Let's join the guild!

I take the magic bag off my bed and walk to the door. Before leaving, I turn to see one more time, what was my room for a whole month with a bit of nostalgia. A lot really happened in this short time. My reunion with Syvis, making new friends, all the hard training, and I even got to talk with a princess. Asides from all that, the incident with Caroline too. Furthermore, I am sure that many more things await me once I leave this place.

After I left my room, I saw that Ryul's door was also open. I looked inside and saw that he was also picking up his things.

"Yoo!!" I said from the door entrance, catching his attention.

"Huh? Oh, Sup, dude! Just give me a few more minutes. I overslept again."

"How was last night?" I asked, "Sorry I couldn't be with all of you."

"Last night... man, if I told you. It was a very crazy night. But I'm in the same position as you. I was not present at the party at all. I got involved in strange affairs and even a girl broke my heart."

"A girl broke your heart? What are you talking about? I didn't know you were seeing someone. And what about Shalia and Leona? What were they doing?"

"I'm exaggerating, Hahaha! Kinda... It's a long story. I'll tell you later. Shalia and Leona were a bit upset, so a scolding awaits you once you meet them. I already received mine."

Well, I guess I deserve it...

"And where were you last night?" Ryul asked.

"Mmm, how can I explain... It's a long story too."

It's not like I can just tell him; I was with Syvis losing my virginity.

"Um? Oh, I know. You were with Syvis. Okay, okay, you don't have to justify yourself. I would have done the same if I had a sexy girlfriend like you." He replies finishing packing his things, "I'm done, let's go. The girls must be waiting for us at the entrance to the castle."

"Yes, let's go."

Walking through the corridors of the castle towards the exit we noticed that the atmosphere was strange. It was as if everyone was secretly gossiping. Is it because it is the last day? Another strange thing is that outside in the training fields there are no soldiers when at this time they should be training. How odd.

After walking for a couple of minutes, at the exit gate, Shalia and Leona were waiting for us just like Ryul said. When they saw us, they didn't seem very happy. As I approached, the first thing Shalia did was stand in front of me and put her hands on her waist while raising her eyebrows.

"Good Mo..." I try to say.

"Where were you last night?" Shalia said angrily, "We waited for you all night and you didn't come back. You and Ryul both blew us off. It was supposed to be a night for the team to party."

"I-I know, I'm really so sorry! I know it was wrong to leave without telling you first. Please forgive me!"

"More than angry I am sad. I was hoping we could spend the party together the four of us. But I think I was the only one who was excited. Makes me feel silly..."

Damn, her words and sad puppy eyes make me feel even worse. I would have preferred that she hit me. Also for some reason, she looks so cute right now. No wonder she has so many admirers. W-Wait, what am I thinking.

"I'm really sorry. I promise I'll make it up to you later." I said while putting my palms together in front of me as a sign of apology

"You promise?" Shalia reply

"Of course!"

Shalia smiled at me with her cute smile looking very feminine, "I'll forgive you then, but don't let it happen again. Oh, and there is something else." Shalia said looking at me and Ryul, "There is something Leona and I want to talk with the two of you."

"Something happened?" Ryul asked.

"First, if you are done, why don't we go somewhere else first. We've been standing by the gate for a long time. We're blocking the entrance." Leona spoke.

"But where do we go?" Ryul questioned, "Shouldn't we go join a guild before it's too late!?"

"That is precisely what we want to talk to you about." Shalia answered, "If possible, we would like for all of us to join the same guild so that we can continue to be together as a team."

"Mmmm, I understand. I know a place where we can talk peacefully. "I stated.

"Are you referring to the inn where your friend Oliver works?" Shalia asked me.

"Yes!"

"Sounds good. Let's go there. Also, I'm hungry." Ryul commented.

It's been several days since the last time I went to the city. I've been here for a month and I still find this city incredible. It is so big and with so many people looking busy going in all directions. No matter where I look, there are interesting places that I would like to visit. After walking for a while we finally arrived at 'The Pleasant Owl', The Inn where Oliver works. I wonder how he and Mia are doing? I haven't seen them in a long time.

