A young woman, her warrior’s cloak wrapped tightly around her, found herself momentarily caught off guard within the confines of a sunlit back alley. The narrow passage, drenched in daylight that spilled between the towering buildings, still retained a sense of hidden peril—a stark reminder that danger could lurk even in the brightness of day.
In the soft illumination of the midday sun, the warrior’s features remained veiled, her steely gaze shielded from prying eyes. Yet, a flicker of wariness danced within her eyes, a testament to the caution she carried within her battle-honed instincts, even amidst the relative safety of daylight.
The scent of fresh air mingled with the occasional waft of freshly baked bread and the distant hum of activity. Sunbeams filtered through the narrow gaps between the buildings, casting intermittent rays of warmth upon the worn cobblestones. The sounds of merchants’ calls and bustling crowds drifted into the alley, a constant reminder of the vibrant life beyond its shadowy boundaries.
In this seemingly ordinary backdrop, the young warrior’s attention was drawn to her adversary—a leering brute of a man, his intentions hidden beneath a deceptive facade. Though physically imposing, he exuded an air of calculated menace that set her on edge. She should have anticipated this outcome. Her dealings with shady characters had taught her the inherent risks involved, if nothing else.
“Come on, little missy. I’m sure we can work something out,” he sneered, his voice laced with a mixture of false charm and underlying threat.
“I should have expected nothing less from the likes of you.” An undercurrent of irritation and resignation laced her voice as she replied, “If you’re not going to surrender the information willingly, then prepare to face the consequences.”
But the brute seemed unfazed, his lips curling into a sadistic grin. “You seem to be misunderstanding what’s going on here, little missy.” With a forceful push and speed that seemed impossible for his frame, he sent her sprawling backward, her silhouette collapsing onto the filthy ground of the alley, the impact jarring her senses.
Just as the brute closed in, his intentions clear in his predatory stance, the world around them erupted in chaos. A sudden, thunderous boom shook the very foundations of the alley, the sound reverberating through the narrow space like a cannon blast. A cloud of dust and debris engulfed the scene, shrouding everything in an eerie haze.
As the particles settled, a figure emerged from the fog. His arm stretched out into an empty space that, mere moments ago, was occupied by a lecherous brute. The lingering dust reflected the sun, making it as though beams of light rained down on the new figure. His silver armor only added to the heroic scene, gleaming in golden light.
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The first thing I noticed when I woke up was the scent of fresh air, tinged with a hint of mustiness but still cleaner than what I was accustomed to. Faint voices bickered in the background, but I was more interested in stretching my stiff limbs. Then, another boom echoed around me.
Peering through the dust, I found a man—or rather, a behemoth—wedged perfectly into a hole in the wall. It was like a scene straight from a cartoon. The ridiculousness of the situation was overwhelming, so I cleared my throat and called out, in a voice far to deep for me to be familiar with it. “Rough day? Allow me to assist.”
“And just who the... no, WHERE the hell did you come from?”
It was the stoic nature of the voice that caught me off guard. I glanced to my right to find a disheveled woman on the ground. Her cloak had slipped, revealing a cascade of pure white hair, a pair of deep crimson eyes, and unmistakably elfin ears.
Internally, I cheered; I had just encountered an elf! Excitement bubbled within me, but I knew better than to let it show. The woman exuded an air of cool detachment, a classic kuudere personality. Her presence alone intrigued me, and the fact that she had just faced off against the brute made her even more captivating.
She dusted herself off with a hint of annoyance, her movements precise and controlled. “I don’t require assistance from strangers,” she said in a voice that matched her icy demeanor.
Apologies for any intrusion. I simply thought you might need help after witnessing the altercation.” I spoke calmly, trying to match her coolness. It wasn’t hard to surmise that she had been accosted by the now wall-embedded brute. Though I must admit, I was somewhat perplexed as to how the she managed to turn the brute into an oddly shaped stone on the wall... from her position on the ground.
Her crimson eyes flickered with a mixture of surprise and curiosity, briefly revealing a crack in her stoic facade. She was intrigued by my presence, but she still kept her emotions well-guarded. “You’re mistaken. I can handle myself. But thank you for your concern.” She nodded curtly, ready to dismiss me and continue on her way.
I couldn’t let her slip away so easily. There was something about her that drew me in, a mystery waiting to be unraveled. “Very well. If you ever find yourself in need, feel free to reach out. I’ll be around.”
