The road to Valtheris stretched endlessly beneath Eren's boots, a dirt trail lined with wild grass that swayed beneath the morning sun. He had been walking for hours—guided only by his map interface and the faint glimmer of hope that civilization meant answers.
When the city finally came into view, it didn't disappoint.
Valtheris was massive—stone walls rising high, adorned with banners depicting swords, wings, and radiant emblems. The gates were bustling with travelers, adventurers, merchants, and carriages pulled by beasts with scales instead of fur. The air buzzed with energy and the scent of metal, leather, and roasted food.
[Quest Updated: Reach the Adventurer's Guild.]
[Optional: Register as an Adventurer.]
"Guess that's my next step," Eren murmured.
He passed through the gates after paying a single bronze coin to the guard—a towering man in silver armor whose helmet gleamed like a mirror. The man gave him a quick once-over and smirked.
"First time in Valtheris, boy?"
Eren nodded. "That obvious?"
The guard chuckled. "You've got that 'fresh outta the village' look. Watch your pockets, and don't pick fights in the taverns unless you can win 'em."
Inside, the city was even more alive. Buildings of stone and wood rose in narrow streets, stacked with signs for blacksmiths, potion sellers, and quest boards. Eren caught glimpses of adventurers—some in sleek armor glowing with enchantments, others in robes that shimmered with faint runes.
He felt underdressed in his plain gear, but the determination in his chest burned brighter.
The guildhall was impossible to miss. It stood at the center of Valtheris like a fortress—massive double doors carved with a crest of crossed swords and wings. As Eren pushed them open, a rush of sound hit him.
Laughter, clinking mugs, the rustle of parchment. Adventurers of all kinds filled the room—some bragging about completed quests, others bartering monster cores for gold.
A woman stood behind the counter—a receptionist with sharp green eyes and hair tied neatly in a braid. Her smile looked professional but tired.
"Welcome to the Valtheris Adventurer's Guild," she said. "First-time registration?"
"Yes," Eren replied, placing his hand on the counter.
"Name?"
"Eren."
She typed quickly on a floating crystal interface before her. "Any party members?"
He hesitated. "…No. Just me."
Her eyes softened briefly, as if recognizing something in his tone. "Solo adventurers are brave. Or reckless. Either way, I hope you survive long enough to tell stories."
She slid a small, glowing badge toward him. It shimmered faintly, etched with the letter F.
"Rank F. Beginner tier. You'll rise by completing quests and earning merits. Don't die."
Eren smirked. "I'll do my best."
As he turned to leave, a loud voice echoed from behind him.
"Hey, rookie!"
A man leaned against a table nearby, his cloak draped over spiked armor. "You just signed up, right? How about joining a small raid tonight? We're clearing out a level-one dungeon outside the city."
Eren considered it. He'd planned to rest—but dungeons meant experience.
"Fine," he said. "Count me in."
The man grinned. "Name's Kairn. You'll do fine, kid. Just don't slow us down."
Hours later, Eren stood at the city gates again, the orange glow of sunset painting the streets gold. He adjusted his sword strap and glanced back once at the busy guildhall.
The adventurers, the noise, the flicker of torches—it felt like another world entirely from the orphanage, the loneliness, the pain.
"Maybe this time," he whispered to himself, "I can actually live."
The wind carried his words away, and his System pinged softly.
[New Quest Accepted: Subjugate the Shadow Dwellers.]
[Reward: Experience +200 | Item Drop: Unknown]
Eren grinned, his eyes reflecting the dim light of his HUD. "Then let's begin."
The night awaited.