The room fell silent, Tanna's mouth hanging open in shock. 1,000 Klador was a down payment for a nice home in Crown City and more than a year's salary for Rank B adventurers.

A vein popped on Becker's forehead. "DO YOU THINK I'M YOUR FRIGGIN' BANK?"

"A loan! It's just a loan!" Haru quickly said.

Becker stared at him, exasperated. "How could I lend 1,000 Klador to an F-rank adventurer? Your plaque is worth, at best, 3 Klador as collateral."

"I know that much... But that's not what I'm talking about," Haru said, gesturing to his attire. "Look at my clothes."

Becker examined Haru's clothes more closely. He had already noticed the strange cat-like patterns and unusual design when they first met. They were definitely peculiar, but what civilization didn't have its own unique fashion?

"What about them?"

Haru grinned. "You see, my clothes aren't just unique because they're from my world, but also because none of the other summoned are wearing anything similar. They're truly one-of-a-kind in this world. And right now, the topic of the summoned is all the rage in Crown City. I've been getting looks of admiration everywhere I go."

Becker raised an eyebrow. "Admiration?"

Haru's voice quickened with enthusiasm. "Think about it. The influential people of Crown City are buzzing about the summoned, and they'll definitely be interested in the things we brought with us. My clothes might not be worth 1,000 Klador as they are, but the design and style certainly could be. If we sell the rights to a high-end fashion designer with connections to major clothing stores, nobles will be lining up to buy them. This is a golden opportunity to make a profit."

He suddenly pointed to Tanna. "Tell me, what do you think of my clothes?"

"Me? Uh, I think they're pretty cute," Tanna said truthfully, praising the design.

"Exactly! Now, touch it." He stretched out his arm.

Tanna glanced at Becker, both sharing a weird glance before she reached out to touch Haru's sleeve. "Wow... so soft!"

Haru's excitement grew as he laid out his plan. "See? Quality material and a style that's never been seen before. It's perfect for both fashion and sleepwear. And with every product sold, a small percentage will come back to the guild as royalties. You'll make back five, no, ten times what you lent me in a month, guaranteed!" By the end of his pitch, Haru was a little out of breath.

Becker scratched his head. "You summoned are really something else..." He turned to Tanna. "You're better than me with these types of things. What do you think?"

Tanna considered Haru's plan and nodded. "I think Haru's idea has merit. Before the summoning, there was already a lot of buzz, and now that the summoned have arrived, they're the talk of the city. His clothes may attract more attention from noble ladies, but there should be enough interest all around to make this a profitable venture for us. Plus, we do have connections to a well-known designer."

"Alright, I got it." Becker reached into his drawer, pulling out a locked box. He opened it and took out a sack of coins, tossing it to Haru.

Haru caught the sack excitedly and immediately began to strip, causing Tanna to quickly turn away in embarrassment.

Becker retrieved some of his spare clothes and tossed them to Haru who was a little confused. "I don't want you leaving this office in just your underwear or rumors are going to start flying," he said. "You can keep these clothes, they're just my spares."

Haru smiled. "You're a pretty cool guy, you know that."

Becker snorted. "When you're done, get out. I think I've had enough of you for one day."

Haru laughed as he dressed and headed for the door but stopped. "Don't worry about the loan; I'll pay it back soon," he turned and said.

With that, he left the office.

The room fell silent once again. Becker let out an exasperated sigh. "Why do I feel like we just got swindled? It feels like everything has been going his way since we first met."

Tanna smiled. "It's been a while since I've seen you show your true emotions in front of someone like that."

"Who can keep a straight face with someone so infuriating? It's like talking to someone who has no shame." He poured himself a glass of alcohol and downed it in one gulp, looking deep in thought. "He's a recent summon, but the way he carries himself makes it seem like this isn't his first time here. I feel like he knows more than he's letting on."

Suddenly, there was a tapping on the window behind them. Becker reached up and opened it, allowing a bird to swoop in and land on his desk. There was a note attached to its leg. Becker retrieved the note and read it, his expression turning solemn.

"One of the transports has reached the territory of Blackstone as we speak. Let's go."

