The hero now had new clothes, a light set of armor, a sword, and a bit of stolen money.But none of it changed the truth—his body was weakening. The pain was returning.He needed a place to rest before it got worse.
Even at night, the city was noisy and filthy.He walked past corpses, sick beggars groaning in the alleys, and shady men watching him from the shadows.He kept his head down.
He was sick.He was lost.And worst of all...
He was a killer.
---
Then, he saw it.A flickering wooden sign swinging in the wind:
"Adventurers’ Guild."
His heart nearly leapt out of his chest.
“Finally!” he gasped out loud, too relieved to care.A few people nearby stared.Embarrassed, he rushed toward the door—but his breath failed him halfway.He coughed violently, blood touching his lips again.
Still, he forced himself through the door.
---
The guild hall was dimly lit and nearly empty.Just a few adventurers sat drinking and talking, their voices a dull hum.
He stepped up to the counter.
The receptionist was a girl with cat ears—and a cold metal collar around her neck.A slave.Just like everyone else in this cruel world.
She looked exhausted.Dark circles under her eyes.Her frame thin, like she hadn’t eaten in days.
Still, she gave him a tired smile.
“Welcome to the Adventurers’ Guild. How may I help you?”
He hesitated for a moment.
“…I want to register.”
She nodded, pulling out a form and handing it to him.
“Please write your name, combat style, and the religion you belong to. Then, sign it with your blood—just a small cut on your finger will do.”
“Religion?” he blinked.
He remembered that church.That strange priest.That name...
He wrote: Obscurus Then pricked his finger and marked the form with blood.
The girl whispered a small spell. The paper shimmered, and then she handed him a glowing guild card.It displayed his name, class, and chosen faith.
But—
“…There’s no rank?” he asked.
The girl answered softly:
“Ranks were abolished long ago.When Emperor Xeus rose to power, he erased the entire ranking system.Now, anyone can take on whatever quest they choose.”
There was a flicker of passion in her voice. But only for a moment.Then, it disappeared—just like her hope.
“…What about registration fees?” he asked.
She replied flatly:
“Also abolished.Emperor Xeus wanted everyone to have the freedom to follow their dreams.”
Freedom, huh…
He took the card and walked to a quiet corner, pulling out a chair.
With a whisper, he prayed:
“Please... let the pain stay away tonight.”
Then, he placed his head on the table…And fell asleep before the candle could even burn halfway down.
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