Chapter 1: The Weakest Adventurer

The sun hung low in the pale morning sky, casting a soft golden hue over the bustling streets of Velhart, a city that brimmed with life. Merchants called out to passersby, hawking their wares, while adventurers clad in shiny armor and enchanted cloaks strode with confidence, their weapons glinting in the light. Amid the chaos of the city's vibrancy, a young man trudged quietly, his figure blending into the crowd like a shadow. His name was Kael, an E-ranked adventurer.

Kael was an unassuming boy of nineteen, with a wiry frame clad in ragged, patched leather armor that looked as though it might fall apart at any moment. His dull brown hair fell messily over his forehead, and his tired gray eyes seemed perpetually unfocused, as if he were lost in a dream he couldn't escape. Slung over his shoulder was a worn-out wooden sword, barely fit for training let alone battle. The scabbard creaked with every step he took, drawing amused glances from those who passed by.

But Kael didn't care.

He trudged onward, his gaze fixed ahead as he approached the towering structure of the Adventurer's Guild, an impressive three-story building constructed of dark stone and polished wood. The symbol of the guild—a sword crossed with a staff encircled by a laurel wreath—hung above the double doors, gleaming in silver. Inside, the lively chatter of adventurers filled the air, accompanied by the clink of mugs and the scrape of chairs on the wooden floor.

As Kael stepped through the doors, the noise momentarily subsided. Heads turned toward him, and for a brief moment, silence reigned.

Then, the laughter began.

"Look who's here! The weakest adventurer in all of Velhart!"

"Kael! Still stuck at E-rank after three years? Why even bother showing your face here?"

"If I were you, I'd just retire and save myself the embarrassment."

The taunts came from all directions, their voices dripping with mockery. The adventurers—most of them clad in gleaming armor and bearing impressive weapons—snickered as Kael walked past them, his head bowed as if he hadn't heard a word. He moved to the corner of the guild hall, his usual spot, and sat down at a small, rickety table.

Without a word, he pulled out a few copper coins from his pocket and gestured to a passing waitress. "Tea, please."

The waitress gave him a look of pity before nodding and disappearing toward the kitchen.

Kael leaned back in his chair, ignoring the continued laughter and whispers that filled the hall. His expression was calm, almost serene, as though the insults were no more than a gentle breeze brushing past him. He reached into his satchel and pulled out a small loaf of bread, tearing off a piece and chewing it slowly.

"Pathetic," muttered a nearby adventurer loudly, his voice carrying over the noise.

Kael didn't even flinch.

The guild hall was a place of ambition and pride, where adventurers boasted about their achievements, flaunted their trophies, and formed parties for dangerous quests. And yet, here sat Kael, an E-ranker with no party, no achievements, and nothing to his name but his shabby equipment. To the rest of the guild, he was little more than a joke—a pitiful figure who had no place among them.

But then, the doors of the guild burst open.

The chatter died instantly, and all eyes turned to the entrance.

A group of knights strode in, their polished armor gleaming brilliantly under the light. They moved with a grace and authority that commanded respect, their mere presence silencing the room. At their head was a figure who exuded an aura of confidence and power—a young woman with strikingly beautiful features.

She was tall and regal, with long, flowing silver hair that shimmered like moonlight. Her sharp blue eyes seemed to pierce through everyone in the room, and the way she carried herself—shoulders straight, chin high—spoke of her noble upbringing. She wore a suit of enchanted armor that hugged her slender frame, the sigil of the kingdom's royal family etched onto her breastplate.

This was Seraphina Valenhart, captain of the royal knight order and the strongest knight in the kingdom.

The adventurers in the guild stared in awe, their gazes filled with admiration—and, for some, infatuation. Seraphina was the kind of woman who inspired both respect and desire. She was perfect, and everyone in the room knew it.

"Why is the royal knight order here?" someone whispered.

"Is something happening in Velhart?"

As Seraphina and her knights walked further into the guild, their polished boots clicking against the wooden floor, Kael watched from his corner table. He sipped his tea, his gaze lingering on the noblewoman who had captivated everyone's attention.

"There she is," Kael muttered under his breath, his voice barely audible. "The perfect girl." He smiled bitterly, setting his cup down. "And then there's me... a pathetic guy. A loser."

No one heard his words, but even if they had, they wouldn't have paid him any mind. Their focus was entirely on Seraphina and her knights.

The room held its breath as Seraphina stepped forward, her sharp gaze sweeping over the gathered adventurers. She spoke, her voice cool and commanding.

"We are here to investigate a matter of grave importance," she announced. "A group of unidentified individuals has murdered an S-rank adventurer. The kingdom views this as a direct threat to its stability, and we will not rest until the culprits are brought to justice."

Gasps rippled through the crowd. An S-rank adventurer—a rare and powerful individual—had been killed? The very thought sent a shiver down the spines of those present.

Kael, however, remained calm. He continued sipping his tea, his expression unreadable.

After delivering her message, Seraphina turned and left the guild, her knights following closely behind. As the doors closed behind them, the adventurers erupted into hushed whispers and speculation.

"Who could kill an S-ranker?"

"What kind of monsters are we dealing with?"

"Do you think the knights will catch them?"

Kael finished his tea, placed a few more coins on the table, and stood up. Without a word, he left the guild, the murmurs of the adventurers fading behind him.

---

The streets of Velhart were quiet by the time Kael returned home. His house stood on the edge of the city, far from the bustling markets and crowded guilds. It was a large, imposing mansion with high walls and ornate gates—a stark contrast to Kael's humble appearance.

He pushed open the gate and stepped inside, the cobblestone path crunching beneath his boots as he made his way to the front door.

Inside, the house was dimly lit, the air cool and still. Kael tossed his satchel onto a chair and sank into the plush sofa in the living room, letting out a soft sigh.

He closed his eyes, his mind replaying the events of the day. The laughter, the taunts, the sight of Seraphina in the guild hall...

"Welcome home, loser."

Kael's eyes snapped open.

Standing in the doorway was Seraphina Valenhart, her arms crossed and a scowl on her face.

"It's about time you got back," she said, her voice dripping with disdain. "Do you have any idea how embarrassing it is to be married to someone like you?"

Kael sat up, his expression neutral. "Good evening to you too, dear wife."

"Don't call me that," Seraphina snapped, her cheeks flushing slightly. "I don't need to be reminded of this farce of a marriage."

Kael tilted his head, a small smile playing at his lips. "And yet, here you are, waiting for me to come home. How touching."

Seraphina glared at him, her hands clenched into fists. "Don't get the wrong idea. I'm only here because my father asked me to check on you. Not that I care what happens to a useless adventurer like you."

Kael leaned back against the sofa, his smile widening. "Of course. Whatever you say, my lady."

Seraphina huffed and turned on her heel, storming out of the room.

As the sound of her footsteps faded, Kael's smile disappeared. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, and let out a long breath.

"This is going to be a long night," he muttered.

(Chapter Ended)