Alex emerged from the basement, the smell of rats and dirt clinging to his clothes. Despite his battered appearance, a sense of accomplishment washed over him.
He had been on the brink of death, but he had survived. He headed straight for the bar, where Elara was wiping pitchers with a rag.
""Elara," Alex announced, her voice still a little hoarse from exertion. "Rats will no longer be a problem in your basement."
Elara raised an eyebrow, her feline eyes inspecting Alex. She noticed the trace of dirt and a small tear in his pants, but also the glint of determination in his eyes.
A playful smile appeared on her lips, revealing her fangs.
"Oh yeah? You seem to have had a bit of an altercation, young Alex," she purred, setting the rag aside. "Looks like they weren't as easy as you thought, huh?"
Alex gave a wry laugh. "I underestimated her intelligence. It almost cost me my life, to be honest. But mission accomplished."
Elara's eyes shone with admiration. "That's what I like to hear. Determination and honesty. Many young adventurers believe themselves invincible. Knowing when you've been in danger is a sign of wisdom. You've impressed me, Alex."
A system notification appeared in Alex's mind.
[Affection level with Elara has increased to 10/100.]
[Affection Level 1 Reward (Elara): 300 HP, Passive Ability: Keen Sense of Sense.
Alex felt a slight tingle. It worked! And the reward was useful. Elara handed him a small leather pouch.
"Here are your ten copper coins, and this is a recommendation to the Adventurer's Guild. Tell them Elara at the Oak Inn sent you. You'll have no trouble registering."
"Thank you, Elara. Really," Alex took the pouch and the recommendation. "And thanks for the quest."
Elara winked at him. "Always a pleasure, Alex. And if you need anything else... you know where to find me." Her gaze lingered on him for a moment, a clear hint of innuendo in her amber eyes before she turned to wait on another customer. The interaction had left him with a warm feeling and confirmation that her new "romance quests" were a factor.
Just then, Sayaka approached the counter, carrying a basket of fresh vegetables. Her hazel eyes fell on Alex, and a look of genuine concern appeared on her face.
"Alex, are you okay? You look... pale," she said, setting the basket aside and reaching out to touch his forehead. Her touch was warm and comforting.
"Elara, what did you do to this boy?"
Elara giggled. "I only gave him a job, Sayaka. It seems he underestimated my rats."
Sayaka frowned, turning to Alex. "I warned you. The creatures of this forest are no game. Were you seriously injured?"
""I'm fine now, Sayaka. Just a scare," Alex assured him, though the sincerity of her concern touched him. He could feel the warmth of her hand on his forehead. It wasn't Elara's flirtatious gaze, but a maternal, or at least deeply empathetic, concern. It was different, but equally appealing.
"I hope so. We don't want our new traveler to get hurt on his first day," Sayaka said, withdrawing her hand. "You should get some rest before doing anything else. And then, if you want to find work, the Guild is the place." But don't jump into the first dangerous mission you see."
Her voice was soft, but her warning was clear and direct.
[Affection Level with Sayaka has increased to 10/100.]
[Reward for Affection Level 1 (Sayaka): 500 HP, Passive Skill: Danger Sense.]
Another Affection boost! And an incredibly useful skill. Sayaka's concern for his well-being had been the trigger. Alex realized it wasn't just about nice words or favors, but about the genuineness of her actions and the emotional bond. The system seemed to respond to genuine interaction.
"I'll keep that in mind, Sayaka. Thank you," Alex said, feeling renewed respect and growing admiration for both women.
With Sayaka's blessings and Elara's recommendation, Alex felt ready. The inn room could wait a bit. He needed to go to the Adventurer's Guild. He had HP, a health potion, and two women who, for different reasons, seemed to have taken an interest in him. The path to becoming an adventurer in this world, and perhaps something more, was about to begin.
With Elara's recommendation tucked away and adrenaline still bubbling from his close encounter with the rats, Alex headed toward Oakha's central plaza.
