Echo Of Infinity: 100× exp

The Echo of Infinity: Chapter 11 - Riverbend

The journey from Oakhaven to Riverbend took three days. Kael, Elara, and the injured Finn traveled cautiously, avoiding main roads where possible. Kael, officially acting as guide and guard alongside Elara, used his [Shadow Scout] skills constantly, navigating them around potential hazards and keeping watch while the others rested. He meticulously maintained his fabricated status, showing his [Swift Blade] and [Shadow Scout] classes at Lv. 11, occasionally adding tiny increments of EXP earned from 'vigilance' or 'travel'. The lie felt thin, stretched taut by Elara's knowing gaze.

Finn's leg wound, treated by Elara's [First Aid] and Kael's surreptitious use of tiny [Minor Heal] bursts disguised as changing bandages, healed remarkably quickly, further adding to the quiet suspicion surrounding Kael.

Riverbend was nothing like Oakhaven. Nestled in a wide valley where the Swift River met the larger Argent River, it was a bustling trade city fortified by thick stone walls. Towers scraped the sky, flags of various merchant houses and the Adventurer's Guild snapped in the breeze, and the air hummed with the energy of thousands of people. Weave interfaces flickered everywhere – Saurian merchants haggling with Dwarven smiths, elegantly dressed High Elves browsing enchanted goods, hardy human adventurers comparing quest scrolls, even a few wary-looking Orcs bartering furs near the outer gates. The sheer diversity and power level were staggering to Kael. He saw Weave signatures indicating Tier 1 and even Tier 2 individuals casually walking the streets.

"Impressive, isn't it?" Elara commented, noticing Kael's wide eyes. "Oakhaven is a backwater. This is where the real currents of Aethelgard flow."

Their destination was the Riverbend Adventurer's Guild Hall, a massive stone structure near the city center, dwarfing the Drunken Dryad. Inside, the main hall was a cacophony of noise and activity. Adventurers of all races and Tiers crowded around notice boards, argued over loot distribution, or reported to Guild officials behind sturdy oak counters.

Elara led them past the main throng towards a quieter administrative section. "Wait here," she instructed Kael and Finn, before disappearing into an office marked 'Branch Operations'.

Kael felt intensely conspicuous. His simple village clothes contrasted sharply with the leather, chainmail, and enchanted robes around him. He kept his head down, focusing on his fabricated status, ensuring it projected the 'modest' Tier 1 levels he'd shown Elara. He could feel casual scans from passing adventurers – quick appraisals of threat level or potential team compatibility – and felt a surge of relief that the Accumulator's cloaking held firm.

Finn, leaning on a crutch Kael had fashioned, gave him a tentative smile. "Don't worry. They're not all bad here. Just... loud."

Despite the circumstances of Kael's reveal, Finn seemed more curious than accusatory, perhaps grateful for Kael's intervention.

Elara returned after twenty minutes, beckoning Kael forward. "The Branch Master will see you. I've explained the situation – omitting certain... specific details about your 'burst' of speed for now. Focus is on your hidden classes revealed via a 'recently activated artifact' and your desire to join under my sponsorship."

Kael followed her into the office. Behind a large desk sat a portly Dwarf with a magnificent braided grey beard, adorned with silver rings. His eyes were sharp and shrewd beneath bushy brows. His Weave status proclaimed him 'Guildmaster Borin Stonehand - [Guild Administrator Lv. 55 (Tier 3)], [Master Appraiser Lv. 60 (Tier 3)], [Rune Scribe Lv. 58 (Tier 3)]'. Not a combatant, but clearly powerful and influential within the Guild structure.

"So," Guildmaster Stonehand rumbled, his voice like grinding stones. "You're the lad Elara picked up? Kael, is it? Says you were hiding Tier 1 [Swift Blade] and [Shadow Scout] classes? Triggered by an artifact, she suggests?" He peered at Kael intently. "Unusual. Very unusual."

Kael nodded mutely, heart pounding.

"The Guild values strength and skill," Stonehand continued. "We also value honesty. Hiding your capabilities could have gotten Officer Elara and Scribe Finn killed. However, you *did* use those skills to save them, and Officer Elara vouches for your potential, despite your... unconventional background."

He tapped a thick finger on the desk. "Alright. Provisional membership granted, Copper Rank, under Elara's direct supervision. You'll take introductory quests, undergo basic Guild training and assessment. Any sign of deception, any misuse of Guild resources or endangerment of fellow members, and you're out. Understand?"

"Yes, Guildmaster. Thank you," Kael managed.

"Good. Elara will get you sorted with registration and basic gear allotment. Don't embarrass her sponsorship." He waved a hand dismissively. "Now, out. I've got appraisal reports up to my beard."

Kael followed Elara out, relief washing over him, quickly followed by fresh anxiety. He was in. But he was on thin ice, under constant scrutiny, his real power still a dangerous secret. Riverbend was a new beginning, but the weight of the echo was heavier than ever.

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Publishment Date: 6/4/2025