Eight hours passed in still silence. The early rays of dawn slipped through the window, golden light creeping across the floor and up Ezra's face. The warmth stirred him.
His eyes blinked open.
He stared at the ceiling for a moment.
Morning already... he thought. No dreams. Just the usual silence.
He sat up, stretching his arms and shoulders. The floor creaked softly beneath his feet.
Today... I go to the guild.
Ezra stood, pulled on his black and silver jacket, adjusted his gloves, and slung the pouch of gold onto his belt. He gave one last glance to the simple room before stepping into the hallway.
The tavern downstairs was quieter than last night, the morning crowd just beginning to stir. As Ezra made his way toward the door, a familiar voice called out.
"How was the food last night?"
He paused and turned.
Nia was behind the counter, smiling at him warmly.
"It was good," Ezra replied with a nod.
"I'm glad," she said, her tone light and casual.
Ezra noticed Granz watching them silently from behind the bar. Nia followed his gaze.
"That's Granz 'Iron-Leg' Dorran," she said. "Owner of The Broken Chalice. Used to be a top-tier adventurer. He's retired now."
Ezra looked at Granz. The older man nodded at him. Ezra nodded back.
Nia tilted her head. "Where you off to so early?"
"Going to sign up at the guild," Ezra said.
Nia's face lit up. "Oh, awesome! Joining the guild, huh? I hope you get accepted. It's a good one."
He was about to leave when Granz's voice cut in—deep and firm.
"Stop."
Ezra turned.
"You need breakfast," the old man said. "Can't fight on an empty stomach."
Nia smiled. "Granz is right. You should eat something first."
Ezra considered it for a moment, then nodded.
He sat at one of the tables, and Nia disappeared into the back. A few minutes later, she returned with a tray.
Sizzling eggs mixed with herbs, sliced smoked meat, buttered bread, and a bowl of fruit. A small cup of dark, steaming tea sat beside it.
Ezra looked at the food. "Thanks."
"Eat up," Nia said. "You've got a big day ahead."
He ate in silence, methodical and focused. When he finished, he stood.
"Thanks," he said, glancing at both Nia and Granz.
They watched him as he left.
"Guy barely talks," Nia whispered. "But there's something there."
Granz grunted. "Mysterious. Calm. He's got the look of someone who's seen more than he says."
Back on the streets, Ezra walked through the awakening city. The marketplace was quieter than yesterday, but early vendors were setting up stalls, and guards made their rounds.
After a few blocks, he saw it.
Iron Fang Adventurer Guild
A massive, fortress-like structure of dark gray stone and blackwood beams rose ahead. It looked more like a war bunker than a guildhall.
The building stood three stories tall, the corners reinforced with iron plates. Gargoyle statues of monstrous beasts loomed from the sloped rooftop.
Above the double doors was a huge metal crest—a wolf's fang crushing a monster's skull, ringed with glowing runes.
The doors themselves were heavy double ironwood slabs, scarred with old claw marks.
Ezra stopped, taking it all in.
This is it.
He nodded to himself.
Let's see what comes next.
He pushed the doors open.
A wave of sound hit him—laughter, shouting, clinking mugs. The air smelled of sweat, ale, and leather.
Inside was chaos and energy. Adventurers of all kinds gathered around tables, eating, arguing, drinking. Some were human. Others were demihumans—cat ears, lizard tails, horns, fangs. Races he had never seen before.
Some turned as the door opened.
"New guy."
"Another wannabe?"
"Hey, he doesn't look like much."
"Maybe a rookie signing up."
Ezra ignored the stares and walked forward.
He reached the reception counter.
A tall, elegant woman stood behind it.
She was dressed in a navy-blue guild uniform embroidered with silver trim. A fang-shaped pin marked her rank. Her long teal-and-indigo ombré hair was tied into a twist braid over one shoulder. Pale ivory skin, dusted with freckles across the bridge of her nose, framed her sharp citrine eyes.
"Welcome to Iron Fang Adventurer Guild," she said crisply. "I'm Lysette Arven, senior receptionist. How can I help you?"
Ezra nodded once. "I'd like to join the guild."
Lysette's golden eyes narrowed slightly, observing him with quiet precision.
He's definitely new. Polite. Reserved. But there's steel under the calm.
