Silvercrest.
It had been three weeks since the disaster in Ravensfield, and I found myself living a life where death seemed to cheat me at every turn. But during my days as a mere weakling in Daichi's party, I was rescued by a mysterious woman.
As I woke up from my slumber, I decided to check on the wonderful weapon that I had kept under my bed. I observed its exquisite craftsmanship, appreciating my success in creating such a weapon.
"Alright, the gun is complete. But it still needs something before I set off," I muttered to myself. As I inspected my equipment, I realized that something was missing. I had my weapon in place, but there was one crucial element I had forgotten—I needed suitable armour.
Together with Claudia, I embarked on a quest to find the perfect armour to accompany my newly-crafted gun. We made our way through the bustling streets, passing by countless people walking back and forth.
Eventually, Claudia spotted a local blacksmith shop and called me over to take a look. It was the perfect place to satisfy my needs.
Steelcraft Forge.
We entered the Steelcraft Forge. As we stepped inside, my eyes were immediately drawn to the plethora of swords adorning the walls. The workshop had a welcoming atmosphere, and on my right, there was a grand display of armour. I took a moment to appreciate the scenery of this remarkable shop.
The walls were adorned with shields and finely crafted swords, making it a haven for blacksmiths who took pride in their skill, time, and effort. I shifted my focus to the blacksmith himself, who was seated behind the counter.
"Welcome! What can I do for ya?" the shopkeeper greeted us, exuding hospitality as we entered his shop.
I made my way towards the counter, returning his greeting. I inquired about the availability of good quality armour that was excellent in both durability and suitability for heavy-duty combat.
I set my expectations high, hoping that he had one in stock. However, before making any deals, I needed to check my finances. Upon reaching into my pockets, I realized that they were empty.
"So, you're looking for armour, eh?" the shopkeeper responded sympathetically.
"Well, you see... I don't have anything on me right now," I confessed, smiling nervously as I examined my empty pockets.
"Oh, not to worry about the payment, young man. Just pay when you get rich," the shopkeeper replied confidently, his teeth shining proudly like glass.
The shopkeeper, named Galba, extended his generosity to me, recognizing the undaunted spirit within me. After a few conversations about my current predicament, he kindly pardoned me.
Galba was a kind-hearted blacksmith who dedicated himself to forging unique weapons and making a living out of them. He took great pride in his creations, ensuring that every product was flawlessly made. The weapons he forged and sold included swords, battle axes, shields, and armour.
When it came to swords, specific ores were necessary to create weapons with special abilities. Lower-tier swords were made of Copperite, which could be found almost anywhere in the world. However, if one desired a sword with superior durability and strength, one needed to use Aurorium.
Aurorium, a unique ore, could only be found deep below 500 meters in the mountains. It not only provide the necessary durability for sword-making but also proved useful in crafting shields. However, for those seeking the ultimate sword, the legendary Adamantite was the material to turn to.
According to legend, Adamantite is nearly indestructible and imbued with magical powers. Wielding an Adamantite sword can cause the wielder's status to grow alongside their skill level.
This rare material can only be found in the frigid mountain ranges located in the northern part of the continent. Not only that but Adamantite can also be used to create magic staffs, amplifying and channelling the wielder's magical abilities.
I had the fortune of meeting Galba, a skilled blacksmith who was deeply passionate about the art of sword-making. His strong physique, bandana-clad head, and armoured glove on his right hand marked him as an expert in his field. Despite his imposing appearance, Galba was friendly and approachable, earning him the admiration of the people in Silvercrest.
"Yes! We'll take it!" I exclaimed, filled with excitement as Galba offered me the opportunity to acquire the armour.
I carefully picked up the armour from the counter and began the process of donning it piece by piece. As I fitted myself with the valuable armour, I couldn't help but catch a glimpse of my reflection in the nearby mirror. Claudia smiled proudly as she witnessed my transformation, seeing me blend seamlessly with the armour.
"Wow, this armour suits me perfectly. It doesn't hinder my mobility at all," I remarked, inspecting myself in the mirror.
Expressing my gratitude to Galba, I left the blacksmith shop and headed towards the Adventurer's Guild. As I made my way there, I began to formulate a plan in my mind.
If I were to register as an adventurer, I needed to conceal my true objectives. I couldn't afford to tarnish the Guild's reputation or waste my time on mundane quests and monster slaying. Instead, I aimed to persuade the receptionist to hire me as an extraordinary adventurer.
I needed to earn money to fuel my exploration of the world. My unique class, classified as heretical, had to remain hidden. Kazuki had made up his mind, confident in his decision.
Concealing one's true nature was a common practice for individuals like me who possessed a broken status class. To become powerful and compete with anyone in this world, I had to adapt to its system.
"Claudia, as an adventurer, is there a way to level up quickly?" I inquired, asking an unusual question that caught Claudia's attention.
"Well, for starters, taking on contracts involving other people can help you level up quickly, as the rewards offered by the clients are usually substantial. However, it's not an easy feat," Claudia replied, providing Kazuki with a detailed answer to his question. Hearing this, Kazuki's ambition wavered slightly.
