Reawakening: I Can Absorb Infinite Skills

After what felt like a long night, morning came far too quickly. Arden stretched and rose from his bed, the faint light slipping past the shutters of the inn.

The rest of the party was already awake, tightening straps, fastening cloaks, and making last checks on their equipment.

Their discipline never wavered, even after a night meant for rest.

They left the inn together, the air crisp and cool as the first glow of the sun painted the rooftops of Caelum's outer district.

The streets were quiet for now, merchants setting up stalls, wagons rumbling in with fresh produce, and cleaners sweeping dust off the stones before the day grew busy. Arden walked at the front, his steps even, his gaze calm. He took in the city without hurry, letting the rare moment of peace settle over him.

Nyra glanced at the sunrise and breathed out. "Feels different walking without rushing for once. Almost… normal."

Rael smirked. "Normal? You do remember where we're heading, right?"

"Doesn't mean I can't enjoy the calm before," she shot back.

Zephyra padded quietly beside them, wings folded against her sleek body. Her tail flicked lazily, though her ears twitched at the sounds of clinking metal and distant calls. "The city stirs early," she murmured, voice low and even.

"Cities never really sleep," Arden replied lightly. "They just pretend to."

Within minutes, the guild hall came into view, and unlike the streets outside, it was already buzzing with life.

The wide steps leading to the entrance were crowded with elemental users, explorers, and merchants. Inside, the hall was louder still, a clash of voices, shuffling boots, and the clang of weapons.

Arden's party threaded through the noise with ease, heading straight toward the mission counters.

Behind the desk stood a young man, sharp-eyed and well-dressed in guild attire.

He greeted them with practiced warmth, though his eyes lingered just a little longer when he caught sight of their silver insignias pinned to their cloaks.

He glanced down at the papers before him, then back up at Arden.

"You must be the group I was told about," the receptionist said, voice steady but curious. "The Outbound's party, correct?"

"That's us," Arden answered simply, his calm tone carrying enough weight that the man straightened.

"Good. Protocol requires me to confirm, especially since…" His eyes shifted briefly between them, resting on Arden again. "…you're younger than I expected."

Rael chuckled under his breath but said nothing. Arden only gave a small grin. "You'll find we make up for that part."

The man nodded, satisfied, and shuffled through the stack of forms before pulling one free. "Then let's proceed. This is the mission." He slid the document across the counter. "Please review it carefully before we finalize."

Arden picked it up, scanning the details.

The mission type: Investigation. Target: groups of berserk monsters reported in the second zone of the Outlands. Attached was a map marked with the suspected area. Reward: fifty sen and contribution points toward guild ranking. He let his eyes linger on the last part.

The receptionist cleared his throat. "I'll say this plainly. Information on this mission is scarce. We know berserk monsters have been sighted, but not the cause. The uncertainty means rewards may vary, depending on what you find. If you decide to decline, there will be no penalty. It's your call."

Nyra crossed her arms. "Doesn't sound like much for the risk."

"Which is why I remind you," the man continued, "that once taken, it's yours. The guild acknowledges that the current reward is only the base. Should you uncover more, or if the threat proves greater, it will be adjusted. But at present… this is what we can guarantee."

Arden chuckled quietly and set the paper down after signing. "Fifty sen and a few points for wandering into danger? Sounds like a fair start."

The receptionist blinked. "You're certain?"

"Of course," Arden replied. "You'd be surprised how much can come out of something that looks small on paper."

Rael grinned. "That's his way of saying he's already decided for us."

Nyra rolled her eyes but didn't argue.

The man exhaled, stamping the papers with a firm press, the seal darkening the page. "Then it's official. The mission is yours. I'll remind you once more, the cause is unknown. Don't underestimate it."

"We won't," Arden said. His calm expression didn't falter, though inwardly he couldn't help but note how vague the details were.

The guild was holding something back, or perhaps they truly didn't know.

Either way, it didn't change what had to be done.

"Very well." The receptionist slid the papers back to him. "Travel safe, and luck be with you."

Arden offered a polite nod before turning with his group.

As they stepped away from the counter, Nyra muttered, "He made it sound like we're walking into a grave."

Rael shrugged. "He's just doing his job. Still, he's not wrong. Berserk beasts don't happen for no reason."

Zephyra's voice rumbled softly. "Then we will tear reason from their hides."

Arden smirked faintly. "That's one way to look at it."

The group didn't linger in the hall. They made their way out, the morning now fully alive with movement around the city.

They stopped only to pick up a few final supplies, potions, dried rations, before heading toward the city gates.

The guards posted there gave them quick looks, eyes catching on the silver insignias. Respect tinged their tone when they stepped aside to let them through.

Beyond the walls stretched the wild expanse, the faint line of trees swaying under the morning breeze.

Nyra adjusted her pack, glancing once at Arden. "So it begins."

He gave a small, steady nod. "So it does."

With that, they stepped beyond the city, leaving its order and safety behind, walking once more into the uncertainty of the Outlands.

A/N:

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