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So, after a quick meeting, I found myself with the group of adventurers at the city's guild. The building was massive, completely different from Cirgo's guild—so modern and busy that I felt overwhelmed just looking at it.
After the formal introductions, I realized most of the faces were already familiar to me... except for one guy I hadn't met yet: Logy, the support.
The leader of the group is Don — the "tank," as they say. He's the one on the front lines, taking the hits and protecting the rest of the team.
Viola is the group's mage, but she also carries a few hidden blades in case she has to fight up close.
Logy is the support, always in the back line, healing and strengthening the allies.
And my role? The "attacker." That means I stay right behind Don, responsible for dealing as much damage as possible. Merlin, being so versatile, ended up with a role similar to Viola's, switching between magic attacks and battlefield control.
I still haven't officially registered with the guild — apparently, without an ID document that's impossible — but I joined their team anyway. We agreed that I'd still get a share of the reward for the job, so I didn't see a problem.
We went out on a few hunting quests, and that's when I learned how guild missions really work. The system is simple, divided into three main types:
Hunting Missions: These are the most common. You're tasked with eliminating specific monsters — sometimes because they're causing trouble, other times to collect parts from them as materials.
Exploration Missions: These require you to go somewhere unknown — it could be a forest, a mountain, an island, the bottom of a lake. They usually pay well, but they take a long time. Days, weeks, even months. That's why they're not recommended for beginners.
Protection Missions: Here, you're assigned to protect someone. It could be escorting a traveler, acting as a bodyguard, or guarding an important location. The payment depends on the client. The best ones require strength and, above all, reputation.
Most newbies start with hunting missions, since they're more straightforward. And that's exactly what we did today.
Our destination was a camp of wild giants living in the rocky formations around Valoria. According to Viola:
"Wild giants are monsters. Different from civilized giants, who are considered an intelligent race. They, like vampires, dwarves, and elves, are part of the humanoid races — or 'semi-humans,' as humans call them."
I'm not sure if that term is offensive to them — noticing that humans carry a hint of arrogance. Maybe it's pride. Maybe something worse.
Either way, there we were. And here I am now, flying through the sky. Literally.
The last thing I heard was:
"Watch out!" Don shouted.
Too late. One of the giants — thin, pale-skinned, with horns and a nasty face — smacked me with a club the size of a street pole. I shot straight upward like a rocket.
And, ironically, I ended up crashing right back down on his head. The impact knocked him out instantly.
Merlin handled another giant with ease, while Viola took down a third with Don and Logy's help. In less than five minutes, the camp was destroyed.
"I think that's all of them," I said, straightening my clothes.
"Good job, everyone," Don said, satisfied.
"Wow, this was the easiest mission we've had in a while," Logy commented, adjusting his hat.
"Well, of course! With a metamorph and a spirit on the team, defeating monsters like this is no challenge at all!" Viola said, wrapping one arm around my neck and trying to do the same to Merlin — who simply floated at her side.
We collected the giants' horns as proof of the completed mission. Without that camp, the area would be much safer for anyone mining or working nearby.
The sky was already darkening, and I could feel rain coming in the air.
"Same time tomorrow, everyone?" Viola asked.
"Count me in. Tomorrow I'll try to sort out this ID thing, so I might be a little late."
"That's fine, Victor. Until then, you can keep joining missions with us."
"That's right. Your help is very welcome," Logy added.
"Thanks. See you tomorrow."
"[Take care!]" Merlin chimed, happily floating at my side.
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The rain fell in a steady rhythm, its thin, almost silent drops filling Valoria's streets with a gentle melody. The sky was covered by heavy clouds, dimming the city's usual glow. Merlin and I walked side by side, sheltered under our umbrellas. Mine was a simple black one I had bought just moments before, while Merlin floated beneath a small bubble of energy that repelled the raindrops before they could touch her.
"This rain... it reminds me of the days I used to just sit by the window and watch," I said, letting my mind drift to a fragment of memory.
"[You seem to be enjoying it,]" Merlin spun lightly beside me, her speech bubble appearing with a soft animation. "[The sound is pleasant, isn't it?]"
"It is," I agreed, watching the droplets fall from the sky. "It feels like the world is calmer."
As we walked along the stone-paved streets, the rain reflected the light of the few lamps still lit. Only a handful of people were outside—most preferred to stay sheltered in their homes. Yet, as we passed through a narrower alley, something caught my eye.
