Eight hours passed.
Morning sunlight pierced through the window, spilling across Ezra's face. His golden eyes fluttered open as the warm light roused him from sleep. He blinked slowly, adjusting to the brightness.
He sat up, stretching his arms and back. The bed was firmer than he was used to, but the rest had been needed.
New day, he thought. Need to figure out my next move. Joining the guild might be a good start. Better than sitting around.
He stood, got dressed in his black and silver outfit, and pulled on his gloves. Once ready, he grabbed his room key and stepped out of the room.
As he descended the stairs toward the tavern's entrance, a voice stopped him.
"How was your food last night?"
Ezra turned to see Nia Aeralis smiling at him from behind the bar.
He gave a nod. "It was good."
She grinned. "That's good. I'm glad."
Ezra nodded again, about to leave when he noticed someone watching them. Behind Nia, the old man from yesterday was silently polishing a mug, his sharp gaze locked on Ezra.
"That's the owner," Nia said, catching Ezra's glance. "Granz 'Iron-Leg' Dorran. Retired adventurer."
Ezra looked at Granz and gave him a nod.
Granz nodded back.
Nia tilted her head. "Where you headed so early, Ezra?"
"Going to sign up at the guild."
Her eyes lit up. "Oh awesome! You're going to join the guild? I hope they accept you."
Ezra gave a brief nod, turning to leave, but then—
"Stop," Granz said, his voice firm.
Ezra paused and looked back.
"You need breakfast to keep up your strength."
Nia chuckled. "He's right. Can't go registering on an empty stomach."
Ezra considered it... then nodded and sat at a nearby table.
"We'll be back with your food," Nia said cheerfully.
Minutes later, she returned with a tray.
A plate of herb-seasoned eggs, roasted root vegetables, sliced fruit, and buttered bread, with a side of spiced meat strips. A mug of warm tea steamed beside it.
Ezra looked at the food. "Thanks."
He dug in, eating quietly and efficiently. When he was done, he stood and turned back to the bar.
"Thanks," he said again.
Then he left.
Granz and Nia watched him go.
"He's a mystery, that one," Granz said.
"Barely talks," Nia agreed. "But... there's something about him."
Outside, Ezra breathed in the fresh morning air and began walking the streets again.
Within minutes, he found what he was looking for.
Iron Fang Adventurer Guild
A fortress-like structure of dark gray stone and enchanted blackwood beams. It rose three stories tall, with battlement-style trim, reinforced corners, and a roof of sloped slate. Obsidian gargoyles perched on each corner like sentinels.
Above the massive double ironwood doors, an emblem of a wolf's fang crushing a monster's skull gleamed. Intricate runes lined its border.
This is it, Ezra thought. The place I need to be.
He walked forward, pushing open the scarred ironwood doors.
Inside, a storm of sound greeted him.
The massive lobby buzzed with activity. Adventurers of all types sat at long wooden tables, eating, drinking, yelling, laughing. Some were polishing weapons. Others compared bounties.
Ezra blinked as he took in the variety of people—demihumans with furred tails, beastfolk with lupine ears, armored dwarves, even scaled lizardkin. He had never seen beings like them before.
Some heads turned at the sound of the doors closing.
"Who's that?"
"New face."
"Never seen him before."
"Another rookie?"
Ezra ignored them and walked deeper inside.
He approached the front desk, where several staff were busy assisting other adventurers. Then one caught his eye.
She was slim and elegant, posture sharp and professional. Her citrine-gold eyes were intelligent, framed by pale ivory skin and a dusting of freckles across her nose. Her hair was long, flowing in a teal-and-indigo ombré braid. She wore a fitted navy-blue guild uniform with silver embroidery, and a silver fang-shaped pin glinted on her collar.
"Hi there," she said crisply. "Welcome to Iron Fang Adventurer Guild. I'm Lysette Arven, senior receptionist. How can I help you?"
Ezra noted her composed energy. Beautiful… and sharp, he thought.
"I'd like to join the guild."
Lysette smiled, tilting her head slightly.
Another new recruit. He doesn't look like a fresh-faced farmer's son. Quiet… composed... odd eyes. Interesting.
"Alright," she said. "If you'd like to join, I'll explain the rules and steps."
She tapped a stack of parchment and slid a paper forward.
