The Guild Hall stood majestically at the end of the main street, a three-story black stone building with large windows glowing warm yellow at the front, a large hanging sign with a sword and shield emblem, very fantasy themed. 

In front of the entrance adventurers came in and out non-stop there were warriors in heavy armor, robed mages, archers and people who looked like assassins who clearly wanted to look mysterious, brand consistency. 

I stood for a few seconds staring at the building, it was very interesting. In the old world, I might have only entered a place like this through a game. Now? I literally came to register, carrying trauma and a forbidden class. Character development aside, I pushed open the guild's large doors.

CREAK.

And immediately greeted by a very noisy sound, wooden tables with large quest boards on the walls, people drinking, laughing, negotiating, arguing, the atmosphere was lively but a little chaotic, I kind of liked it. 

But as soon as I entered, several heads immediately turned in anticipation, my clothes still looked like a survival documentary victim plus my weapon was quite eye-catching, a unique and unique suspicious tree sword with a strong brand identity. 

I ignored the stares and walked to the front desk, behind the desk stood a young woman with short brown hair in a dark green guild uniform and a professional smile.

A small notification appears.

Target identified:

Lina

Guild Receptionist

Threat: None

Great, finally someone with no threats. How refreshing.

"Welcome to the Lumeria Adventurer Guild." he said friendly.

"Can I help you?"

“I want to register,” I answered easily.

Lina nodded.

“Register as a new adventurer?”

“Yes.”

He took out a form and a small crystal. The administrative side mission began.

“Name?”

“Cancer.”

"Age?"

I think technically still a teenager, mentally? about 48 after this week.

“17.”

Lina wrote.

“Class?”

I stopped, that was the question about trapping.

“Nature type close combat,” I replied.

It's not clear if it still works. 

Lina seemed to have dealt with strange people many times and didn't ask any further questions, very professional, I appreciate that.

"Good."

He pushed the crystal towards me.

“Please channel mana for registration.”

I touched the crystal, a green light appeared and then data appeared on it, Level 19? The guild hall was a little quieter. 

Oh? Some adventurers started to take it more seriously; it was understandable that the initial registration for level 19 was quite absurd. Lina also looked a little surprised, but maintained her professionalism. She was an excellent employee.

“Registration successful,” he said.

“However, since your level is quite high for a new applicant, you will need to undergo a short evaluation.”

Of course, nothing can be simple.

"What form does the evaluation take?"

“Light spar test,” he said.

Light? What a flexible word, I sighed.

"Good."

Lina signaled. 

A guild staff member led me to the back area of ​​the training arena, smaller than the colosseum but quite spacious, a stone floor with an active mana barrier around it. 

A small crowd began to gather, seemingly free entertainment. I entered the arena. On the opposite side, a tall man entered, carrying a large axe, a muscular body, a thick beard, and a solid aura.

A notification appears.

Target identified:

Garron

Guild Examiner

Level 17

Threat: Moderate

Level 17 is a little below me, I can still handle it, Garron looks at me from top to bottom.

"The new kid?"

“I prefer the term emotionally exhausted newcomer”

He laughed out loud finally someone with good taste.

"Good."

He raised the axe.

“Simple rules. Show your skills.”

“Must win?”

“No need.”

"Good."

Realistic standards, a staff member raised his hand.

"Start!"

Garron moved first, swinging his axe quickly horizontally, I blocked it with the World Thorn Sword.

CLANG.

The impact was quite severe, but not too much of a problem. After Cervaros and the Executioner, my threat threshold rose dramatically. This was practically therapeutic; I took a step back and analyzed. 

Garron's movements were solid and experienced, but they were more about raw power than complicated and simple techniques. I countered the Slash diagonally, and Garron blocked, and we exchanged several attacks.

CLANG. CLANG. CLANG.

The arena was starting to get more crowded, and some of the spectators seemed interested, which was good for them, as it was a free show. Garron smiled.

“You're good.”

“Trauma is the best teacher,” I replied.

He laughed again, I was starting to like this guy. Garron raised his axe high, mana gathering. Skill? Finally, it hit the ground.

BOOM!

A shockwave of rocks came towards me, I jumped while in the air I activated Root Snare roots emerged from the floor wrapping around Garron's legs.

