The morning sun broke over the rooftops of Silverhaven, painting the cobbled streets in soft amber hues. Birds chirped from window sills as merchants opened their stalls, and the aroma of sweetbread and sizzling meat drifted through the cool air.
Selena strolled beside Red with a skip in her step, happily licking a honeyed pastry in one hand and holding a sausage skewer in the other. Her face bore the innocent glow of a child in a candy store, and crumbs trailed down her leather vest from her enthusiasm.
Red: That's your third pastry,
Red said without looking at her, his tone even beneath the heavy black cloak he wore.
Selena glanced up, mid-bite, her cheeks puffed.
Selena: Mmhmmf. And it's worth every coin.
She swallowed and twirled beside him.
Selena: I don't care if I'm a rogue now, I still need sugar to function!
Red raised an eyebrow but said nothing, simply keeping pace as the two approached the Adventurer's Guild.
It was bustling today.
The large twin doors of the Silverhaven guild hall stood open wide, and inside, the place pulsed with life. Dozens of adventurers packed the main lobby. Some huddled around tables nursing mugs of tea or coffee, while others leaned close to the massive quest board, jostling each other for a better look.
A group of seasoned adventurers laughed uproariously in one corner, all of them clad in dented chainmail and scarred leathers. Another, more refined group in matching white and blue cloaks stood near the reception, eyes narrowed at the board with strategic focus.
Selena leaned in close to Red as they stepped into the crowd.
Selena: Is it always this packed?
Red: Not always
Red: But when rumors of goblin nests reach the guild, everyone gets greedy.
They wove their way toward the quest board.
Dozens of parchment slips fluttered in the breeze from outside, each bearing one common theme—GOBLINS.
Goblin clearing request – Northwood Hamlet – Reward: 8 Silver Coins per party member l Goblin den extermination – West Shrouds – Possible Goblin Leader sighted – 12 Silver Coins l Goblin scouting in Deepgrove Hills – Requesting ranged class or trackers – 10 Silver Coins Goblin l raiding threat – Urgent – Village of Graymead – 15 Silver Coins (bonus if done in 2 days)
Selena: That's... a lot of goblins.
Red: Spring season, They breed fast, move in packs, and build nests before summer. Guilds take it seriously."
Selena tilted her head as she watched a large group of adventurers, five men and one tall woman—argue over which goblin quest was the most lucrative.
"Deepgrove's not worth it unless we've got a mage!"
"Screw Deepgrove. West Shrouds has a bonus if you kill the leader!"
"We're already four people. We just need a healer!"
A smaller group nearby grumbled as one of their companions was clearly being excluded.
"Sorry, Lio. You're not strong enough. We can't carry you this time."
A freckled boy in oversized gear stammered, "B-But I can fight, I swear! I even bought a new sword!"
"Come back after your second quest, maybe."
The group left him standing alone, clutching the hilt of his blade, eyes downcast.
Selena: That's not fair.
Red: It's how adventuring works, People team up for profit. Not everyone's looking to train rookies.
He said it without scorn or judgment, just fact.
Selena stepped closer to the board and examined the remaining quests. Many had already been stamped with a red "TAKEN" seal. The few that remained were marked as "High Risk" or "Recommended party of 4+".
Selena: This is crazy, How's a beginner supposed to get any experience if all the good quests are gone in an hour?"
A sudden voice from behind interrupted her thoughts.
"First-time goblin hunting?"
She turned to see a tall man with a well-trimmed beard and a spear strapped to his back. His armor bore the emblem of a minor noble house, and his smile was friendly but edged with condescension.
Selena: No. I've fought slimes.
He chuckled. "Ah. Slimes. Like training dummies with jello." He turned to Red. "This your student?"
Red looked at him, eyes unreadable beneath the hood.
Red: She's my partner.
The man raised his eyebrows, gave Selena a once-over, then shrugged. "Well, watch yourself out there. Goblins might look dumb, but they're not. And the ones that live long enough to lead packs? They're smart. Smarter than they look.
Selena: Thanks,
She said, keeping her tone polite.
As the man left, she puffed her cheeks.
Selena: What a jerk.
Red: He meant well. Sort of.
Selena: I know I'm new, but I'm not helpless."
Red: I know, You're getting stronger.
Selena smiled softly at that.
They watched as another pair, a wizard in blue robes and a thief with silver hair, joined hands and claimed a mid-tier quest together, laughing as they stepped away from the board.
Selena: Everyone's pairing off, Like it's some sort of dance."
Red: It is, Pick your partners, know your steps, move in rhythm. If someone misses a beat..
Selena: They die...right?
Red nodded.
Selena stared at the board for a moment longer, then spotted one last unclaimed quest pinned awkwardly in the lower left corner.
Goblin tracking, reported signs near Hollowroot trail. Scouts needed to verify reports and dispatch small nests. Reward: 7 silver coins. No party requirement. Authorization: R-level+
Selena: This one's solo, she said, pointing.
Red glanced down at it.
Red: Hollowroot Trail. It's not far. Rough terrain, good for rogues and scouts.
Selena: Think I could do it?
she asked, eyes sparkling with cautious hope.
Red: You've trained. You've got the gear. You've got the instinct,
Red: "But only you can decide if you're ready.
Selena stared at the parchment.
She had wanted to grow stronger. She didn't want to stay in Red's shadow forever. If this was a dance, then it was time she took her own step forward.
Selena: I'll take it
she said, and reached for the parchment.
Just then, a loud crash erupted near the guild tavern area. Two adventurers were arguing over gold distribution from a previous quest, mugs flying, a table knocked over.
Red didn't flinch.
Red: Come on, Let's report the quest at the counter before someone takes it.
As they made their way forward, the receptionist Sophia gave them a knowing smile.
Receptionist Sophia: Solo quest, Selena?
Selena nodded.
Receptionist Sophia: Good choice. It's not the richest reward, but it builds reputation fast. And I've got faith in you.
Selena beamed.
Red turned away slightly, waiting as the paperwork was completed. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed something, or someone, moving near the upstairs balcony. A shadow. Brief, barely visible.
But familiar.
He said nothing, just watched until it was gone.
Receptionist Sophia handed the quest seal back to Selena.
Receptionist Sophia: Report to me when you're done. And come back alive.
Selena: Yes, ma'am!
They left the counter, and as they exited the guild into the daylight again, Selena exhaled deeply.
Selena: This feels real, Like... this is actually happening. I'm not a slave anymore. I'm not useless.
Red: You never were."
She blinked, mouth slightly open. Then quickly turned away.
Selena: Y-You could warn a girl before you say stuff like that.
Red smiled beneath his hood.
Red: Let's prep. We leave for Hollowroot tommorow"
Selena's step was lighter than ever.
And far above, watching them go, the shadow behind the railing slowly faded into the wind.