"The guild ranks go from F to S. You'll start at Rank F and work your way up with missions. Rules are simple: don't kill other guild members, don't interfere with quests already accepted by others, and follow mission protocols. Got it?"
Ezra nodded.
"There's one more step before you're registered. A magical affinity scan. It'll help us understand your potential and see if you can use magic. Place your hand on the orb when ready."
She pulled a violet-glass orb from a shelf behind her and set it on a pedestal.
Ezra stared at the orb for a moment.
Let's see what this world thinks of me.
He placed his hand on the orb.
Instantly, light swirled inside it—deep purple and red rings began to pulse outward, glowing brighter with each rotation. A low hum filled the air.
Several nearby staff turned to look. Even Lysette raised an eyebrow.
Unusual response, she thought. Unstable resonance… dark elemental presence… and something else. Devour-type? That's extremely rare.
Ezra felt a pull through his arm, like something inside the orb was trying to taste him.
This is different, he thought. Not the usual kind of magic... Something else is waking up.
The orb flickered wildly—then dimmed.
Lysette stared for a few seconds longer, her tone more serious now.
"I'll record the result. You… certainly qualify."
Ezra slowly pulled his hand back.
One step further down this road, he thought.
Eight hours later, sunlight streamed through the window of Room 7 at The Broken Chalice Inn. Morning had arrived, the first rays of dawn illuminating the dust motes drifting in the quiet air.
A beam of light landed directly across Ezra's face. He blinked, groaned softly, and opened his eyes. Squinting against the glow, he slowly sat up in bed and stretched, bones cracking softly.
Another day in this strange world, he thought, running a hand through his silver and black hair. Can't sit around forever. Time to start doing something... Joining the guild seems like the right move.
He stood and began putting on his clothes—black and silver jacket, matching trousers, fingerless gloves. Once ready, he gave a final glance around the room and stepped into the hallway.
Descending the stairs, he moved toward the tavern door when a voice called out.
"How was your food last night?"
Ezra turned.
Nia Aeralis stood behind the bar, smiling warmly.
He gave a nod. "It was good."
"I'm glad," she said. "Always nice to know we're doing something right."
Ezra nodded again, catching sight of Granz silently watching them while polishing a mug.
"That's the owner," Nia said with a smirk, nodding toward him. "Granz 'Iron-Leg' Dorran. Retired adventurer."
Ezra nodded toward Granz. Granz returned the gesture.
"Where you off to this early, Ezra?" Nia asked.
"Going to sign up at the guild."
Her face lit up. "Oh, awesome! You're joining the guild? I hope you get accepted."
Ezra nodded and was about to head for the door when Granz's gravelly voice cut in.
"Stop. You need breakfast first. Strength won't hold if your stomach's empty."
Ezra turned, thoughtful.
Nia nodded in agreement. "He's right. You've got to eat before starting something important."
Ezra silently agreed and moved to sit at a nearby table.
"Alright," Nia said with a grin. "We'll bring your food out."
A few minutes later, Nia returned with a tray.
A steaming plate of roasted vegetables, buttered bread, soft-boiled eggs, and thinly sliced cured meat. A ceramic mug of tea and a bowl of fresh fruit completed the meal.
Ezra looked at the spread. "Thanks."
He ate quietly. When finished, he stood and glanced back toward the bar.
"Thanks," he said again.
Nia waved. "Good luck."
Granz simply nodded.
As Ezra exited into the morning light, Nia leaned toward Granz.
"He's quiet, mysterious… barely says anything."
Granz grunted. "But steady. He'll surprise them."
Ezra began walking again through the streets of the city. The early sun glinted off rooftops, and merchant stalls opened for the day. A few townsfolk passed him, yawning or calling out wares.
Soon, he found the building he was looking for.
Iron Fang Adventurer Guild
It towered above the surrounding shops—a massive, fortress-like structure of dark gray stone and enchanted blackwood beams. The building rose three stories high, part adventurer HQ, part war bunker.
Slate roofing sloped steeply under the weight of obsidian gargoyle statues perched on each corner. Above the wide double doors, a massive iron emblem glared down: a wolf's fang crushing a monster's skull, edged with glowing runes.
The doors were enormous—double panels of ironwood, scarred with claw marks.
Ezra stared up.
This is it... the place I've been looking for.
He nodded to himself.
Time to start.
He pushed open the doors.
The inside of the guild was loud, chaotic, and alive.
