Walking through the streets of Aetherlight, Mixarnt couldn’t help but feel a sense of bewilderment at how far he had traveled. Just a few weeks ago, he had been in the central region, near the Kingdom of Naeva, where he had played a pivotal role in saving the kingdom from the threat of Kaelzar. His actions had not only stabilized Naeva but had also removed a looming danger that had threatened neighboring kingdoms. Yet, here he was, 15,000 miles away from the central continent, holding a world map that barely made sense of his current location.

The journey to Aetherlight had been anything but planned. After accidentally falling into a river and being swept away by its powerful current, Mixarnt had found himself dragged into some sort of magical light. When he emerged, he was far to the south, in a land he had only heard about in passing. The Kingdom of Aetherlight, renowned for its Aether Knights, was a place of both opportunity and challenge, and Mixarnt had decided to make the most of it.

As he walked, Mixarnt mused to himself, "Well, I really don’t mind. I’d rather no one knows me or what I did." He had never sought fame or recognition for his deeds. To him, the act of helping others and protecting those in need was its own reward. The thought of his accomplishments in Naeva being unknown here brought him a strange sense of relief. It meant he could start fresh, free from the weight of expectations.

Finally, Mixarnt arrived at the Adventurer’s Guild of Aetherlight. The building was grand, its stone walls adorned with banners bearing the emblem of the guild—a sword crossed with a staff, symbolizing the unity of strength and magic. As he stepped inside, he was greeted by the familiar scent of parchment, ink, and worn leather. The atmosphere was quiet with little activity, there were only a small number of adventurers milling about, discussing quests, sharing stories, and preparing for their next missions.

At the reception desk sat the guildmaster. He was a weathered dwarf with a thick beard and piercing eyes that seemed to see right through anyone who stood before him. His presence commanded respect, and his voice carried the weight of countless battles and adventures.

The guildmaster looked up from the papers on his desk, his sharp gaze settling on Mixarnt. "Ah, a new face," he said, his tone both curious and assessing. "What brings you to Aetherlight, and what skills do you bring to the table?"

Mixarnt, ever the enigma, met the guildmaster’s scrutiny with a ready smile. He was used to keeping his true nature hidden, and he had no intention of revealing his past exploits. Instead, he approached the desk with a casual confidence, his wooden sword resting on his shoulder.

"I’m just a traveler looking for work," Mixarnt said, his tone light but respectful. "As for skills, I’m handy with a sword, quick on my feet, and I’ve got a knack for getting out of tight spots. I’m not looking for glory—just a chance to prove myself and maybe help a few people along the way."

"Well, I came from the central region. I'm traveling and somehow ended up here in the south. I saw this city and decided to check it out. I'm an adventurer too—here's my guild ID," Mixarnt said, presenting his card. He was a Pebble-rank adventurer.

The guild master was stunned. He had seen young prodigies skilled in swordsmanship, spearmanship, and other combat arts, but the fact that an 11-year-old had traveled alone from the central region was astonishing. Surviving the treacherous lands along the way was nearly unheard of. "Very well, young Mixarnt," the guildmaster says, a hint of reverence creeping into his tone. "You are welcome here in Aetherlight. We may not have the same fame as Naeva, but our guild values bravery and skill above all else.

"Wait, you know about the Kingdom of Naeva?" Mixarnt asked, surprised. His guild ID listed Caspade Town as his registration place, and since Naeva governed Caspade, he hadn’t expected an adventurers' guild in a distant kingdom to recognize its name so easily.

The guild master nodded with a knowing smile. "Oh, we’re well aware of Naeva’s reputation, especially for its adventurers. Their feats often reach us, even if the stories are somewhat distorted by distance."

Leaning back in his chair, he steepled his fingers. "Being registered in Caspade under Naeva’s banner already speaks volumes about your abilities. Naeva has a history of producing some of the finest adventurers."

His eyes gleamed with curiosity and admiration. "Tell me, Mixarnt, what made you leave Naeva and venture into the unknown? Was it the thrill of adventure or something greater calling you?"

His tone carried genuine respect, acknowledging the remarkable journey of the young adventurer.

"Like I said, I ended up here due to... well, unusual circumstances," Mixarnt sighed. "I guess I should be more specific. I was on a gathering quest and originally planned to visit a neighboring kingdom near Naeva to submit it at the adventurers' guild there. But while messing around in the trees—like a monkey—I fell into a river. The current swept me away, and before I knew it, I got dragged into a strange light.

"When I finally resurfaced, everything around me looked different. Then, when I reached this city, the guards told me I was in the Kingdom of Aetherlight. That’s when it hit me—I was 15,000 miles away from the central region," he said casually.

The guild master’s expression shifted from shock to fascination as he listened to Mixarnt’s incredible tale. His eyes wide with a mix of disbelief. He had seen many young adventurers walk through his doors, but none quite like Mixarnt. The boy’s casual demeanor and the sheer audacity of his story left the guildmaster momentarily speechless.

"Wait, let me get this straight," the guildmaster said, holding up a hand as if to pause the conversation. "You’re telling me you fell into a river, got swept away by some mysterious light, and ended up 15,000 miles from the central region? And you’re just... okay with that?"

Mixarnt shrugged, his grin never wavering. "Well, it’s not like I had much of a choice. The river didn’t exactly ask for my permission before dragging me here. But hey, I’m alive, and I’m here. Might as well make the most of it, right?"

The guildmaster stared at him for a long moment, then let out a hearty laugh. "Guhahaha! kid, you’ve got a way of making the impossible sound like a walk in the park. I’ve never heard of anything like this in all my years as guildmaster."

Mixarnt scratched the back of his head, his grin turning sheepish. "Yeah, it’s kind of a weird story. But it’s the truth. I was just trying to complete a gathering quest, and now I’m here. Guess the world had other plans for me."

The guildmaster’s laughter subsided, but his smile remained. "Well, Mixarnt, it seems the fates have indeed guided you to Aetherlight, you’re not just any ordinary adventurer and I have a feeling you’re going to make quite the name for yourself here."

Mixarnt’s eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Oh? What makes you say that?" The guildmaster leaned forward, his expression turning serious. "Aetherlight is a kingdom of knights, but it’s also a kingdom of challenges. The Aether Knights are the best of the best, but the path to becoming one is not for the faint of heart. It’s a path that tests not just your strength and skill, but your character and resolve. And from what I’ve seen of you so far, I think you’ve got what it takes to rise above the rest. Why not take the knights test?"

Mixarnt’s grin widened, his excitement palpable. "Well, that sounds like fun. I’ve always liked a good challenge. But I'll think about it."

The guildmaster chuckled. "I have no doubt you’ll find plenty of those challenges here. But remember, Aetherlight is also a kingdom of traditions and hierarchies. The noble-born knights won’t take kindly to an outsider, especially one as young as you, rising through the ranks. You’ll face opposition at every turn."

Mixarnt’s expression turned thoughtful, but there was a glint of determination in his eyes. "I’ve faced worse. Besides, I’m not here to play by their rules. I’m here to make my own."

The guildmaster nodded, a look of approval in his eyes. "Spoken like a true adventurer. Very well, Mixarnt. Welcome to Aetherlight. I’ll see to it that you’re registered with our guild."