I got up from the bed and stretched, feeling every muscles in my body protest—pleasantly sore rather than painful. Auto Heal had done its work overnight, but the fatigue remained. Yesterday's hunt through the forest had been truly the most freedom I'd felt in years.
Knock knock knock.
"Mister...Yuki? are you awake? Here's your breakfast~ Can I come in?"
"One moment." I pulled on yesterday's clothes and opened the door.
A young woman stood there, holding a covered tray. She's a bit shorter than me and very young. She had the Inn owner's orange-tinted hair but softer features, with warm orange eyes that lit up when she saw me. I could never accurately distinguish someone's age, but I knew for sure her body was kind of adult despite her face, skin, and height were the kind of child. I really questioned myself how old she was. But at least I could guess that She's the Inn owner's daughter.
"Oh! I'm glad it's the right room. Here's your breakfast, Mister Yuki!"
"Thank you. And you are...?"
"I'm Manna, the Inn owner's daughter! Sixteen years old. Nice to meet you!" She bowed enthusiastically with a smile that's as bright as the sunlight this morning.
My Appraiser ability flickered—I caught basic information before suppressing it. No need to analyze everyone I met.
"How did you know this is the right room? I may be another person claimed as Mister Yuki."
"Mom described you! She said you have pitch-black hair yet enchanting, pale yet bright skin, and a beauty-yet-manly figure." Manna giggled. "It was confusing, but I knew the moment I saw you."
I blinked. "That's... quite the description."
"Thank you for staying with us, Mr. Yuki! Please take care of me from now on." She started to turn away, then hesitated. "Um... I heard from Mom you requested meals in your room. But we have lots of guests downstairs with interesting stories. They're well-behaved, even helpful when they have rest days. Would you consider joining us sometime?"
Her hopeful expression reminded me of the younger students back at Yudaichi Hall—eager and genuine.
"I have work that requires solitude for now. But once I'm settled, I'll join your circle."
Her smile returned, bright as sunrise.
"Oh, and Manna? Just call me Yuki. We're not that far apart in age."
"Really? How much?"
I paused, doing quick mental math with my false background. "Around two or three years."
"Then I can call you brother!" She beamed. "See you later, Brother Yuki!"
She practically skipped down the hallway. I closed the door, shaking my head with a slight smile.
The breakfast was simple but well-prepared—eggs, bread, some kind of cured meat. While eating, I pulled up my status plate to review yesterday's progress.
BASIC INFO
- Job: Warlord Lv.1 → Lv.20
- Currency: 40 Gold, 30 Silver
STATS
- Stamina: 2500 → 3400
- Strength: 300 → 363
- Stat Points Available: 1000 → 0
MAGIC
- Space Magic: Lv.1 → Lv.5
- Wind Creation: Lv.0 → Lv.5
- Earth Creation: Lv.0 → Lv.5
COMBAT
- Combat Tech: Lv.5 → Lv.10
- Stealth Tech: Lv.2 → Lv.7
SUPPORT
- Presence Detect: Lv.3 → Lv.5
- Magic Detect: Lv.3 → Lv.5
I'd dumped all my stat points into Strength yesterday—simple, efficient, effective for hunting. The level jump to twenty was faster than expected. Either monsters here gave more experience, or my Ultra Learner passive amplified gains.
I clicked through to the detailed stat information, curiosity pulling me deeper into the system.
Each main stat had three sub-stats. Strength governed Physical power, Muscle development, and Stamina. Wisdom controlled Mind, Intelligence, and Arcana capacity. The others followed similar patterns.
Interesting. The main stat appeared to be the average of its components, which meant raw level-ups wouldn't be enough for real growth. I'd need targeted training.
More importantly, the system allowed stat gains through effort independent of leveling. I wonder if an old man who trained diligently his entire life could become monstrous regardless of his level. I made a mental note to never underestimate elderly people in this world—especially Madam Rinne.
A knock interrupted my review.
"Yuki, you ready? We need to leave in ten minutes for the guild."
