After leaving the village, I walked in a straight line along the beaten path. It had already been a few days, and I still hadn't reached the nearest town. Normally, it should take just two more days to get there. Hopefully.
Mother had only given me enough provisions to last until the next town. She wanted to pack more, of course, but if she had, my bag would've probably been heavier than me.
Still, I guess I should be grateful. Everything had gone smoothly so far—no issues, no trouble.
Or so I thought…
"Hand over what you have!"
A bit cliche...
I was now facing five guys. Their leader — a tall man, broad-shouldered, bald — glared at me with a smug grin. They blocked the road, and just beyond them, I could see the town in the distance. Probably just outside the patrol zone of the guards. Clever.
"Oi! Didn't you hear me? Hand over the purse, or we'll beat you to a pulp!"
Now that's original.
Still, I couldn't let myself be intimidated. My fingers tightened around the hilt of my sword. A storm of emotions swirled in my chest — fear, anxiety… and excitement.
I smiled at my adversaries.
One against five. Unfair? Maybe. But my blood was already boiling.
Their leader chuckled, clearly amused. Confident. Arrogant.
"Well, well. Looks like someone's eager to die today! Kill him!"
"Let me handle this, chief. I'll gut the bastard myself."
One of the thugs stepped forward confidently. I couldn't help but smirk — I was more than ready to accept that challenge. The leader nodded and moved aside, letting his companion step in.
He drew his weapon — a long sword, maybe too long.
I shifted my stance, one hand resting calmly on my own hilt. The guy approached with a cocky grin, clearly convinced he had the upper hand.
But his stance? Sloppy. Unbalanced. Wide open in all the wrong places.
Worse, his grip was wrong, and it was obvious from the way the blade trembled slightly in his hand — he didn't have the strength or the training to wield something that size properly.
Another wannabe who thought a bigger sword made him stronger.
But with that build? That sword was going to get him killed.
"What? Scared at the sight of a sword?" he said.
I simply observed him.
"Big words coming from someone who can't even hold his properly."
Visibly frustrated by my words, he lunged at me, his sword raised high before swinging it down toward me. It was so predictable — I just had to sidestep slightly to the left. His blade came crashing down into the dirt, hitting nothing but the ground.
Maybe they were new. Maybe just inexperienced. Either way, they attacked first — so I defended myself.
Closing the distance quickly, I moved before he could lift his sword again to block. I unsheathed mine in one smooth motion. With a swift vertical strike, I sliced through his wrist, disarming him instantly. He staggered back, screaming at the top of his lungs as he tried to lift his sword with one hand. But it was hopeless — his arms trembled violently, the longsword too heavy for his weakened grip.
I let him retreat. Cutting the wrist was the right choice. Had I gone for the head, my blade might've gotten stuck. I still don't have the strength to cut cleanly through bone… nor the magical power to enhance my blade — yet.
"This bastard!" the chief roared, stepping between me and his now disarmed — and dismembered — comrade.
"You're gonna pay for that!"
"Good. Bring it on," I replied, urging him forward.
He stared at me, no longer underestimating me like before. This time, he drew both a sword and a shield.
I readied myself. This one... he was different. His stance was solid, more grounded. He knew how to fight. And with that shield, it wouldn't be easy to break through his defense — not without magic. I would need to be careful. My sword alone might not be enough to overpower him, so I'd have to outsmart him instead.
Whatever. I don't back down that easily.
I take my stance, swirling my sword with a subtle motion before pointing the tip straight at him. My weaker leg forward, strong one behind — just like I was taught. My dominant hand grips the hilt firmly, aimed right at his chest, while my free hand points as if to guide my thrust, steady and focused.
He watches me, tense, his eyes no longer filled with arrogance but caution.
Then I hear footsteps.
His remaining men are slowly closing in, surrounding me.
I glance around. Of course. They're done underestimating me. No more playing around. This time, they're going to take me seriously.
I'm flattered.
But I don't like this one bit.
One-on-one? That's fine. I can handle that.
All of them at once?
That's going to be tough.
But just as I was analyzing the dire situation I was in, a sharp whistle cut through the silence—followed by the thunder of hooves.
"Shit! Here come the guards! Quick, into the forest!"
"What the hell are they doing all the way out here? Everyone run!"
Panic spread instantly. The bandits turned and bolted, scattering into the woods like frightened animals.
