Finally back from vacation. I'll resume my story now. Thanks for the wait everyone.

---

Over the next week Hiro began his strict schedule of constant physical activity and meditation. Early in the morning he would “run” the long way around the market district to the AA building. Once there, he would use one of the training rooms to get some peace and quiet. The training rooms were fitted with sound eliminating runes to provide privacy for the users.

At first, the day after he had started the gravity training, it took Hiro just as long to get to the AA building. In the middle of the day, he had to stop by a booth to get something to eat. All the physical exertions that he was doing was increasing his appetite.

It was quite often that others would stare at him strangely while he was on the streets. Many wondered why such a young man looked so dead tired. Others were wondering why his clothes were soaked through with sweat so early in the morning. There were few who were laughing at Hiro as he made his way through the streets. Hiro was quite embarrassed at all the attention he was getting, but he knew that there was no way he would be able to train, unless he went to the AA building.

So with the constant torture of the multiplied gravity and the constant leering of passer-bys’, Hiro’s first week went by excruciatingly slow.

---

North Gate, Adetia

“Kukuku. So this is Adetia.” Standing in front of the north gate of Adetia was a woman clad in black cloth. On her flawless face was a hint of mischief and on her back were two wakizashis, hidden within the folds of her sash. Although it was only spring and the early mornings are usually chilly, she still wore her thigh-length tunic, exposing her toned thighs.

“You there!” She walked up to the same guard who had let Albert enter in the middle of the night. “Can I ask you something?” She batted an eye at the guard, captivating him immediately. Usually her ‘Charm’ ability isn’t that strong, but because the guard was finishing up his night-shift he was especially tired.

“Yes you can Madam!” The guard answered, while straightening up.

“Was there a boy, who had black hair just like mine, traveling with a caravan that arrived here about a week ago?” She asked, while playing with a lock of her hair.

The guard, who was already enthralled didn’t pay any attention to her unnaturally red eyes and answered, “Yes there was. About a week ago, a young man was brought to the guard barracks. He was injured, I wasn’t even sure if he was alive at the time.”

“Eh~? Really? Do you know where they went?” She asked, while hold his hand in a pleading gesture.

“Well~…” The guard blushed, “I’m not sure where the boy is, but I have heard rumors about him.”

“Rumors?” She asked innocently.

“Yes, rumors.” The guard continued on, “There have been lots of rumors about a black-haired young man walking around the city drenched in his own sweat. Quite disgusting if you ask me. Some of my buds’ have stopped him and asked him what he was doing. They said he was going to the Adventurer’s Association building.”

“Adventurer’s Association huh?” She repeated.

“Yes, my guess is if you wait there you’ll meet him. So…” The guard scratched the back of his head with his free hand, “Is he your lover or something?” The guard asked shyly.

“Hm~…” She hummed coyly, “I guess you can say that.” She gave the guard a slight smile and walked through the gate, leaving the entranced guard staring at her back.

“Lucky bastard…” The guard mumbled to himself and resumed watching the road.

---

South Gate, Adetia

“Priestess Allaya, We’ve finally arrived.” Kayo said, to an irritated Allaya.

“Hmph! It took over a week to arrive. If I had known, I would’ve used mother’s navigators.” She replied.

“Hah~ Priestess, you know how your mother would react if you were to use the Temple of Sienna’s navigators like that. They are only meant to be used in times of great danger, even then they won’t be able to send more than a handful of people. Sending you with only a few guards would’ve invited the chance for disaster.” Kayo reasoned.

“Fine!” Allaya agreed hesitantly, “Atleast tell me this, is the renovation of the temple in Adetia finished?”

“According to the schedule that I sent with the messenger, they should be in the refurbishment phase. The construction phase should be finished by now.” Kayo replied, after looking at his notebook.

“Good job Kayo. Honestly, I don’t know why you are a Templar. You should just become my secretary.” Allaya said, while smiling in content.

“I’m sorry Priestess, but my true duty is the protection of the oracles. If providing a safe environment for my charge requires me to do this, then I shall.” Kayo answered while bowing.

