The barman gestured to a door. "Come in, and I'll explain."
Kiyoshi stepped through alone, leaving Sakura upstairs in the dusty room. The barman shut the door behind him, muffling the clamor of the bar—elves, dwarves, and witches laughing and shouting beyond the thick wood. The air was thick with the smell of ale and smoke, a battered table between them holding a crumpled map of some vast land.
"Two gold coins," the barman said, holding out his hand.
Kiyoshi pulled two gold coins from his pouch and handed them over. "Thank you. Here are your earnings—2 gold coins."
The barman pocketed them and leaned on the table, his voice gruff. "You're in the southeastern expanse of the Yavior Kingdom, nestled in a world where five distinct nations hold dominion. There's the majestic Elf Kingdom, the revered Terra Kingdom—also known as the Holy Land—the diligent Ferrarius Kingdom, home to the skilled dwarves, the ethereal Lurana Kingdom, and our cherished Yavior."
"The noble families, each with their storied legacy, include the stalwart Harlos (Dwarfs), the valiant Asmiya (Humans), and the graceful Elfior (Elf). At the same time, the steadfast Santra (Beast Humans) hold a humbler position. Additional houses, such as the Heraki (Humans) and Ramiya, play vital roles in this intricate tapestry," the barman said.
Kiyoshi nodded slowly. "Who's in charge around here, then?"
"Ten Viscounts and five Barons," the barman said. "Lord Jagan Wonku's a Viscount, big shot in these parts. The A.M.O. captain's a Baron, oversees villages, collects taxes from the common folk. That money climbs up to the king's coffers."
"A.M.O.?" Kiyoshi asked, tilting his head.
"Adventure Management Organization," the barman said. "Handles the adventurers—gifted types with talents that awaken anytime. They're Hunters, Awakens, Mana Users, all ranked. E, D, C, B, A, S, SS, SSS, LEGEND—lowest to highest."
Kiyoshi blinked. "Wait, ranked? Like levels in a game?"
"Exactly," the barman grunted. "Need a license for quests, but some skip it. General Brosa, 'Beast of Yavior,' he's the kingdom's mightiest figure, rank a mystery. Maybe he hides it, maybe it's a military secret. Some adventurers conceal theirs for criminal intent, masking growth. Most show it off—higher ranks, bigger rewards."
"Hold up," Kiyoshi said, leaning in. "What's an Awaken?"
"Awakens, gifted with strength surpassing the average human, witness their might amplify with each rank," the barman said. "They wield skills, each with its own hierarchy of power. Through rigorous training and hard-won combat experience, both rank and skill can be honed."
"Skills?" Kiyoshi asked, his voice perking up. "Like magic or something?"
"Could be," the barman replied. "An academy stands as a crucible for aspiring adventurers, offering the tools to forge their destiny. That's where they sharpen up."
Kiyoshi scratched his head. "So they don't just fight alone?"
"Nah," the barman said. "Throughout the land, adventurer gangs unite under a shared purpose. These alliances are the backbone of quests, each bearing its own rank and challenges. For a B rank quest, a cadre of five to seven B rankers is requisite, for the forests teem with monsters, each bearing its own rank."
"Monsters have ranks too?" Kiyoshi's eyes widened.
"Yep," the barman said. "The spoils of these battles—the nails, skins, teeth, and magical stones that the monster drops—hold substantial value, with the colour of the stone denoting the monster's rank. The colours represent the rank of the monster. Black for legend rank, red for SSS, orange for SS, violet for S, silver for A, yellow for B, green for C, blue for D, and white for E."
"Whoa," Kiyoshi muttered. "That's a lot to keep track of."
"Better learn quick," the barman smirked. "It's kill or be killed out there."
"Weapons?" Kiyoshi asked, touching the sword at his hip.
"Ranked, imbued with magic," the barman said. "E-rank's five gold coins. Higher ranks mean more strength, more worth."
"And the treasure? The legend's?" Kiyoshi said, his voice eager.
"Monster Island," the barman said. "Hidden there, legacy of a master who hit mythical rank. Opens every four years, full of tough challenges. Only A-rank and up dare it. Promises treasure and a path to higher ranks for the brave."
"How do I get it?" Kiyoshi asked.
"Get your adventurer's license," the barman said. "Skills from a spinner—a guide who knows the way. One rule reigns supreme: power makes the rule."
Kiyoshi's pouch felt light with only one gold coin left—Sakura had two upstairs, he remembered, one gold equaling fifty silver. He glanced at the map again, the sprawling world sinking in. "Guess I start small," he muttered.
The barman smirked. "Power makes the rule, kid. Better get some."