Chapter 48: Adventure Guild [Edited]
The sun had barely risen when Astrael stepped out of his room, freshly bathed and dressed in a light training tunic. Today was the day he’d begin preparing for his journey into the Elderwood Forest. There was no rush—not yet, but the intent in his mind was clear. If he wanted strength, he’d have to step into danger.
But not unprepared.
He started with his gear.
The armoury wing was situated behind the training hall, its door rarely opened except for inventory checks.
Astrael stepped into the dust-laced chamber, greeted by rows of weapon racks, armour stands, and storage chests sealed with iron locks.
He moved past the larger halberds and ceremonial blades, heading straight to a shelf lined with utility items, daggers, throwing knives, light gauntlets, and reinforced boots. He chose what felt right by instinct, checking balance, weight, and sharpness.
He settled on a light leather set, flexible but thick enough to deflect claws and fangs. A pair of dark gauntlets reinforced with steel knuckles. A thigh strap that held two throwing daggers. And a black hooded cloak that blended easily with shadows.
Not flashy, but practical.
Next was the blade.
His current sword was well-balanced and sharp, but it was also quite flashy. He didn’t want unwanted attention. Human hearts were unpredictable. He needed another sword—one built for mana conduction and survival, something better, something that could endure against beasts resistant to steel.
He turned toward the family vault, a locked case near the back wall, just as his father had once mentioned. He pressed his thumb to the mana seal. The mechanism clicked. The lid opened with a creak.
Inside lay a few unused weapons. One in particular caught his eye—a single-edged longsword, slightly curved, with runes etched into the hilt. Dark grey metal, lighter than it looked. And the moment he gripped it—