The Elf nodded, excusing herself without another word. As I watched her walk away, a mix of anticipation and uncertainty filled my thoughts. I couldn’t deny the spark of connection I felt in that brief encounter. There was a depth to her character that went beyond her aloof exterior, and I was determined to uncover the layers beneath her guarded facade. Not to mention... I looked around to ensure no one was near-by.
“A real freaking elf! If that’s not fantasy, I don’t know what is!” My mundane life back on Earth felt like an odd dream with no weight in reality.
The encounter lingered in my mind as I continued my journey, my thoughts intertwining with fantasies of future meetings and unraveling the mysteries that surrounded her. Whether she realized it or not, woman had become a captivating enigma that I couldn’t ignore.
Well, I can’t sit around this dingy alley all day. Let’s get exploring! I said to myself with an excited fist pump to the air. I had completely forgotten about the behemoth of a man twitching pathetically in the wall.
The alley wasn’t that large, it took only a minute or so to walk out of it. Once I exited, it was like I stepped through a portal into a new realm. Of course, this whole world is a literal new realm to me, so I shrug off the feeling, and move forward.
The city the stretches before my feet is massive! In Earth terms, the streets are wide enough to easily fit two or three cars side-by-side. Given the bustling crowd of people, horse-drawn carts and children at play, it seemed like a fair size. Lively voices echoed off the tall buildings, eventually getting lost to the sunny sky. The buildings that lined the streets were all between one to three stories high, with a pleasing blend of architectural design that gave each street corner a unique look.
It looked like I was towards the edge of the city. I could see towering white stone walls to my left where a handful of guards stood watch, inspecting the carriages and checking what appeared to be identification papers. On one side of the gate was what looked to be a guardhouse. It had an open first floor that appeared to be a sort of medieval version of a DMV. There were several floors above it that I assumed were either living quarters or perhaps a small armory.
On the other side of the gate was a stable. It looked like some people were purchasing or perhaps renting a few of the horses. That could prove to be convenient in the future. Behind me and in front of me stood the walls of buildings that stretched along the streets. That left only one direction to go. Well, truthfully there were many different alleys and streets I could go down, but to my right looked like the center of the city- indicated by a Citadel way off in the distance that dwarfed the surrounding area.
I stood there for several long moments, allowing my brain to catch up with me. I senses were being overloaded my new sights, smells, sounds and everything in between. It was all I could do to just place one foot in front of the other as I slowly made my way up the street like a kid in his first candy store.
As I make my way further up the street, the city gradually morphs and shifts, as if the buildings themselves were pulling me along a tour. The area I started at seemed to be a small section meant for processing people and goods. It had areas to wait, and a few storage warehouses that I assumed were for storing carts and carriages in the short term. After several minutes of walking, I was now passing workshops - indicated by the clanging of metal, smell of fresh sawdust, and carts offloading raw materials.
The conversations also shifted from greetings, farewells, and offerings of directions to merchants excitedly haggling bulk prices. One blacksmith was particularly lively. He had the snout and ears of a bear and brown fur that covered his bulky musculature. He also had a gnarly scar down the left side of his face, partially obscured by a leather eyepatch.
“Fifty gold?! Are ye havin’ a laugh?! This lot’s worth at least twice that! These ain’t yer average swords, ay’re crafted with folded steel!” The bear-man said.
“Fine, fine! I’ll give you eighty gold for the lot and a fifteen percent discount on the orichalcum, how about that?” replied a well-dressed merchant.
The bear-man hummed for a few long moments as he inspected the merchant’s materials before offering a firm nod and handshake followed by an enthusiastic, “Aye!” It seemed bartering was common practice in this world, unlike Earth where you pay what you pay, no matter how inflated the cost was. Several minutes beyond the blacksmith’s shop, the craftsman’s quarter of the city bowed to the market district.
The atmosphere had a sharp change this time, as the hustle and bustle of everyday city life took over the streets. Merchants hawked at the dense crowd, competing with each other. An assortment of tasty aromas filled my nostrils, making them tingle pleasantly, and vibrant colors filled the streets and blanketed the surrounding buildings. The people were just as colorful and diverse - from exotics like beast-people to classics like stocky dwarves, and even rich nobles to working-class citizens. They all bustled about the markets, completing errands and grabbing a bite to eat.
