By the time we returned to the guild, I felt full and exhausted. I don't think I had ever been surrounded by so many people before. Still, the experience of visiting a tavern had proven enjoyable. Not only are tavern-inn combinations essential for travel, but they are also valuable sources of information. People talk freely when food and drink are involved, sometimes gossiping, sometimes boasting.
Nyx had warned me that such information isn't always reliable, but it often comes in handy for missions or quests.
As I turned to thank Duke Caelren for his help, I found him already staring at me. I suppose I am not the only one who struggles to speak at times.
"I wanted to thank you for today, Duke Caelren," I said honestly. "I learned a lot, and I hope to learn more in the future."
There were skills he possessed, combat techniques I had never seen before. If I did well in school, perhaps he would be willing to teach me someday.
"You're welcome, Sylvara," he replied. "I only hope you apply yourself in your studies. With that in mind—take this."
Caelren produced a circular device that fit neatly in my palm. It was metal—silver in appearance, though not truly silver. Perhaps titanium. An intricate tree design was engraved on its surface, with a fine chain attached at the top. When he pressed the button near the chain, the device clicked open to reveal a clock.
"This pocket watch will help you understand time and pacing," he continued. "It runs on mana and consumes very little, only enough to maintain accuracy. From what I heard of your morning, it seems even the simplest concepts require explanation. Do write to me if you need anything else."
The clock was different from the tall one Varien had pointed out in the shopping district. This one felt… personal. Purposeful. Receiving such a thoughtful gift felt strange—but also nice.
"Thank you, Duke Caelren," I said with a smile. "I may ask for extra combat training in the future. For now, I was hoping you could help me catch up on the new script before the last three weeks before school begins."
He looked genuinely surprised. "New script? There hasn't been a new script in centuries."
Realization dawned quickly, and I confirmed his thoughts.
"The books and grimoires I had in the dungeon use an older version of the script," I explained. "They appear to be outdated."
"I see," he said, nodding in understanding. "Then I will ask my son to assist you. He is three years your senior and a scholar, he should be able to help."
With that, we parted ways, and Varien escorted me to the Guild Arcane Office.
The office had five desks arranged at the front. We approached the middle one, which was mercifully free. An adorable dog-beastkin male sat behind it, and he looked absolutely stunned upon seeing Varien.
"G-Guildmaster Varien w-what brings you here today?" he stammered.
He stood around five foot five, wearing a neatly pressed button-up shirt and a name tag that read Todd. Golden fur framed his face, floppy ears resting atop his head. His brown eyes finally landed on me, and I felt as though his soul had returned to his body.
"This is Sylvara," Varien said calmly. "She joined yesterday. We're here to finalize her guild card configuration."
Todd immediately lit up. "Yes, sir! Perfect timing. Right this way, please."
He led me down a back hallway to a private room containing a crystal similar to the one I had registered with previously. Todd briefly stepped out and returned with a sleek black metal card bearing the Meridian Guild symbol and a sharp, slender needle.
I raised an eyebrow.
"We bind the card to you using blood and mana," Todd explained. "Once configured, no one else can use it."
He motioned for me to sit across from the crystal. "You'll prick your finger and place four drops of blood on both the card and the crystal. Then you'll press your hand to the crystal. This time, it will also register your currency."
He added that as I completed quests and attended school, additional stats-intelligence, strength, agility, magic-might appear the next time I checked my status.
I pricked my finger. The needle was imbued with mana, producing a warm tingle instead of pain. When my blood touched the card, it glowed a soft orange. The crystal followed suit.
When I placed my hand on the crystal, the glow shifted to a gentle white, displaying:
{ Name: Sylvara
Race: Human
Adventurer Rank: Copper
Status: Active
Funds: 0 }
Todd wiped the card clean and handed it to me. "If the guild issues or manages a quest, the funds will be deposited directly. Any money you earn independently can be stored using the card's function. In smaller towns, removing funds manually is customary."
I nodded politely, though his explanation was… less than satisfactory. I would ask Nyx to show me later, perhaps while she helped me with bathing supplies. Or combat training. She was Gold Rank, after all, and her stealth skills were exceptional.
After thanking Todd, I returned to my room, waiting for the familiar sensation of shifting shadows- the signal that Nyx was listening.
A few minutes later, the shadows rippled, letting me know Nyx was here and she didn't come empty-handed. She carried a small wash basin, a towel, a body brush, lotion, body wash, shampoo, and conditioner of her own.
"I'm going to show you the ladies' bathing area," Nyx explained. "It's the best way for you to see how each product is used."
"That sounds like a good plan," I agreed, then hesitated. "But first, could you show me how to use the guild card? And… would it be possible to get additional combat training from you? Your skills are incredible, and I'd be foolish not to learn what I can while I have the chance."
Talking to Nyx always felt easy. There was something familiar about her presence comforting, grounding.
She blinked in surprise, then a grin spread across her feline features. Her golden eyes gleamed.
"Yes," she said warmly. "I'd like to train you too. Let's make these next few weeks worthwhile."
"Don't go easy on me just because I'm young," I warned. Tharion had always done that, much to my frustration.
Nyx nodded in agreement before pulling out five copper coins and her own gold guild card.
"So, in simple terms," she said, holding the card, "you just picture the coins moving into it and—"
The copper coins shimmered with the same sheen as the card and vanished a moment later.
"Oh," I said, understanding immediately. "Thank you. Now let's see what these bathing processes are about."
I gathered my own matching set of bath tools and noticed the Duke's supplies were a different brand than Nyx's. Perhaps nobles purchased higher-quality goods. The scent Caelren and I had chosen was moon lily and honey softly floral with a subtle sweetness. Perfect for my sensitive nose. I noticed the lotion matched as well.
After grabbing a plain black t-shirt, gray sweatpants, and fresh undergarments, we headed upstairs.
The bathing area was massive.
As we undressed, Nyx encouraged me to observe. I watched the other women apply their products before washing, using the basins to rinse away soap and shampoo. Afterward, they wrapped themselves in towels before moving to the soaking baths. Smaller pools lined the room, each infused with herbs known for their healing properties.
"I can scrub your back if you do mine," Nyx offered.
I accepted.
Some time later, I realized I was heating up far too quickly.
"Oh—you're turning red like a tomato," Nyx laughed as she stood and stepped out of the bath.
I followed, grumbling.
Once dressed, Nyx spoke again. "We'll train tomorrow morning at six. I'll also help you go through your books—since you don't seem to have any plans yet."
I nodded, already feeling the weight of the coming weeks and, for the first time, looking forward to them.