"But hey! You survived the Great Ravensfield Labyrinth, right?" Claudia tried to lift Kazuki's spirits and motivate him.
"After everything you've accomplished in the past three weeks, I believe you are strong enough to face any challenge that comes your way." As she spoke those empowering words, Kazuki's expression brightened, as if no one had ever spoken such powerful words to him before. Claudia's words brought a smile to his face.
"Thank you for that, Claudia. Now, let's head to the Adventurer's Guild."
Arcuilan Guild.
The scene shifted to a lively setting, with the air filled with conversation and a sense of relaxation. The sound of clashing swords echoed through the hall from the Training Guild, while chefs and waiters below in the Mass Hall shouted orders. Adventurers chatted amongst themselves, sharing tales of their chosen paths.
"Welcome! Fellow wanderer, what can I do for you?" greeted a young and beautiful receptionist as Kazuki and Claudia entered the guild.
As I observed the guild, I noticed the lively atmosphere and pleasant surroundings.
Claudia and I walked towards the reception area at a leisurely pace.
All eyes in the beer hall were fixed on us, mesmerized by the equipment we wore, or perhaps they were cheering for Claudia.
I ignored their attention and proceeded with our business at the reception.
"Good day, we would like to register as adventurers, please."
I placed my hand on the counter as if preparing to make a demand, but I composed myself and adjusted my tone to be more friendly.
"Of course, sir. Just sign these papers, and you'll be all set."
"Okay."
The receptionist handed us two papers, one for Kazuki and one for Claudia, and began writing down our names.
[NAME] Kazuki Fujioka
[AGE] 17 Years Old
[GENDER] Male
[CLASS] Mercenary
[LEVEL] 36
"Let's see... Wait, it seems you already have a class selected."
"It's odd; all adventurers usually choose their preferred classes." The receptionist asked a vague question after reviewing my application.
"Well, you see, I was part of the Heisen's Chosen Heroes."
"EEHHHH!!!???" Everyone exclaimed.
"Ehh...! Really?!"
"Yes, we were teleported from our world."
"You don't say..."
"Your level is low despite having high-grade armour, and your weapon is very unusual."
"Are you sure you guys are new adventurers?"
"Yes, yes we are."
"Alright, you're all set."
"As for the lady..."
[NAME] Claudia Wellenpealte
[AGE] 21 Years Old
[GENDER] Female
[CLASS] Assassin
[LEVEL] 67
"Your level is higher; there's quite a gap between you two."
"I don't mind it," Claudia responded.
"Claudia-san, is it? Your status is stronger than any new adventurer here." The receptionist was amazed by Claudia's status.
"Is there a way to form a faction or a bureau here?" Claudia asked.
"Yes, of course! You can form a faction with two or more people. But since you guys are partners, the two of you can form a faction."
After the receptionist explained about factions, I began to think that forming a larger faction would be fun with three or more people.
"Okay, Claudia, we need a name for this faction. Do you have any ideas?"
"Let me see... I'm not good at coming up with ideas." Claudia casually moved her head left and right as she pondered.
"I've got one. How does 'Shangri-la Pontifex' sound?"
"That's a great name. So, it's official. Our faction will be called the Shangri-la Pontifex."
After deciding on a name for our faction, the receptionist provided us with a rank emblem that identified us as novice adventurers. Claudia and I then left the Arcuilan Guild. After considering where to start, I decided to conquer the Ravensfield Labyrinth and explore the depths of the mysterious abyss.
"Are you ready to go, Claudia?"
"Mhm," Claudia replied.
Claudia and I embarked on our very first journey to Ravensfield Village. A local farmer from the countryside of Silvercrest had given Kazuki a map, which he accepted and began following. Travelling with Claudia was a unique experience for Kazuki. In his previous world, Kazuki was nothing but an average otaku with few friends, mostly male friends who had no experience with girls.
In a way, Kazuki wanted to keep the conversation flowing as they travelled together to Ravensfield. They walked several miles until they reached the wilderness. In Kazuki's view, the wilderness was filled with tall trees swaying in the dazzling wind, and they followed a path that led to their destination.
A few hours later, as night fell and covered their surroundings in total darkness, the only source of light was a campfire. Two makeshift camp beds were placed near the fire. Kazuki sat on the ground, taking a long break beside the warm fire in front of him.
"A long day, huh?" Claudia joined me where I was sitting.
"Yeah, I was just wondering... What if we don't make it out?"
"Don't worry too much. Keep your spirits up. We'll work together and reach the bottom of that abyss."
She gazed at me with determination, and I looked into her eyes. I felt nothing but comfort. After conversing with Claudia, I settled down to sleep beside the warm campfire. In the silence, memories of my former classmates flashed before me, and I struggled to calm my mind. But this was also a sign that I needed to conquer the Ravensfield Labyrinth to prove that I am more than capable.
'I will defeat all of them... all of them... all... of... them...'