Chapter 8: Getting Started

“What’s the point of trying if you don’t get a kick outta it?”

—Umare Ikusade

Lysa waved her hands over Meisatsu which glowed with a faint green light, illuminating the parts of the body she hovered over.

“Umm...it looks l-like his magical power has been restored,” she whispered, almost completely inaudible.

“Dang kid,” Umare said, placing a fist lightly on Meisatsu’s right shoulder, as he lay still on the bed.

“You really gave me one heck of a battle—though it cost ya!” He broke out into a belly laugh, slapping his knee repeatedly.

He got up, and stepped in closer. Then he crouched beside Meisatsu's head, shuffling in a bit more...

“I even held back quite a bit,” he whispered gingerly , his breath blowing softly across Meisatsu’s ear, sending a small shiver down his spine.

“Urm...aren’t you a little too close?” Meisatsu blurted in a slightly high-pitched voice, dread creeping up across his face.

Dammit! I thought being a Hero would come with more perks. I mean, sure, I’ve been given another chance at life and all...but—where are all the chicks?! 

His mind screamed in agony!

That priest girl—her name was Lysa, right? If only she were the one inches from my head, as she parts those lovely locks of blonde hair draped across her face... That would be bliss.

“Alright, that’s enough.” Ayame swiftly whisked Umare away from Meisatsu, with surprising ease for someone her size. She then barked at Umare, “Can't you see he needs rest, you big oaf!”

“Oh, forgive me—princess.” He bowed mockingly. “Your wish is my command.”

“Although...” A mischievous grin graced his features... 

“You’re a pretty lame excuse for royalty.” He snickered, “But I’ll do ya a favor and help your puny kingdom!”

Meisatsu was sure he felt the atmosphere get a tad heavier.

“After all, you’re just Level 24. It’s totally understandable.” He had finished speaking,  now nodding to himself.

Umare and Ayame went on bickering, back and forth, hurling accusations and insults—some being so hurtful, they’d be better off unknown...

The exchange seemed to go on forever—

Slight tremors began to rock the guild hall—Ayame’s monstrous magic power was leaking out, making the air feel heavy and cold—which was scarier, since she normally used flames...

“So, uhh...can I get up now?!” Meisatsu shouted over the rapidly escalating argument.

“Y-yes!” Lysa quickly responded to his query. “You are completely fine now...”

The duo, who were at each other’s throats moments ago, stopped abruptly with a—

HMPH!

—both crossing their arms and looking the other way.

✦✦✦

A Few Moments Later...

Meisatsu, Ayame and Umare had all left the infirmary, walking down a corridor—Lysa gathered all the courage she could muster to wave them off with a shaky smile.

As the group made their way to the reception hall, Umare draped an arm over Meisatsu’s shoulder, causing Ayame to glare furiously at him.

“Alright kid!” Umare then pointed a finger at Meisatsu, telling him, “Guess it’s time for you to take your first quest, hmm?—Don’t forget to take it easy on your magical output!”

My magical output, huh...? Meisatsu thought back to what he had explained to him earlier...

Magical Output—the term refers to the amount of magic power that a being releases at any given time. The world in which Meisatsu found himself, has magic at the very core of its existence.

Animate or inanimate, everything contained some amount of magic. And the more magic a body holds, the greater its dormant potential.

Umare now headed toward a small gathering within the guild hall—his party. They all swarmed him frantically, asking him how it felt fighting against the Hero.

Apparently, it was a big deal—a really big deal—it’s not every day someone gets to spar with a legendary figure of such magnitude

“Yo, Umare?” a young man with short spiky, light brown hair asked casually.

“I saw the fight. That was one heck of a show!” He then lightly punched Umare’s left shoulder.

“The way you were all like—woosh! and shing!—with that sword of yours.” Laughing, he imitated Umare swinging his sword in battle, even mimicking his facial expressions.

“But you sure took a real nasty hit to the jaw...” Currently, he was now poking the area in question.

“Let him be, Kurito. He’s had more than enough you for one day already.” A young lady with dark purple hair and sharp eyes said disdainfully. Her face had strikingly pronounced features—like that of a model's.

