Ethan had just finished his meal at Handpn Inn, sitting back in his chair, pondering the road ahead. His Adventurer Guild Card sat on the table before him, the simple card a reminder of the new life he had just begun. The weight of it settled in his pocket now, as he made his plans for the coming days.
---
[ Adventurer Guild Card ]
Name: Ethan Maxwell
Rank: B
Party: None
Jobs Completed: None
---
Ethan glanced at the card, mulling over his current rank—B. He knew it would take time to grow stronger, but the potential was there. His journey as an adventurer had only just begun, and he needed to be prepared for what lay ahead. His goals were clear: to become stronger, gain experience, and eventually attend the royal academy, where he could refine his abilities and unlock even more power.
As he leaned back in his chair, he heard the door of the inn creak open, and a light breeze entered. Ethan's thoughts shifted from his plans to the possibility of more immediate challenges. For now, though, it was time to rest.
---
Imperial Palace of Aeloria Kingdom
Meanwhile, in the heart of the Aeloria kingdom, the palace buzzed with tension. King Asgar Aeloria, his face flushed with frustration, stood before his advisors. His voice echoed through the vast throne room as he addressed his wife, Queen Althea.
"What do you mean, you gave the kingdom's imperial pendant to a boy you barely know?" Asgar's voice was sharp, laced with both disbelief and anger.
Queen Althea, standing beside him, remained calm. She had known exactly what her daughter, Princess Iris, had intended when she gave the pendant to Ethan. She looked over at her daughter, who stood quietly, awaiting the inevitable response from her father.
"Iris, did you tell him how you feel?" the queen asked, her tone soft but teasing.
Princess Iris blushed fiercely, her cheeks burning as she avoided her mother's gaze. "N-No... not yet. We'll meet again at the royal academy. If I get the chance, I'll tell him."
The queen smiled knowingly, before turning back to her husband. "And what about the beast companion?"
Asgar's gaze darkened. "What is so special about this boy's companion?"
"Sylphorwing..." Iris whispered.
The name hit the king like a physical blow. "Sylphorwing? The legendary creature that hasn't been seen in hundreds of years?"
"Yes, Father. His beast companion is a Sylphorwing," Iris confirmed, her voice steady despite the weight of the revelation.
The room went silent. Asgar's eyes widened in disbelief, his mind racing. The Sylphorwing, a beast of unparalleled power, was believed to be a myth. To think it was alive—and in the possession of a boy who had just entered their kingdom—was beyond comprehension.
After a long silence, the king asked, his voice still filled with awe, "Are you sure? You're absolutely certain it was a Sylphorwing?"
Iris nodded, her voice firm. "Yes, Father. I studied it in the royal library. The descriptions match perfectly."
The queen clapped her hands in approval, her pride for her daughter evident. "As expected of you, my dear. You've chosen well. This boy will be an excellent match for you."
Iris's face turned a shade of crimson at her mother's comment. She quickly excused herself, fleeing to her room, her heart racing with a mix of embarrassment and excitement. The events unfolding in the palace were only just beginning, but her thoughts remained on the boy with the Sylphorwing—Ethan Maxwell.
---
Handpn Inn, Swan Town
Back in Swan Town, Ethan had finished his meal and paid for his stay at the inn. As he walked toward his room, he couldn't shake the sense that something greater awaited him. The events of the past few days had been a whirlwind: the Adventurer Guild, the discovery of his powers, and now this mysterious pendant from Iris. His instincts told him that his journey was about to take a turn.
As he entered his room, Ethan set his guild card and pouch on the bedside table, then flopped onto the bed, staring up at the ceiling. The weight of the Imperial Pendant around his neck seemed heavier than he anticipated, a constant reminder of his connection to something far bigger than himself.
Suddenly, he spoke aloud, as if his thoughts were not his own. "System, did you collect all the information about this world?"
The system's voice responded in his mind, calm and clear.
[Yes. All available data has been collected. You now have access to the detailed history of Aeloria, including its notable figures, artifacts, and mystical creatures.]
Ethan took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his role. His training as an adventurer had only just begun, but his involvement with the royal family and the Sylphorwing would undoubtedly change everything. The royal academy was in his future, but for now, he needed to rest.
As night fell over Swan Town, Ethan lay on his bed, his mind racing with thoughts of the academy, his new quest, and the adventure that lay ahead. Tomorrow, he'd begin the next chapter of his journey—but for now, he closed his eyes and let sleep claim him.