The Kingdom of the Heavenly Star was not merely a realm; it was a sprawling, celestial crucible where the ambitions of a thousand races met. Unlike the structured, scholarly elegance of Arcadia, this kingdom felt alive with a raw, vibrating energy. It was a premier hub for commerce and discovery, a place where the air itself seemed to hum with the residual mana of the legends who had walked its streets. Renowned for its stringent security and breathtaking landscapes, it served as the ultimate destination for those seeking to transcend the limits of their birth.

  ?At its heart lay the Heroes' Guild—the sovereign authority that governed the life of every adventurer. They were the gatekeepers of the "Adventure Cards," the only legal documents that allowed an individual to protect citizens, undertake high-stakes missions, and amass the wealth necessary to climb the steep ladder of power.

  ?(Exactly what I expected... a kingdom whose reputation precedes its reality,) I mused, my eyes scanning the crystalline structures that caught the morning light.

  ?I had slipped through the gates without further incident, my presence shielded by the mundane flow of travelers. My immediate priority was pragmatic: find a tavern to rest and sample the local cuisine. As I walked, I could feel this vessel—this body that was once a stranger—becoming more responsive. Its senses were sharpening; the dormant nerves were finally awakening to the rhythm of my soul. Though this flesh wasn't originally mine, the synchronization was nearing a point of absolute unity. This was a vital development. If I were to face the "Correction" I saw in my dreams, I needed a body that wouldn't shatter under the weight of my true power.

  ?The streets were a vivid display of coexistence. Humans, Elves, and hybrids mingled with a natural ease that felt almost surreal compared to the hidden tensions of Arcadia. It was a strange coincidence—the same path, almost the exact same timing as when I first met Melina and she guided me to the library. A faint, phantom smile touched my lips before vanishing into my usual stoicism. I wondered, for a brief second, how the Academy was faring after the explosion... or if Melina had finally stopped weeping.

  ?I eventually stepped into a tavern titled The Wandering Star. It was a lively establishment, serving potent spirits and dishes that smelled of fire and salt. I decided to indulge. It was a peaceful night, until I faced a mundane, human reality: the meager funds I had possessed were almost entirely consumed by a single meal and a drink. I was left with a single copper piece and a stomach that finally felt full.

  ?After paying the bill, I approached the tavern keeper—a man with graying hair and eyes that had seen too many brawls.

  ?"The rooms upstairs," I said. "What is the price for a night's rest?"

  ?"Thirty coppers a night," he replied, cleaning a glass with a dirty rag. "And that's the traveler's discount."

  ?I looked at my single copper piece and then back at him. "I see. I was merely curious for future reference. Thank you."

  ?The keeper looked at me, a knowing, half-amused grin spreading across his face. "You're not from around here, are you? First time in the Kingdom?"

  ?I looked at him, slightly surprised. "Yes, it is. How could you tell?"

  ?He chuckled, the sound like gravel rubbing together. "Just a hunch. You have the look of someone who knows everything about the stars but nothing about the price of bread. I'm Wilson Nikolaj. And you?"

  ?"Nico Sigmund," I replied.

  ?"Welcome to the Star, Nico. I can tell you're short on coin. Tell you what—I'll give you this night for free. Consider it a welcome gesture. But," he pointed a finger at me, "next time, you pay forty coppers to make it even. I'm a businessman, not a charity. Deal?"

  ?I offered him a thin, genuine smile. He reminded me of Charles back in the library—a man of clear rules and unexpected kindness. "Deal, Wilson. I appreciate the fair offer."

  ?I headed upstairs, my mind already pivoting toward the Adventurer's Guild. I needed to sleep. My core was humming, and the crimson veins beneath my skin were beginning to pulse.

  ?[VIOLENT POUNDING ON THE DOOR]

  ?"You! Out of the room now, or we break the door down! This is our turf!"

  ?I sat up in the darkness, my expression devoid of emotion. I hadn't even been asleep for two hours. "What an irritating, primitive noise..."

