Chapter 4: The adventures guild and hunting!

"So this is the place eh?" Xolvion thought as stood outside of a large building.

His arms were crossed over his chest while he thought about the whole thing. He had gained more and more knowledge now finally coming up on something called the adventures guild.

After his last encounter with the group of thugs in the alley, he had been forced to purchase some new clothing, courtesy of them of course. 

"That shopkeeper girl sure was lovely..." He thought, remembering her soft and luscious body.

Anyway... An adventurers guild was something he had never heard of back in the demon kingdom. But it made sense, after all, nobody ever talks about the little guys, they only ever spoke of the strongest and mightiest heroes.

Xolvion had found out that adventurers had access to quests provided by the guild they worked for, allowing them to travel around the world to fulfil quests for riches and glory.

It sounded like a good place for him to start if he wanted to meet strong people and would provide a good cover story for him as he travelled around to seduce the Holy saints.

Xolvion entered the guildhalls to see it was filled with all sorts of people as they turned over work, or came looking for it.

Humans were the dominant race here in the kingdom of Gelgur, it made sense, after all, it was a human kingdom. They did however hold a peace treaty with the Elves. With a few hundred or so having settled in this city.

There was a large wooden desk at the very end of the hall, manned by four secretaries as they helped adventurers and clients alike with anything they needed.

"Should be a good place to start." Xolvion thought as he joined the line, before finally reaching the pretty lady in charge. 

"Hello and welcome to the adventures guild, how can I help you today?" She asked. 

Xolvion smiled at her before speaking.

"Hello, I am looking to become a member of the guild." He said.

The girl nodded in response.

"That's no problem sir if you would kindly fill out this form and bring it back to me once done." She said handing him the form and a feathered quill.

"Thank you," Xolvion said taking them both and heading over to an empty table.

The form requested basic information, such as your name, age, to which he put 21 instead of 221. Race, and vocation. Xolvion wasn't too sure what to put for his vocation and decided to leave it blank for now.

Once done he rejoined the line and finally handed the form back to the secretary.

"Alright let me just check this over." She said making sure everything was in order. 

"So Xolvion, age 21. Human male and. Oh, have you not decided on what vocation you would like to be classed as. It helps when taking quests and forming parties that could be suited to your style." She said.

Xolvion gave an awkward smile as he rubbed the back of his head.

"Well, I'm more of an all-rounder." He said.

"Very well, I'll put adventurer for now. You can always change it when you are ready." She said with a smile. 

"All that is left is to pay the joining fee of 1 silver coin." She said.

Xolvion knew that one silver coin was also 100 copper ones, he had no idea it would be so expensive to join the guild and only had 50 coppers left on him.

"Guess I have no choice." He thought as he activated his charm.

"I'm sure that's all in order, wouldn't you agree?" He said as he stared into the secretaries eyes. 

The girl became lost in his eyes and slowly nodded.

"Yes... Everything is in order." She said slowly before stamping his paperwork and putting it away to be filed.

Xolvion ended his charm and simply smiled as he waited for her to continue. 

"O-Oh yes, that's right." She then said taking out a small copper plate.

She held her hand to it and chanted a small magical spell holding her hand over the metal. 

Xolvion watched as his information was carved into the copper plate before she finished, handing it over to him.

"This is yours, make sure to keep it safe because you will need it when cashing in competed quests. However, if you do happen to lose it, you can pay for another one for the cost of one silver coin."

"Anyway, welcome to the adventurers guild!" She then said with a large smile. 

Xolvion nodded and took his copper ID plate, thanking her before heading over to the quest board. 

The board was where all jobs were posted, allowing everyone a fair chance at the work that was provided.

Xolvion had read in the fine print that there was no limit to what rank quest you could take. However, if you choose one too hard and got hurt or worse, the guild would not take responsibility.

Taking a look at the board, he could see nothing of much interest to him and nothing big that he felt strong enough for yet.

"Hey, guys get a load of this one!" A young man shouted as he ripped one of the quests off of the board. 

"How many times have I told you not to address us as guys." One of the girls with him shouted in protest.

Xolvion looked over to see a group of four, one male lead warrior with a signal sword and cheap set of leather armour. Three females were with him, another swordswoman, a mage and an unarmed girl, who had bandages wrapped around her wrists and knuckles.

"She must be a martial artist warrior." Xolvion thought before he looked back at the quest board.

"Hey, hey you." The young man said, getting Xolvion's attention. 

