Fragile Phantasy

Part 11

After fully recovering from his injuries, KC made his way back to the guild. Along the way, he overheard a group of adventurers chatting about which quest to take and how they planned to enjoy the night at the elf bar. Hearing their carefree banter reminded KC of his childhood friends Ed, Jun, and Ej, who had abandoned him when he needed them the most. The memory hit him hard, and Lost in thought, KC was suddenly jolted back to reality when a little thief snatched his money and ran off. Without hesitation, he chased after the thief. However, before he could catch up, a yellow-haired guy intercepted the thief and scolded him for his actions. The boy returned KC's money and even offered him some food.

"My name is Edgar," the guy introduced himself. "These children are ones I've taken in off the streets. Please forgive their behavior. They may act up, but they have kind hearts."

Despite Edgar's friendly demeanor, KC remained guarded. He had no intention of making friends with anyone suspicious, especially after his previous experiences with betrayal. He continued on to the guild without looking back.

As KC entered the bustling guild, he could feel the stares of the people around him and kept their distance from him, as if they sensed he is guarded.

Approaching the receptionist, a woman named Kristel, "Hello, good day, Kristel here. How can I help?" she greeted him warmly.

KC stated his request. "I want to get an adventurer's card, please." He handed over the payment, eager to gain information to return home.

Kristel took the payment and handed KC his new adventurer's card. "OK, may I ask your name please?"

"KC," he answered confidently.

"Very well, Sir KC. Please come to the newbies room for the information briefing. I will be the one to inform you," Kristel instructed, leading the way.

Upon entering the newbies room, they began to ask for KC's personal information. He shared that he was 18 years old and lived with his friend Andok.

Kristel proceeded to explain the ranking system of adventurers. "There are six ranks - S, A, B, C, D, E - starting from the lowest, E. Currently, you are ranked at the bottom, but don't worry, with hard work, you can climb up the ranks and become a renowned adventurer." She handed KC his new adventurer card, which bore his name at the bottom of the ranking tower.

KC knew that he had a long way to go, but he was determined to climb the ranks and prove his worth as an adventurer. With his adventurer's card in hand, he felt like he was one step closer to achieving his dreams.

Kristel took a deep breath before continuing, "Now, as for the adventurer's card system, you can take on missions from the guild or from clients outside. The rewards for completing missions can range from money, reputation, and an increase in rank."

As Kristel spoke, KC couldn't help but feel excited about the possibilities that lay ahead. He had always dreamed of exploring new lands and taking on challenges, and now he finally had the means to do so.

Kristel went on to explain the importance of reputation and how it could be used to access better facilities and build territories and teams. KC listened intently, taking mental notes of everything he needed to know.

"In the manor region, there are four territory factions and guilds located in the east, west, north, and south," Kristel said. "The leaders of these factions are the ones who control each part of the area. You've already met Kryge, but you'll also want to know about Kilan and Blake. They're the reason why there are still magicless people in this city, as they have accepted them to live on their territories."

Kristel handed KC a paper to read, listing the territory leaders for each faction. "In the south, we have the Qougre power plant owner. In the west, we have Kryge, the weapon manufacturer. In the north, Kilan is in charge of construction and harvest. And in the east, Blake owns the dam and runs irrigation."