The birds sang as the trees swayed gently in the morning breeze. Riko, caught off guard by the question, didn't know how to respond. "Well, uh… I learned it from a book on the bookshelf at home," Riko replied, smiling awkwardly.
"And what book exactly?" Ruther asked, his tone serious and deep.
Riko grew nervous; he had no choice but to answer truthfully. "Well, it's this red book with no title on it. I mean, did you not notice it on the bookshelf?" A bead of sweat slid down his cheek.
Ruther straightened up, regaining his composure. "Riko… we've never owned a red book."
That exact phrase he said to me… I couldn't shake the confusion. If they never owned it, then why was it there? Riko thought, puzzled by the whole situation.
"Riko, never mind that for now. Once we're back home, we're going to talk about it with your mom," Ruther said, picking up his wooden sword, his expression still serious.
"Oh, uh… okay," Riko replied, still distracted by thoughts of the book.
Uh oh. Am I in trouble or something? Because if someone ever says, 'We're going to talk about it with your mom,' you just know you're screwed.
Riko and Ruther continued their usual training routine.
Riko was completely overwhelmed—his legs felt like jelly, his arms were useless, and overall, he felt like complete crap. Collapsed on the ground, drenched in sweat and pale as a ghost, Riko let out a long, dramatic sigh. "Dad… can we go home now?" he groaned weakly, sounding like he was on the verge of death.
Ruther replied casually, "Nah, let's keep on going!" He said it with a bright smile, as if he didn't even notice Riko looking completely pale.
Riko groaned loudly, forcing himself back up like a zombie rising from the grave. "Dad… but I'm tired…" he complained, dragging his feet.
Ruther chuckled. "I'm just kidding, Riko. Look, it's getting dark—let's head back home."
He bent down, offering his back. Riko didn't hesitate and hopped on, too tired to argue. As they walked, the trees swayed gently in the evening breeze. A breathtaking sunset painted the sky in pink and orange hues, while fireflies began to light up the path like tiny stars.
"Riko," Ruther said with a soft smile, "have you ever thought about going to the University of Magic?"
Riko rested his cheek against Ruther's shoulder. "University of Magic? Oh yeah, I've heard about it. I do want to go… but only if Shizo can come with me." He smiled faintly, his voice tired but sincere.
Ruther let out a nostalgic scoff. "You remind me of my younger self—same hair of course, same personality. I wanted to go too, so I joined the Adventurers' Guild to earn the money myself." He gazed at the glowing sunset as they walked, a hint of fondness in his eyes.
Riko listened intently, intrigued by what Ruther was about to say next.
"Your mom… she wanted to go with me too," Ruther said softly. "But she couldn't afford it. So I worked harder to earn the money. Once I did, I was able to get us both into the University. It wasn't easy, though—money was tight after all."
Riko gazed at the sun, a small smile spreading across his face. "Dad… I have something to say. I've decided—I'm going to become an adventurer." His voice held confidence, and his smile widened.
Ruther narrowed his eyes. "Oh, really? But you know I could just pay for you to get into the University," he said, offering help.
Riko shook his head, determination blazing in his eyes. "I know you wouldn't pay for Shizo, and… I just want to experience it myself. I want to know what it truly feels like to be an adventurer. I want to explore the world," he said, gripping his wooden sword with resolve.
Ruther chuckled softly, a warm smile on his face. "Sure… I guess that's the plan then, Riko."
They arrived and sat at the dinner table, eating peacefully. Riko, however, sat nervously next to Shizo. Ah crap… I totally forgot about the whole teleportation magic thingy. And what makes it even worse… SHIZO IS STILL HERE, RIGHT NEXT TO ME!
Ruther finished eating and gently set down his spoon. "So, Riko… do you have something to say to your mother?" he asked, serious and sincere.
Riko let out a nervous sigh. "M-mom… I have a confession to make," he said, sweat beading on his forehead.
"Hm? What is it, Riko?" Rimara asked, concern lacing her tone.
Riko took a deep breath, gathering his courage. "I-I used teleportation magic."
Rimara's eyes widened. "Teleportation magic? Ruther, is that true?" she demanded, turning to Ruther.
