Some individuals are born to become extraordinary figures: daring adventurers, erudite scholars, and influential leaders. Regrettably, I haven't reached those heights. While I may not qualify as a seasoned adventurer, I certainly don't consider myself a failure. Despite my best efforts to progress and train, my experience points have remained stubbornly low. Being a 19-year-old level 1 adventurer might not be the most glamorous, but I do have my unique strengths. Born with enhanced stamina and modest regenerative abilities, I've found my niche as the go-to level 1 tank for group quests. My combat skills with a sword may not be impressive, and I'm often met with condescension from my peers. In most cases, adventurers reach level two within a month. I've been at it for 16 months and have yet to level up, which has made me the unconventional member of the Darin Adventure Guild. However, this hasn't hindered my job prospects. I'm sought after for group assignments, primarily for my role as a protective shield. Work is work, and I accept these tasks willingly. After all, copper is still copper, and the pay, at around 11 copper per job, isn't too shabby. Adventurers are known for their earnings, which are essential for maintaining gear and dealing with the perils we encounter. The desire to level up burns within me; it's a quest that keeps me going.

"Shane?"

I blinked back to reality, my attention shifting from the rough-hewn tavern table to the girl who had just spoken my name. Kacy. She was a striking figure, her beauty and intellect a remarkable blend.

"Shane, you with us?" Her concern was evident.

"Yeah, Kacy," I replied with a smile. "I was genuinely surprised when you sought an extra hand for your group. Your team's got quite a reputation."

"No need to stand on my account," she said, her laughter light. "As much as I appreciate the kind words, we're just your average crew, really. But here's the thing: Trey was sent to track a goblin gang we're after, and we've had no word from him. So, we're preparing to hunt the goblins and check on Trey. Having your added strength would be invaluable," she added, a playful smile gracing her lips. "I'd appreciate it."

I managed a chuckle. "I'm well aware of what Trey thinks of me," I said, with a hint of awkwardness. "He's one of those folks I tend to avoid. It's embarrassing enough as it is."

"Don't let Trey's antics color your judgment," Kacy reassured me. "He's known for his humor and banter. Besides, I know the facts. Your level might not have budged, but you've been handling rank one quests for over a year, racking up an impressive amount of experience." She leaned in slightly, her natural grace catching my eye. "Here," she said, sliding a parchment across the table and brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "If you decide to join us, we're gathering at the north gate tomorrow morning at dawn." She reached for my drink and finished, "Hope you'll consider it," before walking away with my drink in hand.

"Cursed Trey," I muttered as I stashed the parchment into the small pouch on my belt. Trey was never someone I got along with. When his group was getting started, he was friendly enough until he found out who I was. After that, he seemed hell-bent on making my life miserable. Just a typical immature bully, but dealing with him was beyond annoying. I pushed my stool back under the tavern table and headed for the exit.

"Leaving already?" Lance, the tavern owner, asked as I approached the door.

"Yeah," I replied, glancing back for a moment. "I've got some errands to run for my mom. She's not as capable as she used to be, so I pitch in when I can."

"That's tough," Lance said sympathetically. "Tell her I'll swing by tomorrow afternoon with some leftovers from tonight."

"Thanks, Lance. She'll appreciate that." Stepping out of the tavern, I considered my next steps. If I went to the market first, the perishable items I needed would warm up, and I couldn't afford that. My mom, a former adventurer, was once renowned for her support abilities, but she'd always discouraged me from following in her footsteps due to the inherent dangers. "I bet she's relieved that I'm stuck doing level 1 quests," I muttered to myself as I strolled down the lively street.

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"Mom, I'm back," I called as I pushed open the creaky front door. "Where should I put the linen from Rosie's?"

My day's errands also included picking up fresh herbs from the local apothecary, making sure we had enough firewood for the week, grabbing a fresh loaf of bread from the baker, and, if time allowed, checking in on old Mrs. Rashe, who lived two doors down and relied on me to bring her a small parcel of essentials. Despite her own health struggles, she offered valuable advice and some much-needed companionship.

