[Chapter 20 part 2] Hope - The Adventurer's Guild

--------------------------------

…

Kate lead them out to a sunlit hall, “This is administration. The State Department, PR Department, and Human Resources are here. It’s not very glamorous.”

They exited south of a gigantic courtyard surrounded by golden structures. Grandiose… “They’re Goldstone, magically reshaped granite.” Kate shrugged, “Arther decided it’d be appropriate during the reconstruction. I find it a bit much personally.” Really? I think with the shrubbery, it work.

Paved pathways lined the square, separated by waist-high islands of yellow flowers. Stone pillars intersected this buffer at regular intervals all the way around. “What are those?” Hope asked.

“Ah, those are——” Kate paused and pointed to people leaping across the tops. I bet Light is itching to join them. “They’re runways.” She finished. “Do you know about them?”

“I do now.” Wise responded. The rest of us don’t.

Kate rolled her eyes, “Many here can move inhumanly fast. This is problematic as, every so often, they’ll collide with someone who isn’t a martial artist.”

If Dawn ran into an ordinary person while sprinting… Her sister would be fine. Even without ice armor, her body was tougher than steel. But the person she collided with…

“That’s why, in areas where adventurers gather, they set up runways. Be sure to travel in the direction of the arrows if you use them. On a similar note, climbing the buildings is perfectly fine. Saint and Immortals jump between them to get around.”

“So we can’t run on the ground?” Soul asked.

“You technically can, but it’s frowned upon. You’ll get in serious trouble if someone's hurt, so please don’t.”

“We’re heading towards the landing platform west of the plaza.” Kate pointed to an open space with a four by four grid of white squares. Three people suddenly appeared in one of them. Warping resembles teleportation from a distance.

“Maybe you could give a rundown on the way? Silver suggested.

“Right…” Kate nodded. “Just a disclaimer, Headquarters is the size of a city with a long history. So forgive my disjointedness.”

Spreading her arms, she twirled around, “This is the Grey Plaza. Outdoor assemblies, celebrations, and festivals happen here. It’s also used for large-scale mobilizations and temporary refugee housing. Basically, it’s multipurpose.”

About nine hundred feet long, North to South, and three hundred wide. The surface was a single smooth slab of granite. No even the tiniest fissure…

“Arther wanted it repaved with Goldstone too, claiming ‘Gold Plaza’ sounds better than ‘Grey Plaza’. Honestly, he wasn’t wrong, but I’m glad Radin vetoed it.”

“To the East, the long building is the Great Hall, which is used for indoors events and conferences. Arther’s funeral will be held there…” Kate trailed off briefly. “On the other side is Monument Park and the Tomb of Legends.” I wonder how close she was. Arther had brought her to the Isle and trained her. His death must hurt…

“That’s the Guildmaster’s residence, directly to the west. You probably figured that out already…” Kate laughed. Yes, we did. The large mansion was covered in a thick layer of ice. “Apparently it was a bit too flamboyant for Astra’s taste. The basement connects to the Obsidian Cavern.”

That’ll be useful. The plaza was growing crowded as they approached the landing platform. It was Hope’s first time mingling among so many.

It’s very mixed. Most had the Isle’s light tan, but shades of black, brown, white, red, pink, and purple were mingled in. Those must be visitors. Then there were outliers: two greys and one vivid green. No way those are natural. A large man caught her attention with his crimson skin and huge horns. Maybe a ‘full demon’?

Hairdos were even more diverse. Only half fell into the realm of what Hope considered sensible. The others ranged from exotic to jaw dropping. …I don’t even know what to call them. One women’s long silver hair crackled with electricity. I guess standing out helps reach immortality…

For attire, it varied from multi-layered to practically nothing. There were majestic robes as well as armor cobbled together from leather, skulls, teeth, and bones. Are they wearing their trophies? Hope struggled not to gawk. I don’t look that ridiculous, do I? Light had been so zealous yesterday no one had objected. Now I want a mirror.

