Chapter 15: Adventurer Trial
After walking for a while, Kenji took a carriage to the next town, hoping to arrive there by morning.
"Master Kenji, may I ask the reason why you are heading to Rendel Town?" the carriage driver asked.
He was from the town Kenji had just left, and of course, he knew who he was—I mean, who wouldn't?!
But now, seeing Kenji leave, questions began to form in his mind. Normally, he wouldn't dare to ask, but he knew Kenji was an easygoing person and wouldn't punish him for asking about his private matters.
"Oh! Well, I think it's time I left to check out other towns. But not as a chef—this time, as an adventurer," Kenji responded plainly, not holding onto the need for secrecy.
"An adventurer?!" The carriage driver immediately stopped the carriage out of shock and impulse, but then quickly apologized and continued the journey.
"Master Kenji, why would you want to become an adventurer?!" The driver's voice still carried clear disbelief.
"Because I need to know more about this world. I need to see it all. This world is completely new to me, and I want to see and understand everything about it," Kenji said, not forgetting the real reason for his departure.
He was someone from another world—an alien. But just like actual aliens, Kenji wanted to understand more about this new world of magic and brimming life. He just couldn't pass on the opportunity.
He had lived quietly and surprisingly comfortably these past two years, but the thing was—he didn't just want to cook. He wanted to see, to feel, to understand. He wanted to grow and accept more knowledge. That was who he was.
The two kept talking until it was midnight. A small inn was nearby, built for passing travelers who needed rest.
"Earth Inn," Kenji murmured, a bit surprised by the name.
They entered and booked separate rooms. The receptionist was friendly, quickly giving them their keys. She could tell Kenji was a big shot just by his clothes.
But in reality, Kenji was definitely no big shot—at least, not anymore.
They spent the night there, and by morning, they resumed their journey.
It didn't take too long to arrive at their destination since the town wasn't far from the inn.
"Rendel Town."
The name of this little town was written on a signboard above.
Upon arrival, the carriage driver immediately took Kenji to one of the adventurer guilds.
"Goodbye, Master Kenji. I hope you find satisfaction in being an adventurer," the carriage driver said with a genuine smile.
"Goodbye, and thank you for everything!" Kenji replied as he walked into the guild.
Kenji was surprised at what he found inside. Half-beast, half-human hybrids. Beastkins. Fairies. All kinds of strange creatures filled the guild. But the majority were still humans—and each one of them looked incredibly strong and menacing.
The aura they exuded was both breathtaking and terrifying. It was like walking into a sea of sharks.
Eventually, Kenji reached the reception desk.
"Hello, how may I help you today?" The receptionist greeted him with a smile.
She was quite beautiful—not as beautiful as Miyuki, but striking in her own way.
The most stunning thing about her was her yellowish-red hair and fiery red eyes.
Her gaze seemed to pierce into the hearts of those who met them, but not in a bad way. It was more like the welcoming warmth of a fire on a cold night—something people instinctively wanted to be close to.
"Sir?"
The receptionist's voice snapped Kenji out of his daze, making him realize he had been staring for too long.
"Ah! I'm so sorry! Please don't be angry!" Kenji stammered, a red hue creeping up his cheeks.
"It's no problem, sir. Honestly, I've gotten used to it, so don't worry. But my question still stands, though," she said, waving away his apology.
Kenji blinked. "What question?" he asked, genuinely confused.
"Well, how may I help you today?" she repeated, her smile widening.
"Oh! Well… the thing is, I want to become an adventurer," Kenji said, determination filling his eyes.
The lady gave him a questioning look as she heard his words. She studied him from head to toe.
"Well, sir, I would love to give you an adventurer badge and have you sign a few papers, but the thing is—you don't look like someone who wants to be an adventurer. Nor do you have the aura of one," she said honestly.
"What do you mean by that?" Kenji asked, irritation creeping into his voice. How was she supposed to know whether he could be an adventurer or not? It's not like she was a psychic.
"Sir, please don't take it the wrong way. I only meant that if you want to become an adventurer, you need to pass the trial first," she said, trying to calm him down.
"Adventurer trial? What's that—some kind of test?" Kenji asked curiously.
The lady nodded. "Not everyone can become an adventurer just because they want to. Many die or get injured, which affects the guild. To avoid unnecessary casualties, we created the Adventurer Trial. If a person doesn't have the strength to handle a troll, they must pass the trial before becoming an adventurer," she explained in detail.
"Alright. When can I start?" Kenji asked.
The lady immediately brought out some paperwork. After both of them signed, she handed him his first quest.
"Sir, your task is to collect fifty Earth Dandelions and bring them back. There are a few wild creatures nearby, so be careful. I suggest forming a team for safety," she advised.
Kenji shook his head.
There was no way he was going to join a team after what Yuji and the rest had done to him. He refused to go through that again. He was better off alone.
"Alright then, sir. I'll be waiting here. Oh! And by the way, my name is Glinda," she said, finally introducing herself.
"Kenji," he responded before turning to leave.
As he walked away, only one thought crossed Glinda's mind:
This guy is definitely going to die.