Chapter 1 - 5: Luminaris' Adventurer Guild

Silver Eagle Inn, Rayfield City, Kingdom of Luminaris. 09:47 PM JST/LST (Luminaris Standard Time)

"Greetings, summoner. I assume you are my master?"

Despite the gap between their power levels, Tsukasa felt intimidated by the figure that had appeared. He attributed it to the [Aura of Intimidation] passive skill, but deep down he knew he was just convincing himself. If the Guardian even had [Aura of Intimidation], it was probably no higher than Rank II. 

"Y-yes. Do you have a name, Guardian?" Tsukasa asked nervously as the smoke cleared, revealing a woman clad in armor and a robe underneath. Her raven hair spilled out of helm's opening and she held a staff in her right hand, humming with magical energy. In her left hand, she carried a black leather backpack with a sword strapped on top - the 'bonus' items that came with the summoning of a Guardian.

"Yes, Master. I am known as Astran, Harbinger of Doom, but you may address me however you wish, Master." Astran bowed and fell to one knee. 

"Very well. I shall address you as Astran, however, in public, we shall have to come up with an alias that is relatively common in this world--er, country." Crap, I'm not cut out to be a leader, Tsukasa thought to himself nervously. Who knew I'd already be stressed after barely having a subordinate for a minute! 

"That is an excellent proposal. As expected of the wise Master who summoned me." Astran said. Unfortunately, she didn't seem to be sarcastic - and therefore had high expectations of Tsukasa. How did this even become worse, Tsukasa internally screamed. He regretted summoning a Guardian - despite the company and extra safety, he would have to play the role of a master. To be honest, I think I'm more of an M than an S - and I'm not even an M! Or at least I think I'm not...

"Um, thank you." Tsukasa shoved down the doubt inside. If he wanted to survive in this world, a Guardian would certainly improve his chances. Better not in danger than in danger, Tsukasa thought, messing up the English proverb, 'better safe than sorry'. Not having mastered any language was sometimes confusing. "Do you have any ideas for an alias?" He asked, moving on.

"I am honored to have been given such an opportunity," Tsukasa sighed in relief - he was bad at coming up with names, especially common names in a foreign land. Now that he thought about it, he didn't know anyone's name except for the girl at the Luminaris Trade-In - whom he had forgotten already. "but I humbly request you name me yourself. It would be a great honor to be named by you, Master." Astran said, blushing slightly. Great. Just wonderful. 

"Uh, well..." Since Luminaris appeared to have the same honorific system as Japan, he decided to use a name from his home country. "How about Tetsuya?" Tsukasa was pretty sure Tetsuya meant 'wisdom' in Japanese, and that was a quality he wanted Astran, no, Tetsuya to possess.

"Thank you, Master! I will bear this name with pride!" Astran said. "If I may be so rude to ask your name-" 

"It's Tsukasa. Tsukasa Yuuki, but please refer to me as Yuuki in public." After all, that was his fake name here and he was used to being called that at school. Tsukasa could also somehow tell between reality and the virtual world and was rather unaccustomed to being called Tsukasa by people that were not in his family in the real world. Have I already acknowledged this as reality? Yuuki thought.

"Thank you, Tsukasa-sama," Astran said, bowing once more. 

"Astran, I also have a few questions for you." The Guardian raised her head, listening. "What class, level, and race are you?" It was probably a good idea to learn this before they engaged anyone - or anything - in actual combat.  

"I am of the Dragon Avatar race, and am level 100, like yourself. I am a [Magic Caster], but have some levels of the [Paladin], [Cleric], and [Demon Lord] classes." This surprised me a little, as [Demon Lord] was a mob-only class. Then again, she was technically a mob.

"Hmm... that's good. I can frontline very well so you should be able to stay back and support with magic."

"I would be honored to help you, Tsukasa-sama!" Astran said eagerly. 

"Er... thank you. Since it is late, we shall rest here for the night. Tomorrow, we can find work in the city - if we didn't have a job people will grow suspicious."

"Of course. However, I do not require rest, and may find work now."

"Oh. That's nice, but I kinda need to sleep. Sorry." Tsukasa replied.

"Forgive me, Master!" Astran said. "I apologize for not taking your body's needs into consideration - I will accept any punishment you deem appropriate!" 

"There's no need for that!" Tsukasa replied hastily. "Well, do you mind keeping watch? I would feel safe-" 

"Yes - of course!"

"Um, thanks," Tsukasa said. "I'll go to sleep now - just sit down on that chair for now. I doubt anyone will breach my wards but if they get past the third layer, please wake me up."

"Yes, Tsukasa-sama."

"Good night, then."

