Chapter 82 – Between Two Worlds
My journey back from the forest to the town passed peacefully. My steps were steady along the dirt road, now bathed in the warm light of dusk. The evening breeze gently swept through my hanging hair, carrying the scents of earth, leaves, and occasionally smoke from the wooden houses that had begun lighting fires for dinner.
There were no real disturbances. Even the wild animals seemed to be resting. Perhaps it was due to the natural aura of danger I emitted or maybe it was just luck. I didn’t really care.
When I arrived at the town gate, the new guards only glanced at me briefly without stopping me. As if my presence was nothing unusual, or perhaps they were just tired and didn’t want to hassle someone who looked like a low-rank adventurer. I had no intention of causing any more commotion.
I headed straight to the hunters’ guild a two-story building made of gray stone with a red wooden roof, not far from the small marketplace at the town’s center. Hanging out front was a wooden sign that read [HUNTERS’ GUILD – SOUTHERN BRANCH], bearing the symbol of two crossed swords and a wolf.
I pushed open the heavy front door and was greeted by a lively atmosphere. The clinking of glasses, the laughter of adventurers, and the chime of coins blended into a single soundscape. But I walked straight to the reception desk. Behind the counter stood a young woman with light brown hair, busily writing with a quill.
She looked up as I approached. "Good evening. How can I help you?"
I pulled out a small pouch filled with medicinal herbs I had harvested today and placed it on the counter. "F-rank quest. Medicinal plants."
She took the pouch and began inspecting the contents one by one. Her eyes lifted slightly, surprised by the quality and quantity of the herbs I brought.
"All in excellent condition... and there are even some rare ones that beginners usually don’t bring. You harvested them carefully, didn’t you?"
I only gave a brief nod.
"Alright. Here’s your reward twenty copper coins." She placed several dull-colored coins on the counter.