Everyone in the land of Arcania has heard and spread their myths of Yggdrasil and each of Arcania's four races; Earthlains, Celestrians, Therians, and Brounis alike believed these myths for years, even when exploration of Yggdrasil was not allowed. Now that Iorys opens Yggdrasil for exploration, Iorys has gained the attention of many wanting explorers of Arcania, itching for a journey. Many traveled to Iorys in hopes of being the first to reach Yggdrasil's peak to proclaim themselves as the first to clear Yggdrasil, or to pass their names through history. And some hope to follow the mythology of their race and find what awaits at the top...

As the doors of the carriage open, a man clad in armor stepped down from the carriage and took a few steps away, stretching his arms as if he had just woken up. His brown hair swayed in the wind that flowed through the area. His black armor reflected the light of the sun, indicating to anyone staring at a glance, that he was a Fencer. He took note of the bustling city of Iorys; people chatting as they walked to their destination, explorers with the intent of exploring Yggdrasil shopping for weapons and armor...

Many different guilds made their way to the labyrinth, determined to strive for their goal, and citizens of Iorys pass them by, going about their daily lives. The Fencer began to smile, as if he was looking forward to whatever he had planned today. He then took a deep breath, before he turned back to the carriage.

"Here we are, Kyo... The city of Iorys! The trip was long, but it was worth it, don't you think?"

The man spoke to a Celestrian woman, who had stepped out of the carriage and paid the driver before turning to the Fencer and began walking towards him. Her skin color was contrary to the light skinned Fencer, as her brown skin was easily notable. The wind carried her velvet hair, revealing her other dark cyan eye that was hiding behind her hair.

"Despite our delay, I'll say that was worth it, Korey." Kyo affirmed, finally standing right next to Korey, taking in the sight before her.

"It's amazing how this place is a lot more lively than our village... I can assume all this hype about exploring Yggdrasil is what attracted so many to this city." She continued, as her eyes gazed at the giant tree far beyond Iorys.

"And it even lives up to it's title of 'World Tree'! Just look at it, Korey!"

Korey soon followed Kyo's gaze towards the giant tree, and he was amazed at the sight of Yggdrasil. It was breathtaking, yet rather scary that a tree like Yggdrasil could grow to that size. The roots that made up Yggdrasil were spiraling around it like a spiral staircase... Who knows how long it even existed to even have the very bark form like that?

The leaves were visible, but even if he couldn't see beyond the leaves, imagining what was inside at the top of the tree intrigued Korey's mind. If the myths were true, whatever is up there would most likely benefit the only guild who reaches the top... Though Korey was certain that if a reward is there, there'd be one final trial that must be overcome. But the idea of a labyrinth on top of the world tree was a bit far-fetched on its own, so Korey retreated into his own thoughts for the time being.

"Yeah... I can understand why they would come here, though. Anyone who believes in the myths of their race surrounding this tree wouldn't waste the opportunity of a lifetime to enter it." He commented, continuing to look at the world tree in awe, until Kyo spoke up.

"Although I can't help but ponder if bandits will likely attempt to raid Yggdrasil of its mysterious treasures before anyone else... It'd be a shame to have entered Yggdrasil only to find all it's treasures taken from under our noses."

Oh yeah. Bandits... Bandits were bad news, no matter where anyone went.

They prefer gold over historical value. Even if a treasure had a history, they would steal it regardless of whatever history it may have had. Although with Yggdrasil under strict watch up until recently, it's hard to fully determine if bandits would have an interest in Yggdrasil or its treasures.

"It's possible that they might be interested in what lies within, but that's only an educated guess on my end." Korey started. "Besides, I'm sure the Council has some sort of measures for that... At least, I hope they do." He continued, uncertain how Iorys would fair with bandits who are after Yggdrasil's treasures.

But that's neither here nor there. Now's not the time to be talking about bandits. The duo were still new to Iorys, and they needed to know what the important areas in this vast city were, and just standing there was not gonna benefit the both of them.

"First things first... We need to take a look around the city and get a grasp for where we will need to go once we've decided on our guild name. Does that sound good?" Kyo inquired, with confidence in her voice.

"Yeah, better we get a grasp of our location and settle than taking a nice long sleep and have to find out which place is where in the morning. Like-"

"A shop?" Kyo interrupted, making Korey look at her. Korey looked at his friend for a couple of seconds, with a dumbfounded look on his face. Was Kyo really psychic or something?

"...Y-Yes. We'd be dead meat if we don't keep track of that store... Can't help the people of Iorys without a shop!" He continued, almost stuttering his words.

