My name is Thomas Quill, and I work as a guide for a private company on Einburg Island. My dream is to show people various places on Earth that defy logic, which is why I took on the job as a guide.
My work as a guide differs from others. In contrast to guides who only go around food centers or trade and industrial centers, I take my clients to unusual places like Middle Stream Falls. I know what I do is quite risky, I've been scolded by my boss several times. However, I don't care because it creates lasting memories for my clients. Just imagining them sharing their experiences with friends or family brings me joy. As a guide, I'm thrilled to see my clients satisfied with the views.
But today is different. It's morning, and I'm ready to go to the office. When I arrive, I see a young man looking for a guide. He has sharp eyes and carries a sword, likely one of the students accepted into Etherea. Without much thought, I approached him, offered my services, and suggested activities we could do if he chose me as a guide. After hearing my offer, the young man throws one gold coin at me. I accept it and then make a guiding contract with him.
I ask him, "It seems like you're here for the first time, right?"
And he replies, "Yes, I arrived just a few hours ago." After hearing this, I want to take him to various places inaccessible to ordinary people. He follows calmly, enjoying the scenery and being a good listener. In my heart, I promise to create lasting memories for him. Therefore, I take him to the Great Branch Tree of Miracle. However, it's all my mistake. I lead him to his grave instead.
Unaware that we would encounter a pack of Epihorns, I was too blinded by my selfish desire to create lasting memories for the young man. But instead, he stands tall and challenges the horned wolves.
'Why is he so confident!'
I remain silent and motionless when the Epihorn pack surrounds us. However, the young man has already drawn his sword to fight the Epihorn pack.
"With their numbers, it's better to run, but why do you keep fighting?" I ask, still standing in the same place.
"Why? Because I can fight them," he confidently replies.
"What makes you so sure you can win and survive this? They're too many for one person to handle! It's better to run!" I shout, urging him to flee the unavoidable situation.
"What makes me sure? Of course, it's because of my master's strong teachings!" He exclaims with a confident grin.
***
Ryan points his sword at the leader of the Epihorns, then assumes a small stance, crossing his right hand to his left shoulder and his left hand forward, ready to unleash his technique.
A horizontal attack strikes the surrounding area within a 5-meter radius of the user.
Some Epihorns die from Ryan's attack, while those that survive retreat just before Ryan launches the assault. The remaining Epihorns show strong hostility toward Ryan, with eyes that can pierce anyone and claws coated with high-concentration ether. The Epihorns are ready to launch a counterattack against Ryan.
Simultaneously, the Epihorns begin their attack on Ryan. The leader initiates by releasing claw-shaped ether toward Ryan, followed by the other Epihorns. Ryan, seeing the attack, immediately dodges by jumping onto a tree while carrying the still-stunned Tom. Ryan then places Tom on the tree trunk where he landed and continues leaping to engage the Epihorns. One Epihorn is killed in midair by Ryan.
Upon landing on the ground, Ryan is fiercely attacked by the Epihorns. Ryan calmly blocks all Epihorn attacks and retaliates.
After the slash, two Epihorns immediately die on the spot, leaving four Epihorns, including their leader. Without hesitation, Ryan continues his attack.
A heavy swing that kills three Epihorns at once, leaving only the Epihorn leader.
The Epihorn leader, witnessing their subordinates being slaughtered, doesn't stay idle. The Epihorn leader jumps, launching two massive claw-shaped ether attacks at Ryan. However, it's all in vain. Ryan successfully blocks and prepares to counterattack.
The Epihorn leader lies on the ground with its heart pierced by Ryan's sword. Tom, witnessing the event with his own eyes, can't close his mouth.
'How can one person slaughter a pack of Epihorns? Who is he really?'
"Who are you?" Tom asks.
"I'm just a new student entering Etherea!" Ryan says, cleaning his sword from Epihorn blood.
"I see… I apologize for putting you in danger. I will bear all the consequences that happened today," Tom says, bowing his head to Ryan.
"No need. Today's journey was enjoyable. I didn't make a wrong choice in hiring you!" Ryan replies with a faint smile.
Then, Ryan continues his words, pointing towards the Epihorn corpses.
"But before that… give me a shovel! I'll bury the Epihorn corpses. If they're not buried, it will bring a plague to this area!"
"Ah, sure, I'll prepare it!" Tom replies, rummaging through his bag.
Still processing the events of the day, Tom then asks, "Wha—What technique did you use? Its attacking power is so strong that it makes the Epihorn pack unmatched! I've seen many skilled swordsmen, but this is the first time I've seen something like this."
"It's just a basic technique, there's nothing special about it. Perhaps it's slightly modified to be more efficient," Ryan says casually while digging the ground with a shovel.
"A basic technique? You use only basic techniques and can effortlessly wipe out a pack of Epihorns. Is this the criteria for entering Etherea that I've heard of?" Tom says with an astonished expression.
"Are they really that strong? Usually, my master and I hunt much larger monsters, so these little puppies are nothing. Oh, and I also don't know the criteria for other students entering Etherea. I was just offered by my master, and I accepted!" Ryan replies, making it sound trivial as he buries the Epihorns.
"Seems like you and your master are not normal," Tom says with a sour expression.
"Instead of talking a lot, it's better to help me bury these corpses!" Ryan exclaims, handing the shovel to Tom.
"Ah, sorry… I'll help!"
The two of them take turns burying the Epihorn corpses in the Forest of Emerald.
***
After escaping the life-threatening situation, Ryan and Tom finally return to District 7. However, the day has turned dark. Tom then gathers his courage and says, "I'll say it once again, thank you for saving me, and I'm sorry for taking you to a dangerous place!"
"Don't worry about it, you showed me an amazing sight, and that's enough for me," Ryan replies casually.
"Alright then… Although it's already dark, as compensation, I'll take you to the weapon industry center, food sales center, or the bookstore and stationery center to buy supplies for entering Etherea, how about that?" Tom asks with a thin smile.
"The bookstore and stationery center sound interesting. Let's go there!" Ryan exclaims enthusiastically.