This is it... I'm really out of the village for good, Clay thought, as he took his first step off the brick pathway and onto the dirt road that stretched out of sight. Ahead, there'd be nothing but farmland, and maybe the odd farmer too busy planting turnips to notice him. But that didn't matter, not anymore. He's no longer just Clay the essence extractor. No, today marks the beginning of his journey as something more–an adventurer, a swordsman! Well, almost a swordsman. If he could find Edenva, and actually passed the entrance test of The Barracks.

It was only slightly cloudy, but for Clay, the sun was shining brighter than it ever had in his entire life. He squared his shoulders, lifted his chine, and imagined he was striding out with all the bravery of a fairytale hero. His hand drifted to the hilt of his shabby sword–his very own sword!–feeling the hilt like it was an old friend he'd been with through thick and thin.

Squawk! A normal sized goose flapped past on his right, startling him a little. Clay glanced around with a small cough and set off again.

The road slowly turned muddy as a forest loomed over the last few farmer's huts. Unlike the forest Clay used to go in for hunting trips, This forest seemed less... chaotic. The forest seemed normal, and for once Clay didn't feel afraid to step into. 

Clay had been following the dirt road, minding his own thoughts about his destination, when he heard an echoing shout from somewhere nearby.

"Help! I'm under attack! A swarm of ferocious beasts lurks within!"

Clay froze, his hand instinctively going for his sword. He scanned the area, tree by tree. A dark shape darted in and about. Was that... someone waving?

Prepared for the worst, he charged up the hill with the skill he had kept for quite a long time: Fleeting Gust. This could be my first chance to really prove myself as a swordsman! he thought excitedly. He'd taken barely two steps, sword at the ready, when a figure came hurtling out, arms flailing wildly. 

"Get back! It's relentless!" the stranger yelled, lunging right into Clay, nearly knocking him over.

Clay quickly helped both of them regain their footing. "What monster are we dealing with?" he whispered. "A boar? A bear?"

The Stranger–now clutching Clay's shoulder for dear life–cast him a dramatic, horrified look. "Worse. Much Worse."

"What is it then?"

"Bees."

"...Bees?"

"Yes! They attacked me without warning." The stranger said, drawing himself up. "I've dealt with far worse, but I thought it wise to let themselves out first. Strategy."

Clay raised an eyebrow. "Right... strategy."

He nodded fervently. "Exactly. You see, I'm Finn Hale, sword genius and tactical mastermind. And you are?"

"Uh, Clay..." I got you. It's Wren. "...Wren, swordsman and ex-essence extractor."

"Swordsman and ex-essence extractor?" Finn said, looking up and down checking him out. 

"Yes. So what's the plan, tactical mastermind?"

Finn looked back to the trees. "Right. It's simple. We draw them out with a distraction, then bolt for the trees. Strength in strategy, Clay. They'll never see it coming."

Trying his best to keep a straight face, Clay nodded.

"Alright, let's give it a go. You, uh, lead the charge." Finn said as he nudged him forward, throwing him a cheeky grin. He plucked a branch from the ground and tossed it into the foliage. A few bees flew out, buzzing angrily, and Finn yelped. "Run!" he shouted, sprinting off into the distance.

Clay couldn't hold back his laughter anymore, but he took off right after Finn, half-heartedly swatting at a couple of bees that trailed them. They reached the mudpath, breathless.

"That–" Clay panted, leaning against a tree, "was some strategy."

Finn wiped his brow, laughing too, "Hey, at least it got us out of there, didn't it?" He held out his hand. "Nice to meet a fellow brave adventurer. So, where are you headed?"

"Likewise. I'm heading to Edenva, looking to enroll into The Barracks. You?" Clay shook his hand. Oh?

Finn straightened up. "Same here! Oh, The Barracks, the most elite training ground in the kingdom. It's practically calling my name!"

Clay was surprised, but then he saw Finn also had a sword strapped to his waist. "Looks like we're both on the same path. Mind if I tag along?"

They got out of the forest and arrived at a town. It was a bustling town, compared to what Stonetown had to offer. The buildings and houses got up to three, even fives stories tall. they were some of the tallest buildings Clay had ever seen in his entire life. 

Finn circled around Clay, gesturing him to different stores and structures. "We have arrived to Bilen! After that, it's a straight path directly to Edenva! Look Clay, at these beautiful pastries... Look here, at these colourful tapestries!"

Clay looked around, following Finn. Bilen was more vibrant than he had imagined. Stalls and marketplaces everywhere on the main street. The scent of alcohol and the sound of laughter coming from the taverns nearby. What would Edenva be like, if this is merely a town? 

He looked up at the orange sky, the sun was starting to set. He spotted a rather cozy inn and turned to Finn. "What do you think? This place looks decent."

Finn nodded, his gaze still lingered on some of the nearby stalls as he let out a small yawn. "Yeah, it looks good. I could really use a good night's rest."

Clay chuckled. "You mean after all that bravado? You handled yourself like a pro!"

Finn smiled. "You know what they say–adventure is what you make of it!"

They walked inside. After a day of inspection, something doesn't look right with Finn. Clay's curiosity got the better of him. "Hey, Finn, can I ask you something? It's been on my mind since we met. Are you... well, are you really a guy?"

Finn paused, a glimmer in his eyes. "Is that what you think?"

Clay scratched his head, feeling a little sheepish. "I mean, I guess I just assumed... You're not exactly what I expected."

With a playful grin, Finn replied. "That's fair. I've been hiding my hair under this hood, but you're right. My name is actually Fiona."

Clay blinked, taken aback. "Wait–so you are not a man?" then he broke into a smile. "Fiona! Well, that makes sense. Nice to officially meet you! I'm still Clay."

Fiona laughed. "Nice to meet you too, Clay. Now, let's find a room before it gets too crowded!"