As I enter town, many passersby’s turn their heads to look at me, ceasing their conversations.
If a bloodied girl walked around the streets, dragging the corpses of four rabid-looking moles, I too, would be stunned wordless.
The night sky blankets the town. However, some areas are dimly lit by streetlamps. Really, they're just a bunch of poles with glass covering a conjuring of fire magic. Calling it magitech might be a bit far fetched, but compared to medieval Earth, this place is quite a bit more advanced.
Maybe because magic can be used as a substitute for science and technology?
There aren't many, though. Most of these street lamps were donated by the Adventurer's Guild. Conjurings are expensive.
The ten minute trip from Xtrava Meadows wound up taking half an hour.
Why? Because I had no rope, or any equipment, so I had to sloowly drag the moles one at a time.
As I enter the Adventurer's Guild, a wave of whispering ensues.
Isn't that the beggar girl?
How in the world did she kill four C-ranks?
Aren't Pranels one of the harder monsters?
I thought she was rank F?!
I ignore the chatter, and heave the moles up, before dumping the bodies onto the receptionist stand. Charles just stares at the corpses, speechless. He rubs his eyes in disbelief.
"..What the fuck?" he says, his eyes glued onto the moles. "What did you do?"
Uh, did I do something wrong?
"I killed some rank C moles?"
"I'll talk to Guild Master Koya. Holy shit, Rena, you could jump all the way to a Silver-badge with this."
Oh. So what I did was exceptional for a Bronze-badge, I suppose. But a massive promotion? Hell yeah! Charles walks to a room labelled Staff Only, and after a few minutes of idle chatter, Guild Master Koya walks out.
Although he could be someone’s grandpa, age clearly hasn't withered him. Apparently, he was a Diamond-badge before he retired. This guy is even above Yache's level! Last time, I met him to get administered as an adventurer, and I got the tingles. Evidently, that hasn't changed.
Guild Master Koya looks at me, looks at the pile of corpses, and looks at me again, flashing a faint smile. He then says something to Charles before handing him some documents. They chat for a bit, and Charles comes back, beaming.
"I just got a promotion and a raise-" he says, pointing as me "-for scouting 'such an exceptional' adventurer."
Yeah… but it wasn't really you who let me in…
However, I let that thought pass by, and instead, ask about my badge.
"Well? Did I get a Silver badge?" I enquire. Judging by Guild Master Koya's approving smile, I can assume the answer is yes, but I ask anyway.
"Oh right. There's a trial for Silver-badges in three days. Guild Master Koya says you should join so he can assess your strength."
My head slinks down in disappointment. I didn't make the cut?
"Hey, no need to get so emotional. You’re still getting that Silver-badge even if you don't participate in the trial. He just wants to see your abilities with his own eyes. This is the first time a rank F is gonna move up a badge or some shit. Besides, you wanna get on his good side."
I thought I was the only one, but...
"Other rank F's have made the guild?"
"Yeah. But they all quit within a month or two. Can't make it big."
Charles then hands me some papers and 2 gold coins.
The documents are about the trial, and it comes along with an application sheet. It says stuff like what we'll get tested on.
"What are the coins for?" I ask, genuinely confused.
Charles slaps his face.
"For such a competent and skillful adventurer, you sure are dumb as fuck. You do know you get paid for valuable monster parts, right? These Pranels have valuable hides, and their claws can be used to make weapons. But because you didn't skin the Pranels nor did you remove their claws, the Adventurer's Guild has to deal with that ourselves. Hence, what you gave us is worth 5 silver coins each. Are you selling or not?"
Wait what? I can make money killing monsters? Two entire gold coins! I wonder how much money the pro adventurers can make.
I just stand there stupidly.
"Well, are you?" he says, raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah , yeah… I knew I was just er, testing your competency as a receptionist!" I say, making an awkward smile.
Charles rolls his eyes before shooing me away.
