Since I was a young child, I've only ever had one desire, one goal for my future. I'd be an adventurer, baby. And not just any kind of adventurer, oh no, I wasn't going to settle for being some scrub or whatever. I'm aiming for the top. I'm going to be the strongest adventurer to ever live, baby. You can believe that, and you want to know why? Because I believe it.
It all started when I was about three or four, a wee little man barely above three feet tall and still eating boogers. Ah, the good old days. Anyway, me and my dad, who's a farmer by the way, had left our small little village in the sticks to deliver a very lucrative order of fruit he had brokered with some merchant. Our tiny fruit caravan was rolling along when it got attacked by this big scary monster they called a wereboar, a giant hairy beast big enough to eat a horse, if you couldn't guess. I remember screaming my brains out because this dude was beyond terrifying. I actually peed my pants, and I'm pretty sure my dad did too. I thought we were both dead. That was it, man. We were totally cooked.
But it turned out to be our lucky day because an adventurer just happened to be in the area. His name was… huh… you know, I never did get his name now that I think of it. Well, whatever. I remember what he looked like: long flowing blue hair, cool-looking light armor, and a super oversized blade. He channeled ice magic through that blade or something, because in an instant, when he struck the big old boar, the beast froze solid, and me and my dad were safe. Then, out of the kindness of his heart, he escorted us to our destination and back.
That day will live in my head forever, and it absolutely inspired me. This guy was amazing. He was fearless and had all the strength in the world to back up that attitude with the raw power of his ice magic and the physical skill he showed in that quick but awe-inspiring fight. My goal was clear. I wanted to be just like him. I wanted to be fearless. I wanted to be powerful. I wanted to be an adventurer.
Most kids would have given up on such a lofty dream. I saw plenty in my village do exactly that. They said they'd become some cool knight or adventurer, then slowly settled into becoming farmers like the rest. But that's not me, baby. Everyone in this world has the potential to use magic, every single person, but you have to want it and put in the effort if you wish to become truly mighty. I grew up in a small village full of people who were content with their place in life, which is fine for them, but for me it's becoming a powerful adventurer or bust.
I've been busting my ass ever since that day. I worked out my body, my mind, and eventually, once I reached the age of ten, when people get tested for their magic affinity, I worked out my magic too. Lightning magic, by the way. I'm so happy that ended up being mine. I always thought lightning magic would be incredibly cool, and now I actually have the ability to wield it. I practiced every day. It was an exhausting process as I pushed myself to the absolute limit, day in and day out, almost never stopping.
Most of the other kids in the village looked at me like I was an oddball. They weren't mean about it or anything, but you could tell from a quick glance that they never really understood me, which is fine. I don't mind being a bit of an outcast. Not everyone is as steadfast in their beliefs and aspirations as I am, so it makes sense that they didn't quite get me, or at least that's what I think.
Anyway, it's been a long time since my training began, but it's about to pay off because yesterday was my eighteenth birthday, the big one-eight, baby. You know what that means? I'm officially an adult, which also means I can officially join an adventurers guild, which is amazing. My mind has been racing with possibilities about what kind of guild I'll join and how tough the life of an adventurer will be. But I'm prepared, hopefully. I've been training nonstop for most of my life.
I'm ready. My muscles are strong and well defined, my short ginger hair is as messy as ever, and my sense of style is top-notch, at least in my opinion. I'm sporting my signature black jacket with yellow lining. God, I love this thing. I've been wearing it for years. I'm more than ready to see what this world has to offer. I set off tomorrow.
I'm sure I'll struggle with some stuff at first. Growing up in a small village in the middle of nowhere means I know very little about life outside of here besides a few basics. I'll have to learn a lot on my travels, but hey, I'm not worried. How much could there possibly be for me to learn?
I have a long journey ahead of me. Most guilds are located in cities, and the closest city to here is Shalrune. It's about twenty or so miles away, so it's going to be a good trek tomorrow, I'll tell you that. To get there, I'll have to cut through Ryazo Forest, which is a cesspit for monsters. How do I know? That's actually where me and my father got attacked that one time. Fun fact. But with how tough as hell I've become, I'm not worried anymore. Whether it's a wereboar or whatever else shows up, I'll crush anything that steps in my path.
I guess I could take the path that leads around the forest, the one known to be safe, but it adds ten miles and sounds super boring. I'll take the path of danger and excitement, thank you very much.
It won't be long now. One more day and the journey toward my destiny will begin. Hear me, world: my name is Kaine Stavvros, and I will become the world's strongest adventurer!