Chapter 1.2
The Adventurer’s Guild was located near the center of the town. Just as described to him, it was hard to miss. Its black stone walls contrasted strongly with the surrounding buildings. It has a very sturdy look to it, very fitting for the people that frequented the place.
After entering the place, he saw a scene that he expected somehow. A rowdy crowd of men and women populated the lounge where they served drinks and snacks. The other half of the building was occupied by a counter were several lines were formed and a billboard with postings regarding quests was on the side. A small gathering of adventurers were in front of it.
Ken decided to go see what kinds of quests were posted on the billboard. Among the people there, he was the only one not equipped for battle. Everyone else decided to ignore the noob.
(It seems that quests are divided according to the type of jobs required. There are ‘Monster Subjugations’, ‘Items Procurements’, ‘Escort and Messenger’, ‘Bounty Hunts’, ‘Miscellaneous’, and ‘Special’. Here’s one for goblin subjugation, Rank E. This one is for gathering medicinal herbs, Rank F. Here’s one for escort of a caravan to the capital city, Rank C, with an additional requirement that adventurers wishing to take on the quest have no misdemeanor record. Oh I think this is the quest that that party in the inn was talking about, defeat the guardian of the lowest level in the Underground Tomb of Morax, Rank A.)
(Hmmm. I guess there are all sorts of quests. But I wonder if I’m a fit here. I’ve always been confident of my athleticism. I also did Jujitsu for a short time. Without bragging, I can say that I think I can win most of the time in a brawl. However, this is a different world and what I’m going to be facing the most are monsters. If I were to face a monster as ferocious as a lion, I would surely die, again.)
While Ken was thinking like that, an adventurer beside him reached for the posted quests he had been staring at for a while.
“No offense, but I don’t think you’re quite at the level of taking this one on.”
It was one of the adventures that he saw in the inn. The one who was most likely their leader. Equipped with a full sets of shiny metal armor, a sword on his waist, a heavy shield strapped on his back, the man clearly stood out even amongst other adventurers.
“I was not thinking of taking the quest. I am not even registered yet as an adventurer. As you can see from how I look.”
“Oh, but, you are thinking of becoming one, don’t you?”
“Well, I’m thinking.”
“So, why are you hesitating for? You look like you can handle yourself in a fight.”
“Well, I’m thinking about something like that quest you’re taking. How can I possibly battle a monster like that?”
“Well, the simple answer is that you can’t. Not yet, anyway. Everybody started off like you. You have to get stronger and improve your skills, then you might defeat a strong monster. There is nothing certain in the life of an adventurer after all.”
“How does one get stronger, anyway? I mean in a literal sense There is only so much a human can do, right?”
“That’s true, that’s also why we train our body and mind, right? You seem to be like the inner magic type, so if you improve the use of the mana in your body, someday you can win a wrestling match against a bear. But you knew that already, don’t you?”
“Right. I guess I’m just having second thoughts.” (Inner magic type? Mana in the body? I absolutely have no idea about something like that!)
“I guess it can be nerve-wracking in the beginning. But you look like a promising talent. My name is Axel. I lead a party of adventurers called the Dawnbreakers”
“I’m Ken. It’s nice to meet you.”
“Anyway, I have to leave soon. But, let me tell you about something I heard as a young kid. It does not matter how strong you are now. What matter is whether or not you are an adventurer in your heart.”
“Adventurer in your heart?”
“Well, it sounds better when I heard it a long time ago. But, what I mean is, there are all kinds of work you can do as an adventurer, some very dangerous, some not so much. But, the adventurers that become successful are those who has the drive to explore the unknown, see the mysteries of the world, and challenge their limits. If you have those drive in you, you’re already an adventurer.”
“I think I get it.”
“Do you really? Ha ha ha. I think I said something nice just now. Ha ha ha.. Anyway I have to meet my party right now. Maybe I’ll see you next month. Try not to die out there, alright?”
“You too, Axel. Good luck with your quest!”
They parted in good terms. Ken truly wished them good fortune in their quest. He felt lucky he met someone like Axel just then. He decided to return the favor one day. Hopefully, when they return, they can speak again.
