CHAPTER 48: CHOOSING A QUEST

The waiting room remained silent. The only sound was the soft, rhythmic breathing of those present. There was an atmosphere of calm that contrasted with a subtle tension lingering in the air, as if the remnants of a storm had only just passed.

Aziz sat in the center, eyes closed. His posture was relaxed, almost meditative, but there was not a hint of carelessness in his demeanor. Beside him, Astrid gently rested her head on her son’s shoulder, as though trying to savor each remaining second she still had by his side. Her eyelids were half‑closed, and a faint smile lingered on her lips—discreet, yet sincere.

Around the room, the other women were scattered, each lost in her own thoughts. Some exchanged quiet glances with one another; others simply watched Aziz with a blend of pride and unease. It was clear that something had changed—or was about to.

Selene, seated slightly apart from the group, observed everything in silence, but she could no longer suppress the curiosity growing within her. Her gaze drifted over Aziz’s serene face, and finally she broke the silence with a question, her voice calm yet probing:

"So, Aziz... do you intend to accept a mission as soon as the guild master returns?"

The question echoed through the room, drawing everyone’s attention. Astrid slowly opened her eyes, and Aziz did as well, tilting his head toward the human woman with long blonde hair. He remained silent for a moment as if weighing his answer, then replied naturally:

"Yes. I want to set out on a mission as soon as everything is in order."

Selene nodded slowly, showing she understood his decision. Still, her expression hinted at something more—perhaps a touch of concern, or simply a desire to help in some way.

"I see... If you’d like, I can show you a few missions that would be decent for a beginning," she offered, attempting a casual tone, though a genuine care resonated in her voice.

Aziz lifted one hand to his chin, thoughtful. His fingers traced his skin as he considered her suggestion. Then he shrugged naturally and nodded:

"That’s fine with me. Of course—if it’s not any trouble."

"Not at all," Selene replied, with a reserved smile but clearly pleased at the opportunity to assist him. Her eyes gleamed faintly.

The other women, having overheard the brief exchange, could not hide a subtle shadow of sadness. Simply confirming that Aziz would soon depart on a mission stirred their hearts. It wasn’t only concern for the dangers he might face—it was also the inevitable feeling of distance that his journey would bring.

As for Selene, she either didn’t notice the emotional tension settling around them, or chose to overlook it. Her curiosity soon drove her to ask something more direct, her eyes shining:

"And what is the real reason you want to become an adventurer? Because honestly, it doesn’t seem to be for money..."

The question was honest, perhaps a little bold, but not malicious. She simply wanted to understand better who Aziz was—a boy who seemed to carry so much power and calm at the same time.

Aziz looked at her for a few seconds, then answered in a steady and tranquil voice:

"Well... I want to travel the world. Discover the mysteries that remain unrevealed. And, most importantly, become stronger. Strong enough to protect my family."

There was a pause. His words resonated in the minds of everyone present.

Selene appeared surprised. She scanned the women beside him—each possessing an intense, powerful presence. It was hard to imagine someone so young wanting to protect those who already seemed capable of destroying armies on their own.

The confusion in her eyes was clear, but Aziz offered only a calm, confident smile. It was as if he silently said that no matter how strong those women were, he still wanted to rise to their level. He wanted to be someone they could trust in moments of danger.

Astrid remained silent, but her heart warmed at her son’s words. And it wasn’t only hers—everyone present felt something shift internally. The sadness of his impending departure was softened by a wave of pride and tenderness. He wasn’t leaving to escape or to seek personal glory. He was leaving for them.

The atmosphere, which had fluctuated between quietness and anxiety, was now filled with comforting warmth. It was a contradictory feeling, yes—but deeply human. How could they not feel sorrow at seeing him leave? And at the same time, how could they not feel happy and proud to see his determination?

Minutes passed. The conversation between Aziz and Selene continued, now touching on various topics. Selene’s curiosity was evident with each new question she asked, as if she was trying to piece together a puzzle more complex than she had imagined.

The other women occasionally joined, offering light remarks, humorous anecdotes, and intelligent observations. For a few moments, the waiting room became a space of exchange and ease, even though everyone knew that Aziz’s journey would begin soon.

Then, at last, the door opened from outside. The sound was subtle, yet enough to draw everyone’s attention.

They knew exactly who was entering.

Edward appeared with steady steps and an imposing posture. His gaze quickly swept the room before resting on Aziz, who gently disengaged Astrid’s arm from his and rose.

Edward stepped toward him and extended his hand, holding a small metallic object.

"Here. This is your card. You are now officially an adventurer," he said, handing it over with a light smile.

Aziz took the card calmly, examining it attentively. It was made of durable matte gray metal, with a simple and functional design. His name was engraved on its surface along with the guild insignia—a red shield with two crossed swords behind it. Nothing extravagant, but dignified.

Holding the card between his fingers, Aziz felt the symbolic weight of the moment. It was not merely a piece of metal. It marked the beginning of a new Chapter in his life.

A discreet smile curved his lips. Excitement bubbled up in his chest, ready to overflow. He lifted his eyes and spoke firmly, as much to himself as to anyone else:

"Let’s go. Now that everything is ready, it’s time for me to choose a mission."