“No way in hell, Kiku-chan!” Kurito responded teasingly with a dorky smile.

In the midst of the banter, stood a young man of lean figure and dark blue hair, casually eating what appeared to be... A baguette...?!

“You sure love those things—don’t ya Shizuka?” Kurito now gestured toward the unusually radiant baguette that seemingly appeared to glow.

“Mm...” Shizuka moaned nonchalantly, taking another hefty bite of the baked good.

Kurito Jin, Kiku Shiranui and Shizuka Shiinazaki are a standout bunch. Umare’s closest allies which he served as their leader.

Every passing day he has to put up with the antics of these three, though he never seemed to mind—he appeared to have grown rather fond of them...

“Alright, settle down,” Umare said as he motioned for them to ease up. “Let’s all go for a drink—on me!” 

He pointed a thumb at himself with a grin. The party roared with cheers, sweeping Umare away like a tidal wave, right out the door.

Ayame and Meisatsu continued their walk toward the desk at the reception hall. As they approached, Meisatsu noticed something he found rather intriguing about the structure of the desk.

It was wide and massive, and it seemed to be crafted using the finest quality of wood. The frame was spectacularly exquisite, and the craftsmanship showed great finesse. The top lit up with a royal blue light, illuminating the entire surface—extremely easy on the eyes.

Within the radiant blue glow appeared map-like grids, images of various monsters, information on various explorers all executed seamlessly—almost like those high-tech ones normally featured in spy movies.

“Hey, Ayame?” Meisatsu nudged her.

“Yeah, is something wrong?”

“Nah not really—just curious about that glowy thingy at the desk.”

“Oh, you mean projection magic?”

“What the heck is that?!”

Wait I’ve seen this before...actually, I see it every morning. It’s the same thing they use for...

GOOD MORNING ASTURIA

Just like the morning news? Never been a fan though—couldn't be bothered.

“That’s the result of highly sophisticated magic application!” Ayame answered with a hint of pride. “The desk shares a unique connection to the barrier, surrounding the entire kingdom. This allows us Explorers here at the Guild, to monitor and detect unusual activity!”

“Let’s say...monster breach. The guild will be able to put up quests to neutralize the threat—hey?!” The sudden influx of information Ayame had provided, was too much for Meisatsu to handle all at once causing him to be more spaced out than ever—completely lost.

“I think I got the gist of it...” His face showed it clearly. He didn't.

Akane, upon seeing the two straightened herself up in her chair, adjusted her glasses with elbows rested lightly on the desk, and her fingers interlocked.

“Welcome, once again Meisatsu Kanezuka, to the Beetho Explorers Guild.” She had spoken in a tone that was slightly warmer than the one Meisatsu had heard in their previous encounter.

“Your fight with Umare was unlike anything I had ever seen—truly a feat worthy of the Hero.”

“Geez, you flatter me,” Meisatsu replied, his cheeks turning red while his face reflected—clear as day—he was getting a big head.

“So, as you already know, we have certain instances where monsters breach the barrier—wreaking havoc once inside. It’s our duty to handle these threats effectively.” She adjusted her glasses, pulling them slightly lower this time.

“Do you know why this town is so prone to attacks?” Akane asked, her gaze fixed on Meisatsu.

“Cuz our town is kinda close to the edge of the border,” he replied confidently.

“Oh, is that so?” She leaned forward. “Then all the towns near the barrier should get plagued by swarms of monsters at the same rate, no?”

Sounding defeated, Meisatsu responded, “Well I... guess so...” 

“To put it simply, the section of the barrier, that shields Beetho—is the weakest compared to all other parts.” Akane’s tone grew grim as spoke. “The reason—the Explorers Guild is there. A place filled with brave souls who would give their all to protect the kingdom...” 

Pausing, Akane gave it some thought. “It is like that for the other kingdoms as well.”

“Other kingdoms?!” Meisatsu echoed, eyes growing wide with surprise.