"Well," she said, reaching for a clipboard, "you'll need to complete the registration process. First, you'll be given a Magical Affinity Scan. It detects your ability to use magic and what type you're attuned to. After that, you'll take a basic capability test."
Ezra listened silently, absorbing every word.
Lysette reached beneath the desk and placed a glowing orb on a pedestal between them.
"This is the affinity orb. Place your hand on it and channel any magic or intent. The scan will determine your affinity tier and elemental leanings. It also registers special traits if present."
Ezra looked at the orb. It pulsed with soft violet-blue light.
He took a breath and placed his hand on it.
The orb glowed brighter. Runes began spinning inside it. The light shifted—violet, red, black.
Whispers began to stir behind him. Adventurers took notice.
Lysette's eyes narrowed, fascinated.
That reaction... not standard at all.
Ezra stood calmly, his golden eyes fixed on the swirling lights.
Let's see what kind of power this world really gave me...
The swirling runes within the orb glowed brighter—shifting shades of violet, crimson, and black. Small arcs of magical energy flickered across the surface.
A few adventurers nearby stopped what they were doing.
Whispers rose.
"That's not normal…"
"What kind of scan glows like that?"
"Never seen colors like those before…"
Lysette Arven stood completely still, sharp eyes locked on the orb.
Inside, she was analyzing everything.
Violet… that's high-tier magic. Black… unstable or forbidden affinity. And that red flicker—volatile. This isn't just rare. It's unique.
The energy finally died down, and the orb dimmed, returning to a soft glow. Ezra removed his hand.
He said nothing.
Lysette raised an eyebrow, her expression unreadable.
"Well," she said, tapping the clipboard. "That was... unusual. You triggered multiple affinity responses. Primarily arcane, dark, and adaptive. There's something else in there too. Something the orb couldn't classify."
Ezra stayed silent, waiting.
Lysette studied him again.
He's not reacting at all. No ego. No surprise. Like he expected it.
"You've passed the magical scan," she said. "Next step is a basic capability assessment. It measures physical and combat potential. Not too difficult. You'll be judged on agility, strength, reaction time, and basic tactical sense."
She handed him a small wooden token.
"Take this to the back courtyard. There's a training field there. An instructor will guide you through the exam. Once you pass, you'll be officially registered with the guild."
Ezra took the token, eyes flicking over it.
"Understood."
Lysette watched him walk away.
Strange power. No name recognition. No noble gear. But he's calm. Collected. And that affinity response…
She glanced down at her log sheet and quietly scribbled something beneath his name:
"Potential anomaly. Track progress closely."
Ezra walked through the back corridor of the Iron Fang Adventurer Guild, the wooden halls giving way to stone steps that led outside. As he passed under a large archway, he emerged into the training courtyard.
The field was wide and enclosed by stone walls, marked with circles for sparring and lined with weapons and dummies. The morning sun blazed high now, casting strong light across the ground.
Ezra's boots echoed on the cobblestone as he made his way forward.
So this is it, he thought. Combat evaluation. Physical aptitude. What are they expecting? Punching targets? Sparring? Real monsters?
In the center of the field stood a man with crossed arms and a gaze like iron. Broad-shouldered, late 30s, with cropped steel-gray hair and an old scar over one cheek, he wore a leather battle coat and a set of reinforced greaves. His expression didn't change as Ezra approached.
"You Ezra Carter?" the man asked.
Ezra nodded. "Yeah."
The man gave a short nod. "Instructor Calen. I run initial evaluations."
Calen sized him up with a practiced eye.
Young. Calm. Too calm. Either arrogant or tightly coiled.
"You'll be evaluated with a standard F-Rank summon test. Nothing too lethal. One summoned monster. Your job: survive, adapt, and eliminate. That's all."
Ezra stayed silent, eyes fixed.
Calen pointed to a summoning platform near the center.
"You'll be confined to that circle. No weapons provided. You'll have to rely on your instincts and whatever skills you've got. Understood?"
Ezra nodded. "Understood."
Calen raised a hand and called over a robed guild worker. The man nodded and activated the ritual circle beneath the platform.
Calen stepped back. "This is a live test. No audience beyond staff. The rules are simple: don't die. Show me what you've got. When the summon appears, the test begins."
The worker raised his hand.
"Commence F-Rank evaluation!"
A glowing magic circle ignited beneath Ezra's feet, followed by a second forming a few meters ahead. Symbols rotated. Air shimmered. Light pulsed.
