Tarthocas: Chronicles of the Transmigrating Scribe Chapter 37: Chapter 36

Read chapter 37 of Tarthocas: Chronicles of the Transmigrating Scribe by Bigmachine on NovelPedia.

"My adventure begins today!" Jigme Pema thought as he set foot inside the Markseeker’s Building. The grand entrance hall was a sight to behold, with its towering columns carved from dark stone. The air was thick with the scent of old parchment and incense, truly incrsuted with bacteria. Markseekers of all ranks moved through the hall, their robes and armour indicating their various statuses and specialties. Apprentices with eager faces hurried past, clutching scrolls and weapons, while seasoned veterans stood in small groups, discussing their latest assignments in hushed tones. At the center of the hall, a massive board displayed current bounties and missions, each notice marked with a seal denoting its difficulty. Jigme couldn’t help but feel a thrill of anticipation as he approached it, wondering which challenge would become his first real test as a Markseeker. He was drawn to the reception desk, where a stern-looking receptionist was meticulously sorting through a stack of papers. Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, Jigme stepped forward, his voice steady but tinged with excitement. “I’m here to join the Markseekers,” he declared, handing over the letter of recommendation he had received from his mentor. The receptionist glanced up, her eyes scanning him briefly before taking the letter. She opened it, her expression remaining impassive as she read. After what felt like an eternity, she nodded and gestured for Jigme to wait. As he stood there, Jigme couldn’t help but reflect on the journey that had led him to this moment. The rigorous training, the countless hours spent honing his skills, and the unwavering support of his mentor had all culminated in this pivotal point. Today, he was no longer just a hopeful apprentice; he was on the brink of becoming a full-fledged Markseeker. Lost in his thoughts, Jigme didn’t notice the approach of a tall, hooded figure until the man was standing right beside him. The stranger’s presence was commanding, and Jigme felt a shiver of both awe and apprehension. “Welcome to the Markseekers,” the man said, his voice a deep, gravelly whisper. “I’m Lobsang Drakpa. You’ve chosen a challenging path, but with determination and skill, you may just survive it.” Jigme nodded, his resolve hardening. He was ready for whatever lay ahead. His adventure, he knew, was just beginning. At that moment, another individual entered the building, his footsteps echoing off the stone floor. He moved with a confident stride, his eyes scanning the bustling hall before settling on the receptionist. Approaching the desk, he handed over a bulging sack. The receptionist, recognizing him, smiled warmly and quickly inspected the contents. With a nod, she handed him a piece of paper, a token of approval. The man took it and headed towards a shadowy corner of the hall, where he exchanged the paper for another, larger sack. He then made his way back to the centre of the room, his presence drawing curious glances from the surrounding Markseekers. “Alright, boys! Today’s feast is on me! Eat all you want!” Ling Xuan’s voice rang out, clear and jubilant. The reaction was instantaneous. The entire guild burst into cries of happiness and excitement. For many of the Markseekers, life was a constant struggle against poverty. Opportunities for such generosity were rare, and the promise of a free feast was a luxury they could hardly afford to mis Furthermore, the Guild of the Markseekers also doubled as a tavern of sorts, so it was not even that hard to arrange tables. Soon, all tables were set as every enthusiastic Markseeker sat on the benches and began chomping down on the delicious food. It was even tastier to them as it was free! Even though it was the middle of the day, they celebrated as if it was their last. The hall filled with the sounds of clinking mugs, hearty laughter, and the lively banter of comrades who had seen countless battles together. Plates were quickly emptied and refilled as the Markseekers savour each bite