As Kaito entered the guild, the receptionist, a bright and cheerful girl, greeted him warmly. "Welcome to the Adventurer's Guild! I'm Sophie Cleinton, the receptionist. How can I assist you today?"
Kaito smiled, feeling a bit more at ease. "Hi, I'm Kaito. I'd like to register as an adventurer."
Sophie's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Excellent! We don't often get newcomers. Before we begin, let me explain how our ranking system works."
Kaito leaned in, intrigued.
"You see, we use a unique system to measure an adventurer's capabilities," Lila began. "We call it the 'Attribute System.' It assesses an adventurer's strength, agility, intelligence, and endurance, assigning a rank based on their overall score."
Sophie pulled out a small, intricately carved wooden box from behind the counter. "We use these 'Attribute Crystals' to measure an adventurer's abilities. The crystals react to an adventurer's aura, revealing their strengths and weaknesses."
Kaito's eyes widened as Sophie opened the box, revealing a set of glowing crystals.
"The ranks are as follows: F-Rank, the lowest, to S-Rank, the highest. Of course, there are also special ranks, like the legendary 'SS-Rank,' but those are extremely rare."
Sophie smiled, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "Now, let's get started on your registration, Kaito! Are you ready to discover your attributes and receive your rank
As Sophie held the Attribute Crystal, a blinding light enveloped Kaito. The crystal began to glow with an intense, pulsating energy. Suddenly, it exploded in a burst of light and sound, sending shockwaves throughout the guild.
The gathered adventurers stumbled backward, shielding their eyes. Sophie, still shaken, struggled to compose herself.
"W-what just happened?" she stuttered, her eyes wide with wonder.
A seasoned adventurer, grizzled and battle-hardened, approached Sophie. "I've never seen anything like that before. What does it mean?"
Sophie hesitated, consulting ancient tomes and whispering to herself. Finally, she turned to Kaito, her voice trembling.
"Kaito, it seems... you're an extremely rare case. The crystal's blast indicates that your abilities can't be measured. You're... SS-Rank."
The guild erupted into chaos, with adventurers murmuring among themselves, eyes fixed on Kaito.
Kaito, stunned, checked his status screen:
Name: Kaito
Level: 1
Acquired Power: Fire Dragon
HP: 200
MP: ∞/∞
Strength: ∞
Speed: ∞
Agility: ∞
Intelligence: ∞
Infinite.
Kaito's mind reeled as he struggled to comprehend the implications. He gazed at Fire Dragon power , and a spark of realization ignited within him.
"Otaku brain, activate!" Kaito muttered to himself, using his nickname for his clever side.
"Maybe... just maybe, this is the effect of the Fire Dragon's power," Kaito wondered, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
The guild's adventurers began to close in, curiosity and awe etched on their faces.
Kaito raised his hands, attempting to silence the uproar. "Everyone, please! I don't want to cause any more commotion."
The guild's adventurers gradually quieted down, their eyes still fixed on Kaito with a mix of awe and curiosity.
Sophie, the guild receptionist, cleared her throat. "As an SS-Ranked adventurer, you require an SS-Ranked mission. Let me retrieve the Old Diary... it contains missions suitable for someone of your caliber."
Sophie disappeared into the guild's archives, returning with a dusty, leather-bound book. She opened it, revealing yellowed pages filled with cryptic notes.
"Before I assign your mission, I must inform you that there are only 10 SS-Ranked adventurers in this world," Sophie said, her eyes gleaming with a hint of pride. "You should feel honored to be among them, Kaito."
Kaito beamed with pride, but Sophie's expression quickly turned somber.
"Tell me, Kaito... do you possess the Dragon's power?" Sophie asked, her voice laced with a hint of expectation.
Kaito nodded. "I have the Fire Dragon's power."
Sophie's face fell, her eyes clouding with disappointment. "I... expected more from you, Kaito. The Fire Dragon's power is impressive, but..."
Kaito's curiosity got the better of him. "What's wrong? You look like something's troubling you."
Sophie sighed, her shoulders sagging. "There's a... dilemma. Demon King exists in this world, and it's said that only one person can defeat him: the wearer of the Multi-Elemental Dragon power. But such individuals are even rarer than SS-Ranked adventurers..."
Kaito's eyes widened as he grasped the weight of Sophie's words.
Sophie composed herself, a determined look on her face. "Your mission, Kaito, is to deal with the Dark-Elves' Queen. She's a formidable foe, and her power is rivaled only by the Demon King himself."
Kaito steeled himself, ready to face the challenges ahead. "I won't back down. I'll take on the Dark-Elves' Queen and prove myself as an SS-Ranked adventurer!"
Sophie smiled, a hint of pride in her eyes. "I expect great things from you, Kaito. Now, go! Your mission awaits!"
With the SS-Ranked mission in hand, Kaito set out to face the Dark-Elves' Queen. He walked through the bustling streets of the capital, Elyria, making his way to the city gate. The warm sunlight cast a golden glow over the city, illuminating the towering spires and grandiose buildings made of white marble and gold.
As he walked, the sound of hammering on metal and the chatter of pedestrians filled the air. The scent of freshly baked bread wafted from the nearby bakeries, enticing Kaito's senses. He passed by the grand Elyrian Palace, its imposing walls and majestic gates a testament to the kingdom's power and prosperity.
Beyond the city gate, Kaito entered a lush forest, where tall trees stretched towards the sky, their leaves rustling in the gentle breeze. A soft, emerald-green canopy filtered the sunlight, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. The air was filled with the sweet songs of birds and the gentle babble of a nearby brook.
As Kaito journeyed deeper into the forest, the trees grew taller and the underbrush thicker. The canopy overhead grew denser, casting the forest floor in a cool, mysterious gloom. Kaito's senses grew more alert, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger.
