“Welcome to the Gretel Adventurer Guild. I see it's your first time here. How can I be of service?”

“I'd like to turn in a quest. Here are the papers and my adventurer card.”

“Ah, please give me a moment.”

“Of course.”

A woman adorned with large oval glasses and dressed in the standard adventurer guild receptionist uniform greeted Roland with a smile. His somewhat monotonous journey had concluded, and he was now at liberty to continue on his own. The train ride had been uneventful, devoid of monster attacks or any attempts to capture the merchant. In a sense, he felt he had been overpaid for doing very little, as the two main guards had shouldered most of the responsibilities while he merely accompanied them.

The merchant he had accompanied had his base of operations in this location. He was part of the new movement attempting to earn money within Albrook and had visited it to inspect it firsthand. The man exhibited a peculiar trait, as he didn't trust anyone to make the right call, often visiting such places on his own before making a decision. Roland benefitted from this behavior, securing a ride back to the central region of the Kingdom, a location much closer to his old home than before.

Though it was irksome to be looked down upon by his personal guards, Roland managed to maintain his composure. Upon arriving at the location, he received the stamp of approval that marked the completion of his mission. The lady with glasses, upon inspecting the papers, displayed a heightened level of concern, evident in her demeanor. It was hard to overlook the presence of the high-profile merchant, one of the wealthiest individuals in the city with connections to numerous noble houses. Nevertheless, she swiftly composed herself, maintaining her professional demeanor.

“Thank you for completing this mission, Mr. Wayland. It seems you've handled it quite efficiently. Is there anything else you'd like to do at the guild today?”

“Yes, could I purchase a map of the region?”

“A map? Of course.”

“Just deduct the price from the commission.”

The receptionist nodded, processing the paperwork swiftly before retrieving a detailed map of the region from a nearby shelf. Roland's eyes scanned the parchment, taking note of the various landmarks, cities, and dungeons marked on it. He was particularly interested in the area that he would be visiting as he needed to make another stop before reaching the institute.

As Roland studied the map, the receptionist couldn't help but ask.

“Planning on exploring some dungeons, Mr. Wayland?”

Roland looked up, his face covered by a hood and also a runic helmet. Which blocked the receptionist from seeing his wry smile. He wasn’t sure if this woman was just being friendly or if she was gathering information on the new wandering adventurer.

“Perhaps… Do you have a stable here?”

“We do, it’s just around the corner, do you wish for me to propose a stead?”

“No thank you. I’ll just ask the Stable Hand.”

He swiftly concluded the encounter and received his sack of coins for the trip. The compensation seemed modest, considering this was a task for a Platinum adventurer, but the airship ride itself served as a part of the reward. Shortly after, he stepped outside, attracting the attention of the locals. His status as a Platinum adventurer made him stand out in the crowd, but with a single side glance, everyone promptly returned to their own activities.

‘I guess being a high-ranking adventurer has its perks… Now where is that stable…’

Typically, Roland relied on merchant caravans for long-distance travel to various locations. However, given the proximity of his next destination, he opted for a different approach. For such a short journey, it made more sense to rent out a horse or another type of mount and travel independently. If he were to forego this option, he'd have to wait an additional day for the merchants to gather, and they would likely camp out, something he wished to avoid to save on precious time.

‘That crest belongs to the Castellane house…’

As Roland walked towards the stable, he noticed a distinctive noble crest that caught his attention. The crest was divided into four quadrants, each symbolizing a different aspect. A towering castle in the top-left quadrant signified ancestral strength, while golden wheat in the bottom-left represented prosperity. A regal lion in the top-right quadrant stood for courage and nobility, and a flowing river in the bottom-right symbolized the passage of time. Regular people wouldn’t be able to distinguish the meaning behind the crest but he was different, it was a house that he was very familiar with.

The Castellane house belonged to the royalist faction and served as the direct superiors to the Arden house, to which Roland belonged. As a marquess house, they operated directly under the royal family. Despite Roland being mostly ignored by his family, it was made explicit that he should hold the Castellane house in high regard. His family emphasized that if he ever found himself in the presence of someone from the Castellane nobles, he must bow his head in respect. According to what he knew, his father had served as a Knight Commander for them in his youth, and it was through their assistance that he was granted the title of Baron.

It was something that he expected to encounter sooner or later but seeing it this close still made him uncomfortable. His old self would have nothing to do with this area and the thought of being berated by his family members again, was quite unappealing. Luckily, the crest was just a mark on one of the buildings and their main estate was not in this city. It was a similar situation as in Albrook, at most he would find another noble associated with them instead.