“Yes!” Ayame chipped in. “Besides Asturia there are three other kingdoms—Amazonia, Alfehia and lastly, Sheo. Or as it is more popularly known—the Demon King’s domain.”

✦✦✦

In this world their existed four main kingdoms currently existed...

Amazonia—A kingdom that was home to the vast majority of a unique race called—Beast People. They are humanoids who exhibit various beast-like qualities. The land is teeming with wildlife, as its inhabitants live in perfect harmony with their surroundings. From its majestic waterfalls to open grasslands, this kingdom is primal personified.

Alfehia—This kingdom that serves proudly as the home of the Elves. With their lush green landscapes, towering forests and their spiritually rich atmosphere, it flourishes greatly, creating a land so serene and tranquil that, it appears to be its own little paradise untouched and hidden from the outside world. The Elves themselves are solitary people, hence there is little diversity in the land, having very few from other races who inhabit it.

And lastly, there was...

Sheo—The vast and dismal land, claimed by the Demon King. Devoid of peace, stricken with barrenness, only bringing forth creatures that seem to serve no other purpose but to cause chaos—it is a living Hell. The air was always filled with resentment and rage, and the skies enveloped in endless darkness and thunderous storms.

The waters that flow beyond the confines of the barrier belonging to the other continents, are teeming with terrifying monstrosities that lurk in the very depths—truly a place of utter misery and suffering.

Each kingdom stood upon its own super continent, having a magical barrier that extends outwards from the center of the landmass, covering exactly fifty percent of the total land.

The barriers are enchanted with powerful spells that help maintain and sustain all natural and ecological processes.

✦✦✦

“Now Meisatsu,” Akane said, quickly adjusting her glasses. “Please hold out your hand.”

Meisatsu cautiously lifted his right hand, palm facing upward. He squinted, for his mind was hesitant—he had no idea what strange thing would unfold...

In his outstretched palm, a brilliant mass of swirling energy radiated with a bronze glow. A faint pulse spread through the air—slowly materializing into a pentagon-shaped pendant.

The Guild’s emblem was engraved in the center. And below it, a single gleaming line of text read—

EXPLORER Level I

“Woah! Cool," Meisatsu remarked, as he held up the pendant by the chain to his face. It swayed ever so slightly—glimmering with each motion.

“That is going to be the object that identifies you as a member of this Guild,” Akane sighed as she reclined in her chair, hands crossed behind her head.

“Ayame, you’re an Explorer too. Where’s your—”

Ayame reached into the collar of her shirt, rummaged around a little, then pulled out a similar pendant—

EXPLORER Level II

“You would have noticed if you paid a lot more attention to your big sister, Satsu,” Ayame whined as she held out her pendant, as if trying to prove a point.

“Sorry,” he halfheartedly apologized, running his fingers through his hair. “My bad—”

“Back to business,” Akane interjected, switching back to her—

SERIOUS BUSINESS MODE.

“We use a straightforward ranking system for our guild members,” She continued, gesturing toward a gathering at a corner of the Guild.

“There are three stages—Low, Mid and High.”

“Low-level Explorers, such as yourself—” She stopped to point at Meisatsu, before resuming. “—are those who range from Level 1 to Level15.”

“Mid-level Explorers fall in the range of Level 16 to Level 24.”

Meisatsu nodded along her explanation, urging her to continue.

“And lastly, High-level Explorers are Level 25 and above.” Akane took a moment to catch her breath. "In the entire history of the Explorers Guild, the highest level ever achieved by a natural Explorer is Level 30. Only two people have reached that level. The first being the founder of the Guild, and the second being the Guild’s current strongest—our champion.”

“What's he like?” Meisatsu's asked, his eyes locking with Akane’s as if trying to pry into her mind.

Meisatsu for the longest time had wondered what the upper echelon of this world was like, it was only natural he would be interested.

“I can’t say, they like their privacy,” Akane responded coyly. “A-anyway, you’ll be assigned you first quest.”

“Which is...?!” both Ayame and Meisatsu chanted in unison.

Akane grinned. “Slime hunting.”