In a dark corner, under a poorly placed awning, sat a boy. His body was curled up, knees pulled tightly to his chest. His red hair, heavy with rain, hid part of his face. He looked exhausted, almost defeated, and his clothes were clearly worn out and unfit for the cold weather.
"That boy..." I murmured, instinctively stopping.
Merlin floated a little closer, also noticing him.
"[He looks like he's alone...]" she observed with cautious curiosity.
I hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to do. The rain poured heavily around him, and no one seemed to pay him any attention, though something in the air felt strange. I glanced at the few passersby. Some cast furtive looks at the boy, quickly turning away, but not before I caught glimpses of worry or discomfort on their faces. One man, in particular, quickened his pace as he passed us, frowning at me as if wanting to warn me of something—yet he stayed silent.
Something was definitely off. But it wasn't like I could just ignore it. I stepped closer to the boy, leaning down slightly so he could hear me over the rain.
"Hey, are you alright?" I asked.
He lifted his head slowly. His eyes, an unusual shade of reddish-pink, met mine for an instant before he looked away again, reluctant to answer.
"I...," he began, his voice faint, almost fading. "I'm... just looking for help... just for a while."
His words sounded distant, almost like a cry for help he didn't have the courage to voice fully. There was something strange about his tone—but maybe it was just the desperation of someone who had been on the streets for too long. Merlin watched silently, and I knew what she was thinking.
"Do you need a place to stay?" I asked, pushing past the unease in the air. The decision came almost instinctively.
The boy looked at me again, his eyes showing a mix of wounded pride and deep hopelessness. He gave a small nod without saying another word and rose to his feet with some difficulty. Seeing this, I shifted my umbrella toward him, shielding him from the relentless rain.
"Thank you," he murmured, without lifting his gaze.
As we stood side by side, I noticed that the few people still on the street were now watching us more closely. Some quickly looked away, others exchanged glances as if witnessing something troublesome.
"He..." a woman whispered to her companion as she passed. "He's helping him...?"
I tried to ignore the voices around me, though I couldn't help but wonder what they were talking about. Their words weren't complete, just fragments—but it didn't change the fact that the boy was clearly in trouble, and I had already chosen to help him.
Merlin floated beside me, curious.
"What's your name?" I asked, trying to break the uneasy silence as we walked.
"Burst," he replied, without much enthusiasm.
"Alright, Burst. You can stay at our place for a while, until you feel better. It's nothing fancy, but at least it has a roof to keep the rain off your head," I offered, trying to sound friendly.
He didn't say anything else, simply walked quietly at our side.
As we made our way through Valoria's drenched streets, the rain seemed to grow heavier. But so did the feeling that I was getting involved in something far bigger. I just didn't know how much.
We arrived home, the rain still falling softly outside. The sound of the droplets tapping against the roof created a calm and cozy atmosphere. As soon as we entered, I closed the door behind us and placed the umbrella into a stand in the corner of the entrance.
"Welcome, this is it," I said, gesturing toward the inside of the house as I slipped off my shoes and settled in.
Burst looked around, his reddish-pink eyes scanning the space with a mix of curiosity and relief.
"[We moved in yesterday,]" Merlin added.
The place wasn't very big, but it had everything we needed. The main room was neatly arranged, with simple yet inviting furniture. The soft lighting made the space even warmer.
"...It's a pretty cozy place," Burst murmured, showing a small smile, as if surprised to find such a comfortable refuge.
I smiled back, glad he felt at ease—despite the heavy mood outside.
"You're completely soaked," I pointed out, noticing his drenched clothes. "How about a bath, so you don't end up catching a cold? I bought some clothes yesterday, they should fit you."
Burst nodded, clearly grateful for the offer, though a little hesitant to accept so much help. He was a bit taller than me, so I figured the clothes I'd bought would suit him just fine. I set aside a t-shirt and a black hoodie, along with a pair of black pants—simple but comfortable.
"Here, you can use these," I said, handing him the clothes before pointing the way to the bathroom.
While he went to shower, Merlin and I decided to prepare something for him to eat. The sound of running water filled the air as we moved around the kitchen.
"Vegetable soup should help warm him up," I suggested, pulling ingredients from the fridge. "Good thing I know my way around cooking."
Merlin floated nearby, watching me slice the vegetables with precision, her lilac sphere gliding curiously over the counter but never interfering. Soon, the kitchen was filled with the aroma of hot broth, perfectly seasoned.