Long tables filled with adventurers of every kind—laughing, shouting, clinking mugs, eating greasy food, playing dice games. The air smelled of sweat, ale, roasted meat, and oiled weapons.
Ezra's eyes swept over the crowd. Dwarves, beastkin, elves, lizardfolk, humans—all gathered under the same roof. It was a riot of armor, blades, cloaks, fur, and steel.
Heads turned as the door shut behind him.
"Who's that guy?"
"New face."
"Another rookie, maybe?"
"He doesn't look like a farmer's kid..."
Ezra walked through the crowd, unmoved.
He reached the main desk, where staff assisted adventurers. One figure stood out among them.
A tall, elegant woman with flawless posture. Her citrine-gold eyes were focused, her pale ivory skin accented by a dusting of freckles. Long, ombré hair of teal and indigo was braided in an intricate side twist. She wore a navy-blue guild uniform with silver embroidery and a silver fang pin on her collar.
She looked up.
"Hi there," she said professionally. "Welcome to the Iron Fang Adventurer Guild. I'm Lysette Arven, senior receptionist. How can I help you?"
Ezra regarded her. Striking... professional. Sharp eyes. Beautiful, but not someone to underestimate.
"I'd like to join the guild."
Lysette gave a knowing smile.
Another one, huh? Doesn't look like the usual kind. Doesn't fidget. Doesn't hesitate. Curious.
"Very well," she said. "Joining requires a magical affinity scan to determine your potential and elemental compatibility. It also confirms if you're suited for guild work."
She gestured to a pedestal behind her. A violet orb shimmered faintly on its surface.
"Place your hand on the orb when you're ready."
Ezra looked at it.
Let's see what this world thinks of me.
He stepped forward and touched the orb.
Energy sparked to life. The orb glowed with a deep violet hue. Swirls of black and crimson danced inside it, radiating in chaotic pulses. A low hum vibrated through the air.
Nearby clerks paused and turned.
Lysette's eyes narrowed, assessing.
That's... unstable. Dark mana... and gluttonous signature traces? No elemental alignment. That's rare. Dangerous.
Ezra felt a slight pull from the orb, like it was trying to pull something deeper from within him.
What is this? It's reacting differently than I expected.
The orb flickered violently—then dimmed to stillness.
Lysette lowered her hands from the panel she'd been monitoring.
"Well then," she said, voice a touch slower. "That was... unique. You qualify, without question."
Ezra removed his hand, eyes steady.
Step one... complete.
Lysette Arven stood still for a moment, her citrine-gold eyes locked on the now-dim orb. The unusual swirling black and crimson still lingered faintly in its glassy surface, like smoke trapped in crystal.
That scan... definitely not ordinary, she thought. No elemental alignment, but something deeper. A gluttonous affinity. Devour-based. Dangerous. Rare.
Her expression remained composed, but her mind raced through possibilities.
He didn't flinch. No hesitation. No reaction. That control… it's not normal for someone his age—or a new otherworlder. He's hiding more than just power. He's aware of what he is.
She looked at Ezra carefully.
"Well, Mr. Carter," she said smoothly, folding her hands over the counter. "You qualify. Without a doubt."
Ezra gave a slight nod. "What's next?"
Lysette leaned forward slightly, her voice calm and practiced.
"Now that you've passed the magical affinity scan, you'll need to complete a registration trial. It's standard for all new recruits. A basic combat assessment to test survival instincts, physical capability, and reaction under pressure."
She tapped a file from beneath the counter and slid it forward.
"You'll be escorted to the guild training grounds and matched with a ranked instructor. They'll observe and determine your starting classification—F rank being standard for new recruits. Unless, of course, something... unusual happens."
Her tone was subtly teasing, but her gaze stayed razor-sharp.
Ezra took the file.
"When?" he asked.
Lysette smirked faintly. "Now, if you're ready. You've already caused a bit of a stir, Mr. Carter. Might as well give them something to talk about."
She gestured to a hallway off to the right. "Head through there. You'll meet your proctor in the courtyard."
Ezra nodded, wordless.
As he turned and began walking toward the corridor, Lysette watched him go.
Gluttony Mage... a class that shouldn't exist in the modern age of mana theory. And a Devour skill strong enough to light that orb like a storm. What are you, Ezra Carter?
She straightened her jacket.
Whatever you are... I'll be watching.