Ezra crouched slightly, ready.
Let's see what kind of monster I'm up against.
There was a burst of crimson light—and from the summoning circle emerged a skittering shape.
THUNK. THUNK. THUNK.
A giant spider clambered into view, its legs twitching and snapping, its hairy black carapace glinting in the sun. Its multiple red eyes glowed with primal aggression.
Ezra's eyes narrowed.
"Appraisal."
A translucent screen flashed in front of him.
F-Rank Giant Cave Spider
Type: Beast-Monster (Arachnid)
Threat Level: F
HP: 180
Strength: 20
Speed: 28
Endurance: 15
Skills: Web Shot, Wall Climb, Venom Bite
Description: A hostile, territorial arachnid found in dark, damp cave systems. While weak alone, its venom and web attacks can overwhelm careless adventurers. Known for unpredictable lunges and high-speed movement.
Ezra's lips tightened.
Quick. Poisonous. Weak armor but dangerous if I get caught.
He took a deep breath, rolling his shoulders.
This isn't Earth. And this thing wants to kill me.
Meanwhile, back inside the guild, Lysette ascended the spiral staircase leading to the top floor. Her boots struck stone in quick, measured steps.
She reached a heavy oak door and knocked firmly.
Silence.
Then a calm voice from within: "Come in."
Lysette opened the door and stepped into a large office. Sunlight filtered through tall stained glass windows. Shelves full of ledgers and maps lined the walls. A desk sat at the far end, behind which a figure sat with his back turned to her.
Only the silhouette was visible—broad shoulders, long cloak draped across the chair, and short-cropped hair like black iron.
The Guildmaster.
He didn't look back.
"What's the situation?" he asked, voice low and firm.
Lysette stepped forward and closed the door behind her.
"We may have found an anomaly," she said.
The Guildmaster's eyes narrowed.
"Speak."
Ezra stood alone in the summoning circle, blade in hand, facing down the giant cave spider. Its legs twitched with unnatural speed, red eyes glowing like coals. The air between them was thick with tension.
Fast. It's faster than I expected. I need to get close... maybe I can take a leg out before it jumps.
He moved first. Ezra dashed forward with sharp momentum, his black and silver jacket flaring behind him. He raised his knife and slashed at the spider's face.
But the beast hissed and reacted instantly—spitting webs to the ceiling and yanking itself upward in a blur.
Ezra skidded to a stop.
It dodged. Smart.
He followed up, leaping to slash again, but the spider bounced across the walls and pillars of web, zigzagging like a predator on a leash.
Ezra clenched his teeth.
It's using the whole field. I can't match that speed. One mistake and I'm done.
Suddenly, the spider twisted mid-air, slammed its sticky legs into a wall, and launched itself downward.
CRACK!
The spider headbutted Ezra square in the gut.
The impact hurled him backward like a ragdoll. He crashed against the ground several meters away, air knocked from his lungs.
Ezra lay there, winded, pain flashing through his ribs.
That... hurt.
Up in the observation ledge, Instructor Calen folded his arms.
"He's slow to adjust," one instructor muttered.
"He has instincts, but no plan," another said.
"He's not done," Calen replied, eyes steady. "Watch."
Higher still, on the rooftop balcony outside the Guildmaster's chamber, a shadowed figure watched the field. Beside him stood Lysette, silent.
The Guildmaster—still seated—leaned slightly forward, one glowing emerald eye narrowing.
"Hm..." he murmured. "He's holding back. Or waiting."
Lysette frowned. What is he seeing that I'm not?
Ezra rose, wincing, gripping his knife again.
The spider resumed its frenzy—bounding across walls, bouncing from web to stone. It circled him, weaving a web of confusion.
Ezra spun, trying to keep up. He slashed once, twice—missed both times.
Focus. Breathe. Think.
He stopped attacking. Closed his eyes. Let the wind speak.
The instructors watching murmured.
"What's he doing?"
"Is he giving up?"
"Should we stop the test?"
Before any decision could be made, a heavy voice called from behind them:
"No. Let him keep going."
They turned to see a towering dwarf—thick like a granite wall, one glowing emerald eye, and a thunderous presence.
Gorran Ironsoul, the Guildmaster.
"Guildmaster?!" the instructors gasped.
One stepped forward. "Sir, he might be seriously hurt if we continue—"
Gorran raised a hand. "He's fine. I see something in that boy. Let's see if I'm right."