"Me?" He asked just to be sure.

"Yeah! who else?" The man said as he placed his hands on his hips.

"Are you just starting out too?" He then asked.

Xolvion smiled.

"Is it that obvious?"

"Us too! Look, I know you don't know us, but how about you join us on this quest, after all, the more the merrier right!" He said holding the quest flyer out to Xolvion. 

The girls didn't say anything as they looked Xolvion up and down. He looked at them too and then they quickly looked away, pretending not to be staring at him.

"This could be interesting, and prove useful." Xolvion thought as he took a look at their party again.

"Alright, sounds good!" Xolvion said as he extended his hand to shake the young man's. 

"Alright! I'm Vlad, This is Kerry." He said pointing at the swordswoman.

"Junip." He said pointing to the mage.

"And Holly." He then said, finally pointing to the martial artist. 

"Nice to meet you all, my name is Xolvion." He said getting a surprised look.

"Now that's a cool name!" Vlad suddenly said breaking the silence. 

"Now let's go and hunt this giant boar!" 

With the introductions done and out of the way, the five of them made their way to city gates, leaving by taking the road that leads towards the forest that surrounded this city on its west side.

"The information said that the giant boar has been spotted in these woods. The sooner we find and kill it, the sooner we get paid!" Vlad said as he punched the air in excitement. 

"You shouldn't get too carried away Vlad," Kerry said.

"Remember this is Gurgultime forest, and it's crawling with monsters!" She said as she placed her hand on her hips.

Kerry had long brown hair that she kept tied back out of her face with a blue bandana. She had a light set of leather armour on complete with a leather skirt and long boots that ran up to her knees, with two swords strapped to her back.

"I agree, we should be careful and not let our guard down," Holly said also agreeing with Kerry.

She had shoulder-length blond hair that was pulled back by a headband, keeping it out of her eyes so she could fight.

Her body was toned with a good amount of muscle on it. She wore a black leather armoured sports bra type thing, exposing most of her toned upper body. Xolvioned guessed it was to help improve her agility. She also had a pair of long baggie pants on that were wrapped into her monk style boots.

"Alright, you two I know," Vlad said in defence as he rubbed the back of his head.

"We should make sure not to stray too far from the path." Junip then said as she stepped forwards.

"Oh come on Junip, don't tell me you're  scared too!" Vlad said joking.

"There are dangerous monsters that lurk in this forest, it would be wise to stick to the path."

Vlad whistled.

"Well if a graduate of the royal academy of magic is giving me that warning then who am I to object," Vlad said smiling at her.

Xolvion's ears pricked up as he listened to his words, specifically the words royal academy of magic.

Junip was a short girl only coming up to Xolvion's chest. She had long blue hair running down her back with a black witches hat on her head.

She also wore glasses, giving her an intellectual look, She also had what looked like some kind of uniform on, with a well-fitting white blouse and black skirt, complete with black stockings and brown leather boots.

"It's nice to see you agreeing with me for once she said as she placed the butt of her staff on the ground, smiling at Vlad.

"Alright then, the path it is!" Vlad said as he raised his fist into the air once more, leading the charge. 

The group followed him into the forest and as planned stuck to the path. Vlad was at the front marching away without a care in the world as the others followed. 

Xolvion made sure to keep in the middle so they didn't grow suspicious of him. Too far to the front and they could think he was leading them towards a trap, and too far behind they might think he was up to no good.

Suddenly Vlad stopped, looking to his left and then his right as he grabbed the hilt of his sword.

Kerry noticed what was going on and quickly drew her swords from her back taking a defensive position around Junip.

Holly and Vlad did the same as Vlad also drew his long sword, gripping the handle with both hands.

"It's a pack of wolves, be ready!" He said alerting the others.

Holly had her hands up as she watched the trees all around them, waiting for the slightest hint of movement. 

Xolvion had also joined the circle defence around Junip, helping to protect their mage was a good idea after all.

He slowly drew his dagger, the one he had gotten from the group of men who stabbed him with it, deciding it would be handy to keep a weapon before joining the guild.

"Now!" Vlad shouted just as the wolf's launched out of the trees and bushes, working together to form an ambush. 

"Not today!" Vlad shouted as he slashed his sword, striking one of them across the head, killing it in one blow. 

Kerry crossed her swords forming an X shape with them before she swung them like a whirlwind, attacking two Wolf's that came her way.

"I don't think so beasts!" She said, cutting them to ribbons before the monsters even knew what had happened.

