The carriage wheels rattled against the cobblestone streets, rolling past towering stone gates into the heart of Valteria, the Human capital.
Tanaki sat in silence, his eyes drifting to the world beyond the carriage window.
At first, the city gleamed—grand estates lined the upper districts, embroidered banners swaying in the morning breeze, knights patrolling with practiced discipline.
Then—an abrupt transition.
The roads narrowed. The buildings pressed closer together. The scent of fresh pastries and perfumed oils faded, replaced by damp cloth, burning firewood, and the musk of sweat.
Tanaki's gaze flickered toward the people below.
Beggars knelt against the alley walls, their hands cupped in silent desperation, their voices too weak to carry.
Merchants strolled past, their velvet robes untouched by hardship, never once sparing a glance at the starving men and women at their feet.
Then—a shadow moved swiftly between the crowd.
A young girl, no older than twelve, darted between bodies, her bare feet light against the stone. Her fingers slipped into the satchel of a passing noble, extracting a handful of coins in a single, fluid motion.
Tanaki saw it.
The noble did not.
The girl vanished into the alleyway, her stolen prize concealed beneath torn sleeves.
No one reacted. No one cared.
But Tanaki did.
His fingers curled slightly at his side.
Across the square, Haruto exited his own carriage, welcomed into the noble district with open arms. A noble host spoke to him in measured tones, explaining his upcoming role in the capital—his training among the elite, his position among scholars and warriors.
Haruto nodded, listening intently.
He hadn't seen it.
None of them had.
But Tanaki did.
And for the first time, he realized—he was meant to see it.
His feet hit the stone as he stepped from his carriage, and before anything else, he approached Haruto and the noble, cutting through their conversation.
Haruto turned, offering a familiar nod. "It seems we'll be training in the capital,"
Tanaki didn't answer immediately.
The noble's gaze landed on him—not with hostility, but with quiet disapproval, as if Tanaki's presence alone disrupted the order of their world.
Then, the noble spoke.
"Your placement has already been arranged." His voice was smooth, unwavering. "You will be taken to the lower district, where you will learn as is necessary."
Haruto frowned. "Why is he being placed there?"
The noble exhaled lightly. "Because it is best for his training."
Haruto's fists clenched slightly. "Then let me train with him."
The noble's lips barely curled—not a smile, but something colder, sharper.
"No."
Then came the council meeting.
The decision was finalized. Haruto would remain among the elite, and Tanaki would be sent away.
And Haruto—he refused to accept it.
His chair scraped against the floor as he abruptly stood, frustration boiling beneath his skin.
"This isn't right."
Then—the room shifted.
Mana surged from Haruto's body, flooding the chamber with electric intensity, forcing even the elite warriors to falter.
The air thickened, the torches flickered, and for the first time—the council hesitated.
One warrior instinctively reached for his blade.
Another leaned back, assessing the sheer magnitude of Haruto's power.
Tanaki, however, did not move.
Because he saw it.
Through his awakened sight, Haruto's mana burned wild, unstable—pulsing along his spine like an untamed storm.
Tanaki stepped forward.
"Enough, Haruto."
Haruto's eyes locked onto his, and for the briefest moment—the mana trembled.
Then, as Tanaki's words cut through the air, the storm faded.
Haruto exhaled sharply, his fists trembling—but he let go.
The warriors remained silent, but Razid—the Elven warrior, seated on the far side of the table—did not look away.She alone had noticed it.
Haruto's power had shaken the council.But Tanaki had shut it down effortlessly.
Her emerald eyes flickered toward Tanaki, studying him with keen intrigue .She got up and walked toward him, a smirk playing at her lips .Then—she turned to the council.
"My Party will be taking him in."
The chamber stiffened . Silence .The nobles exchanged glances, but none dared to interrupt.
Raid's voice carried an undeniable command, laced with authority that made even the high-ranking warriors uneasy.
"I know there is no one spare for the hero Haruto who dares oppose my request," she continued.
A chill settled over the chamber, and Lord Varel—one of the high-ranking nobles—shifted uncomfortably in his seat .He inhaled sharply, his lips parting—but before he could speak, Razid's gaze cut toward him sharply.
"Did you say something, Lord Varel?"