As I observed the lively scene, a pang of hunger mixed with the pleasant smells hit me, reminding me of a minor obstacle in this new world - I had no money. I patted myself down just to make sure. After verifying all the possible hiding places were empty, I muttered to myself, “Damn. No money.” Just then, those tantalizing smells intensified, torturing me further.
“Okay!” I exclaimed with resolve.
“Mommy, why is that knight shouting like that?” a curious child asked.
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
“Just ignore it and keep going, honey.”
I waved to the kid with an embarrassed smile. The first thing I need to do in this new world is to find a way to make money. All I had with me was the armor on my back and the sword at my waist. Given the setting of this world, these were probably items that directly influenced life and death. With nothing to sell, my only option was to find work. Thankfully, my unending hours of playing video games back on Earth prepared me for this. I glanced around me, analyzing the layout of the city.
If this was the market district, I figured it was fair to assume the next district would have things like the merchants guilds and, more importantly, something like an adventurers guild. I straightened myself out, mustered all the confidence my new heroic appearance offered, and marched up to the nearest stall.
“Excuse me, madam,” I called out in my still unfamiliarly deep voice.The stall owner blushed faintly as she waved me in flattery. “Oh, no need to be so formal, dear. Please, what can I help you with? Perhaps you would like to try this new medicinal lotion?”
“Thank you kindly for the offer, but I was actually hoping you may be able to provide directions. You see, it’s my first time in this city, and I’m curious if you have an adventurer’s guild or something similar.”
“Oh, I see! A strapping young fellow like you would make the perfect Adventurer! The Society has a guild house not far from here. If you keep going up this main road for a bit, you should see it on your right hand side, can’t miss it!”
“I see. Thank you, ma’am. I appreciate your help greatly.” I offered a friendly smile as I broke away from our interaction and continued down the main road.
“Oh, think nothing of it. You can pay me back by stopping by sometime.”
Adventurer was a very generic and commonly used term in Earth literature and games. It referred to people who made their way through life via adventure. This usually took the form of quests - missions you were either hired or volunteered to do, which typically rewarded you with money to spend, rare items, and experience points. These points were how you leveled up, and the higher your level, the stronger you became. In this world, though, I didn’t think it would be that straightforward. It is, after all, real life.
Anyway, in these games and novels, there would typically be some sort of organization that collected and distributed quests ranging from item retrieval and delivery to simple monster exterminations. It seemed my assumption that such an organization existed in this world was correct. Thank goodness too. I’d hate to have to resort to bussing tables and taking orders adorned in heroic armor.
Sure enough, after a few minutes of walking, I found myself standing in front of a grand four-story building sitting on the corner where two main roads connected. I was within clear eyesight of the city’s Citadel square, but viewing that could wait for now. The building before me had a large sign that read, “Aegis Society for Adventurers - Aldor Main Branch.” It had a slightly different naming scheme than I expected, but it proved informative.
For one, this certainly appeared to be the adventurer’s guild. With the words ‘Aegis’ and ‘Society’, I surmised they either viewed themselves as protectors of society or a society for said protectors. Honestly though, it could be both. The outside of the building looked very warm and inviting, kind of like a lodge of sorts. Traffic in and out of the building was surprisingly busy. There were certainly those who fit the bill of adventurers, some with eager and expectant faces, while others bore scars and battle-hardened gazes. But there was also a high volume of ‘civilian’ traffic. Nobles, merchants, and even farmers traversed the doors’ threshold.
“Well, no use gawking,” I said to myself. Judging by the sun’s position in the sky, I figured it was probably just after noon. Which only gave me a few hours of light to register, take whatever test they might have, and complete a quest before nightfall. I didn’t particularly want to spend my first night in this world sleeping under the stars with an empty stomach. I took in a deep breath and strolled… okay, maybe I overdid it and swaggered instead of strolled, into the guild building.
The interior exuded the same grandeur the exterior promised. The entire first floor was open-concept. Two large staircases stood on either side of the building, leading up to the second and third floors, which openly looked out into the first floor. Mezzanine floors if I remembered the term correctly? The bustling atmosphere filled the air with a palpable energy, calling my attention back to the first floor. The sound of voices and footsteps blended into a symphony of purpose and determination.
