35th hero

The start of it all

Logan pov

Sadness, confusion, and despair overwhelmed me when I thought I was alone in this world, but discovering Valeria's existence brought a mix of emotions.

I asked Alexia where Valeria was kept.

"Do you want to know?" she inquired.

I nodded, prompting Alexia to sigh and reveal the location. "Aethicus, the floating city," she said, pointing at what appeared to be a massive suspended mountain of crystal-like materials.

Alexia explained, "I heard rumors about Valeria the immortal, is in charge of Aethicus city."

"After the heroes defeated the demon lord, everyone gathered at the same place where they were summoned—in Aethicus."

"Valeria took charge after the previous king and queen died. But I doubt that you could go there..."

Doubtful of my chances, Alexia expressed concern, to which I reassured her.

"Trust me, if I set my sights on something, I won't back down easily."

Conflicted yet determined, I smiled, and Alexia remarked.

"Maybe this is why otherworlders are amazing."

Confused, I asked what she meant, but before she could answer, she started walking away from the statue.

"Ah! Before I forget, here," Alexia handed me a device that looked like an earpiece.

I questioned its purpose, and she explained.

"That's an auto translator, always given to the students of Académie des Chercheurs de Vérité."

Intrigued, I inquired about the academy's location. Alexia replied, "At the City of Dreams, Icathos."

Realizing I needed to go there first, I asked.

"How do you get to Icathos?"

Walking away, she said, "By dreaming. Good luck, Mr. Logan. I wish you the best of luck!"

With that, she disappeared from view.

Taking a deep breath, I put on the earpiece, and to my surprise, the surroundings remained unchanged. Descending to the third terrace, I headed to the second terrace, where I found an inn.

The innkeeper spoke to me in a language I couldn't understand until I put on the earpiece, realizing it was an auto translator.

"Room for one?" the innkeeper asked, and I responded, "Room for one."

Amazed that the earpiece allowed me to communicate easily, I accepted the free night offered to first-time customers.

Tired, I took the key and decided to sleep, hoping for an easy adventure.

As I drifted into slumber, the last sight before me was the beautiful three-mooned night sky adorned with countless stars.

**Next day**

I woke up and decided to open the window of the rented room. Without any warning, the warm rays of the sun blinded my eyes momentarily, causing me to trip accidentally.

“Ouch…”

My reaction to the pain wasn't that bad compared to the moment I got transported to this world; this was just a scratch.

I managed to regain my balance and decided to go out, I equipped the earpiece again and left the inn, exploring the city, specifically the second terrace where I was currently at.

I asked a few locals about the city's name, learning it was called Caritire, also known as the City of Merchants. Wandering around.

I inquired about job opportunities, and every stranger pointed me to a building with a sign in Cavish.

“Luide til eventyrere?”

My limited knowledge of Cavish suggested it meant 'Guide for Adventurers.' I entered the building, finding it filled with intimidating individuals armed with weapons or spell books. Nervously.

I approached the reception and rang the mini bell to call the receptionist.

“How may I help you?” the receptionist smiled, a smile that sent shivers down my spine.

“Can I register as an adventurer?” I questioned, and the receptionist handed me a crystal-like card.

“Here, please sign your name and race. The magic of the card will determine your rank!” he explained.

I signed, and the card emitted a bright light, displaying my name permanently.

“Logan Viridis, welcome to the world of adventures." He sounds so tired... but regardless he continued.

"Although only at G rank, you can take F rank and G rank quests, Keep in mind we aren't responsible if your adventurer's card is stolen; you have to get a new card if that happens.”

I received my card and went to the quest board.

Amidst the noise, I spotted an F rank quest: 'Investigate the rumored snake nest inside the city: reward 10 steel coins.' Unsure but intrigued, I took the flier and sought more information from the receptionist.

“Are you sure you want to take this quest?" Was that worry in his tone?

"Many adventurers died due to the snake's poison, this quest should be at least D-rank,” warned the receptionist.

Shaking off the surprise, I nodded, confirming my decision.

The receptionist stamped the flier and wished me luck.

“Good luck, newbie,” he said as I walked out, heading to the location mentioned in the flier.

Time to get ready.