“That’s Reception in the Northwest corner.” Kate said. “Members report there, and assignments are handed out. It’s bound to be busy today. Our warping station is inside.”

Hope watched the constant flow in and out. To raise our adventure ranks ——and ‘build our legend’—— we’ll have to visit too. Coliseum victories could only take them so far.

“On the plaza’s North is the Command Center. It’s where everything important happens. Arther ——now Astra—— has an office there. Past that, on the edge, you’ll find the guild’s port and stables. Warping is expensive, so much of the traffic happens there.”

“What’s the ‘stables’?” Hope asked.

Kate turned to her, seeming lost. It was as if she’d never heard a question so basic. Great, I feel stupid.

“Away from cities, aerial beasts are a constant threat.” Wise offered. “Wyverns are trained to patrol the sky and keep them away. It’s the same as using dire wolves to guard farms.”

Thankful, Kate nodded, “I’ll add that renting a wyvern for travel is a fast and cheap.”

As they heading west another group warped in. “What happens if two spheres drop on top of each other?” Free asked.

“There’s a foresight component which prevents that.” Kate answered. “Also, a safety mechanism will pop the compression early. The worst that can happen is falling on someone.”

Weaving through the crowd, Hope noted how little some were wearing. I wouldn’t have lasted a minute at Earth’s End in those outfits. It wasn’t just the women. Quite a few men didn’t have much on their upper bodies. Maybe the scanty armor is a flourish, like what Dawn does. Her sister loved handicapping on herself.

They moved north past a windowless building made of darker goldstone. “What’s that?” Soul asked.

“It’s a branch of the Black Bank.” Kate said. “It handles monetary transactions. You should open an account at some point.” As old as Xarst itself. The Black Bank was one of the lone survivors of the Dark Age.

“Around this corner is the commercial sector.” Kate continued. “We’re meeting Agata at her shop, Sunrise.”

What a chaotic sight… Store-filled alleys spread out in three directions, with electric fairies zooming through projected banners and adverts like some obstacle course. Adventurers were leaping across roofs while more walked the street.

“The northeast portion is industrial, with storage, forges, and maintenance facilities.” Kate explained. “Workshops and laboratories are west. Hope, you should check them out for materials.” My must-do list is, frankly, overwhelming. “In the center, there’s a square where they hold weekly bazaars. They’re great ways to find things cheap. The best places to eat are around there. Bookstores are south——”

“Anywhere we can pick up a map?” Rose interrupted.

Kate tapped her wrist, “That’s why we are going to town later.”

Sunrise was large, taking up half a block. Inside was a plethora of items. Clothing, armor, weapons, tools… Hope examined a set of gloves. The enchantments were skillfully woven, but what impressed her was their density. I’m not sure I could match it.

“Come.” Kate said. “Agata is waiting.”

In the back room, a young woman leaned over a counter concentrating on a sword. Hope felt the flow of power.

“That’s Agata Nimrod.” Kate whispered.

Turquoise hair. Even with all she’d seen today, she hadn’t encountered this hue. It glowed as Agata fingered the blade. Her arms, wrists, and fingers were covered in jewelry. All enchanted. She appeared in her thirties, which meant nothing really. How do you determine someone’s real age without being impolite?

“Give me a minute,” Agata said without looking up.

Hope glanced around. It’s familiar, yet different. The entire left wall was filled with drawers of varying size. Custom designed furnishings. She was envious. The far wall had counters with tools hanging above. Judging from the surfaces, Agata was working on a dozen projects at once. On their right were shelves holding finished goods and works in progress. Hope guessed this from the armor displays.

Overall, it was organized except for a pile in a corner. “That’s where I toss failed creations,” Agata explained. “I find it therapeutic.”

She set down the steel and faced them, “Hi Kate. Long time no see,” She’s familiar with Kate… Wait, maybe that’s normal? Long time residents had to know Lily’s daughter.