After a few hours of walking, the forest began to thin out, and Kaito caught glimpses of a rugged, mountainous landscape in the distance. The air grew cooler and crisper, with a hint of mist and snow. Kaito knew that he was getting close to the Dark-Elves' stronghold, hidden deep within the mountains.
With a deep breath, Kaito steeled himself for the challenges ahead. He adjusted his gear, shouldering his backpack and gripping the hilt of his sword.
As Kaito ventured deeper into the mountains, he encountered a group of Dark Elf soldiers. They were clad in dark, leather armor, their eyes gleaming with an otherworldly energy in the fading light of day.
The soldiers formed a semi-circle around Kaito, their hands resting on the hilts of their swords. "You're a bold one, adventurer," one of them sneered. "But you're no match for us. Surrender now, and we might spare your life."
Kaito held up his hands, palms open in a gesture of peace. "I'm not here to fight you. I want to meet your Queen, face to face."
The soldiers exchanged skeptical glances. "You think you're worthy to meet the Queen?" one of them laughed. "You're just a foolish mortal, daring to trespass on our lands."
Kaito stood firm, his eyes locked on the soldiers. "I'm not here to trespass or to fight. I have a message for the Queen, and I'll only deliver it to her personally."
The soldiers conferred among themselves, their voices hushed. After a moment, they nodded, and one of them stepped forward.
"Very well, adventurer. We'll take you to the Queen. But don't think you'll be leaving alive."
Kaito smiled, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "I'm not worried. I have a feeling the Queen will want to hear what I have to say."
The soldiers surrounded Kaito, their swords still at the ready. They marched him through the winding mountain paths, the air growing colder and darker with each step.
As they journeyed deeper into the mountains, the air grew thick with an eerie, unnatural silence. The soldiers led Kaito through a series of winding tunnels, the walls adorned with ancient carvings that seemed to whisper secrets in the flickering torchlight.
Finally, they emerged into a vast, cavernous space, the ceiling lost in darkness. The room was filled with a dazzling array of crystalline structures, their facets glinting like a thousand tiny stars.
At the far end of the cavern, a throne sat atop of carved stone, surrounded by a halo of dark energy. Seated upon the throne was the Dark Elves' Queen, her beauty and power radiating like a palpable force.
The Queen's eyes locked onto Kaito, her gaze piercing and unfathomable. "So, you are the adventurer who dares to request an audience," she said, her voice like honey and smoke.
Kaito bowed deeply, his heart pounding in his chest. "I am Kaito, Your Majesty. I have come to discuss a matter of great importance."
The Queen's gaze never wavered. "I am intrigued. Speak your mind, Kaito. But be warned: I am not one to be trifled with."
Kaito took a deep breath, steeling himself for the challenge ahead. He knew that his words would have to be carefully chosen, lest he incur the Queen's wrath.
"I have come to discuss about disappearing Merchants," Kaito began, his voice steady and clear. "
The Queen's expression remained inscrutable, but a hint of curiosity flickered in her eyes. "Go on," she said, her voice dripping with anticipation.
Kaito stood before the Dark Elves' Queen, his words hanging in the air like a challenge.
"I'm here to ask for your help in understanding why the merchants from the capital are disappearing."
The Queen's expression changed, her eyes narrowing slightly. "What makes you think I know anything about this?" she asked, her voice cautious.
Kaito took a step forward, his voice taking on a persuasive tone. "I've heard rumors that the Dark Elves are not fond of outsiders, especially humans. But I know that the merchants from the capital are essential to your trade and economy. Without them, Capital's people will suffer."
The Queen's gaze seemed to bore into Kaito's soul, as if searching for any hidden motives. But Kaito stood firm, his eyes never leaving hers.
"I want help from you, Your Majesty," Kaito said, his voice sincere. "I want to find out what's happening to the merchants and put a stop to it. But I need your help to do so."
The Queen's expression softened, her eyes gleaming with a hint of curiosity. "Very well, Kaito," she said, her voice measured. "I will grant you an audience and share what I know about the missing merchants. But be warned: I will not tolerate any deception or betrayal."
Kaito bowed deeply, a sense of relief washing over him. "I understand, Your Majesty. I will not betray your trust."
The Queen nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "I hope not, Kaito. For your sake, and for the sake of the people."
The Dark Elves' Queen leaned forward, her eyes glinting with a hint of mischief. "I must confess, Kaito," she said, her voice low and husky. "I am the one who has been... discouraging the merchants from coming to the capital."
Kaito's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with the implications. "Why?" he asked, his voice firm.
The Queen shrugged, a delicate smile playing on her lips. "The merchants were becoming too... intrusive. They were disrupting the balance of our ecosystem, exploiting our resources without regard for the consequences. I had to take action to protect my people and our land."
Kaito's expression turned stern, his grip on his sword tightening. "I understand your concerns, Your Majesty," he said, his voice firm. "But I must inform you that my true purpose here is not to negotiate or to help you. My mission, given to me by the Guild, is to defeat you and put an end to your... discouragement of the merchants."
The Queen's smile faltered, her eyes flashing with anger. "You dare to threaten me?" she spat, her voice venomous. "I am the Queen of the Dark Elves, and I will not be defeated by a mere mortal like you."
Kaito drew his sword, its blade glinting in the flickering torchlight. "I'm afraid it's not a threat, Your Majesty," he said, his voice cold and detached. "It's a promise. If you will not stop your actions voluntarily, then I will have to force you to comply."
The Queen's face twisted in a snarl, her eyes blazing with fury. "Then let us end this," she hissed, her hand weaving intricate patterns in the air. "Let us see who will emerge victorious.
To be Continue...