Aki froze, staring at the five sandworms before him. The creatures were grotesque, their mottled purple skin glistening under the sun, twisted into jagged ridges that made his stomach churn. They towered just slightly over him, their sinuous bodies only a little larger than his own height, but that didn't stop his legs from trembling. The stats icons hovering above their heads did nothing to calm him: two level 4, two level 3, and one level 2.
[Cynth mockingly]:" Don't go pissing your pants, you're quite lucky these are baby sandworms which are low level, don't have skills except burrowing under ground and don't have scales. That's why their skin looks like that. You're sword should easily be able to cut through them. This is your first battle it can help you level up quite a bit. So put your heart into it there's nothing to worry about you're way stronger than them."
Aki took a deep breath, letting Cynth's words sink in. He slowly unsheathed his sword, feeling the cool metal in his grip, and assumed a battle stance. [Aki calming down]:" Thanks for that...if you think I can take them down, I'll give it a shot."
Without hesitation, he lunged at the nearest sandworm. His blade sliced clean through its head, and the creature toppled with a wet thud. The remaining four let out ear-splitting roars. One swung its massive body like a battering ram, sending Aki flying through the air. Instinct kicked in—he twisted midair and landed gracefully on his feet. [Aki exhilarated]:" This is awesome...never knew I could do that before." He advanced, tightening his grip on the blade. [Aki]:" Crescent slash." A sharp, horizontal wave of air erupted from his blade, cutting through one sandworm cleanly. The other three burrowed underground with sinister gurgles, leaving nothing but shaking sand.
Aki's eyes darted around, senses on high alert. The ground beneath him began to tremble, a subtle warning that grew into violent shakes. He leapt back just as a sandworm burst from the earth beneath him. He didn't hesitate, stabbing with precision—the creature split in two like a cleaved log. The remaining two emerged for only a heartbeat before burrowing again and fleeing into the sand.
[Aki shouting]:" You better run! That… that was terrifying—but also amazing! You were right—it's not so bad." He Sheathed his blade and an icon popped up. [ You have killed 2 level 4 sandworms and a level 2. Congratulations on leveling up to level 2. You have received 25 stat points.] [Cynth proudly]:" See I told you that you can do it. Now you've reached level 2." " Yeah yeah! Let's continue." Aki inserted his new points. He put 5 across each stat.
No sooner had he taken a step than his danger sense flared violently. The ground beneath him convulsed like a quake, throwing him off balance. Dirt and rock erupted as if the earth itself had been ripped open. When the dust settled, he looked up—and froze.
A massive sandworm towered before him, dwarfing the ones he had just fought. Its body was five times the size of the others, muscles rippling beneath tough, scarred skin. It's violet and scarlet scales glistening in the sunlight. The status bar above it read:
Great Sandworm – Level 37
Aki's heart pounded. This wasn't just a fight—it was a nightmare come to life. His first instinct was to use crescent slash but the projectile bounced off the tough scales of the monster. It gave out a ferocious roar that made Aki's heart sink to his stomach. [Aki terrified]:" Cynth! A little help here."
[Cynth]: "Aki—RUN. That's not a normal sandworm. It has really hard scales which will be nearly impossible for you to break."He spun around and bolted, sprinting across the sandy plains. Each step sent up a spray of sand behind him as the worm lunged forward, its body sliding like a living tidal wave.
The sandworm dove under the earth—only to burst out again right beside him, jaws snapping inches from his shoulder.
[Cynth]: "Keep running! Zig-zag! It tracks vibrations!"
Aki swerved left, almost tripping, then darted right. But the worm was relentless, tearing through dunes like they were water. Aki's lungs burned. His legs screamed.
[Aki]: "WHY IS IT STILL BEHIND ME?!"
[Cynth]: "Because you scream while running! Stop increasing your vibrations, you idiot!"
Aki shut his mouth instantly—but the damage was done.
The Great Sandworm slammed its tail in front of him like a falling wall. Aki crashed into the sand face-first, skidding, coughing, scrambling to rise.
He lifted his head—just in time to see the worm rear back, casting a huge shadow over him.
