Chapter 7: First Request

The first thing I needed to do was clear.

Adventurer’s Guild.

I had to obtain an adventurer’s license there.

If I told people I was from the slums anywhere else, I’d be lucky to just get stones thrown at me.

But if I said I was an adventurer, while I might get laughed at, at least I wouldn’t get stoned. The difference in treatment was clear.

My first goal was to obtain this “adventurer” status here, then move to another village or city to shed the “slum-born” label.

Following Grandfather Leon’s advice, I kept my gaze lowered as I entered the Adventurer’s Guild, which reeked of alcohol.

It seemed to double as a tavern.

From this point on, being looked down on would cause problems, so I straightened my back.

The female receptionist at the counter didn’t have the beautiful appearance typical of game receptionists.

Not that she was ugly-“plain” suited her well.

I approached the counter with confident steps.

Though I deliberately avoided eye contact, the unpleasant aura radiating from me must have been unbearable. It was impressive she managed to explain everything with a smile.

“I’m here to apply to become an adventurer.”

“…Kid, this isn’t a playground.”

Kid.

Right, I did look like a young girl now.

Standing on tiptoes to reach the counter-the very picture of a child playing pretend.

But despite appearances, I was an adult man genuinely here to become an adventurer, not some kid fooling around.

“…I’m serious about becoming an adventurer.”

“Then you know the procedure?”

“…Yes.”

I pulled a silver coin from my pocket and handed it over. The receptionist examined it before giving me a form.

Becoming an adventurer required a simple verification process-the guild didn’t want just anyone claiming to be one.

You either needed to complete five guild-assigned requests to build trust or have someone vouch for you. In my case, it was the latter.

I presented the guarantee letter Grandfather had prepared.

Grandfather had truly done everything for me. So I couldn’t afford to be a burden to him-that resolve was etched deep in my heart.

“Grandfather Leon’s guarantee…?”

The receptionist looked momentarily surprised but processed the paperwork indifferently. Soon after, she handed me an adventurer’s badge.

“Listen carefully-I’ll only explain this once.”

“Yes.”

“If lost, you must clearly explain how you lost it. Reissuing costs three silver coins. And as you can see, your badge is wooden.”

The badge I received was indeed wood, stamped with the guild’s seal at the bottom.

“This means you’re the lowest rank-what people call an errand runner. So don’t go around calling yourself an adventurer. We’ll record your completed missions and promote you when ready. There are four ranks total.”

“Wood, Bronze, Silver, Gold.”

“Oh? You know your stuff.”

Her exaggeratedly cheerful tone grated on me.

“If you want to boast about being an adventurer, you’ll need to reach at least Silver rank.”

Her tone was like admonishing a child playing make-believe. Still, the information was useful-true recognition only came from Silver rank onward.

As I nodded, the receptionist stared down at me, snorted a laugh, and delivered her final line:

“Well then, may your adventures be joyful and romantic.”

“Thank you.”

Though I avoided eye contact, my unpleasant aura must have been palpable. Her maintaining a smile throughout was commendable.

“Then… Ah!”

“Move if you’re done.”

A bored voice spoke as someone shoved me hard. I nearly fell but kept my eyes glued to the floor instead of looking up.

Frozen in confusion, I overheard the shover and receptionist’s exchange:

“…Aha. Dex-nim, what request shall I offer you today?”

“…Extermination.”

“There are no extermination requests left suitable for a Silver-rank like you… The last one was completed during your previous visit.”

“…Then hand over your body as promised. You vowed to give yourself to me if I cleared all nearby monsters.”

“Th-that was just nonsense blurted out in desperation…”

“Lying? To me?”

The atmosphere turned dangerous. Though the hostility wasn’t directed at me, I shrank instinctively. Trading one’s body for monster extermination? Was the guild that destitute?

Seeing no benefit in staying, I quickly left the guild.

Outside, the familiar sting of hostile gazes returned. Guild members hadn’t cared about me-what made the streets different? I pushed the thought aside.

With my new status, there was no reason to stay. Everyone in this city’s outer district knew I was slum-born, creating too many restrictions.

Grandfather had advised starting fresh elsewhere. Taking his words to heart, I paid for a spot on a merchant wagon heading to another city.

After two days’ travel, we arrived at a smaller city. Its walls were shorter than Diran’s, with no clear division between outer and inner districts. Though half Diran’s size, it had all necessities.

Naturally, I headed straight to the Adventurer’s Guild. This one didn’t smell of alcohol-apparently not doubling as a tavern.

An elderly woman at the counter introduced two requests: herb gathering and rat extermination.

Herb gathering was perpetually available due to constant demand. Rat extermination involved clearing vermin from a mansion basement-simple enough.

The former could be done anytime; the latter might get taken by others if delayed. Naturally, I chose rat extermination.

Reward: 60 copper coins. About 60,000 won. Not generous, but I couldn’t be picky-I only had one silver coin left. Lodging would bankrupt me.

After receiving the request, I crossed a hill to find an elegant mansion. Taking a deep breath, I knocked.

Clank- A neatly dressed man appeared, scanned me, then noticed the request form in my hand.

“Here for the rat extermination request?”

His polite tone and low voice were unfamiliar after months of disgusted looks and condescension. It felt awkward.

Nodding silently, he led me to a warehouse.

“The basement is overrun. They’re aggressive and numerous-beyond what cats can handle. We appreciate your assistance.”

“…Why were they left unchecked so long?”

He frowned slightly at my question. Thinking I’d angered him, I trembled-but he composed himself and explained:

He wasn’t the original owner. Having recently purchased the mansion, he discovered the neglected warehouse too late.

“The previous owner was terrible…”

“Indeed. Please knock when finished.” His courtesy surprised me.

“…Thank you.”

Walking away, I realized something: avoiding eye contact made the disgust feel weaker. Maybe Diran’s hostility wasn’t just my trait-perhaps being slum-born was the real issue.

“Hah…”

I drew my sword. Opening the warehouse revealed descending stairs reeking of rot, maggots, and waste.

“…Ugh.”

How long had this festered? Rat squeaks echoed everywhere-dozens at least. No wonder the pay was low. That’s why the request remained open.

Descending, the wooden stairs creaked ominously. Some steps made sickening crunches-I ignored what I’d stepped on.

Reaching the bottom, rats became visible. I lit a lantern hanging on a pillar. Light flooded the space as I stabbed the first rat’s back.

Splat! Its death cry made me nauseous. The sticky blade intensified it.

Gagging, I suddenly screamed-horrible pain shot through my ankle, sending me crashing down.

“Agh-!”

Rolling in filth, I prioritized assessing the situation over disgust. Swinging my sword to drive off nearby rats, I examined my injured ankle-a rat was clamped onto it.

I grabbed and hurled it against the wall. It burst on impact.

“…So ‘aggressive’ meant attacking humans?”

This was no 60-copper job. Gritting my teeth, I gripped my sword until it creaked.

Dozens of rats glared from the shadows. I glared back.

The battle began at noon and ended at dusk. Though bitten multiple times, I prevailed. Infection worries lingered, but success mattered most.

That evening.

Original reward: 60 copper coins.

For a job well done, they added 10 more-70 total. But medical treatment and washing cost a silver coin.

The stench lingered despite scrubbing. My first request ended in financial loss.

“……Fuck.” 

It felt unjust.