Arriving at a building that looked like an old British railway interchange with a big clock placed below its dome. Inside, it was full with adventurers, mages, knights, and healers, like the usual RPG games. Most of them chill at The Guild after finishing their bounties and collecting the money.

Other than being a place where trading of materials and information took place, every guild had their unique bars and sold specialised drinks corresponding to the countries it was situated.

For the Empire of Eir, its iconic drink was called: Over the World Voyage. It was a drink to celebrate one’s voyage in arriving or departing New Eternal for their next journey. In the past, it was his favourite go-to drink.

Yohan approached the registration counter at the corner of the hall. The Guild was also an authorised governmental office that could register your name and your citizenship. He had to do this manually due to the absence of the system that automatically signed your name into the Empire of Eir system.

However, he didn’t intend to be a citizen of any country, instead, he wanted an identification card.

“Hello sir, what do you want to register?” A young sweet voice asked.

“An Identification card.”

“Sure. What name do you want to reflect on your ID? Please provide your birthplace and birthday.”

“Yohan, I’m from Dantalion Valley, born on 8 April” he said.

“Alright, please face the lenses here for a picture,” the kind lady pointed to the side.

Due to the rising population of ability users, some innovations such as clickers (cameras) were invented to ease the complex process of drawing portraits and it was substituted with a recollect (picture) that took moments in an instant.

With the sound of a ‘click’, the clicker immediately printed a small pixelated picture of Yohan’s face. Despite not being as advanced as the technology he experienced in his original world, it was considered very impressive.

“Thanks for your patience, please wait till around 5 hours for your ID to be processed. In the meantime, do you wish to register for the Empire’s Citizenship?”

“No. Instead, I want to sign up as a deliveryman for The Guild.”

The lady at the counter looked at him momentarily before excusing herself to the back. Moments later, her manager came up to him and asked him to stay in a room for an interview.

While sitting in the room idly, a bulk, tan skinned muscle built man entered the room. His ash grey hair covered a scar on his right eye— painting a tale of experience and hardship.

The Delivery Department’s motto was “Deliver all round the world”. This included dangerous areas as potential destinations. Even in normal delivery, monsters roamed across all corners of the world, hence, it wasn’t as simple as it was.

“Hello young man, I’m Owen, the manager of the Delivery Department. You must be Yohan right?. I was informed about your interest in becoming a delivery man. Then, how much do you know about this job? Other than travelling,” he asked.

“I believe that delivery is the key to customers’ satisfaction, as such, delivering the parcel safely despite difficulties is The Guild's utmost priority,” Yohan answered.

Owen scanned Yohan’s appearance before making a judgement. He raised his eyebrow, and asked, “Do you have any physical training background or perhaps a Calibre?”

Although Yohan expected his question, he was in a dilemma to choose which reasoning. He was a knight before hence he had swordsmanship skill, but his current physical state didn’t imply he was exposed to swords yet. Furthermore, Calibre wasn’t the right term to describe his ability.

“... I have a mental ability. However, it only activates when other mental Calibre affect me, hence I am unable to demonstrate my ability,” he replied honestly.

Owen’s eyes brightened, scanning at him for a while before grinning widely. He welcomed Yohan into the team and did the paperwork to officially make him a delivery man. He assumed Owen had used his Calibre on him and noticed that he was unaffected, proving his qualification for this job.

“Alright, Yohan. Before the day ends, let’s practise some basic sword formations. Familiarising with the sword is one step to face danger,” Owen informed. “Follow me, we are going to the training ground.”

Next to the main building were columns lining a straight line, supporting the structure. It diverged into two wings, the right wing led to the backyard of the Guild which were the training areas.

Inside, a row of sword racks aligned the curved wall, making a vast arena for training. Many Calibre users were throwing their Calibre around, causing many explosions.

“Ah those rascals, told them to tone their Calibre down and yet they’re going all out,” Owen sighed, revealing a light smile. “Don’t worry, the training grounds are protected by shield devices to prevent damage to the exterior walls.”

