I arrived at the Guild. The place was alive with energy—voices rising in discussion, armor clinking, adventurers of all ages reviewing quest boards. Every day, new quests are added here, drawn from all corners of the surrounding lands.
In this world where magical beasts roam freely, people often suffer losses—farms trampled by slimes in search of magical nutrients, livestock stolen by hungry orcs. These problems turn into quests. Citizens post requests, offering rewards in exchange for help. Adventurers complete the quests, receive payment, and the town benefits in return. It's a simple give-and-take system.
However, not just anyone can accept any quest.
Adventurers are ranked according to experience and skill:
S+ Rank
S Rank
A Rank
B Rank
C Rank
D Rank
F Rank
Everyone begins at Rank F, starting with minor quests that pose little danger. While the pay is low, the risk is minimal. As adventurers complete quests, their rank rises. Only S and S+ rank adventurers can take on Boss-level quests, which often involve great danger—and great reward.
I approached the main counter. One of them was quiet, with a young woman seated behind it.
"Hi! How can I help you?" she asked, smiling brightly.
"I want to become an adventurer. I'm new here and not sure what to do. Could you guide me?"
"Of course. Please fill out this registration form."
After filling it out, she handed me a small bronze card. My name and Rank: F were engraved on it.
"Welcome to the Guild," she said with a nod. "You're officially an adventurer now."
I moved to the quest board and scanned the postings. My eyes settled on a beginner-level quest with a modest reward. It read:
Quest: Eliminate the Cropmires near Shimura
Requester: Farmer Raul
Reward: 12 Silver
Details: Cropmires are destroying crops near the western edge of Shimura. They appear in groups at night, absorbing nutrients from magical soil. Requesting safe removal.
I accepted the quest and began my journey toward Shimura, a peaceful town known for its enchanting, golden fields and mana-rich farmlands. As I approached, I could see miles of golden crops glimmering in the sunlight, swaying in rhythm with the breeze.
I found the farmer easily. He stood near a damaged section of his field, frustration written on his face. "They came again last night," he told me. "The Cropmires. Ate through the roots, left mushrooms in their wake."
The Cropmire is a strange creature—about the size of a large dog, with mossy green skin and a back like freshly tilled soil. Glowing mushrooms sprout from their backs, used to lure animals or curious farmers closer. At dusk, their bodies emit a faint glow, and their legs, though stubby, are strong enough to leap over fences and hedgerows.
When threatened, they release a cloud of hallucinogenic spores, causing confusion in predators and humans alike. Harmless to people under normal conditions, they become aggressive when cornered, often attacking in small groups.
Alchemists pay well for the spores they leave behind. These are used in dream potions and sleep remedies. Legends say spotting a Cropmire at twilight is either a sign of impending rain—or heartbreak.
I drew my sword. One by one, I cleared them from the field. There were six of them in the first wave, then more came. By the time I was done, I had eliminated twenty-seven. As they died, they left behind spore stones, which I collected as proof. These would be submitted to the Guild.
That night, I returned to the inn, exhausted but content. I wasn't hungry. I lay down and quickly drifted off to sleep.
Sometime past midnight, a loud crack jolted me awake. It sounded like something breaking outside.
From my balcony, I could see the narrow alley behind the inn. A figure walked there, cloaked entirely in black. I couldn't make out his face. He didn't glance around, didn't hesitate. Just walked slowly, as though on a path only he could see.
It felt… strange. But the hour was late, and I was still tired. I went back to sleep, brushing it off.
The next morning, I woke early and returned to the Guild. The place was still quiet; adventurers hadn't arrived yet in full force. Staff members were pinning up new quests on the board.
Among them, one caught my eye:
Quest: Mysterious Figure in the Night
Requester: Town Guard
Reward: 10 Silver
Details: A cloaked figure has been seen walking through various streets late at night. When approached, he vanishes instantly. Locals are unnerved. Investigate and report findings.
Rank Requirement: Open to all ranks.
My eyes widened.
The description matched the man I saw last night. I didn't know what it meant, but I was curious—and perhaps a bit unsettled.
Without hesitation, I accepted the quest.
This would be my second quest. And something told me, it would be nothing like the first.