Lysette stood quietly behind him, her eyes flicking back to Ezra. Why is the Guildmaster so invested in him?
Back in the arena, Ezra whispered to himself.
Devour… it doesn't just absorb enemies. It absorbs energy. Essence. Skills. If I time it right...
Another slash from the spider. It grazed his cheek.
Another leap—his sleeve was torn.
Still, Ezra didn't flinch.
Then he closed his fist, lowered his stance, and whispered:
"Devour."
A pulse of black-violet energy spiraled down his arm. Runic lines flared from shoulder to knuckles, wrapping his hand in a swirling vortex of power. His fist crackled with absorbing force—like smoke being drawn inward.
The spider launched again, aiming to headbutt.
Ezra waited—until the last possible moment—then swung.
BAM!
His right hook connected with the spider's skull.
There was a blinding flash of violet light as the Devour skill activated.
A system screen appeared before him:
Devour Activation Complete
Skills Acquired:
Web Threading – Allows Ezra to create short-distance webbing from his fingertips. Usable for temporary binding or swinging. Limited quantity based on mana and stamina.
Wall-Crawler Instinct – Ezra can scale walls or ceilings if barefoot or gloved. Grants silent movement on vertical surfaces.
Poison Resistance (Basic) – Provides minor resistance to weak venoms and natural toxins. Reduces poison duration and potency.
Essence Absorbed:
Trait Fragment: Arachnid Reflexes – Slight boost to agility and spatial awareness when in combat.
The spider crashed to the ground—dazed, stunned, and twitching. Not dead—but broken.
Up above, every instructor was silent.
Lysette's eyes widened. "What… was that?"
One instructor murmured, "He absorbed it. Mid-combat. No spell. No chant."
The guildmaster grinned. "He figured it out."
Lysette turned to him. "What do you mean?"
"Just watch," Gorran said, leaning on his hammer. "He's not done yet."
Ezra looked down at his hand, where faint wisps of black-violet energy still curled and faded from his knuckles—the remnants of his Devour skill. The combat screen hovered in front of him, displaying the new abilities he had absorbed from the giant spider.
Skills Acquired:
Web Threading – Allows Ezra to create short-distance webbing from his fingertips. Usable for temporary binding or swinging. Limited quantity based on mana and stamina.
Wall-Crawler Instinct – Ezra can scale walls or ceilings if barefoot or gloved. Grants silent movement on vertical surfaces.
Poison Resistance (Basic) – Provides minor resistance to weak venoms and natural toxins. Reduces poison duration and potency.
Ezra read the descriptions silently, absorbing each detail.
Webbing, climbing, and resistance... I really did take something from that thing. This could work.
He looked back toward the spider, now shakily rising to its legs. The damage from his last attack had left it stunned, but not finished.
Still standing, huh? Fine. Let's test these out.
The giant spider suddenly screeched and lunged forward in a wild dash.
Ezra didn't hesitate.
He raised his hand toward the ceiling. "Web Threading!"
A strand of shimmering white webbing launched from his palm, clinging to the ceiling beam. In one quick motion, Ezra yanked himself upward just as the spider's claws slashed the space where he had been.
Effortlessly, he flipped midair, his boots meeting the ceiling as if it were solid ground.
"Wall-Crawler," he muttered.
He stuck upside down, defying gravity, and looked down at the confused monster. His golden eyes narrowed.
"Let's finish this."
He coiled his legs.
THWUMP.
Ezra launched himself from the ceiling with powerful momentum, descending in a perfect arc. While midair, he drew his knife in a reverse grip.
The spider raised its legs to defend—but too slow.
SLASH!
The blade pierced through the spider's chitinous skull. Purple ichor burst outward as the beast gave a final twitch, then collapsed in a heap.
Dead.
Silence stretched across the training field.
The guild workers stared.
Lysette's lips parted slightly. "He… actually…"
But the Guildmaster grinned wide, arms crossed over his barrel chest.
"I knew it," Gorran said. "He would do it. He wins."
He turned toward the nearest guild worker.
"Well? Call it!"
The stunned worker jolted upright. "Y-Yes, Guildmaster!"
He rushed over to the system terminal and activated the test evaluation system.
A crystal-clear voice echoed across the field:
"Combat Evaluation Complete! Ezra Carter has passed the Adventurer Guild Entrance Test!"