Ezra walked quietly through the back courtyard of the Iron Fang Adventurer Guild, his boots crunching softly against the gravel path. A breeze moved through the air, rustling the practice dummies and banners that marked the training field.
So this is it, he thought. My first step toward something real in this world. What kind of evaluation is this going to be? What kind of monsters will they throw at me?
As he approached the open training area, a single figure stood at its center—broad-shouldered, armored, arms crossed with a training sword at his hip. The instructor.
The man turned his head slightly as Ezra neared.
"You Ezra Carter?" he called.
Ezra nodded. "Yeah."
The instructor nodded back. "Name's Harland. Instructor for entry-level assessments. I've seen hundreds of rookies walk across this field."
He sized Ezra up for a moment.
Quiet type. Serious eyes. Wears shadows like armor. This one's different.
"I'll be conducting your evaluation," Harland continued. "Rules are simple. You'll face a summoned F-rank monster here in this field. This test is to assess your reflexes, courage, and battle instincts. Not about winning. It's about surviving... and thinking."
Ezra listened, silent and attentive.
"No weapons outside what you've got on you. No help from others. And don't try to run—you fail if you do. Hold out, adapt, show me you're worth the ink on the registry."
Harland gestured to a guild worker nearby.
"Ready?" Harland asked.
Ezra nodded. "Yeah."
The guild worker raised his hand and called out, "Let the test begin!"
A magic circle flared to life in the center of the field, glowing with runes and emitting a faint hum. A flash of light burst upward like a flare.
Ezra shielded his eyes.
Let's see what kind of F-rank creature this is, he thought.
As the light faded, Ezra's breath caught.
From the circle crawled out a monstrous spider—its body the size of a large wolf, covered in thick, oily black hairs. Multiple eyes glistened, and venom dripped from its mandibles. It hissed, lowering itself into an attack posture.
"Appraisal," Ezra whispered.
A glowing screen appeared before his eyes:
Name: Acid Fang Spider (F-Rank)
Type: Beast – Insectoid
HP: 145
MP: 20
Strength: 12
Agility: 22
Endurance: 15
Skills: Acid Spit, Web Shot, Venomous Bite
Description: A predatory spider mutated by residual mana in dungeons. Highly aggressive and capable of spitting acidic venom. Weak to fire, vulnerable when flipped.
Ezra stared at the creature, frowning slightly.
F-rank? That thing looks like it belongs in a nightmare...
The spider shrieked, clicking its mandibles as it scuttled in a semicircle, waiting for the right moment.
Meanwhile, back inside the Iron Fang Guild building, Lysette was rushing up the central staircase, her heels clacking against the stone. Her braid swung behind her as she reached the upper floor.
She arrived at a tall iron-banded door etched with ancient runes.
She knocked once, firmly.
A deep voice answered from within. "Come in."
She opened the door and stepped inside, closing it behind her.
The room was lined with relics, old weapons, maps, and a massive window that overlooked the training yard. Seated in a high-backed chair with his face turned away was the silhouette of a large figure—massive shoulders, arms resting on the wooden arms of the chair.
The Guildmaster.
Lysette bowed slightly. "Guildmaster. We have a situation."
The silhouette narrowed its eyes, gaze still fixed on the window.
"Come in. Close the door. We'll talk."
She stepped forward, the door clicking shut behind her.
Ezra stood alone in the testing field, staring down the hulking spider beast before him. Its massive, bristled legs clicked and twitched, eyes glinting like black gems in the sunlight. He tightened his grip on his knife.
What am I supposed to do with this thing? he thought. It's fast. Agile. And it's right on top of me.
Then—without another thought—he dashed forward.
The wind rushed past him as he closed the distance between him and the giant spider. He slashed at it with his knife—but the spider spit a stream of webbing to the ceiling and zipped out of reach, its legs sticking to the stone pillars with ease.
Ezra skidded to a halt, eyes narrowing.
It dodged me? he thought, frustrated. He lunged again, slashing, but each attack met air. The spider danced between beams, walls, and the floor—too fast, too erratic.
It's fast. Faster than I expected. And one hit from those fangs... he thought.
Then, in a blur, the spider launched off the wall and slammed into Ezra's gut, sending him flying backward. He crashed to the ground, skidding several meters before rolling to a stop.
Ezra groaned, clutching his ribs.
Damn... it's got power too. That thing's not like anything back home.
