The doors to Obsidian Grizzlemaw's office closed with a heavy thunk behind them. Jin and Lyrderu found themselves back in the main hall of the Adventurer's Guild, its warm stone floors and flickering torches offering a welcoming contrast to the tension of their earlier test.
Mina stood waiting at the reception desk, arms folded and an eyebrow already raised.
- "Finally done? Gramps didn't break your back, did he?"
- "We're still standing, so I suppose that counts as a pass," Jin said with a faint smile.
Mina pulled out a scroll from behind the counter—its edges slightly worn, as if many hands had held it—and handed it to them.
"Before you start jumping into requests, let's go over the Guild's rules. Half of these probably didn't exist when you were last active, Sir. Lyr."
Jin unrolled the parchment. The top read, in bold strokes:
ADVENTURER GUILD DOCTRINE
1. Completion of 10 missions of equivalent rank is required before applying for rank-up. These must include:
- 1 Escort mission
- 1 Trivial/Collecting mission
- 1 Subjugation mission
- 1 Designated mission (assigned by guild or specific client)
2. Adventurers who accumulate 50 contribution points will be eligible to take a rank-up test.
3. Adventurers may choose missions of their current rank, any rank below, or one rank above.
4. Successful missions grant: 5 Contribution Points 10 Fame Points
5. Failed missions incur:
- 10 Point Deduction (Contribution and Fame)
- Payment of half the mission reward as penalty
6. Failing 2 consecutive or 5 total missions will result in one-rank demotion.
7. Failing 5 consecutive or 10 total missions will lead to title revocation. Retaking the entrance test is required for reinstatement.
8. Adventurers are free to choose missions unless during emergency status, at which time they must follow orders from the Guild Master or Vice.
9. Any illegal activity or misuse of Guild authority results in immediate expulsion and kill-on-sight status.
10. "Adventure is Life, and Life is Yours." The Guild is unaffiliated with any country or kingdom. We do not fight for borders—we fight for people, and for the thrill.
Mina tapped the scroll one more time before sliding it toward them.
- "Alright, one more thing—consider this your 'bonus stage.'"
She pointed upward toward the ornate wooden panels above the reception desk, where two beautifully carved boards hung: one engraved with Fame, the other with Cleared Missions.
- "Outside the ten core rules, we keep these Ranking Boards," she explained. "Top ten names for each category are up there for everyone to see. In this world, all your worth is measured by what you've done, in another word - Achievements."
She leaned forward slightly, lowering her voice conspiratorially.
- "Now, if you score high enough on either list, you'll get access to what we call the Distinct Book—special missions with better rewards, higher pay, and access to high-tier clients. I'm talking nobles and even royalty. It's their way of finding talent without all the bureaucracy."
Jin raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
Mina continued.
- "Yeah, I know. Sounds fancy, right? But before you get too starry-eyed, here's the kicker—every failed mission deducts ten Fame points. So, if you mess up twice in a row, your rep dives into the negatives. Trust me, no client wants to hire someone who's better known for botching jobs than completing them."
Then, she crossed her arms
- "Adventurers love freedom, but that freedom comes with a price. Soldiers and guards? Most of them think you lot are reckless, rude, and totally undisciplined. Can't say they're wrong all the time. Still, we don't fight for countries—we fight for people… and for the thrill." – ending with a wink, she finally added - "You can keep the scroll. Memorize it. Live it. Or trip over it. Your call."
- "A reputation is as much a weapon as a sword," Jin murmured. "Got it."
- "Good. Now, head to the mission board. Time to pick your first job."
The board stood tall near the guild's eastern wall—separated into four clear sections: Subjugation, Escort, Collecting/Gathering, and Special/Emergency. Within each category, missions were sorted again by rank, neatly stacked in tiered trays like library files.
It was surprisingly organized. Jin found himself quietly impressed.
Lyr let out a small sigh.
- "Few subjugation…escort. All…are C or D-rank monster… single escort…border town."
- "Both aren't missions we can take anyway," Jin said, scanning the collecting section.
His gaze stopped at the tallest stack—so thick the papers leaned sideways from sheer volume.
- "Collecting requests?" Lyr arched a brow. "That's… E and F ranks."
- "Exactly why it's perfect." Jin pulled a few papers from the pile. "No one's been taking these for a while. Potions don't make themselves. I've noticed more merchants selling imported brews lately. That means the local supply's dry. Besides, we might need some for ourself use, too"
- "Help the townsfolk...Sure?" - Lyr tilted her head.
- "That's the job, isn't it? Besides," he added, folding the request paper, "drawing too much attention now wouldn't be smart."