Ruther sighed. "Yes… I saw it when Riko and I were in the middle of training."
Rimara turned back to Riko, covering her mouth as if trying to stifle shock. "Riko… where did you learn that magic?" she asked, worry in her voice.
Riko gulped, staring down at his food. "I-I learned it from a red book… no title on it," he said nervously.
Dammit… don't tell me that's a bad thing, he panicked internally.
Rimara frowned, puzzled. "A red book? No title? Ruther, we never owned a red book before," she said, clearly concerned.
"That's what I said. Riko… where's the book now?" Ruther asked, his tone firm.
Riko hesitated. "It's upstairs… under my bed," he replied.
"Well, can you show it to us?" Ruther pressed.
Uh oh… I'm definitely screwed, Riko thought, panicking.
He got up from his seat and headed upstairs. After a few minutes, he returned, holding the book out. "Here," he said, extending it in his right hand.
Ruther's expression shifted—confusing and unreadable—but he looked genuinely puzzled. "Riko… I see nothing on your hand," he said.
Riko's eyes widened, completely silent as he stared at the book. "What do you mean? It's right here!" He pointed.
"Riko… there is no book in your hand," Rimara said, confusion written across her face.
Riko turned to Shizo, his voice tinged with desperation. "Shizo… can you see it?"
Shizo shook her head. "No… I can't," she replied quietly.
And that's when I realized… this is seriously bad. They can't see the book at all. It's like it's invisible to them.
"Riko… are you sure you saw a red book?" Ruther asked, concern heavy in his tone.
"Well… uh, yeah. You guys really can't see it?" Riko asked, sweat forming on his brow.
They all answered in unison: "Nope."
Ruther stood and walked over to Riko, placing a firm hand on his shoulder. "Riko… listen," he said seriously. "The reason we're worried about that magic you used… it's because it's forbidden."
Riko's mind raced; he could barely believe what he'd heard. "Forbidden…?" he whispered.
"Riko, you're not in trouble," Rimara said quickly, trying to soothe him. "We just want you to understand—no matter what, do not cast that spell in front of anyone else."
Ruther's face grew grave. "If the capital—or the queen—learns about this, you'll be executed."
Riko's eyes went wide with pure terror.
Executed?! No. No— I can't die like that. Getting killed is the last thing I want.
Shizo jumped to her feet, cheeks flushed with outrage. "Nuh‑uh! Riko would never get killed! He's strong and smart. If they try to take him, I'll make them take me!" she shouted, voice shaking but fierce.
"Shizo…" Riko whispered, still in shock.
Rimara and Ruther exchanged a look, then scoffed.
"Well… I mean, sure," Ruther said. "But just this once, Riko, take our advice—don't ever use it in front of anyone, okay?"
Riko nodded. "Okay…"
He took a deep breath, summoning his confidence. "And also… Mom, Dad, when I'm older, I'm heading off to become an adventurer."
Rimara's face lit up in shock. "Huh?! But that's way too soon to decide, Riko! Ruther, is that true?!"
Ruther sighed, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Yep. Riko told me about it. He said he wanted to go to the University of Magic, and I told him I could literally pay for it… but he decided to become an adventurer so he could get Shizo—"
Before Ruther could finish, Riko clamped his hand over his father's mouth.
"Shhh! Dad, it's a surprise! Shizo doesn't know about the University thing!" he whispered, panic rising.
Dammit, Ruther… can you ever keep your mouth shut?! Riko thought, sweating nervously.
He quickly turned to Shizo to see if she'd overheard, but her expression was unreadable—she looked utterly confused. Riko released Ruther, who gasped for air. "Riko, I thought you already told her about it!" Ruther whispered, clutching his chest.
"Nope. I'll tell her when I get the money," Riko said, grinning confidently.
Rimara leaned in and teased him softly, "Okay, maybe our future daughter-in-law will be delighted!"
Riko froze, completely caught off guard. Heat rushed to his face as it turned bright red. "Eh!" he stammered, stumbling back.
Daughter-in-law?!
Rimara chuckled softly. "Don't worry, Riko. You're going to become a fine young man."
