Infinite Genius

Adventurers Guild

Many hours passed.

Shin and Ben are still on their journey to Central.

They stopped in between, to take a break near the banks of river Kai.

To reach Central they need to cross the river and enter forest Senou which surrounds the big capital city.

Senou forest is much more dangerous and the monsters are more powerful than those in Augue forest.

Ben washed his hands and face, and was about to start eating the delicious meal packed by Marie.

At that moment Shin was sitting all curled up, with a disappointed face and a deep gaze into the river. His mind was overflowing with thoughts.

Ben called out to Shin, to come and join him. But Shin neglected, saying he was not hungry.

This time Ben didn't knew how to cheer him up. Because he was also confused of what is happening. He knew Shin was innocent . But at the same time was wondering about the situation and the motive behind it.

After a little rest, they continued their journey.

Time passed.

It was about to get evening.

From afar, huge buildings started to appear in the view of Benjamin. He shouted in delight " Look Shin we are here! "

Shin rose his head a little and looked straight.

Finally after many hours of journey they reached the big capital city 'Central'.

At the entrance the Imperial guards bowed to Benjamin and repeated the same question as those in Hawkwar town asked, who it was riding on the horse with him . Ben's answer didn't change and introduced Shin as Marie's sick younger brother.

After entering into Central, Ben took Shin to a nearby inn, whose owner is an old acquaintance of Ben.

Ben told Shin to stay there for the night and informed not to come out of the room till he gets back.

Shin asked Ben, where he was going.

With a smile, winking at Shin, Ben replied " I got some matters to take care of here kid. But don't worry I will be back soon "

After Ben left, Shin remained in the room he was allotted. His mind overflowing with thoughts.

He lied down on the bed at the corner of the room. Slowly closed his eyes, falling asleep.

The next morning.

Shin wake upon hearing loud knock on the door. For a moment he wondered who it was and thought it might be the guards here to catch him. He got a little worried. He asked in a frightened voice "Who is it ?"

The person on the other side replied " It's me Ben "

Hearing Ben's voice Shin calmed down and opened the door.

Ben with a pleasant smile, said " Good morning kid...sorry for taking so long...I needed to make some purchases"

Shin replied putting up a little smile on his face "Nah its fine...brother".

He noticed Ben was carrying a cloth bag with him. It looked heavy.

Eagerly he asked Ben " Brother what is in that?"

Ben entered the room, placed the bag on the bed, turned to Shin and said " Before that you got to see this!"

Ben took out a paper which looked like a poster from his pocket and showed it to Shin.

Shin was shocked seeing it, stood there speechless like struck by a lightning bolt.

It was a 'wanted poster' of Shin himself.

"WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE FOR TREASON AND MURDER"

                       "REWARD: 10000 GOLD COINS"

The picture drawn on the poster had a very close resemblance to him.

Shin thought " First I was called an imposter, then I became a murderer, now I am a wanted criminal...great !!"

Ben opened the bag and pulled out a pair of clothes. He took the poster from Shin's hand and burned it into thin air.

He gave the clothes to Shin and said " Here put this on...This is the clothes of common people here...It will be hard to recognize you in this outfit...and..."

Ben pulled out something else from the bag. I was a white colored wig.

" put this on as well " Ben told Shin.

Shin took the wig from Ben's hands. With a heavy face, looked at it for some time and said " Brother Ben...I think I should turn myself in. I don't think I can run anymore. My life in the real world was very peaceful. Even if I was lonely, there was not many problems around me. It is true that I wanted a change from that loneliness and when I got here I had so much expectation about my new life. But it is getting more worse and worse each time. If this continues on, you and sister Marie will also be dragged into this mess ...so..."

Before being able to complete his sentence Ben hit on Shin's head and said " Idiot...what are you talking about. Did you forget, what I told you about being a man? Stay strong! Crush your fears! Look for solutions!....And you need not worry about me and Marie. We already accepted you as our little brother, that makes you a part of our family. And we don't abandon a member in our family when he is in danger."

Shin couldn't control his tears.

Ben gave him a hug and continued " And if you were to turn yourself in right now, I am damn sure you will be killed. Someone wants you dead. "

Ben took the cloth bag in his hands, opened the door of the room, turned to Shin and said " Ok I will be waiting for you outside. Change your outfit and come down as quick as possible. There is a place I want to take you to."

Ben left the room closing the door.

Shin changed into his new outfit and met with Ben who was waiting outside.

Ben put on the hood covering his head and said " Let's go ...follow me and stay close ". He started walking.

Shin also covered his head with the hood attached to the cloak he was wearing and followed Ben.

They walked through the crowded streets of Central. Unlike Hawkwar town, Central is a very busy place, filled with merchants, adventurers, musicians, people rich and poor.

Ben was on guard making sure no one is following or watching them.

On the other hand Shin was eagerly putting his gaze upon all the new sights around him.

After sometimes they reached before an enormous tall building looked kind of like a castle.

Shin asked " Brother...what is this place...! The royal palace?"

Ben laughed at his innocent question and replied "Hahaha...no no. This is the Adventurers Guild"

Shin looked at Ben and asked " Adventurers guild??!"

Ben put his hand on Shin's shoulder and replied in detail

" Yes, here is where new adventurers register their names. The adventurers guild deals with all activity regarding making and managing the guilds all over Azgal. All rankings of adventurers and guilds are made here and is accepted by everyone. This is the best place for you to start your journey and..... to hide. "

Shin still looked a little worried.

Ben continued " Don't worry lad...everything is going to be fine...let's go"

Ben opened the big door before him and entered, Shin quietly followed him.

Meanwhile,

the Central Guardians Palace, which is the most biggest building situated at the centre of the whole big capital city Central. This is the place where the association members and Clippers stay and look over Azgal.

Oliver Wyatt the advisor of Central association is walking along the big hall way in the palace. His movement stopped at a particular dark corner of the Hall. A person was standing there in the shadows.

The shadow asked " Did you find the boy ?"

Oliver replied " No, we are still looking. But I have my doubts on that kid. Apart from having that picture on his hand, I didn't sense any magic from him. Not even that of a normal adventurer "

The shadow said " Mmm...but still we can't let it slide. No room for doubts and mistakes. Find him quick and end his life. Our lord is eagerly waiting for the good news "

Oliver with a crooked smile looked over at the shadow and replied again" No need to worry, how far can a kid run off to. There is no one to help him out there. I wonder if he is even alive....Well I will make sure he is gone for good"

Oliver started walking again.

The shadow disappeared.