(Anyway, I just heard something strange. Inner magic? Mana? I have to learn what they are fast. For now, let’s register.)
***
Ken saw that behind the counter were three receptionists, each one had a line forming in front of them. One of the lines were noticeably shorter than the rest. The others had at least 8 people waiting on them. He chose to wait on the shorter line with only a couple of people ahead of him.
I didn’t take long for him to realize why the lines were so unequal. The staff in charge where he was waiting was a scary looking man with bronze skin and bulging muscle. While, the other two receptionist were lovely young ladies. He wanted to switch lines since the scary man would probably have no patience for a rookie like him, but, they had already made eye contact. There was no retreating anymore.
When his turn came, he heard a very deep voice that came out from the receptionist.
“How can we serve you today?”
It was very eerie to hear him speak so politely. It made Ken shake a bit.
“Umm… I’d like to register as a beginner… Please.”
“Then, I welcome you to the Grassvale Adventurer’s Guild. My name is Claude. Registration cost 50 nims for beginners.”
(Grassvale is the name of the town, right? I should have learned this earlier.) He handed 5 large copper coins to Claude.
“I’ve received it. Would you like an explanation of the rules?”
“Yes. I am called Ken. Also, it would be nice if you can tell me more about being an adventurer. Please.”
“Very well. Adventurers are people who complete jobs or quests for rewards. Unlike a mercenary, they are not hired with contracts and payment are received only after successfully completing the task. These tasks varies from hunting monsters to escorting merchants. The guild accepts pretty much any kind of quests as long as it’s not requiring to break the law and does not constitute as espionage of other territories. So, there are a big number of quests to choose from. However, an adventurer can only accept quests that are ranked no higher than one level above their own rank as an adventurer. For example, a ranked C adventurer can take on a ranked B quest. Of course, the risk involve is the adventurer’s responsibility. The ranking goes from F, E, D, C, B, A, S, SS, and SSS, from lowest danger to the highest. Are you following?”
“Yes, please continue. Please.”
“Up to eight adventurers can register in to a party. The rank of the party depends on the average rank of the members. The same restriction applies where they can take a quest as a party one rank higher than the party’s rank. Whether a quest is completed as a party or not does not affect the reward indicated.”
“Meaning a party has to split the reward among the members?”
“Precisely. Let’s continue. A starting adventurer will be ranked F. Promotion of rank is achieved after passing a test of skill which an adventurer can be qualified after completing 3 quests that are higher than their own rank whether they did so as a party or solo. In your case, after you complete 3 quest that are ranked E or higher, you can take a test of skill here. If you pass that test, you’ll be promoted to rank E.”
“Oh, so, one can’t be promoted simply by partying with a higher ranked adventurer?”
“The tests
was put in practice for that reason.”
“If there is a test of skill involve in promotion, can’t someone start at a higher rank if they could prove their skill?”
“Most beginners who are confident of their skill think that. However, the job of adventurer does not only involve fighting. There are multitude of necessary skills that can be learn only through experience. So, everyone is required to start at the lowest rank.”
“I get it. I guess this system is in place to reduce the casualty in the field, huh.”
“Precisely, now on to the rules. Adventurers are people who enjoy their freedom the most, so there are only two rules you must adhere to. First is, do not break the law. Being an adventurer will not exempt you from the local laws in place and the guild will not harbor any criminals. Second is, respect the other adventurers. You don’t have to be nice to them, but, stealing from, fighting with, or any form of mistreatment against other adventurer no matter their rank is frowned upon. Basically, you must treat the others as you’d like to be treated. Breaking these two rules can result to demotion in rank, suspension, or having their adventurer’s card revoked permanently, meaning they can’t take any quest anymore, depending on the gravity of their transgressions. Do you understand?”
“I understand.”
“Now, fill up this form. Only name, race, and age are required from you to write. However, the others can improve the services we can provide to you. Do you need assistance in writing?”
“No, I think I can manage.”
Sure enough, he was able to write using the local language. For his given name, he wrote Ken, for his family name, he wrote Aoyama. For his age, he wrote 17 years old. However, he paused before writing the race.
“Umm. What should I put in race?”
The receptionist raised his eyebrow on that question.
“Human, of course. You are human, right?”