Holly watched as another wolf charged towards her, leaping into the air as it pounced. Its razor-sharp fangs open wide as it went for her neck.

"I don't think so!" She shouted before roundhouse kicking the wolf in the face, knocking it to the ground.

"And now, Phoenix kick!" She said as she raised her leg into the air in an amazing show of flexibility as he foot went well above her head.

Holly dropped her heel down so fast that it became engulfed in fire before her axe kick hit the wolf in its ribs, breaking them on impact. 

Xolvion watched in amazement at all of their skills and abilities, letting his focus drift away from the last wolf that was charging right towards him.

"Look out!" Junip said as she pointed her staff at the wolf. 

"Fireball!" She said before her staff unleashed a blast of fire at the monster, incinerating it on the spot. 

Xolvion was amazed and slowly put his dagger away seeing that all the wolves were dead.

"Thanks." He said smiling at Junip.

She blushed as her eyes locked with his for a moment, quickly looking away as she waved her hands.

"Don't mention it, really it's nothing."

"These things really thought they stood a chance, eh?" Vlad said as he kicked one of them to make sure it was dead.

"You'll have to do better than that!" He then said as he flexed, dropping his sword on his shoulder to rest it there.

Kerry sighed before flicking the blood off her blades and resheathing them. 

"They were low-level wolves Vlad, not something to boast about." She then said. 

Vlad gave her an awkward expression as a large sweat dropped formed on his head.

"Yeah well..." He said laughing it off.

"We should collect their pelts." Junip then said as she examined them.

"Good idea Junip! We could certainly get a few coins for some wolf pelts!" Vlad said as he put his sword away and pulled out a sharp dagger.

Xolvion smiled.

"I'll help too, it's the least I can do." He said as he drew his dagger.

Vlad nodded.

"Do you know how to skin a wolf?" He asked. 

Xolvion nodded as he took his knife to one of the wolf's and neatly cut it as he started the process. 

The others watched, impressed at how well Xolvion was doing. He had been lucky enough to gain this ability from a lovely butchers daughter he had the pleasure of meeting. She had all the skills and knowledge passed down from her father on how to skin and properly prepare the meat of animals.

Xolvion soon finished the first wolf and held the pelt up for the others to see.

Vlad was very impressed as he took it to get a look.

"Wow Xolvion, this is amazing! With a pelt in such good condition like this, you could easily sell it for 5 silvers!" 

Xolvion nodded.

"Let's get the rest of them, I'll also take some meat and use it to cook us something tasty." He said, getting a heart-eyed reaction from the others. 

"You can cook too!" 

Once Xolvion had finished skinning the wolf pelts and taking enough meat for a large stew. Xolvion and the others headed a little further down the path before coming upon a large stream of water.

"This will be a perfect place to camp for the night," Vlad said as he dumped his gear, checking out the area. 

The others did the same, seeing that the stream was deep enough to protect that side of the forest, and the clearing on their side gave them ample room and defence. 

"I'll find some firewood!" Holly said getting excited as she thought about the food.

"I'll start on the tents," Junip said giving them a nod.

"Alright, I'll take first watch, Kerry, go with Holly to get some firewood," Vlad said, getting a nod from Kerry.

Xolvion was pleased with how well coordinated they all were, working well as a team. 

"Very well, I shall start to prepare the food." He then said as he placed his backpack down onto the ground. 

The others all nodded and headed off to take care of the task they had been set. Vlad walked off to scout the area for any signs of monsters while Kerry and Holly headed to find some dry wood that would get a fire going.

Junip placed her staff on the ground, saying a little chant before she let go of it allowing it to float in the air next to her. 

She started to wave her hands In the air as she said some words that didn't make sense to Xolvion.

Suddenly the tents that she had laid out on the floor started to stand up and put themselves together, in no time at all, all five tents were set up ready for the night.

"That was certainly impressive." Xolvion thought as he turned back to what he was doing. 

Soon enough the group had got a large fire going in the middle of their tents as they all sat around it.

Xolvion had prepared a large wolf meat stew using the water from the stream and some small bits he had packed for the trip. Now everyone sat and ate their meal, enjoying it as they gulped it down.

"That was amazing!" Vlad shouted as he placed his bowl down. 

"I didn't expect you to be able to cook so well, Xolvion." Kerry also said with a large smile on her face. 

"It's the least I could do." He said thanking Zoey for her knowledge of cooking in his head.

