"I have finally found you." After hours of tracking the wanted figure. The man with an adventurer's insignia finally discovered his tracks in a seemingly ordinary village. After entering the village, his instincts tells him that he is getting close to his target.

The man went around the village to gather information from the locals, discreetly asking about any recent sightings or suspicious activities.

As he conversed with the villagers, he began to hear mention of a mysterious individual who had traumatized a bunch of drunkards into never drinking again.

'They claimed that after he simply stood in front of the two alcoholics, they immediately fell to the ground, scared to death.'

'The baron also mentioned that Adrian has a mysterious skill that can attack one's mind. I have already prepared and bought a potion to temporarily fortify my mind.' Intrigued, the man decided to investigate further and began narrowing down his search to the tavern.

Arriving at the tavern, the man felt glances from the patrons, but as they saw the insignia on the man's chest, they quickly averted their eyes.

It was clear that the insignia commanded respect and fear. The man approached the bartender cautiously, hoping to gather information about the man that the villagers mentioned and his mysterious ability.

"I heard that there was a man earlier who had used a mysterious ability to subdue a few drunkards."

"Do you know anything about him? I'm trying to find him."

"I'm sorry, but I have no idea what you're talking about." the bartender replied nonchalantly while wiping a drinking mug.

"I'm not asking you. Im ordering you." The man's expression turned stern as he leaned in closer to the bartender. "Tell me everything you know about him, or else."

Suddenly, two men with a large physique grabbed the man's back. "Hey, Are you threatening the boss?"

"Get your hands off me." Suddenly the man released his aura. The bouncers that grabbed his back plopped to the ground, and the patrons around the tavern immediately backed away in fear, creating a wide berth around the man.

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

"P-peak D rank." the bartender stuttered in fear. The bartender's voice trembled as he continued, "He's been last spotted leaving the town in the direction of the hills."

After receiving the location of Adrian from the bartender, the man with the adventurer's insignia immediately left the tavern.

...

Arriving at the hills, The man noticed the mana flow in the air heading in a particular direction.

Following the flow of mana, he walked for several minutes until he spotted a figure on the top of a hill.

As he approached, he saw the person who had already lowered his hood. With overall handsome features and dark eyes that complement his pale white face.

"Hello, Mr.Adrian."

"I am Nash Smith, The leader of the adventurers guild in the town of Hora."

"What brings you here this late at night, Mr. Nash? I am pretty sure you didn't just come here to have a chat." Adrian's voice carried confidence as he observed Nash's stern expression.

Nash's eyes flickered with a hint of surprise at Adrian's confidence. He paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts, before finally responding, "You're right, Mr. Adrian. I didn't come here to chat." He responded as he pulled the sword from its scabbard.

"Can I ask you something, Mr. Adrian?"

"I know that you have a personal vendetta against the Iron Blood Guild master. But why did you kill innocent civilians?"

"No particular reason." Adrian's voice grew cold and detached as he spoke. "Innocent or not, they were just tools to me." He shrugged nonchalantly, as if the lives he had taken meant nothing to him.

"I respected power above all else." Nash replied.

"Judging by the mana around you." Nash paused as his gaze met Adrian's. "You're an E rank, yet you managed to destroy a guild like Iron Blood, which is supported by the baron. I admire you for that."

"The Iron Blood Guild is not the cleanliest of organizations, But killing those innocent civilians, you're definitely beyond salvation." Adrian's expression remained stoic as he listened to Nash's words, seemingly bored at his justice talk.

"Are you done? I only have a few hours of sleep now, so if you're done, let's get this over quickly." Adrian leaned back, exuding a sense of superiority.

Agreeing with Adrian's words, I coated my blade with mana, But before I could even take a step, a small dot of fire appeared before me.

The dot of fire quickly spread, turning into a round prison of fire that encased me. The flames danced and crackled, trapping me within their scorching embrace.

Flame daggers also floated in the air, threatening to pierce through my skin if I made any sudden movements.

Adrian's smirk widened as he watched me struggle, clearly enjoying the power he held over me.

'What kind of power is this? How can a mere E rank have this much power and control over elements?'

'...'

'...'

'How...'

'What a sight to behold! This display of power is truly mesmerizing.' Memories flooded back to me, reminding me of the past when I was just a child. It was then that I first witnessed the awe-inspiring abilities of rankers.

Our village was being raided by demons at the time, and a wandering cardinal from the Church of the Seas came to our rescue.

He controlled the water with such grace and precision, extinguishing the flames that threatened to consume our homes. His power was unparalleled. Controlling water as if it were an extension of his own body.

And in that moment, I realized the true potential of rankers. The memory of that day has stayed with me ever since, fueling my admiration for those who possess such extraordinary abilities. l

'That person was right. I don't stand a chance...'

"..."

'Should I kill him? I'm already done experimenting and testing my new skills.' Adrian thought as he was satisfied by the sight Infront of him.

He was about to kill Nash, But before He could mentally command the daggers that were floating into the air, Nash, who was trapped in a cage made of fire, Stabbed his sword to the ground and kneeled.

'What in the abyss is he doing? Why is he kneeling like that, like he's in front of the emperor.' Adrian's confusion deepens as he watches Nash bow his head in a display of utmost respect and submission.

"Spare me, and I will serve you forever."