Her smile widened slightly, exposing her saw-like dental formula, her sharp teeth gleaming under the chamber's dim torchlight .Sweat beaded along Varel's fat, chubby face, his throat tightening.
"No—not at all, the ever-beautiful Razid," he stammered.
Razid's expression didn't change.
"Then I take the silence positively."
She turned back to Tanaki, her gaze unreadable.
"From now onwards, Tanaki is under my… I mean, under the Sarel party's care."
The council remained still .The warriors exchanged glances, some intrigued, others uncertain .The decision had been made.
The paths were sealed .The two friends would separate.
Tanaki exhaled slowly, the weight of the moment sinking into him .He turned slightly—just in time to see Haruto step away, his posture stiff, his expression shadowed in disappointment.
Without a word, Haruto walked toward the corridor, leaving the chamber without glancing back.
Tanaki's chest tightened.
He hesitated for only a moment before following .Tanaki caught up to Haruto in the dim corridor, the torches lining the walls casting uneven shadows along the stone. Haruto didn't stop.
"Haruto, Just—bear with it," Tanaki said quietly, his voice steady but layered with something deeper, something unspoken. Haruto's steps slowed. Tanaki exhaled sharply , Tanaki understood his friend's concern .He had gone to the extent of even refusing to join the elves just so he could be with him yet here they were once again being separated . He took one last breath then exhaled
"its funny how everyone in this new world is trying to separate us." His tone was calm, controlled—but beneath it, there was fire, there was conviction. "Hey Haruto I have been thinking about this for a lobng time what if we become strong in that they will not try to control us and choose where we are supposed to go and what we are supposed to do."
Haruto turned slightly, his eyes searching Tanaki's expression .Tanaki held his gaze.
"We'll become the best."
Haruto stared at him for a long moment .Then—his posture relaxed just slightly, the tension in his fists fading he smiled with assurance then nodding answered,
"Then that's our vow Tanaki,"
The two shook their hands both happy.
The noble districts had claimed Haruto .The Sarel Guild had taken Tanaki .Their paths had separated .But their promise remained . And someday, the world would see them both rise together.
The golden chandeliers of the Imperial Palace banquet hall flickered softly, their flames reflecting off polished marble floors, casting elongated shadows beneath the towering pillars engraved with ancient arcane sigils. Tonight, two warriors stood before the most powerful rulers in the empire.
Haruto stood tall, his refined presence drawing the admiration of noble ladies who whispered among themselves, their eyes lingering on him. His poise, his strength, his reputation—it all aligned with their expectations. Tanaki, however, was barely noticed. A shadow in the wake of a legend, standing at the far end of the banquet hall, surrounded by people who did not bother to acknowledge him.
Then—the Emperor spoke. "Haruto, Tanaki, the Human Empire welcomes you." His voice was deep, resonant, meant to fill the vast chamber with authority. "You stand at the precipice of greatness. As chosen warriors, your journey will shape the future of our kingdom."
Tanaki's breath slowed. It wasn't the words that shifted the air. It was the power surrounding him. Mana bled into the chamber like an unseen tide, pressing against his senses, forcing his vision into chaos. He could see it all.
The Emperor's golden aura pulsed steadily, vast and unyielding. To his right, seated at the banquet table, was Duke Aldred Varyn—ruler of the northern nation, a land of fire magic. His red hair was well-kempt, cascading neatly past his shoulders, catching the dim light of the hall like embers in a dying flame. His mana burned with an intense crimson hue, thick and concentrated, flickering in fiery pulses as though his very presence commanded heat itself.
Next to him, Duke Garrin Morvain , dressed in royal maroon robes embroidered with gold, thick golden rings flashing on nearly every finger. His presence was weighty, his expression always calculating. His mana felt dense, shifting like the weight of accumulated treasure, stable but always expanding, growing like an unseen force.
Further down, the remaining Dukes sat in measured silence. Duke Darius Rhyven, his earth magic thick and grounded, his posture unyielding. Duke Sylvar Eronis, his wind magic elusive, his presence like a moving current. Duke Faelor Undyne, his water magic deceptive, his expression calm but unreadable. Duke Vashar Noctis, his shadow magic lingering, his presence nearly consuming the light. Duke Valen Auris, his lightning magic buzzing, tension barely contained. Duke Elric Vondra, his ice magic chilling, his eyes cold, unwavering. Duke Sarius Caelum, his light magic radiant, drawing eyes toward him effortlessly.
