adventurers arriving in this village."

  Castiel –no, Ser Calian- was even more impressive than the others. He could have been level 50 or even higher. The reason I had beaten him in the archery competition was obvious; the targets didn't have health and they didn't strike back.

  I was fairly certain that my actual skill with the bow was at the very least on par with the best archers in this world, but I was still severely lacking in equipment, level and stats. If the competition was about dealing the most damage, or just a shootout in general, I would have stood no chance.

  "Evaluate us?" I echoed, my hand instinctively brushing the quiver on my back.

  Calian nodded. "The Count, as you may know, governs the county of Tidemark."

  He pointed at the silver trout on Ser Erdin's breastplate.

  "Carpa is one of four villages in his jurisdiction where new adventurers are welcomed. With so many eager warriors arriving today, the Count has tasked his retinue with scouting for talent. Those with potential to rise above the rest."

  Erdin spoke up, his deep voice calm but firm. "Groups like ours have been dispatched to all four welcoming grounds to observe the new arrivals and identify promising individuals."

  "We're looking for more than just skilled adventurers," Syrak added, his sharp eyes fixed on me. "We're looking for those who can handle responsibility, discipline, and danger."

  Calian stepped forward, his tone shifting to something more formal.

  "Starting next week, the Count will embark on an expedition. A tour of Tidemark, visiting each of the villages to assess their development and security. Silver-ranked adventurers, those who meet the adventurers association's standards, will be able to join this expedition as part of a public quest. But…"

  He paused, letting the weight of his next words settle. "You, Orion, are being offered an opportunity to meet the Count before the expedition begins."

  I raised an eyebrow. "Why me?"

  "Because you've shown talent," Calian said. "And because we believe you'd bring value not just as an adventurer but as a a much more... important asset to the Count."

  Cathe finally spoke, her voice carrying an edge of excitement. "It's a rare honor. Only one from each village will be invited to join the Count."

  "And if I refuse?" I asked cautiously.

  "You're free to wait until you reach silver rank and join through the Adventurer's Association," Calian said evenly. "At that point you will be given a set amount of tasks each day throughout the week, and you will be free from duty once you complete these rewards. However as for the chosen adventurers, they will not be attending the tour of Count Vizgrad. They will have a special task assigned to them, and you will not be able to partake in that," he smiled.

  "This your chance to bypass the crowd and step into a position of trust immediately. During the time you will be serving Count Vizgrad, you might make your presence known to not just Tidemark county but to the whole region of Silverwing as well."

  I crossed my arms, studying the four of them. "What exactly would I be doing if I joined now?"

  "That is not for us to disclose," Erdin explained. "The Count will explain once you meet him."

  "The pay is generous," Syrak added with a faint laugh. "And the connections you'll make could be invaluable."

  Calian's eyes softened slightly.

  "It's an opportunity, Orion. One that could set you apart. But it's your choice. If you'd prefer to stay in Carpa and grow stronger at your own pace, or join as an ordinary mercenary after reaching silver rank, no one will fault you for it."

  I hesitated, the weight of the offer settling on my shoulders. Joining the Count's retinue early could open doors, but it felt like a heavy commitment. Still, this was definitely a one of oportunity, one that I would regret missing in the future for sure.

  "I accept your proposal," I said after a brief pause.

  Calian tipped his hat with a faint smile. "I was sure you would say that," he bowed, he reached into his bag, pulling out a scroll of sorts.

  "Here is your contract. Your hands only," he said with a smile. "Read it once you have the time, and bring it to me next Monday, when dawn comes once you've signed it."

  He handed me the paper.

  "You will meet everyone who has accepted the Count's offer then as well."

  "You will not regret this, adventurer!" Cathe said, a little too excited.

  "I'm sure I won't," I smiled.

  "Thank you for your time, Orion. I'm sure the next time we meet you will not just be much stronger, but much more experienced about our world as well. We have to get back to Tidemark. I will wait for you there, in the Knight's Tower," he said, and with that, the system has notified me about accepting a new quest.

  I checked the date in the menu. 10th of March.

  I had a week to prepare.

  As they turned and disappeared into the night, the lanterns casting long shadows behind them, I couldn't help but feel the first flickers of something greater stirring in my path.