[Aki]: "Cynth… ANYTHING?!"
Cynth hesitated—then spoke with a serious tone Aki had never heard before.
[Cynth]: "There is… one option. A last resort. But it will drain you completely."
[Aki]: "I DON'T CARE—TELL ME!"
[Cynth]: "Use Blitz."
Aki swallowed. He gripped the Axium Blade with both shaking hands. Its black edge hummed faintly, sensing his desperation.
He inhaled sharply.
[Aki]: "Blitz!"
Then he vanished.
For a split-second, everything stretched into streaks of blurred light. Wind blasted past him. His body moved faster than his thoughts.
Then—Aki reappeared behind the Great Sandworm, blade slightly drawn. He proceeded to sheath it.
A delayed boom split the air as a blue streak of energy carved through the worm's armored hide, splitting scales and spraying sand everywhere. The Great Sandworm roared in agony, thrashing violently.
Aki dropped to one knee instantly, gasping, vision spinning.[Cynth shocked]: "You did it! It's remaining about… three-quarters of hp!"Aki blinked up weakly.[Aki weakly]: "…THREE-quarters?! That's NOT enough!!""…I said LAST resort, not guaranteed victory."
Aki tried to stand—His legs didn't move.His arms didn't move.His entire body felt like molten lead.The sandworm turned toward him, bleeding heavily but still very much alive. It lowered its head slowly, ready to devour him whole.
Aki could only stare, helpless.
[Aki]: "Cynth… hey… listen… I'm not ready to die yet—"
A burning shhhhk! sliced through the air.
A flaming arrow shot from the horizon, piercing straight into the sandworm's eye. The beast recoiled, screeching in blind pain.Aki's eyes widened.
Figures appeared over the dune — three of them.A tall man in leather armor, a bow still drawn and smoke rising from his arrowhead.A robed mage crackling with swirling mana.
And a swordswoman with dual blades glowing faintly, sand whipping around her feet.
[Archer]:" Boros, Mina, let's finish it!"The swordswoman dashed in first, slashing at the exposed wound Aki had created. The mage thrust his staff forward, releasing a jet of scorching fire that blasted the worm's side. The archer rained arrows like falling stars, each one striking a weak spot.
The Great Sandworm tried to burrow-But the swordswoman leapt, spinning in midair, and drove both blades straight into its skull.The entire monster shuddered—then collapsed in a cloud of sand.
Aki tried to push himself off the sand, but his body refused to listen. His stamina was completely drained, his mana hollowed out. His arms trembled uselessly beneath him. His vision swam, colours smearing together, and his eyelids felt as heavy as bricks.
The three adventurers slowly approached him—boots crunching into the sand. The archer lowered his bow, slinging it across his back.
Archer: smirking slightly "Hey, kid… looks like we showed up at the perfect time. The big guy must have wondered far from its nest."
Aki let out a breath he didn't even know he'd been holding. Relief washed over him so hard his knees gave out completely. The last spark of strength slipped away, and he collapsed into unconsciousness.
Aki's senses slowly faded back in. He felt something hard beneath his back—a wooden surface that trembled rhythmically. The vibration pulsed through his spine. Was he… moving?
His vision slowly sharpened. Sunlight filtered through his lashes, and when he fully opened his eyes, he realized he was lying in the back of a horse-drawn cart. The steady thump-thump of hooves and the creak of wooden wheels filled his ears.
He pushed himself up to sit. Ahead of him were the three people who had saved his life. His lips parted as if to speak, but no words came. What was he supposed to say? Thanks for stopping me from becoming worm food? Nothing sounded right.
The mage held the reins at the front of the cart, guiding it smoothly. The archer and the swordswoman walked alongside with casual confidence—like they'd done this a thousand times.
And then Aki noticed something else:
The desert was gone.
Instead of endless sand, an open grassland stretched around them. Gentle wind rippled through tall green blades, and a dirt path cut cleanly through the field. A decorated carriage traveled just ahead of their cart, painted with bright colors and polished metal fixtures that gleamed in the sunlight.
