The morning sun filtered through the windows as Cassian adjusted his cloak and stepped out with a clear goal in mind.
He was going to the Adventurer's Guild.
For the first time in both of his lives, he felt a sense of purpose not born out of greed or survival—but the desire to protect.
The streets were busy with merchants and adventurers, but Cassian's steps didn't falter. After asking for directions, he arrived in front of a large stone building with a crest of crossed swords above the door. The Adventurer's Guild.
Inside, the place buzzed with noise. Clanking armor, bursts of laughter, and footsteps echoed across the stone floor. Behind a large wooden counter sat a blue-haired girl, flipping through papers. She looked up as Cassian approached.
"Welcome to the Adventurer's Guild," she said with a friendly smile. "First time here?"
"Yeah. I'd like to register," Cassian said politely.
"Name and rank?"
"Cassian. F-Rank healer."
Her pen stopped. She looked at him carefully. "A healer?"
"Yes. Is something wrong?"
Lia blinked. "Not at all. Just… most healers don't walk in alone. Let me process your registration."
After a minute, she handed him a small metallic card—his adventurer ID.
"So… do you just want to take quests, or?"
"I actually wanted to ask," Cassian continued, "Is there someone here who can train me? Combat and martial arts."
Lia's eyes widened slightly. "That's… uncommon. It's possible, yes, but training like that is expensive."
Cassian hesitated for a second before offering, "I can heal in exchange. Use my healing skills instead of money. I just need training—and maybe meals during break. I'll manage everything else."
Lia stared at him like he'd grown a second head.
"You… want to train in exchange for healing? That's it?"
He nodded. "Yeah. That's all I need."
She didn't respond. Instead, she stood up suddenly. "Wait here."
Cassian blinked. "Uh, okay?"
After five minutes, she returned—with someone.
A tall, broad-shouldered man with scars running down his forearms and a face carved from stone. His steps were heavy, deliberate, and his presence made Cassian's knees tremble slightly.
'Oh no. That's an orc. That has to be an orc. Nope. Human. Calm down, Cassian,' he told himself, maintaining a calm face while panicking inside.
"Cassian, meet Rock," Lia said. "He's the one who'll train you."
Cassian swallowed hard and bowed. "Hello, my name is Cassian. It's an honor to meet you."
Rock raised a thick brow. "You're the healer who wants to learn combat?"
"Yes, sir," Cassian said.
"Why? Healers don't fight."
Cassian looked him in the eye and answered firmly, "Because I don't want to feel helpless again. I want to be strong enough to protect myself and others—without depending on anyone."
For a long second, Rock just stared. Then he grunted, seemingly satisfied.
"Every person you heal gets you two silver coins," he said. "Training fees will be deducted from that. If you want food, speak to the guild. Training starts tomorrow. Six a.m. sharp. Don't be late."
Cassian nodded. "I understand."
Rock turned to leave, but paused. "Training will be hell, boy. You'll regret walking into this place. You sure you want this?"
Cassian could already imagine himself vomiting by day two. His body screamed no.
But his heart whispered yes.
"I'll be there," he said, bowing again before turning to leave.
As he disappeared out the door, Rock crossed his arms, watching thoughtfully.
"Kind of scrawny," he muttered.
"But determined," Lia replied with a smirk. "He might just surprise you."
-To be continued..