Seven Yggdrasil Trees protected all creation. Once, a new tree was born to the land.
Mankind flourished.
However, prideful fools lost their way, and that power vanished overnight.
The spirit of the great tree embraces the wise and calls out to adventurers yet unseen.
Eons pass.
Now, explorers from around the world gather as they soar across the skies.
The curtain is about to rise on a new adventure…
Inside a room on the Flying City of Maginia…
I can’t wait to start the new adventure !
Calm down Poka. This is the eleventh time you said that already.
Syra pulled Pokachi into her lap and gently patted on her head.
I know, but we’ll be here soon right Fifi?
I’m going to get some fresh air. You guys continue without me.
Ophelia stood up, took a deep breath with her hand over her chest, and walked towards the door.
What’s wrong Fifi?
N… Nothing! I just need some fresh air…
The others looked at Ophelia in silence while she quickly fled the room and closed the door.
Is she alright?
I knew it was a bad idea, but you guys had to do it!
You supported it too! So don’t bring it up now!
What? I only agreed because of you three!
Suuure you did.
Guys! Don’t fight… It’ll be okay… We always stick together.
And then, there was silence…
Outside the room, Ophelia mindlessly ran through corridor after corridor with her hands over her ears.
Why me? Whe me? Why me? I didn’t want to become the guild leader, I have no experience… Syra would have been a much better guild leader…
This is the bridge of the flying city of Maginia. We will be arriving at our destination shortly. All citizens are advised to prepare for landing at a safe location and standby.
This timely announcement brought Ophelia back from her own thoughts, and as she looked around…
Oh no… this isn’t good… Which way do I go?
As Ophelia wandered around down the hall desperately trying to look for familiar signs, she saw a regal-looking woman staring out one of the ship’s windows.
(Woah… How could someone like her exist? She is the definition of perfect!)
Hm?
The woman eventually noticed Ophelia’s gaze, and turned to address her in a sharp tone.
From the look of things, you don’t seem to be one of ours. Who are you?
Y… Yes.. I am Ophelia from the Istoria guild…
(Uwa… I can’t believe I said that, we’ve never actually registered as a guild yet… Even the name is something we came up with while we were fooling around.)
The Istoria guild? Are you one of the adventures we’ve recruited? The country of Etria to the far east, home to many adventurers… The northern Duchy of High Lagaard, with its beautiful forests and changing seasons… The ocean city of Armoroad in the southern seas, where people gather from all around the world… The remote city of Thesis, governed by a wise and well renowned count… No matter where you’ve come from, I thank you for heeding our call.
No no… The pleasure is all mine.
(Now that I think about it… I’ve never heard of any of these names… )
The Lost Islands of Lemuria… It’s said to be a land cut off from the rest of the world. I had heard of the rough seas and thick clouds surrounding the island… But our journey here has truly been something of legend. That said, we’re closing in on our destination now.
The regal-looking woman looked outside again, and Ophelia looked outside with her. There was nothing but raging thunders and an endless sea of dark clouds blocking the sun…
We’re about to break through the clouds!
Ophelia looked at the woman again awed by her spirit, but as she looked down, she saw the woman’s hand clenched into a fist, shaking. Suddenly, light broke through the window and illuminated the woman. As Ophelia looked outside again, the view left her speechless. The raging thunder no more; the sea of darkness gone. Instead, what replaced it was an enormous tree that looked like it was supporting the whole world.
Do you see that? That is Yggdrasil. The great tree is our destination, the main stage of your adventure…
Princess? Ah, so this is where you were.
An old man’s voice emerged behind the two. The two of them turned around…
(Princess?)
We’ve safely landed. So if her highness would please prepare for her speech.
Mueller? Very well. I’m ready.
After she addressed Mueller, she turned towards Ophelia…
You should head that way as well.
Hm? And who are you?
(Eh?)
The Istoria guild… it seems yet another group of adventurers has answered our call.
