I am the fairy\elf king???/

The journey to Melromarc was long, but Jace welcomed the time to clear his mind and refocus his resolve. The grief of losing his friends still weighed heavily on him, but the prospect of a new adventure and purpose offered a glimmer of hope. As the bustling port city of Melromarc came into view, Jace couldn't help but feel a spark of curiosity. This land, unlike anything he had ever seen, pulsed with life and the promise of new beginnings.

After docking, Jace's first priority was to establish himself. He made his way to the Adventurer's Guild, a sprawling building at the heart of the city. Its massive wooden doors creaked open to reveal a lively hall filled with adventurers of all kinds. Dwarves, elves, humans, and Beastfolk mingled, sharing stories of their exploits or scanning the quest boards for their next mission.

Jace approached the front desk, where a cheerful clerk greeted him. "Welcome to the Adventurer's Guild! Looking to register?"

"Yes," Jace replied, sliding a pouch of coins across the counter. "Sign me up."

The process was straightforward. After providing basic details and demonstrating his combat abilities, Jace was officially registered as an adventurer. His rank, for now, was beginner, but that suited him fine. He had no doubt that his skills would speak for themselves in time.

While perusing the guild's job board, Jace overheard a heated discussion nearby. A group of adventurers was debating the merits of joining the parties of the Four Cardinal Heroes, legendary figures summoned to protect Melromarc from the Waves of Catastrophe. According to the rumors, the King was seeking capable adventurers to support these heroes in their mission.

Jace listened intently, intrigued. The idea of working alongside such renowned figures piqued his interest. While he had originally intended to explore Melromarc on his own, the opportunity to join a hero's party seemed like the perfect way to grow stronger and make a meaningful impact.

The next morning, Jace found himself standing in the royal palace's grand hall. The sheer opulence of the room was overwhelming, with its gilded columns, intricate tapestries, and polished marble floors. Dozens of adventurers had gathered, each hoping to be chosen by one of the heroes. At the far end of the hall, the Four Cardinal Heroes stood on a raised platform, their legendary weapons gleaming in the sunlight streaming through the stained-glass windows.

The Sword Hero exuded confidence, his piercing gaze sweeping over the crowd. The Bow Hero stood with a quiet, calculating demeanor, while the Spear Hero seemed brash and eager. Finally, there was the Shield Hero, who stood slightly apart from the others. His expression was thoughtful, almost wary, as if he were already bracing himself for the challenges ahead.

The King stepped forward, his voice booming. "Adventurers of Melromarc, today you have the honor of pledging your allegiance to one of these heroes. Choose wisely, for your journey will be fraught with peril but also rich with rewards."

One by one, adventurers approached the heroes, declaring their intentions to join their parties. Jace watched the proceedings carefully, analyzing each hero. While the Sword, Bow, and Spear Heroes attracted the most attention, he found himself drawn to the Shield Hero. The man's calm demeanor and focus on defense resonated with Jace's desire for stability and teamwork. He couldn't help but feel that this was the hero who would complement his own strengths.

When it was his turn, Jace stepped forward confidently. "I wish to join the Shield Hero's party," he declared, his voice steady.

A murmur rippled through the crowd. Few had chosen the Shield Hero, viewing his defensive abilities as less glamorous than the offensive prowess of the other heroes. But Jace didn't care about appearances. He knew that a strong defense could turn the tide of any battle.

The Shield Hero, whose name was revealed to be Naofumi Iwatani, studied Jace for a moment before nodding. "If you're serious about this, I'll accept you. But know that this path won't be easy."

Jace smiled faintly. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

With that, Jace joined Naofumi's small but growing party. Alongside a handful of other adventurers, they began planning their first mission together. As they strategized, Jace felt a sense of purpose returning to him. This was the beginning of a new chapter, one where he could honour the memories of his fallen friends while forging a path forward.

As the day ended, Jace stood on the palace's balcony, gazing out at the sprawling city of Melromarc. The stars above seemed to whisper promises of adventure and challenges yet to come. He tightened his grip on his spear, determination burning in his eyes.

"I'll make you all proud," he murmured, thinking of Kade, Lyra, Mira, and Orin. "I promise."