After days of walking, I finally stood at the edge of Highmere — the capital of the Valemont Kingdom. The city stretched far beyond anything I'd ever seen. Stone walls rose high into the sky, and beyond them, towers, banners, and rooftops filled the skyline.
I tightened my grip on the strap of my bag and took a deep breath.
"I'm finally here."
It felt strange saying it out loud… but then again, I'd been dreaming of this moment for years.
Two guards stood at the main gate, wearing silver armor and serious faces.
"State your name and reason for entering," one of them said.
I pulled out my warrior card and handed it over.
"Kaelen, C rank warrior. Just arrived from Siana village."
He looked at the card, then gave me a quick nod.
"Alright. You're free to enter. Welcome to Highmere."
I stepped through the gates, and the city hit me like a wave. Sounds, smells, colors — everything was louder and brighter. People rushed by in all directions. Stalls lined the streets, filled with weapons, fruits, scrolls, potions… even things I couldn't name.
It was overwhelming… but exciting.
.
I didn't walk far before I found a small inn tucked between two larger buildings. A wooden sign above the door read: The Ember Hearth.
It looked cozy and warm. Just what I needed.
Inside, the inn smelled like freshly baked bread and burning wood. A few travelers sat at wooden tables. Behind the counter stood a young woman, maybe in her twenties. She had tied-back brown hair and a soft, welcoming smile.
"Looking for a room?" she asked as I walked up.
"Yes, please. Just for two nights."
She handed me a brass key. "Room 2 upstairs. Breakfast's still being served if you're hungry."
I smiled. "Thank you."
"What brings you to the capital?" she asked as I was about to sit.
"I want to register properly with the Warrior Guild. Try to take on real quests. I've trained by myself for years."
"Oh? A fresh adventurer then," she said with a small chuckle. "We get a few of those now and then. Highmere's good for opportunity."
"I hope so. It's way bigger than I imagined."
She nodded. "It'll feel like a maze at first. Just don't trust the street vendors who say their potions are'blessed by fairies.' Total scam."
I laughed. "I'll keep that in mind."
.
I sat at an empty table, and soon, a plate of hot pork stew arrived with some flatbread on the side. The smell was incredible — rich and smoky.
The first bite almost made me forget how tired I was. I hadn't had a proper meal in two days.
"You liked it, huh?" the woman from before asked, walking by.
"It's amazing," I said, a little embarrassed at how quickly I'd eaten.
She laughed lightly. "I'm Mira. I run this place."
"I'm Kaelen. Just arrived in the capital today."
"Well, Kaelen — welcome to Highmere. Let me show you your room."
.
The room was small but neat. A wooden bed, a little desk, and a window that opened to the street outside.
"This'll do just fine," I said, setting my bag down.
"Travel alone?" she asked as she stood by the door.
"Yeah. From Siana. Small place in the south."
"I've heard of it. You folks get harsh winters, right?"
"Don't remind me," I said, half-laughing. "I've chopped more firewood than I care to remember."
She smiled. "If you need a map or directions, I've got a few lying around."
"Actually… yeah, do you know where the Warrior Guild is?"
"Yup. Head straight down the main road until you see the fountain, then turn left. Big building with a sword and staff symbol. Can't miss it."
"Got it. Thanks."
.
Once she left, I locked the door and let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding.
I had made it.
This was the start of something big. I could feel it.
.
As soon as I stepped outside again, the energy of the city pulled me in. The streets were alive — kids ran around with wooden swords, shopkeepers yelled out prices, and the smell of grilled meat filled the air.
I walked forward, looking around at all the stalls and displays — enchanted stones, swords, cloaks, even tiny glowing creatures in glass jars.
I was so focused that I didn't see the step in front of me.
I tripped — hard — and slammed into someone.
"Oof—!"
"Whoa there!" the guy I hit said, steadying me with one hand.
"I'm so sorry!" I said quickly.
He smiled. "All good. You alright?"
I looked up. He was about my age — maybe a bit older — and taller too. His armor was clearly expensive and well-crafted. He didn't look like someone I wanted to mess with.
"Yeah, I'm fine," I said. "Just… wasn't looking."
"First time in Highmere?"
"Yeah. I'm trying to find the Warrior Guild, actually."
"You're in luck. I'm heading that way too. Want me to show you?"
"That would be great. Thank you."
.
As we walked, I couldn't help but glance at his gear.
"I'm Kaelen, by the way. From Siana village."
"Lucien," he replied. "Nice to meet you."
"So, uh… are you a warrior too?"
He nodded. "You could say that. Been with the guild for a while."
"What's it like? The guild, I mean."
"It's good. Organized. As long as you're serious about improving, you'll like it."
I gave a quick nod. "That's what I'm hoping for. I'm C-rank… trying to get better."
"C's not bad. Everyone starts somewhere. You'll see a lot of D-ranks hanging around too."
"Oh good," I said, relieved. "I was worried I'd be the weakest one there."
Lucien chuckled. "You probably won't be. But don't go picking fights with the old and drunk B-ranks. Trust me."
"Noted."
The guild building soon came into view. It was massive — tall stone walls, columns at the front, and the kingdom's crest above the doors. This was it.
We walked in together — and that's when everything changed.
The moment Lucien stepped inside, the entire room stood up. Dozens of warriors and mages turned to him with respect.
"Order Knight Lucien!" someone called out.
I froze.
Order Knight?
Lucien walked up to the front desk and handed over a card.
"Lucien Greyvale. S rank. Reporting in."
The clerk smiled warmly. "Welcome back, Sir Lucien."
My brain couldn't process it for a second.
This guy — the one I just crashed into — is a S-Rank warrior?
Lucien turned to me with a grin.
"Guess I forgot to mention… I'm kind of a big deal."
I blinked.
"…You think?"