Adventurers of all shapes and sizes passed by, each radiating a sense of purpose and determination. The diversity in the room was striking—men and women from different races and backgrounds, united by a shared desire for adventure and discovery. It was a testament to the vast possibilities that awaited me within these walls.
Notice boards adorned the walls, displaying a myriad of quests and contracts, each parchment beckoning me with promises of excitement and reward. As I glanced around, I noticed adventurers mingling, sharing tales of their conquests, and planning their next exploits. The camaraderie and sense of community were tangible, igniting a spark within me. Huh. There were several large tables near the notice boards that seemed to have inset maps. Convenient, I’d have to make sure to study one.
I approached the reception desk, my heart pounding with a mixture of nervousness and excitement. The reception area was adorned with banners and tapestries depicting heroic adventures, giving the space an aura of inspiration.
“Welcome to the Aegis Society for Adventurers,” an elf with blonde bob-cut hair greeted me. She wore a tailored blouse, a blazer, and a neatly pressed skirt. “How may I assist you today?”
The beings in the void never said anything about covering up how I came to be in this world. However, I didn’t want to be labeled a lunatic, so I came up with a simple backstory. “Well, I come from a very remote region, and I’m afraid I only know rumors of this part of the world. Could you tell me more about the Aegis Society of Adventurers?”
“Certainly! The Aegis Society of Adventurers, or A.S.A. for short, has a remarkable legacy that spans over five centuries,” she began, her voice carrying the weight of pride and reverence. “It was founded by a group of exceptional warriors, mages, and rogues who shared a vision of creating a world where those in need could call upon honorable individuals for help, regardless of nationality or political affiliation.”
As she spoke, the receptionist painted a vivid picture of the world before the A.S.A., plagued by endless wars, lawlessness, and rampant monster infestations. It was a time when nations neglected their territories, and the common people suffered. The founding members, led by the charismatic and visionary leader Erendil the Wise, sought to change this reality.
“The Guild’s primary goal was to protect civilians from monsters and bandits, maintaining peace and security in regions where local authorities struggled. But as their reputation grew, so did their tasks. They began taking on jobs ranging from escort missions to mediating small disputes, always striving to make a positive impact on the realm.”
Listening to her, I couldn’t help but feel a growing sense of awe and admiration for the guild’s history. This was more than just an organization—it was a force for good, a beacon of hope in a troubled world. It made me all the more determined to be a part of it, to contribute to their mission of protecting those in need.
The receptionist continued, highlighting a crucial turning point in the guild’s history—the realization that to truly serve their purpose, they needed to stand apart from the politics of the realm. After years of negotiations and demonstrations of their goodwill and neutrality, the guild was recognized as a neutral entity. They were granted a territory to establish their headquarters—the city-state of Sylvera.
With this recognition, the Adventurers’ Guild was rechristened as the Aegis Society of Adventurers, marking a new chapter in their history. “The name ‘Aegis’ symbolizes our role as protectors, while ‘Society’ emphasizes our commitment to serving all people,” the receptionist explained.
Throughout the centuries, the A.S.A. continued to evolve. They implemented a ranking system to ensure quality and accountability, formed the Advisory Council composed of retired Mythril-ranked adventurers to aid in governance, and set up branches in various nations to act as mediators for tasks and requests.
“The Aegis Society of Adventurers is not just an organization, but a testament to the resilience and unwavering dedication of its members,” the receptionist concluded, her voice brimming with admiration. “Our mission is to protect those in need, serve as a bridge between potential employers and adventurers, and maintain neutrality in a chaotic world.”
As the receptionist finished speaking, my mind was filled with a sense of purpose and excitement. I realized that by joining the Aegis Society of Adventurers, I would become part of a legacy that spanned generations. It was not merely a means to an end but an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the world.
Thanking the receptionist for her enlightening words, I took a deep breath and prepared to embark on this new chapter of my life as a member of the Aegis Society of Adventurers.
“Your cause sounds very noble.” I said with deep respect. “I would be honored to join this organization.”
The staff member nodded appreciatively. “Of course! We welcome individuals like yourself who are eager to embark on a path of adventure and service.” She said warmly. “Let me explain the application process to you.”
She proceeded to provide me with a brief overview of what to expect. The first step was to fill out an application form with my personal details. It would help the guild gather basic information about me and determine the quests that would be suitable for my skills and experience. With a friendly smile, the receptionist handed me the application form.