The archer glanced back and caught Aki staring.[Archer]:" Well, look who's awake. Enjoy your little nap?"
Aki nodded quietly, still processing everything. [Aki thinking]:" What the hell's going on. I must keep my guard up just incase they try something."
The other two adventurers turned toward Aki as Boros brought the cart to a slow stop. The carriage ahead also halted, dust settling around the wheels. [Aki very shyly]:" W-who...Are y-you...guys."
Boros hopped down from the driver's seat while the other two gathered behind the cart. [Archer]:" We are adventurers from Justia. I'm Kiel, the mage is Boris and the lady is Mina. Together we're the Blue Mist party." [Boros with a calm voice]:" So kid,why were you alone at the desert, what's your name and where do you come from?"
Aki froze. His mind went blank. The questions hit him too fast. [Mina hitting Boros on his head]:" Stop interrogating him, you rock-headed ox. The boy almost died. He's probably still in shock."
She turned to Aki with a softer voice.
"Don't mind Boris—he asks questions like he's paid for it. You're lucky we were escorting that merchant—" she points to the decorated carriage "—and found you before something took a bite out of you. We're heading toward the Justia Kingdom. The Eastern Village shouldn't be far."
Her voice soothed Aki… though she had thrown way too much information at him at once.He took a breath and chose to speak anyway. [Aki avoiding eye contact]:" Th-thanks for saving me. I'm Aki Toshiba. I'm… uh… not from around here. I wanted to join the Adventurers' Guild… but I got lost on the way and ended up in the desert." He inhaled deeply, hoping his lie sounded believable enough.
[Kiel chuckling]:" You must've taken one hell of a wrong turn, kid."
Before anyone could reply, the carriage door opened with a click. A plump middle-aged man dressed in embroidered desert-style robes stepped out, wiping sweat from his forehead. His gold rings glinted in the sunlight.
[Merchant]:" Everything all right back here? Why did we stop?" [Mina]:" The kid woke up. Just making sure he's okay."
The merchant's eyes brightened with relief.[Merchant]: "Ah! The worm survivor! Good, good. Alive customers are always better than dead ones—dead ones don't buy things."Kiel snorted. [Kiel]:" He's not your customer."[Merchant]:" Not yet! Strong-looking young men always need equipment. Food. Maps. Maybe protection charms? I have excellent deals—discounts for near-death victims!"
Aki blinked, completely thrown off.
[Aki thinking]: "Is… is this guy serious?" Boros sighed.[Boros]:" He's fine, merchant. Can we move? We've daylight to use." [Merchant]:" Yes, yes, of course. But if the boy wants to ride in the carriage instead of the cart, I offer excellent cushion seats. Only a small fee—"
[Mina]:" Stop trying to sell things to injured people."The merchant pouted. [Merchant]:" Fine, fine. But the offer stands!" He climbed back into the carriage, humming cheerfully.Kiel leaned closer to Aki with a smirk. [Kiel]:" Welcome to Justia, kid. You'll get used to weird people real fast."
The carriage rolled through the Eastern Village, its wheels clattering gently over the cobblestones. At the far end of the village rose an enormous wall—towering, stone-gray, and stretching as far as Aki could see. The trio explained that the great barrier encircled the entire kingdom.
As they approached, the massive metal gates groaned open. A guard strode toward the merchant's carriage, exchanged a few words, inspected a document, then stepped aside, allowing them to pass.
Aki's eyes widened as they entered the town. Colorful banners hung between tall buildings, vendors shouted from their stalls, and neatly paved roads wound between crowds of townsfolk. Everything felt alive, bustling, and beautiful.
The cart slowed to a stop. [Kiel]:" You said you were headed for the guild right? This is where we part ways then. If you head infront and take a right at that corner you won't miss it." [Aki]:" T-Thank you... Hope to... See you... Around sometime." The three adventurers exchanged a warm glance before smiling at him. [All]:" Good luck,kid." They waved as they continued escorting the merchant farther down the street.