Ruther chuckled, Rimara also did, and Shizo walked back to Riko's side as they continued their dinner.
I trained non-stop everyday… and I became shredded as hell. Seriously, shredded. Hehe, am I going to get all the girls now like those protagonists? Riko thought, smirking. Well… not really my goal. I mastered my sword techniques, my speed even surpassed Ruther's, and my magic—yeah, that's impressive even for me. This… this is where my journey truly begins.
9 years later…
Birds sang as the morning sun bathed the village in light. The grass swayed like waves, and so did the trees. "Riko!" Rimara called.
"Coming!" he shouted back, sprinting downstairs. Sunlight caught his hair, lifting it as he ran.
"Good morning, Riko. Did you get everything ready before you go?" Rimara asked, a soft smile on her face.
"Yeah, I did," he replied, returning the smile.
Rimara's hand rested gently on his cheek. "Time really flies… it feels like my little boy is gone. You've grown so much, Riko."
Yeah… I'm as shocked as you too, Rimara. Nine years already, and it doesn't feel like it's been that long. Finally sixteen. Finally, I'm legally able to be an adventurer.
Suddenly, Ruther swung a wooden sword from behind.
Riko dodged instantly. "Woah! Oh hey, Dad," he said, grinning.
Ruther, now sporting a mustache and beard, smiled warmly. "Seems like you're ready, Riko. Sharp as ever."
Ruther cried dramatically, throwing his arms around Riko. "OHOH! MY BOY! HE'S GROWN SO DAMN MUCH!" He sobbed like someone had just died.
Riko smiled awkwardly. "Hehe… yeah…"
Then someone familiar entered through the front door—long red hair, beautiful eyes.
"SHIZO!" Riko called out.
Her expression shifted, tinged with sadness. "Hey, Riko… is it true? You really have to go?"
Ah, yes… Shizo. She had only gotten cuter over the years. She's way too damn cute for me! he thought, blushing.
"Yeah, but don't worry. I'll come back as soon as possible. Just wait patiently for—" Before he could finish, Shizo hugged him tightly.
Tears streamed down her cheeks. "Riko… please don't forget about me. You mean so much to me… without you, I have no one," she whispered, her voice catching in her throat.
Riko smiled softly and hugged her back. "Don't worry, Shizo. I'll never forget you… you mean a lot to me too and besides I'll be coming back soon enough," he murmured gently.
"You mean it?" she asked, looking up at him.
"Of course, Shizo," Riko said, locking eyes with her.
AAAAH! I'm too close… TOO CLOSE! He panicked internally, his face heating up.
Ruther walked up to Riko, handing him a set of clothing. A black and gray robe, a black compressed turtleneck long-sleeve shirt, and black pants. "Riko, take these. These were my old clothes and robe from when I was an adventurer. It may not be much, but they're great for close combat," he said, smiling.
Riko took the clothes, smiling with gratitude. "Thanks, Dad."
Rimara clapped her hands together. "It's getting late, Riko. The carriage might leave any minute now."
Riko nodded. "Right!" He grabbed his belongings and headed for the door.
Well… time to go. But before that— he paused to hug Rimara.
Her eyes widened, a soft smile on her face. "Bye, Mom… I'll miss all of you," Riko whispered, tears brimming in his eyes.
She rubbed his back gently. "Don't cry, Riko. I'll miss you too… we all will. Just don't die on me, okay?"
WHY WOULD YOU SAY SUCH A THING?! he thought, utterly shocked.
Riko waved, bidding farewell to everyone. "Bye, Mom! Dad! And especially you, Shizo!" he shouted, a wide, bright grin on his face.
They waved back, smiling as they watched him run off into the distance. "Farewell, Riko…" Ruther whispered, tears streaming down his face.
As Riko ran, he spotted a carriage in the distance. Catching his attention, he dashed toward it and arrived almost instantly. Riko approached the carriage, and a bald old man with a mustache and beard, chewing on a stick noticed him. "Uh… is this carriage heading to the town of Corveil?" Riko asked.
The old man looked at him with sheer disgust. Um,Why is he staring at me like that? Riko thought, a drop of sweat sliding down his cheek.