Madam Rinne's voice carried through the door.
"Just a moment, Ma'am."
Time to make this official.
The Adventurer's Guild dominated the city center, a three-story building of solid stone construction that screamed "important institution." Across the plaza stood an even larger structure—the Mayor's mansion, complete with guard towers and administrative wings.
"Don't be nervous," Madam Rinne said as we approached. "I'll do the talking first. You just need to provide proof that you're not a criminal."
"Understood, ma'am."
She pushed through the entrance. The conversations inside died instantly.
"Wow, who's that beauty?" someone whispered.
"Tone down your voice! That's the retired legend!"
"What legend?"
"The S-ranker! They're not just title—she's physically S-rank too! I'm getting out of here."
The crowd parted like water before a ship's prow. Most adventurers gave Rinne respectful distance. A few nodded with recognition and respect. Others simply stared.
"Move." Madam Rinne's voice cut through the whispers, directed at three men blocking the counter.
The largest one, built like a brick wall with an attitude to match, turned slowly. "Oh, what's the problem, lady? You've got nice looks. Nice body too."
"Yeah, good taste, big bro!" His companion snickered.
"I don't have all day. Move."
"Hoho, this old bitch thinks she can talk tough?" The big one leaned forward. "Don't you know what party I'm with? I'm with the Silver Honor, led by Knight Frangust himself! He's known to never—"
"—Let others dishonor his team members. I know him very well." Madam Rinne's voice carried the temperature of winter frost. "So move."
"You still dare glaring at me?!" Spittle flew from his mouth. "You're dead, bitch!"
A man in silver armor appeared so quickly I barely tracked the movement. He wore no helmet, revealing a young face—mid-twenties, with the bearing of someone who'd earned his rank through blood and discipline.
"What's the disturbance?" He looked around, then froze. "Master?!"
He immediately saluted, fist to chest.
The big thug gaped. "Boss? Why are you—"
"Shut up! You're new members, but already causing scenes! Despicable!"
My Appraiser ability activated automatically:
Frangust | Human | Age 25 Knight Lv.61 | A-Rank Adventurer Title: Silver Blade
"How did you end up with these idiots, Frangust?" Madam Rinne asked.
"Sorry, Master. They joined by force—circumstances I couldn't refuse." His jaw clenched. "I've tried rejecting them multiple times."
"Handled now, I assume?"
"Yes, Master!" He turned to the thugs. "Apologize to Madam Flamerose and leave. Now."
"Damn this!" The big one's face flushed red. "I quit your cowardly party! I thought I could get fame and rank fast with your 'honor' group, but look at you—bowing to some fragile bitch!" He cracked his knuckles. "If I kill her right now, I could become A-rank too, right boys?"
"That's right, bro!"
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
"Give me a piece of her, too!"
"Finally, some action!"
Frangust stood frozen, fists clenched white-knuckled. The muscle in his jaw twitched.
"You hear? We quit! Now I'll start the—"
Madam Rinne's pinky finger flicked out.
BOOM!
The thug flew backward like he'd been hit by a catapult. He crashed into the wall near the ceiling—forty feet away—and stuck there for one absurd moment before sliding down unconscious.
She'd used her pinky finger.
Silence blanketed the guild.
"Why... am I... up here?" The thug's last words before passing out.
"Brother!" His companions screamed and bolted for the exit.
"Next time, Frangust." Rinne walked past her former student without looking back.
"May you stay healthy, Madam." He saluted as we passed.
I glanced at the thug-shaped crater in the wall. "Was leaving him okay?"
"Frangust is a good boy. He'll handle it. Now come on—your ID is my priority. I have an inn to run."
"Wait! Lady and sir!" A young man in guild staff uniform rushed over, nearly tripping. "What happened here?! What's with this mess?!"
Rinne turned slowly. "Who... are you?"
"I'm a guild staff member! You destroyed the guild during my shift! Explain everything, or I'll get blamed!"
"Frangust."
"Yes, Master." Her former student materialized beside us.