More adventurers… I see. You too have volunteered for this perilous journey. I am Gunther Mueller, a soldier of this city. Thousands of adventurers like yourself have gathered here. No doubt they’ve been drawn to the lost treasure of an ancient civilization described in legends.
(Maybe that’s true for others, I’m not here by my own will… I’d rather stayed home and live a peaceful live… But somehow I became the leader of a guild because my friends decided to play a prank on me and volunteered our guild behind my back…)
Then again, there’s no knowing if that can be said of everyone.
(Yep! That’s me! I’m one of them!)
Some are here out of a sense of duty, while others have come to satiate their lust for adventure… Of course, there’s no shortage of those seeking riches either. Though some have come simply wishing to see Maginia for themselves. We’ve even received see vagrant criminals in search of a new home.
(You forgot about me! Here for no reason because my friends and guild mates thought it would be fun to sign me up behind my back!)
However, now that we’ve reached our destination, we plan to have the princess provide some inspiration. You should make your way to the town square as well.
Inspire us?
There, the princess will inform you of your goal and hopefully arouse further enthusiasm for the task at hand.
(Is there an option for going home?)
Well then, we are heading out. Until we meet again, Ophelia of the Istoria guild.
Mueller and the Princess walked away, leaving Ophelia there to recollect herself.
(What a crazy week… being signed up for a for mission I never intended, abording the flying city Maginia, going to an unknown land with unknown danger and fortune, and meeting a beautiful woman who turned out to be the princess. I never imagined any of these happening to me.)
Ophelia looked at the Yggdrasil once again. It seemed so close, yet so far.
(Well, just like the ship breaking through the sea of darkness to arrive at this land, I’m sure everything will work out for us eventually. I should go back to my friends and guild mates. I must have worried them by leaving suddenly like that)
With that thought, Ophelia followed the path Mueller and the Princess took, hoping it would lead to the city square.
Fifi!
While Ophelia was looking for the city square, Pokachi and the others appeared behind her. In particular, Pokachi ran towards Ophelia with her arms opened wide, and without warning, jumped towards Ophelia. Luckily, Ophelia is used to Pokachi’s behaviour, so she was able to catch her, and even did a spin to stabilize herself.
We are so sorry Fifi! We thought it’d be fun, and… and… Waaah…
It’s okay Poka.
Yeah Fi, sorry…
Me too. I should have stopped them.
Just so you know, this was not my idea.
Nana looked away while she said that, but a strong glare from Kaga and Syra gave her a visible chill…
But I did participate, so I’m sorry as well.
It’s okay guys… Apologies accepted. There is no use crying over what has already happened, and there is no use worrying about what has yet to come. Who knows, this may turn out to be an adventure we’ll never forget, and it may be fun as long as we are all together. Right?
Ophelia’s voice was a little weak, it was almost like she was trying to convince herself as well, but that didn’t last long.
Yeah! We’ll find lots of treasure and slay lots of foul beasts!
And I’ll be be famous!
Only if you are the last person alive.
What did you say?
Oh come on you two. I heard the princess is giving a speech in the town square, shall we go check it out?
Oh! I heard the princess is a real beauty!
Mmph, so?
Last one there is a rotten tomato!
Wait Poka, let’s go together! Also you two… stop fighting!
Syra chased after Pokachi, but stopped mid way to stop Kaga and Nana.
Yeah. Let’s…
Ophelia whispered quietly while she watched Pokachi skipping away; Kaga and Nana walking side by side but glaring at each other with lightning sparks between their eyes; Syra busy trying to catch Pokachi and break the tension between Kaga and Nana. Then She stepped forward to join them as well.
When Ophelia’s group got to the city square, it looked like the princess began her speech already. She was indeed the same princess Ophelia met earlier.