Up on the balcony, several instructors observed silently.
"He's too slow."
"He hasn't landed a single hit yet."
"Maybe he's not suited for frontline combat."
But they didn't move. Not yet.
At the highest tower of the guildhall, a large figure stood watching silently—arms crossed.
Guildmaster Gorran Ironsoul.
Beside him stood Lysette, hands clasped, her expression tight with concern.
Gorran narrowed his emerald prosthetic eye. "He's holding back."
Lysette turned toward him. Holding back? He's getting thrown around.
But there's something about him, she thought. A kind of pressure... like he's only using a fraction of himself.
Back in the field, Ezra got back to his feet, wincing. He raised his knife again.
The spider hissed, then began bouncing from wall to wall, zigzagging through the field with impossible agility. Ezra tried tracking it, but his eyes couldn't keep up.
It darted behind him, then reappeared on his left, then the ceiling. Ezra twisted, knife ready, but it vanished again.
It's too fast... he thought. I can't keep chasing it. I have to calm down. Think.
He sheathed his knife.
The instructors watching blinked.
"What's he doing?"
"Is he... giving up?"
"Should we stop the test?"
But before anyone moved, a rough voice cut through the conversation.
"No. Let him keep going."
The instructors turned—and gasped.
"Guildmaster Gorran Ironsoul?!"
Standing in the observation area was a towering dwarf, broad as a bear and clad in chainmail and a fur cloak. A heavy warhammer hung across his back. One eye glowed with an emerald-green magical lens.
"Are you sure, sir? He could be injured—"
Gorran grinned. "I'm sure. I see something in that young man. Let's see what happens next."
Lysette, standing behind him, blinked. Why is the Guildmaster so invested in Ezra? What does he see that I don't yet?
Back in the arena, Ezra stood motionless, eyes closed.
Devour... That's my unique skill. I don't know all it can do yet, but if it absorbs... then maybe...
The spider skittered above, readying another attack.
Ezra clenched his fists. Come on. If I time this right...
The spider jumped.
Ezra opened his eyes.
"Devour," he whispered.
Black-violet runes flared along his arm, spiraling from shoulder to wrist. A smoky aura coiled around his clenched fist, pulsing and swirling with eerie hunger.
Up above, the spider descended, hissing as it launched itself for a headbutt.
Ezra stood firm.
Then—he moved.
With perfect timing, he stepped forward and drove a right hook straight into the spider's face.
The impact detonated like a drumbeat.
Devour System Activation
A surge of dark light flashed.
Ezra felt a wave of heat rush through his arm as the skill activated. The energy around his fist pulled like a vacuum—yanking part of the spider's magical essence, muscle memory, and reflexes directly into him.
The spider screeched, stumbling backward, half-dazed, part of its limbs slightly withered.
Skills Gained:
Web Threading – Allows Ezra to create short-distance strands of webbing from his fingertips, useful for tethering, grappling, or momentary distractions.
Wall-Crawler Instinct – Grants Ezra the ability to scale walls or vertical surfaces with gloved or bare hands and feet, mimicking spider-like movement.
Poison Resistance – Basic resistance to weak venoms and toxins, reducing their duration and harmful effects.
Agile Movement (Lesser) – Slightly enhances reaction time and evasive movement during combat.
Ezra stumbled slightly, blinking. His mind buzzed. That feeling... I absorbed something. These skills—they're real.
The spider staggered but wasn't dead—dazed, twitching, half-consumed.
Up above, the instructors froze.
"What was that?!"
"His fist... glowed—what skill was that?"
Lysette leaned forward. "Guildmaster... what just happened?"
Gorran laughed, deep and pleased. "Just watch. He's not done yet."
All eyes turned back to the field.
Ezra stood tall, the devour energy still faintly pulsing from his arm. His golden eyes locked onto the spider again.
Now I know what to do.
Ezra looked down at his hand, the faint wisps of black-violet energy still lingering around his knuckles from the Devour skill. It shimmered for a moment longer, then dissipated into the air like smoke returning to shadow.
A soft chime echoed in his mind.
[New Skills Acquired]
A glowing screen appeared before him:
Web Threading – Allows Ezra to create short-distance strands of webbing from his fingertips, useful for tethering, grappling, or momentary distractions.
Wall-Crawler Instinct – Grants the ability to scale walls or vertical surfaces with gloved or bare hands and feet, mimicking spider-like movement.
