The Adventurers' Guild was born during the era of the Great Human War. At that time, humanity struggled desperately against the demons. Armies needed manpower, yet despite generous pay and rations, few dared enlist. Most people trembled at the very thought of facing demons.
It was then that the First Hero devised a plan. Instead of forcing men into the military, he created the Adventurers' Guild. He told the people: "You do not need to serve under kings or generals. If you wish to fight, fight of your own will. Hunt demons, slay monsters, or defend villages—and for every task, the Guild will reward you. No lord will command you, and no army will force your hand."
The idea spread like wildfire. Those who feared military conscription embraced the guild, for here, their lives were in their own hands. If they fought, it was by choice. If they died, it was by their own decision—not as sacrifices for nobles. Thousands joined, and soon the Guild became a force that stood shoulder to shoulder with the armies of kingdoms, striking fear into demonkind.
When the war ended, the First Hero did not disband the guild. Instead, he declared it independent. From that day onward, the Adventurers' Guild became a power of its own.
Even now, the guild does not belong to any single nation. It is a vast, borderless organization, active in every kingdom across the continent. Its headquarters remain shrouded in secrecy, hidden from all but the highest-ranking members. Not even kings know the identity of its current leader.
And that is the true measure of the Guild's influence: vast, powerful, and eternal.
Rick finally reached the border town of Emu, a bustling settlement standing at the very edge of the Kingdom. Despite being a frontier town, Emu was lively and prosperous.
After arriving, Rick rented a room at an inn and slept soundly through the day. The next morning, after breakfast, he approached the innkeeper.
"Excuse me," Rick asked, "could you tell me where the Adventurers' Guild is?"
The innkeeper chuckled and pointed down the road. "Follow that street straight ahead. You'll find it soon enough. But, kid, are you really planning to join?"
Rick grinned. "That's right."
The innkeeper's smile faded. "Don't joke with me, boy. You do know the guild doesn't accept anyone under the age of fourteen, right?"
Rick's face stiffened. "Is that true?"
"Of course it is. They don't let children throw their lives away."
Rick hesitated, then asked carefully, "Isn't there… any other way to join?"
The innkeeper stared Rick for a long moment before sighing. "Looks like you're serious. In that case… there is one way. Find a party willing to take you in. If they accept you, the guild will let you register under them."
Rick's eyes lit up. "Thank you, old man!" Without waiting for another word, he dashed toward the guild hall.
The innkeeper raised his voice, shouting after him, "Oi, kid! One more thing—!" But Rick was already gone, his footsteps lost in the noise of the busy street.
At the Adventurers' Guild
Rick pushed open the heavy doors of the guild hall.
Determined, Rick walked straight to the front desk. Behind it sat a young receptionist, busy with paperwork. Rick cleared his throat nervously.
"Excuse me," he said.
The receptionist looked up, surprised at the sight of the boy. With a faint smile, she asked, "What's wrong? Are you lost… or are you looking for someone?"
Rick hesitated, then said firmly, "Well… I want to join the Adventurers' Guild."
The receptionist blinked in surprise, then gave a small smile. "Oh? So that's it. You want to be an adventurer. But you do know, right? You need to be at least fourteen years old. Even then, you'd still need your parents' permission. Still… it's kind of cute, seeing a little one like you dream so big."
Rick clenched his fists. "I already know that! But… I also heard there's another way. If I join a party and they accept me, I can register under them—right?"
The receptionist frowned slightly. "That rule wasn't made for kids like you. It was created for children of noble families who sometimes come here for 'practical experience.' But… technically, yes. If you can find a party willing to act as your guardian, you can join."
Rick's eyes lit up with determination. "Then please, can you help me find a party? I'll take anyone!"
The receptionist sighed and shook her head. "Honestly, I doubt anyone would agree to bring a child into such dangerous work. And even if someone did… tell me, what's your reason? Why would a kid like you risk your life as an adventurer?"
Rick answered without hesitation. "Because I need money. Adventurers make money quickly, don't they?"
The receptionist raised an eyebrow. "So it's about money, hm? Then tell me—how much do you even need?"
Rick thought for a moment, then replied with a straight face, "Just around… six hundred gold."
The receptionist nearly choked. "S-six hundred!? Why in the world would you need that much money!?"
Rick's expression hardened. "Because… I'm planning to enter the National Magic Academy."
Reeponist let out a long sigh.
"I see… but I'm sorry, I can't help you with that much money."
