The slums reeked of despair. Its people were no more than beggars. Even in a metropolitan city within the Kingdom of Tharsaros, such a place still existed.
That dark alley became a gathering spot for the destitute—beggars, criminals, and prostitutes alike.
"Come closer, all of you. For just one silver coin, I'll teach you magic…"
"I used to be a Mage—an Elemental Sorcerer once."
A ragged old woman in a tattered cloak muttered to herself. The burn scars on her face told a story of a harsh life.
"Children, come! If you wish to learn magic, come to me!"
"Mom, that crazy witch is back…"
"Let's go. Don't get too close to that filthy woman."
The truth was, learning magic in this world wasn't easy. Even a baron would have to set aside a full year's income just to hire a tutor for their child. And the price of an advanced magic book? Almost equal to a luxury home in the imperial capital.
That old woman—forever rambling—became a strange sight in the slums. Sometimes, people tossed her a few copper coins, thinking she was just a starving lunatic… or out of pity.
"Granny, I want to become a Mage," said a girl, around thirteen years old. Her clothes were torn and simple—clearly an orphan of the slums. The scent of bread clung to her, a sign she'd just finished her shift at a bakery.
She must have been out of her mind—asking to learn magic from a burnt-faced old hag. Most would suspect the woman to be one of those ruthless Black Mages, the kind who used humans for experiments.
"My name is Erica."
Moved by the girl's sincerity, the old mage finally decided to teach her.
Time passed. Seasons changed like flowing rivers. The colors of autumn faded, winter brought its chill, and soon spring returned once more.
The girl and the old woman shared bread by the riverside. On cold nights, they huddled together beneath a bridge in a makeshift shack, sharing a blanket for warmth.
Though her appearance was frightening, the old woman was still human—kind and caring toward Erica.
Two years went by.
It was revealed that the old woman truly had once reached the rank of Elemental Sorcerer. But due to an incident, she lost her ability to continue her life as a Mage. Since then, she wandered aimlessly—until she met Erica.
Meeting that girl gave her a reason to stay, even if only for a while.
"Hey, kid… are you the illegitimate child of a noble?" the old woman asked, eyeing her suspiciously.
"No," Erica replied.
Indeed, Erica was not only talented in magic—she had grown into a beautiful young girl. With her long black hair and honey-sweet smile, she stood apart from the other children of the slums.
The old woman began to worry. If Erica stayed here, she might be kidnapped, sold into slavery—or worse, forced into a brothel.
The best way for her to survive… was to leave this place and become an Adventurer.
Clutching a stone given to her long ago by a dear friend, the old woman made her decision: to guide Erica on a new path.
They journeyed toward the frontier—toward the edge of civilization where Adventurer Guilds were common. Unlike the capital, where few monsters roamed and adventurers were rare, the wild lands brimmed with danger… and opportunity.
Along the way, they encountered monsters, and Erica occasionally helped fend them off.
Until one day, a red-robed Mage approached Erica and spoke with her.
Mid-conversation, the scent of blood hit the air.
A creature emerged—a three-meter tall bipedal bull. Its glowing red eyes radiated dark energy. That thing… should not exist in this world.
The terrifying sight jolted Erica.
This wasn't some unfamiliar place. No… she knew this world.
It was the very same world from that terrible game she played—a low-rated she barely touched in her previous life.
"Chapter 2 boss monster… Minotaur."
[Anomalies in future detection confirmed.]
[HOST LIFE AT RISK.]
[ACTIVATING EMERGENCY PROTOCOL.]
[SYSTEM ONLINE.]