"Here you go," Layla said, handing me a slim, card-like object.
I looked it over curiously. "This? What is it?"
"That's your adventurer's ID," she replied with a soft smile.
[Adventurer ID]
Name: Alex WalkerRank: GClass: NoneKills: 0Specialization: MagicQuests Completed: 0Special Achievements: None
I turned it over in my hands, scanning the details. My name, sure. Rank? G—figures. No class, no kills, no completed quests. Pretty much a clean slate.
"Hmm… why isn't anything about my stats on here?" I asked, puzzled.
Layla's expression shifted, more serious now. "The ID is meant strictly for identification. We leave out stat info for a reason—your safety."
That got my attention. "Wait, what kind of danger?"
She glanced around, then leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a near whisper. "Showing off your stats can make you a target. Rival adventurers, guilds, or worse… some groups prey on that kind of information. Power invites problems. Discretion is protection."
I gave a slow nod, realizing just how layered this world could be. Status wasn't just for show—it could get you killed. "Makes sense."
"And besides," I added with a grin, "if I want to earn some bragging rights, I've gotta complete some quests first, right?"
"Exactly," she said, returning the smile. "As a G-rank adventurer, there are a few starter quests available to help you grow and get familiar with the area."
She handed me a scroll. I carefully unrolled it and scanned through the parchment, each quest laid out with a title, objective, and reward.
[OPEN QUESTS – RANK G]
Rat ExterminationEliminate the wild rats infesting the village outskirts. Deliver proof to the collection point.Reward: 5 bronze coins per rat
Golden Cricket HuntTrack and capture rare golden crickets. Known for their shimmering wings and magical properties.Reward: 20 bronze coins per cricket
Harvesting Herbal GrassTravel to Fill Hill Mountain and gather herbal grass with potent healing effects.Reward: 1 silver coin per herb
[SPECIAL QUESTS – UNLOCKED AT LEVEL 10, G-RANK MINIMUM]
Cargo TransportSafely escort cargo between cities. Guard it from thieves and ensure no damage.Reward: 20 silver coins
Merchant's EscortProtect a traveling merchant through dangerous territory. Success yields high rewards.Reward: [Details unlocked upon quest acceptance]
One quest immediately stood out to me. Not flashy. Not high-paying. But… it felt right.
"Wild rats?" I asked, raising a brow.
Layla nodded, an amused spark in her eyes. "They may sound insignificant, but they're persistent pests. They cause more problems than you'd think. Plus, it's a great test for new adventurers—agility, observation, and persistence."
I smirked. "Sounds like a solid first step. I'll take that one."
She walked over to a large village map on the wall and pointed to a spot near the eastern gate. "This is the collection point. Once you've finished the task, bring the proof there. Just be cautious—the outskirts may seem tame, but they have their dangers."
"I'll be careful. Thanks again, Layla."
"You're welcome, Sir Alex," she replied gently. "May this quest be the beginning of an extraordinary journey. And if you ever need help—guidance, direction, or anything at all—you're always welcome back here."
I gave her a final nod and headed out of the Adventurer's Hall, stepping into the heart of Village Tervana. My ID tucked away safely, map in hand, and first quest ready to go—I could feel that buzz of anticipation kicking in.
As I walked through the busy streets, I took it all in—the smells of baked bread from market stalls, blacksmiths hammering away, kids chasing chickens (probably not part of any quest, sadly). Adventurers milled about, some boasting their kills, others reviewing quest logs. It all felt alive.
Eventually, I reached the eastern gate. The shift in scenery was immediate—beyond the village walls, the land grew wilder. Tall grass swayed in the wind, and the towering silhouettes of distant mountains framed the horizon.
I took a breath, steadying myself.
My first quest was simple: hunt rats.
But I knew this was more than pest control. It was the first real step on a path I was determined to walk.
With my senses sharp and my sword at my side, I stepped into the wild.
Let the hunt begin.