I walked through the bustling streets, the noise of the city washing over me. People of every kind passed by—nobles draped in fine fabrics, commoners burdened with baskets and tools, and adventurers marked by worn armor and weathered expressions. Every face carried a story, every step a purpose.
Hey, system, I thought. What if I die?
"Sorry?" the voice replied, startled. "I beg your pardon, dear user?"
What if I die right now? I pressed on. That cursed ability is gone. Death might not be so terrible anymore… especially for a regressor like me.
Silence followed. Not the usual artificial pause—this one felt heavy.
"Do you truly believe they would allow that?" the system finally said, its tone stripped of all mockery. Serious. Cold.
"Never ask such a foolish question again."
"…Okay," I replied.
The city's noise returned, grounding me once more. I steadied my breath and continued forward, the cobblestone path stretching ahead with quiet certainty.
For now, there was somewhere I needed to be.
I adjusted my pace, setting my course toward the Adventurers' Guild—to register, to begin again.
Up ahead, I arrived at the Adventurers' Guild.
The building loomed at the edge of the square, a sprawling mass of weathered stone and dark timber, scarred by countless years and countless battles.
Crooked balconies jutted out at uneven angles, from which colorful banners fluttered in the breeze, catching the light of flickering torches that lined the walls. Each torch casts warm, dancing shadows over carved figures of legendary heroes, their expressions frozen in eternal triumph.
The wide iron-banded doors swung open without pause, spilling a constant stream of adventurers into the square.
Armor clanked, boots struck stone, laughter rang out, and the rich, smoky scent of roasting meat mingled with the tang of heated metal. Weathered notice boards, patched and layered with new postings over old, promised gold, danger, and glory to anyone daring enough to step inside.
"It's very lively," the System noted.
"Well," I replied, scanning the bustling scene, "it's always like this at a guild. Adventurers come for fame, glory, danger, money and… well, the stories they'll tell afterward."
Drawn by the energy, I moved closer to the center of the square and soon understood another reason for their joy.
A particular group had gathered there, surrounded by cheering adventurers. They laughed freely, shoulders were clapped, hands shook in celebration, and triumphant shouts echoed across the square.
Whatever mission they had returned from, it had been an undeniable success, and their joy was infectious, pulling even bystanders into their celebration.
"I think I found the reason why they're happy," I murmured, a small, reluctant smile tugging at my lips.
"Well, let's not waste time."
I strode forward toward the guild reception, weaving through the bustling crowd of adventurers and merchants.
"Good morning, sir! How may I help you?"
A young woman greeted me, her blonde hair catching the light of the torches overhead. She wore a forest-green blouse trimmed with gold, paired with a knee-length skirt over leggings and soft leather boots. Her smile was warm and inviting, confident yet unassuming.
She looks about the same age as me, I thought.
"Hello, and good morning," I said. "I would like to be registered as an adventurer."
"Oh? A new adventurer?" Her eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Well, fill out this form and bring it back to me when you're done."
She handed me a sheet of parchment, the questions simple enough: name, combat position, affiliated guild, and a few other details that could be left blank if unknown.
I wrote quickly:
Name: Cain Diaz
Age: 12
Combat Position: Swordsman
Affiliated Guild: None
She glanced over my answers and nodded approvingly.
"That would be three silver for the registration fee," she said, pointing to a small pouch beside the counter. "Once you've paid, touch the orb next to the counter to complete your registration with the guild."
I handed over the coins and reached toward the smooth, glowing orb. A faint warmth spread through my hand as it pulsed lightly, and I felt a subtle hum of energy confirming my new status as an adventurer.
"Here's your guild card. Please keep it safe—and welcome to the guild, Cain Diaz."
I accepted the card, its weight surprisingly reassuring.
...
I made my way toward the quest board, eyes scanning the clutter of parchment and ink for something suitable.
One notice stood out.
Quest: Goblin Extermination
Requested by: Petelburg Village
Details: Goblin sightings have become increasingly frequent near the village. I humbly request the guild to dispatch a party to eliminate the threat and ensure the safety of our people.
Reward: 50 silver
Requirements: Silver rank, or a four-man party of Bronze rank.
Here it is… but…
I exhaled slowly. I can't do this alone.
"Then why not leave and come back later?" the System suggested casually. "After all, that relic is all you're really after."
I stared at it in utter disbelief—and disappointment.
The System hesitated.
"Ooooh," it said, catching on far too late.
I turned my attention back to the board, my thoughts racing as I considered how to join a party. That was when a familiar sensation prickled at the back of my neck—my instincts flaring.
Someone was behind me.
I spun around and reached out instinctively, grabbing the hand reaching toward my shoulder.
"W–wait!"
The boy froze.
He looked to be my age—maybe a year older at most—his eyes wide with surprise, clearly not expecting me to react so quickly.
"Uh… hello," he said awkwardly. "My name's Alex. I was wondering if you'd like to join my party. We're one man short… and it looks like we're aiming for the same thing."
An opportunity opened itself before me.
A man stood before me
Black hair slightly unkempt, brown eyes alert but unguarded. He wore a faded tunic beneath a light leather jerkin, secured by a worn belt lined with small pouches.
A simple sword hung at his left hip in a scratched scabbard, its condition speaking of use rather than neglect. Mud-stained boots and fingerless gloves completed the look: modest gear, unmistakably that of a beginner adventurer.
I released his hand at once.
"Sorry," I said, letting out a quiet breath. "I think I've already made a bad impression for our first meeting. My name is Cain Diaz—a swordsman. It's a pleasure to meet you."
He rubbed his wrist, then offered a sheepish smile.
"It's partly my fault too," he admitted. "I didn't mean to sneak up on you."
Straightening his posture, as if resetting himself, he spoke more clearly.
"I'll introduce myself properly this time. I'm Alex—also a swordsman."
"Can I call you Cain?" he asked, polite to a fault.
"Sure."
He cleared his throat, suddenly adopting a more formal tone. "Cain, would you like to party up with me and my two companions?"
I nodded. "Sure."
"Great! Let's go meet them. They're over there—follow me!"
Alex flashed a bright, unguarded smile and promptly grabbed my arm, dragging me through the crowded guild hall.
A happy-go-lucky type, huh? I thought, letting myself be pulled along.
Yet a faint unease settled in my chest, subtle but persistent, like a warning I couldn't quite place.
Why do I feel like this is heading toward a tragedy?
…
We'll be fine, I told myself.
Right?