As I stroll back into my alley (the one I use to retreat back into my dungeon unnoticed), I start skimming through the documents.
All the application really asks for is my adventurer's ID number - the one printed on my licence as well as some blood identity.
I turn the page, and see the exam notification.
Monthly Silver-badge trial Examiner: Koya
Physical test - You will be assessed on your overall physical strength.
Written test - You will be assessed on your monster knowledge.
Magical test (Optional) - Assess your power and control over magic (either: manipulation or creation)
Practical test - You will be assessed on your performance in a makeshift mission
Top three trialers will be awarded coins
Since the examination is in three days, I should be able to level up and unlock [Dark Magic] in that timeframe. Also, apparently Magic magic is just known as Magic creation. I don't actually lose anything if I fail the trial, so I might as well contest and try to win some prize money.
Because the magic test is optional, I think it gives extra credit or something.
I don't need to prepare for any tests apart from magic, so I should go back to the Xtrava Meadows to farm some more XP.
But again, I don't want to get overwhelmed by a gang of moles.
Especially that earth cage, which is seriously deadly. Even if the moles themselves aren't, their magic is formidable.
I want magic too!
Well, I've been going solo the whole time, but maybe joining a party won't be a bad idea. I backtrack awkwardly, waddling back to the Adventurer's Guild.
Drunken laughs echo through the hallways, and an intoxicated dwarf dances on one of the wooden tables.
Usually, there aren't many beast-folk or dwarfs around. They just keep to themselves in their own territory. Elves on the other hand, are stupidly self-secluded among themselves. I haven't seen a single elf at all, and apparently elves only leave their forest in times of urgency, or something along those lines. Those three species are all distinct.
However, demons and humans more or less look the same.
According to [Appraisal], it's because both gods used the most efficient and cost-effective model, and mass produced them.
If you think about it, all the dominant species on Travia are humanoid.
I guess humans and demons are superior or something though, since they were literally the most favourite template among gods.
That also means sending humans into demon territory as spies and vice-versa is easy enough.
If anyone here were a spy, it would be Masaki! She's literal scum!
Oh well, human-demon politics have nothing to do with me…
...What do you mean, I have the [Demon Lord] title?
Huh? You must be confusing me with someone else.
Okay, I don't want to enter human-demon politics.
As I mentally argue with myself, I scan the room, looking for Charles. I catch sight of him nodding off on his seat.
What a bludge
I slam down on the table, and he squawks, jolting upright in surprise.
"What are you doing at this unholy hour, Rena?!"
"I was just here six minutes ago,” I reply
In fact, how the hell does this guy fall asleep in six minutes?!
Are you like those army guys who sleep on command?
"Sure, it’s only been six minutes, but a lot of shit can happen in a whole six minutes. This is the fucking 'my life is so sad so I'm drowning my sorrows with alcohol' hour. You see that band of drunkards?" He asks, pointing at the dancing dwarf, some teary guy and another teary guy, "Some of their group died in an extermination mission today. I hate reckless adventurers like them. They're just gambling around, throwing their lives on dangerous missions that they can’t complete without casualties."
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I guess alcohol really can release stress and turmoil, huh?
"Well, what are you here for? You wouldn't just be trying to shit around, would you?"
Err… I was here to join a party, but after seeing those guys, I think I'll pass. I'm not going to say that out loud, though! I'll get flamed if I told Charles about some half-hearted conviction.
"I came to… buy beer?"
Charles’ eyebrow rises. "You? Buy beer?"
Uh-oh. Am I under the legal age or something?
"What happened?" He asks, seemingly genuinely bewildered.
"What do you mean, what happened?, I want a beer!"
I didn't really want a beer, but this might be the chance I can finally consume alcohol!
I was under legal age in Japan.
So damn right, I want a beer now!
Charles just stares like me like I'm some monkey, and points to my left.
Bar
Oh. Right.
I dawdle to the bar, and I ask the server for a beer.