But it wasn't just the Dukes. It was everyone in the hall. The nobles. The warriors. The scholars. Their combined mana merged together in chaos, forcing his vision to drown under an endless surge of hues, attributes, densities.
His sight strained. His mind fought to keep up. It was too much. The strain burned into his vision. His heartbeat quickened. His muscles tensed. And then—darkness.
His knees buckled. "Tanaki!" Haruto's voice cut through the silence, sharp with worry. The hall was still. For a moment, not a single sound followed. Not even a breath. Then—a murmur. Whispers rippled through the nobles, displeasure lacing their words.
A rebuke. A dismissal. To them, this was a disgrace.
The First Duke frowned, his fiery aura flaring slightly in irritation. "What insolence is this?" His tone was sharp, heated—not just from anger, but from the conviction of a man who believed that weakness should never be displayed before rulers. "Does he not comprehend the significance of this moment?"
Then—the Second Duke spoke, his voice carrying a calculated edge. His thick fingers curled slightly against the armrest of his chair, golden rings clinking together. "A burden," he murmured, his tone neither cruel nor loud—just sharp enough to cut through the murmuring nobles. "To collapse before the Emperor—is this truly the one entrusted to fight alongside our hero?"
Haruto's hands curled into fists, anger beginning to burn within him. His mana flared. It wasn't intentional, but it wasn't controlled either. A sudden pulse of energy crackled around him, a warning—a reaction to the words thrown at Tanaki.
Razid moved first. Her hand pressed firmly against Haruto's shoulder, grounding him, her emerald eyes steady. The Mage of the First Order stepped forward next, her voice sharp, unwavering. "Do not be stupid."
Haruto barely flinched—but the words hit like iron, his breath catching slightly. The Mage's gaze didn't waver. "You are not strong enough to go against them." Her tone was calm, deliberate. "Not yet."
Haruto exhaled slowly, his fists still trembling—but the mana faded. The Emperor remained composed, but his gaze was firm. "Take him to a healer," he ordered.
Razid stepped forward, her presence unwavering, her stance firm. Then—she knelt. Her cloak folded around her as she lowered herself, her head slightly bowed. "With all due respect, Emperor," she spoke, her voice smooth yet resolute, "Allow me to deal with Tanaki personally."
Silence followed. Some nobles shifted slightly, surprised. A few Dukes exchanged glances. The Emperor studied her for a long moment. Then—he exhaled, nodding. "Do as you must."
Then—he motioned to his advisor. "Provide Lady Razid with an imperial allowance… for his training. And to help him adjust to his new life."
The Second Duke stiffened, displeasure settling into his posture before his voice sharply cut through the air. "Your Majesty," his tone restrained, controlled. "He has shown no merit worthy of such privilege."
The Emperor lifted a hand, silencing him. "Let it be."
The doors at the far end of the banquet hall swung open, and a group of palace servants entered, accompanied by a tall, broad-shouldered man dressed in deep emerald robes—Razid's closest confidant and second-in-command, followed by the healer of the Sarel Guild.
The healer, a man with short dark hair and piercing blue eyes, assessed Tanaki quickly, his gaze sharp yet unreadable. His presence carried the steady aura of someone experienced in treating warriors, but he observed Tanaki with a flicker of curiosity, as if sensing something unusual about him.
Their arrival was quiet, efficient. As they carefully lifted Tanaki from the marble floor, adjusting his weight between them, the whispers among the nobles grew sharper.
"Is he truly a hero?" someone murmured.
"What kind of warrior collapses in front of his rulers?"
Some exchanged glances, watching silently as Tanaki was carried away, doubt swirling in their expressions. Razid remained still, her gaze lingering on Tanaki before she turned swiftly, following behind. As the doors closed behind them, the banquet continued.
But the murmurs did not stop .And doubt remained.
The Emperor lowered his champagne flute against the marble table with rhythmic precision, drawing the hall's attention once more.
"I call forth the Dukes and the council," he announced, his voice smooth yet commanding. "A meeting will be held immediately."
Then, his gaze shifted toward Haruto.
"Duke Aldred Varyn," the Emperor continued, turning toward the red-haired warrior. "You shall oversee Haruto's training personally."