Ezra heard the announcement as he stood over the spider's corpse. His breathing slowed, his stance relaxed.
I passed... he thought. I really passed.
Another screen shimmered in front of him.
Level Up!
+1 Level
+10 Health Points
+6 Mana
+3 Strength
+4 Agility
+2 Endurance
+1 Luck
+1 Charm
Ezra blinked as the light from the screen faded. He felt it—not just physically, but inside. Power. Momentum. Growth.
"Open Status."
A new screen appeared.
Name: Ezra Carter
Age: 18
Race: Human (Otherworlder)
Level: 2
Class: Gluttony Mage
Titles: Summoning Accident, The Unchosen
Hunger Level: Mild
Health Points (HP): 120
Magic Points (MP): 86
Strength: 13
Agility: 16
Endurance: 10
Mana: 18
Luck: 6
Charm: 5
Normal Skills: Appraisal
Ability Skills: Web Threading, Wall-Crawler Instinct, Poison Resistance
Magic Skills: None yet
Unique Skill: Devour
Weapons: Combat Knife (Iron), None Enchanted
Items:
Bag of 80 million gold
Royal-issued black-crimson knife
Ezra studied it all in silence.
Level 2. I'm still weak... but I'm not nothing. I'll keep climbing.
He sheathed his blade and turned away from the corpse.
The heavy training room doors creaked open as the dust from Ezra's fight began to settle. Instructor Calen walked across the field, his boots crunching lightly over the cracked stone and bloodied monster remains.
Ezra turned slightly, still catching his breath, as the older man approached.
Calen nodded to him with a faint smirk. "You've got grit, Carter. Not many rookies impress me, but you just might make something of yourself."
He paused, then added, "Congrats. You passed."
Ezra straightened, wiped the sweat from his brow, and gave a quiet nod.
"You'll need to report back to the front desk," Calen continued. "Finish your registration with the receptionist. She'll give you your ID badge and run you through the mission protocols. After that, you're on your own."
Ezra nodded again. "Got it."
With that, he turned and began walking through the hallway. The adrenaline still buzzed in his limbs, but his face remained composed.
Passed. Not bad, he thought. Time to see what comes next.
He pushed through the inner doors and entered the familiar wide entry hall of the Iron Fang Adventurer Guild. The sound of voices, clinking tankards, and footsteps filled the air.
At the far end, standing neatly behind the polished desk, was Lysette Arven.
She spotted him immediately.
Her citrine-gold eyes sparkled faintly as she offered a faint, knowing smile. "Back already?"
Ezra walked up to the counter. "Yeah. I passed."
"I heard," Lysette replied, raising a brow. "Word travels fast around here. Nicely done."
She tapped a crystal tablet beside her. "Now we finish the boring part."
Ezra stood still as she continued.
"You've already done the magical affinity scan and the physical evaluation. So now, we finalize your registry. That includes setting your guild rank, issuing your badge, and walking you through the mission board system."
Ezra nodded, watching as she moved quickly, her fingers gliding across the tablet.
"This," she said, holding up a small silver-and-black pendant, "is your Guild Identification Badge. It's engraved with your name, rank, and guild seal. You'll need it for accepting missions, confirming completions, and entering restricted zones."
She handed it to him. Ezra took it, flipping it between his fingers. His name was etched beside a small fanged wolf emblem—F-Rank.
"Now," Lysette continued, "behind you, along that wall, is the Mission Board. It's divided by rank, from F all the way to S. You can only take missions that match your current rank or one rank above if you get approval."
She pointed discreetly. "Green border for F-rank. Start there. Most are monster culling, herb gathering, courier work—safe, but tedious. Still, good coin and good training."
Ezra followed her words carefully. "Got it."
Structured. Easy enough. I'll start low, climb up, he thought.
Lysette gave a short nod of approval. "All set. You're officially registered."
She tilted her head slightly, a hint of amusement in her tone. "Congratulations, Ezra Carter. You're now an official F-Rank adventurer of the Iron Fang Guild."
Ezra clipped the badge to his belt and gave the faintest of smiles.
"Thanks."
Lysette gave Ezra a final glance as she tapped her fingers against the desk. "You're free to head over to the mission board now if you want to take your first job. Or… come back tomorrow. It's entirely up to you."
She gave a small, genuine smile. "Again—congrats on officially joining the Iron Fang Guild, Ezra."