“Really?” Allaya’s eyes brightened up, “Great! Then I need you to schedule a meeting with the King of Adet as soon as possible.” She ordered.

Surprised, Kayo just looked up into her expectant eyes. “As… you wish Priestess.” He bowed once more.

---

On the eastern edge of the Market District

‘Phew, it’s gotten easier to do this.’ Hiro was leaning against the side of a building. It was still early morning and Hiro had already gotten halfway without breaking a sweat. Although he was only walking, Hiro was pondering the thought of lightly jogging next time.

‘Honestly…’ Hiro was looking at his palm, ‘I never thought that I would get to this point. Just a few days ago my sore body was about to give up.’ Two days prior to that day, the fatigue had caught up to Hiro and he was on the edge of stopping the gravity training. The only thing that kept him going was the look of his father, as his father came back to the inn with a white robe, indicating his acceptance into the newly renovated Temple of Sienna.

Hiro rested for a few more minutes and once more began walking around the market district. Over the past week, because of his sweat-drenched trek, many people can recognize him. He was the only one drenched in sweat every day and the only black-haired man they’ve ever seen. Because of his uniqueness the people on the street soon began to cheer for Hiro as he walked to the association.

“You can do it boy!”

“Mommy! Look he’s here!”

“Be careful kid!”

He would hear those shouts whenever he walked. At first they were taunts and rude remarks, but soon those died out as the week dragged on and now there were only cheers. It was quite a strange way to become well-known, although Hiro was well-known around the path that he takes to the AA, he didn’t pay much attention to it. He was always focused on his current task, at first the taunting and remarks got to him, but through his meditation, he learned to block out those things.

Hiro continued along his usual route until he arrived at the AA building. He made his way through the main hall, avoiding the curious stares. He had found out that early in the morning, there were that many adventurers, many were sleeping in after a long quest or were still asleep because of celebrating their successful jobs. He once more walked towards the right end of the main hall, and asked the receptionist.

“I’d like to borrow a training room please.” He said, while looking at the other adventurers gathered around the hall.

The receptionist lady looked up from the desk and said, “Sure, is there any specific room that you wan- Geh!” She flinched as soon as she saw Hiro.

“Huh?” Hiro looked at the receptionist, “Gah!” He was stunned. For the past week, he had never seen Lynn once. Now, right in front of him stood the very person that had beaten him down so harshly.

“Hmph!” She sniffed, “I’ve booked you for room 13.” She said dryly and turned around.

‘Looks like she’s still disappointed…’ Hiro thought to himself as he hastily made his way through the door. ‘I wonder why she hates me so much, we both barely know each other.’

Once more sitting in the bare room, Hiro began to same meditation process. He began to block out all sources of sound, although he was in a sound-proof room, he still begins with this procedure. After, he would began to whittle away at his unnecessary thoughts and focus only on his breathing. By focusing on only his breathing, he would be able to focus his thoughts on his inner self, thus achieving the ethereal state.

“There.” Hiro said, after opening his eyes and seeing only darkness, “It seems that it’s become easier to enter this state.”

He began to fly around his consciousness, over the past week, Hiro had begun to become accustomed to the darkness. Although at times, he would we uncomfortable, but only when he remained in the ethereal state for a long time. The discomfort he sometimes felt was from his physical body, the pain of remaining in a position for so long sometimes dragged him out of his ethereal state.

“Ok, today I’ll try to cast a spell.” Hiro promised himself. Earlier, he had placed a pebble that he had picked by the side of the street. He had planned to use that pebble to try and test himself.

One more reaching towards the familiar barrier that held back his life energy, Hiro began to pull back his fist. Imagining his fist as an unstoppable force, Hiro swung at the barrier, shattering it as if it were made of glass.

Feeling the familiar electrifying energy running through his body, Hiro hastily tried to exit his ethereal state.

‘Instead of waiting for the energy to recede, if I were to return to my body…’

Slowly, Hiro began to open his eyes. Seeing the same openness of the training room, Hiro began to smile mischievously.

