The Adventurer's Guild was buzzing. Quest boards full, mugs clanking, and people yelling across tables. Izaru stood near the counter, watching with mild amusement.
"Feels like I'm inside an MMO lobby," he muttered.
He had just gotten his guild card. Level 42. Skills already cheat-tier. But hey, let the newbies have their fun.
Of course, fun doesn't last long. Not when trouble has a name.
That name was Bork.(Doesn't he sound like a Dork?)
"Hey, elfie!" A loud voice echoed through the guild. "Don't waste your time with losers. I'm next."
A massive guy shoved past Izaru, almost shoulder-checking him. He wore rusty armor, carried a chipped greatsword, and smelled like he bathed in sweat and ego.
"Oh boy," Izaru muttered. "Tutorial mini-boss spotted."
The elf receptionist, Lily, sighed. "Please wait your turn, Bork."
But Bork wasn't listening. He finally turned toward Izaru, eyes narrowing. "What's your deal, huh? Newbie? You look weak. Covered in blood to look scary, are you?"
"Actually, this blood's from monsters," Izaru replied calmly.
"Sure it is." Bork sneered. "How about this? Let's duel. Right here. I'll show everyone what happens when weaklings join the guild."
The guild fell silent. Adventurers stopped drinking and leaned in. A duel? Inside the guild? Classic entertainment.
Izaru sighed. "Do I get a choice?"
"No."
"Of course not." Izaru stretched his shoulders. "Fine. Tutorial mini-boss vs OP Newbie it is."
They cleared some space in the hall. Bork stepped forward, slamming his sword into the ground dramatically. "You're gonna regret this, kid."
Izaru stood with his hands in his pockets. "Yeah, yeah. Press X to dodge, right? What was your name again? Bork? More like a Dork."(That's what I said.)
Bork's face turned read from anger. He roared and swung his sword down. The floorboards shook. Everyone gasped—except Izaru. He sidestepped casually, then flicked his gauntlet forward.
CRACK!
Bork's sword hand bent at a painful angle. He screamed, stumbling back.
"Lesson one," Izaru said calmly. "Don't open with a slow heavy attack. You'll get punished."
"What are you, a teacher?!"
Bork growled and charged again, swinging wildly. Izaru weaved through the attacks like he was dodging tutorial prompts. One jab, one kick, and suddenly Bork was on his knees, wheezing.
Izaru leaned down, smiling. "I am. And here's lesson two. Never underestimate your opponent. Even if they look like a walking bloodbath."
With a final shove, Izaru sent Bork sprawling face-first onto the floor. The guild roared with laughter.
"Mini-boss defeated," Izaru muttered. "XP gained: zero. Loot drop: humiliation."
The receptionist, Lily, covered her mouth, trying not to laugh. "Mr. Izaru… please don't break the guild floor again."
Izaru shrugged. "Not my fault he came packaged with low defense and bad AI."
The crowd kept laughing, clapping, and whispering about the new guy who humbled Bork like he was nothing.
For Izaru, though, it was just another day. Another quest marker checked.
Izaru's Stat Log:
Name: Sakatu IzaruLevel: 42Race: HumanTitle: Dimension Breaker (Hidden)
HP: 3,454MP: 2,435EXP Multiplier: ×29Unspent Stat Points: 0
Attributes:
Strength: 162
Agility: 148
Endurance: 155
Intelligence: 120
Perception: 145
Luck: 999 (Maxed)
Skills:
Blood Instinct (Passive)
EXP Multiplier (Passive): Amplifies EXP gain. Current boost: ×29.
Inventory:
Silver Centipede Boots (Agility +15, Poison Resistance I)
Crimson Wolf's Gauntlets (Durability reinforced, still comfy somehow)
Adventurer's Cloak (Hooded, minor weather resistance)
Potion ×3 (Basic HP recovery)
Beast Cores ×5 (Common quality)
Gold Pouch — stuffed with shiny coins from selling monster parts to the smithy.
Miscellaneous Drops (low-value fangs, claws, etc. for trade or crafting)