They stepped towards the large double doors, anxiety bubbling inside them. And as they got close the doors silently slid themselves open to the side. Kennon flinched at the unexpected movement. But Bev flicked her head around looking for the enchantments responsible.

  Inside they saw a large open room. Tables and chairs scattered about. At the far end was a long desk that covered the entire wall. Behind the desk clerks helped adventurers. The variety of people was astounding! Throughout the room adventurers of all gender, age, and size gathered together. Almost all of them looked ready for battle. And not a single one of them didn’t have some sort of enchanted gear on them.

  Bev thought she would look less out of place in full plate armor.

  Some people’s class was easy to see from their gear. The archer with an unstung bow, quiver, and two daggers at her hips was probably a scout. While her companion in full plate, with a shield as large as he was beside him was probably a warrior.

  There were also plenty of mages. As well as people they couldn’t tell their class from gear alone. The Vonns weren’t the only ones in casual clothes either. But they were in the extreme minority.

  People talked over each other constantly. Speaking loudly about one thing or another. The instant they walked in they received a few quick glances. Nothing more. Thankfully Kennon didn’t see a single person cast identify. It was generally considered rude to do it without permission. Unless you were an official of some sort like the guard had been.

  They made their way to the desk with their cart and got in line. They watched as people showed a small badge, shared a few words, placed some monster bits on the desk, then were handed coins. Proof of completing a quest? Bounties?

  Others chatted for a while. Various trades were made. But nothing large was sold. The man in front of them showed his badge, and said, “My team wants quest one dash thirty four.” the young man helping him said, “Of course sir. I will register that immediately.”

  Then it was their turn. The man, not much older than they were took one look at them, then said, “Welcome, do you have an account? Or were you hoping to make one?”

  Bev said, “Make one please.”

  “Very well. One moment let me cast identify.”

  The seconds passed as he worked to weave the spell. Then he cast it on Bev. His eyes widened so fast they almost popped out. He cast another identify on Kennon. And looked like he was about to faint.

  “Yes, favored madam. We will register you immediately. I presume you wish your status screens to remain private?”

  Bev nodded.

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  He said, “In that case I am afraid an in person review will be needed. Allow me to get my supervisor.” then nearly ran off.

  Was system favored really that big a deal? And how was it so obvious to people. Then Kennon looked around. This time relying on mana sight to gauge peoples power.

  It was pathetic. Sure there were several stronger than them. But most were actually weaker than they were. Even those that looked like hardened middle aged warriors barely had more mana than they did.

  They knew they were fast. They had only been fifteen a week or so, they had lost track of the days. But were they really growing that quickly?

  Soon an elderly man appeared in front of them with a gust of wind announcing his presence. He didn’t seem to be moving in a hurry, but he was still fast. Faster than Hermis at a sprint.

  This man, he had power. He easily had triple their mana.

  He looked at them and smiled, “Come with me.” he said as he opened a door in the desk. Then walked at a normal speed towards a large door behind him.

  Kennon kept pushing their cart. He hoped that whatever this in person review was wouldn’t take long. He really wanted to get their things somewhere secure.

  They walked through massive, mostly empty hallways filled with intricate wood carvings. Once they were away from the noise of the entrance the man said,

  “I am Senec Lux. I will do your entrance interview. I apologize for any intrusion in your privacy, but the guild requires a baseline knowledge of its members capabilities.”

  Bev said, “It isn’t a problem. We don’t mind showing our power. But we would rather not show our status sheet.”

  “This is common.” he said, “Most people actually would prefer to keep their secrets. But only a few are granted that privilege. People like us.”

  “Wait, are you system favored?” Kennon said. If this man was like them, could he help? Or maybe he was with the church. Was he an enemy?

  “I was at one time. In my youth I displayed a talent for magic that propelled me forward quickly. I won’t claim to be the same as you. Every system favored is different. But I do advise you not to think too highly of yourselves. Many system favored get themselves killed. Or find that their potential was not as unlimited as they thought.”

  So, he seemed to just be a normal person that the system showed interest in? It did that?

  Senec continued, “If I may ask, are you as young as you appear? You seem to barely be of age.”

  Bev nodded.

  “I see. Then favored or not, you must have come from a great trial. Do you have family in Aithgard?”

  “No.”

  “I see. I won’t pry, but if you wish to speak I will listen. Perhaps I can help.”

  They really did need help. And they couldn’t keep the fact that they were in a portal a secret. Not while selling things from the portal.

  “We were trapped in a portal for two months after integration.” Bev said, “we were recently rescued. Our family is dead.”

  She paused. Uncertain what to say.

  Kennon spoke for her, “we have the gains from our hunts with us. We want to sell it for enough to have a place to stay. Maybe enough to open a shop.”

  Senec stopped and looked them over, “Fighters, and crafters. A rare find indeed. I should be able to help you. Do not worry, you are not alone anymore.”