“Before we assign you your first quest,” the guild receptionist began, her voice carrying a tone of authority, “you will have to undergo a series of trials.”
Interest sparked, I leaned forward. “And what do these trials entail?”
The receptionist started to explain the ranking system of the Aegis Society. It was far more comprehensive than any gaming system I had ever encountered. Six ranks - iron, bronze, silver, gold, platinum, and mythril, each determined by a combination of combat skills and knowledge. Even the quests followed this ranking system, with additional tiers indicating the recommended party size.
The complexity of the system was intriguing. Turning my attention back to the trials, I listened as the receptionist laid out the process for newcomers like me.
“You will first need to take a written exam,” she said, her tone matter-of-fact. “The exam will assess your understanding of various topics. Subjects like navigation, language, mathematics, magic, and monsters.”
She paused briefly, then added, “Don’t fret if you struggle with certain areas. The guild provides training to improve your skills.”
“Next, you’ll have a mock battle with a senior adventurer. This is to evaluate your combat capabilities,” she continued. Her expression softened a little, “And if you don’t meet the requirements, the guild can offer you an office job.”
“Finally,” she concluded, “your first quest. It serves as a training experience. Typically, it’s a short task to a nearby town. It helps familiarize you with the questing process and lets us verify your ability to perform the job.”
I nodded, my mind buzzing with the new information. “Interesting,” I commented. “It’s not what I’m used to, but it certainly seems sensible.”
In games, becoming an adventurer usually involved a simple training quest and some cringe-worthy congratulatory dialogue. However, the guild’s approach made perfect sense in real life. There were no respawns or extra lives. Once you died, it was over. Naturally, the guild would take measures to prevent unnecessary deaths.
The receptionist gestured for me to follow her to a room where the written test would be conducted. It was a meeting room, rectangular in shape with a large U-shaped desk. A chalkboard hung on one wall, and a podium stood at the head of the room. I took a seat at the U-shaped desk, choosing the side that faced the entrance. It allowed me to keep an eye on the door, a habit I’d developed in my previous life.
Not long after, a seasoned adventurer entered. His weathered face and calloused hands spoke volumes of his experiences. He had a presence about him, a sense of hardened wisdom.
His voice was gruff, yet it held an undercurrent of respect. “So, you think you’ve got what it takes, huh? We’ll see about that. I’ll be the judge of your abilities today, lad.”
Nodding, I steeled myself for the challenge ahead. The test he placed before me was a hundred questions long, covering a range of topics. Navigation, mathematics, magic, monster lore, the test was a true testament to my knowledge.
Halfway through, I realized I could understand everything written and spoken perfectly, despite the unfamiliar language. Perhaps the gods gave me the ability to understand languages.
As I pondered the questions, my mind raced, drawing upon the vast arsenal of knowledge I had accumulated over the years. I approached each query with a tactical mindset, assessing the situation, and swiftly formulating my responses. My answers showcased not only my intellectual prowess but also my keen understanding of combat strategies and survival techniques.
Ah, here’s a good example:
Survival Techniques: If you’re lost in the Brindled Wood with no compass, what’s the most reliable way to find North?
A. Follow the flight of the needlebeak birds
B. Find the mossy side of the trees
C. Follow the flow of the river
D. Use the position of the sun at midday
I am unfamiliar with the creatures in this world as well as the landscape. Using the sun at midday wouldn’t work because it would be centered in the sky, not indicating which direction it was going. Which left moss. Assuming the sun still sets in the West and the climate gets warmer the farther South you go, one could surmise moss grows on the North side of trees.
I didn’t like making assumptions, especially when it came to survival, but the best thing for me to do was utilize my knowledge. Even though it came from a different world.
As I progressed through the exam, it became evident that this world had its own unique twists and turns. The questions delved deeper into the creatures that lurked within its shadows, their behaviors and weaknesses. It was apparent that my real-world experience and gaming acumen only provided a foundation, and that there was much more to uncover about the intricacies of this realm.
Frowning in concentration, I navigated the fine line between relying on my existing knowledge and acknowledging the vast unknowns that lay before me. I knew I had to adapt, to absorb the nuances and idiosyncrasies of this new reality. It was a humbling reminder that, despite my battle-honed instincts, I was still an apprentice in this foreign world.
