First Step of Being an Adventurer

With my newfound identity as Kiara Everwood and the divine blessing of Lady Astraea, I was filled with a mix of excitement and determination to take my first step as an adventurer in the wondrous city of Orario.

As I left Lady Astraea's chamber, Alise was waiting for me with a warm smile. "How did it go, Rika?" she asked, using my original name, which made me feel a sense of connection to my past.

"It went well," I replied, "but from now on, I'd like to be known as Kiara Everwood."

"Oh? Why the sudden change?" Alise asked, curious about my decision.

"It's what was written on this paper," I said, handing her the parchment Lady Astraea had given me.

Alise read the contents and nodded understandingly. "I see. Kiara Everwood it is then. I'll make sure to inform everyone about this new name."

"Thank you, Alise," I said, grateful for her understanding.

"In the meantime, I think it's best for you to rest. Becoming an adventurer is no easy task, and you'll need all the energy you can get," Alise said with a hint of playfulness.

I chuckled softly, realizing that Alise was right. I needed to prepare for the challenges that awaited me.

"Thank you for everything, Alise. Your guidance and support mean a lot to me," I said sincerely.

"It's my pleasure, Kiara. As a member of the Familia, we look out for each other," she replied, patting my head gently.

With a final smile, Alise led me back to my room within the base. As I lay down on the bed, I felt a sense of anticipation and wonder for the journey that lay ahead.

Tomorrow, I would begin my first official step as an adventurer, exploring the labyrinth and facing the unknown.

With Lady Astraea's blessing and the support of my new Familia, I was ready to embrace the challenges and discoveries that awaited me in this extraordinary world.

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On the following day, Alise summoned all the members of the Astraea Familia to the main room. Her expression held a mixture of excitement and pride, and there was an air of anticipation among the adventurers.

Alise stood at the front, her red hair flowing like a fiery banner. With a confident smile, she addressed the gathered adventurers.

"Good morning, everyone. Today, I have an important announcement to make," she began, her voice carrying a sense of authority that commanded attention.

"As you all know, we have a new member who has recently joined our ranks," Alise continued, gesturing towards me. "From now on, she will be known as Kiara Everwood."

The room filled with whispers and curious glances as the members took in the change. I could feel their eyes on me, but I held my head high, embracing my new identity.

Alise's smile grew wider as she continued, "Kiara has shown great potential and determination. Lady Astraea herself has recognized her and granted her divine blessing."

A sense of awe and respect spread through the room. The mention of Lady Astraea's blessing carried significant weight, and it was evident that the members held her in high regard.

Kaguya's eyes gleamed with curiosity as she approached me. "So, it's no longer Rika, huh? Kiara Everwood has a nice ring to it," she remarked, a playful glint in her eyes.

Lyra chimed in, "Meh, it sounds fine, I guess. If you can keep up with us in the labyrinth, you'll fit right in!"

Ryuu, on the other hand, seemed to be contemplating the name, her expression deep in thought.

"Hey, Ryuu. Do you have something to say about our new member?" Kaguya called out, trying to get her attention.

"Yeah, what are you doing there pondering?" Lyra added.

Ryuu was startled by their words and shook her head. "No, it's nothing. I was just thinking that the name Kiara Everwood sounds oddly familiar."

Her words sparked my curiosity, but before I could inquire further, Alise spoke up, "Well, it doesn't matter. What's important is that we welcome Kiara into our Familia with open arms and support her on her adventures."

The other members nodded in agreement, and I felt a sense of belonging among them.

With the formal introduction completed, the members began to chat and share stories of their past adventures.

It was a lively and warm atmosphere, and I found myself feeling grateful for the camaraderie of the Astraea Familia.

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Later that day, Alise approached me with an air of excitement. "Hey, Kiara. Come with me. We're heading to the Guild."

"The Guild?" I inquired curiously. "What are we going there for?"

"To register you as an adventurer, of course," she replied with a grin.

My eyes widened in surprise. Becoming an official adventurer in Orario was a significant step, and I couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement and nerves.

"Really? I'm going to be a real adventurer?" I asked, trying to contain my enthusiasm.

Alise nodded. "Absolutely, Lady Astraea's blessing and your potential make you more than qualified. The Guild will recognize you as a member of the Astraea Familia."