Kyo can't help but look at Korey with worry on her face. "Look, Korey, I know you're dying to be an explorer and all, but are you really sure you'll keep this whole 'help others, form bonds with guild-mates' thing? What if you'll forget it when we're exploring Yggdrasil?" She asked, filled with concern.

"Relax, Kyo, I'm not going to forget it! Besides, my family told me that by helping others, you'll form bonds with them, and they will help you in turn. Hell, that's even how my mother and father met each other... When we get back from climbing Yggdrasil, I'm sure they'll be proud of us for how far we've accomplished!"

Korey beamed, attempting to dampen Kyo's worries. Her worried expression changed to a smiling grin. She had been best friends with him for a long time, so she had to believe he would be correct, but the thought of seeing Korey's parents be proud of him, really encouraged Kyo.

"I see... Well then, that's enough chatter, let's see if we can find that Explorer's Guild building. The longer we wait, the less time we'll have to form a guild!" Kyo inquired, motioning Korey to follow her as she started to look around.

"Should've said something sooner, then! We would've probably found it if we were walking around in the first place..." Korey chuckled, as he attempted to catch up to Kyo.

Minutes passed as their hunt for the Explorer's Guild. The sun was setting, and it was rather clear they wouldn't find it without directions. Asking for directions from a nearby guild, they managed to find their way to the building.

The only thing that's stopping them is a long line of explorers. A very, very long line. Earthlains, Celestrians, Brounis, and Therians filled the line, males and females waiting in anticipation to form their guild.

"Damn it, we were too late... Guess we'll likely not gonna register today. I ain't in for standing around all day." Kyo complained, crossing her arms.

Her anger was understandable. If something brand new was coming out, and you only heard of the news like, five in the afternoon, you'd probably be angry if you saw a huge line, and you'd have to wait for hours until you get your hands on the very thing you came there for.

Korey could only sigh in disappointment. "Oh well. At least we got an idea where the Guild building is. Now all we have to do is pray that the line will get shorter by tomorrow."

"We're gonna need a lot of hope that it WILL be shorter tomorrow..."

Kyo commented, facing away from the line to Korey. "On the bright side, we did find the shop on our way here, so we don't have to worry about tracking it down later." Korey articulated, as Kyo nodded in understanding and took a couple of seconds to calm down.

"Besides, we kinda need to search for people to join our guild. So even if we DID get in, the two of us likely can't handle whatever the labyrinth has within..." Kyo suggested, as Korey blinked a couple of times as the realization hit him. Most of the guilds they came across in Iorys have had five people, and even some of them were looking for recruits.

There were even explorers who looked like they were common people, yet seemed quite capable of wielding a weapon or two. How he managed to miss that was beyond his understanding. "...Crud, you're right. The Lux Guild wouldn't be a success if it's just the two of us!" Kyo looked at Korey with surprise.

" ...Lux Guild? What kind of name is Lux Guild?" She questioned with a dumbfounded look on her face.

"It's our Guild name, Kyo. Though I suppose if you want to be simple about it, you could always call it the Light Guild... Though in my opinion, the Lux Guild sounds cooler than Light Guild." Korey clarified.

Kyo nodded back in understanding. "Though I suppose that might also be after how fifty-fifty your luck is. You did have hard times in the past because of it..."

"Yeah, I guess it d-" Korey started, realizing midway through that he was being made fun of by his best friend. "Hey! Don't make fun of my luck! I can't help how things go right or wrong half the time!"

Kyo couldn't help but giggle at Korey's delayed reaction. It had been some time since she had joked around him, so she felt relieved to have gotten one joke on him prior to their soon-to-start adventure. "I'm only kidding, Korey. I just can't believe how quick you came up with a name for our Guild." Kyo jested, before commenting on the swift name choice.

"To be fair, it took half of our trip and up until we found the huge line that part of my brain was so focused on finding a name..." Korey started, as he began to pose dramatically. "The Lux Guild! Shining light beyond the darkness of the labyrinth, helping those in need! Defenders of just-"

"Aaagh!"

"Gyah!"

Korey felt himself lose balance out of the corner of his vision and fell down, like someone had just fell down on top of him. Literally didn't even see that person coming. Guess Korey was just way to focused in devoting the introduction of his guild name that he didn't notice someone accidentally falling on top of him...

"Ack! Korey! Are you alright?!" Kyo exclaimed, running over to him.

Thankfully, his armor saved him from injury, but who the hell would just bump into him, much less, fall on top of him?