"Yes, we're going there, but it'll cost 3 silver Veloria coins," the old man said.
"HUH?! But that's way too expensive!" Riko shouted, distraught at the sudden price.
The old man's expression turned even more annoyed. "No payment, no travel. Take it or leave it."
Riko hesitated, glancing into his pouch. Only ten gold and thirty silver Veloria coins. He let out a deep sigh. "Fine… here," he said, devastated to see his money go.
The old man scoffed. "Hmph. Hop on," he grumbled, pointing to the back of the carriage.
"Stupid old man…" Riko muttered under his breath as he climbed aboard.
Why is the carriage so expensive?! Riko thought. Three silver coins is way too much… Well, hehe, I do have a decent amount in my pouch, but maybe I should try to save more. He tapped his chin thoughtfully.
Suddenly, voices sounded outside the carriage. "Hey, how much to get to Corveil?" called out two women and a man. One woman had short black hair, the other long hair with green highlights.
The old man shook his head, chuckling. "For you two young ladies, I'll do one silver Veloria coin each. And for you, young man… three." His tone sharpened as he looked at the man with black hair and piercings in both ears.
"Oh, thanks!" the women said, happily handing over their coins.
Riko was completely angry after hearing the old man giving a discount to the two woman. Damn you… YOU DAMN PERVERTED OLD GEEZER!
"HUH?! BUT WHY DO I HAVE TO PAY MORE?!" the man shouted, completely distraught.
The old man stared him down, annoyed. "No payment, no travel. Take it or leave it, moron." He casually chewed on a stick while pulling it from his mouth.
The man sighed, clearly displeased, but handed over the coins.
The trio climbed aboard and noticed Riko. "Oh… uh, hey…" Riko waved nervously, unsure how to greet them.
"Oh, hello! How's it going?" the woman asked cheerfully.
Riko, shocked by her sudden kindness, straightened up and tried to act confident. "Oh, nothing much. Just heading to the Adventurers Guild at Corveil. How about you?" he asked.
"We're heading there too! In fact, we just came back from a quest… though it turned out to be a disaster," she said, smiling brightly.
Oh wow… other people coming back from a quest, huh? They seem like nice folks, he thought to himself.
Suddenly, the man abruptly stood up. "IT'S NICE TO MEET YOU! MY NAME IS TAKASHI MELLFORN! OR YOU CAN CALL ME TAKI-TAKI!" he shouted, striking a heroic pose.
"CAN YOU BE QUIET BACK THERE, YOU CRAZY BASTARD!" the old man bellowed, clearly fed up.
"EEK!" Takashi squeaked, startled by the sudden outburst.
The old man whipped the horses, and the carriage jolted forward. Takashi slipped and tumbled back into his seat. "OOF!"
"Ignore him," the woman said, smiling warmly. "No one even calls him that. Just call him by his name. Oh! I forgot to introduce myself—my name is Hikari Takayama."
The woman next to her lazily raised her hand. "Miraku Kazehara, but you can just call me Mira," she said, sounding slightly disinterested.
Riko grinned. "My name's Riko Takamo! Nice to meet all of you!" he shouted cheerfully.
"SHUT UP!" the old man bellowed once again.
Riko's body stiffened. "COULD YOU STOP YELLING AT ME, WILL YA?!" he yelled back, completely enraged.
"So, uh, are you interested in joining the guild?" Hikari asked.
Riko nodded and smirked. "Well… yeah. I just want to join so I can earn some money. I'm also looking for parties to join, so I can get access to more quests," he said, awkwardly laughing and rubbing the back of his head.
Hikari smiled. "You're in luck! We just happen to be looking for another comrade. Since our other… comrade… sadly passed away," she said, her expression darkening.
Riko's smile faded. "Oh… sorry to hear that. What happened?" he asked cautiously.
Hikari hesitated. "Oh, uh…"
Regret struck Riko, realizing that it might be too sensitive for him to ask. Uh oh, I probably shouldn't have asked that.
Takashi let out a frustrated sigh, clenching his fists. "Her name was Aisha… Aisha Grimore. A few months ago, the guild announced a plan to raid one of the Generals… but when we joined, we were completely overwhelmed by the General's power," he said through gritted teeth.