Aki followed Kiel's directions, weaving through the busy road. [Aki whispering]:" Cynth you there?" [Cynth]:" You don't have to talk out loud for me to hear you, just talk to me subconsciously—unless you want people to think you've lost it." "...Fair point."
Eventually he found himself standing before the Guild Hall. It loomed over the surrounding buildings—grand, wide, with tall pillars and a massive crest above the entrance. [Aki impressed]:" Kiel wasn't kidding when he said I won't miss it, this place is huge!"
He pushed open the heavy doors and stepped inside.Chaos greeted him. Adventurers were drinking and laughing boisterously. Others crowded around the reception counter. A pair of muscular fighters arm-wrestled while a small crowd shouted bets. A group near the fireplace was comparing loot, bragging loudly about their latest quest.. [Aki sighing]:" Well this is your typical isekai guild..." He moved into the line, bracing himself for whatever came next.
At last, Aki reached the front of the line. No one stood behind him now. Through the tall guild windows he could see the sky fading into shades of orange and purple—it was already evening.He lifted his gaze toward the receptionist… then froze.
A gulp slid down his throat, loud enough he could hear it.
She was a young woman, maybe eighteen or twenty. Light brown hair tied neatly behind her ears, warm amber eyes, and red-framed glasses that made her look both professional and charming. She wore the same green uniform as the other receptionists, but somehow it looked far better on her.
She greeted him with a gentle smile.
[Receptionist]:" Welcome to the Justia Guild Hall, I'm Amy, I can tell that you are new here. What can I do for you." Aki's entire body stiffened.
He'd never talked to a girl his age before… and now life decided to throw him into this situation with no warning. His palms grew sweaty. His mind raced.
But then he remembered: he needed to do this quickly if he wanted a place to sleep tonight.
He forced himself to breathe, shook off the nerves, and stepped closer.
[Aki trembling]:" H-Hi… my name's Aki Toshiba… You're… um… right about me not being from… around here. I-I'm from a distant land and… I wanted to join… the guild."
She stared at him for a while like she was analysing him. The she went into a drawer and pulled out a piece of paper. She placed it infront of Aki. [Amy]:" We could always use more help around here. Place your hand on the paper and we can get started."
Aki swallowed again and obeyed, pressing his palm against the parchment.The reaction was instant.
A burst of bright blue light flared from under his hand, glowing through the sheet like liquid magic. Strange symbols and elegant letters began to bloom across the once-empty surface, curling and forming lines on their own as if an invisible quill were writing for him.Aki's eyes widened in awe as the paper filled itself.
Once the parchment finished glowing, Amy lifted it carefully, adjusted her glasses, and scanned through the freshly written stats. Her brows shot up. [Amy surprised]:" Oh my! For a level 2 your stats are looking like that of a normal level 8 so that makes you an elite." [Aki scratching his head]:" Elite...Level 8....Normal?"
[Amy chuckling]:" I guess you're even newer than I thought. Alright—let me simplify the guild rankings and stat system for you." Aki looked clueless. [Aki]:" Please go easy on me with the Intel...too much information can be overwhelming." She clapped her hands together like a teacher about to start the easiest lecture ever. [Amy enthusiastic]:" I'll explain it in the simplest of ways. First of all is the stat system, here there are 3 categories: First are the unprevilaged who when leveling up recieve stat points ranging from 4-9. Next are the normals who receive Brown 10-19 normally 15 and last are elites who recieve normally 20-23 but including you there's a handful who go beyond that like the hero."
Aki's eyes sparkled like someone just told him he had main character privileges. [Aki cockyly in his head]:" I'm Sooo OP... Thanks a lot creator." Amy looked at him knowing clearly what was going on in his head. She politely coughed to bring him back to the discussion at hand.
[Amy]: Don't go giving your self a big head just cause you're an elite. Now the maximum level capacity for humans is 150 for monsters and some non human races is 200 and for anything above like the gods is 250." [Aki thinking]:" I really got the shortest straw by being a human."
