The morning sun bathed the capital city of Arkenis in warm golden light as the carriage rumbled over smooth cobblestone streets. Ethan pressed his forehead against the cool glass of the window, eyes wide with wonder. This place was unlike anything he'd ever seen—towering stone buildings, winding alleys filled with bustling crowds, and colorful stalls spilling over with strange fruits, glowing crystals, and intricate weapons.
People of all shapes and sizes filled the streets. He spotted slender figures with pointed ears moving gracefully through the crowd—something Seraphina had called elves, he thought. Near a market stall, a stout man with a braided beard and thick hands hammered on a glowing piece of metal; dwarfs, no doubt. Nearby, a creature with tawny fur and a long tail bargained loudly for spices. Ethan guessed those were beastkin, a race with animal traits blending into their humanoid forms. They all mingled naturally, as if these differences were just a normal part of daily life.
Ethan couldn't help but smile. So many kinds of people here... this place is alive.
Seraphina sat beside him quietly, watching his expressions. "It's a lot to take in," she said softly.
"Yeah... I didn't expect it to be so... diverse," Ethan admitted. "Where I'm from, everything's pretty much just human. This feels like a whole different world."
She nodded. "It is. And it's easy to get lost if you don't pay attention."
The carriage turned down a wide avenue and soon stopped in front of an enormous building etched with runes and crowned with a large emblem: crossed swords encircled by wings. The Adventurer's Guild of Arkenis.
"This is where I'll leave you," Seraphina said gently. "From here, you can find your own way."
Ethan stepped down and took in the scene. Adventurers milled about in various armor styles, some chatting in groups, others examining the many bounty boards that lined the plaza. Among them were tall, lithe elves wielding bows with practiced ease, stout dwarfs hefting heavy axes, and nimble beastkin darting between crowds with quick, feline movements. He even caught a glimpse of a figure with feathers sprouting from their arms — one of the rare avian races, he guessed.
Though he noticed all these differences, none struck him as strange or alien. They were simply people—each with their own skills and stories.
Seraphina's voice pulled him from his thoughts. "If you want to join, you'll need to register inside."
Ethan nodded, determination settling over him. "Alright. I'm ready."
Inside the guild hall, the energy shifted. The high vaulted ceilings echoed with lively chatter, clinks of weapons, and the rustle of parchment. Guild clerks sat behind polished counters, stamping papers and fielding questions. A large board on one wall displayed dozens of quests — from simple delivery jobs to dangerous monster hunts.
Approaching a registration desk, Ethan faced a woman with short chestnut hair wearing the guild's black-and-silver uniform. "New applicant?"
"Yes. I'd like to register as an adventurer."
"Name?"
"Ethan Cross."
"Origin?"
Ethan hesitated. "From a remote province... far away."
She raised an eyebrow but simply nodded. "Identification?"
Ethan's hand slipped to his coat pocket, where the Arkanom phone hummed softly. Tapping it twice, a faint holographic badge projected only visible to the clerk's eyes. She blinked, surprised but quickly composed herself.
"Unusual, but acceptable." She smiled thinly. "Registration fee is five silver crowns."
Ethan counted out the coins Seraphina had given him, more than enough. Handing over the payment, the woman stamped a guild seal on the parchment and handed him a small iron emblem shaped like the guild's crest.
"This will be your identification within the guild. Don't lose it."
Taking the emblem, Ethan glanced back out into the hall, where adventurers of every race and walk of life moved with purpose. Here, his origin mattered less than his will to fight and survive.
As he pocketed the badge, a quiet voice echoed in his mind — a warning Seraphina had given him.
"People may see you as a complication... but perhaps also an opportunity."
Ethan steeled himself. Then I'll make sure to be careful.