The staff member brightened. "Sir! Thank goodness. This old hag—"
"What's your name?" Frangust's voice dropped to Arctic temperatures.
"S-Sean, sir."
"If you want to help me, Sean, be silent and fetch Miss Emily. Now."
"But I need to clean this mess and handle that violent old lady—"
"Oh my, what a surprising guest." A new voice, warm and professional, came from the back hallway. A woman in her fourties approached, wearing administrator robes with the guild's insignia. "Long time no see, Mrs. Flamerose."
Sean perked up. "Madam! I'll handle this violent lady who—"
"Sean." Emily's smile never wavered, but her eyes turned to steel. "Why didn't you tell me we had a special guest?"
"But Madam, she destroyed—"
"I'll handle this myself. Continue your regular duties, Mr. Sean."
"Shouldn't I enforce justice here?"
"I've known for quite some time you only favor high-ranking adventurers, Mr. Sean. Specifically troublemakers." Emily's voice remained pleasant, but the temperature dropped. "This beautiful lady has contributed more to our guild's development than most adventurers combined. Of course I'll give her special treatment."
"Who is she?" Sean looked between them, confused.
"Haven't you heard from the veterans? The orange-haired lady with the family name Flamerose?" Emily's smile sharpened. "This is S-rank adventurer Bloody Rose."
The guild erupted.
"The legendary adventurer?!"
"I've read every articles about her!"
"I became an adventurer because of her stories!"
The older adventurers stood and saluted in unison. "Welcome back, Madam!"
The younger ones, seeing their seniors' respect, quickly followed suit.
Sean's face went pale. "I-I apologize, Lady Flamerose..."
"Continue your work, Sean. And don't forget your overtime today." Emily's intimidation aura was almost visible.
"This way, Mrs. Flamerose." Emily gestured toward the back rooms.
"Come on, kid."
"Yes, ma'am."
As we passed, Rinne addressed the crowd. "Disassemble. You're embarrassing me. Don't do this again."
"Yes, ma'am!" Their synchronized shout echoed like a military unit.
I'd never seen civilians respond with such discipline.
Emily's office was surprisingly cozy—bookshelves lined with ledgers, a desk covered in organized paperwork, and comfortable chairs for visitors.
"So what brings you here yourself, Mrs. Rinne? It's rare for you to come publicly. Normally you prefer sneaking in."
"I don't like the attention. It disrupts everyone's work."
"Thank you for your consideration, as always." Emily settled into her chair.
"But I don't know you'd become supervisor now. And what's with that elegance? Is this our little Emily who acted like a child?"
"Time changes everyone, ma'am. Aren't you the same?"
"What's that supposed to mean?"
They burst into laughter together.
I waited patiently, reviewing the guild job board I'd memorized from the inn.
"I'm glad you haven't changed, Mrs. Rinne." Emily wiped her eyes. "So what's your business?"
"I promised to help this kid make his ID. He came from deep in the forest."
Emily's attention shifted to me. "Really? That's quite interesting. Tell me your story, Mr...?"
"Yuki. And it's true, Miss Emily."
Rinne leaned forward. "Kid, tell us. You can trust her."
I retrieved the metal tag from my pouch and placed it on the desk. "First, this proof from my adoptive father. Please don't be too shocked."
Emily picked it up. Her hand trembled. "This can't be... Yuki, you're...?"
"Let me explain everything."
I told them Freya's prepared story—Huberg finding me as an infant in the forest, raising me in isolation, training me in survival and combat. I described his final days, how the monster attacks had increased, how he'd told me to seek civilization if anything happened to him. I made the story real with small details—the way he'd corrected my sword grip, his insistence on meditation before sleep, his last smile.
When I finished, Emily had tears in her eyes. Rinne's knuckles were white where she gripped her chair.
"Thank you for sharing that, young man." Emily's voice was thick. "I'll make sure the Guild Master hears about Huberg's final years. He'll want to know. We might offer compensation—"
"No need, Miss Emily. My father was happy with his choice. I'm just following his last words."
"You want to follow his path as an adventurer?"