[Amy continuing]:" Next the guild has 9 rankings as follows from lowest to highest:
Bronze: Lvl 1-4
Copper: Lvl 5-14
Iron: Lvl 15-34
Silver: Lvl 35-59
Gold: Lvl 60-74
Emerald: Lvl 75-89
Ruby: Lvl 90-119
Diamond: Lvl 120-145
Platinum: Lvl 146-150
The higher your rank, the more dangerous quests you can take—and the better the privileges. So here's your adventures card, currently you're an Copper adventurer."
She slid a small metallic card across the counter. It shimmered faintly with a copper sheen. It contained some information of his adventurer status. Aki accepted it with both hands like it was holy treasure. Amy then reached under the desk and placed a single gold coin in his palm. Aki stared at it, then at her, completely lost.
[Amy sighing]:" Come on, don't tell me you also don't understand the money system." Aki nodded awkwardly.[Amy]:" Well you're lucky that this is simpler. In Justia, their three ranks to currency: Gold, Silver and copper. 1 gold is equal to 1000 Silver and 1 Silver is equivalent to 1000 copper. As simple as that."
[Aki thinking]:" So just your typical system of currency." He pocketed the coin. [Aki]:" Thanks so much miss Amy. Can I just trouble you for one last thing... I kinda need a place to stay." [Amy]:" First, just call me Amy. Second, if you ever need anything just ask Kay and third, there's an inn nearby I'll write down the directions." She scribbled onto a small slip of paper and handed it to him. [Amy]:" Here, should be easy enough to follow. Have a great night since you start tomorrow." Aki bowed slightly, waved, and headed for the door. Amy waved back warmly.
As soon as he stepped outside—Three shady adventurers rose from their seats in the far corner, exchanged silent glances…and slipped out after him.
Aki wandered through the dimly lit streets, following Amy's directions, until a soft warm glow caught the corner of his eye. A small wooden sign swung gently above a doorway:"The Midnight Café." His stomach growled in agreement.
Aki stepped inside. The café was cozy, lit with amber lanterns and filled with the smell of roasted beans and warm pastries. A waitress approached with a practiced smile and took his order. Soon enough, a steaming cup of coffee and freshly baked scones sat before him.
He ate quickly—he hadn't realized how hungry he was until that moment. When he finished, he went to pay. The waitress kindly converted his gold coin into silver for him, and he even left her a small tip before heading out. But the moment he stepped back into the cool night air—He felt it again. That prickle on the back of his neck.
[Cynth]:" There are three shady individuals following you. What should we do?" [Aki confidently]:" Yeah I noticed them. Don't worry I'll lure them out."
He turned down a narrow alleyway—half-lit, empty, quiet.
The perfect trap. As soon as his footsteps faded, the three men rushed in. Aki wasn't there.
A voice spoke behind them. [Aki]:" So... Why you following me?" They spun around. Aki stood casually with his hands in his pockets, eyebrows raised like he'd caught toddlers stealing cookies. [Aki]:" Why would 3 level 6 adventurers chase a level 2."
The one in front—broad shoulders, crooked grin—stepped forward. Clearly the leader.He cracked his neck. [Leader]:" Listen kid and listen well cause this might the last thing you ever hear. My name is Isarc and we're members of the black scorpion party.( They raised their sleeves to reveal a tattoo of a black scorpion.) We overheard your conversation with the receptionist and we don't like elites since you think you're high and mighty than the rest of us. So we are gonna discipline you."
The alley felt smaller as they circled him, blocking every escape. [Aki thinking]:" Can I beat them Cynth?" [Cynth]:" If you isolate them, one by one, yes. Just don't let all three hit you at once." Aki grinned and drew his blade with a smooth metallic whisper. [Aki mockingly]:" Wow! All of yo are gonna jump lil ol' me, well prepare for an ass whooping."
Isarc snapped his fingers.The two men beside him cracked their knuckles and grinned, stepping forward like hungry wolves. [Isarc]:" Break him." Aki rolled his shoulders and shifted his stance, holding his sword backwards so the dull edge faced outward.[Aki]:" Just letting you know—I'm not really in the mood, so let's keep this quick."