Upon entering we were greeted by a waitress that I had not seen last time, "Please, come in and have a seat. I'll be with you in a moment."

"Thanks!"

The place was packed but we found a table in the back. I was looking around trying to find Oliver, but he didn't seem to be around. I guess more likely he is in the kitchen.

After a few minutes the same waitress came back, "Are you ready to order?"

"Yes!" Ryul replied, "Man, I'm starving. I want meat!"

After we all ordered something to eat I asked the waitress for Oliver.

"O-Oliver!?" The waitress responded with a slightly scared expression which confused me, "How... do you know him?"

"Eh? Ah, we are friends. We are from the same village."

"Ah, I see... I'm sorry, I thought maybe you were from that guild."

"That guild?" I asked.

"I thought you were a member of 'HallowBlades', a guild with a bad reputation. It's a guild from the north that caused us problems recently and they were looking for Oliver. Fortunately, the guilds in this area kicked them out."

"Were they looking for Oliver? Why?"

"I'm not sure but one of its members got very violent and said that Oliver stole his girl. I think his name was Fabe."

"Fabe...?"

Damn, Fabe found them!? This time I won't forgive him if he hurts them.

"Is Oliver, Okay? Where is he?" I asked.

"Ah? O-Oliver is fine. As I already mentioned, the guilds in this area keep order. 'The Blue Legion' guild keeps everyone safe and takes care of people like them. For now, Oliver took a few days off work as his wife had their daughter."

"Emma gave birth?"

That's great! I'm sure Oliver and Emma are also really happy right now. I have to go see them as soon as I can. No matter what, I'm not letting Fabe ruin their lives again.

"Well if that's all, I'll be back with your food in a moment."

"Ah, yes, thank you!"

Shalia looked at me confused, "Is everything okay, Darx? Did something wrong happen?"

"Everything is fine. But I may have to go north to see someone soon." I reply.

"The North?" Ryul questioned, "It's the only uncontrolled zone!? It's supposed to be a zone of constant warfare between small guilds. From what I hear it is not a very safe place but If you have enemies there, let me know and I will accompany you to kick butts."

"Thanks, but I hope it will not be necessary."

I'm worried that Fabe knows where Oliver works, though I'll leave that matter for later. For now, it is time to choose the guild we will join. At the moment, I have a preference for Midnight Dawn, but I want to hear what my friends think since I would also like to be in the same guild as them.

"It's time to start" Ryul spoke.

"I suppose we should start by mentioning The Royal Guard," Shaila started, "Their job is to protect the queen and they generally live well in the castle. It is a good option if you want a quieter life."

"It doesn't sound bad to live in comfort, but I feel like it's not my thing. I want to travel and break things!" Ryul answer.

"I heard that Wendy joined them." I told them.

"Really!? That's great!" Shalia said looking happy, "She deserves a better life!"

"Our second option is Dark Dragons." Leona continued.

"That's right," Shalia confirmed, "Dark Dragons are the largest guild and it is well known that it is the strongest guild. It is said that their guild master, Aelbrecht, is the strongest S-Rank too. They also have the largest number of members and smaller guilds allied to them."

I nodded, "My mother also told me that their members are highly respected, not only in Riledo but everywhere they go."

"It is certainly a good option, unlike Oblivion." Ryul mumbled.

Although I wish I was in the same guild as Syvis, I would never be able to join Oblivion. I know that Syvis doesn't need anyone to protect her, however I am concerned about her being discriminated, knowing how those nobles are. And just thinking about being in the same guild as Kase makes me sick to my stomach. Besides, I no longer know how to behave in front of Amelia. I never thought it would come to this. We're practically strangers now and I can't deny that she hurt me quite a bit. I don't know if we can go back to how we were before.

Leona then spoke, "Each guild has its positive side and Oblivion has been growing thanks to the popularity of Kase, the new S-Rank, but I have to say that it is not to my liking either."

"I heard that since Kase's arrival, a lot of the new adventurers have joined them. Oblivion is said to be at the same level as Dark Dragons now, also counting that they have two S-Ranks." Shalia added.

"I still don't like it." Ryul said, "Their arrogance pisses me off. I have seen their members walk the streets as if they own them. They are also usually concentrated nobles who discriminate against anyone who is not human."