With that, they brought the selected quest—a E-rank collecting mission—to the mission counter for approval. Mina barely looked at the paper before stamping it with a guild seal.
- "This quest…are you sure? Well then, the location is in North gate region. Forest outskirts. Please also watch out for silverbacks. They're rare but aggressive."
- "Thanks" – Jin replied.
The afternoon sun cast warm light over Willowshade as the two lefts through the north gate. The terrain beyond turned gradually from farm fields to wooded hills, with familiar scents of herbs and soil in the breeze.
Jin crouched low as they reached a grove dotted with pale blue blossoms.
- "Mistleaf. High-grade mana herb. Good catch," he said,
Using his Veteran Gatherer title combined with Appraisal (EX), each herb's potency and freshness shone in his mind like a mental overlay.
Lyr, meanwhile, moved with his usual grace, instinctively guiding them to tucked-away patches Jin might have missed. The pair made a surprisingly efficient team—Jin gathering with precision, Lyr scouting ahead like a woodland guide.
By dusk, their satchels brimmed with neatly packed bundles.
Returning to the Guild, the hall had grown quieter. A few adventurers already drank or tallied their own reports. As Jin and Lyr approached the desk, Mina was mid-conversation with a young woman in ivory robes.
Activated Appraisal (EX)
Status
Name Serenya Lysveil
Gender Female
Age 23
Race Human
Level 37
Title Priestess of the Gleaming Veil; Church Alchemist
Status Healthy
HP 6725
MP 6175
Strength 89
Agility 124
Dexterity 89
Endurance 94
Vitality 86
Magic Power 123
Perception 124
Skills Ultra Heal; Purification; Alchemist
- "I understand, Sister, but it's not something I can force," Mina said apologetically. "The guild can't compel adventurers to take your request."
The priestess's shoulders slumped slightly.
- "I see... apologies. I didn't mean to trouble you."
Her voice was soft—refined yet unpretentious. Her long honey-blonde hair was pinned up in a loose braid, revealing the silver embroidery of her ceremonial collar. Despite her delicate appearance, there was clarity in her eyes that spoke of strength.
Jin stepped forward and gently placed the bundles on the desk.
- "These were for the herbal request posted by the Church of Gleaming Veil, correct?"
Both Mina and the priestess turned in surprise.
- "How do you…y-you completed it?"
- "A bit late, maybe, but yes," Jin replied.
The woman's face lit up with a radiant smile.
- "Thank the gods… we've been short on potions for weeks. I'm Sister Serenya Lysveil. Please—allow me to invite you both to the church tomorrow. We'd like to thank you properly."
- "Honored." - Lyr nodded.
The next morning, Jin and Lyr made their way to the church near the southern quarter of Willowshade. The building was humble, whitewashed stone adorned with vines of blooming arilyss flowers. Inside, soft hymns echoed faintly from crystal wind chimes.
Serenya welcomed them with a warm smile, her soft features glowing in the morning light that filtered through the church's wide arched windows.
- "I'm so glad you came," she said, clasping her hands politely. "Please, allow me to show you around first."
- "Thank you, we'll be intrudes on your offer" – Jin replied
She led them through the polished stone corridors of the temple, her white robes flowing quietly with each step. The air inside was calm, filled with the faint scent of incense and dried herbs. They passed through a tranquil prayer hall where several townsfolk knelt in silence, heads bowed beneath a towering statue of the goddess of mercy.
Soon, they entered the Church's main hall—a grand space that made Jin pause. The entire ceiling was made of stained glass, its panels arranged in circular patterns like a blooming flower. Morning light poured through the colored panes, painting the floor in hues of soft blue, amber, and violet. Each step forward was like walking through a living mosaic.
Jin tilted his head back to take it all in.
- "I've never seen glasswork like this in any other building of WillowShade, especially on a roof… Was it built recently?"
Serenya glanced upward, her expression thoughtful.
- "No… Actually, it was already here long before I joined the clergy. None of the records mention who built it either. It's one of Willowshade's mysteries."
Jin frowned slightly but said nothing. Something about the glass—its seamless construction, the way it shimmered unnaturally—left a strange impression.
They moved on, Serenya pausing briefly beside a smaller room tucked between two pillars.
- "This is the confessional," she explained softly. "Some come here to reflect. Others… to unburden."
Lyr peered curiously through the open doorway, then nodded in understanding, saying nothing.
Finally, they arrived at a narrower hallway where the scent of dried roots and metallic tinctures hung thick in the air. Serenya opened a wooden door, revealing a modest but well-equipped potion lab. Wooden shelves lined the walls, stacked with labeled jars of herbs, minerals, and vials of colored liquid. Copper tools and alchemical instruments glinted under soft enchanted lamps.