“Good,” he muttered.

I landed my sword on his neck, stopping. A split second of silence followed, the arena falling silent, and then a few rounds of applause rang out, not too bad. Garron laughed loudly.

"Pleasant."

He lowered the axe.

"I am satisfied."

I drew my sword.

“It's a pleasure to provide entertainment.”

The barrier was turned off, Lina entered carrying a small metal card.

“Congratulations,” he said, handing over the card.

“Starting today you are officially an Adventurer Guild member.”

I accepted the card.

A notification appears.

Title unlocked:

Adventurer

Access:

Quest board

Guild rewards

Party system

Dungeon permits

Nice very touched not killed, not chased by monsters, no dungeon collapses massive improvement, Lina smiled.

“Your starting rank: Bronze.”

I see the cards, Bronze? Very fair and this is just the beginning.

“How do I rank up?” I asked.

“Quest,” Lina answered.

“Collect contribution points.”

I saw a large quest board with various missions posted—monster subjugation, herb gathering, escorts, investigations, and bounties—all very interesting, but one quest caught my attention. A small red board with a rare quest. I approached it and read it.

Special Investigation Quest

Location:

Northern ruins of Lumeria

Target:

Anomalous root phenomenon

Reward:

High

Restriction:

Level 15+

I stared at the quest for the anomalous root phenomenon.…wow, that sounded suspicious, as it was so relevant to my entire existence. Coincidence? Probably not, I smiled slightly. 

Well the first quest had already chosen me how efficient, I took the quest sheet and just as I did a familiar voice came from behind.

“So it's true.”

I turned my head, 

Bima stood near the guild door, his arms crossed and his gaze sharp. Ah, a social problem solved at the right time.

[END CHAPTER 21]

Bima stood near the guild door, his dark red armor reflecting the guild lights, his body as large as ever, and his mana aura stable. Level 14, stronger than before, but still not enough. 

The once-bustling guild hall slowly grew quiet, not completely silent, but the kind of silence that occurs when people sense potential drama. Adventurer romance, universal constants, I still held the quest sheet in my hand, staring at Bima expressionlessly.

“Okay,” I said casually.

“If this isn't someone who really wants to see me dead.”

Some people around started to really pay attention. 

Oh yeah, I've got an audience. Bima clenched his jaw, clearly displeased with my tone. Good, the emotional damage was free.

“I want to talk,” he said.

In a low but tense tone, I glanced around.

“With everyone watching?”

I smiled faintly.

“You're brave too.”

Bima was holding back his emotions, or trying to, I could tell by the way his hands were clenched. Predator Sense was almost humming, there was no immediate killing intent, a little disappointing, but good. I saved the quest to temporary storage.

“Okay,” I said.

“Say it.”

Bima took a few steps closer, keeping a safe distance. He was quite clever, looking me straight in the eye.

"What do you want?"

I blinked.

“Oh?”

An interesting opening, not an apology not a threat but a negotiation.

“I just came back from hell surviving,” I replied.

“For now? Maybe sleep well.”

Some adventurers chuckled, Bima looked even more annoyed.

“I'm serious,” he said.

“Me too,” I replied.

He took a deep breath trying hard not to hit me, understandably.

"Listen." His voice was lower.

“The decision at that time was taken for the safety of the group.”

Justification package, I tilted my head.

"Group?"

“Yes.”

“Interesting.”

I took one step forward.

“Because from my perspective all I saw was one group throwing someone to their death.”

The guild hall grew quieter, no one pretending to listen now, a premium spectacle. Bima glared at me.

“You don't understand the situation.”

I laughed a little, not funny just disbelief.

“Oh I understand very clearly.”

I tapped my own chest.

“The part where I was almost killed was quite helpful in understanding.”

Bima's jaw clenched, clearly wanting to retaliate, but he held back, still aware of his location. Good, at least there was some brain development.

"I didn't come to argue about the past," he said finally.

Oho more interesting.

"So?"

Bima glanced around then said softly,

“You are being watched.”

I fell silent a little unexpectedly.

“The White House knows you're back,” he continued.

“They've been asking about you.”

Ah, there it is, the organizational problems continue. Of course, I crossed my arms.

