Alex was awoken by the delicious smell of bacon cooking, not the light streaming into the tent or the birds chirping outside. He sat up, noticing that his left arm and ankle were numb, and tried to stand. As he emerged from his tent, he saw Mitsui cooking bacon over the campfire they had sat around the previous night.

- You weren't waking up, so I had to take some measures, Mitsui joked as he handed Alex a plate of bacon and eggs.

Alex wrinkled his nose at the thought of eating the flesh of the creatures that had attacked him the day before, but was pleasantly surprised to find the meat not as bad as he had feared. In fact, it was quite enjoyable, if a bit stronger in flavor than what he was used to.

Mitsui chuckled at the confusion on Alex's face.

- I don't need to ask to know that you've never eaten anything from this world, have you, Mitsui asked mockingly.

- I was too excited to go on an adventure to stop and eat at a local restaurant or something, Alex replied. Once I got authorization to go through the gate, I just stopped at a beginner's shop to buy my sword and then headed straight into the wilderness.

Mitsui looked a bit confused at this.

- Someone should have verified your rank before letting you go into the wild like that. You see, normally only people with at least an E rank are allowed outside the city. The guard should have at least warned you.

- The city gates were open and I didn't saw any guard as I left, Alex explained.

Mitsui frowned at this. It was clear that the guard had not done their job, but to have no guard at the gates at all was unheard of. Mitsui quickly regained his relaxed expression and changed the subject.

After eating their meal, the rescuer packed up the camp, using his crystal to store the tents and cookware. The young man watched with curious eyes, still in awe of everything in this world. They cleaned up the camp, and the man checked on Alex to see if he would be able to walk for the journey back.

- Oh, my wounds are still a bit numb, but I think I can walk, the novice said.

- That's an aftereffect of magic intervention in a body that doesn't possess magic yet. Glad you can walk. We should get going, the man replied.

Alex nodded and they began the journey back to the city, which was about three hours away. Along the way, Mitsui explained a lot about the plants and creatures they encountered.

Creatures are divided into several categories, but the main ones are animals, creatures that resemble those on Earth, insects, insect-based creatures, mythological creatures, very rare and potentially dangerous creatures, parasites, which are the most feared due to their ability to use magic that can affect multiple individuals.

The monster category is home to several vile monsters that killed without any regard of whom they decided to attacked.

- In this Red Giant forest, you can also find Forest Wolves, dangerous wolves that use nature and wind magic to hunt their prey. There are also Deerias, shy-looking deer that run very fast, and some wood golems. These are rare but peaceful creatures, unlike their stone and mineral counterparts that can be found in the cave system beneath this region, Mitsui explained.

As they walked back to the city, Mitsui and Alex talked the whole way. When they finally arrived at the Gate city, they were struck by its Victorian-style, likely due to the lack of vehicles and the city's mostly paved streets. Vehicles are banned in the OtherWorld due to the pollution they emit and the way they can make creatures go crazy and attack nearby working cars and other kind of vehicle or gas powered equipment.

As they passed through the gates, a guard stopped them.

- Hello, routine control. I'll need to see your permit, the guard said.

Mitsui took out his permit from his mysterious storage and said,

- My name is Mitsui Kigetsu, I'm a search and rescue agent and this is my client.

Alex also tried to show his permit, but Mitsui waved for him not to.

- Your papers are in order, the guard said as he returned the permit, just one question, where are you coming from?

- This was a rescue mission, I came from the forest, Mitsui replied.

The guard stepped aside and welcomed them to the city. Mitsui waved amiably as they passed.

- Never give too much information to the guards. Some of them will find any excuse to make their days more interesting, Mitsui whispered to Alex, who nodded in agreement.

They walked a bit in the city and Mitsui stopped and looked at Alex.

- Now that you're back in the city and safe, our contract is completed. Thank you for choosing our service for your protection, Mitsui said.

- Thank you for saving me and also protecting me on the way back, Alex replied.

