The carriage rumbled along the dirt road, its wheels squeaking in rhythm with the steady clop of horses. Gabriel sat stiffly inside, staring out the window as the horizon shifted. He had seen castles before—in games, books, movies—but never in reality. The closer they drew, the more his chest tightened.
There, rising like the spine of some ancient beast, was the Great Wall of Aracnav. Built of towering white stone veined with silver, it stretched endlessly across the landscape, separating the forest from the kingdom beyond. Banners of emerald and gold snapped in the wind. At the top of the walls, armored guards patrolled with spears gleaming under the afternoon sun.
Gabriel swallowed hard. So this is it… a real fantasy kingdom. Not ruins, not imagination. A real city full of people.
Beside him, Shizuoka leaned against the wall of the carriage, helmet still concealing her face. "You're nervous," she said flatly.
Gabriel shifted. "Is it that obvious?"
"Very," Shizuoka replied, her crimson eyes glinting faintly through her visor. "Relax. It's only a kingdom. Humans like to build big walls to make themselves feel safe."
Gabriel let out a dry laugh. "Easy for you to say. For me, this is like stepping into an RPG… but, you know, real."
The knights escorting them slowed as they neared the massive gates. One of them called out, "Your Highness, we've arrived at the city gates of Aracnav. The guards will confirm your identity."
Sasha, the second princess, sat across from them, lips curved in a faint smile. "Everything will be fine. The city will welcome us. Especially you, Sir Gabriel."
Gabriel looked away, uneasy at the way she spoke his name.
The carriage halted. The guards at the gate approached, their armor polished and gleaming. They saluted deeply to the princess.
"Your Highness, we're relieved to see you safely returned. We feared the forest would claim you."
"Thank you," Sasha said sweetly. She gestured toward Gabriel and Shizuoka. "These two aided me when monsters attacked. Without them, the Minotaur would have ended us."
The guards' gazes shifted. One frowned at Shizuoka. "Forgive me, Your Highness, but this one in full armor… suspicious. We can't see their face. For all we know, they may be a—"
Shizuoka's hand twitched toward her sword.
"Stop." Sasha's voice cut sharp. "They are my honored guests. You will not question them further."
The guard stiffened. "Yes, Your Highness."
Another guard studied Gabriel, his brows furrowing. "And you, sir. Forgive my bluntness, but you look like a prince from one of the neighboring kingdoms. Are you here to escort Her Highness?"
Gabriel raised both hands nervously. "No, no. I'm not a prince. I'm just… here because she asked me to."
The guards exchanged doubtful looks, but at Sasha's sharp glance, they said no more.
After a tense pause, the gates creaked open, revealing the city within.
---
The Kingdom of Aracnav unfolded before Gabriel's eyes like a living painting. Cobblestone streets wound between tall buildings of pale stone and timber, their roofs tiled in crimson and gold. Merchants shouted from stalls bursting with fruits, weapons, and strange magical trinkets. Children darted between the legs of armored soldiers. The air smelled of baked bread, leather, and the faint sting of alchemical smoke.
Gabriel's heart raced. This is nothing like home. Nothing like Earth. It's alive. Vibrant. Dangerous.
As the carriage rolled deeper into the city, Sasha leaned closer to Gabriel, her emerald eyes softening. "Aracnav welcomes you. I do hope you'll stay… for my sake."
Gabriel shifted uncomfortably. Shizuoka's armored hand curled tighter against her knee.
Finally, the carriage drew to a halt near the castle gates. Sasha stepped out, turning to face them. "This is where we part, for now. Thank you, Sir Gabriel, Sir Knight. You'll always be remembered for saving my life." She gave a graceful bow and disappeared behind her guards.
The moment she was gone, Gabriel let out the breath he'd been holding.
"Too friendly," Shizuoka muttered.
"Huh?"
"Her. The princess. Stay wary, Gabriel."
Gabriel blinked at her tone but didn't argue.
---
The two wandered the bustling streets together, drawing stares. Gabriel's blonde hair and striking blue eyes made him stand out like a noble among commoners, while Shizuoka's full suit of armor made her look like a mysterious mercenary.