"Well I guess it's gotten pretty late," Vlad said as he looked up at the night sky.

"I think it's time to hit the hay and get some rest. Tomorrow we will find this boar!" He said as he stood up excitedly. 

The others all laughed but agreed with him.

"Yes, I will turn in for the night too," Junip said as she yawned. 

The others agreed and they all bid each other good night, heading to their tents.

Xolvion had been laid awake for a few hours now, finding it difficult to sleep for some reason as he tossed and turned.

His ears pricked up when he heard footsteps leading out of the camp, deciding to take a peek out of his tent to who or what it was.

He watched as Holly slowly walked out of the camp so not to disturb anyone, heading further down the stream as she followed the shoreline. 

Xolvion smiled as he decided this could be a good chance to perhaps get some alone time with one of them, after all, their skills would prove most valuable. 

Xolvion headed out of the camp, moving quietly so he didn't wake the others.

Xolvion walked down the shore of the stream, following Holly before he finally caught up with her. She was standing in a small meadow overlooking the stream as she practised her moves in the moonlight. 

Xolvion watched as she moved her body, punching and kicking the air, her muscles expanding and contracting as her sweat glistened in the moons glow. 

"Are you going to watch from the shadows, or is there something you want?" She said, stopping her movements.

Xolvion smiled as he stepped into the moonlight.

"I guess that was a little creepy of me." He said crossing hos arms over his chest. 

"What are you doing out here this late?" He then asked.

Holly turned around to face him, seeing he was shirtless and only wearing his trousers.

"I-I couldn't sleep." She said, looking away.

"Do you often practice alone?" He then asked. 

Holly crossed her arms over her chest looking at him.

"Is that a challenge?" She said with a cocky smile. 

"I guess you could call it that." He said as he lowered his arms to his side.

Holly smiled and did the same.

"I must warn you first, I was trained at the warrior monk school in the mountains of triumph since I was five." She said as she took a fighting stance. 

Xolvion had no idea what that was but took a basic boxing stance anyway.

"Let's see if your training paid off." He said mockingly.

Holly frowned as she ran at Xolvion, jumping into the air with a flying kick to start things off. Xolvion moved to the side using some basic footwork, stepping back to create some distance. 

"Not yet!" Holly shouted as she twisted her body, throwing a spinning back kick at his ribs.

Xolvion blocked the kick in time, sliding back across the grass from the force.

"That was a strong kick." He thought as he looked at the bruise on his arm. 

Holly smiled and quickly ran at him again, closing the distance before she shot a jab followed by a cross and then a left body hook.

Xolvion parried the jab and avoided the cross but was hit by the body hook, feeling the pain in his liver explode as he grunted.

"Had enough yet!" She then said as she slammed a roundhouse kick into his right thigh, proceeding to use her same leg to slam another roundhouse kick into his ribs as he failed to block it. 

Xolvion almost doubled over from the pain as he clutched his ribs trying his best not to be sick.

"I warned you." She said as she placed her hands on her hips, dropping her guard. 

Xolvion smiled as he noticed her guard was down and quickly dived at her, grabbing her by her waist as he picked her up off the ground. 

"What the!" she shouted too late as he dumped her onto the ground, holding her there.

"You sure have a strong hold!" She said as she wriggled a little to the side before getting her legs around his back, holding him in a guard position. 

Xolvion wasn't sure what she was doing, but he believed he held the dominant position as he postured up trying to grab her wrist. 

"I've got you now!" He said playfully.

 But Holly smiled at him as she gripped his arm.

"Have you?" She said before suddenly spinning her hips and crossing her legs over his head.

Next thing Xolvion knew he was on his back with his arm between her legs as she pulled it back into an armbar.

"Ok-Ok! I give up!" Xolvion shouted from the pain, realising he was no match for her.

Holly smiled as she let go of his arm and slowly sat up, using her hands to support her weight. 

"You sure this time?" She said playfully.

Xolvion smiled as he moved his arm trying to shake the pain from his elbow. 

"I'm pretty sure this time." He said giving an awkward laugh. 

"I really was no match for you. I would hate to see you use your full strength." He then said as he sat on his knees.

Holly smiled.

"You weren't bad, you have strength. You just lack technique."

Xolvion smiled, looking her in the eyes.

"I do have some technique." He then said as he activated his charm.

"Oh yeah, what's that..." Holly said jokingly before she became fixated on his eyes. 

"You're about to find out." He said, giving her a devilish smile.