He was a bit disappointed that they would now be going their separate ways.

Mitsui noticed that Alex seemed unhappy about their upcoming separation.

-Before we split up, there's someone you need to meet, he said, leading Alex across the main street.

Alex looked around, taking in the sights of the bustling street. It was wide enough to allow for carriages to pass and for storefronts to set up shop. Delicious smells wafted through the air from the street food stalls, and the entire street was paved. The buildings were crowded close together, with some having no space in between. It felt like he had been transported into one of his fantasy books, but he knew this was real.

Mitsui led him down a small alley next to a merchant's store that sold various materials and weapons. He knocked on a wooden door that seemed to lead to the store's backroom. A man in his forties opened the door. "He looks like a giant," Alex thought as he saw the man standing at the door. He was in his forties, with hair that was half pepper and half salt, like his beard. Even with the door open, the man's body acted like a door simply by standing at the doorstep.

- Mister Kigetsu, it's a pleasure to see you. What can I do for you? the man asked. Oh, pardon my rudeness. Please come in, we can talk inside.

- It's a pleasure to see you too, Jasper. Thanks for inviting us, Mitsui replied. The giant invited them inside with a friendly hand gesture.

Alex glanced around the room and saw a small workshop to his left, followed by a large crystal labeled 'Raw Materials.' Next to it, on the left wall, was a large whiteboard with instructions on how to deal with various monsters. A staircase led to the next floor, and beneath it were two computers, one of which was being used by a woman typing. To the right of the stairs was a couch, a table, and a few plush armchairs that looked like they might be too comfortable to get out of.

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- Come on, sit down. I'll bring something to drink, the giant man said, inviting Mitsui and Alex inside with a friendly hand gesture.

Mitsui gestured for Alex to sit in one of the comfortable-looking armchairs, but Alex shuddered at the thought of falling asleep in one. He opted for the couch instead, which brought a smile to Mitsui's face.

- So, how's going Elena ? Mitsui asked the woman at the computer.

- I'm doing great. The business is thriving, and our store is well received. We're getting both private clients and tasks from the Hunter Association now. How about you? she replied.

The sound of wooden stairs creaking interrupted their conversation as Jasper returned from the upper floor with some drinks. He placed a jug with three glasses on the table and poured some for his guests and himself. He sat down heavily in an armchair and looked at Mitsui.

- So, what brings you here? he asked.

- I've just returned from a rescue mission and this young man here is my client. The problem is that he is an F-rank, but the guards failed to properly verify his rank before allowing him to leave the city. I was wondering if you could possibly help him navigate this world?

Jasper scrutinized Alex from head to toe for a few seconds before speaking.

- So you're new here, what's your name, buddy?

- My name is Alex, sir, Alex replied nervously.

- Alex, what do you want to do in this world?

- I want to become an adventurer, sir. I want to explore the different regions of the OtherWorld.

Jasper leaned forward and stroked his beard thoughtfully.

- You seem like a good kid, Alex, but exploration isn't for everyone. You could die at any moment if you're not careful about your surroundings. And that's the best-case scenario. Some people can't die and have to live with parasites. Are you sure you want to take the same risks as them?

Alex straightened up in his chair, took a deep breath, and replied.

- Yesterday, I learned firsthand how harsh this world can be. If it weren't for Mister Mitsui, I'd be dead already. That's a hard lesson that I'll never forget. But even with everything I've been through, I still want to become an adventurer, sir.

Jasper explained the various dangers that exist in this world, from the environment to the creatures. He emphasized that sometimes, monsters aren't the only thing to be feared and that certain regions are especially treacherous to explore. Alex listened carefully as Jasper described what it is like to work in this world.

- And you're still not discouraged by all of that? Jasper asked.

- Not at all, sir, Alex replied. In fact, this only encourages me more to pursue my dream of becoming an adventurer.

