The morning sun filtered through Xero's small window, and he realized he needed to understand more about where he'd found himself. Moonshire seemed pleasant enough from his brief glimpse, but there was something about the mix of people he'd seen that suggested this wasn't an ordinary town.
He made his way downstairs and stepped outside, immediately struck by the unique beauty of the place. The streets weren't paved with cobblestones as he'd initially thought, but were instead hard-packed dirt paths that seemed to wind naturally between buildings. What caught his attention most were the trees—they were everywhere, growing in perfect harmony with the architecture. Buildings were constructed around massive oak and elm trees, their branches providing natural canopies over walkways and courtyards.
The lighting was unlike anything from his previous world. Instead of lanterns or torches, small crystalline containers hung from tree branches, each one filled with dozens of luminescent insects that cast a soft, warm glow. The bugs pulsed in gentle rhythms, creating an almost magical ambiance even in the daylight.
The grass beneath his feet was the most vibrant green he'd ever seen, so lush and healthy it seemed to glow with its own inner life. Gardens bloomed everywhere, tended by residents who moved with an grace that seemed almost otherworldly.
Speaking of the residents, Xero noticed the population was remarkably diverse. Elegant figures with pointed ears and ethereal beauty walked alongside rough-looking humans in leather armor. The elves—for that's what they clearly were—dressed in flowing robes that seemed to be woven from moonbeams and starlight. Their movements were fluid and purposeful, their eyes holding depths that suggested lifespans far exceeding human norms.
The humans, by contrast, had a harder edge to them. Many bore scars and carried weapons openly. They moved with the confident stride of those accustomed to danger, their eyes constantly scanning their surroundings. These weren't merchants or farmers—they were warriors.
Curious about this unusual mix, Xero approached a middle-aged human man who was examining a sword at a weapon vendor's stall. The man had graying hair and kind eyes, but muscles that spoke of years of combat training.
"Excuse me," Xero said politely. "I'm new to Moonshire. Could you tell me a bit about this place?"
The man looked him up and down, taking in his simple clothes and unmarked appearance. "You're definitely new, aren't you? Most folks know about Moonshire before they come here." He set down the sword and turned to face Xero fully. "This town sits right on the border of human territory, son. We're the last bastion before the Demon Continent."
Xero's enhanced senses picked up the man's increased heart rate as he mentioned the Demon Continent, suggesting this wasn't just geographical information.
"The Demon Continent?" Xero asked, trying to keep his voice casual.
"Aye, though we're positioned as far from it as possible while still maintaining our defensive position. We also share a border with the Elven lands," the man gestured toward the more elegantly dressed residents. "That's why you see so many elves here—they help us maintain the natural defenses and provide magical support."
Xero activated his All-Seeing Eye, focusing on Marcus. To his surprise, he couldn't discern the man's cultivation level at all—it appeared as nothing more than a hazy blur, suggesting Marcus was significantly stronger than him.
"And the other humans? They all look like..." Xero paused, searching for the right word.
"Warriors? Adventurers? That's because they are." The man's expression grew serious. "Moonshire serves as the first bastion of the human territories against demon incursions. This town sees more combat-ready individuals than anywhere else in the human lands. Powerhouses from across the realm come here to train against real threats."
The man studied Xero's face carefully. "I can see you're thinking about it, lad. Don't. I understand why you wouldn't know much about this place—many who come here don't make it back. The Demon Continent isn't just dangerous, it's a death sentence for the unprepared."
Xero felt a chill run down his spine, but also a thrill of excitement. This was exactly the kind of place where he could test his new abilities.
"My advice?" the man continued. "If you're looking for training, try the Academy. Much safer than the frontlines, and you'll actually live long enough to learn something useful."
"I appreciate the warning," Xero said, meaning it. "But if I can't rise above the rest, then who would?"
The man stared at him for a long moment, then shook his head with a rueful smile. "Youth. Well, don't say I didn't warn you. Name's Marcus, by the way. If you survive your first week, look me up."
Xero thanked Marcus and continued exploring the town, his All-Seeing Eye ability picking up details he might have missed before. The elves weren't just residents—they were clearly skilled in magic, their auras shimmering with barely contained power. The human adventurers carried themselves with the confidence of those who'd faced death and survived. Even the architecture told a story of conflict and preparation.
He made his way toward the Adventurer's Guild, observing the different types of people he encountered. A group of elven mages discussed ward placements in their musical language. A scarred human woman sharpened her axes with methodical precision. A young man about his own age practiced sword forms in a small courtyard, his movements fluid and deadly.
"You're staring pretty hard there, kid," a gruff voice said behind him.
Xero turned to find a massive man with arms like tree trunks and a beard that could house small animals. The man's eyes twinkled with humor despite his intimidating appearance.
"Sorry," Xero said, not feeling particularly threatened thanks to his enhanced perception. "I'm just trying to get a feel for the place."
