SVE | Lance

The sun had just begun to dip below the mountains as you trudged up the path leading to the Adventurer's Guild, the warm glow of dusk casting a golden hue across the rugged landscape. You still weren't used to the weight of the sword strapped to your back or the light sheen of dust that clung to your clothes after a long day in the mines. Life as the new farmer in Pelican Town had been anything but ordinary since you'd joined the Adventurer's Guild. Mining deep into the caverns of the valley, slaying creatures, and facing the unknown had become part of your routine—an unexpected shift from the peaceful farm life you'd envisioned when you first arrived.

The familiar wooden door of the Guild creaked open as you stepped inside, greeted by the comforting smell of worn leather, aged wood, and the faint scent of iron. Marlon, the grizzled leader of the Guild, sat by the fire, sharpening a well-used blade with slow, deliberate strokes. Gil, as usual, was resting in his corner chair, his eyes closed but ever-watchful, seemingly asleep but alert to every sound in the room. The low murmur of the fire crackling filled the space with a cozy warmth, a stark contrast to the chill in the evening air outside.

"Ah, there you are," Marlon greeted, looking up from his work, his one good eye gleaming with approval. "You've been doing well, farmer. Cleared another floor in the mines today, didn’t you?"

You nodded, still catching your breath from the hike up the mountain trail. The mines had been more dangerous than usual, with bats swarming and slimes lurking in every corner. But you had managed, learning as you went, sharpening your skills with every swing of your sword.

"Good work," he said, a rare smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Gil and I have been talking about you. You've come far in a short time. But," he paused, leaning forward slightly. "There's someone you should meet."

Before you could respond, the heavy thud of boots on the wooden floor echoed through the room. The door to the Guild swung open behind you, and you instinctively turned, your hand hovering over the hilt of your sword—a reflex you had developed over the last few weeks. But as soon as you saw the figure standing in the doorway, you knew this wasn’t just any adventurer.

Tall and imposing, with an aura of calm confidence, the man who entered was unlike anyone you had met in the valley before. His blue cloak swayed lightly with each step, embroidered with golden thread that seemed to shimmer faintly in the dim light. He didn't have much armor but the armor that he had was polished and meticulously maintained, a contrast to the more rugged gear you'd seen on Marlon or the other members of the Guild. And a sword that practically radiated with magic was strapped to his back—a weapon unlike anything you'd ever seen.

His striking purple eyes scanned the room with the sharp awareness of someone who had seen much and lived through even more. His gaze lingered on you for a moment, appraising, before he nodded slightly in greeting.

"Lance," Marlon said, standing up and walking over to clasp the man's forearm in a gesture of familiarity and respect. "I see you’ve made it."

Lance nodded in return, his voice smooth and deep. "The journey wasn’t too difficult. It’s good to see you again, Marlon." His eyes flicked to you briefly before adding. "I’ve heard much about the new recruit."

You felt a mix of awe and curiosity as you stood there, realizing you were in the presence of someone important, someone who had clearly earned his reputation in the adventuring world. Marlon gestured for you to step forward.

"This is Lance," Marlon introduced, his voice carrying a hint of pride. "He’s a protector of the realm, someone who’s been fighting for the balance between this world and the magical forces that threaten it. He travels far and wide, working alongside powerful figures like the wizard, Rasmodius."

Lance’s eyes met yours again, and this time, his gaze softened ever so slightly. "It’s good to finally meet you," he said, his tone measured but kind. "Marlon and Gil have spoken highly of you. Not many new adventurers manage to make such quick progress in the mines. You show promise."

His words, while spoken with an air of formality, held genuine respect. Coming from someone like Lance, a seasoned adventurer with a reputation that preceded him, the compliment carried weight.

Marlon chuckled, patting your shoulder. "Lance is being a tease again. Anyways, he’s going to help train you. There’s much to learn beyond what Gil and I can teach. And Lance here, well, he knows a thing or two about magic and combat that you won’t find in any book."