I dropped my stance, lowering my sword as I watched them flee. A group of mounted guards came rushing down the path, dust kicking up behind them.
"Quick, seize them!"
the captain shouted as his men split up, diving into the forest in pursuit.
The captain himself pulled his horse to a stop in front of me, then dismounted and walked toward me with purpose in his steps.
"Greetings, traveler," he said, placing a hand over his chest. His voice was slightly muffled beneath the helmet he wore. As he approached, he extended a hand in a friendly gesture.
"We apologize for the trouble caused by those bandits. They've been forcing us to extend our patrol zone. You were lucky we decided to push it further today."
I smiled politely. "Indeed," I replied, shaking his hand.
"I was in a difficult situation. Thanks to you, I came out unharmed."
"No problem. It's our duty to ensure these roads remain safe. Though unfortunately..." he paused for a second, "would you mind if I ask you a few questions? Just a formality—don't worry."
"Of course. I have nothing to hide."
"I sure hope so," he said with a slight nod, his tone calm but professional.
As he pulled out a small notebook, he began asking me a few questions — where I was from, my name, and the purpose of my visit. When I mentioned that I was planning to register as an adventurer, the captain looked up slightly.
"Huh. Shame. Everyone wants to be an adventurer these days."
"Is there a problem with that?"
"No, not really." The captain sighed. "It's just... recruits are becoming rare for the guard. We're kind of short on numbers lately."
I looked at him, a bit surprised, but as I thought about it, it made sense. Being a guard offers a stable salary and some level of security, but being an adventurer and hunting monsters? That can bring in way more gold. Monster parts are valuable and sell well on the market.
"That's tough," I commented.
"As you say." The captain finished scribbling in his notebook before closing it with a small nod. "Anyway, since you're here, we can take you with us and escort you to the nearby town."
I looked at him and smiled, nodding. "Of course. I'd be glad to."
The captain nodded before mounting his steed, then reached down to help me up behind him. With a light tug on the reins, we rode toward the nearby town.
We made our way through the forest, its tall trees casting heavy shadows that dimmed the path. But soon, we turned a bend — and there it was.
The city of Kroën revealed itself, towering and proud behind massive stone walls. At its heart stood the magistrate's bastion, a fortress-like castle overseeing the city from above. Trails of smoke curled into the sky from chimneys across the town — homes, shops, and forges alive with activity.
"Dear newly-born adventurer," the captain said with a hint of pride in his voice. "There it is. The city of Kroën — where opportunity shines, and where the Adventurer's Guild of Kaed stands tall."
As we approached the gates, the captain greeted the gatekeeper, who nodded and let us pass. Just inside, the captain slowed the horse to a stop and turned slightly toward me.
"This is where we part ways," he said. "May you be blessed by the gods, adventurer. And may your journey be a worthy one."
He said before bidding farewell. I waved goodbye as I began to explore the city.
Strolling through the streets, I saw merchants selling all sorts of things — fishers with their catch, stalls full of vegetables and meat, and various supplies and provisions. But I couldn't buy anything yet; I didn't have enough gold on me.
First, I needed to find somewhere to sleep. Even if the guild offered rooms to rest in, it would still be too expensive for me. For now, the local tavern seemed like the best option, though I knew it wasn't a good long-term solution.
But let's get to the point. After asking for directions, I finally arrived in front of my destination: the adventurer's guild.
It stood proudly before me. As I gazed at the building, a wave of nostalgia washed over me.
This adventurer's guild was far more developed than the one I knew in my previous life.
Back then, when I registered with Lia and Mike, the old guild was dusty and run down. It barely paid enough, even though monsters were more dangerous.
To put it simply, the tasks were riskier but the rewards were smaller, which explained why the guild wasn't attractive and remained neglected. They simply didn't have the funds to grow or improve.
Until some adventurers said enough was enough. They fought tooth and nail to change their situation.
These pioneers — known as the 'first party' — single-handedly carried the adventurer's guild for years. They established the foundation of a balanced party: a tank, an attacker, and someone to support — a mage, a healer, or a rogue.
Since then, not much has changed. Even Mike, Lia, and I stood out for being just a trio. We tried to expand, but... let's just say it didn't go well.
But now wasn't time of remembrance. Looking up, I couldn't help but let out a small smile of anticipation as I open the door of the guild. And just like that, like stepping in another world. The loud chat of the adventurers, the cheer and discussion that goes trough them all. I couldn't help but smile. It felt like home.