"It's all he taught me."
"Then let's begin immediately." Emily stood, collecting papers and a strange crystalline device from her shelves. "Wait here just a moment."
The door closed.
Rinne looked at me, her expression unreadable. "Yuki."
"Yes, ma'am?"
"I'm glad you chose my inn." Her voice was softer than I'd ever heard it. "I know you have strength—I felt it from the start. But I still can't believe you lived with Huberg."
I stayed silent.
"I knew him well. Better than I know Frangust." She paused. "I think you're a good kid. I can trust you, right?"
"Certainly, ma'am. You've helped me tremendously. I'll repay that however I can."
"You can tell me anything in the future. We're family now." She smiled—the first genuine smile I'd seen from her.
Something warm unfurled in my chest despite my impassive face. I hadn't realized how much I'd missed this feeling.
The door opened. "Thank you for waiting~" Emily carried an armload of documents and the crystalline device.
"Looks like you both had a good talk. Taking him as your son now, Mrs. Rinne?"
"Why are you so sharp about these things?!"
"Being a guild staff member taught me gossip is the best entertainment." Emily's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Besides, it's been so long since I've done beginner testing. After you retired, I became more document archiver than supervisor. So yes, This is exciting!"
"I know that feeling—evaluating new talent."
"Right? Okay, Yuki, let's start." Emily laid out a form. "First, fill this out. Be careful—it's enchanted with Sinner's Bind spell. You can't hide crimes, though you may keep private matters private."
"Because I'm from the deep forest?"
"Anyone from an unknown background must pass this test. Sorry, but it's formality."
"I understand. I'll do whatever builds trust with the guild."
Ten minutes later, I handed back the completed form.
Emily scanned it, her eyebrows rising. "Mr. Yuki, is this accurate?"
Rinne leaned over. "I can't believe you're this strong, kid."
"Shouldn't I be honest?"
"Of course! It's just... shocking. Twice in one day." Emily looked genuinely excited. "The Guild Master will be overjoyed. We haven't had a real prodigy in years."
"With your abilities, we can provide C-rank quests immediately," Rinne added.
"The guild ranks by ability, credibility, and tenacity," Emily explained. "It ensures safety and success rates. With your capabilities, you're already equivalent to a seasoned C-rank adventurer."
"Now for Capability Appraisal." Emily gestured to the crystalline device. "We'll scan your complete status plate and transfer it to your guild card."
"What was the form for, then?"
"Legal purposes—adventurers agree to our contract terms. But the appraisal has other purposes. It detects abilities you might not know you have, helping us guide your development. And it catches any crimes in your past, accidental or otherwise."
"Fair enough. How do I start?"
"Just place your hand on the pedestal, please."
I did.
GONG!
Light erupted from the crystal, blindingly bright.
GONG! GONG!
"Already this intense?!" Emily shielded her eyes. "How strong are you?!"
The light faded. Text materialized in the crystal:
Yuzuki Yatoshu | Human | Age 18 Warrior Lv.20
Health: 3000 | Stamina: 3400 | Mana: 1500 Strength: 363 | Wisdom: 200 | Vitality: 270 Agility: 210 | Dexterity: 100
MAGIC: Space Magic Lv.5, Fire/Water/Wind/Earth Offense Lv.1, Wind/Earth Creation Lv.5
COMBAT: Combat Tech Lv.10, Sword Tech Lv.5, Throwing Tech Lv.2, Stealth Tech Lv.7
SUPPORT: Presence Detect Lv.5, Magic Detect Lv.5, Auto Heal Lv.3
KNOWLEDGE: Survival Tactics Lv.5
"KYAAAAA?!" Both women screamed simultaneously.
BANG BANG BANG!
"Madam Emily, are you alright?!"
"Master, what happened?!"
"Everything's FINE!" Emily shouted.
"We're just training magic a bit!" Rinne added. "Maybe some voice disruption!"
"...If you say so, Madam."
"Please call if you need anything, Master."
The footsteps retreated.