  ?I rose and opened the door. Standing there was a man with a crude, thuggish face, flanked by two others. He was draped in cheap leather armor and smelled of sour ale. He sneered at me, his eyes scanning my dark skin with a mixture of greed and malice.

  ?"You don't get to ask questions until I let you!" he barked, stepping into the room. "Now, get lost before I turn this room into a bloody mess and take whatever's in that bag of yours!"

  ?I exhaled a long, tired breath. "Haaa... Humans. You truly are an exhausting species. You find reasons to die where life is offered freely."

  ?Before he could even blink, before the nerves in his brain could register a threat, my hand had closed around his throat. I hoisted him off the floor, his feet dangling uselessly as his companions froze in shock.

  ?"Ack... let... let go... you're... choking..."

  ?I stared into his eyes with a terrifying, vacant calm. The crimson glow in my pupils intensified, casting a faint light on his terrified face. "Tell me, do you have fifty coppers on you? It might be a fair price for the air you are currently wasting."

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

  ?He thrashed wildly, his face turning a deep purple. He managed to fumble a pouch from his belt and drop it on the floor. "Yes... take it... everything... just let me... breathe!"

  ?I reached down and picked up the pouch. Then, I met his gaze one last time.

  ?"This is good," I whispered, my voice a hollow echo of the Void. "But on second thought, thieves like you are a flaw in the system. And a flaw requires a Correction."

  ?[SNAP]

  ?The sound of his neck breaking was sharp and final. I let his lifeless body slump to the floor. His two companions didn't even try to fight; they turned and sprinted down the hallway in a blind panic. I didn't chase them. They weren't worth the mana.

  ?At the exit of the tavern, Wilson was waiting, looking pale. "Ah, Nico! You're up early. I heard some... commotion. Is everything alright?"

  ?"I'm fine, Wilson," I replied calmly. "Tell me, for my own record, what is the value of a single Gold piece?"

  ?He looked puzzled, his eyes darting toward the stairs. "One Gold is twenty Silvers, and one Silver is a hundred Coppers. Why do you ask so suddenly?"

  ?"No reason." I reached into the thief's pouch and handed him two Silver pieces. "Take these. One is for your hospitality. The other is for the inconvenience of the corpse in room four. I trust you can dispose of it efficiently. Thank you, Wilson. Farewell."

  ?I left him standing there, frozen in a state of sheer disbelief, before he frantically rushed upstairs to see the mess I'd left.

  ?Walking out into the crisp morning air, a sense of cold satisfaction settled over me. I had four silver pieces in my pocket now—a modest start. But my goal was far loftier. A thousand gold pieces... that would be a proper beginning for a sovereign.

  ?Finally, I stood before the massive, white-stone structure bearing the crest of the Adventurers' Guild. Its scale was imposing, designed to remind everyone who entered that they were small parts of a vast machine.

  ?I hesitated for a moment, adjusting my cloak. (Will my current appearance cause trouble?) I glanced at my hands—the obsidian hue was stable, but the crimson lines were vibrant. This was my chance for progression. I had to reach the Legendary Rank—or perhaps, surpass it entirely and reach the Great Void in reality.

  ?I stepped inside.

  ?The interior was the pinnacle of luxury, teeming with armored men and women seeking their chance to become "Heroes." I swept a glance across the room, analyzing their postures and mana signatures. Most were Soldier or Elite rank—mere fodder for the wars to come.

  ?The moment I removed my hood, shedding the shroud that hid my identity, a heavy silence fell over the hall. It wasn't the silence of respect; it was the silence of instinctual dread. Every eye in the guild was fixed on me. They sensed a predator, even if they couldn't name it.

  ?I approached the reception desk. The staff member—a young woman with sharp features—stared at me, her hands paralyzed over her ledger. To put her at ease, I spoke with a calm, measured tone, suppressing the "static" of my aura.

  ?"Excuse me... could I trouble you for a bit of your time?"

  ?"Y-yes... of course," she stammered, her voice an octave higher than normal. "What... what do you need?"

  ?"My apologies, but is there a more private place to speak? My presence seems to be... distracting for the others. And please, do not be concerned. I am merely a traveler who has just entered the Kingdom."