"I am so sorry about your loss. As a first timer, this ones on the house"
Why does everyone think something bad happened to meeee?
The server pours some beer from a large bottle, and gives me one of those oversized, cartoony beer mugs.
I take a sip from the jug. And…
I spit it out!
Ew, why does beer taste so bitter?
"What is this, a long black?!" I bawl, complaining to the bartender.
"I made a beer as you requested? Sorry if a made it too sweet, ma’am, but it should drown you sorrows"
"Too sweet? How on earth is this 'too sweet'!?” My whole face is scrunched up from bitterness!!
My yelling causes a commotion, and some sober adventures just stare at me.
"W-what are you looking at? Is there blood on my face?!"
I take another swig from the jug.
As I drink more, despite the bitterness, all my worries start to fade away. I feel loose!
I feel like nothing can stop me!
I feel like...
I wake up, lying on the floor.
"Gwueawh?!"
A weird sound escapes my lips.
Crap, I feel absolutely wasted.
I think I understand why Charles and the bartender thought I was in a midlife crisis or whatever.
Beer here is totally different from beer on Earth! Or… at least I assume it's different. I don't actually know, since I've never drank Earth before.
No one in their right mind would drink that abomination unless they were desperate. It might taste like rotten eggs swarmed by maggots, but its 'destressing' effect is absolutely potent!
I felt like a was floating on a cloud. In fact, I think I was somehow dreaming while awake?!
I'm not sure. I don't really remember much from yesterday.
But this just goes to show that I still don't know much about this world. Even common concepts, like 'beer' are entirely - okay, not entirely, but still different.
In theory, I could just hole up in my dungeon and use back-to-back [Appraisal] to learn everything, but that ruins everything.
The fun part in life is trying new things!
I mean, I still use [Appraisal] a lot. You could say I rely on [Appraisal] as an information outlet. Maybe I'll [Appraise] things, but only if they're in front of me?
I won't go out of my way to [Appraise] something, but if I'm genuinely puzzled, I guess I could [Appraise].
How many times did I use [Appraisal] just then?
I just stay on the floor, feeling like a log in the ocean.
I stay there for a while, but then someone-no, something kicks my ribs.
"Get out."
That annoying, high pitched squeal!
I refuse to refer to Misaki as a human! She’s a demon!
...Er,… She's a devil!
You know what I meant.
"I said - GET OUT!"
Uurg… She's annoying as ever.
"What are you, the harbinger of Conquest? Besides,” I continue, "the Adventurer's Guild is open 24/7"
"At least have the human decency to get off the floor, peasant. I heard from Guild Master Koya that you killed four Pranels by yourself. I don't buy it. A rank F like you could never. I bet you hired someone, you fraud!"
This witch!
"But I though you said I was a peasant. How would I afford to hire mercenaries?"
"S-shut up, fraudster! You probably stole money to hire people to do your bidding! In fact, that armour of yours is stolen too! Gyras hates people like you!"
What is her problem?
People like here just make me really pissed!
"I bought these items from Gyras. You got a problem?"
She looks at me starkly. Misaki opens her mouth to say something but is cut short by the guild door creaking open.
Yache strides in to see me lying on the floor deadpan, and Misaki pointing at me.
Misaki flutters her eyelashes, and in a cutesy voice, says "Hiii Yahche~"
Er. What the hell?
Yache just walks past her, and faces me. "You shoulda seen yourself last night, Rena. You were going absolutely bonkers!" he says with a sly grin.
Uh-oh. Maybe I don't remember everything?
In a cautious tone, I reply, "...What did I do?"
Yache just snorts and then bursts into laughter. Er, this is kind of weird. However, I see Misaki puffing her cheeks and glaring daggers at me.
I have no idea what’s going on, but seeing her mad makes me feel good. I smugly grin at her.
"~Yaache? Helloo?"
Misaki puts a hand on Yache's shoulder, but he shrugs it off. He glowers at Misaki.
