The sun rose once again, brightening the streets of Kingdom after a long starry night.
"Oh, it's daytime already?" Shin sighed. His eyes were dark; clearly, he hadn't slept much.
He walked toward the open window, the glaze of light shining through, and caught his reflection.
"Small dark eyes, dark hair, smooth skin… oh my, this body is young." He was a little amazed.
He opened the door and headed straight for the entrance hall. "Hibert did mention the joint restaurant here", he recalled.
At the counter stood the same lady from yesterday. He glanced at her badge. "Mary." written on it. But as soon as she saw him, she stiffened, quickly turning her face away.
"Looks like I scared her yesterday," he sighed.
"Good morning, Miss Mary," he greeted.
"Oh, good morning, umm…" she froze, can't recall his name. "It's Shin," he said.
"Yes… H-how can I help you, Mister?" she stammered, trying to calm herself.
"Could you tell me where the registration office for the Royal Duties is?" Shin asked, forcing a warm smile on his face — not the crooked one.
After learning the location from Mary, he sat in a chair, joined with a desk, a little apart from the counter.
"What would you like to eat, mister?" a young maid asked, holding a menu as she gave it to him.
"Yes—" Shin replied, opening the menu book beside him. His eyes widened. "Tea... They serve tea!" He screamed internally.
"I'll have soft cream bread and a cup of black tea," he said, again trying to smile warmly.
"Did you hear?" A voice came from a nearby table. It was a man, an adventurer by his look, speaking to his friend.
Shin, out of habit, began eavesdropping on them.
"What?" the friend asked.
"Last night, three men were found dead in the third alleyway," the man said grimly. "Their throats were sliced mercilessly… but no evidence was found."
"No evidence? That's impossible," the other man muttered, startled.
Shin sipped his cup of tea with joy.
"It was fun," he mumbled.
***
"It wasn't that far," Shin murmured, standing in front of the registration building. It looked old; the door was rusty, and green vines had crept up, covering the top.
He pushed the door open. In front, behind a glass window sat a man with dark brown, curly hair and pierced ears, calmly reading a book. The man's eyes lifted and fixed directly on Shin.
A chill ran through his spine. His killer instincts screamed danger. He unconsciously stepped back.
"Are you here for registration, young man?" the man asked, his tone gentle.
"Y-yes," Shin stuttered, though his mind whispered, "What was that? He's bad news… I need to be careful around him."
"Very well. Then fill out this form." The man replied, sliding a paper forward.
Shin read every line carefully, before filling the form. Once finished, he handed it back.
"Strange… I know I could read their language but I can write it too, even though it's my first time." He was amazed.
"You are a Metal Mahyer, kid?" the man said, raising his brows slightly.
"Y-yes," Shin answered, carefully measuring his words.
"Interesting…" The man paused a little "Submit the fee, and return back here in the afternoon. Your examinations will be held then." The man's eyes lingered on him with suspicion.
Shin doesn't ask anything further, he paid the fee quickly and left the building.
Outside, he exhaled sharply. "I have to be more careful."
***
Back at the tavern, he leapt onto his bed, breathing heavily.
"I've never seen someone so..." He calmed himself, "I should focus" his thoughts drifted back to the conversation he had had with Hibert yesterday.
***
"Executioners—they are the worst!" Hibert shouted, his face twisted with anger. "They have the authority to kill anyone under suspicion… without suffering any consequences."
Shin's eyes lit. The concept thrilled him.
"But how do they gain such power?" he asked, trying to pry for more.
"After serving as a guard or officer for a year, three of the most 'honoured' among them are given the title of Executioner," Hibert explained, his face flushing red with disgust.
"Honoured?" Shin tilted his head.
"It's more like… favourable voting. Officers and guards cast their support, and the chosen ones rise."
Shin's lips curled into a crooked smile. "If I become an Executioner, then I can kill anyone without consequences."
***
"It's already afternoon," Shin sighed, standing in front of the old building, his eyes fixed on the door.
"I should get inside," he murmured. Just then, another candidate arrived, breathing heavily. Shin glanced at him.
"He looks about the same age as this body... dark hair, deep blue eyes. Is he also here for the examination?" He wondered.
"Hello, are you here for the examination too?" the boy asked, his face bright with excitement.
"Yes," Shin replied, pushing the door open.
Inside, several other candidates had already gathered, lined up in order.
"More than I expected," Shin mumbled, his eyes scanning the room.
Moments later, the same man who had chilled Shin earlier walked in. Beside him was another figure — shorter, wearing glasses, and holding a thick book.
"He looks like a typical old school RPG mage," Shin murmured.
"All candidates, listen carefully," the man shouted. "This examination will be conducted in two parts: written and practical."
He went on to explain the rules and regulations in a stern voice.
Once he finished, the candidates were directed toward the written examination hall, where they were seated one by one. Sheets of paper were handed out, each desk receiving only a single sheet.
"Man, I really hate written examinations," the boy sighed, frustration on his face. He glanced at Shin. "What about you? Oh sorry—I never asked your name." He smiled warmly.
"Shin..." He paused briefly before adding, "I also hate written exams." He let out a faint laugh. "And yours?"
"John Covel. Nice to meet you."
***
The bell rang sharply. Papers flipped as everyone turned their sheets over.
Across the hall, every paper bore the same single question:
"What is death?!"