Then, as if dismissing the thought entirely, he turned back and smiled. Not just a smirk or a hint of amusement—a real smile. That alone was enough to make me raise an eyebrow. "Fine, buddy."
His voice carried warmth, something I had rarely heard from him before. Master turned to me, gesturing toward the man. "This is my old friend."
Realizing it was time for introductions, I nodded slightly and spoke. "Ray Leon. An apprentice of his." The man's eyes flickered with curiosity. Then, he widened them slightly, as if mildly surprised. "Myself, Kylon Shenher." He turned back to Master, his smirk deepening. "So, you finally started taking on an apprentice?"
Master crossed his arms and gave a small nod. "Hmm. He has potential, so I took him."
Kylon chuckled under his breath, shaking his head. "Didn't think I'd ever see the day."
He then clapped a hand on Master's shoulder. "Let's drink together. It's been ages since we had a drink."
Master chuckled, his usual composed expression softening. "Yeah, it's been far too long."
Before they could get too carried away, I cleared my throat. "Master, about the quest and our room?"
Master glanced at me, then gave a short nod. "Yeah, come with me."
We made our way toward the large quest board, where dozens of parchment sheets were pinned, fluttering slightly from the movement of nearby adventurers. Master barely spared them a glance before plucking one at random.
He handed it to me. "This is a C-rank quest. Go and complete it before the day after tomorrow."
I blinked. 'He… didn't even check what it was about.'
I frowned slightly and looked up at him. "And you?"
Master smirked. "Nah, you're doing this alone. Aurora will be with me."
Aurora, who had been resting on my shoulder, perked up and let out an amused chirp.
'HAH! Looks like you're on your own, Papa.'
I sighed. 'Figures.'
Still, this was my first solo mission. 'I knew the Master wouldn't assign me anything impossible, but I wasn't about to underestimate it either.'
I glanced back at the quest paper, finally reading the details properly.
Rank: C
Objective: Hunt and retrieve 16 Meler Beast tusks.
Location: Syler Forest
Reward: 6 silver coins
Points: 1,000
I froze.
"Wait… a Meler Beast?"
That wasn't just some weak monster. The Meler Beast was a B-rank creature—a level above the actual quest rank. While not the most dangerous thing in the world, it was still strong enough to tear apart unprepared adventurers.
I glanced down at the crude sketch on the quest paper. The Meler Beast had a muscular build. Its thick, jagged fur bristled like steel needles, providing natural protection against blades. But its most dangerous trait?
It's speed.
Despite its large frame, a Meler Beast was known for its incredible bursts of movement, able to close distances in an instant. That, combined with its sharp tusks, made it a predator that could easily overwhelm weaker adventurers.
And I had to kill sixteen of them.
I inhaled sharply, letting the weight of the task settle in.
Master, however, seemed completely unconcerned. He simply took Aurora from my shoulder and turned toward Kylon.
"We'll be at the tavern."
Then, as if everything was already settled, he walked off.
I watched him go, feeling a mix of exasperation and determination.
'Fine. If this is my first test as an adventurer, then I'll handle it.'
Gripping the quest paper tightly, I stepped out of the guild and headed toward Syler Forest and Master headed toward the Tavern with Aur and his old friend, Kylon, likely to find a tavern and reminisce over drinks. Meanwhile, I turned in the direction of Syler Forest.
The long-standing walls of Xpler City stretched endlessly, enclosing the city like an iron fortress. Their height rivaled the towering trees of Syler Forest, forming an impenetrable boundary between the well-populated city and the dangers lurking beyond..
Even though Xpler City was the nearest settlement to Syler Forest, the journey there was no simple stroll. Twenty-five kilometers of open terrain separated the two. There were three small villages between the city and Syler Forest.
Before departing, the Master had placed restrictions on me. That is—Neither to use Cyteric Body nor Celestial transmute.
Because of that, I was only able to take down an S-rank beast at my best.
I frowned as I walked, my thoughts circling back to his decision.
"Why did he deny me the use of both?"
'Was it a test? A precaution? Or was there something lurking ahead that even the Master was wary of?'
The massive city gate loomed in the distance—the only passage through the towering walls. As I approached, I clenched my fists.
"I have to travel through Syler Forest on foot. Using the Source would only be a double-edged sword… What a pain in ass."
Just as I reached the gate, a city guard stepped forward, blocking my path. His broad frame and armor gave him an imposing presence. His voice was firm and heavy.
"Kids aren't allowed to travel alone in this direction. Return to the city."
I let out a slow breath, keeping my composure. Then, in a calm but firm voice, I said, "I am an adventurer."
I reached into my cloak and pulled out my Guild ID, holding it up for him to see.
The guard examined it, his brow furrowing slightly. After a brief pause, he sighed and stepped aside.
"You may proceed then."
As I passed through the gate, the familiar sight of lush greenery welcomed me. The air smelled fresher—untamed. Before I could take another step, the guard called out from behind.
"Don't enter Syler Forest." His tone carried a hint of unease. "The beasts have become more active in the past six months."
I turned my head slightly and gave him a small nod. "Thanks for the warning, sir." Then, without another word, I moved forward.
The distance ahead was long, and I had to cover at least half of it before sunset.
"Let's apply science to magic," I murmured.