After Tsukasa had dressed up and taken a shower with [Create Water], he decided the first thing to do was to get some 'normal' clothes. He decided to leave Astran in the iNCITE base, as she only had one set of clothes - her armor. If second and third tier items were expensive, Astran's plate and robes would be priceless. Not something a vagrant should have. Once the Guardian had been dismissed, Tsukasa pulled a bell beside his door, whose sign read 'ROOM SERVICE'. After a few minutes, a someone knocked on his door.

"This is room service! May I come in?" Tsukasa opened the door and lowered a few wards, permitting the bellboy entry. "What would you like to order, sir?" He said, pulling a notepad from his pocket. 

"I apologize, but I didn't look at the menu. However, I have a different request. Can I... buy one of your spare uniforms?" Tsukasa said. The boy looked at him oddly, squinting through his brown hair. 

"You're not from here, are you?" He asked Tsukasa.

"Yeah. First time visiting."

"Then I suppose you had no way of knowing we don't hand out uniforms, nor do we sell them." The boy paused. "But I have a few extras though. How much will you pay?"

"Three silver marks." The boy's face remained expressionless, but Tsukasa could sense his avarice. 

"If one can afford three, they must have five to spare. Do you?" Tsukasa made a small tch sound in disdain, then bent down to the boy's eye level. 

"Listen, boy. I don't have time for your games." He hissed. "Name your price. Nothing too extravagant." The bellboy backed away, frightened. 

"Um-"

"What was the 'final' price in your scheme? Spit it out." This time, Tsukasa activated [Aura Copy], which mirrored someone's passive skill and leveled it down to Rank III. He chose Astran's [Aura of Intimidation], exuding a foreboding atmosphere. 

"E-eight silver marks, sir..." 

"I'll give you one gold for the clothes and your silence."

"Okay." He said, swallowing forcefully. He strolled away briskly, presumably to fetch a uniform. He returned shortly with the uniform, folded neatly. It was identical to the one he was wearing - black slacks and vest, a red tie, and a white shirt. Golden buttons adorned the vest's front and an expensive looking handkerchief sat in the pocket. A pair of dark shoes lay on top of the clothes, socks neatly tucked inside. Tsukasa flicked a gold mark at the boy, who scrambled to catch it, then left wordlessly. Tsukasa deactivated his [Aura of Intimidation], then unfolded the uniform. He tossed the handkerchief and tie to the side, then slipped into the clothes. It wasn't the most comfortable attire, nor was it shabby. Simply average - that was good. He then cast the [Message] spell to Astran, who was in the Guild Hall.

"Astran. I am heading out, and you may return to the inn. I shall return by noon.

Very well, Master.

With that taken care of, Tsukasa buckled on [Cold Steel], whose gold hilt glinted in the sunlight from the window. He then shoved open the window, letting in some fresh air. However, that was not his intent. Since he now wore a hotel uniform, despite being less fancy and lacking a nametag, he would seem suspicious if walked out the front door. Instead, he decided to hop out of the window. Unfortunately, Tsukasa wasn't fond of heights. He just braced himself, then jumped out with his eyes closed and feet facing downwards, trusting in his Physical Defense racial bonus to keep him safe. He landed smoothly, albeit off balance, on the side alley beside the inn.

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"[Ward of Death]. [Magic Breaker]." He chanted, targeting the open window. He didn't want just anyone to get in, did he? If an Avalon player got past his wards, they would probably be at least level 80 - so defending the room would be pointless, as it would end up wrecked by their and Tsukasa's attacks if they fought. To damage higher level players, you needed to use powerful attacks not designed for bedroom use. Tsukasa walked out of the alley and into the sunlight, then began to walk around town. 

What should I do for work? I doubt anyone would take on a completely inexperienced apprentice, even if they didn't need a salary. I'd just get in most people's way. Is there an adventurer guild in Rayfield? I suppose that would work. I told the guard I was an adventurer who wanted to sell magic items, so that would check out with my story... Tsukasa thought. No harm in asking someone where it is. Tsukasa went to a beggar next to the inner gate, crouching down to talk to the grimy man.

"Excuse me, is there an Adventurer's Guild in this town?" The man nodded silently. "Can you please tell me where it is?"

"It's a few streets to the east, next to the other gate." He rasped. The man appeared to be in his mid-fifties, obviously not in his prime. Life out here must be hard on him, Tsukasa thought. "Do you have some food to spare, by any chance?"

"I'm sorry, I don't," Tsukasa said. "Take this instead - I'm sure you can buy something. Tsukasa tossed him a few gold coins - he probably needed it more that Tsukasa did. Plus, Tsukasa could trade in items whenever he wanted for money. 

"Thank you very much, sir!" Tsukasa smiled and waved briefly as he walked eastwards, to the guild. After a minute of walking, he arrived at the building. It was huge, even compared to the inns, but only had two floors. That made sense, as Tsukasa doubted people would spend too much time there. Unfortunately, the Adventurer's Guild door was locked. Sighing, Tsukasa knocked. 