Jasper looked at Mitsui, who nodded slowly in agreement. He had noticed when he rescued Alex that he was different from other people he had rescued, remaining passionate and driven even after a harrowing experience.

- Are you still interested in exploring and becoming an adventurer despite all the dangers I've warned you about? asked Jasper.

When Alex affirmed his desire, Jasper continued.

- Well, if you're serious about it, why not join our small Hunter guild, Blazy? We work in a variety of environments, from creature hunting to exploration. We're more like a family than a guild, and we can offer you a wide range of learning opportunities. What do you say?

Alex was overwhelmed with excitement at the prospect of joining the Blazy guild and thanked Mitsui for bringing him to this opportunity. He struggled to contain his emotions as tears welled up in his eyes and his throat tightened.

- Yes, I'd love to join! he managed to say.

Jasper laughed heartily at Alex's reaction, his voice echoing through the room and startling some clients in the front of the shop.

- Welcome aboard, Alex. You won't regret this decision, he said, then proceeded to introduce Alex to the members who were present at the time.

- I'm sorry to interrupt, but I have to go, Mitsui said, preparing to leave.

- Alex, I wish you the best of luck. See you next time.

He waved goodbye to Alex and Jasper, then set off to visit his agency, which was located in this city. It had been several weeks since he last returned, and he wanted to catch up with his secretary.

Mitsui made his way through the busy main street, taking in the sights and sounds of the city. As he walked, he noticed a variety of people passing by, from farmers bringing their goods to market to hunters searching for new equipment. He took his time, stopping to admire the work of a blacksmith and ordering a drink at a bar before eventually arriving at his agency. Located in a small alley off the main street, the agency was marked by a wooden sign reading "Search and Rescue - Agency Kigetsu," illuminated by small light crystals in reflective metal brackets. Mitsui opened the door and was greeted by the sound of a soft voice.

- Welcome to the Kigetsu Agency. said a woman behind a counter.

She had long blond hair that cascaded down her back in soft waves. Her voice was gentle and soothing, like a cool breeze on a summer's day. As she spoke, her blue crystal eyes seemed to sparkle with kindness and compassion.

Despite her gentle and caring personality, she was also fiercely determined and hardworking. She was always willing to go the extra mile to help her team succeed, and her dedication to her job was evident in everything she did.

She realized who entered and took another tone.

- You could at least notify me when you are done with a mission, you always forget about it!

- My bad Serena, but it wasn't like the other missions, this time I met a young man who...

- No-ti-fy-me! Serena said angrily

Mitsui laughed at Serena's reaction, she always amazed him since he hired her. After telling her about his mission and introducing Alex to the Blazy guild, he asked about his next mission.

- This time we received a peculiar task, Serena said. It's from the exploration faction.

Mitsui arched his eyebrow in surprise. He hadn't expected to receive a task directly from a faction, as his agency was a search and rescue organization.

- They want to know if you can participate in an exploration expedition, Serena continued. They've discovered a new cave system in the Floating Island region.

- Hmm, that's odd, Mitsui said. They have their own search and rescue team within the faction. Why me?

- The person who made the request is named Ethan Miller, Serena replied. At the mention of Ethan's name, Mitsui shuddered.

- Oh god, him again? he said. Serena looked at him in surprise.

- What's wrong with him?

- He was always picking on me when I was working for them as a B-rank, Mitsui replied. I didn't think he'd go after me again..."

Serena laughed at the situation as she quickly typed on her keyboard.

- Oops, it looks like my hand slipped and I accidentally accepted the request.

Mitsui placed a sticky note on Serena's shoulder as a response. They both laughed and started throwing bits of paper at each other. Once they finished their playful banter, they cleaned up the mess they made and discussed the details of the exploration mission. The region in question is classified as an A-rank area, so the cave system is likely to be the same rank.

Mitsui made a list of the supplies he would need to bring, while Serena gathered information about nearby cave systems that had already been explored.

This will be a challenging mission.