NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 7: The Grand Guild Hall - 7
7 – The Grand Guild Hall
The towering walls of Veltheris stretched high into the sky, gleaming under the midday sun. Built with ancient stone and reinforced with magic, they were a testament to the kingdom's might. As Elias approached the colossal gates, he couldn't help but feel the sheer grandeur of the city.
Veltheris was unlike anything he had ever seen. Massive spires pierced the sky, adorned with banners of Valzaria's silver lion, while cobbled roads spread out in intricate patterns, leading to the many districts of the capital. The air carried the mixed scents of roasted meats, freshly baked bread, and the sharp tang of molten metal from the forges.
This was the beating heart of Valzaria.
As he stepped past the gate, he felt a shift in the air. Everything here moved fast—merchants calling out prices, adventurers rushing between jobs, knights patrolling the streets, their polished armor gleaming under the sun.
He clutched the strap of his bag, steadying himself. The excitement in his chest was undeniable. This was where warriors were made.
He had a lot to see before heading to the Grand Guild Hall.
---
The streets were alive with chatter as Elias made his way through the bustling Merchant District.
Stalls lined the roads, selling everything from exotic fabrics to enchanted relics. Blacksmiths stood outside their forges, hammering away at glowing steel, while alchemists displayed vials of shimmering potions.
"Steel from the eastern forges! Stronger than dragon scales!" a merchant called out, holding a finely crafted longsword.
"Ethrion-infused potions! One sip restores your stamina!" another vendor boasted, shaking a bottle of deep blue liquid.
Elias slowed his steps, his eyes scanning the displayed weapons. Swords, daggers, spears, even enchanted gauntlets—each gleamed with careful craftsmanship. Some of them looked better than his current blade, but his father's work was enough—for now.
One particular weapon caught his eye—a sleek black dagger with a faint, silver glow along its edge. As he reached out, the shopkeeper, a bald man with a scar running across his cheek, smirked.
"Got an eye for quality, kid?"
Elias hesitated. "What's special about it?"
The man picked up the dagger and spun it between his fingers effortlessly. "This blade is laced with Ethrion—a small cut, and it'll sink deeper than normal steel. Won't break, won't dull easily. But it's not cheap."
Elias exhaled and let his hand drop. He needed to save his money for now.
With one last glance at the market, he continued onward.
---
As Elias stepped into the Guild District, he felt the intensity in the air.
Here, warriors trained in open courtyards—sparring with swords, launching spells, and practicing archery. Some trained alone, their eyes sharp with focus, while others fought in pairs, watched closely by their mentors.
The sounds of battle filled the space. Metal clashed against metal, arrows whistled through the air, and bursts of light erupted as mages tested their spells.
Elias observed a pair of young warriors engaged in a duel. One wielded a longsword, the other a spear. Their movements were quick, precise—far better than what he had seen back in his village.
He clenched his fists. He still had a long way to go.
His destination stood at the end of the district—a colossal fortress-like structure with towering stone columns. Above the entrance hung a banner depicting two crossed swords—a symbol of unity and strength.
The Grand Guild Hall.
---
Stepping inside, Elias was greeted by a massive hall filled with adventurers, guild recruiters, and hopeful recruits.
The atmosphere was electric with anticipation. Tables were lined with officers taking applications, adventurers gathered in groups, and a massive board displayed the guild rankings.
At the far end of the hall, Elias spotted the rankings of the kingdom's top guilds:
Ironclad Vanguard – Rank #1 (Unbreakable warriors, elite of the elite)
Emberfang Legion – Rank #2 (Known for relentless combat strategies)
Silver Hawks – Rank #3 (Masters of precision and adaptability)
Obsidian Crows – Rank #4 (A guild with whispered rumors surrounding their methods)
Elias took in a deep breath. These were the names every adventurer in Valzaria knew.
---
"New applicants, this way!"
A strict-looking man, wearing the official insignia of the Guild Hall, stood at the center of the room, directing recruits.
Elias stepped into the line, waiting his turn.
He overheard some conversations:
"I heard the test this year is going to be brutal."
"Of course. Last year, only a handful passed. You think we're just going to walk into a guild?"
"Tch. I'll make it. Just wait and see."
Elias remained quiet. The entrance test would decide everything.
"Next!"
He stepped forward.
"Name?"
"Elias Vael."
The officer barely looked up. "Age?"
"Fourteen."
"Previous combat experience?"
"Self-trained. Hunting experience. Some sparring."
The officer scribbled something on the parchment. "You understand that the entrance test will determine your guild eligibility?"
"Yes."
The officer stamped the paper. "Your application is accepted. Return tomorrow for the test."
That was it. No excitement. No special treatment. Just another name on the list.
Elias exhaled and stepped away from the desk.
---
As he turned, he noticed a group of seasoned adventurers watching the new recruits.
One of them, a man in dark red armor, smirked as he whispered something to his companion. His gaze swept across the crowd like a predator evaluating its prey.
"That's him," someone muttered. "Crimson Fang—the leader of Emberfang Legion."
Beside him stood another figure—a tall, disciplined warrior with a massive greatsword strapped to his back. His presence alone radiated an aura of experience.
"That's the Unyielding Blade—Ironclad Vanguard's leader."
Elias's eyes narrowed. Were they sizing up potential recruits? Or simply waiting to see who would survive the test?
Either way, their presence set the air heavy with tension.
He took one last look at the Grand Guild Hall before stepping outside.
Tomorrow, he would prove himself.