Poison Resistance – Basic resistance to weak venoms and toxins, reducing their duration and harmful effects.
Ezra blinked, reading them carefully.
So that's what I got from Devour... Not bad. Could be useful. I guess I'm more spider now than I expected.
He turned his gaze to the spider, still stumbling on its legs. Its eyes were unfocused, its limbs twitching. It hadn't recovered from the earlier strike.
Still alive... Guess this is the perfect chance to test out these new skills.
Suddenly, the spider screeched and lunged again.
Ezra's eyes locked on it. Calm. Focused.
He raised his hand.
"Web Threading."
A thick strand of sticky web shot from his palm and latched onto the ceiling. With a sharp yank, Ezra was pulled upward just as the spider's fangs snapped where he'd been standing.
Effortlessly, Ezra flipped and stuck himself to the ceiling.
"Wall Crawler."
He stood upside down, feet locked to the ceiling beams, the room inverted beneath him.
Below, the spider hissed in frustration, spinning wildly.
Ezra looked down. His golden eyes narrowed.
"Let's finish this."
With a burst of strength, he pushed off the ceiling with his legs.
He rocketed downward like a missile.
In one motion, he unsheathed his knife midair, gripping it tight.
The spider turned to react—but too late.
Ezra's blade slashed through the spider's head in a clean, decisive strike. A burst of black ichor sprayed as his momentum carried him through.
The spider collapsed, twitching once before going still.
Silence.
Then gasps.
On the upper balcony, guild workers stared wide-eyed.
Lysette's hand covered her mouth, stunned. He… won? He really did it…
Guildmaster Gorran Ironsoul grinned beneath his beard.
"I knew it," he said, nodding proudly. "He would do it. He wins."
He glanced at a stunned guild worker. "Call it."
The worker blinked, then scrambled to the system console.
He activated the glowing runes on the console and spoke clearly.
"Ezra Carter has passed the testing evaluation!"
The announcement rang out across the field.
Ezra stood over the fallen spider, breathing heavily. His shoulders rose and fell slowly as the adrenaline drained.
I passed, he thought. I actually passed.
Another screen blinked into view.
[Level Up!]
[+2 Levels Gained]
Ezra blinked, then muttered, "Open Status."
A new screen appeared before him:
Name: Ezra Carter
Age: 18
Race: Human (Otherworlder)
Level: 3
Class: Gluttony Mage
Titles: Summoning Accident, The Unchosen, Trial Survivor
Hunger Level: Stable
HP: 130
MP: 180
Strength: 13
Agility: 16
Endurance: 17
Mana: 210
Luck: 9
Charm: 7
Normal Skills: Appraisal, Web Threading
Ability Skills: Wall-Crawler Instinct, Poison Resistance
Magic Skills: —
Unique Skill: Devour
Weapons: Basic Combat Knife
Items: Bag of Gold, Royal-Grade Field Rations
Ezra raised an eyebrow.
Not bad... Looks like this is only the beginning.
Chapter Twelve: Officially One of Them
The heavy air in the training field began to clear as the dead spider lay still on the stone floor. The magical glow from the summoning circle faded away, leaving only the sound of distant footsteps.
Instructor Harland walked across the courtyard toward Ezra.
Ezra turned to face him, still catching his breath. His golden eyes narrowed slightly but were steady.
Harland gave a slow nod. "Not bad, Carter. You surprised me."
Ezra remained silent.
The instructor continued. "You passed. Congratulations. You're officially one of us now." He crossed his arms. "Next step is to head back inside and report to the front desk. Finish your registration. Get your badge."
Ezra gave a small nod. "Got it."
Without another word, he turned and walked toward the exit of the training grounds. His steps were steady, despite the lingering ache in his body.
One test down, he thought. Time to see what comes next.
He followed the hallway out of the training wing. The sounds of sparring, shouting, and thudding weapons slowly faded behind him. He emerged into the main entry hall of the Iron Fang Adventurer Guild.
Lysette was standing at the front desk again, as poised and composed as before. Her citrine-gold eyes locked onto Ezra as he approached.
She offered a rare, genuine smile. "I heard the announcement. So… you passed."
Ezra gave a short nod. "I did."