Ezra looked at her for a moment, nodded once. "Thanks."
Lysette's eyes softened. "No problem. Hope to see you again soon."
With that, Ezra turned and began walking toward the guild doors.
From a shadowed corridor just behind the reception desk, the Guildmaster stepped into the light. Gorran Ironsoul watched Ezra's back as he walked.
"That boy…" Gorran said, almost to himself, "He's going to become something big someday."
Lysette turned toward the dwarf and crossed her arms. "Maybe," she said, her tone even. "He's cold. Quiet. But… there's talent there. He just doesn't let anyone see it."
Gorran let out a gruff laugh. "The ones who change the world never look like heroes in the beginning. Just give him time. That one's going to shake the realms."
Lysette glanced back at the guild doors as they closed behind Ezra.
Change the world…? she thought. Maybe the Guildmaster's right.
Outside, Ezra noticed the golden hue of late afternoon painting the city rooftops.
It's getting late. I'll head back to The Broken Chalice. I can start fresh tomorrow, he thought.
He walked quietly through the cobblestone streets, the city a little more familiar now.
One day ago, I was in a classroom. Then summoned. Now I've killed a monster and joined a guild.
He shook his head slowly. All in one day...
Minutes later, Ezra arrived at the familiar façade of The Broken Chalice Inn. Warm lights glowed from inside. He opened the door and stepped in.
The smell of roasted meat and fresh bread greeted him.
Nia was near the hearth, balancing trays of food while chatting with guests. She looked up and spotted him immediately.
Her face lit up. "Hey, Ezra!"
He walked toward her. "Yeah?"
"How'd it go? Did you pass?"
Ezra nodded. "Yeah. I did."
Nia clapped her hands together. "Awesome! You're an adventurer now! Congrats."
Suddenly, a young voice rang out, "Big brother Ezra!"
Ezra and Nia both turned.
Tim came running up from the stairs, practically skidding to a stop.
"Nia told me you signed up to be an adventurer!" Tim beamed. "Did you make it?"
Ezra nodded again. "Yeah. I made it."
Tim's amber eyes sparkled. "Awesome! You're amazing, big bro Ezra! I wanna be an adventurer someday too! Just like you!"
Ezra gave the faintest of smirks.
"Calm down, Tim," Nia giggled, gently nudging him. "Let the guy breathe."
Tim grinned. "Okay, big sis Nia." Then he turned back to Ezra, throwing his arms up. "Congrats, big bro Ezra!"
Ezra nodded once more and started toward the stairs to his room.
At the counter, Granz stood watching. The old veteran's eyes met Ezra's. He gave him a quiet, approving nod.
Ezra returned it.
Upstairs, Ezra unlocked his door and stepped into the quiet room. He walked over to the bed, sat down, and exhaled deeply.
One day. One crazy, impossible day, he thought. Summoned. Fought a monster. Passed the guild test. Joined Iron Fang.
He looked at the ceiling.
No way home… but maybe, just maybe, I can survive here.
His limbs grew heavier. His vision blurred.
Ezra's eyes slowly closed, his breath evening out.
Sleep took him.
The room was quiet. Dawn filtered gently through the windows of The Broken Chalice, casting golden beams across the worn wood of Ezra's bedside.
But he didn't stir.
Ezra was trapped.
In a dream.
In a nightmare.
Darkness pressed against his mind like cold stone, suffocating and endless.
In his dream, Ezra sat in the backseat of a car—the car. His parents' laughter echoed warmly from the front. He saw their faces. His mother, her soft smile. His father, eyes sharp with quiet love. They looked back at him.
"Ezra!" his father called, smiling in the rearview mirror.
And then—
Metal twisted.
Glass shattered.
Screams were cut short.
The world turned red and white.
The crash.
"Ezra…!"
"Mom! Dad!!" Ezra screamed, reaching forward, trying to grab them—stop it—do something—but he was too slow. Too weak.
He saw it again.
And again.
And again.
The wreckage.
The fire.
His hands pressed uselessly against broken glass.
Then came the voices.
"You couldn't save them."
"You're weak."
"You survived when they didn't. Why?"
"You're a failure."
"You can't save anyone."
"You didn't deserve to live."
The world shifted.
The crash faded.
Now there was only black. A void. Ezra stood alone, the cold of the space pressing against his skin.