  ?She nodded quickly, relieved to have an excuse to move. "Of course. Please, follow me to the briefing room upstairs."

  ?As we ascended the marble staircase, she regained some of her professional composure. "I apologize for the reaction downstairs. It's just... your aura is quite intimidating. Even for the heroes out there."

  ?"I am aware," I said coldly. "I could suppress it further to appear like a mundane human, but I prefer to move as I am. It saves time."

  ?She led me into a room furnished with dark wood and velvet. "I understand. Appearance rarely reflects the true depth of a soul. Please, have a seat. I am Nia Malachide."

  ?After declining a cup of coffee, I began. "I am Nico Sigmund. I travel from Arcadia. I wish to join the Guild, but I am unfamiliar with your protocols and your ranking system."

  ?Nia straightened her posture, shifting into her official role. "It's a pleasure, Nico. The primary goal of the Guild is the protection of all citizens, regardless of race. This is achieved through our 'Adventure Cards.' Every new member starts with the Copper Card. There are twenty ranks to climb before you even reach the Legendary Tier."

  ?She projected a holographic chart of the ranks.

  ?"Within the Legendary Tier, there are three sub-ranks: Bronze, Silver, and the prestigious Red Legendary Badge. Attaining the Red Badge makes you a candidate for the position of Supreme Commander, reporting directly to the Sovereign's generals."

  ?"And the Guild's motivation?" I asked, my eyes narrowing. "Is it purely for the citizens, or is there a deeper objective?"

  ?"Profit and order," Nia admitted with a bluntness I appreciated. "The Guild takes a twenty percent commission from all mission rewards. However, for those with Legendary cards, the commission drops to only six percent. It is the Guild's way of rewarding those who become pillars of the kingdom."

  ?She explained the mechanics: clients submit requests, the Guild ranks the mission and sets the price. In the event of failure or death, the deposit is split between the hero's family and the client.

  ?"I see," I murmured. "Sacrifice is a line item in your contract. What is required for me to begin?"

  ?"It's simple. I have your name, and your signature will suffice for the Copper Card. You can take your first mission today. However," she paused, her expression turning grave, "be warned: once you reach the Platinum Rank, the rules change. You will be required to form a team. A minimum of three members is mandatory for missions at that level."

  ?I nodded slowly. (A team. A potential hindrance... or a set of tools.) "I accept. Proceed with the registration."

  ?"Very well. Wait here for twenty minutes. I will return with your card."

  ?As I waited, I deconstructed the system. It was a pyramid scheme of power, designed to filter out the weak and concentrate the strong. But it was efficient. My only concern was the potential for misinformation—what if a client lied about the threat? Or what if a hero failed their protection detail?

  ?Nia returned with a professional smile, holding a small, metallic card that glowed with a faint orange light. "Apologies for the delay, Nico. Here is your Copper Card. You can head downstairs to the mission board. I hope I've been of sufficient help."

  ?I took the card, feeling the cool metal against my skin. "Thank you, Miss Nia. You have been most helpful."

  ?"I look forward to seeing your progress," she said warmly. "Good luck on your first hunt."

  ?I descended to the main hall. A massive mission board dominated the far wall, covered in hundreds of parchment scrolls. I walked toward it, the other adventurers parting like a sea of grass before a wolf.

  ?One scroll caught my eye, its ink still fresh:

  [Mission Type: Escort and Protection Details]

  [Reward: 10 Silver Pieces]

  [Location: Eastern Trade Route]

  ?(Good enough,) I thought. (A simple task to test this vessel's coordination in a real environment.)

  ?I returned to the counter. "Nia, I'll take this one."

  ?"Certainly!" she said, updating the magical ledger. "I'll register it to your name. Just wait in the courtyard; the client is expected to arrive shortly to meet their guard."

  ?"I understand. Thank you."

  ?I walked to the corner of the hall and sat down, my eyes fixed on the entrance. My true journey in the Kingdom of the Heavenly Star had officially begun. The world was about to learn that "Copper" was merely a color, and that the Void was a rank they hadn't yet learned to measure.

  [End of Chapter 9]