(Uwa, I can’t believe an actual princess spoke to me directly…)
Etria, High Lagaard, Armoroad, Tharsis… Brave heroes from around the world! Today, we set out for an unexplored land. Though you are but nameless strangers to one another, you all share the same desire to venture into the unknown.” The princess stood firmly on the makeshift podium. “Our goal is the legendary treasures of the lost civilization of Lemuria. It is there you will find what you seek, be it fame, fortune, or merely the thrill of adventure! I am Persephone Maginias, leader of the Maginia Expeditionary Force. The Expedition HQ will be there to guide and assist should you require a helping hand. Brave adventurers! Hold your heads high and produly go forth!
Although the podium the princess stood on was just a makeshift wooden platform, her tone and her spirit made it seem more like she is on top of a ancient artifact.
(I somehow feel inspired even though none of what she mentioned is what I seek… She must be like Caesar, the magnificent dog we use to play with when we were young)
Yeah! Go princess!
Hooray!
I love you Persephone sama!
As everyone was awed by the princess’s speech, Mueller came next to me…
As Her Highness just said, we have come to Lemuria in search of its legendary treasures. Before we begin, we will need to measure your strength over at the Explorers Guild. Once we’ve asserted your capabilities, we can assign you to the appropriate missions. Come to the Explorers Guild when you’re ready. There, I will receive you as Guildmaster.
Then, he smiled to Ophelia.
Good luck to you.
And with those final words of encouragement, he left.
Who was that?
Ah Syra… That was Mueller, a soldier of Maginia. He will be serving as the guildmaster in this expedition.
Hmm… What did he want?
He asked me to go to the Explorers Guild so he can assess our capabilities and assign proper missions to us.
Bwahaha… He will be shocked by my power!
Ho? Someone want to assess my power?
I’m surprised as well. What powers do you have?
What? And who won the arm wrestle last time?
You can’t expect me to be perfect at everything!
Stop it you two!
Kaga and Nana were glaring at each other again with sparks in between their eyes, and Pokachi was bouncing up and down around them…
Uh…Felia, you go on ahead, we’ll join you shortly.
Um… Yeah… Good luck Syra!
(Syra is really amazing on how she can keep up with those 3. I wonder how she does it…)
There was already small line up by the Explorers Guild by the time Ophelia got there, But luckily it seemed like she was one of the early birds, and it wasn’t long until she was called up next.
Will the next guild please enter!
Ophelia walked into the head office looking around the room.
Hmm… You’re Istoria Guild, if I recall correctly.
Umm.. Yes…
Welcome to the Maginian Explorers Guild. I trust your presence means you’re hoping to reach Yggdrasil?
(Well, since we are already here, we may as well)
Yes…
Just so you’re aware, there are quite a few adventurers who’ve already folded their guilds in favor of an easy life in the city. But, I’m glad to see you haven’t lost your adventurous spirit!
Wait, that was an option? Can we pick that now?
Haha, surely you jest.
(But I wasn’t!!)
Now then, Istoria Guild. I actually do not see you in our guild registries. So, you must register adventurers to your guild, who will then become guild members. I recommend at least five members of different classes to create a balanced party
(Wait what? I thought Pokachi, Syra, Kaga, and Nana already registered us into a guild 2 years ago… Was that a prank too?)
So, do you already have members you’d like to register in your guild, or will you recruit members now?
(Well… Given the looks of things, we can’t back out now… Besides, I’ve finally made the decision to continue on with this adventure, so I guess it’s fine…)
Mueller lightly tapped on the table, which brought Ophelia back into reality from her thoughts.
Ah sorry… yes. We already have 5 members in the guild. They are Pokachi, the harbinger.
Kaga, the gunner.
Nana, the zodiac.
Syra, the war magus.
And me, the guild leader, Ophelia. I’m a protector.
A guild with only 5 members? mm… You have a good party, but I don’t think it’ll be enough. This is a place for new adventurers such as yourself to meet and form guilds. You should go around, find some people you like, and collect them under your banner. You should try to strike a healthy balance of different classes. If you register a guild member, but change your mind, you will still be able to switch them out before finalizing them… You, as the guild leader, have full control.