Going through the chaos and incessant noise, I approached the reception desk just inside the door. But as I looked around, I saw no one—until I heard a soft noise coming from behind the counter.
"Zzz… Zzz…"
Peeking over the desk, I saw a girl with long, messy silver-gray hair. Her head was resting on the wooden table, and various papers were scattered across her desk—even some had fallen onto her head.
I cleared my throat, trying to catch her attention.
"Excuse me…" I said, but it wasn't enough to wake her.
Deciding to get her attention, I tapped the desk in front of her and raised my voice slightly.
"Excuse me!"
"Waaah!"
The receptionist jolted awake, clearly startled. She looked around for a moment before focusing on me. Dark circles marked under her eyes and two faint pairs of bags told me she hadn't had enough rest. Waking her almost made me feel guilty, but since I'd already done it, I decided to see it through.
"Excuse me... I'm here to register as an adventurer."
"O-oh..." she stammered, quickly glancing around as she rifled through the papers. She fumbled awkwardly, and seeing her blush, I guessed she was embarrassed and sorry for dozing off on duty.
"I... I apologize, sir…"
"No problem," I replied. "It's actually me who should feel bad for having to wake you up. You look exhausted."
She looked up at me briefly, then down at the desk again, blushing slightly. Shaking her head, she gave me a tired but sincere smile.
"No... Really, it's my fault. A receptionist shouldn't fall asleep like that. I truly apologize."
Finally, she found the papers.
"Anyways, I should introduce myself." She said putting the papers on the desk infront of me, "Welcome newcomers. My name is Reina. I am one of the guild receptionist happy to meet you."
She then put the feather next to the paper
"Please, put down your name, your age, where are you from and your martial arts or weapon proficiencies. If you are a magician and learned in a magic academy, please specify which academy and your diploma."
"Okay."
I simply said as I write down all the information. Name ? Teiko. Age ? 18. Birth place ? village of Lind. Martial arts ? Huh... Swordman. When done I hand it back to her as she lazily but happily take it. She give a few signing and look at me with a half-smile
"Here all done." She said before handing a small copper insignia
"It's your copper tag. Attesting that you are from the guild. Please try to not lose it"
"I be careful."
"Thank you for you consideration. Now that you officialy register. Would you like to take on your first request ?"
"Of course"
"Then would you like to go check on the quest board or shall I give you personnal recommendations ?"
I look down holding my chin as I get lost in tought. Even if I would like to tackle a big quest right now. I prefer preparing myself first and this body.
"Depend what are you recommanding me ?"
"Well, since you are a beginner... and solo on plus of that. I don't really think there is a lot of quest you should take upon. Maybe things like collecting materials or hunting weak monsters ? It will also allow you to sell loots to earn some money."
I looked at Reina toughtful about what things to do. I need few coins to make some provisions. Since I don't have any. Paying somewhere to sleep and upgrading my gear. I think it would take at least a few weeks. Since I am going solo.
"Perhaps... Slime ?" she suggested
Slime ? Well, it's kinda true... One of weakest form of monsters but suprisingly numerous. While slime does not really kill many people. Even if they can, they are pretty invasive and don't hesitate to eat crops from the farmers. So request like those aren't that uncommon. And it can suprisingly pay well. At least for awhile
"I trust you on that one. Thank you", I replied
"No problem... We also got a device specifically for this kind of request. It is a device that we hand to newbie. To help them get some money but we only gave them for 3 request tought"
She said as she put in the desk a wooded circular object, there is some crystal inside of it that few glass showed. In the middle of it where a button as on the side a kind of switch ?
"Oh ? What does it do ?" I asked curious.
"Well," She take a profund inspiration like already tired of speaking "It attract blob around a zone. To activate it you used the switch on the side. It will activate the device. Then when enough slime are around click on the button on the middle. The device will activate the crystal inside and make the slime goes up. Making them easy target !"
I nod kinda impressed, there weren't things like this before when I was still alive in my previous body, so I couldn't help but get curious
"How does it work ?"
The receptionist blink before putting a smile
"Well, the crystal inside attract monsters and then the crystal inside upon activated make the slime float"
"Why ?"
She then sigh, "Well I don't really know but apparently the crystal connect with the slime and... Make them float ?"
"Oh ? Then why not using it with others monsters"
"Hum... Well first it is costly and I didn't heard about bigger device made so..."