Both women sagged with relief.
"This has to stay secret to our graves," Emily whispered.
"First time I've agreed with you so quickly," Rinne whispered back. "That was embarrassing at our age."
"Why did you scream?" I asked, genuinely confused.
"Look at your stats!" Emily pointed at the crystal. "Despite your age, your capabilities rival average veterans with twenty years' experience! You're as strong as a thirty-five-year-old B-rank adventurer!"
I blinked. I was being compared to middle-aged men?
"Your capability level is already B-rank, Mr. Yuki." Emily's excitement was returning. "Unfortunately, you must follow our procedures. But if you diligently clear quests and meet other requirements, you'll be B-ranker in no time! The youngest in history!"
"You're way too excited about this," Rinne muttered.
"Of course! Our branch will have a super prodigy! We'll get kingdom donations! Win tournaments! Access rare materials from high-rank quests!" Emily's eyes gleamed.
"If Yuki doesn't move to another guild," Rinne added drily.
Emily's face fell. She turned to me with pleading eyes. "Mr. Yuki, please stay with us as long as you can~"
"I can't decide right now."
"It's no good holding back an adventurer's growth," Rinne said. "Naturally, Yuki will stay if he needs us."
"Then we just have to make him need us." Emily's smile turned calculating. "How does that sound?"
"Amazingly good idea."
They shared a conspiratorial laugh.
I cleared my throat. "Can we discuss the guild rules now?"
"Right! Sorry for my excitement." Emily composed herself. "The guild has five standard ranks: D for beginners, C for trained members, B for advanced, A for experts, and S for masters. Each rank requires three things: capability, credibility, and experience."
She continued explaining the system—how capability and experience could be measured objectively, but credibility came from relationships with quest givers, attitude, and conduct. The system had been reformed after something called the "Red Dusk Accident," though neither woman would elaborate when I asked.
"Any questions?" Emily finished.
"What about the special rank I saw mentioned?"
Rinne answered this one. "X-rank. It's measured purely by capability. According to legend, an ancient hero from another world—the first priestess of Guardian Freya—created this measurement system. The tool can measure our maximum potential, but no one has ever reached X-rank. Every S-ranker has tried. The difficulty is simply too immense."
Interesting. So even in Freya's previous summonings, someone had made a lasting impact.
"Your ID will be ready in three days," Emily said. "I need to discuss your case with the Guild Master first—you're an exception. But I'm certain he'll be thrilled."
"Thank you, Miss Emily."
"Thank you for the amazing newbie, Mrs. Rinne! Please bring me more in the future~"
"I'm not a damn recruitment school!" Rinne stood. "Come on, Yuki."
I bowed to Emily before following.
Outside, several people waited anxiously.
"How's Madam Emily?" someone asked Rinne.
"See for yourself."
Through the office window, we could see Emily practically bouncing with excitement.
"Is she okay?"
"Master!" Frangust appeared from the crowd. "Why are you still here? You know your duty as A-rank."
"Be an example for juniors, be help for seniors!" he recited.
"Then what are you waiting for?"
"You're my foremost priority, Master. I wouldn't be here today without your training!"
"So you underestimate me now that you're A-rank?"
"Of course not, Master!"
"Back to work, boy. I have my own work to handle. Come on, kid."
"Yes, ma'am."
As we left, adventurers saluted along our path. Conversations followed in our wake—whispers about the inn Rinne ran, questions about who I was.
Her reputation would only grow from this day forward.
And mine would begin.
Back in my room, I collapsed onto the bed. The day had been exhausting in an entirely different way than hunting—all social maneuvering and impression management.
But I'd taken the first step.
Three days until my official adventurer ID. Three days to plan my next moves, to understand this city better, to prepare for whatever missions awaited.
I pulled up my status plate one more time, reviewing the numbers that had shocked two experienced guild members.
If this was shocking to them, what would they think when I really started growing?
A smile crossed my face. For the first time since arriving in this world, I felt genuinely excited about what came next.
[Second Objective - Daydream Walk: In Progress]