The afternoon sun bathed the village in a golden light, and the bustle of the villagers was a reminder of the life that teemed in this new world. Following Elara's directions, it didn't take long to find the Adventurer's Guild.
It was a sturdy building, made of stone and wood, with an imposing sign depicting a crossed sword and shield. Two burly-looking guards flanked the entrance, lightly armored and carrying spears. Alex adjusted his clothes, feeling that his modern attire looked even more out of place here.
Upon entering, the Guild was a flurry of activity. Adventurers of different races and sizes moved around the room.
Some were examining a large bulletin board with quests, others were drinking at rustic tables, and the sound of clashing swords and loud voices filled the air.
It was exactly as he had imagined.
Alex walked to a long wooden bar, behind which several figures were serving adventurers. His eyes fell on a woman who stood out from the rest.
She was the Guild's receptionist, and Alex felt a familiar pang of the system. Her long, wavy hair, the color of night, fell over her shoulders, framing a mature and expressive face.
She was about 35 years old, but the way her body fit into her Guild attire, displaying voluminous and voluptuous curves, was undeniable. Her eyes, an intense deep blue, looked directly at him as he approached, and a smile spread across her lips. There was a confidence and warmth in her expression that invited trust.
[Alert! New System Target Detected.]
Alex had already expected this.
[Secondary Romance Target: Genesis. Status: Affection Level: 0/100 (Indifferent). Reward for Affection Level 1: 300 HP, Unique Passive Ability.
"Welcome to the Adventurer's Guild, young man. How may I help you today?"
Her voice was soft and melodic, with a tone that denoted authority and experience.
Alex felt a slight blush, but quickly composed himself. "Good morning. My name is Alex, and I would like to register as an adventurer."
The woman nodded, her gaze assessing him. "A pleasure, Alex. I am Genesis, the head receptionist for this Guild. Do you have any previous experience or a recommendation?"
Alex took out the scroll Elara had given him. "Yes, I have a recommendation from Elara, the innkeeper of the Oak Inn. I just helped her with a giant rat problem in her basement."
Genesis's eyes widened slightly, and a small, appreciative smile appeared on her face.
"Ah, Elara! So it was you who took care of those vermin. She's very particular about who she allows to work with. That speaks volumes for you, Alex."
[Affection Level with Genesis has increased to 10/100.]
"Thank you. It was... an educational experience," Alex admitted with a wry smile, recalling his near-defeat. "I learned not to underestimate rats."
Genesis let out a deep, resonant laugh that made his chest tremble slightly, and Alex couldn't help but be drawn to the sound.
"A valuable lesson for any adventurer, lad. It seems you have the right attitude."
He bowed slightly, his blue eyes twinkling with interest.
"To register, I just need your full name, a brief description of your skills, and a payment of ten copper coins for the registration fee. Once you're registered, you'll be able to take quests from the noticeboard and begin your journey as an adventurer."
Alex nodded. "Alex… just Alex. As for my skills, I'm strong, agile, and a fast learner. And here are the ten copper coins." He handed over the pouch Elara had given him.
Genesis took the coins and the scroll. Then, he took out a large record book and a quill pen.
"Very well, Alex. Here is your adventurer badge," he said, handing her a small bronze medallion engraved with a number.
"Your starting rank is Bronze, the lowest. With each quest you complete and each threat you overcome, you'll be able to advance in rank and access more dangerous and lucrative missions."
""Officially welcome to the Adventurer's Guild, Alex. I hope your journey is long and prosperous," Genesis added, her smile growing wider and warmer. "If you have any questions about the quests or need advice, please don't hesitate to come see me."
Alex felt excited. He was now a registered adventurer. One step closer to understanding this world and, who knows, perhaps discovering the purpose of the "MILF System." With Sayaka and Elara already "targets" and now Genesis, it seemed their adventure would not only involve monsters and treasure, but also intimate relationships, and their expectations were as great as their attributes.