‘Robert shouldn’t be here but those other two… where did they end up?’

Roland had three elder brothers. Robert had chosen to enlist in the army at the borders, aspiring to become an officer. Resigned to the belief that he wouldn't be able to assume the role of Baron, Robert had abandoned any aspirations for succession. On the other hand, his other two brothers, Reyner and Edwin, were actively vying for control of the entire Arden estate. Roland wasn't entirely certain about their current endeavors, he recognized that the information provided by Robert was likely outdated.

‘I think the two took up internships at higher noble houses and were working there as personal Knights… I wonder where they ended up.’

It was not uncommon for children of nobility to seek employment with higher-ranking noble houses. One of Roland's older sisters had served as a personal maid for a member of a higher house. While on the surface, it might seem like a role unfit for nobility, the connections and opportunities it provided were highly valued in noble circles. The chance to be closer to real power emanating from higher nobility and royalty was something nobles were willing to pursue, even if it meant taking on seemingly menial positions. Roland did the same thing by tying himself to Arthur who with his name, was able to protect his shop from the Union.

The stable Roland sought was not far, and as he approached, he noticed a variety of mounts available for rent. Horses of different sizes and colors were tethered to the wooden posts, waiting for riders. Roland approached the Stable Hand, a sturdy-looking man with a weathered face, who was currently grooming a horse. The Stable hand turned to him and inquired.

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“Greetings, sir. How can I assist you today?”

“I need a mount for a short journey. Something swift and sturdy.”

Roland replied while examining the steeds with the help of his analyzing skill. There were other creatures present that looked like large yellow ostriches and even ones resembling dinosaurs.

“Certainly, sir. We have a few options available. Do you have a preference?”

Roland glanced over the available mounts, eyeing a sleek chestnut horse that seemed to fit his criteria. The exotic creatures weren’t to his liking as he preferred to stick to things that he already knew and horse riding was not anything new.

“I'll take that one.”

“You have a keen eye sir, this one is reliable and fast.”

For a moment he expected the man to ask him about the price but he remained quiet. This horse that he selected was among the more premium choices as its speed was far superior to the other regular ones. However, he was a platinum adventurer who would be able to afford it. The Stable Hand just nodded, finishing his grooming task before preparing the chosen horse for Roland. After ensuring the saddle was secure and the horse was equipped with the necessary gear, he brought it over.

“Are you aware of the procedures?”

“I am but, refresh my memory.”

“Sure thing.”

The man efficiently outlined all the requirements, emphasizing the importance of returning the horse in one piece. If the horse fled or fell victim to a monster, Roland would be required to pay for the damages. He received a slip detailing the current date and time, with the cost increasing the longer he took to return the horse. The fee varied based on adventurer rank; those with lower ranks had to pay more for the mount, and some even needed to cover the entire horse's cost, which would then be refunded at the guild of their destination. Fortunately, Roland's high adventurer rank meant the expense wouldn't be too burdensome. He could even get a free horse if he chose one of the slower ones.

With the formalities settled, Roland took the chestnut horse that looked quite robust. In size, this breed was comparable to a draft horse but resembled a more regular breed. It was more muscular and could run much faster, reaching a speed of eighty kilometers per hour. With the help of this mount he would be able to reach his next destination without the need to camp out.

The steed came equipped with a robust saddle and harness to which he could attach his spatial bags. He attached his large war hammer to it while his shield remained strapped to his back and hidden under his robe. With everything settled, he patted the well-trained horse that didn’t seem to mind new travelers. Soon he was riding through the streets while looking at the new map that he bought.

Roland found himself close to the center of the Kingdom, and a journey northeast would lead him to the second-largest lake within the Kingdom of Caldris. In proximity to this lake, there was a dungeon known for housing water-based creatures, a stark contrast to the volcanic beings that roamed the Albrook dungeon. The institute lay half a day's gallop to the north, marking his destination.

“I just need to get to the nearby guild branch, and then I can grab a carriage to the institute…”

Examining the map in his hands, Roland noted that it was more centered around the local lands. However, his awareness extended to the west, where the Holy Kingdom of Alexandria stood. This kingdom supplied paladin trainees to Albrook and held a somewhat neutral stance on the continent. The real challenges lay with the Western Hatfordian Empire and the Eastern Burmecian Empire, both of which harbored a mutual dislike for each other. These empires sandwiched the Kingdom of Caldris, viewing it as a potential territory for conquest.

