The power Alfred had just unleashed swept through the entire Septon Kingdom like a crushing storm. People collapsed to their knees, struggling to breathe. Adventurers in the guild, knights patrolling the streets, even high-ranking mages, all of them felt it. Shock spread like wildfire.
Within moments, search parties were mobilized. Knights clashed their armor as they rushed through the streets, adventurers whispered in disbelief, and rumors flew.
"Who released that pressure?"
"Was it a monster?"
"No… no monster could do that."
"Then… a human?"
The kingdom itself was on edge.
Meanwhile, Alfred leaned against a wall near a quiet alley, his hand pressed to his chest, still trying to understand.
'That… that was me? The whole kingdom… suppressed by just my eyes? If it's really my doing, then I'm something else entirely.'
But as soon as pride flickered, so did worry. His thoughts went to Alisha.
For a brief moment, fear crept into him, but he shook his head violently.
'No. There's no time for that. I can't lose myself in worry. I need to live. I need money for daily survival. And the best choice is…'
He looked up at the grand signboard of the Adventurer's Guild and pushed the door open.
Inside, the familiar noise of clattering mugs and loud laughter greeted him. Despite the lingering tension from earlier, adventurers were quick to bury their nerves in chatter and drink.
Alfred approached the counter. A woman with auburn hair and sharp eyes greeted him with a practiced smile.
"So, you want to register as an adventurer? Great," she said warmly. "I'm Susan."
'Susan? That's… oddly close to an Earth name.'
Alfred forced a polite smile. "I'm Alfred. Nice to meet you."
Susan leaned forward slightly, lowering her voice so only he could hear. "You do understand the risks and responsibilities, right?"
Alfred blinked. 'Risks and responsibilities?' His expression gave him away instantly.
Susan sighed, crossing her arms. "I knew it. You're a complete greenhorn. Look, adventuring isn't just about swinging a sword and claiming rewards. Every job comes with danger. Monsters don't wait for you to prepare. If you fail to finish a quest, someone's life could depend on it."
Her eyes narrowed. "And once you register, your life is tied to the guild. No backing out without consequences. Do you still want to proceed?"
"Yes," Alfred said firmly.
Susan nodded. "Alright, then I'll tell you. You'll be assessed first, and we will categorize you into a rank. This helps determine what quests you can take. If you attempt something far above your level, you're almost guaranteed to die."
She leaned forward a little, her voice serious. "And it's not just about risk. There's responsibility too. If you go in a group and you're the strongest ranked adventurer, then their lives fall under your protection. If they die and you can't prove you did everything you could to protect them, you'll be investigated. If found guilty…" She let the pause hang in the air. "Punishment. Sometimes exile, sometimes worse."
Alfred swallowed. 'That's not just responsibility, it's another kind of risk altogether.'
"Is that all?" he asked, trying to hide his unease.
"No." Susan slid a folded parchment across the counter. "This explains every rule, every risk. Read it when you have the time."
Alfred tucked it away. "About the assessment… is it like the magic tests nobles do?"
"Yes."
"Can we skip it?"
Her lips curved into a small smile, but it wasn't a kind one. "No. It's mandatory. Without it, we can't assign your rank."
"Don't worry," came a deep voice from behind them. Heavy footsteps approached. A tall man with scars across his jaw and a broad, commanding presence stood in the hallway. His eyes gleamed with experience. "We'll do it carefully. Because I will be witnessing it."
Susan straightened immediately. "Guildmaster."
Alfred's thoughts twisted. 'And now what? I lied about having metal magic. If I use my true power, the golden monarch eyes will appear… and my secret will be exposed.'
The guildmaster led them through a side passage until they reached an enclosed courtyard inside the guild. The walls were high and soundproofed with enchantments, the ground hardened from years of tests. At one corner stood a training doll, shaped like a human and about as tall as an average man. Its surface gleamed faintly, strengthened by magic to withstand strikes.
The guildmaster folded his arms. "All I want from you is this: hit the doll with everything you've got. That's it."
Alfred's heart pounded. He raised his right hand, pointing at the doll, stalling for time.
'If I use my true power, the golden eyes will awaken… they'll see everything. How am I supposed to hide it?'
The guildmaster's eyes narrowed, waiting. Susan tilted her head, curious.
Alfred steadied his breathing. Then—
A crackling sound burst from his hand. In the blink of an eye, the doll split cleanly into two halves, sliced so fast that neither Susan nor the guildmaster could follow the motion. The pieces toppled with a dull thud.
The guildmaster's eyes widened. "How…?"
Alfred slowly opened his eyes, keeping his face calm. "It was too fast, that's why you couldn't see it. I… can't control the speed. Sorry."
Inside, he was sweating. 'I closed my eyes just before it happened. Somehow, I forced the strike to move faster than they could register. At least my golden eyes didn't flare… this time.'