“Oh right, right. I was thinking of something else.”
(Does that mean there are other people other than humans?)
He left the other questions unanswered, such as, hometown, combat class, specialties. He didn’t really know what to answer to those questions even if he wanted to. He handed the form back to the receptionist.
“Ken Aoyama. Am I saying it correctly?”
“Yes, perfectly.”
“Okay. Please wait outside that door to the left. Another staff will meet you there for issuing your adventurer’s card.”
“Thank you very much.” He bowed as he was used to when saying thanks.
“You’re welcome.”
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
(That Claude was very courteous despite being so scary looking.)
***
Ken proceeded to wait outside the door as directed. After about 7 minutes, a young woman came out and spoke to him.
“Ken Aoyama?”
“Yes, I am Ken.”
“My name is Shana. Please follow me.”
He was lead to a small room containing 2 couches facing each other and a coffee table in between them. On the top of the coffee table was a crystal orb and some papers. On the other side of the room, there was a door that lead to another room where they organize the paper works of the Adventurer’s Guild. Ken was instructed to seat down and the woman sat across him.
“Now mister Aoyama. Please touch this orb for a bit. We use this magic tool in issuing your adventurer’s card. With it, we can infuse your mana in this card here to make it so that only you can use it.”
Ken did as she instructed. When he placed his palm on the orb, it glowed white. The card attached to a pocket in the base of the orb also glowed. It was Ken’s first interaction with anything magical. He was rightly amazed.
“That should be enough. Let’s see here.” She took the card from the base. “As you can see, the card is not showing anything. Here, you hold it.”
Ken took the card from her. After touching the card with his hand, some characters can be seen appearing.
Ken Aoyama Rank F
Human
“Oh… That’s impressive.”
“Isn’t it? It’s ancient technology, you know? He he. Anyway, in case of a promotion, we will repeat this process to make the card reflect your rank.”
“Ah…”
“This card is valid in any place where there are adventurer’s guild. You can use it as a form of identification. It allows you to take quests and determine what difficulty of quests you’re certified to take. You are required to show it every time you take or complete a quest. You’re adventurer’s record can also be read from this card by any Adventurer’s Guild building, A record is also kept at the Head Quarters at the capital which can be accessed by any guild. If you lose it, you have to pay 100 nims for a reissue, so, please take care of it.”
“I understand.”
“You’re now an adventurer. Congratulations, mister Aoyama”
“Thanks, Shana. Just call me Ken. Do you know where I do some studying before picking a quest?”
“Yes. That is a very good attitude for a rookie. As a registered adventurer, you can use the library we have on the upper level of this building.”
“Really? That’s convenient. Thanks.”
“Good luck, Ken!”
Ken said his thanks again and walked out of the room. He proceeded upstairs to the library. There were certain things that he wanted to learn about before taking any quest. He then searched the whole selection of the library for books pertaining to magic type, mana or anything regarding the use of magic. Skimming through all the materials he picked took him the rest of the afternoon. After which, he summarized what he learned in his mind.
(In this world called Orbus, mana or magical energy exists. There are some who are able to use mana to create phenomenon called magic. Their talents can be classified as Internal Magic Type or External Magic Type. There are many ways in which magic is practiced, but the all fall into one of these two classifications. Those who are talented in Internal Magic Type can burn the mana inside their body to increase their strength, speed, or durability. Those who are talented in External Magic Type can shoot out their mana outside their body in form of spells.)
(Having said that, any magic practitioner have 2 aspect in them that determine their capability in using magic. These are a person’s Mana Volume and Mana Flow Rate. Mana Volume is the amount of available magical energy a person can use which is stored in his body. Mana Flow Rate is the amount of mana a person can use at a time. A person with higher Mana Flow Rate has access to higher tier spells that require high mana consumption while having a higher Mana Volume can determine how many times he can use the same spell.)
Since it has become too late to begin any quest, Ken decided to go back to the inn for now. Outside the Adventurer’s Guild, he saw many people were coming out of a large building. It seemed to be a temple and a mass had just finished. It reminded him that the god that sent him to that world told him to visit him in one of his temples. So, he decided to check out the temple.
***
He saw a plump man in his 40’s who was wearing an ornate white robe. He had a very friendly expression.