Aldred nodded, his golden eyes gleaming with quiet authority. "It shall be done, Your Majesty."
The Emperor stroked his beard thoughtfully.
"Haruto's mana is strong, but only under Duke Varyn's tutelage can it be properly nurtured into what it must become."
As the Dukes and council members exited, Haruto's gaze flickered toward the retreating Razid and Mage, his thoughts shifting toward Tanaki.
The Emperor caught the moment and smiled knowingly.
"It seems your friend is about to leave. Perhaps you should go and be by his side."
Then, raising his glass again, he declared, "A toast to the heroes of the Human Empire."
Haruto lifted his fruit juice in response.
But before he could slip away, noble ladies swiftly surrounded him, their voices soft yet insistent. They wanted his attention.
Haruto sighed inwardly. Getting to Tanaki wouldn't be easy.
With hurried steps, Haruto wove through the gathering, dodging nobles and slipping past watchful gazes until he finally broke free into the quiet corridors leading outside the palace. Sweat clung to his skin, his breathing uneven, but he pressed forward.
As he reached the guild's departing group, he called out, "Razid! Wait!"
The group halted, turning to see him.
The Mage of the First Order Akari raised an eyebrow, grinning slightly.
"I have to ask—how did you manage to escape your admirers?"
Haruto exhaled, trying to steady himself.
"Barely."
Then, his gaze shifted to Tanaki .He was asleep, head resting against Razid's back as she carried him effortlessly.
The Sarl healer of the Sarel party chuckled softly.
"As you can see Razid is already attached to him."
Razid flushed instantly, quickly shaking her head.
"I'm just helping our new guild member. Nothing more."
Her friend, the shield-bearer of the guild, smirked.
"Then why did you refuse when I offered to carry him? unless--"
Before he could press further, Razid swiftly kicked him in the shin, cutting off his words .Hakimi their shield-bearer stumbled slightly, wincing, but a knowing grin lingered on his face. Though the words never fully left his mouth, everyone understood exactly what he was about to say.
The guild members exchanged glances, some smiling, others amused by Razid's thoroughly flushed face. Haruto let out a small laugh, shaking his head. Then, his expression softened as he looked at Tanaki.
He stepped forward, meeting Razid's gaze.
"Protect him. Help him become strong enough to defend himself.You are the only people I can trust,"
Razid straightened, her embarrassment fading as the entire guild nodded in agreement.
"You have our word," she assured him.
"Yeah plus I don't think she will allow any one to harm her new-,"Hakimi got interrupted by another punch from the thoroughly flushed Razid. The other party members laughed as Razid tried to hide her red face. With that, the guild began their departure, slipping out through the gates of the city.
Haruto stood still for a moment, watching them disappear into the distance.
A quiet relief settled over him. Satisfied, he turned and began walking back toward the palace.
Up above, on the high balcony overlooking the city, the Emperor swirled his wine glass lightly, gazing at the bustling courtyard below. Beside him, Duke Aldred Varyn stood, arms crossed, watching as Haruto slowly made his way back toward the hall.
"The hero who is supposed to be commanding warriors and chasing enemies on the battlefield," the Emperor mused, taking a slow sip of his wine, "is struggling to escape the pursuit of noble admiration."
Aldred exhaled slightly through his nose, watching as the noble ladies spotted Haruto once more.
Below, Haruto's eyes widened as the group of elegantly dressed women called out his name.
A second later—he ran. The delighted laughter and cries of pursuit echoed through the palace grounds, pulling a chuckle from the Emperor.
Just as Aldred smirked at the sight, a rhythmic sound of wheels against marble approached from behind them.
The two turned as the Human Representative arrived, her movements poised despite the urgency in her expression.
She adjusted her position in her wheelchair before speaking, her tone steady but laced with tension.
"The Abyss Order has made their move."
The Emperor exhaled, setting his wine glass down, his expression shifting from quiet amusement to solemn contemplation.
Duke Aldred straightened, his fiery eyes sharpening as the levity of the moment disappeared entirely.
"They've begun earlier than anticipated," the Emperor murmured, stroking his beard.
"They have," the Representative confirmed.
"I assume the council is waiting for me?"
The Emperor gave a knowing nod.
"Indeed. We were only awaiting your arrival."