"I see"
As I look at her I saw tht she is putting a bright smile but tremble. Maybe in the verge of collapsing back to sleep ? Anyways, I decide to spare her the rest of the question I was about to asked
"Well, anyway. Thank you," I said, noticing what looked like a flicker of relief in her tired eyes.
"No problem... Um, also—before you go, I need to sign a few things first and officially register this as your first mission."
She quickly scribbled onto a form with surprisingly elegant handwriting for someone who looked like she hadn't slept in days.
"Alright, all done! Now, let me give you a map—and off you go!"
She handed me a small, folded map with a faint smile.
I bowed my head gratefully. "Thanks again."
Turning on my heels, I started to head toward the door. But just a few steps later, I heard a soft thud behind me.
...Looks like she finally gave in and fell asleep again.
What a peculiar woman.
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I finally reached the spot she had marked on the map. It was right at the edge of the forest, opening into a wide field. A surprisingly peaceful place—almost cute, honestly. But now wasn't the time to marvel at the scenery.
I took out the device, placed it on the ground, activated it...And waited.And waited...And waited some more.
It felt like fishing—just sitting around, hoping for a bite. After a few long hours, five slimes finally began crawling toward the device.
"Let's try this."
I approached the gadget cautiously, watching the slimes ooze closer. I needed to be careful not to damage it. Once they were near enough, I pressed the button in the center.
Just like that, the slimes began floating into the air.
"How handy!" I grinned, and with a few swift swings, I cut through all of them with ease.
Still smiling, I knelt down to collect the loot. Slimes might be weak, but they had a core—a small, pearl-like sphere, jelly-like but firm. That was the slime core, a basic but valuable material often used in potions and ointments.
I held one in my hand, watching it shimmer in the light.
Funny. I used to know how to make those potions. Back in my old life, I dabbled in alchemy at the start. But once I became a hero, I had no reason to continue. Alchemy, crafting—those things were beneath my status, or rather others people did it for me. I never touched them again. Now? I couldn't even remember the simplest recipe.
What a waste.
Still... if I've forgotten, it means I can learn again. There's room for improvement. Always has been.
In that first round, I managed to collect four slime cores. I accidentally destroyed the fifth—sliced too deeply and shattered it. That was sloppy.
But now that I think about it, this might be good training. I need to get used to this body. I can feel the weight of my gear pulling at me—just sheathing my sword tilts me to one side. My balance is off, my footing still unsteady. If I want to be strong again, I'll need to rebuild everything from the ground up.
And there's no better way than a little precision training.
An idea sparked in my mind.
I waited patiently. Soon, four more slimes appeared. I activated the device again, watching them float into the air.
But cutting them like this would be too easy now that I knew their weak point. So, with my foot, I flipped the switch and deactivated the device. The slimes began to fall.
I drew my sword and swung.
Only one hit landed. The other three splattered on the ground, untouched.
Kinda disappointing. My old body could've sliced through all of them before they even hit the ground. But this is my reality now. I can't just whine about how easy things used to be.
This is a new life. A new start.
I have to train again. Earn it.
"Just you wait, you slime fiends! I will improve thanks to you!"
And so, I kept swinging.
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Two weeks later.
I'd settled into a kind of routine—rotating between farming slimes, picking herbs, and gathering materials for people who needed them. Errands, mostly. Nothing glorious. But right now? I've built up a decent little fortune.
Sure, the guild started taxing me for using the slime device—figures—but thanks to my decision to take on those extra side quests, I didn't lose too much. It might not seem like much to others, but for someone starting from zero, it was the right call.
It was worth it. Since I still didn't possess any mana-based skills, I needed to prepare thoroughly. To make up for my current lack of abilities, good gear and proper supplies were essential. So, before taking on my first big quest, I decided to go shopping.
First stop: gear.
Even if I appreciated Thomen's armor, it still had gaps—enough for a dagger or monster's teeth to slip through. To fix that, I bought a light chainmail to wear underneath. And just like that—voilà!—those weak spots were now much better protected.
Next: potions and consumables.
I could only afford three healing potions and one for stamina. I held back the rest of my money for the third and most important stop—the magic shop.
Magic items.
I needed at least something, just in case. Most were outrageously expensive—scrolls that shoot fireballs, absorb damage, or heal fatal wounds. Technically, anyone could use them, but the real cost came from the enchanted materials, the mage's time to imbue the scroll, and the incantation used to seal the spell inside.