His voice held no hesitation. Only determination.

And so, with calm yet purposeful steps, he embarked on the next Chapter of his journey.

The women—though reluctant to leave that moment of quiet at Aziz’s side—rose one by one. In some of their eyes lay a silent plea for time to slow down. Yet none protested. They accepted, with quiet resignation, that his next step had already been charted.

Astrid moved first, naturally positioning herself beside her son. She linked her arm with his again, delicate yet resolute, as one who wishes to feel his presence tangibly, if only for a few more minutes. Her touch was not controlling, but born of intense love.

Isis, observing that silent moment, approached as well. Her steps were certain, her gaze unwavering. She clasped his other arm with a more possessive grip—as though refusing to be left behind or set aside in that symbolic walk. There was no hostility in the gesture, only the intensity of a woman whose heart had already been deeply touched.

Zia and Sofia positioned themselves just behind, exchanging knowing glances and soft smiles, while Sylvia and Stella, elegant and composed as usual, brought up the rear. The fox‑lady walked with silent yet potent presence. Her six crimson tails waved lightly, and her cunning eyes took in every detail with alertness.

The small group moved toward the elevator, leaving the hush of the waiting room and re-entering the bustling world of the guild. Outside, activity continued: adventurers of all ages, races, and power levels filled the corridors, each involved in their own matters.

Before they entered the elevator, Edward slowed his pace and stopped a few meters ahead. Then he turned slightly and looked back at Aziz. The young man met his gaze in silence as Edward made a gentle gesture with his hand, indicating he would go no further.

"Go ahead. Take the elevator down to the reception floor," he said calmly. His firm gaze softened into a light smile. "Good luck, boy. May this be the first of many victories."

Aziz nodded quietly, his expression calm, yet focused.

Just before Edward walked away completely, he did something unexpected. He turned toward Lady Stella and, in a ceremonial and respectful gesture, bowed slightly before her. It was not merely formal—it was a sign of profound respect for her position and authority.

Stella acknowledged with a subtle nod, her gaze steady and regal. She did not smile, but in her eyes shimmered a quiet recognition of the deference offered.

Inside the elevator, they descended to the guild’s main hall—now more crowded than ever. A chorus of voices, hurried footsteps, and soft clinks of armor filled the air, creating a vibrant, dynamic atmosphere.

When the elevator doors opened, Selene confidently stepped forward. Her stride was assured, her expression determined. She headed directly to the large mission board—a dark stone frame with a metallic mold and hundreds of parchment slips arranged in orderly rows. Adventurers gathered around it, studying options and discussing the rewards and dangers each offered.

At the moment they noticed Selene approaching—and especially when Lady Stella followed—the scene changed decisively.

As if a silent wave of respect and submission swept through the room, all adventurers moved away immediately, clearing space around the board. Murmurs floated through the hall, and anxious glances were exchanged. The governor’s presence was not a daily occurrence—few dared to remain near such authority.

Selene, seemingly unaffected by the unease she caused, placed one hand on her hip and began calmly reviewing the missions. Her eyes scanned the parchments, searching for something suitable for Aziz’s first challenge.

Aziz arrived moments later, with Astrid still holding his left arm and Isis firm on his right. His gaze moved over the board with curiosity mixed with analytical composure. There was no rush—he wanted a task worthy of progression.

Missions were categorized by difficulty, from letter F (the simplest, for beginners) to letter S (reserved for the most powerful, experienced adventurers).

Then his eyes settled on one mission in particular.

It described a pack of magical wolves, classified as grade 2, causing disturbances in a forest a few kilometers from the city. However, a bold note at the end warned that their alpha *might* be a grade‑3 magical beast—power akin to a Master.

Initially rated D, the mission would escalate to grade C if the alpha’s presence were confirmed.

Aziz read it slowly. A faint smile curved his lips.

"Interesting..." he murmured to himself, stepping forward.

Selene, noticing his focus, quickly retrieved the scroll and read its contents with experienced eyes. Her brow creased slightly in concern.

.

"This mission... may be too much for a first undertaking," she said thoughtfully. "Even after everything I saw you accomplish today... this could be more dangerous than it appears."

Her voice carried genuine worry. Though she trusted his talent, she knew how deceptive these ratings could be in reality. A misjudgment might cost dearly.

Before she could continue, Aziz interrupted gently, voice firm yet composed:

"It’s fine. I can handle this."

Selene fell silent for several moments, observing him with intensity. Her eyes searched for signs of arrogance, impulsive youth, rashness.

But what she saw was something else:

Confidence.

Pure confidence, built not merely on power, but on conviction. A rare look for someone so young. She exhaled and finally nodded. She extended the scroll toward him.

Yet just as Aziz was about to take it, Astrid seamlessly uncoupled her arm from his and, with graceful certainty, retrieved the parchment herself. With both hands, she began to read it, her blue‑celestial eyes glinting with determination.

Not a single line escaped her notice. She remained silent, but the aura around her grew subtly more intense—as if she were evaluating not only the mission itself, but all possibilities that might emerge from facing that challenge.

The other women watched silently, honoring that moment. After all, who better than a mother to grasp the danger concealed between the lines?