"Hello?" He called. An eye slot was opened in the door, revealing a pair of green eyes. A gruff voice rang out from the interior.

"Adventurers only before noon! Come back later!"

"Wait!" Tsukasa said, holding the slot open. He could feel the man trying to push it shut, but ignored him. "I want to become an adventurer. Can I register here?" The man stopped pushing, then replied.

"You should have said so in the first place," he grumbled. The door swung open, revealing the person behind it. He wore leather armor with a few steel plates, similar to the basic armor Tsukasa had equipped before and had a hand ax and sword tucked in his belt. The man was taller than average, at around 5'11, but not quite as tall as Tsukasa, who was around 6'2 - short for a Dragon Avatar, but still tall as a human. "Just go to the receptionist over there." He pointed to a booth near the end of the room, next to a board covered in paper. There were also a few tables scattered around the room, but they were mostly empty. Only a few adventurers were here at this hour, and most appeared to be drinking. Tsukasa hoped it was water, but their demeanors coupled with the piles of empty tankards made him think otherwise.

"Excuse me, I'd like to register as an adventurer," Tsukasa told the receptionist. 

"Oh, all right then. You're the first new adventurer in quite a while, so I might take a while getting the paperwork ready." She said, setting down her pen and whatever she was writing. It took a few minutes, as promised, but she ended up with pulling a stack of paper from a filing cabinet. She flipped through them until she found what she wanted. "Here, just fill this sheet out. Since we're unsure of your background, you will be placed at the lowest rank. However, that can change in time if you prove your combat ability or trustworthiness. Preferably both."

"Thank you, I'll do my best." Tsukasa took a pen from the counter and filled out the sheet. He handed it in to the receptionist, who accepted it.

"Are you aware of the Adventurer and Quest Ranking system, Yuuki-san?" She asked.

"No," Tsukasa replied meekly. "Do you mind explaining it to me?"

"Not at all. Quests or jobs are always assigned a difficulty level, and only members of the corresponding rank are allowed to take it. However, a party of three or more can take on a quest one level higher than their average rank. The ranks of adventurer are brass, bronze, iron, silver, gold, platinum, duralumin, mithril, and altarium, from lowest to highest. The symbol of an adventurer's status is their amulet, which is crafted from the metal of their rank. You can also obtain gemstones that go on your amulet by fulfilling certain conditions, such as donating a large sum to the guild or preventing a war. You don't really have to worry about those just yet." She let out a small laugh, and Tsukasa shifted awkwardly. "Anyways, here is your Amulet. Just take this [Spell Tag], write your name on it, then it will be imprinted to the amulet. Once you rank up, you can keep the amulet or give it back for some money, then we'll give you your new one. But first, you have to pay the registration fee of one gold mark. I know it's expensive, but being an adventurer can be very profitable. Consider it an investment."

"Alright then," Yuuki said, thinking about all the gold he had given to the homeless man, regretting messing up Rayfield's economy. He placed the coin on the counter. The receptionist accepted it, then gave him a brass amulet. He wrote Yuuki Ryota on the [Spell Tag] then placed it on the amulet, which burned the tag. He sensed that the item had been 'soulbound', so he didn't worry about the lack of visible writing. Yuuki slipped the brass necklace's strap over his neck, feeling its weight. 

"Good. Now, for quests. Feel free to grab whichever one that tickles your fancy. Within difficulty, of course." Tsukasa scanned the board, looking for a quick, 1-hour job. He found none, simply large posters such as Exorcise Evil Spirits or Subdue the Red Scorpion Gang obscuring the smaller ones - likely symbolizing their importance. The quicker jobs were probably hidden there, but Yuuki didn't have time for searching. 

"Thanks, but I won't for now. I'm going to take a job in the evening - I must be off. Goodbye!"

"Goodbye," the receptionist echoed as he left the room. Ducking into an alley, Yuuki pulled a pocket watch from his inventory and looked at the time. After taking a few seconds, he found that the hands ready 9:53. He then decided to head back to the homeless man for directions. Unfortunately, the man had left, probably buying food somewhere with his gold. Tsukasa sighed in disappointment but was relieved to see the man off the street. He then pondered where to go. Maybe I can go to the Trade In... I could also get some money there too. The girl from before seemed nice enough, what was her name? Crap, I forgot it... Oh well. 

Tsukasa followed the semi-familiar path to the fountain, then turned right - as he was facing the opposite direction than yesterday. Sure enough, the Luminaris Trade in was there, and Tsukasa walked in.

"Oh hello, Yuuki-san! Have you come to exchange some items today?" The bespectacled girl from before said to him.

 "Yeah," Yuuki replied. Since he appeared distracted, Melissa, the trade in clerk assumed he'd forgotten about her.

"Do you remember me? I'm Melissa, from yesterday." She said, blushing slightly.