Thanks for your concern, but the 5 of us have always been together. We’ll manage somehow. Should the need or the chance arises, we will recruit more members then.
Ha ha ha, I like that confidence of yours. Well, there is no point forcing people into joining a guild, so do what you feel is right. As I said, you, the guild leader, have full control. However, should you ever run into trouble, I suggest you come back here and talk with fellow adventurers. The last thing we need is adventurers heading to their doom because they are too stubborn to ask for help.
Yes sir! I will definitely keep that in my mind
In that case, It looks like you’ve finished gathering your guild members. That said, you’re not ready to be introduced at Headquarters just yet.
Ehh? Why is that? Because our guild only have 5 members?
No.. You aren’t… experienced enough. I don’t have any record of your guild. From where I’m standing, you don’t have what it takes to handle the missions that HQ assigns.
Ehh? But what about the test to measure our capabilities?
Unfortunately, that is only for qualified guilds. We cannot sent an novice guild into their death!
Mueller is right, although they always said they were a guild and adventurers, they never actually had any adventures. This is indeed the first time they left their village…
(To think, I’ve finally gathered enough courage to start our first adventure, only for it to end up like this…)
Ophelia looked down, and tears started to form in her eyes. Obviously, Mueller caught this…
Ah, how about this, Istoria Guild? Besides the missions, there are also requests by various townspeople that you can accept here in Maginia. Most refer to them as quests. We have this system in place where citizens report their problems to a tavern…
You are talking about errands right? Like deliver letter from person A to person B kind of thing? Thanks for comforting me, but it’s okay.
No, that’s not a joke. All Maginians are like family to one another. It’s only natural that we lend a helping hand when needed. Now, normally the barkeep only assigns requests to the most capable candidates… But I will order him to prioritize your guild for now.
Really?
Of course! Once you’ve polished your skills by fulfilling a few requests, I’ll introduce you at HQ. Does that sound feasible to you?
Ophelia nodded vigorously…
Excellent, then make your way to Kvasir’s Tavern, back in the town. I’ll let him know in advance that you’re coming. Best of luck to you all.
Thank you! Sir!
Ah yes, I almost forgot… This is for you.
Mueller tossed a pouch towards Ophelia. After catching it, she looked inside to see shiny coins. In a rough estimate, the amount of coins inside should amount to 500 entals.
It’s an exploration stipend. Take it to a shop so you can purchase some gear for yourselves. After all, some of the requests you accept could end up being quite dangerous.
Thank you again!
One last thing. Don’t forget to take care of skill acquisition for each party member.
(Ahh skills, I recall the fun days when we were training back home. Pokachi can create this weird miasma around her, allowing her to move faster. She can also direct the miasma to an target area, which wears away their armor and skins, making them weaker to our attacks. Finally, she can empower her scythe, which may paralyze anything she hits)
(Syra is skilled with War Lore and War Edge. Although I don’t know what they are exactly, but she can do some fancy incantation, which can somehow heal one of us if we hurt ourselves. She can also do another incantation to make her target really sick. Though she says she never practice that, so it often fails. Finally, she can imbue her sword with another incantation. If the target she hit had an ailment, then the target she slashes with the sword also becomes weaker to our attacks)
(Nana is a sorcessors as I’d like to call it. She looks at the skies a lot for signs of divination. Similar to Syra, she can perform an incantation to make people’s body glow. She says it can increase the power of elemental attacks, though it doesn’t really do anything for me… Maybe in the future? She can also form a ball of fire in her palm, and throw it against an enemy. The fireball will explode on contact, damaging other enemies close to it. Finally, she says she analyzes enemy weakness in order to strike with maximum efficiency)
(Kaga, despite her character, is actually very supportive in combat. She focuses on sniping the enemy legs and arms, and trying to disable them. This is tremendously helpful because it prevents enemy from performing deadly attacks, and thus saving us)
(As for me, I will protect all my friends, so I learned to taunt the enemies into attacking me, and block them with my shields. But, sometimes, the enemy will ignore my taunt or launch an attack that can damage several of us, so I also learned a way to protect my friends with my shield. Though they will still get hurt, it will significantly reduce the damage they take)
Ophelia bowed to Mueller before leaving the Explorers Guild.
