Back to where Shiro was.
The three of them entered the Adventurer's Guild, and the atmosphere shifted instantly. The air was thick with the scent of leather, steel, and sweat. They saw all kinds of people—burly men and sharp-eyed women—carrying katanas of various makes and wearing practical, often travel-worn clothing, some adorned with glowing Artificer enhancements.
Shiro: Why are we joining the Adventurer's Guild?
Sato: I'm asking the same thing.
Arien gave a smug, determined smile.
Arien: Well, for Practical Class students, we need an Adventurer's Guild license eventually. It's good to get it done early, right?
Sato immediately turned on his heel.
Sato: Well then, I'm out of here.
Arien jumped in front of him, blocking his path.
Arien: Where do you think you're going?
Sato: Well, you need that because of the Practical Class. I'm in the Artificer class, so there's no need for me to get one, right?
He had a valid point. Defeated, Arien could only watch as he left the guild to wait outside until she and Shiro were finished. But while she couldn't force Sato, she could definitely strong-arm Shiro.
And just like that, Shiro was forced to become an adventurer alongside Arien. He didn't say anything, merely accepting his fate with a resigned sigh.
The two of them walked up to the counter for new registrations. Arien puffed out her chest confidently.
Arien: We'd like to be registered as adventurers, please!
The woman behind the counter looked up. Can I know your current occupation?
Arien: We're students at Shikai Academy.
Woman: Oh! In that case...
She handed them two forms to fill out.
Woman: Please fill these out, and I can finish your registration.
Arien: We'll do it right away!
After some time, both Arien and Shiro finished the forms and handed them back. The woman processed them efficiently.
Woman: Okay, that's done. Now, as you likely know, there are six different adventurer tiers: D, C, B, A, AA, and S. You will start at D-tier. To finalize your application...
She handed them a slip of paper.
Woman: ...please acquire one of the items named on this list within 48 hours. Once you do, your licenses will be officially issued.
Arien grabbed the paper without even looking at it.
Arien: Well then, we'll be back!
Woman: I'll be waiting.
Arien grabbed Shiro's sleeve and pulled him out of the guild. Once they met up with Sato outside, all three of them read the paper. The instruction was simple: bring back a part from a specific low-level Beast to verify their capability. It was a straightforward hunt. Sato looked at Shiro, who remained silent.
Sato: You okay, Shiro?
Shiro: ........
Arien: He's fine! Now, let's explore the city a little more before we head back.
Just as they were about to leave, Shiro glanced toward that same dark alley again, his eyes narrowing for a fraction of a second, before turning away.
Sometime before, in a dark alley...
A dark figure moved through the shadows, walking toward a predetermined spot. He noticed the massive crowd gathered around two people in the distance and thought to himself, a dry amusement in his tone.
???: Must be nice to be young.
Just after that, a female figure stepped out in front of him, blocking his path. The girl had messy, unkempt hair and wore a long lab coat over her clothes. She held her hands behind her back.
The Girl: It's finally the day.
A sliver of light from the main street cut into the alley, illuminating the man's features—it was the same person who had been in Professor Veylor's office.
???: Yes.
The girl introduced herself formally, her voice carrying a strange, lethargic weight.
Girl: Tell me your name. For I am the silent end of all ambition. The Apathy of the Abyss, the Sin-Fated of Sloth... Sachiko Ren.
The man responded, his voice low and steady, filled with a grim purpose.
???: The one true savior of this world. The killer of the sins... Kira Yoshikawa.
Sachiko Ren: Let's enjoy this fight, Yoshikawa.
Kira Yoshikawa: If you can stay awake that long, Sin-Fated of Sloth.
THE 2nd VOLUME THE FORGOTTEN NAME END.