Episode 4

With a mix of nervous excitement, I step into the guild, a stark contrast to past visits where my presence went largely unnoticed. Now, every eye seems to linger on me, such as the bald man nonchalantly leaning against the wall near the entrance.

"Hey there, friend, you're here to take up adventuring, aren't you?"

"Yes, that's right."

"Well then, best of luck finding what you're seeking in our company. The name's Kazel, pleased to meet you."

I shake his hand.

"I'm Aksa."

"Aksa, is it? You'd best head over there to get registered. Don't fret – no matter how modest your stats are, this guild welcomes anyone willing to put in the effort."

Just the encouragement I need at this moment. I turn to a blonde-haired receptionist with her hair neatly done up in a bun. Judging by her appearance, she's probably a couple of years my senior.

"My name is Lulu, how can I assist you today? The sword on your back – are you perhaps looking to join our ranks?"

I nod in affirmation.

"Excellent, first we need to assess your stats... before we decide on an appropriate job for you."

This is how the guild registration process unfolds.

"May I ask for your name?"

I had neglected to mention it.

"Aska."

"Aska, is that it? I'll jot that down on your adventurer's card. Once done, hold on to it and let's see the kind of stats you have."

I accept the card from her, and instantly numbers akin to those in a video game display my rather unremarkable stats.

When I present them back to her, she exhibits a genuine interest.

"Everything seems quite average, but your intelligence and mana are exceptional. I've never encountered such figures before... You'd be well-suited to a mage or an Alchemist role."

"An Alchemist?"

I can't help but query, as my familiarity with video games is quite limited.

"An Alchemist is someone who battles using concoctions, typically combating monsters by preparing various potions ahead of time, and some opt to run their own shops as well."

After considering it momentaneously, I choose the path of the mage.

"Then mage it is. We have high hopes for your success here."

I'm just an ordinary person—I can't possibly achieve anything extraordinary.

I reclaim my guild card, which now features a realistic portrayal of my face. On closer examination, it resembles a driving license or a typical student ID card.

I make my way to the quest board where various jobs are displayed, acutely aware of my need for money to afford lodging, especially since my finances are only sufficient to cover my meals.

Although Vivia offered me a place to stay, I'm reluctant to move in with a woman I've just met. Thus, self-sufficiency is something I yearn for.

I pick up a quest to eliminate slimes; weak creatures they may be, yet they offer a reasonable payout. I'm tasked with collecting slime fluids into 10 jars with a return of 5 copper coins each. Completing the task would amount to 50 copper coins, which equates to 1 silver coin.

1 silver coin = 50 copper coins.

1 gold coin = 50 silver coins.

1 platinum coin = 50 gold coins.

Such is the currency exchange in this world.

I resolve to manage my finances prudently. For now, I intend to sell my sword in exchange for a staff, as the mage role seems more fitting for me.

I visit a magic supplies store and there I encounter a mature woman with black hair, her fringe artfully covering her left eye.

She sports a pointed hat and a black long dress.

"Welcome to my humble store, sweet child. What brings you here today?"

Her voice carries a softness, with a subtle seductive undertone.

"I'm looking to trade this sword for a magic staff."

"Let's have a look then."

I hand over the sword to her.