"Shizuoka," Gabriel asked, lowering his voice, "what do we even do now? We've got forty gold coins, thanks to the princess, but how far does that even get us?"
Shizuoka considered. "Forty gold is plenty. But let me explain the system. Listen carefully."
She raised her fingers one by one.
"Copper, the lowest. Fifteen of those make one silver. Thirty silvers make one gold. And above gold—royal coins. One royal coin is worth one to two hundred gold coins. Enough to buy land, maybe even a small estate."
Gabriel whistled. "So… we're rich?"
"Not even close. In a kingdom like this, forty gold vanishes quickly. Rent, food, equipment, bribes—it bleeds away. We need steady income."
"Then… adventurers' guild?" Gabriel guessed.
Shizuoka pointed at a nearby building marked by three signs: crossed swords, a shield, and a bed. "Exactly. Inn and guild. We'll start here."
---
Inside, the guild was alive with noise. Adventurers of every race crowded long wooden tables, drinking, laughing, boasting of kills. The air was thick with the scent of ale and roasted meat. At the far counter stood a receptionist, her uniform neat, her smile professional despite the chaos.
The moment Gabriel and Shizuoka entered, several heads turned. A few adventurers whispered.
"Who's the blond kid? Looks too pretty to be here."
"That armor though… damn, are they nobles slumming it?"
"Bet the boy won't last a day."
Gabriel swallowed and approached the counter. The receptionist greeted them warmly.
"Hello, sirs. Are you here to register as adventurers? You must be fifteen years or older to apply. Please place your hand on this sphere—it will determine your starting rank and potential."
Gabriel nodded. "Got it."
The receptionist explained quickly. "Ranks go from F to S. F being the weakest. Complete quests to rise in rank. But the sphere reveals potential—your ceiling."
Gabriel touched the glowing sphere. Light burst outward, filling the hall with green radiance. Words appeared in the air.
Adventurer Rank: A.
Potential: S.
The guild hall erupted.
"A-rank?! At his age?"
"No way, that pretty boy?"
"Potential S?! Are you kidding?!"
Even Gabriel stumbled back. "That's… good, right?"
The receptionist stared at him like he'd just split the heavens. "Good? Sir, it's extraordinary. You're already A rank. Most spend decades climbing to C."
Gabriel rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed.
Shizuoka stepped forward confidently. "My turn." She touched the sphere.
Adventurer Rank: A.
Potential: A.
She smirked. "Hmph. As expected."
The receptionist recovered and bowed deeply. "Please wait while I prepare your badges. You're both officially adventurers."
---
Minutes later, they were handed silver badges engraved with their names. Gabriel turned his over in his hand, marveling.
"One more thing," Gabriel asked. "We need a room."
The receptionist's smile faltered. "I'm sorry, sir. Only one room is available. Two beds, six silver coins a month. Will that suffice?"
Before Gabriel could answer, Shizuoka placed the coins on the counter. "We'll take it."
"W-wait! One room? Together?" Gabriel stammered.
Shizuoka was already walking away, following the receptionist to their quarters. Gabriel sighed and hurried after.
The room was simple but clean—two beds, a table, a window overlooking the bustling street. Shizuoka immediately removed her armor, revealing her long hair and crimson eyes, before collapsing onto the bed.
Gabriel blinked, his cheeks warming. "You're already asleep? …Guess I should too." He lay down, staring at the ceiling. This world never slows down.
---
Far away, in the royal castle, Sasha reclined on a velvet chaise, her green eyes glittering with obsession.
"I've found my new toy. His name is Gabriel Satome." Her lips curved into a smile. "Blue eyes, golden hair… power enough to slay a Minotaur with a single spell. Handsome, strong. He'll be mine."
Across from her, a tall woman with matching pink hair but colder eyes sipped wine. Avoleunus Aracnav, the first princess, raised a brow.
"You want me to help you? What for?"
"Because you can control minds, sister," Sasha said sweetly. "Make him my puppet. Gabriel will be mine forever. And that suspicious armored man with him? Hah, probably hiding his ugly face out of shame." She giggled cruelly. "But Gabriel… Gabriel is perfect."
Avoleunus set her cup down slowly, a dangerous smile curling across her lips. "Very well, little sister. Let's make your prince bow."