"First time seeing real adventurers?" the man asked, his tone gentler now. "Word of advice—keep your observations to yourself unless you want to end up in a fight. Some folks don't appreciate being studied like specimens."
"Thanks for the tip," Xero replied, genuinely grateful. "I'll keep that in mind."
The big man nodded approvingly. "Smart kid. You'll do fine if you remember that discretion is the better part of valor."
As Xero continued toward the guild, he marveled at the sheer variety of people. There were rangers with bows strung across their backs, mages with staffs that hummed with power, rogues who seemed to melt into shadows, and warriors in armor that looked like it could stop a charging bull.
Curious about the differences between races, he focused his All-Seeing Eye on a nearby elf who was examining magical scrolls at a vendor's stall. The information that flowed into his mind was fascinating:
[Race: Elf (Mortal)] [Strength: 8] [Agility: 16] [Health: 85/85] [Mana: 120/120] [Wisdom: 18]
Comparing it to what he remembered of his own stats, he realized that mortal elves possessed significantly higher agility, wisdom, and mana than humans, but their strength and health were noticeably lower. It was an interesting trade-off that explained their preference for magic and ranged combat.
When he finally reached the Adventurer's Guild, he stopped in his tracks. The building was enormous—easily the largest structure in Moonshire. It rose four stories high and stretched for an entire city block. The architecture was a blend of human pragmatism and elven artistry, with soaring buttresses and intricate carvings depicting legendary battles.
The entrance was crowded with people coming and going, creating a constant stream of activity. Xero had to push his way through groups of adventurers discussing quests, merchants peddling supplies, and officials reviewing paperwork.
Inside, the guild was even more impressive. The main hall had a ceiling that rose all the way to the top of the building, supported by massive wooden beams. Quest boards covered entire walls, each one filled with notices and bounties. The noise was overwhelming—hundreds of conversations happening simultaneously, creating a din that spoke of serious business being conducted.
It took Xero nearly twenty minutes to push through the sea of people and reach the front desk. Behind the counter sat a tired-looking woman with ink-stained fingers and the patient expression of someone who'd answered the same questions a thousand times.
"Can I help you?" she asked, barely looking up from her paperwork.
"I'd like to learn about the guild," Xero said, trying to project confidence.
Now she looked up, taking in his appearance with experienced eyes. "New to town? The Adventurer's Guild has been the cornerstone of frontier defense for over three centuries. We coordinate monster hunting, demon incursions, dungeon exploration, and general security for the borderlands."
Her tone became more animated as she continued. "Our most notable member was the Human Emperor himself, who earned his legendary status right here in Moonshire during his youth. Every record in this guild—fastest quest completion, most demons slain, highest difficulty dungeon cleared—they all belong to him."
Xero's eyes lit up with enthusiasm. "That sounds incredible. I'd like to sign up as a new member."
The woman's expression changed to one of disbelief. The conversations around them began to die down as nearby adventurers turned to stare. Someone in the crowd laughed outright.
"Sign up?" the woman repeated, as if she'd misheard. "You want to join the Adventurer's Guild?"
"Yes," Xero said, suddenly aware that everyone within earshot was looking at him like he'd announced his intention to juggle fire while riding a dragon.
"Look, kid," the woman said, her voice taking on a patronizing tone. "I'm going to assume you're from the Academy and this is some kind of dare or academic exercise. The guild isn't a place for students to play adventure."
"I'm not from the Academy," Xero replied firmly. "I'm serious about joining."
The woman's expression shifted to genuine concern. "Son, do you understand what we do here? This isn't a game. We fight actual demons. Real monsters. People die. Regularly."
"I understand the risks," Xero said, his voice steady despite the stares and whispers around him. "I still want to join."
The woman sighed deeply and rubbed her temples. "Fine. Against my better judgment, I'll process your application. But you'll need to take the entrance examination first."
"What does that involve?"
"Two parts," she said, pulling out a form. "First, you'll be tested for talent using the Aptitude Gem, which measures your potential. Second, you'll face a controlled battle against a demon."
She leaned forward, her expression serious. "The demon battle is designed to be challenging but manageable for someone with proper training. However, if you can't handle it, you'll be barred from guild membership permanently. Are you sure you want to proceed?"
Xero looked around at the crowd of seasoned adventurers, many of whom were shaking their heads in disapproval. He thought about Marcus's warning, about the dangers of the Demon Continent, about the fact that he'd only been in this world for a few days.
Then he thought about his new abilities, his enhanced physique, and his determination to make the most of his second chance.
"I'm sure," he said firmly. "When can I take the examination?"
The woman sighed again, but began filling out the paperwork. "The exam will begin soon. Here's a pin to wear—it will glow when we're ready for your examination. Stay close to the guild until then."
She handed him a small bronze pin along with the preliminary forms. The pin felt warm in his hand and pulsed with a faint magical energy.
As she handed him the paperwork, Xero couldn't help but smile. His real adventure was about to begin.