After the fight with the monsters, Kenji once again set out to explore the strange world he had been thrown into. Eventually, he stumbled upon a small city nestled between two rolling hills, its old stone walls weathered but still standing strong against the passage of time. The faint glow of lanterns hung from wooden posts, casting flickering shadows across the cobblestone streets.
Finally... a city he thought, relief washing over him like a cool breeze.
As he passed through the small city gates, his eyes widened at the sight of numerous shops lining the narrow streets—each one boasting colorful signs swaying gently in the wind. There was a potions shop filled with glowing bottles, a tailor's shop displaying finely embroidered cloaks, and a mysterious swordsmith's store with large, gleaming windows revealing rows of weapons inside.
That last one drew him like a magnet.
Kenji walked up the worn steps and pushed open the heavy oak door of the sword shop. The air inside smelled faintly of oiled metal and burnt wood. His gaze was immediately caught by a jet-black sword displayed prominently on a velvet cushion beneath a glass case, its dark blade gleaming ominously under the flickering candlelight.
"Excuse me," Kenji said, his voice barely above a whisper as he stared at the sword. "How much is this black sword over here?"
The shop owner, a middle-aged man with a warm smile and soot-streaked hands, looked up from polishing a dagger. "That sword costs 150 dollars," he said, his voice calm and steady.
Kenji's heart sank. Of course—he didn't have a single dollar on him. He had entered this world without any preparation, no money, no weapons, nothing.
Oh,I'm kinda new here... could you tell me where I might work to earn some money? Kenji asked, hope flickering in his eyes.
The shop owner nodded thoughtfully. "You could try joining a guild. Adventurers there make the most money by fighting monsters and completing quests. It's dangerous, but if you're willing, it's the best way to earn."
He gestured toward the window. "Otherwise, there are smaller jobs around the city. Less pay, but safer."
Kenji felt a small smile form. The man was genuinely helpful.
"Okay then, I think joining a guild is the best choice," Kenji said, determination creeping into his voice. "But... where do I find one?"
The shop owner pointed left. "There's a guild hall right next to my shop. Just take a left turn after you leave here, and you'll see it."
"Thanks," Kenji said, his spirits lifting.
The guild building wasn't hard to find. It stood tall and proud, its stone walls covered in climbing ivy, with a large emblem carved into the wooden door—a sword crossed with a shield. Inside, the place buzzed with activity—adventurers talking loudly, sharpening weapons, and comparing scars.
Kenji looked around and noticed something strange.
I can't go back...This world is my reality now A world filled with monsters,danger and people who need to be strong to survive.
Above everyone's heads, glowing numbers hovered like holograms, displaying their levels.
Levels... people really have levels here.
Most townsfolk had levels around 2 or 3, but inside this guild, everyone's number ranged from 10 to 40.
What? How is everyone so strong ? Do theyjust fight monsters all day to level up here?
Feeling overwhelmed but determined, Kenji stepped up to the reception desk, where a young woman glanced up from her ledger.
"Hi, I want to join this guild," Kenji said, trying to sound confident.
The woman smiled kindly. "So, you want to be a guild member? I just need your name and age."
"My name is Kenji Anko. I'm 20 years old."
"Alright, you're officially a member of this guild now," she said, "You can pick quests from the board over there. I suggest starting with something easy—if you pick a hard quest too soon, you might not survive."
"Thank you... I have one more question. I don't have a sword to fight with. Are there any I can use here?"He said worried.
"We keep spare swords for new members or those who lose theirs. Just go straight down the hall; there's a small armory where you can borrow one. But remember to return it once you get your own."She said to him.
Kenji's smile grew. "Thanks for everything."
The woman nodded. "Good luck."
Kenji entered the armory, a dimly lit room lined with racks of swords, shields, and armor pieces. Most of the weapons looked worn but still functional. After careful consideration, he chose a simple steel sword with a sturdy grip and balanced weight and though it was the best for one there.
Next, Kenji moved toward the quest board. A large wooden panel covered in parchment sheets stood near the guild hall's center. Many quests looked too dangerous for him, but one caught his eye:
Quest: Hunt 10 Gimons (Reward: 30 dollars)
Monster Level: 5
It was a little above his own level—not easy, but manageable.
Most adventurers took quests in teams, so Kenji scanned the crowd, hoping to find someone to join him.
A cheerful voice suddenly rang out.
"I'm Akarui Nako! I'm level 27, and it'd be an honor to go on your quest with you!" the energetic man said, flashing a broad grin.
"I'm Kenji Anko, level 2... kind of new here. Nice to meet you," Kenji replied politely.
I can already tell...he's one of those non-stop talkers that can't sit still. Yeah,This is going to be painful for me... Kenji thought, trying to suppress a sigh.
Still, having a teammate was better than going alone for his first quest.
The two reported their quest to the guild master and left the hall without looking back.
Kenji's heart pounded with a mix of excitement and nervousness. This was his first real quest as a new guild member.
Would he survive?
Would he grow stronger?
This was only the beginning of his new quest he had chosen.