The first thug lunged, swinging a heavy punch aimed straight at Aki's jaw.Aki vanished—Not fully, just a blur of motion.Flash Step.He reappeared behind the man, calm as a breeze. [Aki]:" Too slow."
Aki struck the back of the man's ribs with the blunt edge. The man gasped, knees buckling as he collapsed forward.
Before the thug even hit the ground, the second one charged in, swinging a short dagger.[Cynth]:" Careful—small blade, poison-coated." The man slashed in rapid motions, but Aki sidestepped each strike with lazy, almost bored movements. The air whistled each time the blade missed his face by centimeters. The thug thrust forward—Aki Flash-Stepped again, appearing just inside the man's guard. He flipped his sword and slammed the dull side into the man's stomach.The thug wheezed violently as the blow lifted him off his feet before he hit the ground, rolling in pain.
Only Isarc remained. He stared at Aki like the boy had just rewritten the laws of physics. [Isarc]:" Tch… cocky brat." He pulled out a curved saber and rushed in, faster and more coordinated than his men. Aki parried the saber with the flat of his blade—clang! Sparks flew. Isarc pressed in aggressively, swinging heavy strikes that made Aki slide back in the dirt.
[Isarc]:" What happened to not being in the mood, huh?!" [Aki]:" Still not. You're just annoying." Isarc snarled and went for a sweeping strike aimed at Aki's knees. Aki jumped lightly, landed on the wall beside him, pushed off using Flash Step—and blurred behind Isarc.
Aki: "Lights out." He swung the dull side of his sword cleanly into the back of Isarc's neck. Isarc collapsed face-first into the ground, completely knocked out cold.
Silence filled the alley. Aki spun his sword once, sheathed it in one smooth motion, and lifted his hands behind his head casually.
Aki: "Well… that was boring." [Cynth in a surprised manner]:" Since when can you talk like that?" [Aki grinning]:" Oh please! I've played so many online games where people bully Noobs and I picked up a line or two for this kinda situations."
He stepped over the unconscious bodies and Aki hadn't even taken three steps out of the alley before armored footsteps echoed from the street.
Two city guards sprinted over, spears drawn.
[Guard 1]:" Hey! You—stop right there!"Aki sighed, raising his hands halfway.Behind him, the three unconscious Black Scorpion members lay sprawled across the alley like broken mannequins.The guards glanced past him, eyes widening.
[Guard 2]:" What in the—Did you do this?" Aki nodded once, with a mix of calm and terrified. [Aki]: "They followed me...Tried to attack me... I defended myself."The guards exchanged a knowing look. [Guard 1]:" Black Scorpion tattoos… tch. Criminals. That explains it." [Guard 2]:" Alright, kid. Thanks for the report—we'll take it from here." They dragged the men away while muttering complaints about "troublemakers" and "another paperwork night."
Aki dusted his hands off and walked out of the alley like it was just another Tuesday.
He followed Amy's directions until he reached a small, worn-out, slightly crooked building with the sign:"Dustwind Rest Inn"
The wood was chipped, one lantern flickered weakly, and the place definitely had "cheap but barely holding together" energy. Aki walked inside. The manager—a tired old man with deep eyebags—simply looked at him.Aki looked back.A brief exchange of silent understanding. Aki placed his coin on the counter. The man slid him a key without a word. Aki nodded. The man nodded back.
Aki opened the door to a tiny space with a single bed, a wooden chair, and a window that didn't quite close all the way.[Aki]:" Yeah… I am definitely not staying here long."
He dropped onto the bed, staring at the cracked ceiling.
[Aki thinking]:" Give it a week or two. Once I earn some money, I'm getting a better place.
But… at least it's close to the guild. Makes things easier." He turned on his side and let out a long exhale. Aki: "…First quest tomorrow. Hope it's something simple… like picking herbs, not fighting giant worms again." Cynth snorted softly in his mind. [Cynth]: "You attract trouble. Expect the worst." [Aki yawning]:" Yeah… I know…"
His eyes grew heavy.
The exhaustion from the desert, the fighting, the running—all of it finally washed over him. Within seconds, Aki drifted into sleep.