Monster lore was a good example of both my proficiency with fantasy worlds, as well as my inexperience and lack of knowledge in this world. Like wyverns, goblins, wild boars, all creatures common throughout earth literature. Then there were others that I knew but had enough variations on earth to keep me guessing. Such as vampires. I could only pray this worlds vampires weren’t the kind that sparkled in sunlight.
There were also questions that left me baffled. Asking information about creatures I had never heard of nor seen in any game, movie or novel. One such creature was called a ‘‘Gorgolith.” Its question read;
Monster Lore: A Gorgolith is highly resistant to fire-based attacks due to its ___.
A. Rock-like exterior
B. Water-dwelling nature
C. Ice-coated skin
D. Ethereal body
The best I could do was go with my gut. Gorgolith sounded kind of rock-ish so I marked option ‘A’ and hoped for the best.
After what seemed like an eternity, I completed the last question and handed in my exam. The senior adventurer studied my answers, his weathered face betraying no emotions. He nodded, a grudging respect glimmering in his eyes. “You’ve got some wits about you, lad. Your answers show promise, but don’t think for a second that you’ve seen it all. This world can be a damn treacherous place, and there’s always more to learn.”
His words struck a chord deep within me, reminding me of the perilous path I had chosen. I understood that my journey was just beginning, and that each step forward would bring new challenges and revelations. I accepted his rugged wisdom as a beacon, guiding me toward a greater understanding of this world.
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As I stepped out of the examination room, my first success in this world buoying my spirits, the receptionist who’d first greeted me looked up with interest.
“Oh my,” she said, her smile widening as she approached. “Looks like your first trial went well.”
“Indeed it did. Though I certainly have plenty of room for improvement.” I replied with a grin.
“Oh don’t you worry, this is only your first step, after all,” she reassured me, her tone encouraging. “Anyway, it’s time for the next trial. If you’ll follow me. ”
She led me through a door at the rear of the main hall into a sprawling training field. It was segmented into various sections: small arenas, archery ranges, and other combat facilities. The clamor of battle resounded around us - the ringing of steel against steel, grunts of exertion, triumphant cheers. I could feel a sense of trepidation rising in my chest, the visceral sounds of combat painting a vivid picture of the challenge that awaited me.
“This is where your next trial will occur: a sparring match with a senior adventurer,” she informed me, pointing towards an imposing figure striding toward us.
A striking woman, garbed in shining armor, made her way toward us. Her fiery, auburn hair was swept back into a stylish braid that added a vibrant contrast against her metallic ensemble. A broadsword, potent and lethal, was slung casually over her shoulder. Yet, despite the menacing weapon, her stride was light, her footsteps barely disturbing the sand beneath her. Her face bore the mark of a fighter—a jagged scar running from her temple down to her jawline. This was Aurora, a gold-ranked adventurer, whose beauty was as striking as her prowess.
I could feel the intensity of Aurora’s gaze as it swept over me. “Hm. So you’re the one Brom mentioned.” Her voice held a note of command, yet it was undercut with a distinctly feminine quality that belied her fierce exterior.
A quick realization clicked in my mind. ‘Brom’ must be the senior adventurer who oversaw my written test.
“Are you ready?” The receptionist’s voice snapped us back into focus. “Ms. Aurora will be your opponent and assessor for this trial. Please choose a training weapon and step into the arena.”
The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.
Swallowing my nerves, I reached for a weapon that felt familiar—a longsword. The same as my in-game character, Zephyrian. The weight of the training sword felt comforting in my grip. I practiced a few swings, finding the balance almost… intuitive.
In the sandy expanse of the arena, under the scrutinizing gaze of Aurora, I couldn’t shake off the tension that wound itself tightly around my gut. Her eyes had the intensity of a huntress, her body poised and ready for combat. As the receptionist signaled the start of our match, I braced myself for what was to come.