…

Meanwhile, back at the castle where the 99 summoned were gathered, the atmosphere was slightly off.

"Thank you, everyone, for signing your contracts. We will now reveal your skills and conduct a quick test to determine which group you will be placed in based on your awakened skill," the chancellor announced. "When your name is called, please enter the designated door on your left or right."

The summoned exchanged uneasy glances as the chancellor exited the room, leaving them with guards blocking the exit. The king and princess had already left the moment the contracts were signed, and the once welcoming atmosphere now felt cold and isolating, as if they were being held captive.

"What do you think they have planned for us?" one of the summoned asked.

"I don't know, but I hope it's nothing too dangerous," another replied.

Suddenly, the first names were called: "Lance Falknir, please enter the door on the right. Serena Kate, please enter the door on your left."

Lance stood tall and proud, his chest puffed out as he proclaimed, "I didn't come here to follow. I came to lead. And when this is over, they'll speak of my name with awe. Mark my words."

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His words echoed throughout the enclosed space, and the other summoned could not help but feel a sense of awe and admiration for Lance's confidence. He then entered through the right door.

Serena Kate, dressed casually in jeans and a t-shirt, her long black hair in two braids, gave a shy smile. "It's nice to meet you all," she murmured, ducking her head. "I hope we can get to know each other better."

With that, she walked toward the left door.

After that, the names of the summoned were called one by one. In an effort to ease their nerves, the others followed suit, introducing themselves briefly once their names were called. This helped to lighten the tense atmosphere.

Finally, only one person remained. The chancellor called out the last name.

"Emily Brine."

Emily stepped forward, heart pounding. The room held a single occupant, shrouded in shadow.

"Um, hello, I'm Emily Br-," she began, but the figure raised a hand, silencing her.

"Forward."

Emily obeyed, stepping closer. The figure unfurled a scroll, ancient symbols glowing with an inner light. The light surged, engulfing her. As it faded, a single phrase shimmered above her head.

"Weapon Forging?" she breathed, confusion clouding her voice. "What does it—"

"It's up to you to discover its purpose, miss summoned," the figure interrupted with a dry rasp.

Before Emily could respond, a rune-etched circle flared beneath her, enveloping her in light. Then, she was gone.

Emily blinked as she found herself in a new location. She was surrounded by rocky walls, with no exit in sight. Jagged stones bit into her palms. Around her lay a graveyard of broken weapons, twisted and shattered.

"What's going on?" She had a skill now, but no idea how to use it.

She called out, but no response came. Taking a deep breath, she tried to calm her racing heart and think about her next move.

Suddenly, a loud rumbling echoed behind her. She turned to see rocks moving, stacking on top of each other to form a giant humanoid golem that reached almost to the ceiling. Without warning, the golem raised its arm and swung it down toward her.

"Aaaah!" Emily shrieked, terror gripping her as she frantically dodged the massive fist. Clumps of dirt and rock flew up around her from the powerful swing, but she was too paralyzed with fear to react.

"W-w-wait, I can't handle this!" she pleaded, but the golem remained unresponsive. It slammed its other hand down, and Emily barely evaded the blow once more, the impact sending her flying into a wall. She heard a crack and felt her left arm break.

Her face contorted with pain as she tried to move away in desperate fear. "No, no, no, this can't be real…" she muttered, trying to rationalize the situation. Perhaps it was just a terrible nightmare, but the agonizing pain from her broken arm forced her to confront the grim reality.

"Help! Help me! It's going to kill me!" she cried out, clawing frantically at the walls. But no one came to her rescue.

She scrambled to escape, her heart pounding in her chest as she searched for an exit, a way out. But there was none. The golem towered above her, its massive form casting a terrifying shadow. In that moment, Emily's mind raced, searching for a way to fight back. Then it hit her: her skill, [Weapon Forging]. Maybe she could use it to defeat the golem.

With a surge of hope, she turned to face the golem and raised her right arm, pointing it at the monster. She called out her skill.

"Weapon Forging!"

Nothing happened.

"No way…" she muttered, her heart sinking as the golem raised its hands to deliver the final blow.

The golem smashed down.

