The day had finally arrived. After months of grueling training and pain, Cassian was about to leave. It wasn't just the end of his time in the Adventurer's Guild—it was the start of a new chapter, one that would take him to places far beyond anything he could have imagined when he first set foot in the guild hall.
He had endured training that was worse than any nightmare, surviving countless humiliations and taunts from Rock, the orc who had taken it upon himself to shape Cassian into a warrior. And yet, despite the torment, Cassian had become stronger—physically, mentally, and emotionally. He had also found unexpected bonds in the people around him.
As he walked through the familiar guild halls, the quiet murmur of voices filled the air, a mixture of excitement and sadness. Cassian was about to leave for his village first, a place he hadn't seen in far too long. It was a journey he needed to make—before heading to the Holy Capital where his future awaited.
The doors of the guild opened, and Cassian stepped into the cool morning air, feeling the breeze whip against his face. The day was clear, and the light seemed to shine brighter than usual. He felt the weight of the goodbyes, the promises, and the lessons he had learned. His heart swelled with gratitude, but there was also a sense of apprehension. This wasn't the end—it was only the beginning.
Lia was waiting for him at the gates, a small, sad smile on her face. She had been a constant source of support, even when it seemed like Cassian was on the brink of breaking.
"Cassian," she said softly, stepping forward. "You're really leaving, huh?"
Cassian nodded, his voice thick with emotion. "I have to. There's something I need to do before I go to the Holy Capital. My village… I have to see it again. And my family."
Lia gave him a gentle hug. "I understand. You've grown so much, and you deserve to see where you came from. But you'll be missed here."
He smiled, feeling a lump in his throat. "I'll miss you too, Lia. Thank you, for everything."
She handed him a small wooden box. "This is for you. Something to remember us by."
Cassian opened it, revealing a bracelet, simple yet meaningful. It was made of braided leather with small charms attached to it, each symbolizing a different aspect of healing and strength.
"You'll need this on your journey," Lia said, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's not much, but it's from all of us."
Cassian put it on immediately, feeling a strange sense of comfort wash over him. "Thank you. I won't forget any of you."
One by one, members of the guild began to approach him. Marc and Milan, his two unexpected bodyguards, stood at the back, their faces serious but filled with an undeniable sense of camaraderie. Marc stepped forward first, his usual cocky smirk absent for once.
"We're coming with you to your village," Marc said, clapping Cassian on the back. "We're not letting you go alone. Besides, you've made us look bad enough, so we're keeping an eye on you until you're well and truly out of our hair."
Milan grinned, the humor in his eyes unmistakable. "That's right. Someone has to make sure you don't get yourself killed before you even get there."
Cassian couldn't help but chuckle. "Thanks, both of you. It means a lot."
Marc gave him a wink. "You owe us. And when we get there, we expect to be treated like heroes. Got it?"
Cassian laughed, shaking his head. "Deal."
The rest of the guild had gathered to see him off. Garik, Elise, Mira, and others all took their turns to wish him well, offering encouragement for the road ahead.
"You've come a long way," Garik said gruffly, his hand heavy on Cassian's shoulder. "You're no longer just the healer you were when you first walked in. You're someone who's earned respect."
Cassian smiled at the older adventurer. "Thanks, Garik. I couldn't have done it without everyone's help."
Elise gave him a sly smile. "Make sure you don't get any ideas about dying. We're all depending on you, Cassian."
Mira stepped forward, her face soft with concern. "Cassian, remember what we've taught you. You're capable of much more than you think. Don't let anything stop you."
"I won't," Cassian promised, the weight of her words settling deep within him. "I'll make sure of it."
As the time for his departure drew near, the guild hall grew quieter. He stood there, surrounded by the people who had helped him find his strength, the people who had been with him through his most painful moments. They had watched him grow from a weak healer to someone who had the potential to make a name for himself. And now, they were sending him off to face a new chapter in his life.
Lia, Mira, Marc, Milan, and the others stood in a circle around him, offering their final words of support and encouragement.
"You'll make us proud," Lia whispered. "I know it."
"Take care of yourself, Cassian," Marc said with a smirk. "And remember, we'll be waiting for you."
Milan gave him a final nod. "We'll see you soon, no doubt."
Cassian felt his chest tighten as he looked around at his friends, the people who had become like family to him. He wasn't sure when he'd be back, but he knew one thing: he would make it. He would prove to everyone that he was no longer the weak healer who had first walked through these gates. He was someone who would leave a mark on the world.
With a deep breath, Cassian turned and began to walk down the road, Marc and Milan falling into step beside him.
The guild hall was fading behind them, and ahead, the path to his village awaited. It would be the first time he'd set foot in his home since he left, and though he was unsure of what he'd find, he was ready to face it.
"Cassian!" A voice called from behind, and he turned to see Lia running after him. She was holding something in her hand—a small pouch.
"Take this," she said, breathless. "For your journey."
Cassian took the pouch, a confused look on his face. "What's this?"
"Money," she said with a teasing smile. "For your journey. Don't be stubborn and try to do it all on your own. Let us help."
He smiled, his eyes softening. "Thank you. I won't forget it."
Lia gave him one last wave before stepping back, watching as he continued on his way, the two bodyguards by his side.
As Cassian made his way toward his village, the road ahead seemed less daunting. With the support of his guildmates, the bonds he had forged, and the lessons he had learned, he felt ready for whatever came next. The Holy Capital was still far off, but for now, he had a journey to complete—one that would bring him back to his roots, to the people he once knew.
And no matter what lay ahead, he knew he wouldn't face it alone.
End of Chapter...