Chapter 22 - Becoming an Adventurer

The kingdom of Kenta was a marvel of the modern world, a beacon of innovation and prosperity. With four thriving cities—Tokyo, New York, London, and the newly established Washington D.C.—his kingdom stood as a testament to the power of unity, vision, and magical prowess. However, Kenta, ever curious and eager to learn, felt a pull towards the unknown. The desire to explore and understand the world beyond his kingdom's borders grew stronger each day.One quiet evening, Kenta made up his mind. He would venture into the unknown, learn from other lands, and perhaps discover secrets that could benefit his kingdom. Disguising himself as a common traveler, he left a note on his bedside table, explaining his decision to Aria and the twins:"My dear family,I have decided to embark on a journey of discovery. Please do not worry for me; I will return with knowledge and experiences that will benefit us all. Take care of each other and our kingdom in my absence.With love, Kenta."With a heavy heart but an excited spirit, Kenta donned a simple cloak and gathered his belongings. He made his way to the kingdom's gates, where the guards stood vigilant."Good evening," Kenta greeted them, his voice calm.The guards, recognizing him despite his disguise, looked puzzled. "Your Majesty, are you leaving the kingdom?" one of them asked.Kenta nodded. "Yes, I need to step outside our borders for a while. Keep this to yourselves, and continue your duties as usual."The guards exchanged glances but ultimately nodded, understanding the weight of their king's request. They opened the gate, and Kenta stepped out, crossing the barrier that protected his kingdom. As he walked away, the familiar sights and sounds of his homeland faded, replaced by the thrill of the unknown.His journey led him to the neighboring kingdom of Eldoria. As he approached, the stark contrast between Eldoria and his own kingdom became apparent. Eldoria was reminiscent of a medieval era, with stone castles, thatched-roof cottages, and bustling marketplaces filled with people in simple garments. The air was thick with the scent of baked bread and roasting meats, a far cry from the advanced technology and magical enhancements of Kenta's homeland.Kenta marveled at the simplicity and charm of Eldoria. Despite its primitive appearance, the kingdom had a warmth and vibrancy that intrigued him. He made his way to the Adventurer's Guild, a large, imposing building at the heart of the city. The guild was a hub of activity, with adventurers of all shapes and sizes bustling about, discussing quests and exchanging stories.Kenta approached the registration desk, where a stern-looking woman sat, her eyes scanning him with curiosity. "Name?" she asked, her voice brisk."Ken," Kenta replied, using a shortened version of his own name. "I'm here to register as an adventurer."The woman handed him a form, her eyes narrowing as she scrutinized him. "Fill this out. List your skills and previous experience."Kenta took the form and a quill, carefully filling out his details. He wrote his false name, "Ken," and listed his skill as swordsmanship, deliberately omitting his true abilities and achievements. He knew that to truly learn and grow, he needed to start from the bottom and work his way up.After completing the form, he handed it back to the woman, who glanced over it and nodded. "Welcome to the Adventurer's Guild, Ken. You'll start at Rank F. Your first quest is to collect herbs from the nearby forest. Return with the specified herbs, and you'll receive your reward."Kenta thanked her and took the quest details. He left the guild, feeling a mixture of excitement and anticipation. As he made his way to the forest, he couldn't help but smile at the simplicity of the task. Collecting herbs seemed almost mundane compared to the grand projects he had undertaken in his own kingdom, but he welcomed the challenge.The forest was dense and vibrant, teeming with life. Kenta wandered through the undergrowth, his keen senses attuned to every rustle and chirp. He found the herbs easily enough, recognizing their medicinal properties from his studies with Aria. As he gathered the herbs, he thought about his family and his kingdom, wondering what they were doing in his absence.With the herbs safely tucked away, Kenta made his way back to the guild. The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the medieval city. He handed the herbs to the guild master, who inspected them with a critical eye before nodding approvingly."Well done, Ken. You've completed your first quest. Here's your reward," the guild master said, handing him a small pouch of coins.Kenta accepted the reward, feeling a sense of accomplishment. It was a small step, but he knew it was the beginning of a new journey. Over the next few weeks, he took on various quests, each more challenging than the last. He hunted wild beasts, protected caravans, and delved into ancient ruins, all while keeping his true identity hidden.His skills and knowledge grew with each quest, and he quickly ascended the ranks. Despite his humble beginnings, it wasn't long before he reached Rank E, then Rank D. His fellow adventurers began to take notice of his prowess, often seeking his advice and assistance.One day, as he was returning from a particularly arduous quest, he was approached by a group of adventurers. They were seasoned and experienced, with the confident air of those who had seen many battles."Ken, we could use someone of your skill on our team," one of them said, a tall, burly man with a scar across his face. "We're planning an expedition to the Darkwood, and we could use an extra sword."Kenta considered the offer. The Darkwood was notorious for its dangers, filled with deadly creatures and treacherous terrain. It was a place where only the bravest and most skilled adventurers dared to venture. He nodded, accepting the challenge. "Count me in."The expedition to the Darkwood was grueling and perilous. Kenta and his new companions faced countless threats, from ferocious beasts to ancient traps. But through it all, Kenta's skills and leadership shone. He guided his team with precision and bravery, earning their respect and admiration.As they delved deeper into the Darkwood, they discovered an ancient ruin, hidden beneath layers of moss and vines. Inside, they found relics and artifacts of immense power, remnants of a long-forgotten civilization. Kenta felt a thrill of discovery, knowing that these artifacts could hold secrets that would benefit his kingdom.After successfully navigating the dangers of the Darkwood and securing the artifacts, Kenta and his team returned to Eldoria as heroes. Their exploits were celebrated throughout the kingdom, and Kenta's reputation as a formidable adventurer grew.Back at the guild, the guild master approached him with a solemn expression. "Ken, your skills and bravery have not gone unnoticed. You've proven yourself time and again. It's time for you to advance to Rank C."Kenta accepted the promotion with humility, knowing that his journey was far from over. As he continued to take on quests and challenges, he remained committed to his mission of learning and growing. He forged alliances, made new friends, and uncovered secrets that deepened his understanding of the world.One evening, as he sat by a campfire with his fellow adventurers, he reflected on his journey. He had come so far from his kingdom, yet he felt a deep connection to the people and places he had encountered. The world was vast and filled with wonders, and he knew there was still so much to learn.Kenta's journey as an adventurer had only just begun. He was determined to continue exploring, discovering new lands and forging new paths. With each step, he carried the spirit of his kingdom with him, knowing that one day, he would return home with the knowledge and experiences that would shape the future of his realm.And so, with a heart full of hope and a spirit of adventure, Kenta embraced the unknown, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.