Without another word, the trio turned, stepping away from the balcony and heading toward the council chamber, leaving behind the distant echoes of celebration as they prepared for the serious matters ahead.
The Veyndell Village, known for its peace and harmony, stood in the distance—but instead of the usual glow of lanterns and the hum of daily life, smoke curled into the sky, thick and ominous.
The Sarel Party, returning from the capital with Tanaki, felt the shift instantly.
Razid's sharp eyes scanned the horizon. Her grip tightened. "Something's wrong," she murmured.
Without hesitation, the party rushed forward, urgency pushing them toward the gates.
Instead of laughter ringing through the streets—beastfolk, humans, and lizardmen children playing under the watchful eyes of merchants—there was only silence, broken by the crackling of dying flames and the distant groans of the wounded.
The main gates lay in ruins, shattered into splintered wood and crumbled stone. Buildings closest to the entrance were torn apart, their foundations barely holding against the destruction that had ripped through them.
Tanaki scanned the wreckage, his pulse quickening. This wasn't random.
This wasn't reckless.
It was coordinated.
Razid strode ahead, her presence commanding as she approached a group of battle-worn warriors wearing the guild's crest. Their armor was dented, their faces hardened with exhaustion.
"What happened here?" Razid demanded.
The guild master, an older man with deep scars running across his cheek, exhaled through his nose. "Monsters attacked. But not just any attack—this was organized."
Razid frowned. "Monsters don't coordinate."
The guild master nodded grimly. "They didn't. Until now."
Tanaki listened in silence, his gaze shifting toward the destruction. He let his mind process the fragments—the gates torn apart, buildings destroyed near the entrance, yet deeper into the village, the damage lessened.
Then, as they arrived at the Duke's mansion, the sight struck like a blade—the estate burned to the ground, its gates crushed inward as if something had forced its way inside.
Tanaki's thoughts clicked together.
This wasn't just an attack. It was a retrieval mission.
He turned to the guild master, his voice controlled but firm. "What did they take?"
The guild master paused mid-report, studying Tanaki thoughtfully. "We're still assessing losses. Right now, the priority is the wounded."
He eyed Tanaki suspiciously. "Why do you think this was a recovery mission?"
Just as Tanaki was about to respond, his vision dulled—the world around him shifting into something unnatural.
Suddenly, he saw it.
The flow of mana.
Streams of glowing energy pulsed inside Razid, the guild master, and beyond them—further into the ruined hall of the Duke's mansion.
A dark aura lingered at the spot where the monsters had attacked hardest.
Tanaki didn't hesitate. His feet moved instinctively, carrying him forward. He barely registered the guild master calling out to him, finding his sudden behavior suspicious.
Razid, however, silenced the guild master with a single look before following Tanaki into the wreckage.
Inside the mansion's great hall, artifacts lined the walls, remnants of history still intact despite the destruction. But in the center, where something should have hung, only an empty space remained.
Tanaki stepped forward, fingers grazing the spot.
"I think this is what they were after," he murmured.
The guild master, catching up to them, stared in confusion. "What makes you so sure?"
Before Tanaki could respond, a new voice filled the chamber.
"So… this is the hero."
None of them reacted in surprise. They knew he was here.
A figure stepped forward—Elder Zalda, his deep gaze settling on Tanaki with quiet amusement. Razid straightened slightly, then turned to him.
"Tanaki, meet Elder Zalda."
Tanaki bowed respectfully. "Thank you for allowing me to stay."
The elder blinked, briefly caught off guard. He had expected arrogance—not discipline.
Zalda exhaled thoughtfully. "This hall once held a shield—one adorned with ancient runes." His voice was steady, carrying the weight of history. "It was recovered from a dungeon long ago."
Razid's curiosity deepened. "A dungeon?"
The elder nodded. "Its origin… is what I seek to understand."
But first, Veyndell had to heal.
Over the following three weeks, repairs took place. The wounded were tended to, the city was rebuilt, and Tanaki—for the first time—felt truly accepted.
He trained his martial arts, surprising himself with his natural skill. But as expected, his magic remained terrible.
One afternoon, as he gathered supplies for the party, Tanaki found himself wandering through the bustling marketplace.
The sun hung low, casting long shadows over Veyndell's market, where merchants haggled and townspeople stocked goods, preparing for the evening rush.