The Hatfordian Empire and the Burmecian Empire frequently clashed in a smaller northern region where their borders converged. This section of the map bore witness to some of the bloodiest battles fought among the three countries. The region was rich in resources coveted by both empires, and it also housed arguably the continent's largest dungeon. Fortunately, all three countries had access to this colossal dungeon, as there were multiple entrances. This accessibility had helped curb much bloodshed, as control of the surrounding lands was no longer a prerequisite for entry.

The dungeon itself was a sprawling maze that extended both horizontally and vertically, occupying an estimated area of around one hundred kilometers. Its true size remained uncertain as it extended laterally and delved deeper underground. The dungeon harbored its own ecosystem, concealing various resources and monsters throughout its vast expanse. Inside, it wasn’t strange for the three countries to clash with each other. Every path that was taken always brought everyone to certain biomes that were a free for all.

‘There has been a ceasefire ever since that large war but how long will it last?’

Roland rolled up the map and stowed it in one of his spatial pouches. His thoughts drifted to Robert, who had apparently headed toward the volatile region. In those border skirmishes, forces from both empires would clash, and at times, these confrontations spilled into the dungeons. These skirmishes were usually a test through which the Empire continuously measured this Kingdom’s strength.

The dungeons themselves were arenas of potential danger, as adventurers might serve as spies for rival nations. Safety was never guaranteed. Despite his usual lack of concern for others, Roland found himself unexpectedly worried about his brother. There was an unusual sense of fraternal attachment, and he could only hope that Robert would remain safe in such a perilous environment.

As Roland's mind gradually shifted back to the present, he reached the exit gate and left the cityscape behind. The weather in this area was pleasant, neither too warm nor too cold, with patches of forest dotting the landscape as he ventured northeast. The well-paved road allowed his horse to travel swiftly, and maneuvering past slow-moving merchant caravans posed no challenge. Occasionally, strange shouts from monsters in the nearby forest served as a stark reminder that, outside of large settlements, no area could truly be considered safe.

The journey remained largely uneventful, and aside from his aching posterior, Roland was in good condition. As the sun dipped below the horizon, he noticed a radiant glow ahead. The road, transitioning from dirt to a concrete-like surface, led to his final destination: the magical town of Farbell. Situated in proximity to Xandar's Institute of Wizardry, the shining light marked the entrance to this mystical place.

What Roland observed resembled streetlights, yet they were not crafted from any metallic parts. These 'lights' appeared like small, slender trees, each adorned with a large, glowing fruit dangling from its branches. As he passed by one, he could sense the flow of mana emanating from below, likely coursing through a complex network of roots that interconnected all these trees with each other.

‘Interesting… it’s some type of plant magic, I wonder what it uses for fuel.’

The magical phenomenon before Roland was unfamiliar to him, as he hadn't delved into the intricacies of organic plant life. The closest he had come was inscribing runes on special wood, a far cry from interacting with living plants like the radiant trees lining the road. As darkness descended, the fruits on these trees began to glow brighter, emitting a calming fragrance. Roland surmised the purpose and effect of this scent - it served to pacify monsters averse to its aroma, a quality that didn't impact individuals of the other races.

Guided by the soft glow of the magical trees, Roland continued his journey to Farbell. The town's unique atmosphere intrigued him, as the magical essence in the air seemed to enhance the overall ambiance. The architecture of the buildings shifted from the conventional stone structures to more whimsical designs, with ethereal enchantments weaving through the very fabric of the town.

Venturing through the entrance gate didn’t pose much of a problem after he presented them with his platinum adventurer card. While this town was inclined more towards the magical, it wasn’t much different than any other settlement. He made his way to the local branch of the adventurer guild, a structure that blended seamlessly with the mystical surroundings. Inside, the atmosphere was bustling with energy.

Upon entering Farbell, Roland noticed a distinctive presence among the adventurers - the mages. The concentration of mana in the atmosphere surpassed that of any other adventurer guild he had encountered. Young mages, identifiable by their robes, formed their own groups within the guild.

‘I'll have to get used to seeing more mages. I've heard that they take commissions from guilds and collaborate with other adventurers through the school. Engaging in combat lessons is apparently part of the curriculum.’

He quickly took care of the horse, giving him away as was previously agreed upon. This marked his final stop before the actual destination - the academy. While the institute wasn't far from his current location, arriving at night was deemed inappropriate. The academy stood as a closed-off area, accessible only to individuals with special permission. Without the introduction letter that he received from Professor Arion, he would be unable to venture into it.

‘I should tell Elodia that I’ve arrived…’

Without wasting any time, he secured temporary lodgings. There, he could finally enjoy a good night's rest. As the sun rose, he would finally set out for the magical academy. He hoped to wrap up his affairs within a month or two before returning home, but whether this plan would succeed remained uncertain…