Auriel stepped forward, her voice steady and decisive. "Let's head to the Adventurers' Guild. We can submit the mission and sell the corpses there."
David nodded, the tension in his shoulders easing. "Miss is right. Completing the mission and dealing with the corpses all at once will save us valuable time."
A few minutes later.
The Adventurer's Guild stood as a towering structure of reinforced stone and timber, its facade adorned with banners fluttering in the breeze, each bearing the insignia of various ranked divisions within the guild. Massive double doors, weathered from years of countless boots and battle-worn warriors, opened into a spacious hall bustling with activity. Inside, chandeliers dangled from the high ceiling, illuminating walls lined with mission boards detailing quests ranging from mundane resource gathering to perilous monster hunts.
The air was thick with the scent of sweat, metal, and the lingering aroma of ale from the tavern corner, where adventurers gathered to exchange stories. Mercenaries, scouts, and seasoned warriors flowed in and out some inspecting new contracts, others haggling with merchants over supplies.
As the carriage rolled to a stop before the guild's entrance, laden with the lifeless forms of Swift Wolves lean, silver-furred creatures known for their brutal speed conversations dwindled, and heads turned in curiosity. A group of adventurers near the entrance paused mid-discussion, eyes widening at the sheer number of carcasses stacked atop one another.
An armored veteran stepped forward, inspecting the slain beasts with a practiced gaze. "Swift Wolves? And this many?" His voice held a note of disbelief.
Some of the onlookers exchanged murmurs, a mix of admiration and surprise flickering in their expressions. One rogue, leaning against a pillar, let out a low whistle. "Either that's a suicide mission gone right or someone just made themselves a name."
As Aaron and Auriel stepped down from the carriage, the weight of the moment settled over the guild like a thick fog. Eyes turned some sharp with scrutiny, others wide with curiosity as the two figures walked into the hall.
The adventurers gathered near the entrance instinctively sized them up. Who were these people to bring in a haul of Swift Wolves? The beasts were known for their razor reflexes and pack coordination, and the sight of so many slain creatures stirred whispers in the crowd.
Yet, despite the undeniable proof of their feat, skepticism lingered. Some adventurers, particularly those hardened by years of combat, narrowed their gazes, analyzing Aaron and Auriel's posture, searching for signs of battle-worn exhaustion or skill-honed confidence.
One veteran leaned forward, arms crossed, muttering under his breath. "Don't look like much," he said, eyes flicking back to the corpses, as if hoping to find clues in the injuries proof that some other force had done the work. Another, a rogue seated on a barrel near the quest board, tapped his knife against his boot. "Either they pulled off something insane, or they had help," he mused, not quite ready to accept the pair's capabilities at face value.
Still, not everyone doubted. A younger recruit, fresh to the guild, studied them in awe rather than skepticism. "If they really took them down… does that mean they're stronger than we thought?" His voice barely carried over the murmurs, but the thought stuck an undercurrent of tension, admiration, and shifting perceptions.
Auriel walked forward with ease, unfazed by the scrutiny, while Aaron kept his focus forward, offering no reaction to the lingering doubts. Their presence alone was enough to disrupt the usual rhythm of the guild, setting the stage for the moment that would define them whether as legends, frauds, or something in between. And with every step, the weight of expectations deepened.
Auriel stepped forward, the heavy silence of the guild lingering behind her as she approached the counter. She pulled out a sleek, metallic guild card its surface catching the dim chandelier light and set it down with a measured motion. Her tone was devoid of warmth as she spoke.
"I'm here to submit the task of eliminating the Swift Wolves."
The receptionist, Fiona, adjusted her spectacles as she glanced at the card. She was a striking girl with fair skin, deep blue eyes, and long, wavy sapphire-blue hair that cascaded over her shoulders. Her attire, a finely tailored navy uniform adorned with silver accents. Her gaze, sharp yet professional, flickered momentarily to Auriel before shifting to the task at hand.
Picking up the card, she skimmed its details and nodded. "Miss Auriel, I'll need proof of extermination. The usual requirement is the ears of the wolves." Her voice was polite yet firm, accustomed to handling seasoned adventurers with efficiency.
Auriel's expression remained impassive, her tone carrying the same icy edge. "I didn't have time to cut off their ears. Their corpses are loaded in the carriage. Call the staff to unload them I intend to sell them as well."
Fiona didn't bat an eye at the blunt response. Instead, she shifted her attention to the guild personnel stationed nearby, signaling for them to begin processing the haul. "Understood. I'll have the staff verify the count and begin the transaction process."
Already, the murmurs across the hall had intensified. Auriel's words, confident and unyielding, cemented the lingering curiosity of the onlookers. What kind of adventurer walked in with such absolute certainty, a carriage full of Swift Wolves in tow, and expected the guild to adjust its standard procedures for them?
A reputation was either being built or challenged, and Fiona, ever the keen observer, recognized it immediately.
The staff returned swiftly, their faces a mixture of respect and mild astonishment. One of them leaned in, whispering into Fiona's ear, relaying the confirmation.
Fiona listened, nodding subtly as she processed the report. Her blue eyes flickered with a hint of intrigue before settling back on Auriel. Adjusting her spectacles, she spoke with the polished professionalism of a seasoned guild official but now, there was an unmistakable edge of curiosity in her tone.
"Your task has been successfully completed."
Fiona lingered for a moment, her keen gaze flickering between Auriel and the impressive haul she had just confirmed. There was no hesitation in her movements as she turned and stepped behind the counter, her polished boots barely making a sound against the stone floor.
From a locked compartment, she retrieved a leather pouch, its weight evident by the soft clinking of coins shifting within. With practiced precision, she counted them swiftly each piece gleaming under the dim chandelier light before sealing the pouch and stepping forward.
Handing the reward to Auriel, she maintained an unwavering formality as she stated, "A total of 65 gold coins 30 for completing the task, and 35 for the monster's corpse."