Chapter 36: The Hunter’s Guild
Dim candles lightened the tavern-like structure of the Guild, a white giant whiteboard filled with hundreds of posters, surrounded by men and women wearing different kinds of armor and mage robes.
Wooden tables, filled to the brim with people—some elves, some beastkin, some humans—gave off a welcoming warmth.
"My name is James, I am a local from the outskirts. Can I register as a hunter?" Johan spoke in a youthful tone, catching the attention of everyone seated. Even Ravenata and Beatrice stared at Johan.
The corrupted Aether seeping from Johan's body didn't escape either of their sharp eyes.
The striking orange-haired girl at the counter smiled professionally, her face a bit mature. "James, nice name. Mine's Vani. What's your age, dear?" she spoke sweetly.
"I am 19, these two are also around that." Johan instantly understood that she didn't care much about his identity or past—just his age and skills as a fighter.
Vani's eyes passed over Johan, catching the two stoic figures behind him who looked like the complete opposite of the still-childish Johan. Both looked like honed fighters, which only increased her confidence in this future hunter party.
"There's a small test if you don't mind... it's necessary to test teamwork, strength, and then assign a class worthy of the skills shown." Vani said with a smile, pointing toward a small doorway at the corner of the bar counter.
"Ohh, what kinda test?" Kirin asked with a grin, breaking her stoic expression with bloodthirsty excitement.
Tap! Tap!
A burly man in his forties walked up, his face ugly and fierce. He was almost 8 feet tall, his muscles unnaturally big—double the size of a pro bodybuilder.