Feeling a surge of determination, I followed Alise through the bustling streets of Orario. The city's vibrant atmosphere was alive with adventurers and merchants, all of whom were driven by their own ambitions and dreams.

As we walked, my eyes were drawn to a majestic tower that rose high into the sky. It was an awe-inspiring sight that commanded attention from anyone who laid eyes upon it.

"Alise, what is that tower over there?" I asked, unable to hide my curiosity.

"Ah, that's Babel, Kiara," she explained. "It is a tower located at the center of Orario, built over the dungeon to prevent monsters from surfacing and invading the city."

Hearing Alise's explanation, I couldn't help but feel even more captivated by the city's wonders. Orario was a place filled with mysteries and adventures waiting to be explored.

Finally, we arrived at the Adventurer's Guild. The building was grand and bustling with activity. Adventurers of all races and Familia were present, exchanging tales and seeking new quests.

Alise led me to the front desk, where an elf receptionist with silver hair greeted us with a warm smile. "Oh, Captain Alise, good to see you. How can I help you today?"

"Good to see you too, Sophie. I'm here to register a new member of my Familia over here," Alise said as she gestured to me.

The elf receptionist looked in my direction and furrowed her brows as if she was discerning me. She then looked back at Alise and said, "Are you sure about this, Captain Alise? This high elf seems too young to explore the dungeon."

Alise shook her head and replied, "That may be true, but this young elf has a strong sense of justice and so much potential to clear the dungeon."

Sophie smiled wryly at Alise's boasting and nodded. "Very well, if Captain Alise vouches for you, then I have no objections. You just have to fill out this paper."

The elf receptionist handed me a piece of paper and a quill pen. However, there's one problem, I do not know what to write. I could use Kanji, but I remember that this is another world, and they might have a different writing system here.

"What's wrong, Kiara? Is there something wrong?" Alise asked.

I looked at her and whispered, "I don't know how to write in this world's language."

Alise's eyes widened in surprise, but then she smiled reassuringly. "No worries, Kiara. I can help you with that. Come with me, I'll teach you how to write with Koine."

"Really? That would be much appreciated," I replied gratefully, feeling a sense of relief that Alise was here to guide me on my journey as an adventurer in this extraordinary world.

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As we sat at a vacant table in the Adventurer's Guild, Alise took out a piece of parchment and a quill pen. With patience and expertise, she began to teach me how to write in Koine, the language of this world.

While Alise was teaching me, I noticed two golden-haired girls at a table in the distance, being taught by a green-haired elf. I assumed they were probably learning to write as well.

"Koine is the common language spoken and written by most people in Orario," Alise explained. "It's essential for adventurers to know it, as many quests and documents are written in this language."

Hearing her words, I realized something peculiar. Although I couldn't read or write Koine, I was surprisingly able to speak and understand it fluently. It was as if some part of this world had become ingrained in me since my arrival.

As Alise guided me through the characters and their meanings, the process became easier with each stroke of the pen. I felt a sense of accomplishment as I formed the letters on the parchment.

"You're doing great, Kiara," Alise praised, noticing my progress. "You're a quick learner."

"Thank you, Alise. Your guidance has been immensely helpful," I replied gratefully.

After some time, I was able to write simple words and sentences, enough to fill out the required paperwork to become an official adventurer. With the form completed, Alise and I approached the front desk once again.

Sophie, the elf receptionist, greeted us with a smile as we handed her the paperwork. She inspected it carefully and furrowed her brows. "Your name is Kiara Everwood, correct?" she asked, verifying my identity.

"Yes, that's my name," I replied. "Is there something wrong with it?"

"No, not at all. It's just that you didn't fill in the other blanks besides your name and age," the elf receptionist pointed out. "Why is that?"

It was true that I had only written my new name and my age, which is seven years old. I hadn't filled out the other details that were beyond my comprehension. How should I respond to this?

"That's because she forgot about it, Sophie. Please forgive her," Alise responded to the question, vouching for me.

Sophie's brow furrow further, yet she sigh tolerantly. "Of course, I understand. Welcome to the Guild, Kiara Everwood."

With that, she stamped the paperwork, officially recognizing me as an adventurer. I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment swelled within me.

I was now a member of the Astraea Familia and an official adventurer in the city of Orario. My journey had truly begun, and I couldn't wait to see where it would lead me.