The clerk paused, raising an eyebrow at Ethan's unexpected comment. "Just her?" she asked, glancing between Ethan and Lia. "Are you sure? Typically, adventurers register as a team if they work together."

Ethan nodded firmly. "Yes, just her. I'm more of a… support role, you could say. Lia's the one who's going to be handling most of the direct combat."

Lia looked up at him, surprised. But she didn't say anything. Clearly, her master was up to something.

The clerk gave Ethan a skeptical look but shrugged. "Alright, your call. Let's get you signed up, Miss Lia."

Lia hesitated for a moment before nodding. The clerk handed her a form to fill out. Most of the questions were basic—name, age, and whether she had any prior adventuring experience. Lia's handwriting was shaky but neat as she filled it in.

Ethan was surprised he could even read and write the new language. He silently observed everything and watched as the process continued.

After a few minutes, the clerk took the form and handed Lia a small silver badge engraved with the guild's emblem. "Congratulations, Lia. You're now officially registered as an adventurer. Welcome to the guild. Thank you for keeping our citizens safe." She winked cutely.

Lia's cheeks flushed at the clerk's friendly demeanor, and she fumbled slightly as she accepted the badge. The silver emblem gleamed in her hands, its intricate design catching the light.

"Thank you," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

The clerk leaned forward slightly, her playful smile softening. "Don't be nervous, dear. Everyone starts somewhere. Just remember: the guild has your back. If you need help, don't hesitate to ask."

Lia nodded quickly, clutching the badge to her chest like a prized treasure. "I will. Thank you."

The clerk turned her attention back to Ethan. "So, no registration for you, huh? Not even as support?"

Ethan shook his head with a polite smile. "I prefer to stay in the background. Less paperwork, you know?"

The clerk chuckled. "Fair enough. But if you ever change your mind, you know where to find us."

Ethan gave her a small wave as she returned to her tasks, then turned to Lia. "How does it feel? Official adventurer now."

Lia's hazel eyes glistened and she responded with a small smile.

"Oh right, the amulet. I will grab it for you both. As a guild member, you can rent an additional one if you prefer and that will cover your friend here."

The clerk disappeared behind the counter for a moment and returned holding two identical Beastward Amulets.

"Here you go," she said, sliding the amulets across the counter. "Two rented Beastward Amulets, two silver coins each. Make sure you return them in good condition, or you'll have to pay the full ten silver replacement fee."

Ethan nodded, handing over the silver coins. "Got it. Thanks." He looked around and couldn't help but notice that everyone else in the guild hall seemed to be wearing some sort of armor, ranging from well-worn leather to polished steel.

Weapons of various sizes and shapes hung at their sides, glinting under the hall's lantern light. Compared to them, he and Lia stood out in their simple attire—she in her modest dress, and him in his relatively plain clothes.

Ethan scratched the back of his head. "Looks like we are also a little underdressed for the occasion," he muttered.

Lia followed his gaze and nodded, her fingers fiddling with the edge of her new badge. "Adventurers usually wear armor, even beginners. It's important for protection, especially against stronger monsters like forest wolves." She was about to add 'Master' but she stopped herself.

"Figures," Ethan said with a sigh. "Guess we'll need to add that to the list. Any idea where we can pick up something decent without breaking the bank?"

The clerk laughed. "You can rent those as well here. But be warned, most often they get so damaged that you end up paying the full price for them anyways."

"I guess that's only fair." He nodded at the clerk. "Bring us some gear then. We only have a little silver left." He dropped the coins on the desk which the clerk quickly pocketed.

She was just about to head inside for the gear when suddenly a burly man ran toward her and grabbed her shoulder. "Stop what you are doing. It's an emergency. Sound all the alarms. The city needs to be vacated in a day. A portal has appeared nearby."