Not that I could afford any of those. Instead, I went for one of the cheapest and most basic: the Shield Scroll. When used, it creates a magical barrier in front of the user. It's surprisingly strong… but the catch is that it only works in one direction, and only for a short time—about three to five seconds before it vanishes. The scroll is consumed afterward.
Still, in a desperate moment, a few seconds might be the difference between life and death. If I time it right, it'll be more than enough.
Finally: provisions.
Going on a real quest meant traveling far from town. I needed supplies that would last until I reached my destination.
I headed to the tavern and spoke to the tavernkeeper.
"Sure!" he said
"And what would it be?"
"Rations that last a few weeks. Bread, jerky, honey, a piece of cheese, fruits, and hardy vegetables like carrots and turnips. That would be best."
Finishing enumerating my order, I waited patiently for the tavern owner to return. In the meantime, I let my gaze wander around the room, watching the various adventurers and townspeople enjoying themselves.
Despite their different walks of life, it was heartwarming to see how a simple moment of rest in a tavern could bring peace to so many. Farmers, miners, and soldiers laughed and drank together—some celebrating, others numbing sorrow with mugs of ale. Among the adventurers, emotions were even more varied: some looked excited and cheerful, freshly returned from a successful quest. Others sat in silence, faces grim, shadows lingering behind their eyes. Some mourned. Others just stared at the bottom of their cups.
My gaze settled on two very distinct groups.
At one table sat a party of three. A boy, barely younger than me, flanked by two older women who clearly had far more experience. Judging by their outfits and badges, they weren't from the Aedwyn guild—perhaps a neighboring kingdom? Regardless, they radiated optimism. The young boy smiled brightly, animatedly retelling what must have been an exciting adventure. The women chuckled and listened warmly. It was a comforting sight—a rare warmth in this line of work.
But just one table over, a stark contrast: an elven woman sat alone, her hood pulled low, her cloak wrapped tightly around her. She nursed a drink in silence. Her eyes were hollow—void of feeling. Mourning. I didn't need to ask what had happened. Anyone who had spent even a little time in this world could understand. Loss. Grief. The kind that doesn't cry or scream, but sits heavy on your soul like a wet cloak you can't take off.
Death is a constant in our line of work. The loss of a comrade… it never gets easier, even if it becomes more familiar.
Still, it wasn't my place to intervene. I was a stranger to her. And in a way, she was a reminder—of what this life could take away at any moment.
"Excuse me, sir?" the tavernkeeper said as he approached, holding out a full bag stuffed with supplies. "Here's your order."
"Thank you," I replied, taking the bag and paying him.
As I made my way to the exit, my eyes briefly locked with the elven woman's. Even through the shadow of her hood, I could see it—despair, laced with a quiet melancholia. Her gaze wasn't angry, nor was it asking for help. It was just... empty. A silent grief that needed no words.
Orange eyes tinged with subtle yellow, framed by long, dark hair. Her flawless skin held the grace so inherent to the elven world—elegant, timeless, almost unreal. Just this expression to shatter that elegance.
But that moment passed as I stepped out of the tavern—just another memory to leave behind.
After all, I had my own mission to focus on. I needed to climb the adventurer ranks, to eventually earn the right to request an audience with them—Lia and Mike. The moment where I'd set my revenge in motion. Even if I had no idea how I'd carry it out yet… that would come later.
For now, the priority was clear.
Get stronger. Rise in rank. Be ready.
"Yeah, that'll do," I muttered to myself, standing before the guild's quest board. My eyes scanned the parchment sheets pinned across it until one caught my attention. I smiled, pulled the sheet down, and made my way to the reception counter.
Of course, it was still Reina—half-awake as usual, her head buried in paperwork while mumbling complaints about "overtime." But despite her exhaustion, when she noticed me, she straightened up and flashed a confident grin.
"Yo Reina," I said, placing the quest on the desk. "I'd like to take on this quest, please!"
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Quest Title: Goblin Extermination
Location: Ruins near the village of Krran
Objective:
Eliminate all goblins nesting in the ruins.
Rescue any captured women.
Retrieve stolen supplies, if possible.
Threat Level: Copper–Silver Rank
Reward: 30 gold coins
Villagers' Testimony:
"Please, save our wives and daughters! The goblins keep attacking us—they steal our food and take our women! We can't endure this any longer!"
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