---
"We just have a few questions for you."
I was taken by the men who introduced themselves as the guards of Gram Village, though the building they brought me to didn't resemble a prison at all. It felt more like a meeting hall.
They gave me a set of clothes to wear — apparently so I'd be more "comfortable" while answering their questions. Sitting across the wooden table from me was their leader, a man who introduced himself as Sir Gregorie.
"Just call me Greg," he said.
He was tall, broad-shouldered, and serious. A long scar stretched across his jawline, giving his expression more weight. Without another word, he placed two things on the table: a small crystal orb, and a short ceremonial dagger.
---
"First of all, I want to confirm your Class," Greg said.
"Use the dagger and drop a bit of your blood on that crystal."
I gulped.
I didn't have the guts to refuse, so I picked up the dagger, nicked my thumb — ouch, that stung more than expected — and let a drop of blood fall onto the orb. It immediately began to glow.
From its light, a floating holographic panel appeared — thin, translucent, yet readable. Strangely enough, even though I'd never seen these letters before… I understood them perfectly.
---
Name: John Leben
Level: 1
HP: 100 / 100
MP: 0
Class: [None]
Title: [None]
Skills: [None]
Str: 1 Int: 1 Dex: 0 Con: 0 Wis: 0
Available Points: 0
Skill Points: 0
---
— A status window?
I wasn't too surprised. I'd seen this system before in the game — but what caught me off guard was how low my stats were.
And worse: I had no class.
— Well, makes sense. I didn't go through character creation.
In Alfiria Saga, players could pick a class at the start — Warrior, Mage, Archer, Thief, Magic Knight, Healer, and a few unlockables depending on your build.
But this… I was truly starting from zero.
---
Sir Greg's expression softened slightly.
"It seems we were mistaken. I apologize for bringing you in like this, Sir Leben."
"No worries, Sir Greg. Actually, thank you for the clothes." I chuckled lightly. "But if I may ask… what exactly was the misunderstanding?"
"There have been rumors in Gram Village," he said, leaning forward. "A suspicious person has been attacking villagers. Male victims are found dead — stripped of their gear and clothing. Female villagers, on the other hand… simply disappear."
His tone grew heavier.
"You were found naked, disoriented, and without any belongings. Naturally, we suspected you had escaped an attack. Or worse… that you were the attacker."
"...So that's why you checked my Class?"
"Correct. We needed to confirm if you were a registered Adventurer or just an outsider. Status Windows only appear for those touched by the Goddess Alfiria."
I nodded slowly, thinking fast.
"Well… to be honest, this is the first time I've ever seen a Status Window."
Greg's brow furrowed. "Is that so? But all children are tested on their tenth birthday to determine their Class."
Crap. That caught me off guard.
But I kept calm and came up with a story on the spot.
"Back in my village — Ternia, outside the Vulcan Kingdom — I was tested as a child… but nothing appeared. Since then, I focused on helping with the farm. I figured I'd never be chosen."
Greg leaned back, thoughtful.
"I see. You're not the only one the Goddess overlooked. But now that you've awakened your Status, I suggest registering with the Adventurers Department. It'll help you find your Class, gain levels, and receive quests. There's even a reward for completing your first assignment."
"I'll give it a try. Thanks for the advice, Sir Greg."
"That's all for now, Sir Leben. Please be careful. We're still investigating the attacks — and I'd hate for something to happen to you again."
"Hopefully not," I said with a laugh. "Good luck catching the culprit."
Greg nodded as I stood and exited the room.
---
"Good luck?" said a voice from behind as I closed the door.
"What do you think he meant by that, Sir Dion?"
"...No idea, Sir Greg."
---
*****
---
With clothes on my back and a few silver coins in my pocket, I headed toward the Adventurers Department.
My goal?
To register.
To earn gold.
And most importantly — to begin my journey toward collecting the Seven Sacred Treasures.
I looked around, searching for someone to ask directions.
I spotted a tall man in a red uniform walking nearby.
He had a large shield strapped to his back and a longsword at his side.
"Good day, Sir Adventurer," I called out politely. "May I ask you something?"
"What do you need?" he replied curtly.
"Where can I find the Adventurers Department?"
"Center of Gram Village. Straight ahead."
"Thank you."
He gave a brief nod and walked away.
As he turned, I caught a better look at his gear.
— Flamevell Full Set armor… that's a Magic Knight build.
Its high fire resistance and defense stats meant the guy was at least Level 45, since that was the minimum requirement.
— Impressive.
But I didn't dwell on it.
I had two main objectives now:
1. Register as an Adventurer
2. Obtain the Eyes of Fin Ring
That artifact would let me view other people's stats — a crucial tool for knowing who to avoid, and who I could actually challenge.
Among the Sacred Treasures, it was one of the easiest to find.