I wonder what the princess saw in this guild… But since she asked me to give full support, I guess it can’t be helped.
Outside the Explorers Guild, Kaga, Nana, Syra, and Pokachi walked towards Ophelia
Hey! How did it go?
*Sigh*
Did that old man bully you?
Eh?
I’ll make him regret bullying my cute little Fifi.
Huh?
Ooh! Is there going to be a fight?
Ophelia looked at Syra to stop them, but Syra had a really evil look on her face.
No no guys, you got it wrong!
So, after a few hours of explaining, and several tries, Ophelia finally managed to convince the rest of the group that Mueller did not bully her.
We’ll just show him that we are capable then!
For once, I have to agree with you.
Woo hoo! Let’s go slay some beasts!
Then, the three of them walked towards the city gate with fires in their eyes.
Hold on you guys! It’s true we are a new guild and we never had any adventures, so we should prepare first. What do you say Felia?
Mmm.. Actually, we should go to the Inn to check ourselves in first. The room we had before was only free during the voyage. Now that we are here, we have to expense everything ourselves.
Oh yeah that is true. You guys don’t want to sleep on the street after an adventure do you?
The other three, upon hearing this, seemed to have frozen in place, shuddered, made an 180 turn, and started walking back. Unfortunately, due to the sheer amount of adventurers on this expedition, it seemed like all the inns were full. Soon, the group arrived at the last inn labeled on their introduction flyer…
Why can’t we just kick someone out?
That would be bad, and bad girls don’t get any sweets.
What! Noooo~
There there, as long as you don’t kick them out, there will be sweets for you.
Hooray! Syra is the best!
But still… This is the last Inn according to the flyer. If this one is full as well, then…
I refuse to sleep on the street.
Then, let’s check it out shall we?
The Inn looked very cozy, almost like home, but for some reason, there’s no one here…
Hello? Anyone here?
A Listless girl came out from one of the doors with a big cat on her head.
We’re closed todaaaay…
What? Noooo…
Mrrrow!
Just as Syra were about to drag Nana out of the Inn in defeat, the cat on the girl’s head scratched her rapidly.
Ah. Hey! Okay, okay… We’re open. Startiiiiing… Now.
The girl tried to stop the cat from scratching her, but bumped into the furnitures and the walls left and right.
Um… Are you okay?
Yeah… By the way, I’m Vivian. The lil’ guy up here’s Mr. Merlin. Go write your guild in that log book there and you’ll be checked in.
(Did she say check ourselves in by writing our guild in their log book?)
Alrighty then. Goodniiiiight…
Good night? But it’s the day right? Look the sun is still up!
And with that, Vivian collapsed on a table and started drooling.
Well… At least we have a place to stay.
Ye… Yeah… Fi, go write our guild name in that logbook.
Good! I’ll be taking this room then.
Then I’ll take the same room as Fifi.
Okay… I guess I’ll check us in then… Mmm… now that I think about it, how much does it cost to rest at the Inn?
Vivian pointed at a poster with her finger while still drooling on the table…
(Uwa… Did just she understood me and replied to me in her sleep?)
The poster Vivian pointed at just had 3 bullets on it.
- Price Varies…
- Storage is free!
- Current Price: 5 entals per night!
Price varies?
Well, it’s not like we have any choice, and 5 entals is pretty cheap given that the storage is free.
I hope we didn’t make a mistake.
Ophelia wrote down the guild name and the guild members in the log book.
Alright. Now that we don’t have to sleep on the streets anymore, let’s go!
