Chapter 26: Alex's Day
The morning began with an unusual calm for Alex. For the first time since arriving in this world, he wasn't surrounded by EMI's constant energy or Aria's persistent attention. With both girls away—EMI summoned to the queen's castle and Aria returning to her father's estate to pick up clothes—Alex found himself alone at their temporary base, a small camp area nestled in a quiet forest.
At first, the silence was refreshing—a welcome break from the intense emotions and chaos of recent days. But by midday, Alex was already feeling restless.
—"I guess I'm getting used to having them around…" he muttered to himself while fiddling with a twig, sitting next to the unlit campfire.
He stood up, shaking off the laziness, and thought about the skills he'd acquired through the runes. Though he was still reluctant to fully embrace the training the girls had imposed on him, he admitted it might be time to put them to the test.
Before attempting any mission, however, Alex knew he couldn't just show up at the guild alone—people would start asking about EMI and Aria, and that would be stressful. Besides, he preferred to avoid drawing unnecessary attention. So, he headed to a clothing shop in the nearby village.
The shop was modest, with fabrics hanging from the walls and shelves filled with outfits for adventurers. After browsing through several options, Alex found something that felt right:
A black cloak with a deep red interior, long enough to reach his ankles.
A simple metallic-gray mask covering the lower half of his face, leaving only his eyes visible—his bangs shadowing his forehead added to the mysterious effect.
Reinforced leather gloves and tall boots with steel accents.
A fitted shirt and black pants—practical, yet with an intimidating air.
—"This should make me look a little less… like myself," Alex said as he paid the shopkeeper.
When he looked at himself in a mirror, Alex barely recognized his reflection. The mask and cloak gave him an enigmatic air, while the rest of the outfit made him look like a seasoned adventurer.
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At the Adventurer's Guild
The adventurers' guild was a noisy, bustling building, full of chatter and the constant clashing of weapons and armor. When Alex entered, dressed in his new gear, several heads turned his way.
The adventurers eyed him with suspicion, whispering to each other about his mysterious appearance. Alex, used to unwanted attention, ignored the stares and walked straight to the quest board.
—"Let's see… something not too flashy…" he murmured as he browsed the scrolls.
After a few minutes, he found the perfect mission:
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Elimination Request: Nocturnal Creatures
Location: Dark Forest, north of the village.
Description: Reports of small, aggressive creatures attacking the area. Reward offered for their elimination.
Difficulty: Low. Ideal for novice adventurers.
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With a slight smile, Alex pulled the scroll from the board and approached the counter to register.
The receptionist, a young woman with short hair and glasses, looked at him with curiosity.
—"Are you sure you want this mission?" she asked. "With your look, you seem more experienced..."
—"Trust me," Alex replied in a low voice. "This is enough."
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In the Dark Forest
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Alex made his way into the Dark Forest. The area was shrouded in a thin mist, giving the surroundings a haunting feel—but Alex remained calm. This was his chance to test his abilities without the pressure of his companions.
He activated the support rune first, feeling a surge of energy fill his body. His senses sharpened, and his movements became more fluid. Then he tried the offensive technique. A red energy sphere appeared in his hand—warm and vibrant—ready to be used.
The creatures' growls warned him. In front of him, small, deformed figures emerged from the fog. Their eyes glowed with unnatural hatred.
—"Time to see how useful these runes really are…" he murmured, preparing for battle.
The fight was quick but intense. Although Alex hadn't fully mastered the techniques, he managed to combine his skills well enough to defeat the creatures without suffering any serious injuries. By the time the last enemy fell, Alex was panting—but filled with a sense of accomplishment he hadn't felt in a long time.
—"Maybe this isn't so bad after all…" he said, looking down at his hands.