Aki slowly blinked awake as a soft beam of morning light slipped through the curtains and stretched across his face. He groaned, rubbing his eyes, and pushed himself upright. The bed wasn't exactly comfortable… but after yesterday's chaos, it felt like luxury.He swung his legs over the edge, yawned, and stood.
The room was small but cozy — wooden floor, a simple desk, and a single window where warm sunlight gathered like gold dust.Aki walked over and pulled the curtains aside.His breath caught.
Beyond the inn's window, the Justia Kingdom awakened in full splendor.
The streets below bustled gently with early-morning vendors opening their stands, guards patrolling lazily, mothers calling out to children, and the distant sound of a fountain trickling somewhere below. And towering above it all, on the farthest rise of the city —
the Castle of Justia.
Its white stone walls gleamed like polished marble, reflecting the sunlight in a soft glow. Tall blue spires rose into the sky, banners fluttering with the kingdom's insignia. Morning birds circled the highest tower, their shadows dancing against the castle's walls.
Aki leaned forward on the windowsill, eyes wide.It didn't feel real — like he was staring into the opening shot of a fantasy movie.After a long moment, Aki pulled himself away from the view and headed back to his bed. He sat down, hands resting on his knees, mind slowly transitioning from awe to reality.ill, eyes wide. Aki stretched and let out a long yawn as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes.
[Aki yawning]:" Morning Cynth. Today's my first ever quest... I'm both nervous and excited." [Cynth]:" Well, we'll have to see wat your quest will be before we make any judgments. " " I guess you're right about that." A soft chime echoed in the room as a holographic system screen lit up in front of him. [Cynth]:" Now that you're officially an adventurer here's your starter pack suit."
An exclamation mark blinked above his inventory icon. Aki tapped it, and the display opened to reveal a full set of gear. A sleek black cloak lined with subtle silver patterns. Matching black pants with reinforced stitching. A clean white shirt and sheath, crisp and sharp. He equipped it immediately. The cloak draped comfortably around his shoulders, the fabric surprisingly light yet sturdy. Suddenly, his body felt sturdier—his HP bar pulsed and rose, and a faint glow showed his defense had increased.
[Aki excited]:" These are so cool! I already feel comfortable in it, thanks a lot Cynth." " No problem. You should head out now and eat before you go to the guild."
Aki pushed himself to his feet and grasped the door handle, unlocking it. [Aki]:" Yeah you're right I kinda feel hungry." He stepped out of the room and gently closed the door behind him.
His destination was obvious—the only place he knew so far where he could get a decent breakfast: The Midnight Café. He walked inside and took a seat at a free table. The same waitress from yesterday approached him, bright smile and all. After ordering the same meal as before, they exchanged a small friendly smile and she went to the counter.
A few minutes later, she returned with his coffee and freshly served scones—this time topped with a smooth layer of vanilla cream. Aki's stomach practically celebrated.He thanked her, ate quietly, and then paid his bill.And with a deep breath, he set off toward the Guild Hall.
Aki reached the Guild Hall and stopped right in front of the massive doors. His palms felt sweaty. His stomach tightened.
Who could blame him? It was his first real quest.He inhaled, exhaled, and slowly pushed the doors open.
The hall was quieter than yesterday. Only a handful of adventurers lingered around—most must've already taken quests for the day. His eyes immediately found Amy at her counter, and since no one was in line, he walked toward her… slowly, almost cautiously. Amy was casually fixing her nails, but the moment she noticed him, her expression shifted—concern first, then something like relief. It only made Aki more nervous.
[Amy concerned]:" Are you okay? You are not hurt or anything?" [Aki confused]:" I'm perfectly fine... Why would I be hurt?" [Amy crossing her arms]:" Because those newbie hunter's came after you. The guards reported to the Guild after arresting them so we revoked their licences. They said that you single handedly took them down, impressive by the way." [Aki]:" Yeah... I took them down but I didn't get hurt so... You don't have to worry."
[Amy giggling]:" Okay, thanks for taking care of them for us. And… I really like your new look." Aki blinked in surprise.
[Aki]:" Thanks. I didn't think you'd notice." Amy waved a hand dismissively, then shifted into work mode. [Amy]:" Now, back to business. You're here for your first quest, right? Let's see…" She shuffled through a stack of papers, eyes skimming quickly. After a moment, she pulled one sheet free and placed it on the counter, sliding the rest into a drawer.
[Amy]:" This one should suit a Copper rank." Aki looked down. A crude sketch of skeletons covered the top. The title read:
"Mysterious Skeleton Camp." He glanced back at Amy. [Amy]:" Yesterday, a gatherer from the Western Village ventured into the forest—pretty far from the village, actually—and spotted what looked like a camp. He peeked inside and saw skeletons. A whole group of them. He ran straight back to report it. The village chief issued this request to wipe the camp out. Reward is 100 silver. Pretty nice deal, since they're just normal skeletons, right?"
Aki frowned, gears already turning. [Aki thinking]:" Wait something's not right. According to games skeletons are monsters that do not just make a camp unless someone or something is controlling them." He explained his thoughts to Amy. Her expression immediately tightened. [Amy a bit troubled]:" So you're suggesting there might be a skeleton knight… or an overlord… or worse, a necromancer behind them. That's… not good." [Aki]:" It's still just a theory. I'm not one hundred percent sure."
Amy inhaled then exhaled and adjusted her glasses. [Amy]:" Aki, three adventurers already took this quest. Two are Bronze. The other is a level 20 elite—Iron rank. I need you to go and warn them. If something is wrong, you and the Iron should be able to help the siblings escape. Are you up for it?"
Aki ran the situation through his head. [Aki thinking]:" I really hoped I would get an easy first mission but nooo... I have to deal with this. Well I can't refuse." He turned toward the door, confidence returning to his smile. [Aki smiling back at Amy]:" Don't worry... You can count on me." He left the Guild Hall. Amy whispered something to herself as he left. [Amy whispering]:" Soe, you jerk… please look after them."