Chapter 15: The Adventurer's Path Begins
The sun had just started to descend beyond the golden horizon, painting the skies in hues of soft orange and lavender. Inside the grand Windgrace estate, Mickey sat on the balcony outside his room, gazing dreamily at the world around him. Tomorrow was his first official day at the Royal Arcane Academy—a day most nobles and commoners alike dreamed of.
But his mind was elsewhere.
"Elena," he called out suddenly as the wind rustled his hair.
She stood just behind him, pouring tea onto a delicate cup. "Yes, Master Mickey?"
"Do you know anything about the Adventurer's Guild?"
Elena paused for a moment, blinking in surprise. "The Adventurer's Guild?" she repeated, then smiled. "Of course I do."
Her voice turned more animated as she walked closer. "It's a renowned organization where powerful and talented individuals gather. They take on various quests, mostly to reduce the threat of monsters that roam beyond the country's borders and clear dangerous dungeons before they grow too unstable. In return, adventurers earn decent pay, fame, and access to high-level weapons, rare magical materials, and even ancient spells."
Mickey's eyes sparkled. "That sounds… amazing."
He clenched his fist with excitement. "In my previous life, I always wanted to be a hero... but I never got the chance. But here, in Mecatopia—I can finally be what I always dreamed of."
Elena chuckled, "Master, you already wield more power than most nobles ever will."
"I'm going to sign up," Mickey said with determination in his voice.
Elena's smile faded, replaced with a serious expression. "Then I shall join the guild as well."
Mickey blinked. "You will?"
"I swore to protect you, Master. Whether it's monsters, dungeons, or demons—I'll always be by your side."
Just then, a new voice echoed in Mickey's mind.
"Even I want to join the guild too, Master."
Mickey froze. "Huh...? Draco?"
"Yes, Master," the voice replied again with calm authority.
Mickey glanced at the shadow at his feet. "Come out."
In a swirl of black mist, Draco rose from Mickey's shadow like a regal phantom. He stood tall, arms crossed, his demonic aura lightly suppressed.
"You want to join the guild too?" Mickey asked.
Draco bowed respectfully. "Yes, Master. I wish to explore this world alongside you. But worry not... I can transform my appearance to pass as human. None shall suspect my demonic origins."
"That's... actually really useful," Mickey said. "Can you show us?"
Without a word, Draco's body began to glow. His horns retracted, his skin softened, his eyes became a calm shade of amber. His armor morphed into adventurer's gear, and the fearsome aura around him faded. Standing before them was a tall, handsome young man with short silver hair and a refined face.
Mickey grinned. "Whoa... you're like a prince now."
Elena, on the other hand, was frozen in place. Her eyes were wide with shock. "M-Master... that demon... he just—he just turned into a human..."
"Elena," Mickey said gently, "Draco is like a brother to me now. Please treat him like family."
Hearing that, Draco's eyes widened. He looked at Mickey with disbelief, then lowered his gaze as a single tear slipped down his cheek. "T-Thank you, Master... Truly…"
---
Later that day, the trio arrived at the grand marble building of the Adventurer's Guild. The entrance buzzed with life—warriors in armor, mages in cloaks, and archers with elaborate bows were chatting, drinking, and posting requests on large wooden boards.
Inside, a friendly receptionist greeted them at the front desk. She wore a bright uniform and had kind eyes.
"Welcome to the Adventurer's Guild! Are you here to register?"
"Yes," Mickey said confidently. "All three of us would like to join."
"Great! Before registration, we'll need to evaluate your mana capacity and magical aptitude. Please place your hand on this crystal orb one by one," she said, pulling out a large, glowing sphere.
"Elena, would you go first?" Mickey asked.
"Of course."
Elena gracefully stepped forward, placing her hand on the orb. A soft hum echoed through the room as magic surged into the crystal. It began to glow a bright blue, pulsing rhythmically.
The receptionist gasped. "Incredible mana flow... Miss Elena, you qualify as a D-rank adventurer right away! That's quite impressive for a first-timer."
Elena bowed slightly. "Thank you."
"And now, Mr. Mickey Windgrace, please do the same."
"Okay!" Mickey walked up to the orb with a calm smile and placed his hand on it.
"Now, don't worry if it doesn't glow much," the receptionist added. "Most teens your age barely—"
BOOOOM!
A massive blast of energy surged from the orb. Sparks flew as a gust of mana-filled wind tore through the room, shattering nearby furniture and sending papers flying in every direction.
Smoke and crystal shards scattered through the air.
The entire lobby went silent.
The receptionist stared in horror. "D-Did the orb... just explode?!"
Mickey pulled his hand back, unharmed but visibly confused. "Uh... was that not supposed to happen?"
Elena's mouth was agape, and Draco's human form smirked.
"Impossible..." the receptionist whispered. "He didn't just overflow the orb... he broke it."
Heads turned. Whispers began. Eyes focused on the boy with a confused look on his face, standing where a mana-detecting orb once stood.
And in that moment, Mickey Windgrace's name began to spread—once again