"I found the sword during one of my quests," Angel said calmly, holding up the blade.
To think he'd react that strongly to my Tempest Sword… It's one of my weaker weapons. Still, it was the very first sword I obtained in the game.
Bralmulir, the dwarven blacksmith, leaned in closer, his weathered eyes gleaming as they studied the curved, single-edged blade. He gently ran a calloused finger along the edge, nodding in appreciation.
"It's curved and single-edged… but what in the forge did the blacksmith use to make it this hard? And the sharpness—it's like cutting through air itself!"
"Is the sword really that good?" Angel asked, tilting his head.
Bralmulir looked at him as if he'd just asked whether the sun rose in the west.
"How can it not be good!? Only a master among masters could forge a blade like this! Yet you came to me, asking for a weapon as though you weren't already carrying a masterpiece." He paused, stroking his beard. "Still, if you're entrusting this to me… I'll make it even stronger. Sharper. Worthy of legend."
Angel smiled. "Then I'll leave it in your hands. Please, make it stronger."
Bifur, who had been quietly observing, let out a soft chuckle. "You two got close quick. Well, I'll head back to the mines. Still a pile of ore waiting for me."
"Since reforging your weapon will take some time," Bralmulir said, turning to Angel, "I'd suggest taking a few quests from the Guild branch here. Adventurers like you don't sit still for long, aye?"
"I haven't explored the area much. Where is the Guild located?"
"Just head down the slope and walk straight toward the center of town. You'll find it easily enough."
Angel nodded. "I'll check it out while I wait for the reforging. Ah—! I almost forgot. I still need Sir Bifur's completion stamp for the last quest."
Bralmulir laughed heartily. "Hah! He's a genius with a pickaxe, but scatterbrained as a squirrel sometimes."
---
"Sir Bifur," Angel called out as he jogged up to the bearded dwarf, "I forgot to get my quest paper stamped."
Bifur slapped his forehead. "By the anvils, I knew I forgot something! Here—" he rummaged through his pouch and retrieved a seal. "There. All done. How's your weapon coming along?"
"Sir Bralmulir said it'll take a bit of time, so I plan to take on a few more quests in the meantime."
"Smart move. Don't let your sword rest for too long," Bifur said with a grin.
"Thank you again!" Angel waved and turned to leave.
Doing quests in a game used to feel like a chore. But in real life… it's exciting. Everything feels more vibrant. More real.*
---
Angel pushed open the door to the guild and was greeted by a tidy counter, behind which stood a young dwarven woman with braided silver hair and a nameplate that read Jornelyn.
"Hello! I'm here to record my quest completion," Angel said, approaching the desk.
"Welcome. Please hand over your quest paper," Jornelyn replied politely.
So dwarves run this branch too. Efficient and serious, just like in the game.
"Here's the quest paper. It has the completion stamp from Sir Bifur."
Jornelyn took it and nodded. "Confirmed. Your record has been updated, Angel."
Angel glanced over the request board. Only four more quests and I'll be ranked B. Let's see...
"This one looks good," he murmured. "And I can get there instantly too."
He pointed to the quest. "Miss Jornelyn, I'd like to accept this one."
She stamped the quest scroll. "You'll need to speak directly to the requester for further details."
---
The house was perched on a jagged cliffside path—shabby and crooked, with crooked wooden steps and a moss-covered roof.
Not the most promising place. But let's not judge a book by its cover.
Angel knocked on the door. Moments later, it creaked open, revealing a young woman with flowing green hair and eyes the color of emeralds.
"Apologies," she said, wiping her hands with a towel. "I was just finishing up a concoction. Please, come in."
Angel stepped inside, the scent of herbs thick in the air. "May I ask what you're planning to make with the herbs from the EverGlades Forest?"
"I'm working on a potion that could potentially extend one's lifespan," the woman—Amelia—explained. "The herbs in that forest are imbued with both the earth's vitality and condensed mana."
"What if it doesn't work?" Angel asked. "The forest is crawling with mana-infused beasts. Wouldn't that be a waste of time and risk?"
"If you succeed, I'll pay you double," Amelia replied softly, eyes dropping to the floor.
Angel turned to the door. "Then I'll be on my way."
"You're rejecting it too…?" she whispered.
He looked back with a half-smile. "Who said anything about rejecting it? I'm going to gather your herbs."
Her eyes lit up. "You're serious?"
"I am. And if you succeed… someone I know—Manasa—might just take you in as a disciple."
---
The trees swayed gently under the crimson canopy of leaves, red grass carpeting the forest floor. The light of the setting sun painted everything in a golden-red glow.
"Hah… this place is still as beautiful as ever," Angel murmured.
"Intermediate Magic: Fire Lance!"
A glowing spear of flame erupted from the brush—and was immediately erased by a simple wave of Angel's hand.
A young woman stepped into view, startled. "W-what did you do!? How did that not hit you!?"
Angel's eyes narrowed. "Who casts intermediate magic without warning? If I were an ordinary traveler, I'd be ash by now."
"This forest is restricted to academy personnel only," the woman said sternly. "I am Clementine Kaplan, instructor at the academy and daughter of the Kaplan family. I was ordered to eliminate any intruders."
"Then I'd like a word with whoever decided they owned the forest," Angel said coldly.
"You're no ordinary man… But still, this forest is dangerous. Even with magic, survival here isn't guaranteed."
"I know," Angel said firmly. "But I'm here to collect herbs. Nothing more."
"…Fine," Clementine muttered. "Do your work. I'll return to the academy."
---
"You're telling me an adventurer nullified your Fire Lance?" Headmaster Ferdinand Reias leaned forward, brows furrowed.
"Yes," Clementine replied. "He waved his hand, and the spell vanished like smoke in the wind."
"Is he still in the forest?"
"He said he was gathering herbs for an alchemist's quest."
Ferdinand stroked his beard, deep in thought. "I want to meet this man. No ordinary adventurer can erase intermediate magic with a gesture."