"Can ya not touch me?"
Yache helps me up, and we start to walk to the entrance. Misaki trails behind.
"Yache! Please wait!"
As we walk out, Yache turns to face me. "That chick sure is a bitch, dontcha think?"
Haha! He couldn't be more right. I've got a few questions myself, especially about that interaction, but first off…
"When did you complete your mission?"
This guy is my absolute GOAT! A living legend among legends.
"Well, I finished yesterday. That escort mission was tough, I tell ya! That masked chick didn't say one damned word during the mission! I'll be damned, that was tense!"
I don't really take his word. Yache might be a nice guy, but he doesn't seem that accountable, you know?
He's kind of like those pretty boys, but with a weird, yakuza accent.
Hmm? Am I interested in him? Hell no! I'd much rather go around killing monsters and farming XP than simp for someone I met less than a week ago!
But really, the pressing matter has yet to come.
"So…" I start, "What’s your relationsh-"
Yache cuts me off mid-sentence. "She's a whore"
A huge question mark floats above my head. You don’t mean- you did it with her?
Although my mind starts wondering in suggestible directions, my poker face is perfect. I just absently look at him.
We stand there in a moment of silence before Yache finally catches on.
His cheeks don't even flush. He just looks disgusted.
Yache does some clearing up.
So apparently Misaki has been seducing male adventurers and getting them to join under her wing so she can reap the benefits. Thats gross, isn't it?
Since adventurers can choose to change their supervisor, a bunch moved to Misaki, meaning heaps of newer receptionists essentially lost their jobs.
Charles is probably the only proper receptionist left apart from Misaki.
I was wondering why he took on so many mid-day to late-night shifts if he hated working, but I guess he has to.
That would explain his permanently sour mood.
Guild Master Koya doesn't mind, because Misaki actually motivates her army of followers to adventure harder.
Its not that he doesn't care about the Adventurer's Guilds politics, its just that he sees no drawbacks.
The other receptionists still technically have their jobs, they just can't earn bonuses and stuff.
The guild is basically split in two. Actually, not really. The guild still functions as one. Apparently the beef started off as just Charles vs Misaki, and when Misaki tried to seduce Yache, he fell into the river of guild politics.
And for some reason, Misaki doesn't like me, so I'm also included.
Hey! Why me??!!
Misaki only works morning shifts, so I can avoid her as long as I enter the Adventurers Guild during the evening or something.
I seriously hate her. I still feel a bit groggy, but it should be fine. I ask Yache for directions, and apparently a 20 minute walk south-west leads to an area with weak monsters to grind XP.
I enter my dungeon, and warp there. This place really contrasts with the meadows!
Lush , overgrown trees cover a dense layer of moss. I hear the distinct chirping of birds.
How do ecosystems change so much?
Not far from here, there isn't a single tree in sight!
I [Appraise] some trees, and use that information to find out where I am.
So that’s why the ecosystems changed so much? I had almost forgotten about these [Heroes] and [Demon Lords]. As a [Demon Lord], am I bound by fate?
No! I want to choose my own path, not let a title control my actions.
My 'main' reasons for adventuring was to get money and to kill monsters, but deep down, I knew the real reason.
I became an adventurer out of defiance. I didn't want to be a [Demon Lord].
That would mean getting into politics and other boring stuff like constantly formulating battle strategies or whatever.
I like to do things my own way, at my own pace - which was another reason for deciding to stay solo.
As I stumble around the thick forest, I notice a weirdly shaped oval with rings around it. It kind of looks like a 2D termite mound?
I hit it.
