10 years have passed since the tragic demise of Eric Meryl's father on the frontline of the monstrous war, and his mother's heart-wrenching loss due to a cruel sickness. Struggling with poverty and unable to afford proper medical care for his mother, young Eric was burdened with immense sorrow. Yet, he found strength in an unwavering belief that everything would eventually be okay – a conviction he concealed behind a mask of smiles.
After losing his parents, Eric's life took another dark turn as he was adopted by his aunt and uncle, who subjected him to brutal torment. Their rundown home became a chamber of suffering, where Eric endured relentless beatings and faced near-starvation. The echoes of his aunt and uncle's bitter words haunted him, as they continuously belittled him, spewing insults like "useless waste" and reminding him that he was nothing but an unwanted burden. All this cruelty unfolded while Eric was just a fragile 8-year-old boy.
Yet, as years passed, Eric's resilience and spirit remained unbroken. He clung to the faint hope that one day, he would escape this nightmare and forge his own destiny. Determination flickered in his eyes, an unyielding fire that he kept hidden, lest it provoke more cruelty from his tormentors.
Finally, after enduring a decade of misery, Eric found the courage to break free from the clutches of his aunt and uncle. He fled their wretched household, leaving behind the oppressive shadows that had long overshadowed his life. With each step towards the adventurer's guild, he felt like he was shedding a heavy burden from his shoulders.
As Eric stepped into the guild, he felt the weight of countless eyes upon him. Battle-hardened adventurers, bearing the scars of their perilous journeys, eyed the young newcomer skeptically. Some had lost limbs in their pursuit of adventure, and as they glanced at Eric, they couldn't help but think, "Another naive idiot."
Undeterred by their judgmental gazes, Eric strode forward confidently, his heart filled with determination. He approached the registrar, a young woman with a firm demeanor, who studied him with a scrutinizing gaze. Her brown hair was tied back in a practical bun, and she wore a sturdy outfit that spoke of her experience in the world of adventuring.
"I want to register, please," Eric said, his voice steady.
The registrar raised an eyebrow, looking at him with a mix of curiosity and reservation. "Are you sure you want to become a registered adventurer?" she asked, her tone cautionary. "We have no liability if you meet your end while venturing into the unknown."
Eric's eyes gleamed with conviction. "No doubt, ma'am. This is my calling."
The lady couldn't help but smirk, having seen countless young dreamers walk through those doors, only to be disillusioned by the harsh realities of the adventurer's life. Nevertheless, she handed him the registration form and a quill. "Just sign here," she said, pointing to a line on the paper.
As Eric signed his name, he couldn't help but reflect on the long and arduous journey that had led him to this moment. He had spent four years tirelessly training his body, preparing for the day he could finally step out of the shadows of his tormented past.
With the ink dried, the registrar looked at him again. "Alright, you are now a bronze-ranked adventurer," she informed him. "There are ten ranks in total, each representing the challenges and trials you must overcome to progress. first here are the ranks
Rank10:Adamantite
Rank 9: Platinum
Rank 8: Gold
Rank 7: Silver
Rank 6: Ruby
Rank 5: Emerald
Rank 4: Sapphire
Rank 3: Steel
Rank 2: Obsidian
Rank 1: Bronze
The final rank is the coveted adamantite."
Eric nodded in acknowledgment as the registrar explained the process of adventurer assignment and the provision of a detailed handbook. The handbook depicted an anime-like character winking amidst a dense forest, offering guidance on the art of adventuring. Its many chapters hinted at the vast knowledge and skills required for this perilous profession.
Glancing down at his own equipment, Eric realized the stark contrast between his humble gear and the well-equipped veterans surrounding him. His iron chestplate and leggings, along with poorly crafted leather gear, emphasized his novice status. But he was determined to prove his worth and ascend the ranks.
As he made his way to the bulletin board, his eyes scanned the numerous quests available. Amidst the sea of tasks, one particular quest caught his attention:
**Rank: Bronze**
**Description:** Find the Cardinal flower, a rare and precious bloom and aswell as the Flower Lunaria, located in the treacherous ninth District wall, The stronghold's imposing walls, divided by adventurer ranks, restrict exploration beyond by each rank further the districts adventurers. The colossal 3 km-wide walls, with a towering girth of 50 meters, shield the fortress district 9 each. The lower districts, veiled in increasing danger, are infested with menacing monsters. To find the Cardinal flower, venture east into the treacherous caves, and seek the elusive Flower Lunaria in the dense forest.
The sheer expanse of the fortress, stretching across a staggering 3546 thousand km, filled Eric with both awe and trepidation. The quest's daunting scale tested his resolve, but he yearned to prove himself.
[Don't forget to follow the one shot after each story or not its your choice]