Alonso studied his ID card, a swirl of confusion clouding his thoughts. Twenty thousand years? He had been certain he had perished and been reborn. But then it struck him—the device was called a soul globe. If his soul had neither changed nor aged, it followed that his age would remain unchanged as well.

His gaze sharpened as he read the race listed: Legendary Oni. Now it all made sense—Stella's alarmed reaction. Alonso recalled his studies in the library about various monsters and their classifications, realizing the weight of his newfound identity. He was not merely an adventurer; he was a formidable being, imbued with the potential for great destruction.

Yet, there was no reason to dwell on that now. His priority needed to be forging strong relationships with the Adventurers' Guild, ensuring they could place their trust in him.

Stella interrupted his thoughts, her expression serious. "Regarding your rank advancement," she began, choosing her words with care, "the guild conducts ranking exams every three months. To qualify, you must complete a minimum of fifty quests, and you can only attempt an exam for one rank at a time. The pinnacle achievable through the guild is rank A. Ascension beyond that requires the king's approval and the endorsement of the Adventurers Guild Association."

"Understood," Alonso replied, his voice steady and measured. He raised his ID card, locking eyes with her. "And regarding this... I trust you will refrain spreading rumors about my info."

Stella felt a chill run down her spine under his unwavering gaze. "Of course, sir," she replied, her voice hurried. "Guild policy strictly prohibits the disclosure of member information. We maintain a seal of confidentiality."

Alonso nodded, satisfied. "Good."

Stella moved to a mounted cupboard, her hands deftly retrieving a small token. She extended it toward Alonso. "This is a novice pass. You may proceed upstairs to the blacksmith for your complimentary equipment. Additionally," she added, handing him a map, "here are the details for your quest and the dungeon's location."

Quest:

Explore the new metal dungeon

Rank: Unknown

Difficulty: Unknown

Alonso gave a brief nod and ascended to the blacksmith's shop. Upon entering, Alonso was greeted by the rhythmic clanging of a hammer and the scent of molten metal. The shop was massive, divided into different sections for weapons, armor, and clothing. On the ground floor, a shorter man worked tirelessly, hammering a glowing piece of iron on an anvil. Meanwhile, upstairs in a separate department, a tall, lanky man was busy sewing leather, carefully stitching together a new garment. Though both craftsmen operated under the same roof, they worked in entirely different spaces, each focused on their respective trade.

The short, stout blacksmith looked up from his work, wiping sweat from his brow with a soot-covered hand. His muscular arms, hardened by years of hammering metal, flexed as he pointed Alonso toward the far side of the shop. "New members' equipment is in that corner," he said, his voice gruff but not unfriendly, jerking his thumb toward a modest rack of gear. "Unless you've got coin. Then, you can buy something better."

Alonso glanced around the shop as he made his way to the rack. The ground floor was a sprawling space, the smell of metal and smoke lingering in the air. Various weapons gleamed in one corner, while racks of armor lined the walls. In a different section of the shop, separate from the smithy, a narrow staircase led to the tailor's department upstairs. From above, the sounds of scissors snipping and fabric rustling echoed faintly, where the tall, lanky tailor worked diligently.

Alonso browsed through the rack and picked out a simple yet practical outfit: a black shirt with a snug fit, dark green trousers that allowed for ease of movement, and a sturdy pair of leather boots designed for rough terrain. He grabbed a long, black trench coat that fell just below his knees, its thick material providing both protection and a dash of style. Lastly, he slung a backpack over his shoulder—functional, with plenty of space for any gear he might need.

As Alonso tried the outfit on, the blacksmith gave him a quick glance, eyeing the lack of weaponry. "That it? No weapon?"

Alonso grinned, raising his fists and flexing his hands. "These are my weapons."

The blacksmith let out a rough chuckle and returned to his anvil, shaking his head. "Suit yourself."