“I can’t believe it’s as simple as this.” He said to himself, as he felt the powerful life energy coursing through his body. Aiming his palm towards the pebble, Hiro uttered, “Reisa”.

He began to feel the energy moving towards his right hand, as if it were an uncapped faucet.

“Huh?” Hiro who was focusing on lifting the pebble in front of him, noticed something very peculiar, there was a strange symbol that was glowing on the back of his hand. It looked like some weird inscription; two letters side by side, in a circular shape. Worried about what it was, he lost his concentration on the pebble and it dropped to the floor.

[Tenga, can you see this?] He gestured at the fading rune on the back of his right hand.

[Hm?] Tenga answered, [Strange…]

[Is this normal?] Hiro asked worriedly.

[I’ve heard speculations of this.] Tenga began, [They say that by getting a special tattoo, the strength of the spell would increase. Although it’s just mere speculations, when I was sealed, that theory wasn’t tested yet. Also that can’t be possible, did you get this symbol from someone?] Tenga asked in an urgent tone.

[No. It appeared when I started levitating the pebble.] Hiro answered, worried that something bad had happened.

[Hm…] Tenga hummed as he wracked his mind, [I don’t ever remember seeing a rune like that. If it was a malicious rune, it would’ve activated when you casted earlier, so I don’t think it’s bad. Just be careful.]

Satisfied with Tenga’s response, Hiro quickly calmed down. He picked up the pebble once more and began the training all over again. He spent the rest of the day doing the same exercise; reaching into his consciousness and casting ‘Reisa’.

By the time it was starting to become dark, Hiro had learned two things from the exercise. He could only move the pebble up and down, no matter how hard he tried imagining, it refused to move horizontally. Another thing he learned was, the more life energy he channeled into the spell, the faster to pebble moved.

Hiro grinned at his accomplishment as he picked up the pace on his way back.

---

Next Day

“Hiro.” Albert shook his son awake, “I’m finally accepted into the temple. So starting from now on, I’m going to live within the temple.”

“Wait! Where would I stay then?” Hiro was still half asleep when he replied, combined with his childish look, Hiro looked exactly like a child.

“Hah~” Albert sighed, the nostalgia kicking in. “That’s something you’ll have to figure out on your own. Ever since you saved me, I’ve accepted that you are now a man. You will have to face many unknown situations in the future, so think of this problem as your first hurdle.” Albert answered.

‘Father’s right. If I have trouble with just something this minor…’ Hiro began to imagine, ‘Then there’s no way that I will be able to free Tenga.’

“You’re right father. I’ll figure something out.” Hiro declared.

Convinced that his son is prepared, Albert got up. “Ok then, I’m going to head to the temple now.” He started walking towards the exit of their room, “Oh Hiro.” He said as he turned around, “Drop by whenever you’re back in the city. This old man gets really lonely sometimes.”

“Alright father.” Hiro answered with a lonesome smile.

Hiro waited until his father closed the door and slowly got out of the bed. He dressed himself in his second set of clothes and proceeded to wash his face in the small restroom.

“Alright.” He said as he packed his recently dried first set of clothes into his small pack. He turned around to look at the room one last time.

‘I guess I really do have to act independently now.’ Hiro thought to himself as he closed the door behind him.

Hiro was walking casually now; he had gotten used to the gravity. Although it still felt awkward when Hiro raised his knee up to take a larger step, if he kept his stride at a casual walk, he would be fine. The gravity training also made Hiro sharpen his movements; he made less unnecessary movements.

Before long, he had already arrived in front of the AA building once more. For the past week he had used the AA for nothing other than training, but today he had another reason for coming here. He had to start making money to provide for himself.

‘I wonder how I accept a quest.’ He thought to himself as he strolled inside.

Once more he was walking through the busy great hall. Since he had taken his time and started out later in the day, there were already many people gathering within the AA building.

‘It’s him again.’ Hiro looked at the same receptionist that had given him to application form. However, unlike before, the man was leaning against his desk in a bored fashion. It seems that no one was going to him for anything. ‘Well since I know him…’

Hiro went to the man, “Hello.” He greeted the man in a friendly manner, “Do you remember me?”