“Excuse me. I’m new in town. Can I asked which god is this temple dedicated to?”
“Well, my son, that’ll be the Altea, the goddess of mercy and deliverance, she who guides the lost souls and watches over the ignored. Have you come to worship?”
(Goddess of mercy, who guides the lost souls? That brat? Yeah right.)
“Pfft… Can I still enter the temple even though everyone has left?”
“Of course, this temple is always open for those seeking the goddess’ guidance. Except after 9:00 PM, or during holidays. Ha ha ha. It’s a joke, you see. Come, let me show you inside”
“Ha ha. Thank you.”
He was lead by the priest inside. At the altar, there was a magnificent statue of the goddess Altea. It was nothing close to the form that Ken saw when he talked in person with the goddess. He made his way to the front and took a seat there.
(Now then, how do I call out to god? Like this?) He pressed his hand together in front of his chest and bowed his head slightly.
And then, he was, once again, in the empty room where he met the goddess, or god judging from his current form of a young boy.
“Hey it worked.”
“Think what you like. So, how was your first day in a different world?”
“It was fine, O great goddess Altea, ever so merciful and benevolent.”
“You’re having fun now? Do you want something worse to happen than this morning?”
Ken remembered. He appeared in the middle of the woods naked as a new born, and he was seen by a young woman while he’s laughing by himself in his birthday suit.
“No, no, no. Just kidding around.”
“That’s more like it. So, you have something to ask right? Why else would you visit me if you don’t need anything?”
“I just came to talk about this body of mine. You said that I could use magic, right?”
“That’s true. I’ve given you a talented body.”
“So, I do I go about using magic? You see, I’ve become an adventurer. It would be nice if I could use magic in my adventures.”
“Well, I’m not really sure myself. You know, just imagine it. Imagine it.”
“What can’t you impart some godly wisdom for once?”
“Well, I know that there are different methods of magic. There are those that recites spell, or invocations. There are also those who perform rituals. And there are those who uses runes. But they are basically the same. All of them uses mana as the source of energy. Many human mage start with spells.”
“Then how can I learn spells?”
“You have to learn it from a spell tome, or find a teacher. This is basic, come on!”
“Well, I really don’t know what to expect in this world.”
“One thing I should tell you, and you should be happy about this, is that I made you capable of using both Internal Magic and External Magic as they call it.”
“Really, that’s great. I’ll learn some spells as soon as I can, then.”
“Okay. As a token for your first visit, I’ll give you a gift. When you return, you will have basic knowledge and mastery of Enchanting. Many ages ago magical craftsman are able to put enchantments to objects such as weapon. It’ll be fun as long as you use it wisely.”
“That sounds useful.”
“Well, have fun.”
He was back in the church. Actually, you could say that only his consciousness were transported in that empty room. In the physical world, he hadn’t move at all from his praying pose and only about a second has passed.
“Wha- impossible!”
“Hmmm?”
The priest was still standing next to him. He saw Ken glowed a little bit for a moment.
“You received a blessing just like that? You’ve just seated for a second. Then, you receive a blessing from the god!”
“Is that called receiving a blessing? I guess your right?” (Was it the gift of Enchanting?)
“I’ve heard it before, but, it’s the first time I saw one in person. And, you’re not even a priest! No offense but, dressed as you are, you don’t look that pious to me.”
“Do not judge a book by its cover.”
“Oh. Such wise words. Truly, you can’t judge a person by the way they look. I’m reflecting on my inexperience. For one so young as you, it’s expected for a person that has received a blessing.”
(What? I was only joking here. This guy is so serious.)
“It’s fine as long as you’ve reflected. I will leave now, thank you for inviting me.”
“Wait a minute, sir! Perhaps we can talk more? We can share our praises about goddess Altea, full of mercy.”
“Perhaps some other time. There is no rush.”
“Well then, can I at least learn your name, sir?”
“You can call me Ken.”
“Ken the blessed, apostle of the goddess Altea. It’s an honor. I am called Alfonse. I have the privilege of leading this humble temple to our goddess.”
“It is good to meet you, Father Alfonse. Have a goodnight.”
(I ended up playing as some wise, pious man.)