“And why are you telling me?”

Bima was silent for a few seconds as if considering his answer. Then:

“Because if they consider you a threat, they won't just hunt you down.”

He looked at me seriously.

“They will drag us down too.”

Oh, now we're getting to honesty, it's okay to defend yourself. Consistent character writing, I smiled faintly.

“So you're afraid of the consequences.”

“Yes.” Quick answer.

Honestly, brutally, I actually respect that even more. Bima continued,

“If you intend to do something crazy, don't involve us.”

I almost laughed.

“Funny,” I said.

“After everything that happened, you still think I work based on your briefing?”

Some of the audience held back smiles, Bima looked increasingly annoyed but remained focused.

“You don't understand how big this problem is,” he said.

"Your class is not an ordinary class."

No kidding but what an amazing discovery.

“I know,” I replied.

“Quite conscious after almost dying so many times.”

Bima sighed in frustration.

“Listen.”

He lowered his voice.

“If the White Council really makes a move, even your current level isn’t enough.”

I stared at him, that sentence was probably true and that was what made me more interested.

“So,” I said.

“What do you suggest?”

Bima stared at me for a few seconds then said something I didn't expect.

“Join our group again.”

…

I blinked once, twice. Had I heard wrong? Some of the guild members also looked shocked, which was understandable. I stared at Bima as if he'd just proposed the most absurd idea of ​​the century.

“Sorry,” I said.

“I want to make sure.”

“You just suggested I go back to the group that tried to kill me?”

Bima looks annoyed.

“The conditions are different now.”

I laughed this time, really laughed quite hard until I couldn't hold it in. Guild hall was so awkward, it was very useful.

“Bima,” I said after I had calmed down enough.

“I like your confidence.”

"Truly."

I stepped closer, our gazes level, but our auras were completely different now. I used to be afraid of him. Now? Not anymore.

“Listen carefully,” I said softly.

My tone was cold.

“I'm not interested in joining.”

“Not interested in working together.”

“And even more so…”

I smiled a little.

“Not interested in pretending everything is okay.”

Bima's expression hardened with hope, I patted his shoulder lightly as I passed him in a friendly but emotionally hostile gesture.

“If the White Council comes,” I said without looking up.

“Take care of yourself.”

I walked towards the guild exit but before I left I stopped for a moment and turned my head slightly.

"Oh yes."

Bima looked at me. The investigation quest was still in my hand, I lifted it slightly.

“Thanks for reminding me,” I said casually.

“I do have a lot more important problems than you guys.”

Critical attack, I exited the guild, the night air feeling a little cooler and fresher. The conversation gave me two important pieces of information. 

First: The White Council is indeed targeting me, that's natural. 

Second: even Bima is scared enough to try a very unexpected but interesting alliance.

I looked at the investigation quest again.

Anomalous root phenomenon.

Northern ruins? Very suspicious. It's likely gruesome, which means it might be useful. I tucked the quest into my pocket with a faint smile.

"Okay."

“Tomorrow we start a new problem.”

Because if my class is related to something bigger I need answers and my feeling is that this quest is not a coincidence at all.

[END CHAPTER 22]

Morning came too quickly or maybe I was just chronically sleep deprived after leaving the guild last night, I rented a cheap room at an inn near the adventurer's district. 

Cheap in a way: the bed is hard enough to be considered an interrogation device but at least it has a roof and no monsters, a massive improvement. 

I stood in front of the small mirror in the room checking the condition of the scars starting to fade, mana recovered about seventy percent and the body felt much better thanks to the savage vitality. 

Honestly the passive ability is problematic, I wore a simple dark robe I bought this morning it was more practical and also helped a bit to hide the fact that my sword looked like a villain protagonist artifact.

I went downstairs to a fairly crowded inn, where I had a breakfast of hard bread and a thin soup made by champions. After eating, I headed straight for the city's north gate. 

The city of Lumeria in the morning is much livelier, merchants start opening their shops, carriages pass by, knights patrol, adventurers set off on quests. 

The fantasy city atmosphere was completely felt, and I enjoyed it for about three minutes. Until a familiar voice rang out.

“Cancer.”