The man, not amused, “Hah?! You think I remember every face that walks in here?!” He grumbled, “Just because your some kinda pretty boy, doesn’t mean that everybody will remember your face pal.” Obviously ticked off, the man lashed out at Hiro.

Confused by the sudden explosion of anger from the man, Hiro didn’t take offense at that, “Did I do something wrong?”

“Hah~” The man sighed and began to look like a deflated balloon, “Nah, it ain’t you buddy. Just because I’m a guy, the rest of these guys ain’t coming to me for help.” He brandished his arm around the hall.

“I don’t think it’s just because you’re a guy…” Hiro answered while staring at the man’s aggressive face.

“Then what is it?” The man asked, his eyebrows furrowing even further.

Feeling like it’s a better idea to change topic, Hiro quickly asked, “Uh… How do I begin a quest?”

The man lost all his anger after he heard Hiro asked for help. “Oh I remember you!” He smacked his forehead, “You’re that kid that wanted to sign-up the other day. How could I forget, you’re one of the only two people that I’ve ever seen with black hair.”

Confused, Hiro asked, “One of two?” He began to look around the great hall to see if anything else had black hair, “What do you mean?”

“Oops, pretend that you didn’t hear that ok?” The man smiled apologetically and continues on, “Err, in order to register for a quest, you have to bring the contract to me. The contracts are located around the great hall. They are organized by their rank so starting at the entrance are the D-Rank quests, followed by C-Rank and so on.”

Hiro finally understood why it was always more crowded near the entrance, “Is that all the quests that the AA gets?” Hiro asked.

“Nah. Those are just the more urgent ones.” The man replied, “The person who issued the contract has the option to pay extra if they want the quest to be pinned up in the great hall. The rest of the contracts are either specifically given to a guild to handle or they are pinned up in the floor below.” The man pointed to a set of staircase at the left side of the great hall.

“I see…” Hiro answered, “Since I don’t know the first thing about taking up quests, can you help me?”

“Sure thing kid. I ain’t got nothing to do anyways.” The man answered lightly.

“Great! I just wanted to know what kind of quests are offered for D-Rankers.”

“Well since this is gonna be your first quest…” The man seemed to think for a bit, “Follow me.” He motioned for Hiro to follow him as he got out from behind the reception desk and walked to the stairs.

On their way down the stairs to the lower floor, “Why didn’t you show me a quest from the great hall?” Hiro wondered.

“Those are more urgent, since you’re new, I don’t think you’ll be able to do them by yourself.” The man thoughtlessly replied.

“Well you won’t know until you try.” Hiro said agitatedly. He didn’t like how people treated him; thinking he’s weak because of his looks.

The man stopped and turned around to look at Hiro, “Tell me” He began, “Are you able to gather over 500 bushels of wheat within 3 days? Can you collect over 100 Liverworts within the day? Can you find a missing pet within the giant city of Adetia?” The man began to ramble on.

“Eh…” Hiro was overwhelmed. He didn’t expect the sheer amount of work he would had to do. “Why is there so much work for just one person?!”

“Idiot, it’s because it’s not meant for one person.” The man remarked.

“Eh? Then it’s only for parties? The pay must be good then, if it requires a whole party to complete it.” Hiro concluded.

“Nah. It’s D-Rank, the pay’s barely enough to feed you.” The man answered, “Well, you gotta start somewhere. Now let’s go down this way.” He turned and began walking down another hallway marked “D”.

“Now tell me kid is there anything you’re good at?” The man asked, while they were walking down the hall.

“Quit calling me a kid. I have a name you know and it’s Hiro.” He glared at the man.

“Ah is that so? Well then HIRO, you can call me Donovan.”

Happy with Donovan’s answer, “I’m good at hunting… Is there something like that?”

“Hm… I don’t think there are. Usually hunting monsters are classified as C-Rank quests. The only hunting quests that we issue out to D-Rankers would be something like hunting an annoying fox or wild dogs; something easier.”