Generals? Who—or what—is that? I've never heard of them… but I guess I should ask.
"May I ask… what exactly are the Generals? I'm confused," Riko asked.
"Haven't you heard? The Generals are what they call the followers of the—" Hikari started.
"Primordial Anathema… Tch," Takashi cut in, his voice full of irritation. "That name always gets under my skin, no matter what. Tell me, Riko… you've actually never heard of him?" he asked, staring intently at Riko.
Riko hesitated, nervously searching for the right words. "To be honest… no, I haven't," he admitted.
"What?! Have you been living under a rock?!" Miraku exclaimed, shocked by Riko's response.
Riko chuckled awkwardly, rubbing the back of his head. "Well… uh, not really. I just never heard of him—or the Generals you're talking about," he said, sheepishly.
Yep, that's the truth. I never really cared or paid much attention to any of it.
Takashi didn't waste a second. He leaned forward, voice burning with anger. "The General… the General killed almost every adventurer in the guild. Including Aisha… she was killed right in front of me. The General sliced her head off… dammit, I can't even—" He paused, his fists trembling with rage. "The General's last words to me were: 'I shall spare you, as you will remedy this for the eternity of your life. Know this, I have no regrets for what I did.' That bastard spared me… just to HAUNT ME WITH HER DEATH!" Takashi shouted, pure fury radiating from him.
Just how brutal are these Generals?! These poor people… they had to witness their comrades being killed. I—I wasn't ready for that… not at all. He thought, feeling heavy inside.
"Look, Takashi… you really don't have to go any further, okay?" Riko said gently, trying to make sure Takashi was okay.
Hikari stepped in, attempting to lighten the mood. "Don't worry, it's fine. We got over it—well, not completely. But just hang on tight, we're almost at Corveil."
"Are you sure? I mean… Takashi doesn't seem to be doing too well," Riko added, concern lacing his voice.
Takashi suddenly smiled, laughing as he looked at Riko. "Thanks, dude! You're a great guy!"
Startled by the sudden warmth, Riko reflexively punched him.
Bam!
Takashi clutched his face, eyes wide. "WHY DID YOU DO THAT?!" he shouted, on the verge of tears.
"OH, SORRY, TAKASHI! You just startled me," Riko apologized, awkwardly wiping his fist.
"We're here!" the old man shouted.
Riko hopped off the carriage, eyes wide as he took in the town. Crowds of people bustled about, small market stalls lining the streets. It wasn't huge, but it had a lively, welcoming energy. This place… I never imagined I could actually visit somewhere like this.
His gaze caught a woman with furry ears and a tail. No way! Demi-Humans?!
"Welcome to Corveil, Riko!" Hikari shouted cheerfully.
My real journey begins here. I can't wait to see what this place has to offer.
Takashi wrapped an arm around Riko's shoulder, grinning ear to ear. "Nice, isn't it?! Shall we get going, fellow comrade? I mean… we're friends now, right?"
Comrade? Friend? Since when has anyone besides Shizo called me that? It's been decades… literally decades.
Riko hoisted his bag and stepped forward, feeling a strange sense of peace, almost nostalgic. "Let's head to the Adventurers Guild, Riko!" Hikari shouted.
"Shut up, will ya," Miraku says, carrying her staff with an annoyed expression.
As they entered the guild, Riko noticed the diversity—Demi-Humans and other races mingling with humans, all busy with their own quests. Wow… this is exactly like the fantasy world I always dreamed of. And now… it's real.
He noticed people staring at him. Awkwardly, he tried not to return their gaze. "Takashi, why are they staring at me like that?!" he whispered.
"Oh… uh, dunno, man. Gotta tell you—you're just too damn good-looking. That might be it. Man, I wish I got that kind of attention too," Takashi said, frowning in apparent devastation.
"I'm sixteen, you moron!" Riko whispered.
"Oh, you are? Man, you look like you're twenty-one… so you're like a year younger than me. Hehe," Takashi teased.
HOW DO I LOOK THAT OLD?!
Wait… you're seventeen?