“Alright, there’s one training ground left vacant, we can start here now,” Owen took out a sword and threw one at Yohan. He instinctively caught it and observed the sword. He held it and swung it into various directions, feeling the weight and listening to the sharp cut in the wind.

“This sword is not bad,” Yohan commented.

“Not bad you say, I’m more impressed with your strength,” Owen’s eyes sharpened, analysing Yohan’s movements in slow motion. “It looks like you’re swinging the sword like a child's play, but in the experts’ eyes, your swordsmanship is formidable.”

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“Spar with me,” Owen declared. “It’s been awhile since I felt my adrenaline rush.”

He chuckled, stretching his neck and rolling his shoulder. “Do you want to switch to the wooden sword? Or risk it all”

“The latter,” Yohan answered.

“Okay then, you make the first move.”

‘Alright, hold back your strength, don’t go all out’, he reminded himself.

With a deliberate sloppiness in his movements, he charged forward, his hands showing an obvious direction. Owen leisurely deflected his sword to the opposite side, rearing his sword down its edge.

Gaining control. Yohan feigned his body language to hit. Distracted, Owen quickly blocked his right, leaving his left defenceless. In that instant, Yohan’s pupils swiftly directed to his left, revealing his true aim.

Realising his mistake, he altered his sword from defence to attack, aiming for Yohan's weak spot. However, a swish deafened his ear as he felt the warmth radiating from the sword’s edge near his neck.

Chills sent down his spine, freezing his body motionless. He broke into cold sweat as he looked down to check if there’s any blood stains. On the contrary, his neck was mercifully left clean.

“Woo, how much are you holding back?” Owen whistled, raising his hands in defeat.

Yohan’s contracted muscle relaxed and dropped his sword. His chest tightened as he panted as he stood still, controlling his heartbeats. He was cautioned with his sword, but he underestimated the stamina and capability of his body.

Just like most games, the default character had the lowest stats for all aspects. Even if a pro gamer created a noob account and played, it took more practice and skill to dodge all the damage to avoid respawning.

This was his exact situation. His mind was like a tactical strategy compendium, able to deploy any sword style. However, his body was like a dull neglected blade, one swing, the blade would shattered into pieces due to the force and strength.

“Hey, Yohan. Are you okay?” Owen worriedly asked. He quickly held Yohan’s shoulder and gently guided him to a nearby bench.

Handing a cold bottle from his bag, Yohan placed it near his cheek, concentrating his mind to cease his dizziness.

“I apologise. I didn't take your physical condition into account. Although I’m astonished by your swordsmanship, I guess everyone has a reason to keep it hidden.” Owen sympathised.

‘Now I am being mistaken as a weak boy with unknown illness,’ Yohan smiled bitterly.

“It’s okay. My fault for not updating you about my health…” Yohan responded.

“Alright, I will wrap this session up. After experiencing a spar with you, you no longer need any training,” he acknowledged.

“Also, you’re free to use the training ground, but please don’t push yourself too much.”

Yohan nodded weakly. He was thankful that he was permitted to use the training ground, presenting an opportunity to train his stamina.

After a break, Owen was getting ready to leave when Yohan grabbed his arm.

“I’m grateful for your concerns, but can I use the training dummies? I promise I won’t overexert myself.”

“As long as it’s under my supervision,” Owen accepted passively.

Facing the training dummy, he remembered the first mission set by the system.

———

[Mission: Complete 1000 hits]

At first, he was dumbfounded.

‘What kind of hit? Don’t swordsmanship take many forms?’

Raising his sword, he hit it roughly, venting his frustration. He found it ridiculous and repetitive, unable to adapt to the inconvenient ways after living in the modern world.

From night to morning, he mindlessly hit, drenching in sweat until his legs gave up. He collapsed on the ground, unable to understand why he had to do all these.

“Swordsmanship is not about training. It’s about the mind and the body to overcome hardship. If you have no reason to fight, then you shouldn’t be here,” a scholarly voice echoed in the hallway.

