The morning sun peeked through the scattered clouds above, casting a soft golden hue over the dirt path. Birds chirped overhead as Sellas sat in the tumbling wagon, pulled by horses, the wheels crunching lightly on the path. Several more wagons followed in a slow, steady line.
He was part of a modest convoy of merchants and travelers, all headed toward Falrem. Most passengers kept to themselves, exchanging polite nods or wary glances. Sellas preferred it that way—at least for now.
Seated near the end of the last wagon, he watched the landscape pass by, silently absorbing the vitality of this new world. It felt more alive—perhaps due to the abundance of mana in the air. Or maybe it was just the world itself, he was not sure about it but he liked it more than Earth.
He felt free and more alive here.
Being in the rear wagon, he kept a vigilant eye behind them, watching for any sign of movement or danger.
It was unlikely they'd be attacked, but caution had to become his second nature. Since arriving in this world, he'd realized just how dangerous it could be. Staying alert was a necessity. Though he hadn't faced anything dangerous as of yet, he had read enough to know where caution was necessary.
"System," he whispered, "open my status panel."
A semi-transparent window appeared before his eyes.
[User: Sellas Thorrin]
[Host Level: 1]
[Experience (EXP): 0%]
[Mana Capacity: 120 MP]
[Mana Regeneration: 2 MP/min]
[Runic Compatibility: High]
Sellas scanned through the panel and nodded. This wasn't his first time opening it during the journey—he'd lost count by now. But he couldn't help it. Having a system felt more surreal than dying and waking up in someone else's body in a completely different reality.
0% EXP.
I need to find monsters to kill… but first, I need to learn how to fight properly. I'm not stupid enough to charge into battle just because I have a system and a runic dagger.
He had already decided to register at the Adventurer's Guild once he reached Falrem. That would give him access to quests, monster bounties, and most importantly—a valid reason to explore nearby forests and hone his skills. But only after he learned how to fight, he would go for hunting quests.
If I'm right, there should be gathering quests for herbs and similar things. I'll take those to experience though staying away from the beasts.
Lost in thought, he almost missed the sudden jolt that shook the caravan. He quickly grabbed the side of the wagon to avoid falling.
"Halt!" a voice barked from the front.
Sellas snapped out of his thoughts, his focus sharpening along with the rise of his heartbeat. He felt an unease in his heart for some reason.
Everyone began to disembark. The other wagons ahead had also come to a stop, forming a neat line. People stepped out—some dressed in armors.
Guards or adventurers heading to Falrem? Are there any Mages or knights among them? I hope they do.
Up ahead, several figures stood blocking the path. They wore mismatched leather armor and carried weapons—swords, axes, and malicious intent.
Bandits.
The caravan master—a plump, middle-aged man clad in fine robes that screamed "merchant" from head to toe—shouted for the guards.
Sellas, however, had already slipped to the back. He crouched behind the wagon, staying out of sight.
His heart pounded as he counted the attackers.
Fifteen? Why are there so many? They can earn more if they do some hunting quests together.
It was more than he expected—clearly a full group. He clenched his fists and summoned his inventory, pulling out the runic dagger and gripping it tightly.
As the caravan guards clashed with the bandits, Sellas slipped into the nearby bushes and hid behind the trees, circling wide to stay unnoticed.
He had a chance to ambush a nearby bandit, but he wasn't suicidal. Heroics didn't matter more than survival. Then he saw a lone bandit sneaking toward the rear passengers—a child stood frozen, directly in his path.
Sellas's stomach tightened.
I'm no noble, but… I can't just watch a kid die.
He moved quietly behind the bandit, getting close.
Silent. Swift.
In one smooth motion, he lunged forward.
The dagger slashed across the bandit's neck. The man barely noticed before it was too late. Sellas drove the blade in deeper, pouring mana into the rune. The dagger glowed as the Sharp Rune activated, slicing effortlessly through flesh.
Thud.
The bandit's head hit the ground and rolled, a fountain of blood following. Sellas ducked to avoid the spray.
[You have slain a bandit]
[EXP +10]
[You have killed a being for the very first time]
[Bonus EXP +50]
Sellas's stomach churned as the headless body collapsed. He'd never seen anything so gruesome—let alone caused it himself.
He forced himself to stay composed. The one silver lining? He'd gained experience.
I wonder if EXP only comes from killing my enemies… or from killing anyone.
He pushed the thought away, unwilling to explore it further. The child, now trembling, began to vomit as he saw the pool of blood, his parents pulled him back and thanked Sellas for saving him.
A sudden shout drew his attention forward.
"They've got a mage! Retreat!"
The remaining bandits scattered into the woods as the guards gave chase. A man in armor approached Sellas, sword stained with blood.
"You alright, lad?" the man asked.
Sellas took a breath, trying to calm his nerves. "Yeah. Just got lucky."
The guard studied him for a moment, then gave a nod of approval. "Luck or not, that was quick thinking. You've got guts."
Guts? Maybe. But that was risky. If the bandit had better reflexes, I'd be dead.
---
Back on the road, the caravan master handed him a few silver coins in thanks. Sellas hesitated, then accepted.
Silver coins mean a lot to commoners. If I refuse, I'll look like I don't care about money—and only a fool doesn't care about money.
Besides, he thought, I need every coin I can get for the future.
By late afternoon, the convoy rolled into Falrem.
Sellas stood quietly as the others dispersed. The town was modest but lively—timber houses, a stone wall, and trade wagons coming and going through the gate.
He stepped inside, letting the sounds of hammers, hawkers, horses, and hurried footsteps wash over him.
His journey had officially begun.
He wandered around the town for over an hour before entering the Adventurer's Guild. He could've gone straight there, but he wanted to get a feel for the place first. After exploring, he reached a conclusion:
Pretty laid-back. I could probably make decent coins from simple crafting alone. But first, let's get to work.
The guild was a massive, three-story structure with a large board hanging outside the second floor. Inside, it resembled a large tavern—oak counters, crowded tables, and a wall lined with quest boards.
He approached the front desk. A bored-looking clerk glanced up.
"New face?"
Sellas nodded. "I'd like to register as an adventurer."
"That'll be one silver coin," the clerk replied. "It covers your adventurer card."
Sellas handed over a coin without complaint. The clerk noted his details, though Sellas omitted his surname to avoid complications that might arise from being part of a noble—especially a Duke's—family.
The clerk handed him a card and a small booklet.
"Here's your E-rank card. You're only allowed to take E-rank quests until you level up. This is the rule book. You'd better memorize it—it might save your life."
Sellas nodded, storing both items carefully before heading to the quest board. Dozens of notices were pinned up, from herb collection to monster extermination. He decided to just look at the type of quests as it was too late for him to leave the town and go out.
By the time he left the building, night had fallen. He had left home in the early morning and spent the entire day on the road.
He decided to find an inn, rest, and start his new life as an adventurer tomorrow.