Satisfied with his preparations, Alonso gathered provisions from the guild—food, maps, and essential supplies—before stepping out into the warm sunlight. Unfolding his map, he traced the route southward from Forest Hill City toward the Aqua Kingdom. The dungeon lay within the Great Flood, a vast ocean encircling the Vita Kingdom. By carriage or mount, the journey would take three days, but on foot, closer to seven.

Though the guildmaster had offered him a mount, Alonso declined, preferring to walk and use the journey to test his magic. With his plan set, he stepped beyond the city gates, a thrill of anticipation in his stride as he began his journey toward the unknown depths of the mysterious dungeon.

Meanwhile, back at the guild, a flustered Abigail burst through the doors, her eyes darting around the room in search of Alonso. Spotting Milly at the bar, she hurried over, her frustration bubbling to the surface.

"Where's the oni?" Abigail demanded, her tone bordering on frantic. "Please tell me I didn't miss him!"

milly shot her a sympathetic glance. "He just left, Abigail. If you hadn't passed out from drinking too much, you might have caught him."

Abigail huffed, crossing her arms. "Dammit! I told those fools to keep an eye on him after he left Cheng's office!" She turned to glare at her teammates sprawled at a nearby table, where Josh, Kuvira, and Mulgul were completely passed out. Mulgul was drooling onto the table, leaving a small puddle of slobber that could rival a river.

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"Look at these slackers!" she exclaimed, exasperated. "I can't believe they're still alive!"

With a swift movement, Abigail marched over and delivered a sharp slap across the table. The sound echoed like thunder, and the table splintered beneath their heads, sending them crashing to the floor with groans of pain.

"Ugh, what did we do to deserve this?" Mulgul complained, rubbing his sore head. "I swear, the table attacked us!"

"Are you serious right now?" Josh said, his voice barely above a whisper, a hint of shyness evident even in his indignation. "Can't a guy catch a nap in peace?"

Kuvira, swaying slightly, sat up and batted her eyelashes at Abigail. "But Abby, you're so fierce. I like it when you're mad. It makes me feel… alive!" She smirked, leaning back and tossing her hair dramatically, only to almost topple over.

"Maybe I should hit you more often, then," Abigail shot back, raising an eyebrow. "But next time, I'll make sure it's a warning slap. Just to keep your charm intact, Kuvira."

Josh coughed, trying to hide his embarrassment. "Uh, can we focus on finding Alonso? I mean, he's kind of important… and, um, stuff."

Mulgul groaned again, dramatically rolling onto his back. "Important? I'm just trying to survive here! I didn't sign up for table gymnastics!"

"Look, you three," Abigail said, her sass sharpening. "I need you to pull yourselves together. No food for a week for you! If we don't recruit the oni, I'll personally make sure you all pay for it with your stomachs. Got it?"

Josh nodded vigorously, eyes wide. "Yes! I'll stay awake! Just, um, don't hit me again?"

Kuvira stood up, leaning on the wall for support. "I can totally help! I have great… um, what's the word? Charisma! Yes, that's it! Charisma!" She punctuated her statement with a tipsy wink.

"Charisma? More like 'drunk-ism,'" Mulgul snorted, chuckling despite the throbbing pain in his head. "At this rate, we'll scare Alonso off before we even get a chance to talk to him."

"Then let's not waste time, team!" Abigail declared, her voice resolute. "We'll find him, and I swear, we'll make this recruitment happen! No more napping on the job!"

With that, she stormed off toward the guild entrance, leaving her teammates to scramble after her, their banter echoing through the guild hall as they hurried to get their act together.

At that moment, Alonso stood outside the city gates, map in hand, carefully charting his next course. As he walked, the same guards who had eyed him warily upon his arrival were now stationed nearby, their confidence seemingly inflated by his presence.

The older guard leaned against the gate, a sneer curling his lips. "Look who it is! The little outsider thinks he's something special. Why don't you just leave and never come back? We don't want your kind sullying our town."

Alonso stopped and looked at the guard, a glimmer of amusement in his eyes. "Do you believe you can intimidate me with your empty words?" He stepped closer, the air around him shifting as he spoke, each word dripping with quiet authority. "It's amusing, really. You stand there, posturing like a peacock, yet I see you for what you truly are—just another insect scuttling about, desperate to feel important."