- "It's not much," she said, rubbing the back of her neck, "but everything we make here helps the townsfolk. Potions, antidotes, salves… they're all crafted here by our alchemists."
Jin stepped inside, eyeing the setup with a craftsman's gaze.
- "This is more than enough," he said with quiet appreciation. "Reminds me of what I did back in Evernight Veil."
Serenya looked up, pleasantly surprised.
- "You're an alchemist too?"
- "I wouldn't go that far," – Jin stepped toward the brewing shelves. "But I only make basic healing potions in Evernight Veil. If you're short-staffed, I could help."
- "Well, most of the potions for the town are made here," she explained. "But without help gathering, we've struggled. Your assistance means a great deal."
After a brief demonstration of his technique, Serenya clapped her hands in delight.
- "You have a steady hand, and your mana infusion is quite precise. If you're staying in Willowshade for a while..., would you consider learning a healing spell from me?"
- "A spell?" – Jin asked
- "Not an easy one," she added, smiling. "Healing magic requires empathy, clarity of purpose, and constant mana flow. Most take weeks just to feel the rhythm. But I believe you could manage it—if you're willing to train daily."
Jin glanced at Lyr, who gave a knowing shrug.
He turned back to Serenya, his expression softening.
- "If you'll teach me, I'll do my best."
She beamed, the sunlight from the chapel windows casting a glow around her figure.
The next morning…
Lyr had left early, muttering something about "stretching his claws" and "covering food expenses" with a deep-oddly smirk. Jin, meanwhile, headed to the Church alone, his satchel filled with a blank notebook, a few quills, and a mild sense of nervous curiosity.
Serenya greeted him with her usual warmth, leading him through the quieter morning halls until they reached the familiar potion lab.
- "Today, we'll start with the basics," she said, brushing a strand of her silvery-blonde hair behind her ear. She motioned for him to sit at the long table covered in herbs and glass vials. "Do you know what Heal actually does?"
Jin shook his head.
- "I mean, I can guess—but I don't want to assume."
- "Good answer." - Serenya smiled approvingly – "Heal is just the beginning. It's considered the most basic of all healing spells—but that doesn't mean it's simple. What it does is accelerate your body's natural regeneration, particularly at the wounded site."
She held up a small glass vial of diluted healing potion, letting the light filter through.
- "It doesn't refill lost blood. It won't bring you back from the brink. What it does is seal cuts, ease internal trauma, and—if your image is strong enough—slow down bleeding. Think of it as first-aid, not resurrection. And it works better when paired with potions like this."
Jin nodded slowly, absorbing every word.
Serenya then walked over to a wooden shelf and pulled down several thick, leather-bound books, their spines worn but sturdy.
- "These are medical texts—compiled over generations by alchemists and priests. Some of the terminology might be odd, but they've helped a lot of apprentices understand how the body functions." She opened one to a detailed sketch of muscle layers. "The clearer your understanding, the stronger your mental image will be. Magic follows thought and will, but healing demands precision."
Jin ran a hand along the edge of one book.
- "This looks… oddly familiar. Like a textbook back home," he muttered.
- "Hmm?" - Serenya tilted her head.
- "Ah—nothing. Just thinking aloud," he said quickly.
And so, the mornings began. Jin spent his mornings in the lab, poring over diagrams and dense paragraphs. There were pages on blood vessels, magical flow channels, and case studies of potion failures. His understanding grew slowly but steadily. The evening was reserved for field practice—under a large black-covered tent in the Church's courtyard.
- "Your station," Serenya said on the first night, motioning toward the tent beside hers. "You'll see simple cases first. Nothing critical—scratches, sprains, minor cuts. Focus on channeling your mana steadily while picturing the injury knitting back together."
The first patient was an elderly woman with a thin cut on her palm from harvesting thornfruit. Jin knelt beside her, gently taking her hand in his.
- "Breathe. Feel your mana move," Serenya instructed softly from beside the curtain. "Now picture the wound closing—bit by bit."
He focused hard. Sweat beaded at his brow. The cut shimmered faintly—and began to close.
After ten minutes, it was sealed.
He exhaled. Looked at his status.
MP used: 110 (total)
Skill gain: none.
He grimaced. Serenya only smiled.
- "Progress is progress. Most give up after one try," – Jin mutter but he didn't give up.
Days passed, then came the 5th day….
That afternoon, while Jin scribbled notes about mana flow convergence and wound layering, Serenya walked in with a pot of warm tea and a small loaf of honeyed bread.
- "I thought you might need a break," she said with a smile, setting the tray beside him.