"Who's there?" he shouted into the nothing. "Why are you saying this?"
The voices echoed all around him, multiplying, overlapping.
"We are watching."
"We see what you hide."
"We know your feelings, Ezra."
"You lie to yourself."
"I am you."
"No," Ezra said. "You're not."
Suddenly, red eyes blinked open all across the void. Dozens. Hundreds. Glowing eyes staring directly at him from the blackness, burning with hunger and judgment.
Ezra stumbled back. "What… what is this?!"
The red eyes blinked in unison.
"You are never alone."
"We are always watching."
"We know your fear."
"We see your pain."
A figure began to take shape amidst the blinking red. It looked exactly like him—half black, half silver hair. Golden eyes glowing.
But different.
Darker.
Colder.
"I'm the part you deny," the void-Ezra said. "The voice you bury. The truth you run from."
Ezra stared, shaking his head. "What truth?"
"That you couldn't save them. That you never will save anyone. You live… because they died."
"Shut up!" Ezra barked. "I could've saved them!"
"No," the void version whispered, smiling. "You're not their salvation. You're their punishment."
"You liar!" Ezra screamed.
"You know it's true. Deep in your heart."
Ezra charged forward, fist flying.
The punch went right through the shadow.
The void laughed. A cruel, hollow sound.
"You know what you have to do."
Ezra paused. "What… what do you mean?"
The shadow's smile widened, eyes glowing crimson now.
"Forget them. Forget everything. Accept what you are."
Ezra whispered, "What am I?"
The void-Ezra leaned in close and screamed:
"Devour everything!"
The voices around him screamed in unison:
"We are hungry!"
"We want to devour!"
"Eat it all!"
"Devour their lives, their hope, their light!"
Ezra froze.
His body trembled.
"You… you're Devour," he said.
"Yes," the void answered. "And I will never leave you."
Darkness swelled.
The Devour essence poured from the figure like black fire, covering Ezra, choking him in shadows—
—and then he gasped.
He sat bolt upright in bed.
Sweat soaked his skin.
His breath came hard and sharp.
His room. Morning light.
Wooden ceiling. Faint smell of bread from downstairs.
Ezra ran a hand through his hair.
"It was just a dream," he whispered.
But he didn't believe it.
His golden eyes flickered, faintly red for half a heartbeat.
Ezra sat up in bed, sweat clinging to his skin from the nightmare. His breath was still ragged.
"It was just a dream," he muttered. "It means nothing."
But even as he said it, his fingers clenched the edge of the blanket, and his heart thudded a little too loud.
Sunlight poured through the window, warm and golden. A new day.
Ezra stood slowly and stretched, rolling his shoulders, trying to shake the lingering shadows of the nightmare. He got dressed in silence, slipping into the black-and-silver outfit he'd bought his first day. The cloth felt like armor—a layer between him and the world.
"What should I do today…" he said to himself, golden eyes narrowing. "I should head to the guild. Time to get my first mission."
He left his room and walked the halls of The Broken Chalice. As he reached the stairs and made his way down, he was greeted by the clink of mugs and the rich scent of old wood and morning bread.
Granz was behind the counter, cleaning mugs with methodical precision.
When the retired adventurer noticed him, he gave a slow nod. "Not a talker, I see."
Ezra gave a half nod, just as his stomach growled—loudly.
Granz raised a thick brow, then smirked. "Sounds like it, then. You want breakfast, boy?"
Ezra looked away briefly and said, "Yes."
"Good. I'll put in your order, son."
Granz vanished into the back. Ezra found a table and sat, his mind already drifting.
What kind of mission will they have? What will I have to face? Monsters? Bandits? Escort work?
Minutes passed.
Granz returned with a wooden tray and set it down.
"Here's your breakfast."
Ezra looked down at the plate: a thick slice of roasted ham, scrambled eggs, a crusty buttered roll, and a warm mug of broth.
"Thanks," he said.
Granz simply nodded and returned to his post behind the counter, but he kept glancing Ezra's way with a faint, knowing smirk.
Ezra ate quietly. He didn't rush, but he didn't dawdle. When he was finished, he stood and nodded toward Granz.
"Thanks."
"No problem, kid," Granz replied without looking up from a mug he was drying.
Ezra pushed open the inn's door and stepped into the early morning sun. He took a moment to orient himself, then walked toward the Iron Fang Guild.
