Glenn diverted almost immediately into Wolfpine proper, whose wide cobblestone streets stood mostly empty save for those Townsfolk chosen to deliver Rumors. Everyone else was hard at work in their shops or on their trades, Leveling slowly but steadily. This wasn’t unusual, even today.

While Glenn had halfway hoped for a bigger group waiting to greet them at Wolfpine’s Gates, it was almost midday. Townsfolk, just like Town Guards, all had responsibilities they needed to fulfill to comply with the decrees of the Pantheon. Adventures could arrive at any time, and serving the needs of Adventurers was why Townsfolk were called to be Townsfolk.

During the day, all day, Enchanters had to be in their Enchanting shops, and Blacksmiths in their Blacksmith shops—though Karl must have found someone to cover for him today—and Culinarians and Cultivators and others working at the respective trades. No one had the freedom or time, in the middle of a work day, to idle at the town gates waiting for a pair of unclassed common age to return.

When it came down to it, the only people who experienced true freedom in Balarel where those the Gods chose to become Adventurers. Only they could go anywhere they wished, whenever they wished. Only they were charged by the Gods to seek out the Monsters and Demons and Desouled and destroy them ... or die trying.

And the Blazer’s Guild, the oldest and most well-respected group of Adventurers in all Balarel, was sending a representative out to Wolfpine to speak with them. With Glenn Redwood and Becka Coldbreaker. The only reason that happened, usually, was if an invitation was on the table.

Yet Glenn slowed as he remembered his conversation with Becka in the woods. Her earlier prophecy could now come true. What if, by some strange twist of fate or duty, the Gods chose not to make Becka an Adventurer? What if they made her Townsfolk?

Glenn vigorously shook his head and redoubled his pace toward home. Nothing like that could possibly happen, not now. He and Becka had proven themselves to the Gods as they Leveled and, most especially, last night. They had faced a challenge that might have toppled even a full party of Level 6s.

In the face of that, in the face of two brave people who embodied literally every aspect of the Adventurer’s code, how could the Pantheon deny them both their place as Adventurers? To do so would put a lie to everything the Church of Celes preached and taught.

Based on his mother’s advice, Glenn had been cautious never to even attempt any Townsfolk profession. That ensured any aptitude he had for Townsfolk Classes remained hidden. Tania Redwood had never explicitly made the connection for Glenn, but he’d long since made it himself. There was a reason the Gods chose his mother, one of the best Rangers Wolfpine had ever seen, as Townsfolk.

When she was still Leveling to 5, Tania had done quite a bit of Enchanting to boost her experience. She’d created both large and small crystals, and successfully imbued a [Steel Sword] with [-Volt-] while still Level 4. In addition to being an incredible shot with her bow, Tania had manifested an uncommon talent for Enchanting from common age. She’d been considered a prodigy in Wolfpine.

This was the only reason it made even the smallest amount of sense for the Gods to choose Tania Redwood as Townsfolk. His mother would have made an incredible Ranger, but she’d made an even better Enchanter. Or so the Gods had decreed when they chose her as Townsfolk at age 16.

That was the reason Tania ensured her son never touched a Crafting Table while growing up. She wouldn’t let Glenn repeat the same mistake she felt she’d made. His parent’s mutual support of his choice of life was one of many reasons he loved them both so much.

Both his mother and father had sacrificed much to give him the best chance to become an Adventurer. Tania had sacrificed six month’s of savings to hire an Adventurer to escort her all the way out to Lakebrooke, a three day journey into the neighboring zone of Evolan. There, she’d purchased Glenn’s uncommon [Hiking Boots], which were unavailable to most in Wolfpine.

As for Hal, he’d burned a hole in his own savings to front the expensive fee necessary for Glenn to register his intent with the Wolfpine Town Hall. Glenn had committed to choose a melee Class if chosen as an Adventurer. Without signing that expensive contract, Glenn would never have been able to wear his [Ring-Mail Armor] or carry his [Bronze Training Sword]. Such gear was reserved for Adventurers in all cases save those where a common age Unclassed could pay the exorbitant fee.

Without the efforts of his parents, Glenn would have spent the past two years leveling in simple unarmored clothes, like Becka’s [Seamstress Dress]. He’d have fought Grass Sprites and Gloamwolves with a [Commoner’s Bludgeon] or even a [Pitchfork]. He still could have Leveled, certainly, but not as fast and safely as he had with his improved gear. His parents had so much faith in him.

And today, he’d rewarded that faith. He was going to make sure they knew exactly how much he appreciated their help.

Glenn reached his home—which doubled as Tania’s Enchanting Shop—and crept to the window before trying the door. If Tania had an Adventurer inside, he wasn’t supposed to enter until they left. Yet once he peeked in, he saw only his mother, standing behind the counter of her shop with her arms folded atop the counter. His father anxiously paced inside.

Glenn opened the door, strode inside, and waved casually. “I’m home.”

Tania straightened behind the counter. “Welcome home!”

Glenn’s mother wasn’t as short as Becka, was she remained shorter than Glenn or Hal, Glenn’s father. Tania Redwood had short brown hair, bright blue eyes, a kind face, and a curvy build. She wore a green cloth dress cinched up over her corset and small quartz earrings. She was dressed to sell crystals.

Glenn’s father, by comparison, looked like he hadn’t slept at all. He had closely-cut dark, a round face, and a square jaw. Dark bags showed under Hal Redwood’s blue eyes as his tall, muscular, and now slightly pudgy father hopped up from behind the table and rushed over.

“Are you hurt?” Hal demanded. “We just purchased two [Light Healing Potions]. They’re upstairs. How bad are your injuries?”