Rick's expression fell for only a moment before he straightened again. "It's okay. Instead, could you recommend me to some party? Even though I'm alone, I can easily defeat a Night Hound."
Hearing that, Reeponist couldn't help but chuckle to himself. How cute, he thought. He thinks he can join a guild because he can hunt down Night Hounds. But they are nothing compared to the monsters he will face later. Still… I can't tell him that.
Aloud, Reeponist said, "I understand. I'll recommend you to someone worthy."
Just then, a hunter approached and greeted them. "Emy, here is the head of Orc. I've completed the job."
Emy smiled. "Oh! Andrew, welcome back. So you completed the job? Good. Take this, and I'll confirm the request."
"Yeah, thank you," Andrew replied. Then he glanced at Rick. "By the way, who's this boy?"
Emy answered casually, "Oh, you mean Rick. He's new here. He came to join the guild, but since he's not of age, we can't accept him. So instead, he wants a guardian."
Andrew raised an eyebrow. "A guardian? I see. But who'd want to babysit a child instead of doing their job?"
At that, Rick's cheeks flushed red. He clenched his fists. "I don't want anyone to take care of me! I can protect myself. Even if I'm a child, I can kill a Night Hound on my own."
Andrew threw his head back and laughed. "Ha! Ha! Ha! A brat can kill Night Hounds easily? The great Night Hound, which can be killed by any child.That's rich. If only the others were here, they'd laugh until their stomachs hurt. You're lucky aren't you!"
The words stung, but Rick's fire did not falter. He stepped forward, raising his voice for all to hear.
"Don't laugh at me! Even if I'm weak now, even if no one recognizes me, I swear I'll make sure that one day everyone will know my name. I will be the strongest being in this world!"
The guild hall grew still. Andrew's laughter died in his throat. His eyes narrowed, and for the first time, his amusement was gone.
"The strongest in the world, you say?" His voice rumbled low, dangerous. "Do not speak those words lightly, boy."
Suddenly, a crushing pressure filled the hall. Andrew's aura burst forth like a storm, pressing down on everything around him. The wooden beams creaked, the air thickened, and Rick's knees buckled under the weight.
Yet the boy refused to fall.
His legs shook, his breaths came ragged, but he forced his body to remain upright. His voice wavered, yet carried a steel edge.
"You're right. Anyone can claim they'll be the strongest. But reality is cruel. I know people will mock me, look down on me, say I can't do it. But that's not enough to stop me. Even if the entire world says I can't, I'll still fight. I will not bow down—not until the very end of my life!"
Andrew's expression flickered. For a moment, the man's seasoned instincts recognized something within the boy—a spark that refused to be extinguished.
"Andrew!" Emy's voice cut through the tension. She rushed forward, her face pale with anger. "What are you doing?! Are you insane? Unleashing your aura on a child?!"
She dropped to her knees beside Rick, worry etched into her features. "Rick, are you all right?"
Rick's lips curved into a strained smile. "I'm fine… it's not a big deal."
Emy's anger burned hotter. She rounded on Andrew, her eyes fierce. "How could you do that to a child?"
Andrew raised a hand lazily, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "If he wants to call himself strong, he'll have to endure far worse than this."
Then his gaze returned to Rick. "Tell me, boy. Are you sure about those words? Are you truly prepared to bear the weight of being the strongest?"
Rick's eyes locked onto his, unwavering. His voice, though quiet, carried an unshakable resolve.
"No matter how many times you ask me, my answer will not change."
The guild fell silent. For the first time, Andrew did not laugh.
For a long moment, Andrew studied Rick. Then he took a deep breath, as if settling something within himself.
"In that case, Emy," he said at last, "make him an adventurer."
Emy blinked in shock. "What? Andrew… are you saying—"
"I'll act as his guardian," Andrew interrupted.
Emy's eyes widened. "You? Since when have you ever agreed to take anyone under your wing? You've always refused!"
"It's not sudden," Andrew said evenly. "I've been thinking for some time. And I believe he's best suited for me."
Emy's expression hardened. "Listen, Andrew. If you try to harm Rick, I will never forgive you."
Andrew chuckled softly. "I won't." He turned to Rick. "Well, boy? Do you want me as your guardian?"
Rick's eyes widened in shock at the sudden change. But after a moment's hesitation, he nodded firmly. "Yes."
A small smile tugged at Andrew's lips. "Then it's decided."
And so, that day, Rick was officially registered as a Rookie Adventurer. Andrew, the solitary hunter who had never once taken on a companion, became his guardian.