"[You're taking this really seriously,]" Merlin remarked.
"Of course. He looks like he needs a good meal," I replied, a bit smug.
"[I think you just don't want to miss a chance to show off,]" she teased, laughing at me. Well… she wasn't entirely wrong.
Before long, the soup was ready—hot and full of flavor. When Burst came out of the bath, dressed in the clothes I'd given him, he looked far more relaxed. His red hair was still damp, but without the weight of dirt and exhaustion. As he entered the dining room, I was already serving the food.
"Have a seat. The soup's ready," I said, placing the bowl on the table and adding a steak on the side.
"Thank you so much for your generosity!" Burst exclaimed, his face lit up by a sincere smile.
Before eating, he made a brief prayer—something that surprised me. It wasn't common to see someone so young with that kind of habit, but I couldn't help smiling at his gratitude. When he finally tasted the soup, the smile on his face grew wider, and pride swelled inside me. That's right… I am a great cook, I thought, satisfied with myself.
"How old are you, Burst?" I asked casually, taking the seat beside him.
"Hmm... I'm 15," he answered.
I nodded, studying the boy more closely now. He seemed calm for the moment, but there was still something in his eyes—a shadow of worry or fear hiding behind his polite and thankful demeanor.
As Burst continued eating, occasionally glancing nervously toward the windows as if afraid of being seen, I sensed there was more to his situation than he was letting on.
We talked a little to get to know each other. I told Burst about Merlin, since he was curious about why I had a spirit following me. I kept it brief and left out the important details—just said we met in a forest and became friends.
The conversation was going smoothly until he grew more anxious after learning we were new to the kingdom. His composure faltered; his eyes darted away from mine.
"So you're newcomers... That explains why you're helping me..." he muttered, gaze fixed on the table.
"What do you mean?" I asked, raising a brow.
Before Burst could answer, there was a knock at the door. The sound echoed through the house, heavy and unsettling. Strange—since we had just moved in, we weren't expecting anyone. Could it be Viola? I wondered as I stood.
As I approached the door, I sensed Burst tense up. He stayed at the table, but his posture set me on alert. I glanced back at him, noticing his unease, but without thinking too much, I went ahead.
No peephole. No other choice. I opened the door.
The moment I did, a woman's voice resonated in the air, freezing my spine.
"Is Burst Ignaris here?" The voice was firm, authoritative, almost crushing in presence.
My body stiffened instantly. The aura that accompanied her voice was suffocating. The temperature seemed to drop several degrees, and the air grew heavy. Standing before me was a tall girl with short, flame-red hair. Her intense reddish-pink eyes seemed to pierce straight into my soul. Her flawless dark skin reflected the light eerily. She wore a long white coat over black clothes, her posture impeccable, like that of a seasoned soldier. A long sword hung at her side, completing the image of someone who should not be underestimated.
She looks so much like Burst... I thought, unease swelling in my chest.
"Uh—yes... He's right there..." My voice trembled despite my efforts. It was impossible not to feel intimidated by her.
"Excuse me." She stepped inside without waiting for permission, and instinctively, I stepped aside. Something about her told me resistance would end badly. Her pressure was military in nature, far greater than anything I'd ever felt—not even Sentil compared.
As she entered, Burst shot up from his chair, his whole body tense. He stared at her wide-eyed, and for a moment, his usual composure vanished. It was like he was standing face to face with something he feared but could never escape.
The woman advanced to the center of the room, her eyes locked on Burst. There was no open anger in her expression, but everything in her posture made it clear—she wasn't here for a friendly talk.
The air grew heavier.
"You need to return. Now." Her voice was firm and uncompromising, slicing the silence like a sharp blade.
Burst stepped back, his breath quickening. "I... I refuse!" he shouted, trying to sound strong, but the tremor in his voice betrayed him. "I won't go back to the castle!"
That last word—castle—hung in the air, revealing the truth of who he really was. Suddenly, the pieces clicked. So that's it... He's someone important... But why is he running away?
The woman remained still, her cold, steady gaze fixed on him. The contrast between her calm menace and his rising desperation was terrifying. She had no urgency—just the patience of a predator waiting to strike.
"I'm not asking," she said, lowering her voice, her words growing even heavier. Slowly, her hand slid to the hilt of her sword. The subtle motion carried enough danger to make my stomach drop.
