So... I might have underestimated one of the main features of my [Ancestry's] abilities. For one thing, I thought the ability to make [Signs] was a small deal when it comes to usefulness to some parts of the game. According to Yur1, Arthur, and Wind, there's some kind of "metagaming" happening within [Isekai] in that kind of gaming style, and the [Insignis Ancestry] is not much of a heavy hitter in the list. While we don't care about it, I don't mind about how strong or weak my [Ancestry] is.
But in all of that gaming lingo, I haven’t considered the lore and setting of [Isekai] itself. In this case, I hadn’t expected that the [Sign] supposed to represent my ambitions in the game would end up on the wanted list (and in the interview room that reminds me of those interrogation rooms on TV). At least the woman from the counter is the interrogator. I think.
[I apologize for the rough treatment, Mr. Kazu. But it's been a while since we have an [Insignis] adventurer who has a [Sign Creation] ability,] the receptionist explained. [So please bear with me for a while until a higher-up can determine if your [Sign] is dangerous or not.]
I raise my eyebrow when she mentions this "higher-up". "Wait, you're not gonna interview me like Yur1 and Wind?"
[True. But considering the circumstances regarding your abilities, it's safe than sorry if we have a veteran adventurer to determine your [Sign's] prowess.]
Just then, I hear a knock from the wooden door. [It's me, Aya. Is our latest [Sign] adventurer inside?]
[Yes! Please come in!]
The wooden door opens and to my surprise, a lean older woman enters the room. She has light aqua blue long straight hair with light tan skin and deep ocean blue eyes and wears a mix between leather armor and a white and blue robe. I don't know why, but something about her feels a bit connected to my character's [Ancestry]. I mean, she's here for my [Sign], so there's a chance she might be an [Insignis].
[Well, well... You must be the [Insignis] child Aya is raving about.] The woman smiles at me. [My name is
She is what?! A vice guild leader wants to meet and interview me?! That's a big twist I’ve never expected! At the same time, I'm a bit nervous since I know why she's meeting me in the first place.
"N-Nice to meet you, too, ma'am," I sheepishly greet her. "So when the receptionist said a "veteran", I'm guessing she meant you, right?"
[Yes. As you can tell, I'm an [Insignis] just like you. But let's save the rest of my introduction later.] The vice guild leader walks to me as she takes a closer look at me. [I see. So you're one of the new initiates from the latest [Sign Creation Ceremony]. I can see why she turns to me for a thorough examination.] She turns to the receptionist she calls "Aya". [Do you have his observation notes printed?]
Aya gives the vice guild leader a small pile of papers to the vice guild leader, which I'm guessing are the same notes from the crystal ball earlier. She then flips through the pages while the receptionist begins to speak. [According to him, he arrived along with two other adventurers from
[Seeking Sage]? So Dad has other titles other than being a [Sign Sage], huh? Maybe when we're done playing, I can ask him about his time in the game during beta testing...
[Interesting... So the sons of the [Seeking Sage] started their journeys at the Town of Beginnings, huh?] She turns back to me next. [How much do know about magic, young man? Have you learned them from your father?]
Just before I say anything, the prompt window comes up and my eyes widen to see what it says.
> [NPC PROMPT]
>
> [The woman asks you about your history with your father. By answering her questions, your [Backstory] will be generated.]
Oh, boy... In other words, we're gonna be part of the lore the moment I answer her questions. But I'm curious, what's unique about this [Backstory] feature? I tap the keyword to learn more about it.
> [BACKSTORY TUTORIAL]
>
> [As you continue to interact with the NPCs and the world, you will gradually carve your own tale in the world of
>
> By opting into the feature, you will create your persona as a resident of the world as well as your relationship with other important characters and notable players with certain special roles. There are no right or wrong ways to forge your persona. Take note of the consequences depending on your decisions in [Quests] and events.
>
> Be who you want to be in this world! It's up to you how your story will begin or end!]
I see... From what I understand, I can make my character whatever I want depending on my answers and decisions. That's something I want for an RPG game like this one!
> [OPT-IN]
>
> [Do you want to use the [Backstory] feature?]
