“Finally! I’ve finally arrived!” said Kasla as he took in the scene, clenching his fists in triumph. What ache that had developed from the wagon ride quickly vanished.

People seemed to pause before the stalls or completely ignore them, knowing precisely what they wanted despite the coaxing of the merchants who were eager for a sale. The variety of people was astounding, from Humans to Elves, Dwarves and even Beastmen who clearly didn't mind the bustling life within a walled city.

However the most exciting draw was a class that consumed the newcomer’s every thought.

“So many Adventurers! Whoa!” He stared in wonder as those clearly of the esteemed Adventurer mindset and profession perused, looking over potions and accessories. His eyes widened as far as possible, his grin threatening to split his face in two, the slight ache not phasing him in the slightest. Nearby a group of Elf girls were discussing a potion, gesturing and comparing.

“Whoa! Those are mages!” he gushed, taking in the Elves’ attire from their hats to their staffs. They were dressed in a variety of refined clothing, from elegant to more practical, but still with a proud flair. 

Kasla’s attention shifted as he caught sight of a glimmer in the sunlight, like a magpie to a trinket. A tall strong looking scarlet haired man with a broad sword was passing by, the sun reflecting off the impressive blade’s hilt, dazzling the awestruck youth.

“Look at that sword on that guy's back! I want one of those!” He nearly combusted on the spot in excitement, his eyes sparkling. He stared at the weapon, seemingly mesmerized by the well kept blade, certain it held an exciting history etched upon its surface from its escapades. After a few moments of awestruck wonder he came to his senses, shaking his head to be rid of the distracting awe.

“Focus, Kasla! Focus!” He slapped his cheeks to snap out of his daydream, cheeks turning red despite his gloved hands. The abrupt violence and noise made a few nearby bystanders jump, giving him a puzzled if not concerned look, but hurried on their way from the oblivious newcomer. “You're not here for sightseeing! You have to find the Guild office and make yourself an official Adventurer!”

It was the sole purpose for his visit to the city, a well known starting place for Adventurers. It was considered the top choice for official Adventurers just getting their feet wet, to cut their teeth on the thrill and dangers that were an almost guarantee. It wasn’t known as the City of Adventures for nothing.  

“Just one more step! I’m so close!” Kasla grinned to himself as he marched off, brimming with confidence. After some minutes the spring in his step slowed as he tried to get his bearings, surrounded by foreign shops and buildings, people passing by in a hurry. Not one to give up he continued, searching for signs. 

However, after realizing he passed numerous bakeries and the same fruit vendors trying to lure him into buying their stock more than thrice, Kasla decided it was time to ask for help.

Simulan City was lively and noisy, which was refreshing and different from back home. It was also a bit overwhelming, but it was the first of many adventures. Finding the Guild office was practically child’s play compared to the thrilling escapades ahead once he secured his membership.

Kasla asked for directions from a few residents who waved him in the right direction. When he asked for clearer directions as he ambled along he got the same story every time.

“Oh, it’s near the fountain!”

“You can’t miss it, it’s right by the fountain.”

“By the fountain, it’s practically an eyesore!”  

The fountain was the landmark everyone swore by, any street names seemingly unimportant if at all existent. Yet it seemed elusive despite its assured existence, somehow always out of reach. Minutes stretched into an hour and then more hours with seemingly no progress. Even climbing a few lamp posts for a better view yielded nothing except some shouts to get down.

The sun’s warmth was beginning to wear on Kasla, the warm breeze hardly offering a relief as sweat bedded around his forehead, his shirt clinging to his skin. With each bead of sweat went a drop of his patience and earlier vigor, frustration slowly squeezing him dry.

“Ahh! This city is too big!” he shouted, clutching his head in frustration. “Why can’t they have signs to point me to the Guild, damn it!” He whipped off his hat and fanned himself, pulling at his collar to let some of the breeze reach his skin.

He was unfamiliar with the warmth of the south and was finally feeling its ire mainly thanks to his attire. He found refuge in a back alley, catching some cool shade in the buildings’ towering shadows that hid him from the unforgiving glare of the sun and prying eyes. He noted a few buildings throughout the city had what seemed to be a black dome or marble under the eaves, hard to see at certain angles from below, and shrugged it off as a design quirk. 

