In the early morning, I woke up and headed toward the nearest branch to register as a new adventurer.

I knew I had rejected the idea countless times, but logically, the old man was right.

I’m living for myself now, and I'll do whatever it takes to survive.

The entrance to the branch looked like an old Western tavern—complete with a swinging wooden door and a long line leading to the registration desk.

It resembled a bar more than an adventurer’s guild, but I didn’t care much about the aesthetics. Still, it stood out significantly among the surrounding buildings, both in size and design.

In front of me, I could see all kinds of adventurers—wealthy elites clad in heavy armor and wielding legendary weapons.

Excited kids who idolized the idea of being an adventurer, unaware of what awaited them once they passed the test.

They thought everything could be solved with legendary weapons, shouting, and sheer willpower—hoping for some miracle to push them beyond their limits.

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“Welcome, future adventurer! Please tell me your name, age, and your Ghinn type, and I will evaluate your level immediately.”

“My name is Mizuki Ryosai. I’m twenty years old. I don’t know my Ghinn type, nor have I ever cared about it.”

“It’s unusual not to know your Ghinn type.”

“That’s simply because I never bothered to find out.”

The elderly woman at the desk turned around and retrieved a pure white crystal, firmly held in place by a violet dragon’s claw. The sharp talons gripped the orb tightly, giving it an ominous yet majestic presence.

“Place your hand on the crystal, please.”

I placed my hand on it, and a soft blue glow emerged. It wasn’t the dazzling brilliance you'd expect from heroes in fantasy stories.

Just an ordinary glow… nothing special.

“Sir, it seems your Ghinn has not adapted to any particular type yet. Since you haven’t refined it, it remains as pure energy for now. Which type would you prefer?”

“The one that keeps me alive.”

[The Warrior—uses Ghinn to enhance muscular strength.

The Tamer—uses Ghinn to control monsters and wild beasts.

The Armamenter—uses Ghinn to reinforce or create weapons.]

Those were the types I had heard about. They seemed interesting, but honestly, I wasn’t interested in any of them. Maybe something defensive—an armored type, a defender—something that simply ensured my survival.

Even though I didn’t possess an enormous amount of energy, I could feel it.

That bastard wasn’t even trying to hide it.

A powerful presence was moving toward us.

The wooden doors swung open violently.

Ten guards followed behind him.

A noble’s attire. Silky violet hair. A mask—one half pure white, the other pitch black, obscuring most of his face.

The painted smile on his mask sent every nerve in my body into high alert.

He was the test examiner.

The foreigner—John Smith.

“Welcome, newcomers! No—adventurers! I welcome you all! If you’ve registered, follow me! Today, your trial begins.”