I held my breath. Merlin floated nervously at my side, unsure of what to do. I didn't need more signs—this was getting out of hand.
"S-Stop!" I shouted, throwing myself between them, my voice louder than expected, my hands raised instinctively. The tension in the air was unbearable, but I couldn't let them fight. "Please, reconsider this."
The red-haired woman turned her piercing gaze to me. For a brief moment, her eyes reflected surprise. But her hand stayed firmly on her sword's hilt. Her very presence felt like the weight of a mountain, crushing any attempt I made to seem brave. The air itself grew thicker since the moment she entered.
"...Why are you standing in my way?" Her voice was sharp and direct, leaving no room for doubt. She seemed genuinely curious, but without a trace of softness.
My throat went dry. I glanced at Burst—he was visibly shaken, eyes wide with shock and fear. He didn't seem to expect me to intervene, or perhaps he couldn't believe anyone would be foolish enough to try.
I took a deep breath, choosing my words carefully.
"I bought this house yesterday." My voice was slower than I wanted, but steady enough. "I plan to settle here and live with my friend." I paused, trying to sound firmer. "You're obviously strong enough to tear this place down... But while you're inside, this house is mine. I can't allow violence here, no matter what."
Silence. The tension was so thick I could almost touch it. Burst opened his mouth to speak, but no words came. His eyes begged me to stop before it was too late. Merlin, hovering nearby, cheerfully gave me a thumbs-up emoji.
The woman studied me for what felt like an eternity. Finally, she released the sword hilt.
"...I see." Her voice was calmer now, but still carried unyielding authority. Straightening her posture, she appeared slightly less threatening, though not at all approachable. It was a truce by formality, nothing more.
I stayed silent, cautious. Something about her unsettled me more than anything I had ever faced. Orion, in his monstrous form, had been terrifying—but she... she made me feel small.
"My apologies," she said, her tone polite yet firm. "You are right. I should not fight inside your residence. The rules of your home must be respected." She gave a small bow.
I blinked, stunned. Her sudden politeness only made me more nervous. Her courtesy felt so unnatural that my stomach twisted.
Beside me, Burst looked calmer, though his shoulders remained tense.
"Alright," I said, trying to sound composed. "I don't know exactly what's going on, but I hope we can resolve this without violence."
The rain outside kept falling, its soft sound contrasting the suffocating silence inside. I wondered if I had said the wrong thing. She stayed quiet for a moment, making me nervous.
"Yes," she finally replied, her posture rigid but free of anger.
"[Please, sit here,]" Merlin offered, floating to a chair and pointing at it with her usual cheerful bubble.
"You too, Burst," I said. He hesitated, then finally sat, though tension lingered in his expression.
I sat near the window, with Burst on my left and the woman on my right. Merlin hovered in front of me, cheerful as ever—a comforting presence amid all the stress.
Man... That was terrifying. I thought she'd strike me down along with Burst. Guess my 'act like an adult' routine worked! Congrats, 25 years old!
The woman, now more formal, finally spoke:
"Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Jane Ignaris, legitimate daughter of King Igni Ignaris and commander of Valoria's armed forces."
I froze. Literally. My brain slammed to a halt, like someone had pulled the handbrake way too hard. The rain still fell outside, but my focus was entirely on her words.
"[I'm Merlin, a spirit and this guy's friend!]" Merlin chirped, spinning in a spiral with a bright speech bubble dancing around her.
Wait a second...
"I'm Burst Ignaris, son of King Igni Ignaris, prince and heir to the throne of Valoria..."
WAIT. WHAT?!
Royal family?!
I had to stop myself from bolting outside into the rain, screaming. Instead, I took a deep breath, pretending this was normal. Pretending this happened to everyone.
"I'm Victor, a wanderer trying to settle in Valoria," I said, flashing my best please don't execute me for disrespecting the nobility smile.
Jane nodded, her face so serious it looked like smiling was an alien concept to her.
"Now that we've introduced ourselves, I'll get straight to the point. I'm here because my brother is neglecting his duty as heir. I came to take him back to the castle."
The tension filled the room again. Burst stared at her with a mix of fear and anger.
"I don't want to inherit any throne! I want to leave and live as an adventurer!"
The air between them crackled with tension, and I suddenly found myself caught in the middle of a royal family dispute I had no idea how to handle.
What the hell did I do to end up in this mess?! And this is only the end of my second day in this kingdom!
Looks like this is going to be a long night.
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