Lysette tilted her head slightly. Figures. He's not the type to brag. But that spider wasn't easy…
"Well then," she said, tapping her fingers against the desk. "Time for the final step—official registration. Let's get you processed."
Ezra nodded again and stood in front of the counter.
Lysette began gathering papers and a small box from beneath the desk. "Since you're now officially accepted, you'll receive your Guild Identification Badge. This marks you as a certified F-Rank adventurer. You'll use it for access, mission claims, payments, and identification in most guild-supported towns."
She slid the metal badge across the desk. It was a small, silver-plated emblem in the shape of a fang engraved with his name.
"Here," she said. "It's magically encoded. Try not to lose it."
Ezra picked it up and examined it silently.
Lysette continued, flipping open a small book. "Now, about the mission board. It's over there." She gestured behind him.
"The board is split into sections based on rank. As an F-rank, you'll stick to basic tasks—monster clearing in nearby zones, herb collection, courier runs, maybe escort duties. Don't bite off more than you can handle."
Ezra nodded, listening carefully.
So that's how it works, he thought. Small jobs to start... I can handle that.
She handed him a folded packet. "This has a list of beginner-friendly quests and rules. Payment structures. Emergency return glyphs. Read it."
Ezra accepted the packet and slipped it into his coat.
Lysette looked at him for a moment longer, studying his face.
"Congratulations," she said finally. "You're officially an F-rank guild member now."
Ezra glanced at his badge again, then looked up.
"…Thanks."
Lysette folded her arms, looking at Ezra with her usual cool poise. "You can head to the mission board now if you're up for it, or come back tomorrow. It's up to you," she said, her voice calm. "Either way, congratulations, Ezra. Welcome to Iron Fang Guild."
Ezra gave her a small nod. "Thanks."
Lysette smiled faintly. "No problem. Hope to see you again soon."
With that, Ezra turned and began walking toward the exit.
From a shaded corridor near the stairwell, Guildmaster Gorran Ironsoul stepped out, arms crossed and gaze steady.
"That boy's going to become something big someday," he said, his voice rumbling with certainty.
Lysette glanced at Ezra as he disappeared through the guild's double doors. "Maybe," she said thoughtfully. "He's quiet. Cold. But there's talent there... raw, but real."
Gorran let out a chuckle. "He'll change the world, that one. Sooner than later. Just watch."
Lysette turned, eyes flicking toward the doorway. Could he really? There's something... unusual about him. Maybe the Guildmaster is right.
—
Outside, the sun had begun its descent. The sky glowed in warm gold and purple tones, the city bathed in the hush of early evening.
Ezra looked up briefly, then started walking.
Passed the guild test… Joined Iron Fang… All in one day, he thought. I was summoned just a few hours ago, and now I've got a guild badge in my pocket.
A few minutes later, Ezra arrived at The Broken Chalice Inn. The warm, familiar glow from inside spilled out across the cobblestones.
He pushed open the door and stepped inside.
Nia was helping serve food near the counter. She glanced up and saw him.
"Hey Ezra!" she called, waving with a smile. "How'd it go? Did you pass?"
Ezra gave a small nod.
"Awesome," she said, brightening. "You're an adventurer now. Congrats."
Before Ezra could respond, a high-pitched voice called out—
"Big brother Ezra!!"
He and Nia both turned to see Tim sprinting across the inn.
The boy's eyes sparkled as he stopped in front of him.
"Nia told me you were gonna sign up to be an adventurer! Did you make it?! Did you pass?!"
Ezra nodded again. "Yeah. I did."
Tim's face lit up like the sun. "Awesome! You're amazing, Big Bro Ezra! I wanna be an adventurer just like you someday!"
Nia giggled. "Tim, calm down. Let him breathe, will you?"
"Okay, Big Sis Nia!" Tim said quickly, then turned back to Ezra with a grin. "Congrats, Big Bro Ezra!"
Ezra nodded once more and started walking toward the stairs.
From behind the counter, Granz watched. The old warrior gave a nod and a small smile.
Ezra nodded back as he passed.
—
Moments later, he reached Room 7, opened the door, and stepped inside. The room was just as he left it—quiet, warm, still.
He walked to the bed, sat down, and slowly laid back.
Summoned to a new world. Faced a monster. Passed the test. Joined a guild. All in one day, he thought.
His muscles ached, his eyes heavy.
Tomorrow… my first mission.
Sleep took him before he finished the thought.
To be continued...