Hikari tugged at him energetically. "Riko, sign here! Meet Fidel! She's my childhood friend!"
"Nice to meet you, Riko! Signing up is simple. Just place your hand on this machine, and it will measure your mana level," Fidel said politely.
Riko smiled. "Pleasure to meet you, Fidel. Do I just pour mana into it?"
"Well, not exactly. You need to concentrate on your aura. The machine reads the aura to determine your mana level," she explained.
"Oh… okay." Riko closed his eyes, letting his aura swirl around him calmly. Blue sparkles danced across his form, lifting his hair slightly.
The machine beeped. "Riko, it appears your mana rank is C! Congratulations on your ranking."
Riko's face paled, disbelief written all over him. "Rank C…?" he whispered.
BULLSHIT! HOW AM I RANKED C?! Riko thought, frustrated from the results.
Takashi burst out laughing at Riko. "BAHAHA! RANK C—"
Before he could finish, Hikari's fist connected to the back of Takashi's head.
WHAM!
"SHUT UP! YOU'RE RANKED D, SO STOP LAUGHING!" Hikari shouted, her face red with frustration.
Takashi clutched his head, rolling on the floor. "OW! OW! OW! DID YOU REALLY HAVE TO PUNCH ME?!" he yelled.
"Ignore him, Riko. That's how Takashi is." She said, smiling softly.
Hikari turned to Fidel, quickly shifting gears. "Now, Fidel, what quests are available for us?"
Meanwhile, Riko's mind was elsewhere, spinning out of control.
Rank C, Rank C, Rank C, Rank C… RANK C?! NOOOOO!!!
The guild receptionist handed over a rolled-up map with a confident smile.
"Oh, I have a special one for your party. You have to eliminate the red ogres and destroy their territory in the Forest of Ryeville."
Hikari snatched the map with determined eyes. "Count us in."
"HUH?!" Miraku gasped. "WHO AGREED TO THAT?!" She shouted.
Hikari turned back at Miraku, smirking and giving her a thumbs-up. "Hehe."
Few minutes later, Riko and the others are on a carriage. The carriage creaked along the dirt road, wheels rattling. Riko sat stiffly in his seat, pale as a ghost, whispering to himself over and over. Meanwhile, the others were too busy bickering to notice.
"Hikari, what's wrong with you?!" Miraku barked. "We didn't agree to fight those pigs!"
"Look, it pays well. And besides, we had no choice," Hikari shot back, crossing her arms.
"Who's 'we'…?" Takashi muttered, eyebrow twitching.
Riko, snapping back to reality. He felt an uneasy feeling, a feeling that something's off.
Wait… something isn't right.
Riko's body stiffened. His heartbeat quickened, instincts screaming.
The air—
The silence—
No way…
His eyes snapped wide. "EVERYONE, GET DOWN!!—"
BOOM!
The carriage exploded in a thunderous blast, flames swallowing wood and wheels alike. Takashi was launched into a tree with a sickening thud, while Hikari slammed into the ground, both knocked unconscious. Miraku barely managed to summon a shimmering barrier in time, skidding back from the impact.
Riko twisted midair and landed on his feet. The dirt beneath him cracked.
"Tch—?!"
A massive blade cleaved toward him from the smoke. His gasp echoed as his pupils shrank. "Guh—!"
He barely ducked, the tip of the weapon grazing through his hair.
SHING!
The swing tore through the forest, splitting trees like twigs. The shockwave detonated in the distance, scattering leaves like confetti.
BOOM!
Heavy footsteps echoed from the smoke. A figure emerged—black armor, crimson cape flowing like blood, red hair cascading down his back. A thin mustache and stubble framed his mouth. His gaze was cold, sharp… demanding.
"Who gave you permission to trespass on my lord's territory?" His deep voice rumbled through the clearing.
Riko clenched his fists, stepping back. "Just who the hell are you?!"
That swing… If it hit me, I'd be dead.
The man's lips curled into a faint smirk. "My, my. Demanding, are we?" His crimson eyes narrowed. "My name is Vinar Silverrine… elite soldier of one of the Generals under Lord Primordial Anathema."