"Just set it on the counter," I heard her call from down the hall in her room. "Trevor's out back helping me with the firewood."

I grinned, carefully placing the linen on the counter, and then headed for the back door. "Trevor, you magnificent friend, I could hug you," I said, arms outstretched, as I made my way toward him.

Trevor looked up from his wood-splitting task, wiping his brow with the back of his hand. "Hey, Shane. I did stop by your place earlier, but your mom mentioned you were off on some quest or meeting, so I thought I'd lend a hand here. You don't get many days off as it is," he chuckled, swinging the axe down to effortlessly split a log into two nearly identical pieces.

I let out a sigh. "Yeah, I do what I have to do. Things are getting tough, though. She's not doing too well, man. She's always looked out for me all on her own, and now it's up to me, you know? It's all I can do," I said, casting my gaze toward the overcast sky, noticing the heavy clouds rolling in from the east. "But I really appreciate you handling the firewood before the rain brings the chill. It's a huge help." I gave Trevor's shoulder an appreciative slap. He'd been my friend since we were kids, and I still vividly remembered the countless hours we'd spent playing in the back of his dad's blacksmith shop. You can get up to all kinds of mischief surrounded by half-finished armor and weapons. I also recalled how I'd always managed to win our friendly spars as we got older, besting him with staves and swords. I sighed once more.

Trevor leaned on the axe's haft and smiled. "Nah, it's no big deal, man. You and your mom were there for me when my ma passed, so it's the least I can do." He paused, then continued, "So, I heard you're considering recruitment, huh?"

I glanced back at him. "I don't know, Trevor. It's Trey's group," I replied, making a face.

"Disgusting. That guy's a real piece of work," Trevor remarked as he picked up the ax, turning to place another block of wood down. "What's the request, is it worthwhile?"

I observed him splitting wood again and took a seat with one leg propped up, elbow on my knee, near the pile of already cut wood. "Goblins, once again. It seems like it's always goblins," I replied, picking up a twig and bending it in my hand, not snapping it, just bending it. "I don't know the payment yet, but what I do know is that Trey's gone missing after scouting a small goblin group. They want to check on him and deal with the goblins." I tossed the twig away. "I don't care much about Trey, but the reason I'm even thinking about it is..."

"Kacy. I get it," Trevor cut in, grabbing another block of wood and looking at me. "You seem to transform when she's around. I don't quite understand it; she's the one who chose to be with someone like Trey, so what does that say about her? Kind of unappealing." He swung the ax again, and the wood fell away. "There was some talk about goblins at the shop today. Pa just finished repairing a guy's sword. It's a strange-looking thing with inscriptions all over the blade. The guy said it was enchanted by an ice witch, but I don't know much about that kind of thing." More wood.

"I think I'll meet them in the morning," I said, picking up another stick. "It shouldn't be too challenging. A small group, perhaps 5 or 6, and with me, it's a 4-person team. Clearing out some gobs should be a piece of cake." I demonstrated a sword slash. "Besides, how else can I prove myself to Kacy?" I laughed.

"The best at being delusional, maybe," Trevor chuckled, and I playfully threw the stick at him before standing up. "Whatever. Not all of us can be successful," I said, shoving past him on my way towards the house. "I'm gonna grab a bite."

He grunted.

Later that night, I lay in my bed, staring out the window at the numerous stars scattered across the sky. I couldn't help but wonder what it would be like if my circumstances were different. What if I were a truly great adventurer, capable of saving others, including Kacy? But as much as I wished for such heroic scenarios, I knew they were far from my grasp.

I let out a wistful sigh, my mind drifting to possibilities that were, more often than not, out of reach. "Yeah, right," I mumbled to myself, eyes fixed on the stars. "I can't even reach level two."

Eventually, I drifted off to sleep, my gear neatly arranged to the side, ready for the following morning's journey.