Susan stared, her face pale with awe. "That's impossible… our guildmaster is A-rank. If he couldn't see it, that means—" She stopped herself, but her eyes were locked on Alfred.
Alfred forced an awkward smile. 'Oh man… so much for making myself underrated.'
The assessment was concluded after Alfred's single devastating strike. The guildmaster handed him a freshly inscribed badge, its metal glinting faintly in the light.
[You are now officially an Adventurer – Rank B]
Alfred stared at the badge in his hand.
'Rank B. I just jumped straight into the high ranks… at the very beginning. That's way too suspicious.'
The moment he stepped back into the main hall, a loud voice came.
"Yo! Newcomer! Did you finally join up with the guild?" An adventurer grinned, stepping toward him. Then his eyes caught sight of the badge hanging in Alfred's hand. His smile froze. "…Wait. Rank B?"
Heads turned immediately. Within seconds, the entire guild was buzzing.
"What? He became a B-rank at the start?"
"Is that even possible?!"
"Cheating? No way, the guildmaster himself oversees tests like that."
Dozens of eyes bore into Alfred, whispering, questioning.
'Great. Exactly what I didn't want, attention.'
He pretended not to notice, scanning the quest board. His thoughts ran fast.
'I should take something low, a weak quest. But I need money… and the high-paying ones are all tied to dangerous hunts. What should I do?'
A man with short brown hair and an easy smile stepped up beside him. His armor looked worn but sturdy, the kind of equipment of someone who'd survived many runs.
"Hey, buddy. Since you're new and all, how about joining us? We're heading for a B-rank quest."
Alfred narrowed his eyes slightly. "What quest?"
The man's grin widened. "Dungeon hunting."
Alfred's brows lifted. 'Dungeon hunting meant more danger… but also more coin.'
"How many B-ranks in your group?" Alfred asked carefully.
"Me and you. The rest are two C-ranks and one D-rank."
Alfred hesitated. Then he nodded. "I'm in. When are we leaving?"
"In a few hours. We're meeting outside the west gate."
"Good. I'll need to buy some weapons before then. I'll be here after I'm done. That alright?"
"Yeah, sure. Just don't take too long." The man clapped Alfred's shoulder before walking back to his group.
Alfred glanced at the badge again, his hand tightening around it.
'Dungeon hunting, huh… This could either be a big opportunity… or the biggest mistake I've made so far.'
Alfred left the guild to shop for some good swords and gear. But since he didn't know this place well, he had a hard time finding a proper shop. After wandering through a few narrow streets, he finally saw a large, luxurious-looking store. Its signboard gleamed under the sunlight.
'This looks fancy enough. Maybe I'll find something decent here.'
He stepped inside. The air smelled faintly of metal and oil.
"Welcome, sir! What are you looking for?" A man behind the counter greeted him with a broad smile.
"I need a sword," Alfred said.
"Ah, certainly. Are you looking for a normal sword or a magical one?"
'I already have my magic. I just need something light enough to move with.'
"Just a normal one."
"Right this way, sir."
The man led Alfred through rows of weapons, all shapes and sizes neatly arranged on polished racks. "Here we are. Which one would you like to try?"
"I need a sword that feels weightless in the hand."
"Then this," the man said proudly, handing over a long blade with a faint sheen. "Perfect balance, sharp as dragon's fang. Crafted from the best steel in Septon."
Alfred turned the weapon slightly, watching the light run along its edge. 'Well… it looks good. Not that I actually know how to judge a sword.'
"What's the price?"
"It's only worth two gold coins."
'Two gold coins? That's 200 silver coins! That's daylight robbery. Even a magic sword would cost about the same!'
"Absolutely not," Alfred said flatly. "That's way too much."
The merchant smiled like he'd heard that a thousand times. "Sir, we sell only the finest blades in the kingdom, with a return policy too. Think of it this way: a strong sword protects your life. What's money compared to that, hmm?"
'Big talker. Definitely a salesman… just like the ones on Earth.'
"Silly me," Alfred said suddenly, pretending to pat his pockets. "I forgot to bring my money. I'll come back later."
"No problem, sir! We'll keep this sword aside just for you," the man said eagerly.
'Yeah, right. Time to leave before he tries to sell me the air I breathe.'
Outside, Alfred sighed. 'Guess I'm going empty-handed. Well, I'm a mage anyway, swords are just for show.'
He returned to the guild and met the rest of the party, already gathered near the entrance.
"Haven't you bought anything?" Krestar asked.
"Well, it was too expensive. But I'm a mage, so I don't really need a weapon."
Krestar shrugged. "If you're fine with that, then let's move."
As the group set off together, Alfred looked at the road ahead.
'And like that… I started my first real life as an adventurer.'