"The most loved world, huh. I wonder about that."
I exhaled, listening to the coins in my pouch. Five gold coins. What to use, I wasn't really sure yet.
The breeze hit me once more as the street bustled with villagers. There was too much to do. Survive? Grow stronger? Or... understand this... place?
[How about the blacksmith?] The system suggested.
Listening to the idea, it was a good place to start. But let's ask around for directions, I thought inwardly.
My eyes found an old woman on a bench.
"Excuse me, ma'am. Is their a Blacksmith nearby?"
She blinked, muttered. Words bent and broke against my ears, twisting nonsense.
What? My stomach dropped. I don't understand a thing. Perfect. There's even a language barrier.
"System, can you give me the language at least?"
[Integrating language of Eternia now.]
My tongue flexed as strange syllables pressed against its tip. They felt foreign and heavy, as if they never belonged there.
The old woman hurried closer.
"Young man, are you alright?"
'Alright? Of course not. A lot of things have happened. And the most irritating is the communication problem.' But he swallowed hard, forcing a calm tone.
"I… I'm fine," I said, forcing my voice steady. "Thank you.
Her expression softened. "You had me worried there."
Worried… right. I've got enough to worry about myself. Vergil's lips twitched, but he held it in.
"Do you know where the blacksmith is?" he asked, trying to sound neutral, though every second he spent standing there made him feel exposed.
"Just head down the street and you'll see it," she replied.
She called out as he turned to leave. "Wait, what's your name, young man?"
My name, huh. "Vergil," he said, tucking a loose strand of hair behind his ear.
She chuckled, a soft, warm sound. "If you ever need advice, come see me. I'm always here." Her eyes lingered on him.
Advice, huh? Maybe a trap… No, probably just caution. I'll take what I can get right now.
"I will, if the time comes," Vergil murmured, already scanning the street for the blacksmith's workshop.
Step one: find the blacksmith. Step two: learn about this goddamn world.
He made his way down the path until the rhythmic hammering of metal grew louder. The blacksmith's workshop came into view, and so did the man behind the forge.
A towering man, roughly six feet tall, broad-chested, eyes burning like embers.
Clank. Clank. Bang.
Each hammer strike formed a different rhythm before he looked at his customer and put it down. When he moved, the wooden floor trembled. His voice rumbled deep, like stone grinding against stone.
"Ah, young blood, eh?"
Vergil blinked. "Young blood?"
The man laughed. "It's just a saying, boy… though judging by you, it seems about right."
'I mean, I guess,' Vergil thought.
He turned and spotted a mirror. His reflection stared back.
He was slender and soft. A boy unaccustomed to hard labor and ill-suited to even survive in this new world.
But not for long, he promised himself.
[You're so scrawny-looking.] The system sneered in his mind at the reflection. Vergil's lips twitched, half in annoyance and half amused that this system had such tact, thinking it was just a machine.
'What did you just say?' I muttered, eyebrows furrowing.
The blacksmith asked curiously, "So, kid, what are you looking for?"
"A dagger," Vergil replied confidently, brushing off the system's jab. He wanted a weapon practical for him, and a dagger would do.
"A dagger, eh? No weapon training, I presume?"
"Yeah."
The blacksmith headed to the back and returned shortly after, holding a dagger and handing it over to him. Vergil's fingers closed around the handle, sharp and steady. No words were needed. It was more than enough.
As Vergil inspected it, the system began analyzing the weapon.
[Metal Dagger]
Attack: +5
Worn but well-maintained since its making. A faint engraving is still visible at the base—an insignia of a beginner craftsman.
The blacksmith exhaled. "This dagger's been in the inventory for a while. It was my first creation, back when I was just starting. I've used it myself a few times and kept it in good condition. But because it's just... normal, adventurers don't usually want it. Not their type of weapon."
"Then thanks." Vergil chuckled, but on guard. "How much?"
"The name's Gilbert," he said with a smirk on his face. "And it's on the house."
-Why would he give me a dagger for free?' He became suspicious.
"Then thanks, Gilbert," Vergil chuckled, but on guard. He wouldn't let himself be duped.
"You taking on a monster subjugation by any chance?"
"I am. But... I've got no clue where to go," Vergil admitted.
Gilbert sighed. "You're new to this, huh? Just head straight from the entrance… you'll see the Guild."
Vergil paused, frowning. "Why are you helping me so much? I'm a stranger. You've got no reason to go this far."
This guy's been helpful, maybe a bit too much. The info was fine, but giving me the dagger for free? Either he's just a good man… or he has a reason.
Gilbert only smiled. "Think of it as a blacksmith's intuition."
Vergil smiled and handed over a gold coin. "Take it."
Gilbert's eyes widened. "That dagger's only worth 30 silver at best!"
Vergil fastened the weapon to his waist. "Think of it as my way of showing gratitude."
In my old world, the saying was to repay gratitude twice—and revenge tenfold.
For me? Gratitude is repaid tenfold… and revenge a hundredfold.
Making allies along the way wouldn't hurt. Before facing the realms above, I need to conquer this one first.
[System Notification]
[Your relationship with Gilbert has progressed to ★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ (1/10 Stars). You can now view your relationships in the 'Confidants' section. Say 'Confidants' to access it.]
"Is he someone who can grant special effects if I improve our relationship?" Vergil asked.
[No, he isn't.]
"Please explain."
[To gain system effects such as stat boosts, synergy skills, and more, the target must either be or have the potential to become the pinnacle of their 'Path'. I will inform you of such individuals. However, it is up to you to form relationships with them. Remember: your words can either strengthen or ruin a connection.]
"Huh. What an interesting system," Vergil murmured, amused.
Vergil walked through the doors of the Adventurers' Guild.
She looked up and smiled politely. "How can I help you?"
"I'd like to register as an adventurer."
"That'll be three gold to get your ID and start taking requests."
The moment he heard the price, Vergil felt like he'd been stabbed in the chest.
Each coin slipped from his pouch. A sharp jolt of disbelief coiled inside him. He was almost broke in less than a day.
He handed it over, his knuckles turning white. Each coin that left felt like a strike to his chest.
"Can I get your name as well? It will be used as your identity when you visit other guilds in this kingdom."
"It's Vergil," he replied.
She nodded and disappeared into the back. A few minutes later, she returned with a card embedded with a glowing mana crystal.
---
[Adventurer's ID]
Name: Vergil
Rank: F – Adventurer
---
Seems about right. It wasn't impressive, but it would do.
"You can raise your rank by completing requests of your level or one rank higher," she explained. "Right now, you're only allowed to take on E-rank requests at most."
A safeguard, no doubt, it was prudent, but frustrating all the same.
"What requests are available right now?" he asked.
"The only subjugation request currently available to you is an F-rank goblin hunt in Rotroot Forest."
Vergil gave a slow nod. "I'll take it."
"Bring back proof of your hunt—those crystals, preferably."
So crystals are the proof, huh?
He turned from the reception desk, a smirk forming on his lips, flexing his fingers around the dagger. It was time to hunt some goblins.