Hal stopped just sort of hugging Glenn. His father had always been a worrier, and he’d obviously been very worried last night. Glenn opened his arms.

Looking relieved, his father gave him a good, thumping hug in thanks.

“I’m fine, Dad,” Glenn said, as he thumped his father’s back. “I’m Level 5 now.”

Hal stepped back and nodded proudly. “Of course you are. You turned 16 today. Naturally, you just couldn’t wait to pop your Adventurer cherry, even after the night you had.”

Tania sighed heavily. “Hal...”

Glenn’s father grinned and glanced at her. “I’m just speaking the lingo, dear! It’s not like we have to shield his ears any longer. Glenn’s trial age now. That’s straight from the Gods!”

“I really am fine,” Glenn said. “I’m sorry if I worried you.”

“I wasn’t worried,” Tania said, though the cast of her features suggested different. Yet she, just like Hal, looked quite proud. “So today is the day we learn if you’re to be an Adventurer.”

“Not if,” Hal said firmly, with a shake of his head. “When. Glenn just saved Azalea Whitetalon and Rebecka Coldbreaker. He’s already completed a fully approved Quest, and the Blazer’s Guild just sent someone to interview him. How can the Gods ignore all that?”

Tania said nothing, but Glenn saw her lips tighten. His father might not remember, but Tania had been among the most impressive prospective Adventurers in Wolfpine eighteen years ago. Yet the Gods chose her as Townsfolk. Hal, of course, had wanted to choose Scribe since birth, so for him, being chosen as Townsfolk had been a blessing, not a disappointment.

Glenn didn’t blame his mother for being worried. He wasn’t worried—he couldn’t be—but he absolutely understood why she looked less than certain of his fate. He walked to the counter. “Just to let you both know, Karl Coldbreaker asked me to eat over there tonight. If that’s okay.”

Tania’s face widened into a genuine smile. “Did he.”

Glenn fought a blush. “Just so he could get to know me. Better. Since, I mean—”

“You’ve been spending an awful lot of time with his daughter, who will also be trial age in three months.” Tania arched an elegant eyebrow. “And just how were you two last night, alone? In the woods? After saving each other? Were you able to stay warm?”

Glenn ignored her teasing tone. “Nothing happened.”

“How could it? The Gods were watching.”

Hal thumped Glenn’s shoulder and snorted. “Gods, woman, the boy’s already beet red. He’s had a rough night. Let’s not torment him further.”

Tania rested her folded arms on the counter and grinned. “Fine. But you and Becka are going to have dinner over here, too, with us, and very soon. I won’t have Karl upstaging our hospitality, and your father will cook his finest meal.”

“That’s right,” Hal said. “I’ll cook you both a feast.”

Glenn hid his discomfort with a firm grin. Had his mother ever figured out the loophole regarding intent? Would she tell him if she had? He focused on what he still had to do, later today.

“I need clothes,” he informed everyone.

“For the mayor,” Tania agreed. She straightened and looked to Hal. She couldn’t leave the counter until nightfall. An Adventurer could come into the shop at any time.

Hal nodded to Glenn. “I’ve already got your finest laid out upstairs. Now, go get cleaned up and changed before Coleman decides you’ve taken too long and demands a free Enchant.”

Tania sighed. “He is a leech, isn’t he?”

Glenn snickered as he hurried up the stairs. Everyone had liked Mayor Featherhallow, the mayor who’d resigned his position after the Safe Stone broke and Vulpor ate Jack and Azalea Whitetalon. Absolutely no one liked Mayor Coleman, who they’d correctly judged as a Level climber.

Still, a mayor was a mayor. And this would be the first time Glenn had ever spoken to one.

====

>

Patron: Dina, Goddess of the Hunt

Description: A deadly ranged combatant, the Ranger specializes in the bow. Their Skills magically enhance both their accuracy and how fast they can shoot, and finally, allow them to tame a single Monster companion to protect them in battle.

Preferred Weapons: Bows, Knives

Primary Attributes: Strength, Prowess

Secondary Attributes: Wisdom

Primary Role: Bow

Secondary Role: Shield (using their tamed Monster)

>

Patron: Idros, God of Monsters

Description: A wielder of the elements, the Harmcaster wields powerful Skills that offensively and defensively summon fire, ice, wind, or lightning. They can also use Knives.

Preferred Weapons: Knives

Primary Attributes: Wisdom, Divinity

Secondary Attributes: Prowess

Primary Role: Bow

Secondary Role: None

>

Patron: Xiva, Goddess of the Unseen

Description: A wielder of Skills involving misdirection and debilitation, the Guilecaster creates illusions that confuse, disorient, and magically weaken foes. They can even charm weak foes in battle.

Preferred Weapons: Knives

Primary Attributes: Wisdom, Divinity

Secondary Attributes: Prowess

Primary Role: Bow

Secondary Role: Shield

>

Patron: Isdon, God of Commerce

Description: An bastion of support, the Auracaster wields Skills that increase the effectiveness of and even heal themselves and others through inspirational music or dance. They also wield staffs.

Preferred Weapons: Instruments, Staffs

Primary Attributes: Prowess, Wisdom

Secondary Attributes: Vitality

Primary Role: Mender

Secondary Role: Knife

>

Patron: Levos, God of the Hearth

Description: A disciple of Celes, the Lifecaster heals wounds, poisons, and status ailments by channeling the power of the Goddess of Resurrection. They can also wield limited offensive Skills and defend themselves in close combat.

Preferred Weapons: Staffs, Knives, Clubs

Primary Attributes: Divinity, Wisdom

Secondary Attributes: Vitality

Primary Role: Mender

Secondary Role: Bow