Tanaki moved between stalls, adjusting the straps on the bags slung over his shoulder. It was a simple errand—gather provisions, ensure everything was packed, and return before sunset.
Yet, halfway through bartering for dried meats, his vision shifted.
At first, it was subtle. The colors around him darkened slightly, edges of objects blurred at the corners. Then—he saw it.
Not just the streams of mana flowing through people like before.
But something new.
Next to each passerby, floating text appeared, hovering just beyond their presence.
Name. Class. Level. Skill Proficiency.
Tanaki stiffened, blinking rapidly, trying to clear his vision. Was he seeing things?
Nearby, Larry, a sharp-eyed trader, noticed Tanaki immediately—the way his posture had tensed, the distant look in his eyes.
Larry frowned, watching him closely. "Oi, kid. You look like you've seen a ghost."
Tanaki barely registered the voice, his attention drawn to Larry's presence.
Level 22 Merchant Bartering Lv.6
Tanaki inhaled sharply, steadying himself.
Larry studied him carefully before gesturing toward a quieter section of the marketplace. "Come. Sit. If something's off, best we figure it out before you pass out in the middle of the street."
They settled on a wooden bench beneath the shade of a large tree.
Tanaki exhaled slowly. "It started… just now. I was shopping, and suddenly, I could see something hovering near people—words, levels, abilities. Like some kind of system."
Larry's brows lifted. "The Status Window."
Tanaki frowned. "The what?"
Larry leaned back. "You really don't know?"
Tanaki shook his head.
Larry chuckled. "Well, damn. No wonder you looked rattled." He crossed his arms. "The Status Window is something everyone has—but only the owner can see their own. It's like a personal record of skills, levels, and job classifications."
Tanaki absorbed the information carefully. "And you're telling me… I shouldn't be seeing anyone else's?"
Larry nodded. "Exactly."
Then Larry exhaled. "Alright. You need to summon your own Status Window before we go any further."
Tanaki steadied himself, took a breath, and did as he was told.
A moment later, his own window appeared before him.
Hirose Diner buzzed with warmth, the scent of roasting meat and freshly baked bread wafting through the air, mingling with the chatter of guild members celebrating another successful raid. The evening light flickered across wooden tables, illuminating plates stacked with hearty meals and tankards clinking in friendly exchange.
Among the gathered adventurers, Tanaki sat comfortably, his exhaustion momentarily pushed aside by the lively hum of the diner. On his thigh, Harimi sat proudly, her small hands gripping his arm as she beamed up at him, eyes wide with delight.
"Tanaki, will you play with me tomorrow?" she asked eagerly, her voice carrying that bright innocence only a child could possess.
Tanaki smiled, ruffling her dark hair. "Of course, Harimi," he replied gently, watching her giggle in triumph.
Across the table, Sarl smirked over his drink, his keen eyes flicking toward Razid, who sat just a little too still, just a little too aware of Tanaki's interaction with the girl.
"Oi," Sarl mused, his tone dripping with mischief. "Looks like someone's making a move while you're watching, Razid."
Razid froze. Then—a blur of motion.
Her hand struck with practiced precision, smacking Sarl's head with enough force to send him toppling off his chair. His beer mug tumbled, the liquid splashing across his chest as he landed in an ungraceful heap on the floor.
The entire table erupted into laughter.
Even Sishui, their healer, grinned, leaning back as he watched Sarl groan dramatically, wiping foam off his face.
"Wait, Razid—why are you all red?" Sishui teased, his voice carrying just the right amount of amusement.
Razid ducked her head, her entire face a deep shade of crimson, her fingers twitching as she struggled to come up with a proper response.
Tanaki blinked, genuinely confused. "Uh… are you okay?"
Akari, resting her chin on her palm, watched Razid with barely concealed amusement.
"Oh, she's fine," Akari smirked, her voice laced with amusement. "Just head over heels."
Razid groaned, turning further away, burying herself deeper into her own humiliation.
Tanaki chuckled softly, shaking his head at the chaos surrounding him.
And yet, as the laughter continued, as the voices of his guild swirled around him like a warm embrace, the weight in his chest remained, unshaken.
No matter how welcomed he was, no matter how much he belonged in moments like these, his failure in the dungeon still lingered like a shadow.
Hidden. Silent. Unrelenting.