Chapter 21

I’d been exhausted when I got back to my room, so tired I simply set the sigil gem aside to deal with it in the morning. Said morning had then come far too early for my taste. Pete was knocking on my door just before dawn broke to remind me Anna was doing her swearing in today. I couldn’t miss that, so I got myself together as quick as I could and made my way downstairs to find something to nosh.

The sun had barely risen when Anna and I made our way to the Farmers Guild hall. The crisp air nipped at our cheeks, and the city slowly came to life around us. Despite my exhaustion, I was still buzzing with excitement from the night before, eager to officially join the Guardians Guild. But first, it was time to support Anna as she began her own journey with the Farmers Guild. We entered the spacious hall, which had been adorned with vibrant flowers and lush greenery for the occasion. Rows of wooden benches faced a small stage, where a podium stood at the center. A modest crowd of well-wishers and current Farmers Guild members had already gathered, murmuring excitedly among themselves.

Anna looked radiant a simple yet elegant green dress, a nervous smile playing on her lips. "I can't believe this is really happening," she whispered to me, her eyes shining with anticipation.

I grinned at her, trying to offer reassurance. "You're going to do great, Anna. The Farmers Guild is lucky to have you."

She squeezed my hand and smiled. "Thank you, Dylan. I couldn't have gotten this far without your support."

As the ceremony began, an older man with a kind face and gentle eyes approached the podium. His voice was warm and welcoming as he addressed the crowd. "Good morning, everyone. For those that don’t know me, I’m Jerome Blakely. I’m the man voted in to bring some semblance of order to the pack of cantankerous folks we call the Farmers Guild!” I had to chuckle at that, and I wasn’t alone. Jerome clearly knew how to handle a crowd. “Thank you for joining us today as we welcome a new member to our ranks. This is a momentous occasion for both the Farmers Guild and for our newest initiate, Anna."

The crowd applauded, and Anna beamed as she stepped onto the stage. Jerome continued, "The Farmers Guild plays a crucial role in our city's well-being, ensuring a steady supply of food and resources for our citizens. We are delighted to have Anna join our ranks and contribute to this vital mission."

Turning to Anna, Jerome asked, "Are you ready to pledge your allegiance to the Farmers Guild and uphold our values of hard work, dedication, and care for the land and its people?"

Anna's voice was steady as she replied, "Yes, I am."

Jerome smiled warmly, placing a wreath of flowers upon her head as a symbol of her commitment. "Then, by the authority vested in me by the farmers around you, I hereby welcome you into the Farmers Guild. May your work always be fruitful and your heart ever be strong."

The crowd erupted in cheers and applause as Anna and Jerome shook hands. As they exited the stage, the atmosphere in the hall shifted to one of celebration. Tables laden with an assortment of delicious food were uncovered, and the smell of freshly baked bread, roasted meats, and sweet pastries filled the air. People laughed and chatted animatedly as they enjoyed the feast, Anna at the center of the festivities.

As we feasted, I wandered over and struck up a conversation with Jerome. "You've got a really great guild here, Mr. Blakely. Anna's really lucky to be a part of it."

He smiled warmly, his eyes twinkling. "Thank you, Dylan. We're very proud of what we do here. And we're just as lucky to have Anna. She's an exceptional young woman with a great deal of potential."

Our conversation continued, touching on topics such as the day-to-day life of a member of the Farmers Guild and the challenges they faced in maintaining the city's food supply. It was fascinating to gain insight into a world so different from my own, and although it wasn’t for me, I admired the dedication and passion that Jerome and the other guild members had for their work. Plus, they had some awesome cooks on staff, because the food was amazing!

As the celebration wound down, Anna approached me, her face flushed with happiness. "Dylan, I can't thank you enough for being here today. It means the world to me."

I smiled warmly. "Of course, Anna. I wouldn't have missed it for anything. I'm really proud of you, and I know you'll do amazing things with the Farmers Guild."

She grinned, her eyes shining with excitement. "And you decided on the Guardians after all, huh? I think that’s as good a call for you as the Mages Guild would have been. Either way, I have a feeling you’re do great.”

We shared a heartfelt embrace, the bond of our friendship stronger than ever. I couldn't help but feel a mixture of pride, excitement, and a little sadness. Our paths were diverging, but I knew in my heart that we would always be there for each other, no matter where our journeys took us. We both came from the same world. That bond wasn’t going anywhere.

“We ought to get going, or you’ll be late for your swearing in,” Anna said.

“Coming back with me?”

“I wouldn’t miss it!”

As we left the Farmers Guild hall, I felt a growing buzz of excitement. It was now my turn to take the next step, to pledge my allegiance to the Guardians Guild and embrace the adventures and challenges that awaited me.

The sun was higher in the sky now, casting a warm glow over the city. As I made my way toward the Guardians Guild, I couldn't help but think about the incredible journey I had embarked upon since arriving in the Crater. The friendships, the discoveries, and the battles—all of it had led me to this moment. But probably nothing had pushed me more than the adventure with Pascal the night before.

Sure, I was tired as a result. That was fine. He’d managed to show me a path forward that was more interesting and exciting than anything else I could imagine. And as I walked toward the doors of the Guardians Guild hall, ready to commit to my new path, I knew that my journey was only just beginning.

The imposing stone edifice of the Guardians Guild stood tall and proud, its banners fluttering gently in the breeze. We entered the main hall, the familiar surroundings welcoming me like a warm embrace. Pascal, Tania, Pete, and William were already there, chatting among themselves and casting me encouraging smiles as we approached.

Lady Gwyneth stood at the front of the room, her elegant robes and silver hair giving her an air of authority and grace. As I took my place before her, my heart pounded in my chest, but the sight of my friends and their unwavering support steadied my resolve.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Lady Gwyneth began, her voice filling the room with a sense of reverence, “We gather here today to welcome a new member into our Guild. Dylan, a young man of great courage and potential, has chosen to commit himself to our cause—to protect the people of the Crater from the monsters that lurk in the shadows."