"Their guildhall is quite large and elegant, but that doesn't remove the bad rumors about them. Their ties to the underworld are no secret." Leona spoke.

We all seem to agree that Oblivion is not an option.

"And finally we have Midnight Dawn." I said.

"We all know that despite being one of the three great guilds, lately they have had problems." Shalia continued, "They've lost a lot of popularity by not having an S-Rank for so long compared to the other two. They also have much fewer members compared to the other two."

"I think Midnight Dawn is a good guild for new adventurers like us." Leona spoke.

"Besides that, the handsome Dante is also there. Isn't he, Leona!?" Ryul replied in a teasing tone.

"S-Shut up, t-that has nothing to do with it." Leona reacted in panic with her cat ears raised and her face red.

I always find it cute when Leona does that. Even though Leona tries to look serious all the time, it's actually quite easy to make her nervous.

"Eh? Am I missing something?" I asked.

"Well, Leona seems to like Dan... Auchh!"

"I told you to shut up!" Leona yell hitting Ryul in the side cutting whatever he was going to say.

"Haha haha!!"

"Ryul, it is not polite for you to annoy a maiden in love." Shalia spoke between laughs.

Leona's face turned even redder, "Shalia you too... Y-You are confused, i-it is not what it seems..."

I'm not entirely sure but it seems like this last week of Leona training with Dante was interesting.

After laughing for a while and after talking a little more about our options, we came to a decision.

"Midnight Dawn"

We said in unison, as we toasted our drinks.

"I'm hype!! I like to be the underdog! We will show the great guilds and the world that Midnight Dawn will be reborn from its ashes!" Ryul cheerfully said.

"Let's get going to the guildhall." Shalia continued after Ryul.

My life as an adventurer begins today.

We left the inn, heading to the Midnight Dawn building. As we walked through the main street the number of people increased to then lead us to a busy market that spread out. I remember this place well. Dante brought us through this area. There are numerous stalls and establishments everywhere.

"This place is great! I have to come in the next few days as there are many things I need." Shalia spoke.

"I am the same, but I am short of money." Ryul replied.

The Midnight Dawn guild hall could be seen from the top of the castle but on the streets, it is more difficult to find so we had to ask people nearby for directions. And after a long time, we finally arrived.

The four of us stood still looking at the building.

"This is the place, right?" Ryul asked.

"Yes, it looked smaller from the castle." I reply.

The building in front of us is not as big as the castle but it is certainly bigger than we thought, in addition to having a rather peculiar structure.

We were quiet for a couple of seconds just admiring the place.

"Let's keep walking." Leona told us.

"Ah, yes."

We passed the fountains that were around the building until we reached a large double door. In the surroundings, there were different stalls selling things and many people around. When we opened the double doors and entered we got another great surprise. The guildhall was huge and impressive.

"I thought that being a guild in decline the building of the guild would be a little more humble." Ryul said in amazement.

"Maybe it's in decline now but there was a time when it was a guild even stronger than the rest so that's to be expected." Leona reply.

"Come on, guys. Let's go see where to sign up." Shalia commented.

Inside the place, there were more adventurers talking to each other or sitting down eating and drinking.

"Excuse me, who are you?" A girl with glasses asked us.

"Ah? W-We are adventurers who want to join this guild. Dante invited us while we were training in the castle." Shalia replied.

"The four of you?" The girl said with a surprised face, "Can you tell me your names?"

"Yes!"

"My name is Shalia", "I'm Ryul!", "Leona." My name is Darx."

The girl checked something in a notebook she was holding and after a few seconds, she smiled. "Excellent! Welcome to Midnight Dawn! Please follow me. The guild master will see you in a few minutes."

The girl started walking as the four of us followed her.

"This is a good year." The girl said, "It's been a long time since we received so many high-ranking adventurers."

We crossed the guildhall to a few corridors until we reached a door. This place is quite big.

"The guild master will talk with you and then I will give you a tour of the place so that you can get to know the area." The girl said while opening the door for us, "Go ahead!"

"Thanks!"

Upon entering, three more people were waiting in that room. Two girls and ... Gerald !?