Miraculously, Emily tucked herself into a ball at the right moment and rolled out of the way, narrowly avoiding the golem's crushing blow. The will to live had sprung her into motion.

She hit the ground hard, her body aching from the impact, but she was alive. Exhaustion weighed on her, having used every ounce of strength to avoid the golem's attacks. She lay on the ground, unable to move. It was unlikely she had it in her to avoid death again.

"Am I... Am I going to die here?" she muttered. Her life flashed before her eyes: an ordinary existence with no great accomplishments, no boyfriend, no close friends, and parents always too busy with their own lives to pay her much attention.

Emily had dreamed of saving enough money to travel the world, to see all the places she had only read about in books. But that day had never come, and now it never would.

Tears streamed down Emily's face as she stared up at the golem looming above her. Her sight blurred, she looked down at the shattered remnants of weapons scattered across the floor. Desperately, she tried to grasp for something, anything. As her consciousness began to fade, she thought she caught a glimpse of a particular weapon. With a weak voice, she murmured, "A... crossbow?"

Suddenly, a radiant light appeared before her, and she felt an object materialize in her hand. Unaware of what force guided her actions, she weakly aimed the weapon at the golem and pulled the trigger.

The arrow was propelled from the crossbow, colliding with the golem. The projectile ricocheted off the golem's surface. The golem threw a final blow towards her, only to halt mere inches from her. A brilliant light then emanated from beneath her, causing her to plummet downwards.

In a barely conscious state, Emily could faintly discern voices surrounding her.

The Chancellor inquired, "What is her result?"

Another responded, "Not promising. She managed to inflict around 3 points of damage on the golem. Furthermore, the weapon she manifested through her ability is of inferior quality."

"Can her skill be used to mass produce the weapons?" he asked.

"We could not get an accurate assessment on that but going on what we've learned from the other summoned, it seems their skills are capable of improving. However, we can't be sure if it would be worth the effort to train her up to reach that point. "

"Yet another ineffectual hero," the Chancellor sighed. "Very well, assign her to back group and take her to the rooms after she's healed."

Her consciousness finally left her, and she fell into a deep sleep.

…

Emerging from the guild building, Haru extended his limbs to stretch out and let out a sigh of relief. "Geez, I thought they would never let me leave."

After leaving Becker's office, the other guild members swarmed him with questions. He continued his act, lying about their conversation. He claimed that his second skill was just a minor weakening ability that applied a small debuff. He also explained that the guild leader had taken him aside only to keep his promise and let him join the guild without making a scene.

The guild members seemed to accept his explanation, given their familiarity with the guild leader's personality. A few even offered to buy Haru a drink to get to know him better, intrigued by his status as a summoned. Thankfully, they dropped the idea when he mentioned he was busy.

Pondering over Becker, Haru couldn't help but wonder about his true identity. "He's definitely powerful, and the fact that he possesses such precise control over his strength, allowing him to gauge the extent of his own weakened state, is pretty scary."

Haru deliberated whether it was safer to get closer to Becker or keep his distance. "Oh well, I guess I can decide later. Now that I have the money, it's time for the next phase!" With a determined gaze, he set out to purchase all the equipment he needed.

…

Night fell as Haru thanked the caravan driver and stepped off, his gaze scanning the dense forest ahead. The setting sun had cast the land into shadow. The driver eyed him with concern, clearly thinking Haru was a naive newcomer to adventuring.

"Are you sure you want to stop here? Nighttime in these parts gets dangerous," the driver warned. "This forest is swarming with monsters that don't take kindly to humans."

Haru smiled reassuringly. "I appreciate your concern, but I'll be fine. I know what I'm doing."

The driver shook his head skeptically and urged his beasts onward, leaving Haru to face the looming forest alone. The expanse before him was part of the Great Wilderness, covering a vast 70% of the world and inhabited by monsters of various ranks. It was typically the domain of higher-ranked adventurers, and for an F-rank like Haru, venturing here alone at night was perilous if not downright stupid.

However, he already knew what he was looking for. On the guild board, there were extermination quests for two sets of monsters and a reward that was too lucrative to pass up.

"Hopefully, my luck is good and they're not too far from each other," Haru muttered as he stepped into the dark, dense forest.