Chapter 94: Sunhold City
The city of Sunhold was built amidst the ivory fields of snow and is truly a contemporary marvel. Its wonder is matched by the backdrop of mighty mountains which have helped shape the city into what it is today.
The materials these mountains brought were of great importance, but they were also influential when it came to architectural designs as the vast majority of buildings have been built in the shape of those same mountains.
The skyline is scattered with stylish skyscrapers and they seem to be reaching higher and higher each year. The quality of life is high in Sunhold and it has attracted a lot of attention. Countless cultures have left their mark not just on business, but also on the city's identity.
What historically was a city of little diversity has grown into a new culture of variety and it's this that unites the 2 million people to this day.
It's this multicultural identity that has truly left its mark. Hundreds of clubs, gastropubs, and diners offer a plethora of culinary choices, and those who feel hungry for something else can enjoy theaters, sports activities, art galleries, or one of the many other recreational venues.
Noah and Lilith made their way into the bustling city, their excitement palpable.
"Shall we venture towards the Sun guild?"
Noah proposed, a glimmer of anticipation in his eyes. Without hesitation, Lilith acquiesced, her trust in Noah unyielding.
Noah and Lilith ventured through the bustling streets, their eyes drawn to the enchanting sight of the Sun guild emerging from amidst the urban chaos. The guild's presence was captivating, with its sunlit exterior casting a radiant glow that seemed to embrace the surrounding cityscape.
The material of the building, though difficult to discern from a distance, appeared to be a lustrous sandstone or perhaps gleaming marble infused with golden veins that shimmered in the sunlight.
As they approached the entrance, Noah and Lilith marveled at the bold and stylized sun icons adorning the guild's facade. Unlike traditional symbols, these suns seemed to emit an inner light, as if they held some mystical power within their rays.
Stepping through the wide-open doorway, they were greeted by a wave of comforting warmth, not just from the sun's embrace, but from the very essence of the guild itself.
Within the guild, a symphony of activity filled the air. The rhythmic clanging of metal echoed through the halls, a testament to the skilled craftsmanship of the guild's members. Laughter and animated conversation filled the space, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. Above the entrance, a banner proudly displayed a message, its meaning hidden from their current viewpoint.
It could be the guild's motto, a mysterious symbol denoting their esoteric knowledge, or perhaps a more intricate depiction of the radiant suns that adorned the exterior.
The overall impression left Noah and Lilith captivated. The Sun guild emanated a warmth and vitality that surpassed mere physicality. It beckoned them closer, promising not only the camaraderie of its members but also the allure of adventure and the opportunity to unravel the guild's enigmatic secrets.
Noah and Lilith were led to the guild meeting hall by one of the guild staff members. As they entered the hall, they were greeted by the bustling atmosphere of fellow guild members preparing for the meeting. The room was filled with excitement and anticipation as everyone gathered to discuss the latest missions, share their accomplishments, and plan for future endeavors.
The staff member guided Noah and Lilith to a table at the front of the hall, where the guild leader, a wise and experienced Player named Arion Metz, was already seated.
Arion had a commanding presence, with his silver hair and piercing blue eyes that seemed to hold a wealth of knowledge and experience.
''Welcome to young Players. Sit with us, watch and learn. You will be given a task later.'' Arion invited the duo to join them.
As Noah and Lilith took their seats, Arion stood up and addressed the guild members. His voice carried across the hall, silencing the chatter and capturing everyone's attention. He spoke of the recent successes the guild had achieved and praised the bravery and skill of its members. He also highlighted the upcoming challenges and urged everyone to stay united and support each other.
After Arion's inspiring speech, the meeting continued with reports from various departments within the guild. Each team shared their accomplishments, discussed ongoing missions, and sought assistance or advice from their fellow members. Noah and Lilith listened intently, taking notes and absorbing the wealth of knowledge being shared.
