Arata arrived at a walled-off city. He slowly approached it and noticed two guards at the gate. For a beginner town, this seems awfully intimidating. He walked over to the guards.
"Can we see your ID?"
An ID? Crap! I don't have one. "Is there a way to get in without one?"
"A foreigner? Very well, leave behind all your weapons and state your business."
Arata slowly dropped his blade and raised up his hands. "I'm just lost and looking to get some info. Maybe even join a guild."
The guard inspected him. "You have a day at most. After that, we'll consider you a criminal and throw you out by force.
You can seek permanent citizenship at the city hall, and you are not permitted to go beyond the city limits."
The guards stepped aside for him as the large metal gate rose. A large thud followed as Arata stepped into the city. He looked around for a place to gather some information. A tall man bumped into him.
"...! Are you new here?!". He wore a shabby-looking cloak and avoided showing his face.
"Yeah, I guess." Arata said as he turned around
"Is that so? Maybe it's because I haven't been here in a while, but you didn't seem recognizable to me. I'm usually great at remembering faces. So, why are you here?"
"I got lost in the plains and was looking for some information, and maybe join a guild."
"You're unregistered then. The guild district should be up ahead; the sign poles should tell you where to go."
"Thanks."
"You're welcome. It's our job to help those in need."
The tall, dark man walked away, his cloak fluttering in the wind. Arata followed the signs to a narrow road. Large buildings with different symbols written on them.
"By the looks of it, I should be able to read this world's language. That's the bare minimum for any type of otherworld story at least.
It's hard to not think this is some kind of dream. I might have fallen asleep while playing, and I'm now having some kind of lucid dream. If it was some dream though, I would have woken up just now."
Arata walked into one of the guilds. He's greeted with stares from everyone in the room as he walked over to the receptionist.
"Welcome to the Adventurer's Guild. What would you like to do here today?" The girl said it with a cherry, upbeat tone.
"I would like to get some information and maybe sign up."
"Wonderful, let me get everything ready for you. In the meantime, I can answer any question you have about the guild or any information you want."
"Do you have info on the legendary artifacts?"
The girl's eyes widened as she gasped at his request. "You want to know about the legendary artifacts?"
"Is something wrong?"
"No, it's just weird for people to walk in asking about them. The legendary artifacts are called that because they're generally considered myths."
One of the drunk men shouted, "An old bedtime story. You're really hunting for something that's probably made up. Even children know that they're not real."
What! Dang! Did that weird voice trick me?! No. I just have to believe they're my only way home. "Maybe, but I'd still like to know more about them."
"Tsk. A child's dream of grandeur. Go get yourself killed playing pretend; I'm going to enjoy my booze knowing I've warned you."
"Anyway... You'd like information on the legendary artifacts despite them being generally considered a myth?"
"Yes, please, anything you have."
"Very well, I'll tell all I can. Long ago, there were 7 weapons of tremendous power. Embedded with mystical properties beyond normal comprehension. Some even say that they have their own consciousness, while others say their wielders can only be legendary heroes.
Each being too strong for anyone to wield, they were scattered throughout the world with no clues as to where they were. It's said that those with a pure soul and just ambition will one day find the artwork calling out to them.
Many say that they've seen the legendary artifacts, but they all turn out to be fake copies. The real ones, if they are real, are still lost to the bounds of time."
"Though some people say that during the great war, the heroes of the two strongest nations held one each. The legendary sword, Skycutter, and the legendary battle axe, Redemption."
"Can you guys not randomly cut in whenever you like?"
"Sorry toots, it's just fun seeing your face flushed.". The entire room broke out into laughter.
Arata looked at her; he was the only one not laughing at her expense.
"You know I have the right to suspend each and every one of you, right?"
The guild went deathly silent. At such a display, Arata only had one thought cross his mind... Scary!
"Thanks; that helped a lot. At least now I know what I'm looking for. Anything on their whereabouts?"
"Not really; they are considered legends/myths."
"Ah, I see."
"Don't look down; I'm sure you'll find some more info out there. Anyway, we're ready to assess your stats, skills, and class."
They set up a crystal ball in front of him, and he placed his hand on top.
"What is your name?"
For some reason, I feel like I shouldn't use my real name. "I'm Ace."
Remember, when playing games, avoid putting in personal information. Stay safe.
"And your age?"
"I'm 15."
"Your stats seem fairly low for a grown man. Pampered much?"
Arata nervously laughed. "Maybe a bit."
"Your class is... adventurer!"
The entire room jumped at his class. "An Adventurer!"
"No way!"
"That's impossible!"
Arata looked at the receptionist. "Is having the adventurer class so weird for the Adventurer's Guild?"
"The adventurer class is rare. Not only does it allow you to learn any skill you want, it has the chance of evolving to the class... Legendary Hero."
"...! That sounds... crazy." Despite what that voice said, I got a super rare class!
This shocking development left everyone quiet. A room full of drunk men, once cheering and drinking, froze at the tension of this realization.
"Ah, right! I should continue the assessment. Have you identified your elemental attributes?"
"Elemental attributes?!"
"Yes, it's a power people are born with. Though some aren't, many are born with it. Would you like to check them?"
"Yes."
At the counter, the receptionist brought out a bracelet with 5 crystals embedded into its golden surface. Each of them was as clear as glass.
"This should check your attribute. Most people are born with one, though some have multiple. The brighter the gems shine, the stronger your attributes are."
She put it on for him, and a blinding flash blasted from it. After a second, each of the gems had a different color. The woman staggered as she tried to get her bearings.
"1 2 3 4 5! All of them a different color!!"
"He has all the basic elements!!"
"Look, he also has the space attribute too!!"
The drunk man from before walked up to him, thunder roaring in his footsteps as he carried him by the collar.
"What type of monster are you?! First, the adventurer crap, now this!"
"Rex! Leave him alone.". The girl, with her composure regained, stared down the giant tower of muscle.
Begrudgingly, he tossed him on the stool and went back to his drink.
"Though you have several elements, they all seem pretty weak."
Arata nervously chuckled as a sigh of relief escaped his mouth.
"You've had quite an entrance. Surprising everyone with your amazing talents."
Was Gamemaster just kidding when she said no special treatment? This doesn't make sense. "So is that all?"
"Yes. By the way, would you like to learn a new skill? We have tomes detailing how to use various skills, at a discount for new adventurers."
"I don't have the money for them, so I'll have to refuse."
"Really? Alright then, I'll give you a free rookie pack. It's not a luxury, but it makes it easier for you to survive out there."
"Thank you."
"Also, your Adventurer's Card will give you limited citizenship no matter where you go, but always remember to visit the city hall of wherever you visit. Different rules may apply between states or countries. Border lines are a tricky issue.". She giggled
"Thanks."
Arata walked out of the Adventurer's Guild. As soon as the door closed, the big man turned to the receptionist.
"Why did you let that kid wander to his death?"
"Don't be silly; I gave an adventurer's kit."
"You know what I mean." He said, chugging a mug of his drink.
The receptionist stared at the door as her face folded, a mixed feeling of worry and regret.