>
> [YES] [NO]
Are you kidding?! Sign me up! I quickly tap [YES] and answer her questions. I have to be careful how I answer, though. One false move and I might end up saying “sayonara” to my dream fantasy adventure character.
"Yeah, my Dad taught me a lot about magic, especially the basic ones for [Wind] and [Thunder]. But I didn't start mastering them completely until I became an adventurer along with Wind. I did learn [Earth] magic later in our journey for defensive spells."
[I see. A mage that has a variety of affinities depending on the current situation. You do take Earth's side in terms of magic,] Annota comments. [According to the rumors, you managed to defeat one of the strongest monsters in the preparation and gathering portion of the ceremony. Namely the [Tempest Frigate]. Ring any bells?]
Whoops...
I guess my victory against that bird somehow spread through the NPCs after the expansion. "To be fair, I only hunted the frigate because of its materials for my quill pen and ink. I mean, that's how creating a [Sign] for the first time works, right?"
[I see. That would explain why your [Sign] is considered as dangerous to the [Observation Crystal].]
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I raise my eyebrow in confusion. "I-It does?"
[It's true creating a [Sign] with your personalized stationery made by yourself will become the most unique spell in your arsenal. However, what you did has done more than increase its uniqueness.] She starts to draw some kind of rune in the air with a red aura. To my surprise, the rune transformed into 3 small fireballs that floated around her hand. [By using the highest quality materials, the pen and ink will increase the power and efficiency of your [Sign]. However, the tools made from the rarest materials have a small chance to grant them unique abilities. I don't suppose you're aware your [Sign] possesses two elements in one spell, correct?]
I'm aware of it. It was made using [Wind] and [Thunder] materials from [Tempest Frigate] after all. "Yeah. Is that the reason it's dangerous?"
[It's more than that.] She closes her hand into a fist, causing the flames around it to extinguish in mid-air. [It's rare for a personalized [Sign] to possess two elements. Even with some rare materials, the best you can make is a spell that lets you produce a blade or an object.]
That's... I hadn’t known about that until now. I only want to create a [Sign] that represents me and my ambitions. I didn't know I created one that changed the
> [The [Adventurer's Guild Vice Guild Leader] recognizes your [Rising Tempest Sign] as a [Star-Level Spell].]
>
> [You have earned the title, [The Star of the Magical Community].]
[Star-Level]?! Is it another terminology in the game's setting? I might not be lucky with that metagame stuff, but I can't say the same with discovering the worldbuilding of this world. And [The Star of the Magical Community]. This is the first title I’ve gotten since the expansion release. Honestly, I was a bit jealous when Wind got a lot of them when we first logged in.
"Hehe... I forgot to mention my Dad has a habit of leaving out details." And it's not something I’ve made up for my [Backstory]. I still haven't forgotten how he didn't tell us that he's part of the [Sign Creation] quest and how he almost traumatized Wind with his hidden one. "And honestly, I know the basics of magic, but not beyond it. I'm still learning despite being an adventurer and I was hoping I might learn something outside of our home."
PING!
> [Your [Backstory] has been established.]
[So you're homeschooled, huh? Very understandable. Many young upstarts tend to start their adventures at the ripe age of 13,] Annota explains. [So it's no surprise they tend to skip their general education altogether, especially when it comes to magic schools.] She then takes out some kind of business card and hands it to me. [If you're interested, you can visit the magic school in [Lucet] in your spare time. Along with offering a library of basic magic principles, there will be classes offered to young adventurers who are interested in magic such as yourself.]
Wow... I didn't know that magic classes even exist in a VRMMO! There's no way I can pass it up!
> [NEW QUEST]
>
> [You can trigger a new quest, [To the Magic Academy] **!]
Oh. As soon as I accept the card, this window pops up. I quickly check the new details.
> [Quest: To the Magic Academy **]
>
> [You have been invited to the great magic academy recommended by an important figure. But it seems like finding it might be an issue. If you reach it, then you will complete the [Quest].]