A frustrated sigh escaped him as he placed his hat back on his head. Using his hands as a fan, Kasla leaned against the wall, feeling his sweaty shirt press against his back in a gross yet soothing way as his body fought to stay cool.

Kasla squatted down, trying to gather his thoughts, rubbing his hand across his forehead to wipe the sweat away. He was starting to wonder if he was part of a Guild practice of hazing eager newcomers to prove their mettle.

“No way is some hot weather and lack of proper directions stopping me! An Adventurer never quits!” Despite his declaration to himself and whatever powers that were listening, he had no clue what to do next. He had yet to get even a glimpse of the Adventurers’ Guild.

How bad is it when even obvious Adventurers gave me the same ambiguous directions? His suspicion about the hazing increased as he frowned, frustration and determination growing.

“Haven’t you heard? Noel’s daughter is missing.” A hushed voice caught Kasla’s attention, distracting him from the insufferable heat. Down the alley was an inn that looked more like a house, its sign alerting Kasla to its purpose. Outside stood four ladies, two Humans, a Beastman and an Elf.  

“What? Are you sure?” The horned black and white dog-like Beastman hanging her laundry looked mortified as she managed to pin up the garments to dry, almost dropping one in shock. The Human who had spoken nodded while the Elf shook her head, solemn.

 “That’s… the seventh child that’s gone missing this week! What have the guards been doing?” The redhead Elf’s grave expression turned to fury, her voice growing louder. “At this rate I won’t permit my brother to let my nieces and nephews out of the house! Must they start wearing bells like cats and dogs? It’s not safe for children to be about alone, day or night!” The Elf and the Beastman were clearly worried, the former seeming ready to explode. 

The woman shook her head at the two, sighing. “It’s almost like the guards are too busy to handle the welfare of our children, perhaps they’re understaffed. You would think they’d post about job openings! But why hasn’t the King issued a curfew yet, leaving it up to parents?”

The second Human was older and more severe looking. She quickly made a shushing gesture, casting a look around. “Hush! They can hear you!” She didn't notice

Kasla nestled in the shadows, her gaze frantically searching. Her voice dropped lower as she cupped a hand around her mouth. “It’s probably them that’s been doing this. I heard the King is behind the kidnappings.” The others let out gasps, the Beastman accidentally launching her laundry like a slingshot as she let go of the line suddenly. 

“You worry about us, but you shouldn’t utter such things!” the Elf chided, earning nods. The women exchanged some hushed words and hurried inside the inn once the Beastman had hung her fallen laundry.

Kasla was left alone with his thoughts as the women retreated. He stood up from where he had crouched behind an old crate to listen better, arms crossed as he leaned against the wall in thought. The conversation had earned his curiosity so much so he had the urge to jump out and ask more. However, it was not his business and the women seemed spooked as it was, as if afraid lightning from above would suddenly smite them for potential slander.

The stifling heat was getting to him, drawing his attention away from the conversation. He let out a sigh, ready to get a move on to resume his search and regretfully left the bliss of the shade. Eventually he found a small fountain, which unfortunately was not the right one for there was no Guild building in sight.

Kasla collapsed on the edge of the fountain, thankful for a light breeze though it was still warm. He felt some water splash lightly against him. He pulled off his gloves and dipped his hands into the cool water, splashing his face and even drinking some as he was without provisions—courtesy of some ill fortune during his journey to the city a week prior. The coolness fended off some of the exhaustion and frustration, clearing his thoughts.

“A kidnapping… Why don’t they just report that to the Guild? I heard they can even help with missing persons.” He sat thinking, wondering why the Guild had not been involved yet. It sounded like a growing concern, though he admitted he had not seen a child out playing while making his way through the city.

What children he had spotted were either so little they were strapped to their parent’s back or firmly grasping their guardian’s hand with a leash around each’s wrist, connecting them. At first he thought it was simply how children were raised in cities, kept close due to so many people. Now he noted the absence of children’s voices, only the cries of sea birds and merchants filling the air.

“It’s a bit surreal. I have to be careful.” Gathering his thoughts and energy, Kasla slipped his gloves back on, ready to continue his search. As he hopped off the fountain’s edge he caught sight of a small figure hurrying past. The figure, wearing a moss green cloak, had unusual short white hair and red eyes that were wide with worry, making him look like a terrified rabbit.