“Please take a seat at the nearby table and fill out the form with your name, age, address, and contact information,” the receptionist instructed. “We also have a section where you can elaborate on your skills, such as swordsmanship or magic abilities, and any previous experience you have as an adventurer. Providing accurate and comprehensive information will greatly assist us in tailoring quests to your abilities.”
After the receptionist finished explaining the application form, I glanced at the section where I was supposed to provide my address. I suddenly realized that I didn’t have a permanent address in this new world. Panic flickered within me, but I quickly composed myself, not wanting to raise any suspicion.
“I’m sorry, but I don’t have a current address,” I admitted, trying to sound nonchalant. “I just arrived in the city, so I haven’t had a chance to settle down anywhere yet.”
The receptionist nodded understandingly, their expression sympathetic. “That’s perfectly alright,” they assured me. “We can note that you’re currently without a fixed address. As long as we have your contact information, we can reach out to you whenever necessary.”
Relieved that my lack of address wouldn’t be a major obstacle, I turned my attention to the skills and experience section of the form. My heart sank as I realized that I had no idea which of my in-game skills and experiences would translate into this new world. It was a daunting challenge, and I couldn’t afford to reveal my lack of knowledge or experience.
I took a deep breath and decided to put down simple skills that I believed would be universally applicable. Swordsmanship seemed like a safe choice, as it was a skill that adventurers often possessed. I also mentioned a basic understanding of magic, even though I was uncertain about the specific magical abilities present in this world.
When it came to the experience section, I struggled to come up with a convincing answer. I didn’t want to raise suspicion by fabricating grandiose tales of heroic feats. Instead, I settled for a more modest approach.
“I’ve helped defend my home village whenever it faced attacks,” I wrote, hoping it would sound plausible enough. It wasn’t entirely untrue—I had always been a protector at heart, even in my previous life on Earth. I recalled a time at the zoo that I found a kid that was lost. I had comforted him and helped him find his parents. My awkwardness aside it was kind of like adventurer work… I guess.
With the form filled to the best of my ability, I returned it to the receptionist. She accepted it with a kind smile, glancing briefly over its contents before setting it aside.
“Thank you for providing the information,” she said appreciatively. “We understand that everyone starts their journey from different points, and we’re here to support you along the way.”
Her words brought me a sense of reassurance. I knew I had taken some creative liberties with the form, but I was determined to learn and grow in this new world. As long as I remained committed to my path and approached each challenge with sincerity, I believed that I could make a difference.
“Now, I need to let you know that we require identification for verification. Do you have any identification documents, such as a passport or identification papers?”
I hesitated for a moment, realizing that I didn’t possess any identification papers in this new world. I could feel cold sweat trickle down my neck. What if everyone is required to have papers? I never thought of that! If I get arrested here that’s it, I’m donezo. Game over.
I wrestled my anxiety down and replied coolly. “I’m sorry, but I don’t have any identification documents.”
The receptionist’s expression softened, understanding my predicament. “That’s alright,” she reassured me. “We have alternative methods to verify your identity. We may need to ask you a few more questions to ensure accuracy. Let’s proceed with the rest of the application process, and we’ll find a solution.”
Relieved by her understanding, I nodded gratefully. It was reassuring to know that they were willing to accommodate my unique circumstances. The receptionist continued to guide me through the remaining steps, explaining that the next phase involved discussing the membership fee.
“To join the Aegis Society of Adventurers, there is a one-time membership fee,” the receptionist explained, her tone friendly and informative. “This fee covers the administrative costs and supports the guild’s operations. We offer various membership levels, each with its own benefits. We also have discounts and payment plans available for newcomers.”
Listening attentively, I considered the different options presented to me. I was mindful of my limited resources but eager to fully immerse myself in this new world of adventure. After thoughtful consideration, I selected the membership level that best suited my needs and budget. Or, lack there-of. Thankfully, one of the low tier options had a fourteen day grace period before the first payment was due. I chose that one.
As the financial aspect of the registration was completed, a surge of excitement and determination coursed through me once again. I felt an overwhelming sense of readiness to embrace the adventures that awaited me. This was the beginning of a remarkable journey, and I was determined to make the most of it, facing challenges head-on and discovering the extent of my own abilities.
Then, I was thrown another curveball.