"The world of Alderea is home to the Infinite City. Well, it's not infinite, but it is so large and so old that nobody knows its true size, because it resides in a subdimensional space connected to the side of our world. But the problem with exploring it is that there are monsters that inhabit the city. As you know, monsters have magical stones inside their bodies that power things like air conditioning, heating, and lights, among many other things. But the best part of the city is that there is lots of money to be made—and even found. So, you, as newly minted adventurers, can go in to make money for yourselves and the guild," the voice from the video said.
Standing up and walking to the front of the room as the lights came back on, Instructor Fred said, "Well, you are now registered to the Adventurers Guild. So you may enter the Infinite City. But do not go in without the proper gear. You can get what you need from the guild armory—for a fee, of course."
"Of course you get a commission from anything your class buys," a heckler from the back of the classroom said.
"Yes, I do. But I will point out that the weapons and armor are great quality, and the materials are top of the line. Just take a look, and maybe you'll find something you like," Fred said.
Everyone filtered out of the classroom and into the armory, as it was on the way out. I could not afford anything and did not want to buy anything on credit or a payment plan. But of course, something did catch my eye—a dwarven-made set of hand battle axes.
"You like them?" an elven lady said.
"Yeah, but I don't think I'll buy them. I mean, 250 copper pieces for one set. They are nice, don't get me wrong, but 250 copper is a lot of money," I said.
"That is true; those are rather expensive. But I will buy them for you if you join my team. By the way, my name is Nil," Nil said.
"Why would you want me to join your party? Do you even know my name?" I said.
"Well, I believe your name is Tarn. And you have the Item Box, Monster Harvest, and Appraisal skills. That's why I want you to join my party," Nil said.
"Well, all that is right, but how could you have known all of that? The skills of people are private, personal information. I never told you that," I said.
"True, but elves hear very well, and I was behind you when you talked to the attendant," Nil said.
"Ok, that's fair, Nil. But other than that, I know nothing about you," I said.
"Here is everything you need to know," Nil said while handing me a paper with the Adventurer Guild's stamped seal. Only the guild master can approve the use of the stamp.
Nil of the Moondrift Clan
Heir to the Moondrift Clan noble title
225 years of age
Rank E: Novice ⭐
This young adventurer is looking for a new party member after someone left the group for other opportunities.
Guild Master Marek Ironford
I handed the paper back. "Well, I was going into the city by myself. But if the guild master vouches for you… But why me? My skills aren't that rare or anything. There are probably a half dozen or so people with the same skills as me," I said.
"Also true. They are not rare individually, but all on one person—that's great. To be honest, I don't want to have to split the loot three or four ways," Nil said.
"Fine. I'll join if you buy the axes," I said.
"Well, if you see anything else, let me know—daggers, swords, even armor. Any elf family that has adventurers in the family has lots of money to spend on their parties."
"Ok, well, I need a sword and some armor, but I've never used any armor in the past—it's always been too expensive."
"Ok, well, look over there. Some leather-padded chainmail for 230 copper. That is used and refurbished, but it was originally a masterwork-quality item."
"That's too much to ask. Maybe there is something cheaper. Like that set of basic-level chainmail for 100 copper."
"Nonsense. For one, you should always spend more on armor than you want to because it will keep you alive. And two, you are now in a party with a Moondrift as a leader—you need to look the part," Nil said.
I said nothing as she got the axes and the chainmail, as well as a fine-quality sword directly from one of the blacksmiths on staff at the guild hall for 125 copper. The total price came out to 605 copper, which is more money than I made in half a year laboring on the King's Road.
"So, Nil, since the deputy guild master signed off on me joining your party, when are we going into the Infinite City? Also, am I the only other person in your party, or are you waiting on someone else?" I said.
"We are going into the city tomorrow, hopefully. But it depends on whether or not I can get in contact with my father. He said, 'Depending on who you find, I will send someone to fill in your party's gaps.'"
"Who is your father, Nil? I recognize that your family has a noble title, but I do not know your family tree," I asked.
"Duke Therion Moondrift. He is a touch overbearing at times, though. I sent him a copy of your guild card and a list of your powers. I'm going to stop you before you start calling me 'my lady'—don't," Nil said.
"Ok. But when we go in, what's the plan? Go in randomly, or are we going to take a clear quest or something like that?" I asked.
"Well, I need you to rank up in the guild, so a clear quest will help you get to E-rank faster. I'm thinking of goblins or maybe orcs, and obviously any other monsters we find and kill. But at the risk of sounding rude—are you an elf? I can't tell."
"I'm a half-elf. There was a monster break in the town I lived in when I was little, and an imp devil cut the tips of my ears off. So I look human at times. I'm 150 years old. But since I have no clan to provide me with gear, I've labored on the construction of the King's Road and many other places and projects for the last 130 years," I said while looking at my shoes.
"Oh, so you are from the city of Stonehollow then. I remember that my clan sent soldiers to aid, but I was too young to do anything. I feel sorry for your homeland."
There was silence between us as we thought of the past.
"Oh, my father," Nil said, pulling out a magic item made of stone. She put it to her ear and spoke for a few seconds, then put it away. "My father said that he will let us go into the city without someone else, and it will stay that way if you can get to E-rank by the end of the month. It will be tight, but I think it will be fine—especially with your new gear. Let's go in now so we can have a few extra hours to kill some monsters."