Turning his head to its direction, he noticed a man smiling confidently, yet his eyes scrutinising Yohan. The man's overall appearance looked unreal, as if he’s an incarnation of the Sun God. His golden hair absorbed the sun with his emerald eyes glistened, his broad physique tight fit his white uniform, enhancing and complimenting his colours.

One look he knew the man held a high status, no one was born this exceptional just to be mediocre.

“What’s your trouble, young man? You looked extremely fed up,” the voice commented.

Summoning his remaining composure, Yohan politely bowed and answered, “Pardon my nescient, despite given a clear goal, I was unable to… relate and had difficulty understanding.”

“Difficulty, you say. Being an imperial knight is to serve the royal family. If your personal agenda is not enough for you to be motivated, why don’t you use the royal family as the object of your loyalty? ”

“I have never seen the royal family before,” Yohan reflected on his statement.

“You can’t say that when he’s right in front of you,” the man chuckled. Approaching Yohan, he clasped his hand and introduced himself.

“I am Laurent Carlos La Eir, the second prince of the Empire of Eir. I forgive your imprudence, since I don’t publicise my face.”

Yohan stared at the glowing man in incredulity. Yet again, his thoughts justified that man’s standing.

“I apologis-“ Yohan immediately responded, but was cut off by His Highness.

“I said I forgive you. Well, after taking a good look at the royal family, why don’t you use me as your reason to fight? I’m handsome and smart, thus supporting me will ensure you a bright future.”

‘That’s very rich and narcissistic, coming from you,’ Yohan thought sadistically.

His Highness was probably the most handsome man he ever saw. He exuded elegance and power, taking pride in his stride, while being humble enough to ask a fellow recruit of his problems. Yohan could clearly see the future the man held.

However, he wasn’t able to give a definite answer. He wasn’t born there nor had a deep national identity.

“I agree that your appearance is worth the nation's support, however I can’t based on superior genes as my loyalty,” Yohan truthfully shared.

“Then, what are you looking for? Tell me,” the man commanded.

“I mean no offence… but I wish to know the quality of…” His voice trailed off. Yohan's brain was working overtime. He had to convey in a way that didn’t pin him on any violation, while keeping the true essence of his words.

“You want to know more about me, right? Fair enough. I always wanted to know where the knights’ loyalty stemmed from. Is it the name of the Empire that they support and sworn to protect? Or the future of the Empire, the people that held the high position that needed its citizens' support and compliance; for the Empire to progress towards the sun.”

“You satisfied me. There’s no need to be on guard and formal. If you wish to use me, not as the second prince of the Empire of Eir, but as Laurent Carlos La Eir who is in that position and power, I’m more than willing to prove my quality.”

“I’m glad that you understand where I’m coming from,” Yohan finally said.

He admitted to His Highness intelligence and emotional quotient. He expected him to stigmatise a commoner’s lack of knowledge, just like affluent and influential figures. Like many politicians, they claimed they heard the masses’ voice, yet they couldn’t hide their hypocrisy when they governed the people.

If the world had duplicates of His Highness, it would be a better place.

Behind him, a short bloated man in a suit frantically ran, anxiously looking at his watch, he bowed and panted heavily, catching his breath.

Before he could tip-toe and whisper, His Highness leaned over to lend his ear.

“Oh, I see. Excuse me, young man, it was a pleasant conversation with you. Could I have your name before I go to my meeting?” His Highness casually asked.

“Yohan, Your Highness.”

“Yohan, that’s a wonderful name. Till we meet again,” His Highness waved, walking into the shadow ans vanished from sight.

———

“98…99…100!” Yohan shouted. His arms strained and blistered. His legs were trembling, but he stood solid to the ground.

“Alright, that’s far I’ll go,” Yohan proclaimed. Owen, who was watching from the side, opened his mouth, but he decided to smile and pack his things.

Returning the swords to the racks, Yohan limped towards the exit.

“Do you need help?” Owen offered.

“… I’m still young.”

Behind Yohan was laughter echoing in the arena.