"Oh, yes. I remember." Shit! I forgot her name and assumed she had a Japanese sounding name based on what I'd heard. Now both Astran and I have weird sounding aliases! It would be awkward change her pseudonym... I suppose we look 'foreign' enough though... We'll be fine. "Actually, I have a few questions for you as well."

"Okay!"

"Do you know where the nearest cheap clothing shop is? I have to buy some spare clothes for my friend and I. Oh, preferably a shop that has both male and female attire." 

"Um..." Melissa paused for a moment, thinking. "There is one next that has nice clothes in the interior, but I don't remember the name. Give me a second..."

"Oh, it doesn't have to be fancy. Anywhere will do." Yuuki said.

"Ok then. There's one around here, actually. It's just a few stores away from the fountain. They mostly have used clothes, but there are a few new ones too. Not many, as the newer clothes are cheaper than interior store new clothes and are usually all bought soon. You might get lucky though."

"Thank you. Well, I have these for today." Yuuki pulled out some more trash loot, fifth tier bracers, and an eighth-tier crossbow. "The crossbow is inscribed with arcane runes, which make it shoot Rank I [Icebolt] shots instead of arrows. It shouldn't run out of mana either because it's pre-enchanted. Nothing too special about the gauntlets, though. Just some basic strengthening magic. Not that much actually, it lets you lift only 20 extra pounds. However, they're pretty well made."

"Um, what rank adventurer are you, Yuuki-san?"

"Brass, unfortunately. I hope to be bronze by the end of the month, though." 

"You should probably use these instead of trading them in," Melissa replied. "I'm sure you'll be able to find many uses for the bracers and crossbow  or even offer them to people who join your party." Party members? Ast-er, Tetsuya will definitely join, but we may need a healing class... I suppose I won't be taking on hard quests right away though. No dungeons or dragon-slaying, then. 

"I'll be fine, thanks for the advice anyways. My friend will apply too, and she'll probably join my party, so I won't have to worry about that."

 "Okay, then. Um, give me a minute. [Greater Appraise Item]!" Yuuki waited patiently as she appraised the items, silently checking the time. 

"Wow! The crossbow is worth 47 null marks, and the gauntlets are worth one. I'm afraid we don't have enough gold for that because the limit per customer is 1000 gold. We do have some null marks, though. Is that all right?"

"Uh, yes. That will be fine." Yuuki received a pouch will 47 null marks and 100 gold, which he slipped in his inventory when Melissa wasn't looking.

"Be careful not to get robbed, okay? There sure is a lot of money in there." Yuuki grinned at her in reply, nodding his head then walking out the door, presumably to the clothing shop. Where does he get this stuff anyway? Melissa wondered to herself, getting up from her chair to stow the items in a safe.

Yuuki found the clothing store in less than a minute and walked inside. In contrast to the near-empty Adventurer's Guild and Trade In, this establishment was filled with people. Most people were dressed in threadbare or tattered outfits, most likely seeking the cheapest clothes they could find to replace the ones on their backs. In his fairly clean uniform, Yuuki stood out, attracting multiple glances from suspicious looking men. Ignoring them, he decided to rummage about and check out the used clothes. He decided to prioritize finding Astran an outfit as he already had his uniform.

Unfortunately, Yuuki was terrible at finding clothes and even worse at finding decent female outfits, so he elected to abandon his search in the used section and move on to the new section. Many of the clothes were gone, leaving only a few pair of trousers, a cloth bag labeled socks and gloves, a cloak, and half a dozen shirts. He grabbed them all, then picked out some plain looking shoes from the bottom rack. Astran will probably be fine with these, he thought to himself. Before heading towards the cashier, Yuuki picked out another pair of shoes, just in case. He didn't really need them because there were many boot-type magic items in Avalon, many of which he possessed in his expansive inventory. He then proceeded to squeeze through the unruly crowd towards the line to pay. Once Yuuki got to the front, he laid all the items on the counter. 

"That will be five silver marks and five bronze." The man said, not looking up from the clothing. He seemed rather tired, and after seeing the number of people in the store Yuuki couldn't blame him. He handed the cashier six silver marks for the trouble, then left the store, clothes in hand. However, Tsukasa noticed a few men from the store following him. A few more came out from alleys in front of him, trying to herd him away from the inn he was headed to. Tsukasa was about to activate a [Chronos Alter] spell and dash past them but paused. A few of them had black armbands with a red scorpion on them - probably part of this 'red scorpion' gang that was 'wanted' by the Adventurer's Guild. Instead of escaping, he simply walked away from the men, and into a secluded alley. No one seemed to be around, and there were no windows facing the alley. Perfect. After a few moments, the men appeared in the alley's mouth, bearing knives and cudgels. Pathetic, Yuuki thought, not bothering to draw [Cold Steel] yet. This would be simple. Very simple.