And it's not a [Hidden Quest] this time. I'm guessing this is more of a common [Quest] that everyone gets when you're interacting with an NPC. Although the description itself might be a bit concerning. "And the academy? Can you tell me where it is?"
[Normally, people who recommend them tend to leave out some details about their location. But since you seemed to be a new [Insignis] face at the age of 13, I should save you the trouble for your sake.] She takes out some kind of parchment paper from her coat and unfurls it to reveal a map of a city. [If you turn right from the castle and follow the [Mana] in the streets, you will find the academy building.]
"Isn't that too vague?"
[I'm not finished. There are many scents in the street, but the blandest of all will lead you to its true location. I wish I could say more, but the teachers there will ring my neck if I ruin their little game. I can't blame them since the location is hidden to ensure the safety of the kingdom's magical secrets. However, I'm certain you will find it on your own.]
"Uh... Thanks. I'll keep that in mind."
Annota stores the map back into her coat. [As for your spell situation, I'll assure you that you will be allowed a promotion. There is still the [Magician's Society], but I'll discuss with them with good graces. However, all I can give you is a simple [Topaz]. It's impressive you made a powerful [Sign], but you need a lot more than a dual-elemental spell to impress the guild. We're looking for powerful and talented individuals who will risk their lives on the field and gain experience in battles and survival, not simply show off a magic show.]
I smile and nod. "That's okay. If I do get a higher rank, my friend might start questioning how I got it in the first place. Especially with Wind and Dad."
Annota then smiles back. [A mage who cares more about his friends than standings... Young adventurers should follow your example.] She turns to the receptionist next. [Aya, you take care of the rest. Make sure the young man's passport along with his brother and friend are in the best condition!]
[Y-Yes, ma'am!]
Annota walks out of the room and turns to me again. [Kazu, if fate permits us to meet again, then you might have the power to change the world.]
Change the world? Is that what all important NPCs say to all of the player adventurers? Something about her smile makes me a bit creeped out. "U-Uh... Yeah... I guess. I should meet up with the others right now since we're done here."
[Okay. Then I'll see you soon, little [Insignis].]
And she shuts the door behind her. The vice guild leader is nice, but she's also a bit creepy with her whole fate talk.
> [NOTICE]
>
> [Your [Rising Tempest Sign] is now labeled safe by the [Adventurer's Guild].]
At least my [Sign] isn't considered as dangerous for now. There is still the [Magician's Society] Annota mentioned, but that's not important right now. I’ve finished my special interview and I'm ready for the big leagues with Wind by my side! After this, we're now ready for what
[Mr. Kazu, can you sign the papers before proceeding with the promotion?]
...Right after I do some paperwork.
----------------------------------------
[Later...]
In a dark office on the upper floors of the guild hall, a man with his face obscured by the darkness looks at the papers the vice guild leader gave him.
[So you're saying that Earth's kid learned an advanced [Sign] as his personalized one?] He asked.
[Yes. I checked his mana and all of his statements were true,] Annota explains. [I also contacted the [Sign Sages] and informed me of the abridged results of the latest [Sign Creation Ceremony]. Other than the [Tempest Frigate] and stationary made of those materials, it seemed like he made his journal all of his own and used a special kind of [Magecrafting] enchantments. Sounds like we got the second coming of the [Sign Seeker].]
The man chuckles. [It's too soon to make that claim, Annota. You said yourself that he only completed one [Urgent Quest] and a few [E and D-Rank Quests], correct?]
Annota nods. [I gave him the [Topaz Rank] along with his friends. He doesn't mind the results. He gracefully accepts it and expresses his desire to adventure with his brother and friends on the same level.]
[Hmmm... How interesting...] The man stands up from his seat and takes a peek through the gap of the closed purple curtains. [It's been a while since we’ve had an honest adventurer since Earth. Maybe it's fate for us to guide his children to the right path.]
He opens the curtains, revealing his lean, but rugged face with unkempt brown hair from the darkness. [Make sure to track their progress and [Quests] they will take,] he orders. [Guess the [Royal Magician] didn't expect the young hunter's brother to be a huge prodigy of the modern generation.]