The morning began with an unusual calm for Alex. For the first time since arriving in this world, he wasn't surrounded by EMI's constant energy or Aria's persistent attention. With both girls away—EMI summoned to the queen's castle and Aria returning to her father's estate to fetch clothing—Alex found himself alone at their temporary base, a small camp nestled in a quiet forest.
At first, the silence was refreshing, a welcome break from the intense emotions and chaos of the last few days. But by noon, Alex was feeling restless.
"I guess I'm getting used to having them around…" he murmured to himself while fiddling with a twig, sitting by the extinguished campfire.
He stood up, shaking off the laziness, and thought about the abilities he had acquired through the runes. Although he was still reluctant to fully embrace the training the girls had imposed on him, he admitted it was perhaps time to test them out.
However, before attempting any mission, Alex knew he couldn't present himself at the guild alone. People would start asking about EMI and Aria, and that would be stressful. Plus, he preferred to avoid unnecessary attention. So, he headed to a clothing shop in a nearby village.
The shop was modest, with fabrics hanging from the walls and shelves full of adventurer outfits. After browsing several options, Alex found something he thought would work:
· A black cloak with a deep red interior, long enough to reach his ankles.
· A simple metallic gray mask that covered the lower half of his face, leaving only his eyes visible. His bangs, which shaded his forehead, added a mysterious effect.
· Reinforced leather gloves and tall boots with steel detailing.
· A fitted shirt and black pants, practical yet with an intimidating air.
"This should make me look a little less… like myself," Alex said as he paid the shopkeeper.
When he looked in a mirror, Alex barely recognized his reflection. The mask and cloak gave him an enigmatic air, while the rest of the outfit made him look like an experienced adventurer.
---
The adventurer's guild was a noisy, bustling building, full of chatter and the constant clatter of weapons and armor. When Alex entered, dressed in his new gear, several heads turned toward him.
The adventurers eyed him warily, whispering among themselves about his mysterious appearance. Alex, accustomed to unwanted attention, ignored the looks and went straight to the mission board.
"Let's see… something not too flashy…" he murmured while scanning the scrolls.
After a few minutes, he found the perfect mission:
Elimination Request: Nocturnal Creatures
· Location: Dark Forest, north of the village.
· Description: Reports of small, aggressive creatures attacking the area. Reward offered for their elimination.
· Difficulty: Low. Ideal for novice adventurers.
With a slight smile, Alex took the scroll from the board and approached the counter to register.
The receptionist, a short-haired young woman with glasses, looked at him curiously.
"Are you sure about this mission?" she asked. "With your appearance, you seem more experienced…"
"Trust me," Alex replied in a low voice. "This is sufficient."
---
As the sun set on the horizon, Alex entered the Dark Forest. The area was wrapped in a thin fog, giving the surroundings an eerie feeling, but Alex remained calm. This was his chance to test his abilities without the pressure of his companions.
He first activated the support rune, feeling a surge of energy fill his body. His senses sharpened and his movements became more fluid. Then he tried the offensive technique. A sphere of red energy appeared in his hand, warm and vibrant, ready to be used.
Growls from the creatures alerted him. Ahead, small, deformed figures emerged from the fog. Their eyes glowed with an unnatural hatred.
"Time to see just how useful these runes really are…" he murmured, bracing for battle.
The fight was quick but intense. Although Alex hadn't fully mastered the techniques, he managed to combine them well enough to defeat the creatures without suffering serious injuries. By the time the last enemy fell, Alex was panting, but filled with a sense of accomplishment he hadn't felt in a long time.
"Maybe this isn't so bad after all…" he said, looking at his hands.