I stopped and turned around—of course, it was Mira, because it seemed the universe wasn't done testing my patience yet. She walked over, wearing white armor and a healer's robe, neater than yesterday, but still looking like someone harboring too much unresolved guilt. I stared at her.

"What is it?"

Let's get straight to the point, Mira looked a little nervous but still went ahead.

“I heard you took the northern investigation quest.”

News spread fast or maybe the gossip within the guild was just unstoppable.

“And?” I asked.

“I’m coming,” he said.

…

Not at all, I immediately shook my head.

"No."

Mira blinked.

“Why?”

I stared at him blankly.

“List the reasons why you want the short or premium version?”

Some of the guards near the gate held back a sideways comedic smile, Mira sighed.

"I'm serious."

“Me too,” I replied.

He looked at me sternly.

“The quest is dangerous.”

“That's usually the reason I leave,” I said.

Unhelpful yet accurate, Mira stepped closer.

“The root of the anomaly is likely related to your class.”

Oho, interesting card he continued talking.

“The White House is also investigating the area.”

Now that's more interesting, I squinted.

“How do you know?”

Mira answered quickly.

“Our group received instructions.”

While it's true that the protagonist's party connections are incredibly useful, I briefly thought bringing Mira along sounded like a terrible idea. It was terrible, but inside information could potentially be very useful. Annoying compromise, I sighed.

"Good."

Mira looked a little relieved too quickly that was a mistake, I raised a finger.

“With conditions.”

He nodded quickly.

"Whatever."

A dangerous phrase.

“First, you come along as a temporary supporter.”

“Not a partner.”

Her expression changed slightly as expected.

“There is no authority.”

“No drama.”

“And if things get worse, I won't save you.”

Half-truth perhaps, Mira was silent for a few seconds then nodded.

"Agree."

Interesting, he was so eager to join in for some suspicious motives, I stared at him for a few seconds Predator Sense detected no hostility no hidden attacking intent, fine then.

“For now,” I said.

We left town heading north for about two hours, the main road slowly turning into a rocky dirt track, the trees getting thicker, the air getting colder, the atmosphere was too quiet, a classic atmosphere of danger. 

Mira walked a few steps behind me, keeping a professional distance. It was nice, a little more awkward, but after a long moment of silence, she finally spoke.

“Why did you still let me come along?”

I didn't look back.

“Because of the information.”

Mira's refreshing honesty fell silent, fair enough. I added,

“And healers are useful.”

A little rough he sounded almost chuckling, almost, maybe character development after some time, 

We arrived at the northern ruins a vast area full of the remains of old stone buildings, collapsed pillars, broken statues, black roots growing everywhere. 

The mana aura felt strangely familiar, I stopped Minor Mana Sense automatically activated my heart beat a little faster, the World Thorn sword reacted the green veins on its blade glowed faintly. Interesting, very interesting Mira noticed.

“It reacted?”

I nodded slowly.

“Yes.”

And I don't like what it means.

A notification appears.

Area discovered:

Forgotten Shrine Ruins

Special condition:

Fragment resonance detected

I froze. Fragment resources? Okay, there you go, no further ado, I smiled a little.

“Yep.”

“We are definitely in the right place.”

We stepped deeper into the black roots that filled the floor like giant veins, each step felt like entering territory that shouldn't be touched. 

Predator Sense started to activate there was danger very close but didn't move just watched, I gripped the sword tighter.

“Mira.”

“Ready to heal?”

He nodded his staff glowing faintly. 

Good we went down the cracked stone stairs to the underground area a large open room in front of it was dark, an ancient altar circle in the center and someone was already standing there. 

Long white robes, blonde hair, small wings of light floating behind her, I froze. Oh come on, it's not her again. 

Seraphiel slowly turned her golden eyes to meet mine, her expression remaining blank as if we had just happened to meet at the supermarket.

"Ah." he said calmly.

“Faster than predicted.”

I looked at him and took a deep breath.

“Why did I even pretend to hope that today would be normal?”

Mira, behind me, froze completely, an aura of fear immediately surged, but it was understandable. Seraphiel raised one hand, and a golden magic circle reappeared, not the original one.

“Hand over the fragment,” he said.

I raised my sword with a faint smile appearing.

"Good."

“Second round, then.”

[END CHAPTER 23]