Aurora was a symphony of controlled power. Every swing of her sword, every evasive maneuver, was fluid and deliberate. As our blades clashed, I struggled to keep up with her tempo. Each parry and evasion drained my stamina, the grueling pace of the battle a testament to Aurora’s superior skills. But as the fight progressed, a pattern began to emerge. I started recognizing the preludes to her attacks, the subtle shifts in her stance, the precise grip of her hand around the hilt of her sword.
Our battle began to take on the rhythm of a dance—a deadly ballet where each move could mean triumph or defeat. And I was always a beat behind. But it was a beat I was slowly beginning to catch up with.
Our swords clashed once more, sending a shower of sparks into the air. Drawing upon my knowledge from countless gaming hours, I began to predict her moves, to counter her attacks. Each block, each evasive move, became less of a desperate attempt to avoid being hit and more of a calculated response.
My defensive stance slowly evolved into a more balanced one. The tension in my grip eased, accommodating a more offensive strategy. I ventured a few experimental strikes of my own, trying to seize the initiative. The surprise that flickered across Aurora’s face when one of my attacks grazed her defense was a small triumph for me.
Aurora lunged, her sword aimed with lethal precision. But this time, I didn’t just sidestep—I retaliated. With a fluid pivot, I spun around her, the wind of my movement carrying my sword toward her flank. Her reaction was swift, her sword swinging to intercept my attack. I used the momentum from my spin to counter her defense, but her blade found my armpit.
“Match!” The receptionist called.
Despite the clear disparity in our skills, I had held my ground. My unorthodox maneuvers had taken Aurora by surprise more than once. Panting heavily, my body covered in sweat and grime, I faced her. Her vibrant eyes sparkled with excitement and her grin spread wide.
“Not bad at all. You’ve got a sharp mind, and you’re not afraid to use it. Hold onto that.”
Her words resonated with me. I was at the precipice of an extraordinary journey, with a lot to learn and miles to go. This initial combat trial was indicative of my path—full of challenges, but not impossible. It was time for me to acquaint myself better with this new body, to understand its potential and limitations for the battles that lay ahead.
Stepping out of the arena, my body aching but my spirit undeterred, I knew I had taken my first true step as an adventurer. I was ready to face whatever trials this world had in store for me, my heart brimming with newfound determination.
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Back in the grand hall of the Aegis Society of Adventurers building, a sense of anticipation hung in the air. The final stage of my trials was at hand. I found myself seated at a polished oak table across from Brom, Aurora, and the receptionist, who I now knew as Mirabelle. Their serious expressions indicated the significance of the moment.
The high, stained-glass windows of the hall painted a kaleidoscope of colors on the desk, its surface filled with various papers and documents. Parchment of different sizes and thickness were stacked neatly in the center, bound by a piece of string, and an official-looking seal of the A.S.A.
As Brom’s deep voice echoed in the high-ceilinged room, I couldn’t help but feel a rush of adrenaline. “Ethan,” he began, his scarred face thoughtful, “we’ve assessed your performance from both your written and combat trials.”
Leaning forward with pride in her eyes, Aurora added, “Indeed, you’ve shown a level of strategic thinking, adaptability, and raw potential that exceeds our initial expectations. We’ve deliberated, and we all agree: your abilities suggest a rank above the usual beginner’s level.”
Mirabelle had been carefully untangling the stack of documents in front of her throughout their conversation. One particular document caught my eye. It bore an intricate crest, gilded lettering, and it was being slid across the table towards me.
“Congratulations, Ethan,” Mirabelle announced, her voice resonating with an air of ceremony, “based on our assessment, we’re granting you the Bronze rank of the Aegis Society Adventurers.”
I picked up the certificate in the silence that followed. It felt surreal. I was now an official adventurer. Sarah presented a small velvet box next, inside was a bronze badge. The finely crafted piece bore the Aegis Society Adventurer crest and a unique serial number was etched into the back.
“There is still one matter that needs to be addressed,” Brom said, breaking the silence. “Your lack of any form of identification or place of residence.”
“I tried to look into it but I couldn’t find any records at all. Even the city guards seemed to be lacking any documentation or even recollection of you entering the city,” Mirabelle added, seemingly at a loss.
“Please understand, we are not accusing you of anything. If we suspected any sort of criminal activity or cover-ups, we would not have issued your badge yet,” Aurora chimed in, seemingly trying to put me at ease.