Actually… I was planning to check the stores first…
Ehhh?
I think it’s a good idea too. We should be well prepared for our first adventure. Who knows what’s gonna happen out there.
Speaking of which, I do need a new pair of shoes as well.
Me too.
Then that’s settled, let’s go.
Yaaawn…Headin’ out for an adventure, eh? Good Luuuuck…
Thanks?
(Is she actually asleep or not? If so, this must be some kind of talent.)
The group wandered around for a bit on the street before they found the shop from the introduction flyer. As they walked in, a shred looking woman turned to them…
What’s this..? Unfamiliar faces? Let me guess: new explorers lured by the sweet scent of profit? Hmmm.. I’ll wager a guess that you’ve only just formed your guild, am I right?
Ah yes, we are a new guild, but we aren’t here by the profit.
Is that so? I’d heard from the Explorers Guild that there would be some new adventurers stopping by with a stipend to gear themselves up.
I suppose…
Hee hee hee! In that case, we here at Napier’s Firm have all the essentials that you could wish to purchase. It would do you no good to be defeated in the labyrinths with a full purse, correct?
That’s a good point.
Hey miss, do you have any shoes I can buy?
Mm.. Here’s a pair of Leaf Sandals that should fit you pretty well.
Ehh? Do you have any real shoes? These are just large leaves…
Not at the moment, we need materials to make them you know.
How do you run a shop if you don’t have any materials?
I didn’t take any when I boarded the ship. New opportunity, and a new start. Besides, I don’t think you can afford better equipments yet.
Grr… Fine! Give me that pair of leaf sandals then.
That’ll be 25 entals.
Sure… Uh… Mm…
Nana searched everywhere in her pocket and her bags.
Guys… I think I lost wallet…
Ahaha! And you call me an airhead!
The other party members also checked their pockets and bags. However, it dawned upon them that none of them had their wallets…
Wait! I can’t find mine as well…
Waaahh… My pocket money…
This seems like a case of theft to me.
Actually… Did you guys take your wallet before we boarded the ship? I never got a chance to grab my wallet before you guys pulled me onto the ship.
…
Hee hee hee… You guys are hilarious, but don’t you still have the stipend from the Explorers guild?
Oh yeah that’s right! Fi, you’ll pay right?
*sigh* Yeah. Can I make the payment once we have everything?
That works for me.
I’ll also take the Leaf Sandals then.
Trying to copy the best I see.
As if! It just so happened I also needed a pair.
Actually, I think all of us needs a pair, the shoes we had weren’t suitable for adventure.
Yeah, that’s true. Let’s get 5 pairs of Leaf Sandals then.
Also, I’d need buy that Buckler. I didn’t get a chance to grab my shield from back home.
Oh! In that case, can I also get that Feathered Hat? I think that feather ornament would make me really stand out in a crowd!
Let me think. I’d like to reserve 20 entals for the inn. So with 5 pairs of Leaf Sandals, a Buckler, and a Feathered Hat, that leaves us with uh…
280 entals.
Oh, we actually have plenty to spare. Thanks Syra!
Then I’ll get this pair of Yarn Gloves.
Me too.
Ok. That’s 2 pairs of Yarn gloves. Anything you want Poka?
The Feather Hat!
That’s 5 pairs of Leaf Sandals, 2 pairs of Yarn Gloves, 2 pairs of Feather Hats, and a buckler. Your total is…
Napier made a few quick flicks on her abacus
295 entals! But, may I suggest looking at weapons as well? The faster you kill an enemy, the less damage you will receive!
That’s true. But we only have enough money for 2…
I want that scythe!
Pokachi pointed at a big scythe, though it’s really just a grain cutter we used to use back at home to harvest rice.
That scythe is bigger than you! Do you really think you can handle it?
Mmhmmm!
Okay, let’s get that scythe as well. But what should we do with your current scythe?
Pokachi already had a scythe she always carried around. It was a Grass Cutter that we used to harvest grass before we started this journey.
