The bustling capital of Vardania was a sight to behold. Towering spires, grand marketplaces, and a labyrinth of streets teemed with people from all walks of life. As an S-rank adventurer, Kenta's arrival drew more than a few curious glances, but he was used to the attention. His reputation preceded him, and while it sometimes made blending in difficult, it also afforded him certain advantages.
Kenta navigated through the crowd, his eyes set on finding the Adventurer's Guild to seek new quests and information. The capital's guild was known to be one of the largest and most resourceful in the entire continent, and he was eager to see it for himself.
As he wandered through the city, he approached a well-dressed man who seemed knowledgeable about the city's layout.
"Excuse me, sir," Kenta began politely, "could you direct me to the Adventurer's Guild?"
The man turned, his eyes narrowing slightly as he looked Kenta over. There was a brief moment of tension before the man's expression turned cold. Without warning, he lunged at Kenta, his hand crackling with dark energy.
Kenta barely had time to react, raising his sword to block the attack. The force of the impact pushed him back, and he quickly regained his footing, readying himself for a fight. The bustling street around them fell into chaos as bystanders scrambled to get out of the way.
"Who are you?" Kenta demanded, his voice steady despite the sudden attack. "Why are you attacking me?"
The man smirked, his eyes glinting with a dangerous light. "I should be asking you that," he replied. "Your mana is unlike any I've ever felt. Even when you try to hide it, it's unmistakable."
Kenta's heart skipped a beat. This man could sense his mana? He had always been careful to keep it concealed, especially in a foreign city where he knew no one.
"Are you... also a reincarnated person?" the man asked, his tone almost casual as he launched another attack. This time, Kenta dodged to the side, countering with a swift strike that the man narrowly avoided.
"Reincarnated?" Kenta echoed, parrying a series of rapid blows. "What do you mean by that?"
The man's smirk widened. "Don't play dumb. You're like me, aren't you? Someone from another world, given a second chance here."
Kenta's mind raced. Another reincarnated person? He had met a few others like him in his travels, but they were rare and often kept their origins a secret. He hadn't expected to encounter another in Vardania's capital, much less one who would attack him on sight.
Their battle raged on, drawing the attention of the city guard. The man's abilities were formidable—he could erase objects and even parts of his surroundings with a mere touch, leaving nothing but a void in their place. Kenta found himself constantly on the defensive, using his stolen abilities to keep up with the relentless assault.
"You haven't answered my question," the man taunted, his attacks growing more intense. "What are you doing here, and why do you hide your power?"
Kenta gritted his teeth, deflecting a blow that would have erased his sword. "I'm just a traveler looking for the Adventurer's Guild," he said, his voice strained. "I'm not here to cause trouble."
The man paused, his eyes narrowing suspiciously. "You're hiding something," he said. "No one with that much mana is just a simple traveler."
Kenta knew he needed to end this fight quickly. He focused on the man's abilities, trying to find an opening. The man's power to erase was unlike anything Kenta had encountered before, but he could sense that it required concentration and precision.
Taking a deep breath, Kenta activated his own ability to steal powers. He reached out with his mind, feeling for the threads of the man's magic. There—it was a strange, intricate pattern, like a web of dark energy. Kenta latched onto it, feeling a rush of power as he absorbed a portion of the man's ability.
The man staggered, his expression one of shock and anger. "What did you do?" he demanded, his voice rising. "How did you—"
Kenta didn't give him a chance to finish. Using the stolen power, he launched a counterattack. He could feel the man's ability to erase within him, though it was weaker than the original. It was enough. Kenta focused on the man's arm, willing it to disappear. The man cried out in pain as his arm began to dissolve into nothingness.
The city guard finally arrived, surrounding them with weapons drawn. "That's enough!" one of the guards shouted. "Both of you, stand down!"
Kenta stepped back, breathing heavily. He released his hold on the man's power, allowing the guards to take control of the situation. The man glared at Kenta, cradling his injured arm.
"This isn't over," he hissed. "I'll find out who you are and why you're here."
Kenta didn't respond, watching as the guards restrained the man and began to question him. He felt a mixture of relief and frustration. This encounter had been unexpected and dangerous, but it had also given him valuable information. There were others like him in this world—others who could sense his presence and who might pose a threat.
After the commotion died down, Kenta finally made his way to the Adventurer's Guild. The building was grand, with banners displaying various guild emblems and adventurers coming and going with purpose. Kenta entered, his mind still reeling from the recent battle.
He approached the front desk, where a receptionist greeted him with a warm smile. "Welcome to the Adventurer's Guild. How can I assist you?"
Kenta took a deep breath, pushing aside the lingering tension. "I'm looking for information and new quests," he said. "Also, I'd like to see what the guild has to offer."
The receptionist's smile widened when she saw Kenta's S-rank badge. "Of course, S-rank Kenta! You have full access to our resources. If you need any help or have questions, feel free to ask."
Kenta nodded, grateful for the courtesy. He noticed a few adventurers eyeing him curiously. He wondered how much of the earlier battle had been witnessed and whether it would draw unwanted attention.
With access granted, Kenta browsed the quest board. There were numerous missions available, ranging from simple escort tasks to dangerous monster hunts. He selected a few that seemed promising, ones that would allow him to test his new ability further and continue honing his skills.
As he prepared to leave, he couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. The man he had fought was still out there, possibly plotting his next move. Kenta knew he had to stay vigilant and be ready for whatever came next.
Kenta's journey in Vardania's capital had only just begun. He had a new ability to master, new allies to find, and new enemies to face. The road ahead was uncertain, but Kenta felt a renewed sense of purpose. The encounter with the mysterious man had reminded him of the stakes and the need to remain cautious.
With his new abilities and the support of the Adventurer's Guild, Kenta was ready to take on whatever challenges lay ahead. He set out into the city, determined to uncover the secrets of Vardania and continue his quest to reunite his family and fulfill his destiny.
The journey was far from over, but Kenta knew that he was not alone. The power of the God of Creation and his own unwavering resolve would guide him through the trials to come.