As the meeting unfolded, Noah and Lilith were filled with an indescribable sense of anticipation. Deep within their hearts, they harbored a shared dream of establishing a guild, guiding a formidable group of Players, and vanquishing treacherous dungeons.
Despite the Sun guild's modest size, it held a significant place in their aspirations, for within its walls lay invaluable lessons waiting to be learned.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Noah and Lilith engaged in a brief conversation with Arion. He revealed that their mission would commence the following day, granting them the freedom to indulge in any activity of their choosing. They had the option to engage in playful endeavors, embark on a city exploration, or simply unwind and relax.
Curiously, Noah and Lilith deviated from these conventional options, opting instead to venture towards the Sun guild's training facilities.
Arion called a staff member to guide them before vanishing.
The grand doorway swung open, revealing a sight that both awed and invigorated Noah and Lilith. The training facilities of the Sun guild were a testament to practical design and symbolic purpose. Sunlight poured through strategically placed skylights, casting a warm golden glow across the expansive space.
The air crackled with controlled energy, as the sound of hammers striking metal, the grunts of trainees, and the sharp commands of instructors filled the air.
The training area was divided into distinct sections, each dedicated to a specific aspect of the Sun guild's teachings. Directly in front of them, a vast open hall beckoned. Polished wooden floors gleamed under the sunlight, providing the perfect surface for practicing combat maneuvers. Rows of training dummies, ranging from humanoid figures to fantastical beasts, lined the periphery.
Adjacent to them, racks held an impressive array of weapons – gleaming swords, sturdy maces, and polished bows with taut strings.
To their left, a separate section crackled with a different kind of energy. A roaring forge dominated the space, its flames dancing and licking at the metal within. Aspiring guild members, donned in leather aprons and thick gloves, toiled under the watchful eyes of seasoned instructors. The rhythmic hiss of quenching water punctuated the air, a testament to their unwavering dedication.
On the opposite side of the forge, a serene chamber beckoned. Sunlight streamed through a circular opening in the ceiling, casting a gentle glow on intricately woven tapestries adorning the walls. Here, trainees sat in meditative postures, their faces turned towards the heavens, seemingly absorbing the sun's power.
The air in this space felt lighter, charged with a different kind of energy altogether.
As Noah and Lilith continued their exploration, they stumbled upon additional training areas. A library stood filled with ancient scrolls, containing the history and philosophy of the Sun guild. In a strategy room, intricate maps adorned the walls, allowing for tactical planning and discussions.
And within a greenhouse, trainees carefully cultivated plants believed to hold a special connection to the life-giving power of the sun.
Symbols of the Sun guild were prominently displayed throughout, etched into training weapons, woven into tapestries, and branded onto the shoulders of the instructors' tunics. Each symbol seemed to hum with a faint energy, serving as a constant reminder of the power that awaited those who mastered the secrets of the guild.
Their exploration culminated in a spacious observation room overlooking the central training hall. Standing within, Arion awaited them, his weathered face lined with experience, yet his eyes sparkling with a deep warmth.
"What are your thoughts on our modest guild? Are you fond of it?" Arion's composed demeanor failed to conceal the hidden longing in his eyes.
"It is deserving of being the premier guild in Sunhold City," Noah sincerely expressed his admiration. Lilith merely nodded in agreement.
Arion couldn't help but smile at the response. He felt a sense of pride welling up inside him, but he made sure not to let it show on his face.
"Let's go train, Noah!" Lilith suddenly suggested. Noah hesitated for a moment, as training wouldn't bring him any immediate financial gain. However, since the system hadn't given him any new missions lately, he hoped that this training session would break the silence and present an opportunity for him to earn a substantial amount of gold coins.
"Alright, if you insist. Excuse us, guild leader, we will be using one of the training halls," Noah requested Arion's permission, to which Arion nodded in agreement.
"Let's go. I want to see how skilled the two of you are," Arion declared.
"Sure!" Noah replied enthusiastically. It was important for them to assess their strengths, so he didn't mind the training session at all.