A young man walked hurriedly through a great city, carrying a suitcase and a magic staff.

  — I’m running late… My god, what kind of impression will the Mages' Guild give if their envoy to the expedition arrives late?

  Upon reaching the town gates, he saw several wagons and a small group of people who seemed to be waiting for him.

  There was a human priest with blond hair, dressed in a white robe adorned with golden details. Slightly apart, an elven archer remained in silence, covering her face with a cloak and hood. And in the center, a human female warrior with dark brown hair, encased in silver plate armor, carrying a large shield and a longsword etched with golden runes on the blade.

  — I assume you're the one we were missing to set off — the warrior said with a wide smile, extending her hand. — My name is Maryann, envoy of the Warriors' Guild. A pleasure to meet you.

  — My name is Albert, envoy of the Church — the priest added. — I hope this delay is a one-time occurrence. And the one behind us is Aleanor, envoy of the Hunters' Guild. She’s rather quiet, so don’t bother trying to strike up a conversation.

  The young man shook Maryann’s hand, noticing she stood nearly a head taller than him.

  — I am Azael, envoy of the Mages' Guild. Pleased to meet you all.

  Maryann took Azael’s suitcase and tossed it onto the carriage without the slightest effort.

  — Right, everyone up. We’re already a bit behind schedule — she said as she settled in. — Are you ready, Azael?

  — Azael… Azael… Azael! — Liria shouted.

  The young woman’s call ripped him from his memories. Both were now walking through the immense forest, searching for the nearest town.

  — May I ask what it is you want? — he said without looking at her. — When someone is silent, it’s because they don't want to be disturbed.

  — Sorry for pulling you out of your thoughts — she replied — but you still haven’t told me what we’re going to do when we get to town.

  Azael let out an annoyed sigh.

  — You want me to help with the hostile magical beings that are appearing, right? To do that, I need to join a guild. And I have no intention of joining the Mages' Guild, so we’ll look for a Warriors' Guild post in that town. They tend to be quite common.

  — It still seems like a waste of power, what you're doing — Liria said, frowning. — All of this over a simple whim.

  Azael stopped dead in his tracks and looked at her for the first time with genuine irritation.

  — And it seems like a waste of air for you to keep talking — he replied coldly. — So, keep quiet.

  The girl's teeth clenched as she turned her back to him, clearly incensed.

  — This is unbelievable… the Great Illuminated One is nothing but a jerk.

  — Never heard that one about "never meeting your idols"? — he shot back with disdain. — Now you know why.

  After a couple of hours of walking, they arrived at one of the warriors' guilds. As they crossed the threshold, the air was thick with sweat, alcohol, and senseless boasting. Loud laughter and trivial arguments filled the place.

  Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

  Azael approached the guild counter, where a thin young man with glasses and a nervous look was working.

  — Welcome to the Sansivar town division of the Warriors' Guild — the boy said. — How can I help you?

  — I’d like to register with the guild, please — Azael replied calmly.

  — Of course. Follow me to the back — the receptionist said. — We’ll have to give you a small test to verify you meet the minimum requirements for entry.

  Azael caught a glimpse of Liria out of the corner of his eye. She remained off to the side, looking uncomfortable and avoiding eye contact with anyone inside the guild. Without another word, Azael followed the young man to the rear of the building.

  — Well, the test is quite simple — the receptionist explained. — See that practice dummy? There’s a crystal on top that reacts to impact. Strike the dummy with all your strength, and the crystal will give your result.

  Azael positioned himself in front of the dummy, sighed, and raised his arm. He struck with such force that the crystal turned blood red and nearly shattered under the cracks.

  The receptionist stood agape, unable to utter a word.

  — That was magnificent! — he finally exclaimed. — You nearly broke the record for all guilds. Your score is 999, which is the maximum possible.

  — Wait… — Azael asked, arching an eyebrow. — If that’s the maximum, who holds the record?

  — The record belongs to Maryann the Great — the receptionist replied with a smile. — Well… actually, we couldn't measure her power correctly because she shattered the crystal with a single blow.

  Azael looked at the dummy with a nostalgic smile, remembering the immense power of the woman he once knew.

  — Fine — the receptionist said, snapping out of his shock. — Let's go inside so I can make your guild card. What is your name, sir?

  Azael paused for a few seconds, evaluating which name to use…

  — My name is Rayzel.

  — Rayzel, noted… You’ve never been around here before, but you look somewhat familiar to me… well, never mind. I’ll bring your guild card in a few moments. You can wait inside.

  Azael re-entered the guild hall and looked for Liria. The poor girl was being harassed by a group of young adventurers.

  — Come on, gorgeous, come with me. Join my party and I’ll show you things you’ve never seen.

  — Yeah, tell 'em, boss! — one of the boys added excitedly.

  Azael approached and stood directly behind them.

  — I’m not a man of many words, so I’ll summarize: either you leave her alone, or your faces will be imprinted on every surface in this room. Understood?

  The young men retreated slowly, muttering among themselves.

  — Alright, alright… we just wanted a sorceress with us, that’s all — they said as they backed away.

  Azael took Liria’s hand and led her to a secluded table.

  — Why do you let them intimidate you? — he asked. — You could have used magic to defend yourself.

  — I don't know… I was scared. They were so close and I was afraid they would hurt me — she confessed.

  Azael reached for the back of his head, scratching it slowly.

  — I’ll probably regret this… but maybe I can teach you a spell or two to help you.

  Liria’s eyes lit up like two stars.

  — Really? The Great…! — she started to say, but Azael quickly covered her mouth.

  — New rule: when we are in public, I am Rayzel, understood?

  The girl nodded, swallowing hard.

  — And about the lessons… we’ll see how we manage, because no one must see us.

  The receptionist signaled for Azael to come over.

  — Well, Mr. Rayzel, here is your card. I hope you like the portrait painting. Now let me explain how things work here: as you complete missions from the notice boards, you can rank up and be paid for it. Now that there are more sightings, there are plenty of commissions. Furthermore, given the power you showed in the test, your rank won't be that of an Initiate, but an Official Warrior, so any food or lodging at the guilds will be free. Anything else?

  — Yes, I’d like to stay here with my companion for a couple of days — Azael replied.

  The young receptionist turned and handed him a key.

  — The rooms are upstairs. I hope you enjoy your stay. If you need anything, you can find me here. My name is Lars.

  — Thank you very much, Lars. We’ll see you later.

  Liria and Azael went up the stairs and entered the room, which consisted of two beds, a wardrobe, and a table with two chairs.

  — It’s better than my cave, I can't deny that — Azael said as they dropped their travel bags on the floor.

  — Are we really going to share a room? — Liria asked, flushing red. — It's somewhat indecorous for a boy and a girl who don't know each other well to do so.

  — Liria… I am 525 years old. I lost my desire for romance centuries ago — Azael replied calmly. — So, if you're afraid of my "wild libido," relax. Besides, you aren't exactly… attractive.

  Before Liria could retort, Azael added:

  — Get some good rest today and be ready; tomorrow morning we start for real.