I stood tall, my gaze meeting hers as she continued, "Before we proceed, I must ask you, Dylan, are you prepared to uphold the values and duties of the Guardians Guild, to fight for the safety and well-being of our citizens, and to face the challenges that await you with honor and courage?"

Taking a deep breath, I steadied my voice and replied, "Yes, Lady Gwyneth. I am ready."

A warm smile spread across her face as she extended her hand, gesturing for me to step forward. "Then I hereby welcome you into the Guardians Guild. May your blade be ever sharp, your heart ever strong, and your spirit unbreakable."

With those words, she fastened a small, intricately crafted pin to my tunic – the emblem of the Guardians Guild. A surge of pride coursed through me as I accepted the symbol of my new allegiance. The room erupted into applause as my friends and fellow guild members congratulated me on my initiation. I could see the pride in Anna's eyes as she beamed at me from the crowd, and I knew I had made the right choice.

As the ceremony came to an end, the atmosphere shifted from solemnity to celebration. Tables laden with food and drink were revealed, and the scent of roasted meats, fresh bread, and spiced wines filled the air. The guild members gathered around, toasting my success and welcoming me into their ranks.

Throughout the festivities, I found myself engaged in numerous conversations, sharing stories of my experiences in the Crater and learning more about the adventures and challenges that awaited me as a Guardian. I was particularly moved by the camaraderie and solidarity that seemed to bind the members of the guild together, a testament to the bond forged through shared battles and hardships.

Pascal clapped me on the shoulder, his eyes alight. He seemed no worse the wear for our late-night excursion, and I had to admit I was a little jealous of that! Maybe a side effect of his rank? "I knew you had it in you, Dylan. Welcome to the Guardians. I think you made the correct call.”

I grinned back at him, my earlier nervousness now replaced with a sense of exhilaration. “You’re the one who shoved me in the right direction!”

“Well, sometimes we all need a little nudge,” Pascal replied. “Speaking of which, what sigil did you get?

I smacked my forehead. I’d completely forgotten the thing! “It’s still up in my room. Haven’t used it yet.”

“What? Wow, getting blasé about sigils already?” Pascal teased.

“No. Just exhausted from midnight adventures with you.” I laughed. “I was so wiped out last night I barely made it into my bed. I’ll find out after we’re all done here.”

Anna joined us, her smile as bright as the sun outside. “Awesome ceremony, Dylan! Congrats.”

“Thanks, Anna! Glad you’re here with me,” I replied.

We spent the remainder of the day celebrating, laughing , and sharing stories with our friends and fellow guild members. The sense of unity and camaraderie within the Guardians Guild was infectious, and I felt a strong connection to these people who had welcomed me with open arms.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a warm golden glow across the hall, the festivities began to wind down. My friends and I, tired but elated, gathered together one last time before parting ways for the evening.

"Today has been incredible," I said, my voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you all for making me feel so welcome."

Tania smiled warmly, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "You're one of us now, Dylan. We're glad to have you."

"We'll be expecting great things from you," Pete added, his teasing tone betraying the genuine affection beneath his words.

William nodded, a serious expression on his face. "We face many challenges, Dylan, but you’re the sort of man I’m happy to have facing them by my side.”

As we said our goodbyes and dispersed for the night, I remembered that I still had one more exciting thing to handle tonight: that sigil gem! I wondered what new power it would instill in me. There was no way I was putting it off any longer, that’s for sure. I didn’t run to my room, but I moved at a quick pace.

When I got there, the sigil gem was still waiting. One thing I could say for this place: I hadn’t heard of any Guardians complaining about theft here. Pete said one should always watch one’s wallet while out and about in the city. Pickpockets were a thing in the Crater, apparently. But not in the Guardians Guild hall.

I picked the thing up, holding the magical crystal in my hand. Then, following the same technique as last time, I absorbed the essence from the gem into myself. There was a tingling sensation as the energy flowed down my arm and settled somewhere on my right bicep. There was the familiar burning and itching feeling as the sigil set itself into place.

Once I felt it fully settle into place, I opened my hand again. The sigil gem was nothing but dust, which I brushed from my fingers. Then I yanked back my sleeve to see what the new sigil was.

Like the others, it was only an outline, not filled in. This one was a sort of stylized circle, almost like a wheel, but with flourishing lines spinning off of it. It looked a little like a spinning tire that was kicking up gravel or something. Maybe something to do with speed?

Under Lady Gwyneth’s tutelage, my ‘spirit sense’ had improved enormously. That was what the people of Artensia called that ability to sort of intuitively know about things. It’s how I got bursts of info about the spiders, for example. And it helped with sigils as well, it turns out. I focused inward on my sigils and their powers, and was rewarded with a flood of new info.

Dylan Fox

Violet Rank Human

Sigils and Powers:

Shadow Magic (Violet): Hide in Shadows, Direct Shadows

Dungeon Sense (Basic): Detect Dungeons (Basic)

Haste (Basic): Burst of Speed

Yup, it was definitely a speed power, and boy was that a welcome thing. I stood up and activated the power, using it to dart across the room so fast I almost slammed into the wall. It only worked for a couple of seconds, but it seemed to roughly double my movement speed and reaction time for that brief period of time. Maybe two seconds, twice the reaction and speed? I hoped that would continue to improve as I leveled up.

A couple of uses burned through all my mana. That was new; my other powers used so little mana that I wasn’t used to tapping myself out so quickly. I’d need to save the Burst of Speed for clutch moments when it would do me the most good, but it was a welcome addition to my growing arsenal of abilities!