Two weeks after coming into this world, I understood just how deep the situation was.
Just as Purin explained, I had been reincarnated into another world. I appeared here with the same age and appearance I had in my past life, which was probably her doing too.
From what I've learned, this world is a lot like the isekai anime I used to watch. It has kingdoms, guilds, and the usual class-based society.
Right now, I'm in a city called Lumis. It's not very big, but it has a good amount of infrastructure, active commerce, and a diverse population. I'm guessing it's an important hub.
I've had enough time to process everything, and I've decided I don't want to get involved in anything dangerous or annoying. I just want a quiet, peaceful life where I don't stand out.
...Although there's one little problem.
I need money.
Purin gave me some starting resources to get by, but they'll run out soon with the daily inn costs and food. Since I appeared out of nowhere, I'm not officially registered anywhere, so I can't get a regular job.
The only viable option is to register at the Adventurers' Guild. There, I can start from scratch, take on simple missions, and also get an ID.
I could take missions like slime hunting or gathering materials. Yeah, that sounds like a good idea.
...
With that plan in mind, I headed to the guild.
The place was buzzing with swordsmen and mages. As a new face, I really stood out. I just wanted to get this over with as fast as possible.
First, I had to take an aptitude test to determine my rank. According to the rulebook they gave me, all new adventurers start at Rank D regardless of ability. Promotions depend on your mission history.
It seemed like a smart way to keep veterans from hoarding all the easy jobs.
"Ren Mizuno?"
The guild receptionist called my name for the exam.
"Alright, place your hands on this orb and wait for the results."
I followed the instructions. The orb began to glow... a lot.
Murmurs quickly filled the room. Everyone gathered, curious.
"A-a Rank S?!" the receptionist gasped, pale.
"Yeah, funny, right?" I replied with a tense smile.
"Impossible!" shouted a dwarf from the bar. "Rank S is a symbol, lad! You can't just return it like old bread!"
Guess I'll just listen to that dwarf... So long, slime-farming plan...
The only silver lining was that Rank S missions paid a fortune... if you could complete them.
...
The problem:
There was only one mission available — "Exterminate the Frost Abyss Dragon."
It required a party of at least two Rank S adventurers.
There wasn't another Rank S in the entire kingdom.
"So... I can't do anything?" I asked, one eye twitching.
"Correct!" the receptionist said with a pitying smile. "But starting out as Rank S is still impressive. Unfortunately, there's no other Rank S right now..."
"I see..." I sighed.
"But don't be discouraged! Drop by every now and then. Maybe someone will show up that you can team up with."
"Alright. Thank you..."
I left the guild as the rumors about me spread like wildfire.
...
One month later.
Since then, I've been visiting the guild daily. I've become pretty popular, even though that wasn't my intention.
I've chatted with several adventurers, and occasionally with the receptionist. She's kind and attentive... but I've got this weird feeling that if I get too close, something bad might happen.
As I was thinking that, the guild door suddenly burst open.
"Outta my way, weaklings!" a voice roared.
A girl in orange armor stormed in, cutting through the line. Her almond-colored hair was braided, and her eyes were sharp like daggers… Was it my imagination, or did the sky cloud over the moment she appeared?
"What are you staring at?" she huffed, crossing her arms.
The receptionist whispered to me:
"That's Maya, the Amber Flame. She reached Rank S last week... but she hates working in teams."
Maya looked me up and down, sizing me up.
"I heard there's a Rank S in this city. Something tells me it's you. Am I wrong?"
"Yeah, that's me."
"Let me be clear: if you're looking for a party, forget it. I'm not teaming up with anyone."
"Perfect!" I replied with a confident smile. "I'm not interested in teaming up with you either."
Her eyebrows twitched at my answer. A distant rumble of thunder echoed...
...This girl definitely smells like trouble.