“Still, we would like an explanation. We have to put something in your record, as it is an official document,” Brom continued.
My mind whirred as the conversation unfolded, caught unprepared for its direction. In the thrill of joining the Aegis Society, the question of my identity had been left unaddressed. Their concern was only natural—people would naturally be curious about my origins. To allay their doubts, a familiar backstory came to mind— not mine, but that of an in-game character I once designed.
“I hail from a remote village so secluded I’m uncertain of its allegiance to any country,” I began, summoning fragments of the backstory. “It was a serene haven, its inhabitants content. Visitors were rare, and even fewer took notice of us.”
Aurora murmured something under her breath, seemingly predicting the arc of my tale.
“I was in the forest when it happened. Initially, I mistook the rising smoke for a forest fire, until I discerned its source.” I paused, piecing together my story, the pause unintentionally adding a dramatic effect.
“Monsters had besieged my village during my absence. Their number must have been significant, catching the villagers off-guard. The aftermath was horrendous. The acrid smell of blood and charred flesh was unbearable. Some of the victims... were unrecognizable.”
Mirabelle shielded her face, tears streaking down her cheeks, as if she were witnessing the horrifying scene. Aurora seemed ready to embark on a monster-exterminating mission, and Brom pondered in silence, perhaps trying to match my narrative with any reports he knew of.
Maintaining a somber expression, I continued, “Once the embers cooled, I knew I couldn’t linger. I wandered until I found a town willing to offer me refuge. While there, I heard tales of adventurers and their heroic exploits. Those stories led me here.”
Their sympathy hung heavy in the ensuing silence. I had deceived them, and despite the necessity, it sat uneasily with me. The truth—that I was from a different reality altogether, one too surreal even for this realm of magic and monsters—was a secret I doubted anyone would believe.
Inwardly, I pledged to embody this fabricated persona. I would be an adventurer, a monster-slayer, a defender of the defenseless. I would harness this lie to foster good and honor the memory of a non-existent village that had indirectly brought me here.
“I swore to myself,” I said, examining the sinews in my hands. They must’ve thought I was imagining blood staining them. “I would not let another village suffer the fate of my own. I would protect them with my own strength.”
I couldn’t deny I had laid it on thick. But, honestly, could anyone blame me? This backstory was A-grade material. It was a textbook hero’s tragic origin—the lone survivor of a peaceful hamlet, a story sad enough to discourage further probing. It was plausible, justified my aspiration to become an adventurer, and suggested I trusted the guild enough to bare my vulnerability.
“Elysia,” Brom intoned solemnly, “I could hardly fathom anyone surviving such a catastrophe.”
“Are you familiar with this village?” Aurora questioned.
“I only reviewed reports. The guild conducted an investigation, hoping that understanding the calamity could aid in preventing another.”
Mirabelle nodded, wiping away tears, “I remember something about it as well. The governor of the region deemed it his personal failure. He was consumed by ‘what-ifs,’ speculating if regular patrols could’ve saved the village...” Her voice trailed off.
Hold the phone, this place actually existed?! What were the odds of that? I had to hope that this story didn’t backfire on me. Another survivor emerging to discredit my tale would be such a clichéd turn of events. However, my thoughts were sidetracked as I silently mourned for a village I’d never seen and the souls of people I’d never known.
I resolved, yet again, to live up to the character I’d created. I pledged to honor the memory of a village I’d fabricated and to fight monsters, protect the defenseless, and do good. Now, I also vowed to do justice to the souls of this real village and never tarnish their home’s name.
My faux past weighed on me as I silently renewed my pledge, a mix of guilt and newfound determination coursing through me. The room fell silent, each of us immersed in our own thoughts. Brom’s clearing of his throat brought us back to reality.
“We’re sorry for your loss, Ethan,” Brom offered, his voice thick with empathy. “But you’re a member of the Aegis Society of Adventurers now. Your past has brought you here, but we’re more concerned with your future.”
Aurora concurred, “Indeed, Ethan. The journey ahead is long, but you’ve taken the first step.”
Their words resonated with me, marking a transition in the conversation. My focus shifted towards my future as an adventurer. The past, whether real or not, was behind me.