You may either leave after: 1. Killing a sufficient number of Fujincotes 2. After a period of time has elapsed.> After the roach incident, I never thought I would see another dungeon in my life! Although this isn't really a dungeon; just a hole connected to portal. ...That is a dungeon, isn't it? This place is different to the instantaneous dungeon. I can leave if I fulfill some conditions, after all. Besides, I didn't get the nauseous feeling, which means this place probably isn't connected to a separate dimension. Could it be a permanent dungeon or something? But, what are 'Fujincotes'? They're just ants, right? Talking about ants and dungeons, those roaches acted waay too much like ants! They had egg-laying Queens, soldiers, guards, nests, burrows and other ant stuff! If so, do ants act like roaches? I'll find out soon, though. A squad of Fujincotes just walked by, and now they're baring their fangs at me. The ants are squadded up and all, just like normal ants, so maybe those roaches were a bit special. At first glance, they look like ants. But after looking at them for a bit, the word 'ant' wouldn't be an accurate representation. They have ant heads. But that’s where the similarities stop. Their bodies are shaped like ladybugs, and their legs are hairy, sort of like a spiders. If the roaches were deformed, these guys are borderline Patau! Really? Ants with Patau syndrome? Feels surreal. I give one of the ants a quick [Appraisal] Nameless Level: 23 Rank: F Class (primary): None Class (secondary):None. Health: 34 Damage: 43 Mana: 32 Speed: 35 Titles: None Skills: [Bite Lv2]> Er, aren't they a bit too weak? These ants probably can't even get past my armour! Am I really that weak from Yache's perspective? This is an insult!... ...Ah, right. He probably still sees me as a newbie Bronze-badge that started adventuring six days ago. Well, I technically am still Bronze badge - Silver badge comes in two days. One of the ants rushes towards me. I kick it away, and it smashes onto a wall before dropping down, limp. "...Oops." My bad. I wasn't even trying to kill it, I swear! Haha! Feels good to be strong, it really does. The ants scatter away, but I chase them down and kill them. I won't toy with lives like that guard roach. This is my way of showing respect? Skill [Menace Lv5] has become skill [Menace Lv6]> After five or so minutes, the system gives me a notification. What? Already? Well, I'm not leaving till I get those juicy skill points! All basic attributes increased. Level-up proficiency acquired. Proficiency has reached required level Skill [Resentment Lv2] has become [Resentment Lv3] Proficiency has reached required level Skill [Concentration Lv3] has become[Concentration Lv4] Skill points acquired. Combat points acquired. 50% of max health recovered> Wait, No! I still need ONE more level! Just ten more SP, and… I can get [Dark Magic]! I want [Dark Magiiic]! Let me buy it! You have: 350 skill points> Come again? I thought I got 20 SP per level-up?! Hmm… Maybe because I hit level 20, I now get 30 SP instead of 20 SP per level-up? Well, no ones going to catch me complaining! Required level-up proficiency is cumulative, which means I probably would have needed a lot more experience to grind all the way to level 22. Yes! Give me [Dark Magic]! Remaining skill points: 0> Yes! Now, I'm officially a mage! Whaa? Not again?! Would you like to replace a skill with [Dark Magic Lv1]?> I slump down in relief. Thank god. I thought some [Hero] thing would pop up again and restrict me again. Let’s see… what skills can I replace? I quickly [Appraise] myself, and check my skills, checking the effects of every skill. If I wanted to remove a skill I think it would either be [Resentment] or [Menace]. [Resentment] used to be overpowered against the roaches, but the thing is… ...I'm not the type to hate easily. Misaki is an exception, but even I wouldn’t go as far as killing her! And [Menace] just makes me exhort some sort of scary aura. Luckily, it’s an 'active' skill, meaning I can use it at will, and turn it off when I feel like it. If it passively exhorted aura, people would start hating on me. Even now, I can still see [Resentment] helping me, but I don't see [Menace] helping me in actual combat. So… replace [Menace] with [Dark Magic]? Proficiency has reached required level. Skill [Dark Magic Lv1] has become [Dark Magic Lv6] Oh? Proficiency carries on? What an unexpected welcome! Well, I have roughly a day and half before the trials begin. I might as well enter my dungeon and begin my mastery of [Dark Magic].