“That’s what I mean.” Hiro cleared up the misunderstanding, “What I mean to say is, I’m good at tracking and hunting wild game…” Hiro replied embarrassed at how rural he was.

“No need to be embarrassed, we all have to make a living. I mean here I am getting no customers and talking to a newbie while bored as hell.” Donovan remarked.

Not knowing how to take Donovan’s comment, Hiro decided to ignore him and asked, “So is there a quest like that?”

“Yea, there are a few.” Donovan turned around and began walking back down the hallway and stopped before a door, “Hunting/Gathering quests are located in this room here.”

Without waiting for a reply he went inside, followed quickly by an excited Hiro. “Really?!”

Inside, there were a few people looking at the boards of requests from clients. Along the left wall were requests for providing pelts and food for villages. The right wall held requests for exterminating pests such as insects, birds, rodents, and etc. The back wall also held requests too, except it was from other locations far away from Adetia. This was also another option the clients have, they can choose to post their request within other cities for an additional fee.

“Now take your pick.” Donovan waved around the room and quickly sat down at a table that was provided.

“Is there one you recommend?” Hiro asked, unsure of what to pick.

“Hah?” Donovan replied irritated, “Do I have to hold your hand all the way? Well, if it were me I’d choose that one over there.” He pointed to a request along the left wall.

‘Hrm..’

D-Rank

Client Name

Olleh

Request

I need a marble deer hide.

Reward

10 Silvers

Requirements

None

‘Marble Deer huh? Those are hard to track down. Well nothing that I can’t handle, but it’ll take a while.’

“Read it?” Donovan asked, “If you’re a hunter, then you’ll know that the task ain’t that easy. Are you up for the challenge?”

“Something like this is easy.” Hiro replied haughtily, “I’ve stumbled upon Marble Deer’s in the past. Something like this shouldn’t too difficult.

“If you say so kid.” Donovan replied as-a-matter-of-factly, “Just stay away from anybody that looks suspicious while you’re in the forest. Bandits have been increasing their activities for a while now.” He warned.

‘Tell me about it.’ Hiro thought back to the attack, but quickly blocked it out.

“Alright I’ll go with this one.” He picked it off the board and together with the lazy and bored Donovan walked back to the reception desk.

‘My first quest.’ He thought to himself while smiling.

---

Meanwhile, within King Forst’s throne room

“I’m glad you have granted my request for an audience, your highness.” The silver-haired beauty said, while lightly bowing.

“It’s rude of me to say this, but I don’t have time for pleasantries. Speak.” King Forst commanded.

Slightly offended by his tactless behavior, Allaya retorted, “If this didn’t concern the prophecy I would’ve reacted differently.” Gathering her wits, she began, “I’ve come to request something of you, your highness. Have you heard of ‘The Prophecy of Sienna’?” She inquired.

“That old wives tale. Countless times have we sought out the source of this so called ‘Bright Night’ and countless times were we disappointed. I have given up hope in believing in that hoax.” King Forst spat out.

“So am I to assume you’ve ignored the most recent event?” She asked, irritated at his tone.

“Of course! I will not send out my troops over such a meaningless occurrence. Time and time again have I wasted my time, time of which I don’t have!” He began to go off on a tangent.

“Your highness, please focus.” Allaya tried to take control of the conversation, “I’m sure you’ve noticed that the recent ‘Bright Night’ phenomenon was unlike any other. Just the scale of the event reached all the way to Sienna’s Main Temple in the south.”

“So what of it? I don’t have time to chase after someone that could possibly not exist.” He retorted.

‘This fool is trying my patience. I wonder what has gotten him so stuck up.’ Allaya thought to herself.

“May I perchance know the reason why you don’t have time for this?”

The king grew quiet, there was a gloom that spread out over his face. “This is not a matter that I can discuss openly with someone. If that is all you have to say, then this audience is over.” He grimly replied and waved his hands to dismiss the priestess.

‘Fine. If he doesn’t want to help, I can always request the Adventurer’s Association. Now that I think about it, why didn’t I go there from the start.’ She angrily thought.