The city was just beginning to stir. Street vendors were setting up. People swept storefronts and laid out wares. Ezra moved quietly through the cobbled streets, his mind clear now, focused.
Within minutes, he reached the massive doors of the guild hall.
He pushed one open.
As soon as he stepped inside, heads turned.
Adventurers from different corners of the guild hall stopped drinking, laughing, and talking. Their eyes locked on Ezra.
He heard the whispers:
"That's the kid from yesterday."
"Did you hear how he passed the test? Fought a giant spider solo."
"I heard he used some kind of weird devouring magic."
"Looks cold. Dangerous."
Ezra didn't respond. He didn't even glance their way. He walked straight to the reception counter.
Behind it, as always, stood Lysette Arven.
She looked up and smiled faintly. "Welcome, Ezra. How can I help you today?"
"Mission," he said simply.
Lysette nodded. "Straight to business. I like that. First mission, right? Since you're F-Rank, you'll want to pick from the left side of the mission board." She pointed across the guildhall. "Only F-rank missions are available to you for now. Look for the green-bordered notices."
Ezra nodded once.
He made his way to the mission board and stood in front of the tall wall of parchment notices.
He scanned them.
[F-RANK MISSION: HERB COLLECTION]
Details: Collect 10 bundles of Ironleaf from the Western Forest. Watch out for small beasts and toxic plants.
[F-RANK MISSION: RAT INFESTATION]
Details: A local tavern reports a growing rat problem in their cellar. Exterminate and return with proof.
[F-RANK MISSION: LOST DOG]
Details: A noble child lost their prized pet near the marketplace. Reward for safe return. Dog is white with a red ribbon.
[F-RANK MISSION: COURIER NEEDED]
Details: Deliver a sealed package from the guild to the apothecary in the lower district. Avoid damage or tampering.
Ezra's eyes moved across the options.
Something simple, he thought.
But something useful.
He reached toward the board.
Ezra's golden eyes scanned the mission board again, his gaze narrowing slightly.
[F-RANK MISSION: HERB COLLECTION]
Details: Collect 10 bundles of Ironleaf from the Western Forest. Watch out for small beasts and toxic plants. Return with proof of collection.
He reached forward, tugged the parchment from the board, and looked it over.
Herb collection… simple. But it gets me outside the city. Good way to test what I can do without risking everything.
Ezra turned and walked back to the front desk, the mission slip in hand. Lysette saw him coming and lifted an eyebrow, smiling slightly.
"So quickly?" she asked. "What did you pick?"
Ezra handed over the parchment. She glanced down, eyes flicking across the mission details.
"Ah," she said. "Herb collection. A classic first job. You'll be heading to the Western Forest—nothing too far, but you'll want to be cautious. It's not completely safe."
She looked up at him. "The Western Forest may be low-tier, but it's still wild. Watch out for Horned Rabbits—they're quick and territorial. Goblins sometimes wander near the edge in small groups, so don't let your guard down. And keep an eye out for slimes. Harmless alone, but if you're careless, they can overwhelm you."
"Your task is to find and collect 10 full bundles of Ironleaf. They're sharp-edged, metallic green leaves, often growing near rocks and running water. Return them here for proof and you'll get your reward."
Ezra nodded silently, listening intently.
"Do you understand everything?" Lysette asked.
"Yes."
"Good," she said, handing the parchment back. "You can take it to the gate officers at the city's western exit. They'll stamp it and let you through. Good luck, Ezra."
Ezra nodded again, turned, and started walking toward the guild doors.
Lysette watched him go.
Quiet as always, she thought. But focused. If he's already thinking ahead, he'll be fine. Let's see how he handles the open world.
A voice behind her spoke.
"So, the newbie picked his first mission."
She turned to see Guildmaster Gorran Ironsoul, arms crossed, his one glowing eye fixed in the direction Ezra had gone.
"Yes," Lysette replied. "Herb collection in the Western Forest."
Gorran grunted. "Good. It'll test his instincts. And with that Devour skill…" he paused, then smirked, "...he'll be just fine. Or we'll know if he won't."
Meanwhile, Ezra moved through the bustling streets. The morning sun had climbed higher now, and the shops and stalls were alive with sound. He passed bakeries, vendors, mercenaries, and townsfolk.
His mind remained focused.
Time to see what the outside world has to offer.
He moved with purpose.
Toward the Western Gate.
To be continued...