The younger guard, emboldened by his companion's bravado, puffed out his chest. "We're the ones keeping this place safe! You think you're better than us? You're just a kid with a map!"

Alonso's gaze sharpened, his voice low and menacing. "A map? Yes, but it's not the map that holds the power. It's the one who wields it. If I chose, I could make this entire place disappear in a heartbeat." He leaned in slightly, his presence overwhelming. "You should remember that threats are a double-edged sword; wield them wisely."

The older guard's bravado faltered, his sneer replaced by a flicker of uncertainty. Alonso continued, the weight of his words heavy in the air. "I'm not here to play games. There are far greater concerns than your pathetic attempts to assert dominance over me. You would do well to watch your back. "To toy with fire is to invite the inevitable sting of its flame."

The guards exchanged glances, their expressions shifting from arrogance to discomfort. They felt the shift in the air, an understanding dawning on them that they were outmatched. Alonso's confidence radiated like a force field, leaving them feeling small and vulnerable.

With one last lingering look, Alonso turned and resumed his path, a smirk on his lips as he left the guards behind. They remained at the gates, unease settling in as they processed the encounter, the weight of their insecurities now a palpable reminder of their shortcomings.

As Alonso walked toward the looming dungeon, his thoughts began to drift to Maria, and for the first time in years, he found himself battling a strange emotion. He tried to shake it off, focusing on the task ahead, but Maria's image kept creeping into his mind. Her vulnerability, her softness in a world that showed no mercy to those like her—it stirred something deep inside him.

Why should I care? Alonso thought, trying to use logic to dismantle the foreign feeling. She's capable enough, and I've only just met her. But no matter how hard he tried to reason, the concern lingered, gnawing at him like a persistent itch he couldn't quite reach.

He frowned, frustration bubbling up as he quickened his pace. I've seen far worse—endured far worse. Yet now... He shook his head, annoyed at his own confusion. It doesn't make sense. Why does she matter to me? He combed through his memories, seeking a rational explanation, but all he found was a tightening in his chest and an unshakable unease.

His thoughts wandered back to Maria—her humble demeanor, her gentle presence. The way she seemed out of place in a city like Forest Hill, a place riddled with prejudice against non-humans. Her soft-spoken nature made her an easy target for cruelty, and the thought of her enduring that made Alonso's gut twist. She doesn't belong there. Not among people like those guards.

For a brief moment, it felt as though he was peering into a part of himself he hadn't accessed in years—a sense of protectiveness, almost fatherly in nature. It startled him, this feeling of responsibility toward her. Fatherly? The word rattled him. He had long since abandoned such emotions, discarded them as weaknesses.

He scoffed at the absurdity of it, but it didn't make the feeling go away. How could someone like her survive in a town like that? The thought repeated in his mind, relentless. His usual calm logic felt like a blunt tool in the face of this emotional storm. Each attempt to rationalize only led to more confusion, more frustration.

Alonso clenched his fists, his pace growing uneven. I've fought monsters, outwitted tyrants, but this... He gritted his teeth. This emotion—it's beneath me.

Yet, it wasn't. He could feel it, despite his resistance—this worry for her safety, the uncomfortable pull of responsibility. It was baffling, foreign, and irritating. His mind fought against it, trying to contain the emotion with cold reasoning, but it was like trying to catch air in his hands.

He let out a breath, frustration mounting. This was illogical, pointless—a waste of time. Yet, no matter how hard he tried to dismiss it, the nagging concern for Maria lingered, unresolved and unsettling.

His mind churned with conflicting thoughts as he approached the dungeon. I'll conquer this place, gain what I need, and then... then I'll ensure she's safe. The plan should've felt solid, definitive, yet it didn't ease the tension in his chest. The emotions lingered, elusive and maddening, and no amount of logic could dispel them.

For now, all he could do was keep walking, wrestling with an internal battle he barely understood.