"It looks like the teleportation spell worked without a problem," I mumbled, observing the surroundings. I found a worn town gate not far from the lake where I stood. The layer of brick was covered in moss that carried small drips of water, reflecting the sunlight. I could tell there had been a recent rain, judging by the number of puddles beneath the archway.
My gaze shifted to the stone lintel engraved with "Axel." Unknowingly, my lips curled into a sly smile. "I've finally arrived in this town."
Axel, also known as the Town of Beginnings. It was the starting point for every adventurer and a gathering place for the Demon King's forces.
"To think my journey begins with this..." My train of thought was broken by a loud sneeze.
"Hachoo... The weather is slowly getting cold," the guard complained, rubbing his nose.
"Yes, after all, the winter season is about to come," another guard replied.
Looking at their familiar outfits, I recognized them instantly. "Gatekeepers..." I muttered and thought,
'They're not adventurers, just ordinary people. It's kind of questionable why they're here, but thinking about it, it's not completely unreasonable.'
Guards serve to protect and inform the government or adventurer guild if there's an emergency like a monster attack or someone causing a commotion. They don't fight unless necessary; their role is to keep watch for both human and monster invasions. After all, adventurers don't have the luxury to do that kind of work.
"Setting that aside, I don't feel any anomalies in my body. In fact, I feel stronger than ever. It's probably because the god who sent me was Lady Eris. If it were Aqua, I might have suffered... Just thinking about it sends shivers down my spine," I said, feeling grateful to Lady Eris.
Shaking my head in resignation, I dismissed the unnecessary thoughts and walked toward the lake. "Now then, what do I look like?"
Gazing at the gentle flow of water, I looked at my reflection as a whole. "Hmmmm... Just like I requested," I mumbled.
My face was hidden behind a skull-like mask with round eye sockets glowing red, similar to a traffic light. I wore a dark cloak with tattered edges fluttering in the breeze. Underneath was a sleek combat outfit mixed with metal—black top and pants, black boots, and black gloves completing the ensemble.
Upon seeing my reflection, I nodded in satisfaction. "Now I look like a rapist from that anime. The only difference between us—other than me not being a criminal—is that I'm using a dagger instead of a gun."
"Come to think of it, what about my dagger?"
With that thought, I summoned my blessing—or rather, my cheat weapon.
With a simple gesture, I raised my arm to shoulder level, forming an L shape. My fingers curled one by one, and red lightning crackled in my palm, forming a dagger. I had specifically requested this item from Lady Eris. Its description follows:
[Name: Spectre's Fang (Melee Only)]
[Description]:
Automatically bound to the user's soul. Grants the skill [Perfect Stealth], which can be activated without cost or cooldown. Passively boosts the wielder's physical strength. The blade is exceptionally sharp, capable of slicing through most materials. It has infinite durability, cannot be broken, and may be summoned or hidden at will. Can only be used if the dagger is within a 1-meter radius of the host.
"A weapon that grants two skills—an active and a passive. Definitely a jackpot!"
[Perfect Stealth] and [Physical Enhancement].
The skill makes me completely invisible—at a much higher level than Thief's Lurk. I can hide while moving. And just by holding the weapon, my physical stats are boosted.
"Even if it's restricted to melee combat, I couldn't have asked for more." I grinned and spun the blade in my hand, admiring its weight. It was dangerously sharp; one wrong move and I could lose a finger. But I wasn't worried. Back in my previous life, I used to mess around with knives. I had some proficiency. At least, I'm confident enough to wield it.
My gains weren't limited to that. "I also received starting funds—enough to register as an adventurer—from Lady Eris. Truly a magnificent god." Remembering her face when I asked for money, I found it amusing.
Still, my request was only possible because it was her—the gentle and kind goddess. She's quite understanding. Although I resorted to blackmail for a small sum, it was necessary to survive and accomplish the task. I don't feel bad about it.
"Time to head to the guild and register as an adventurer," I muttered and set off.
On the way, I noticed people staring. Some looked afraid, others curious. Still, I wasn't upset. It was within my expectations. After all, wearing an ominous cloak and a glowing red mask does attract attention.
It didn't take long to reach the guild. Looking at the building with a huge banner saying Adventurer Guild, I was certain I'd found the right place. I could hear the murmurs of people inside through the thick walls—that's how lively it was. No matter the world, adventurer guilds are always like this.
The adventurer guild is open 24/7. Looking at the saloon doors, an intrusive thought emerged. Without hesitation, I kicked them open and stepped inside to show some dominance.
The noise inside died instantly as everyone turned toward me. Upon taking a single step, my eyes darted around, making eye contact one by one. My gaze locked with a burly man nearby. He looked like a seasoned gladiator, judging by his similar outfit.
We stared each other down, silently evaluating each other. Despite my fierce glare, he didn't flinch. As expected of someone who's been through many adventures—they're not so easily shaken. Still, I wasn't here to pick a fight, so I wouldn't push it.
"You're not from around here, huh, lad?" he asked, eyeing me up and down. "Came here looking for work?"
"Yes," I replied, mimicking Death Gun's voice from SAO. "My name is Spectre. I came to slay the Demon King."
"Hah! Demon King?" He chuckled. "There's always a reckless individual like you! Welcome to hell!" He laughed, clapping me on the shoulder before pointing to a corner with his thumb. "Registration's over there. If you want to work as an adventurer, we always welcome young blood like you."
I ignored him and walked to the registration line. But as I approached, people in line began leaving one by one, making excuses.
"I forgot something! Gotta go!"
"My stomach suddenly hurts…"
"Actually… maybe adventuring isn't for me."
'Are they avoiding me? Whatever, it's not like they can hold me accountable. In fact, it's their choice,' I mumbled, trying to convince myself. However, when I reached the reception, the receptionist was hesitant to serve me.