VIP System

After seeing Amanda so excited, Leo decided to ask her about her job, even though he already knew what it was. Amanda's eyes widened and her mouth gaped in surprise. "Another benefit of being a registered adventurer," she explained, "is that you'll be able to see an adventurer's level, their job, and their name." She pointed above her head as she spoke.

Leo was astonished. "That would be nice," he said, genuinely impressed.

"And monster names?" he asked, curious about how it worked for enemies.

Amanda nodded happily. "Monster names? Everyone can see those, and the color... well, it tells you how dangerous the monster is based on your level. Did you notice the Orc Lord’s name was red?" she asked.

Leo nodded, recalling the ominous glow of the name. "Yeah, it was red."

Amanda smiled knowingly. "The color of the monster's name tells you how dangerous it is. Red means it's way out of your league—like the Orc Lord, which was level 50."

"I noticed that. What about other colors?"

"Orange means it’s more than ten levels higher than you, green is within five, and white? That’s safe."

Leo was thrilled. In such a short period, he had gained a heap of useful information. "That's an adventurer for you," he told himself with a smile.

As they talked, they approached the gates of the capital. The area was bustling with activity. Merchants and travelers filled the entrance, carts laden with goods, and soldiers on patrol. The air was filled with the sounds of haggling, laughter, and the clatter of wheels on cobblestones.

They were soon inspected by the guards. The merchant was asked about his passengers and he mentioned that they were with Lady Ranna. The guards immediately recognized the name and welcomed the two warmly. Leo noticed that they looked at Amanda differently, almost as if they already knew her. He remembered Ranna mentioning that Amanda used to frequent the guild center to ask for help.

As they entered the capital, still riding in the merchant's cart, Leo marveled at how busy and beautiful the place was. The streets were lined with shops, each displaying a variety of goods. Children ran around playing, their laughter mingling with the sounds of street performers. The buildings were tall and ornate, with intricate designs that spoke of the city's rich history.

Leo also noticed that the walls of the capital were enormous, even taller than the Orc Lord. He made a rough estimate of 21 feet. Soldiers were stationed on top, keeping a vigilant lookout. At regular intervals, there were towers connected to the wall. Leo looked intently at one of them.

Amanda noticed his interest and explained, "That's a station for long-range soldiers like wizards and hunters."

Leo nodded, taking in the new information. The capital was more than he had imagined. It was a place of beauty, strength, and endless possibilities. He felt a surge of excitement, knowing that this was just the beginning of their new journey.

As they moved deeper into the inner city, Leo saw various establishments lining the streets. There were armor and weapon shops displaying glistening blades, sturdy shields, and intricate suits of armor. Alchemists' shops with colorful potions bubbling in their windows, promising cures, enhancements, and mysterious effects. Food stalls emitted tantalizing aromas of grilled meats, freshly baked bread, and exotic spices, making Leo's stomach growl in anticipation.

After a few moments, Leo noticed they were approaching a large building. Flags with different emblems fluttered outside, and many people were bustling in and out of its grand entrance. Leo realized how diverse the kingdom was as he started to notice adventurers of different sizes and species. Looking back at the market area, he saw several demihumans in the crowd, including fox-like people with bushy tails, cat-like individuals with sharp ears, and even some dragonoids with scales and small horns protruding from their heads. Elves with their pointed ears and ethereal beauty mingled with stout, bearded dwarves, who carried heavy axes and hammers with ease.

The merchant stopped at the entrance of the building and smiled at them. "Good luck with your registration," he said warmly.

Leo handed the merchant a gold coin. "Thank you for the ride," he said sincerely.

The merchant accepted the coin with a nod. "You're welcome. Safe travels and good luck," he replied, waving goodbye as they stepped off the cart.

As they stepped into the adventurer’s guild, Amanda felt a familiar tug in her chest. It had been years since she’d last walked these halls as an adventurer. Back then, this place was as much a battlefield as the dungeons she ventured into. For a moment, she allowed herself to remember the old days, the victories and the losses. And now, here she was again—older, perhaps wiser, and with Leo by her side.

Leo was immediately mesmerized. The inside was spacious, filled with adventurers of all kinds. There were beginners with simple leather armor and wooden staffs, nervously chatting in small groups. Veteran adventurers with elaborate gear and auras of confidence moved with purpose, discussing their latest quests or boasting about their exploits.

He was looking around, taking it all in, when someone called out to Amanda. He instinctively turned to see a woman at the front desk waving at her. Amanda walked towards the desk, and Leo followed, careful not to bump into anyone. When he reached the front desk, he saw Amanda talking merrily with the woman.

The woman noticed Leo and waved at Amanda, who turned and saw him. She grabbed Leo's arm and pulled him closer. "Leo, this is Susan, one of the adventurers guild staff and the secretary of the guild master," Amanda introduced.

Susan was a mature woman with long black hair and a soothing presence. She wore a practical yet elegant dress, with intricate designs that gave her an air of authority and grace. She radiated professionalism but had a friendly demeanor. Her gaze was warm and comforting, reminiscent of a mother's embrace.

"Amanda tells me you're a good man, Leo," Susan said warmly.

"She's special to us here, you know. We've watched her grow, seen her through more than you can imagine. Just... make sure she’s well taken care of." There was a hint of something unspoken in her words—a quiet expectation, a knowing look. Susan's eyes twinkled as if she could see something neither of them fully realized yet.

"And I can see you two creating adorable children."

Amanda squirmed, flailing her arms in embarrassment. "Susan, stop!" she pleaded, her face turning cherry.

Susan chuckled, and then her expression softened. "Leo, you should know that Amanda is very special to us here," she said.

Leo's face turned bright red, feeling a mix of embarrassment and awkwardness wash over him. He averted his gaze, scratching the back of his head nervously.

"Amanda’s like a daughter to me," Susan said, her tone softening. "I’ve seen her through the toughest times. If you’re with her, Leo, you better make sure she’s well taken care of. She deserves nothing less after everything she’s been through."

Leo nodded, the weight of her words settling on him. He had never heard much about Amanda’s past from her, but Susan’s words made him realize there was a lot more to her than she let on.

"Now, let's get you registered, shall we?" she said, leading them towards the registration area.