“Hi, Agata. Here’s Hope as requested.” Kate pushed her forward.

“So you’re the young lady wishing for guidance.” Agata asked.

“Yes, I didn’t have much luck on my own…” Hope admitted.

“It’s pretty complicated.” Agata laughed. “Stupidly so. Rather than explaining, better see for yourself.” She extended a hand.

Hope grasped Agata’s palm and closed her eyes. Amazing… She’d never seen such an intricate overlays of magic in an object, let alone a living body. The veins, bone, and muscle were all charmed differently. Even the blood is flowing with energy! She was shocked. Liquids are hard! Overlapping outer layers tied everything together.

“How’d you learn this?” She muttered, looking up.

“I was taught.” Agata smirked. “For other affinities, geniuses might forge their own ways, but not so for enchanting. The only path is to inherit from those who came before.”

Where do I even start? As she searched for a thread of logic, her senses brushed upon the power brimming in Agata’s rings. More to study. So thrilling.

Then Agata pulled her hand away. Hope wanted to protest but saw everyone standing around. How long has it been?

“I see you’re eager.” Agata said as Hope reddened. “Would you like to start tonight?”

“Yes, please.”

“Then stop by after six. I’ll be here all evening.”

“Thank you.” Hope bowed. Perfect. That left plenty of time before her match.

“I’m curious.” Silver said while studying an armor display. “Some outfits here are a little skimpy… I understand for clothing, but not so much for armor. Why’s it popular?” Good question.

“Ah, you mean the ‘bikini armor’.” Agata said. “It’s mostly for fools wanting to look attractive. They often come back for something more substantive.”

“Is it alright to sell this?” Soul asked. It’s the ethics which bothers him.

“Why not? It’s not like there’s any risks in a deathless arena. If they wear it somewhere dangerous, that’s on them.” Sensing disapproval, Agata sighed and spoke seriously, “Look, I’ll admit some buyers don’t know what they’re doing. However, many do. They either possess incredibly sturdy bodies or unbelievable regeneration. These types don’t rely on clothing for defense. Rather, their primary concern is durability.”

“We know someone like that.” Silver broke in. All eyes fell on Free.

“I’m fine. I already have my solution.” She shrugged.

Glancing around uncertainly, Agata continued, “These adventurers buy outfits made of extremely tough ——and expensive—— materials. Unless they have an unlimited budget, the choice is between something which covers more and something which won’t break. Most chose the option that won’t leave them naked.” Makes sense.

“Maybe I should sell some of my tunics…” Free mused. Not a good idea. Her sister’s bizarre creations should be kept far from the public.

“By the way.” Agata walked over to a display. “This one’s fake.” She tapped the midriff area, causing something to shimmer.

Partially invisible armor! Of the chainmail tunic, only the ‘bikini’ portion was visible. How many today were wearing something like this?

“The best of both worlds! Protection while appearing attractive and daring.” Agata smiled wryly. “It’s also an example of the HEAVENLY DAO’s interference. Adding this transparency is far easier than it should be.”

After letting them marvel, Agata resumed, “Unless there’s anything else…”

“What about mental bending?” Hope suddenly remembered. “Can you teach that too?”

She formed a ball of metal in her palm. Agata watched and shook her head, “I didn’t hear about this… Sorry, I can’t help.”

Nothing goes perfectly. Agata winced at her disappointment. Then her eyes lit up, “You should see Legonas.” Hope waited for an explanation, but Agata went to open a window. With a wave, a fairy appeared. “Where’s Legonas right now?”

“He just reached the firing range.” The sprite answered.

“Perfect, he’ll be there for a while. Tell him Agata is sending a student his way.” She addressed Kate, “Can you guide Hope there?”

“Sure.” Kate agreed.

So I’ll meet a metal bending expert after all. Hope’s enthusiasm bubbled over. I won’t be punished for a little optimism, right?