Ah, we do purchase weapons and items too. Let’s see.. I can give you 10 entals for that scythe of yours.
Perfect! Okay, anyone else want a better weapon?
Nah, I’m good. That staff look so plain. I’ll stick to my wand for now.
I think I’m fine as well, for now.
Yeah. There’s nothing wrong with saving money for better uses.
Well, I’ll be using my shield most of the time, I think I’m good as well. So we’ll just get that Grain Cutter, and sell this Grass Cutter.
That’s 70 entals for the Grain Cutter, and I’ll give you 10 entals for your Grass Cutter, so another 60 entals for a grand total of 355 entals!
Woah, that’s a lot more than what I originally planned for, but it’s still within budget, so it should be fine.
Ophelia counted 355 entals and handed it to Napier.
Pleasure doing business with you!
Say, have you always been here?
My shop used to be set up in a different town, but once I saw this flying city though, I decided to stick around here instead!
Why?
Why, you ask? Isn’t it obvious? Any unexplored labyrinths are sure to be full of undiscovered treasure. As if I would pass up such an opportunity!
You really like money…
Of course. It is as they say, money isn’t everything, but everything needs money!
I see, I guess I can’t say you are wrong.
Fifi… can we go adventure yet?
Ah sorry Poka. Just one more stop before we go alright? Let’s go to the tavern. Mueller said we can pick up some request there. Since we are going for adventures, we might as well finish some requests while we are at it right?
Okaaay…
I guess that will be everything we purchase today. Thanks for your assistance Napier.
Pleasure is all mine, come back again with stuff you find from your adventure, I can can give you a good rate!
And with that, the group left Napier’s Firm…
Mueller told me to go to Kvasir’s Tavern… But I forgot to ask him where that is…
Kvasir’s Tavern? I think we walked past it when we were looking for a Inn to stay in.
Really? You still remember?
Yeah, I think so.
Syra is really smart isn’t she?
Maybe a little too smart.
Unlike certain someone.
I totally agree! Unlike certain someone.
The group followed Syra, and after around what seemed like infinite number of twist and turns, they reached a little tavern with a few patrons drinking.
(Uwa… How does anyone remember this by just passing by once?)
Upon arrival, an old man came out from behind the counter to greet them.
Oh, is that a new face I see? First time here?
Yes mister. Hello.
Hello, and welcome to Kvasir’s Tavern! My name is Kvasir. I’m the barkeep around here. You can call me Kvasie, if you want.
Nice to meet you Kvasie. I am Ophelia, and this is Syra, Pokachi, Kaga, and Nana
Are you new adventurers? You’ve got good eyes on you. Bright and hopeful.
Thank you sir.
What’s that? So do I? No, no, my old eyes can barely see much of anything these days! Dahaha!
Ah ha ha. You are funny grandpa!
Oof, I’m not that old! Oh by the way, just so you know, we get lots of requests from the people who visit this tavern. “Get me this”, “I want that”, “Kill that monster”, Hell, even “Go out on a date with me!”
Oooh. Really?
Dahaha! No, no, I’m just kidding’!
Ah ha ha ha!
…
Anyways, if you complete a request, you’ll earn yourself a reward. I’m not joking about that! Oh, are you Istoria Guild by any chance?
Yes, we are. Did Mueller tell you about us?
Ah yes, I was told to give you priority on all my requests. However, you guys came very late, and most of the requests are taken by other adventurers already, but I saved 2. How about it, then? Wanna jump in and get started?
Thank you sir, we’ll take the requests.
Kvasir handed 2 posters to Ophelia:
Could you give me some more details on “watching the flocks”?
