The Adventurer’s Guild was already lively when Eis arrived. Sunlight streamed through tall windows, catching dust motes and illuminating the busy morning crowd — armored adventurers, clerks shuffling papers, and scholars hunched over ledgers.

  The receptionist at the front counter brightened as Eis approached.

  “Good morning! Here to pick up a quest?”

  Eis shook her head gently.

  “I’d like to register as an adventurer.”

  “Oh! Of course.”

  The receptionist pulled out a form and a mana-slate.

  “This will be quick.”

  “Full name?”

  “…Eis.”

  “Family or clan name?”

  “Verrin.”

  “Age?”

  “Twenty-two.”

  The receptionist nodded, jotting it down without fuss.

  “Place of origin?”

  “A small region. Remote. Not commonly mapped.”

  “Occupation before this?”

  “I traveled. And learned as I went.”

  The receptionist placed the metal slate in front of her.

  “Hand here. It reads mana presence and stability.”

  Eis set her palm on the cold metal.

  The rune glowed softly — calm, steady, balanced.

  “Ooh,” the receptionist murmured. “Very stable mana flow. Impressive.”

  Eis said nothing, simply offering a small smile.

  The receptionist flipped the page.

  This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  “Any combat experience?”

  “Yes.”

  “What type?”

  Eis answered steadily.

  “I’m trained in dual-wielding swords.”

  “And I’m comfortable with most light bladed weapons — anything lighter than swords.”

  The receptionist paused mid-quill stroke.

  “That’s specialized training… for a traveler.”

  Eis stayed composed.

  “I learned from various teachers.”

  The woman accepted that with interest rather than suspicion.

  “Any ranged experience?”

  “Yes. I can use a crossbow.”

  This time, the receptionist’s brows shot up.

  “So… melee, dual-wielding, and ranged support experience.”

  Eis nodded calmly.

  “I can defend myself.”

  “Magic proficiency?”

  “No.”

  A clean, firm answer.

  The receptionist reviewed the form thoughtfully.

  “Given your stated skills, you could test into a higher rank eventually — but for now, we’ll place you at Copper Rank.”

  Eis nodded immediately.

  “That’s fine.”

  “You’ll get basic adventurer rights, official identification, and access to guild resources.”

  She handed Eis a small metal badge:

  Eis — Lumaire Guild — Copper Rank

  Eis held it carefully — her first recognized identity in this world.

  “One last bit of advice,” the receptionist said warmly.

  “New adventurers should work with a team. Copper solos tend to… not last long.”

  Eis nodded.

  “I have friends here.”

  “Wonderful! Which team?”

  “…Team Argent.”

  The receptionist froze.

  “T—Team… Argent?”

  She leaned in, whispering like Eis had confessed a state secret.

  “You know them?”

  Eis felt her face warm.

  “We’ve spent some time together.”

  The receptionist whispered reverently,

  “You’re incredibly fortunate.”

  Eis wasn’t sure what to say.

  Eis stepped outside, tucking her new badge safely away.

  The sun warmed her face.

  People moved past her — laughing, carrying supplies, shouting greetings.

  She looked down at the badge one more time.

  Her first official identity.

  Her first step.

  Step one: complete.

  Now—

  Find the library.