The morning sun crept through the shutters.
Adonis tightened the straps on his leather armor, fastened his sword belt, and stood in front of the mirror. His black cloak — lined with golden thread — sat draped across his shoulders, the hood down. His mask rested in his hand.
Downstairs, the inn was still waking. A few adventurers nursed breakfast while yawning into their mugs. Agatha gave him a nod from behind the counter.
"You heading to the Guild?"
Adonis nodded. "Ya its my first mission."
"Good. Don't pick anything above your weight. Lots of greenhorns die trying to prove something."
"I know, I studied about monsters in various books, so as long I don't take any mission beyond my strength it will be fine." Adonis nodded appreciating her words.
Agatha looked pleased. "Its good young people know what they are facing."
At the Adventurer's Guild, Adonis walked to the quest board.
Dozens of missions fluttered in the breeze from the open windows — requests from merchants, townsfolk, and noble clients. The ones he could take as a beginner were marked with a bronze seal.
He found one.
Mission: Gather Iron-Fanged Rabbit PeltsRank: ELocation: Eastern Forest TrailDetails: At least 6 pelts required. Beware: They are fast and travel in small packs. Reward: 5 silver coins.
"Eastern forest trail is nearby, plus these rabbits are easy to deal, best for my first mission," Adonis murmured.
"Taking that one?" asked a voice beside him.
He turned. A boy — maybe seventeen — with a spear slung over his shoulder smiled at him.
"I took it too. You can come along if you want. Safety in numbers."
Adonis shook his head. "Thanks. I'll go alone."
The boy gave him a shrug and moved on. The receptionist from before — Miranda — waved at him from her desk.
"Don't get bitten! Those rabbits have metal teeth."
Adonis left the guild and made his way toward the city's eastern gate. Outside, the cobbled roads gave way to dirt paths, and stone houses turned into open fields and scattered woodland. He followed the marked trail into the forest.
The Eastern Trail was a known training ground for low-rank adventurers.
Trees whispered in the breeze, and birds chirped in the distance. Adonis moved silently through the underbrush, senses sharp. His sword floated beside him — golden, ethereal, and nearly weightless. He controlled it with the focus of his mind.
It took half an hour before he saw the first one.
A rabbit — no larger than a small dog, with sleek gray fur and jagged metallic fangs — gnawed on a tree root. Two more hopped nearby.
Three… good enough.
He stepped forward.
The sword shot through the air, but the rabbit twisted with unnatural speed. It narrowly avoided the first strike. The other two bolted — except one turned and lunged.
Adonis sidestepped, drawing a second sword mid-movement. Two blades now circled him in the air like orbiting stars. His breathing slowed. Mana circulated. Focus sharpened.
He moved like flowing water, the swords slicing in unison. The first rabbit was cut cleanly. The second leapt — and was struck midair.
The third ran.
Adonis didn't chase. His mana was limited — two swords at once still drained him quickly. He knelt beside the rabbit carcasses, removed the pelts carefully, and exhaled slowly.
His hand trembled slightly.
Not from fear.
From excitement.
"So this… is the field."
He returned before evening, handing over the pelts.
Miranda raised her eyebrows. "You are pretty fast, plus no injuries, you're really something."
"I just got lucky," Adonis replied calmly.
She passed him a leather pouch with silver coins. "There'll be more tomorrow. You've officially started your adventuring life, hope you have good time in our guild"
He nodded and turned to leave
Behind his mask, Adonis smiled faintly.