That request? That one comes from the city’s herdsmen. Maginia’s herdsmen care for a variety of livestock that provide the city with fresh milk and meat. We’ve got goats, sheep, cows, horses, all kinds! Since the city’s always moving from one place to the next, keeping them cared for isn’t easy. Whenever the city lands, the herdsmen take the livestock out of the city to let them graze on fresh grass. This time, they’re in a dangerous, unexplored place. The herdsmen and their animals can’t just walk out of the city like they usually do.That’s where this request comes in. They want some adventurers to protect them. A specially trained soldier will herd the goats. You just have to keep them safe. The goats will eat the grass and plants while you keep watch over them. This request is perfect for brand-new adventurers. Which is why I saved it for you. They’ll be waiting for you right as you leave the city. Good luck!
Thanks for the detailed explanation Kvasie. How about the other one?
That request? That one was submitted by one of the biggest names in the city. Because Maginia sits atop an airship, our water supply is pretty limited. That’s why every time the city lands, we have to look for sources of freshwater. The city will secure its own supply of course, but the civilians will need to find some for their own too. A few went out exploring and found a big lake out to the west. The only problem is there’s a giant, angry fish living in the lake. If anyone gets close to the water, it jumps out and threatens them with its big, sharp teeth. Nobody can draw any water from the lake. The people of the city are terrified, naturally, and they’ve started calling it the ‘guardian of the lake.’ That’s where you come in. Here’s a fishing rod and some bait. Go and fish that giant guardian out of the lake! Bahaha.
Kvasir handed Ophelia an fishing rod and some baits.
Thanks Kvasie, we’ll accept both requests.
No problem, feel free to talk to some other adventurers here, they may provide useful information.
With that, Kvasir went back behind the counter to perform his barkeep duties.
He was an interesting guy…
Yeah…
Anyways, I’m going to gather some information from the people around here. You guys go on ahead!
Wheeeee~
Wait Poka… Don’t worry Felia, I’ll go after her.
Welp, I’m not good dealing with strangers, so I’m heading out as well.
This place stinks of alcohol, so I’m leaving as well.
Okay guys, let’s regroup at the Gate.
After parting with the other party members, Ophelia walked towards the first of the 2 patrons currently at the bar, who happened to be a fierce-looking man.
Hi.
Mmph. By the looks on your faces, you lot are still just a bunch of baby lambs.
Excuse me sir?
But… I can see hope and potential in your eyes. You won’t find any of that in me. I’ve already given up the adventurer’s life.
Oh…
However, that experience has taught me some things you may not know yet. Talk to me if there’s something you wish to learn about. My name is Russell. Once I was an adventurer. Now I am just another man.
Anything we should watch out for in this land?
How would I know? I’ve never set foot on this land before. I can answer your basic needs, such as battle formations, binds and ailments, equipments and skills.
Ah, in that case, we are good for now. Thank you.
I see. If you have any questions later, feel free to come back and ask me. I look forward to our next meeting. Don’t get killed out there.
After Ophelia parted with Russell, she walked towards the second patron at the bar.
*sigh* This sucks! I thought it’d be tough, but not THIS tough! I can’t believe nobody invited me to join their guild…
He looked terribly drunk and was causing a ruckus.
(With that kind of behaviour, I’m not surprised… Though I think I better avoid him for now. I don’t want to get into any troubles. Think I’m going to say goodbye to Kvasie and join my friends.)
With that thought, Ophelia walked towards the counter where Kvasier is happily wiping some plates.
Well, if it isn’t the Istoria Guild! Here for a drink? Looking for information? Or… Did you come just to see me? Dahaha! No, no, I’m just kidding’!
(Maybe I should have just left actually.)
Well, to be honest with you, I don’t like to drink. That’s why my job’s makin’ the drinks, not drinkin’ them! Dahaha!
(I definitely should have just left.)
So, what is it?
I just came to say goodbye, my party are ready for adventure, and I’ll be joining them shortly. Thanks again for the information you provided.
Don’t mention it, have fun out there, and good luck! Bye Felicia! Dahahaha.
After leaving the bar, Ophelia rendezvoused with the rest of the group, and then, their new journey begins.
Istoria 