Brom continued, “Returning to the matter at hand. Ethan, as an adventurer, you have certain travel leniencies. However, membership isn’t a form of identification. Given your situation...” He glanced at the others, who nodded in agreement.
“We propose granting you citizenship in Verelia, the city-state that the Aegis Society calls home,” Aurora offered, her warm smile belying the gravity of her proposition.
I took a moment to process this. Verelia seemed as good a starting point as any, given my lack of ties or allegiances in this world. I wanted to understand the implications, though.
“What would Verelian citizenship entail? Are there any responsibilities or limitations I should know about?” I inquired.
Brom shook his head, “None whatsoever. You would retain your current freedoms. Mainly, it would ease legal and administrative procedures like buying property or starting a business. Your travel would also be hassle-free with official papers. Moreover, the Guild would protect you.”
“The only condition,” Mirabelle chimed in, “is that in case of a city attack, you’d likely be expected to assist with the defense.”
The benefits outweighed the conditions. Most importantly, it would provide me with legitimate citizenship, thus reducing potential misunderstandings and unwelcome interrogations. Given my current situation, declining seemed unwise.
“I accept your proposal,” I said.
Anticipating my decision, Mirabelle slid a small leather booklet my way. “These are your citizenship documents. Always keep them on you.” The booklet detailed my personal information, physical description, place of citizenship, and even featured a fairly accurate sketch of me—it resembled a passport.
While Mirabelle organized the remaining documents into a protective envelope, Brom segued into the next topic of discussion.
Brom shuffled some papers, his eyes scanning their contents before looking back up at me. “Now onto the final phase of your trials for the guild. We’ve received word from a guild in a small town outside Aldoria. The town doesn’t get much traffic, mostly traders and the occasional passerby. Due to this, the roads there aren’t as well-maintained as most, and the lack of traffic means monsters and beasts are less wary. There’s been a recent surge in monster sightings and reports of increased danger. Consequently, the Guild Hall in this town has requested additional adventurers to assist them.”
I listened attentively, my anticipation building. This was it, my first real quest.“Your task, Ethan, is to travel to this town and deliver your registration papers to the guild there,” Brom continued. “This might seem like a simple errand, but given the circumstances, it carries a moderate level of danger.”
Aurora chimed in, “Upon successful delivery, you will receive a payment from the guild there. Consider it a modest start to your adventuring income.”
The promise of danger did nothing to quell my enthusiasm, it only served to fuel it. I was an adventurer now; danger was part of the job description.
As Brom handed over the mission details, I could hardly contain my excitement. “Thank you, I won’t let the Aegis Society down,” I said with confidence.
Aurora, sensing my readiness, offered, “If you find yourself back in Aldoria, Ethan, look me up. I’d be happy to give you some extra training. We can see about pushing you up a few ranks.”
Brom nodded, “You’ve got potential, Ethan. However, there are still areas in which you need to improve. Make sure to study during your downtime.” He rummaged in a drawer and produced a detailed map of the region, which he handed to me. “Here, take this with you. It will not only help you navigate, but also give you a better understanding of the geography and politics of our world.”
Mirabelle seemed the most affected by my imminent departure. “It’s a shame I won’t be your receptionist at the new guild,” she said, her voice tinted with regret. “But please do come and visit whenever you’re back in Aldoria.”
With their kind words of farewell and encouragement ringing in my ears, I took my leave. As I stepped out into the open air of Aldoria, I looked up at the sky and judged the position of the sun. I had about five hours of daylight left. According to Brom, the journey would take half a day at a brisk pace. If I pushed it, I might reach the town by nightfall.
Taking one last look at Aldoria’s grand main gate, I took a deep breath. This was the first step in my journey as an adventurer in this new world, and I was ready for whatever it would bring. My high spirits and the thrill of the open road pushed any lingering doubts out of my mind.
A small smile crept onto my face as I started walking, my pace steady and determined. Adventure awaited, and I was running headlong towards it. As the city gate closed behind me, my steps quickened into a run. The excitement of the journey ahead, and the promise of a new chapter in my life, served as the perfect ending to this one.