"I'll have the mog steak and veggies." I said to the young lady behind the desk.
"Okay! Do you want something to drink with that?"
"A beer, please."
She started filling up a glass and said, "You got it! Make yourself comfortable. We will bring the food to you when it's ready," she said. "Nice clothes! They fit you well."
I paid the 25 copper coins, bringing the beer and sat down at a table. The restaurant bustled with activity, with different conversations blending together to create a vibrant atmosphere. Unable to resist, I tuned in to hear what was being said.
"The adventurers are getting busy these days. My son said there's always a job to pick…"
"The kingdom better send more forces here. Those wretched beings are getting too close!"
"They can only do so much. The monsters are being pushed closer..."
Scattered pieces of news entered my ears. An adventurer's guild needed more applicants to deal with the lower level monsters. That news caught my attention because I was looking for monsters to battle in this world.
The city of Vinatus bordered one of the most dangerous places. The kingdom's capital and nearby cities remained safe from the 'dark beings' I heard about.
Why would the tower send me here instead of a more appropriate area for beginners?
I'm powerless to change the situation. I have to deal with the cards I'm dealt. First, I'll focus on learning the basics, and then I'll investigate the adventurer's guild.
The food was tasty, similar to cow steak but with a more wild flavor. I've never been afraid to try new things, even from a different world. As my stomach was full for the first time today, I headed back to my room to practice.
As I sat at my desk, I started reading the first page of the technique. 'Basic Swordsmanship. All techniques of the world build upon the basics. The moves all hinge on understanding of the sword, the way it moves and interacts, how to bring out the most power'…
From the book, it explained that all moves build upon the 8 angles and the thrust. The book illustrated basic forms, supported actions, and optimal utilization. It covered the moves I've been trying against goblins. Vertical slash, horizontal cut, diagonal cuts and stabs. I thought I had performed them well enough, but as I read on, I realized how much I lacked. The details of every move, from the angle a foot rotated in a vertical cut, to transition between slashes. Even outside of the moves themselves, when to be cautious, when to intimidate, timing of strikes, irregular rhythms to lull your enemies and distance.
Understanding the weapon is one of the most crucial aspects for a swordsman. 'What's the length? Is it double edged or single? Does it curve? What's the tip look like?' The book made me realize the importance of the things I never thought about. The effectiveness of each move varied based on the weapons used by you and your opponent.
I read the entire book through in one sitting. Eager to practice some moves, I summoned my short-sword. As I stood in the middle of my room, I did the basic cuts one at a time, focusing on my body. I only moved to the next move after it became second nature to perform. With the thrust, I imagined floating points to hit, and made sure to not go easy on myself with what was a hit or not.
Confidence building in the basic moves, I tried to transition between them, feeling the way my body changed as I moved from one form to another. My body took over. I let the moves guide me as I closed my eyes. The hours passed by…
Sensing the significant progress I achieved, I examined my stats.
[STATS]
- Name: Arild Dahl
- Level: 11
- Health: 250/250 (25/min)
- Mana: 420/420 (42/min)
————
- Strength: 42 (63)
- Dexterity: 30
- Vitality: 25
- Wisdom: 42
- Available stat points: 0
————
Talents:
- Hyper-Learning (Innate)
- Talent Harvester
- Enhanced Strength
- Stone Skin
————
Skills:
- Incorporate Lightning (D) – 100
————
Laws:
- Elemental Law – Lightning (F)
————
Techniques:
- Basic Swordsmanship
————
It's there! But it doesn't tell me any sort of proficiency or grade…
Certain that I hadn't mastered it, I keep practicing. Nevertheless, I experienced progress, suggesting that the techniques lacked a tangible goal. That made sense. Even if you learned a technique, the limit depended on the user. With the creator at 100% comprehension as the base, it should be possible to expand knowledge and skill beyond that within the same technique. The sole disadvantage would be not having any indication or max proficiency to pursue.
I activated my Incorporate Lightning ability, with the intention of merging skill and technique. I did the same moves I practiced, noticing a new level of speed in my sword. My skill has gotten weaker, which is a problem. I do not know why it happened, but it had significant consequences in battle. Against those bowgers, I still wouldn't stand a chance even with my skill working as normal.
Fatigue overwhelmed me as my muscles throbbed with ache. Getting the clue from my body, I stopped practicing. I laid down in bed, still reading the book to deepen my knowledge further. Before I knew it, I fell asleep.
I woke up to sun rays warming my face. The window worked as a natural alarm clock, with its perfect placement for the sunrise. In my eagerness, I repeated some moves I practiced yesterday. I want to test my skills against opponents, time to head out.
"Good morning! How was your sleep?" The young man behind the reception said. he must work the early shift.
"Morning. I slept very well, thank you. I'm new to town. Can you direct me to the adventurer's guild?"
To reach the adventurer's guild, one had to venture further into the city. That was fine by me. I wanted to see more of this city, anyway.
The lengthy stroll confirmed I had entered a totally different world. I saw people in some incredible gear. It seemed infused with magic, as some of it glowed with colors, looking impressive.
These must be adventurers!
Seeing the vast building with the sign of adventurer's guild, I knew I didn't miss my turns. Not that it should be difficult, as it only required following the large main street to the inner city. It looked like a tavern with 5 floors.
I walked through the double-doors and found adventurers in every corner. On both sides of the building, I could see several tables and seats occupied by discussing adventurers. The tables were bare, devoid of any food or drink, indicating that they were likely used as a space for preparation and meetings. A tall board with papers covering all of it stood next to a reception desk.
Unaware of the norms, I made my way to the reception as my first step.
"Hello! I'd like to sign up as an adventurer."
"Great, we're in need of new adventurers right now. The admission fee is 1 silver." The old man said.
Handing him the fee, he pointed me to the stairs. I followed the given instructions, uncertain of what awaited me.
As I reached the top of the stairs, a woman stood up from her seat. "Are you here for identification?"
"Yes, I think so. I just paid the admission fee, and the receptionist pointed me here."
"Okay! Please come over here." She walked to another room on the floor. Letting me in the door.
An orb occupied the center of the room, colorless yet mystic.
"Please place your hand on the level estimator. It will tell us your stat count for an estimate level."
I did, and it gave a slight white glow. Lines of energy moved inside the orb, which the woman seemed to study with focus.
"All done, level 11, with strength and wisdom as the highest stats." She said bluntly before continuing, "what name do you wish to be identified by?"
"Arild Dahl."
"Okay, wait outside and I will get the adventurer's license for you."
After she returned, she handed me a solid card, engraved with my name and level. An intricate insignia covered both sides of the white card.
"There, all done! You can put this card in your inventory."
That reminded me of something I've been wanting to ask.
"How is this card able to be put in the inventory?"
"It's made with the help of the system, using a skill." She said, confused by my lack of knowledge.
"Ah, of course, why didn't I think of that?!" I nervously said.
I now understood why the inventory only accepts skill books and my equipment. I headed downstairs again, ready to look for a mission.
As I scanned the mission board, I found a paper that interested me.