- "You didn't have to…" – Jin hurriedly said
- "I wanted to," she replied, her tone calm but sincere.
Then she sat down beside him, glancing over his notes.
- "You've read almost twice as fast as most trainees. But you're still missing something."
- "What is it?" - He tilted his head.
- "You're treating healing like a system—like a puzzle to solve. That's part of it, yes. But sometimes… it's not about the wound."
She tapped the page.
- "This man had a deep gash, yes. But if he came to you with trembling hands, or shallow breathing, what does that mean?"
- "He's scared?" – answered Jin
- "Exactly. You don't just heal flesh—you ease pain, reassure the mind. Magic follows emotion. When you cast Heal, imagine not just the tissue closing, but the fear leaving. The pain fading. Your intention is the bridge."
- "That… makes sense. I hadn't thought of that." - Jin sat back, realizing.
Serenya smiled and stood, brushing off her robes.
- "Then start thinking like a healer—not just a man who wants a spell."
She left him with that and the scent of honey lingering behind.
With Serenya's words echoing in his head, Jin's healing technique changed. His mana grew gentler, his expression more empathetic. He stopped rushing the image in his head and started listening—to the person, to the moment.
His mana cost dropped dramatically.
From 11MP per second to just 5MP per second.
Some townsfolk began requesting "the quiet guy with steady hands." Others bowed politely as they left his tent.
Even Serenya's occasional glances from her own tent began carrying a faint, proud glimmer.
Still, no system message came.
Jin didn't mind.
Finally, when the 10th day comes around. It was nearly dusk when two men carried in an injured hunter. A broken axe lodged in the man's thigh; his face contorted in pain.
Jin didn't hesitate.
He knelt, hands over the wound the moment the axe was removed. Blood surged—his hands glowed.
Mana flowed.
But this time, it was different.
He imagined not just the muscle mending—but the man's pain easing. The panic settling. The heart slowing to a safe rhythm.
He let out a slow breath.
And the light beneath his palms grew solid—stable. The man's wound stitched at fast speed like a fast forward scenes.
[DING!]
New Skill Acquired: Heal
Effect: Heals 100HP/second
Mana Cost: 1MP/second
Jin blinked.
He looked up—Serenya stood just outside the tent flap, a soft smile tugging at her lips.
- "Took you long enough," she said teasingly. "But well done, Jin. You're finally a healer."
Jin exhaled, something warm curling in his chest.
Not just pride—something deeper. A sense of purpose. Of… quiet fulfillment.
He wasn't level up but somewhere he was beginning to understand what healing really meant.
Evening came when the last patient had left. The courtyard tents were dimly lit, the Glowshroom casting long shadows over cobblestone. Jin was washing his hands in the small basin when Serenya approached, carrying a simple wooden tray with a teapot and two cups.
- "No herbs today," she said softly. "Just tea. The sweet kind."
- "You always drink bitter ones." – Jin answered jokingly.
She gave a half-shrug as she poured, steam curling between them.
- "Today's a sweet day."
They sat at the small table outside the tent, silence stretching comfortably between them. The tea was warm, with hints of cinnamon and chamomile—calming, just like her.
- "So…" she began, resting her chin lightly on her palm. "You finally got it."
- "Yeah. Took me ten days." - Jin looked at his cup.
- "And a lot of patience." Her voice was gentle, almost proud. "But that's what makes a good healer. Anyone can chant a spell and force their mana into someone. But only a few understand that healing starts before the magic."
- "You make it sound like an art." - Jin gave a small smile.
- "It is an art," she said, looking at him—not as a mentor now, but as something… softer. "And you've already started painting your first strokes."
He stared into the tea, the warmth spreading through his fingers, then slowly through his chest.
- "I was afraid," he admitted. "Afraid I wouldn't be able to give anything back. Not to this world. Not even to the people here."
- "You've already given more than you realize. Sometimes, a single moment of care matters more than a dozen spells." - Serenya's eyes softened.
Jin looked up.
She wasn't smiling in the usual polite way.
She was simply… there. Present. Honest. Kind.
And for a moment, the ache that had quietly lingered inside him—of being a stranger, of starting over, of carrying years of regrets—lightened.
His heart, scarred but beating steady, gave a small thump of recognition.
Not love. Not yet.
But something warm. Something gentle. Something that made him want to stay just a little longer.
- "Thank you," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
- "You're welcome, Jin." - Serenya sipped her tea, her cheeks lightly flushed from the steam.
They sat like that as the stars peeked out above them, no words needed, just the comfort of tea and silence.
And for once in a long, long time…
Jin felt like he was healing too.