The First Step into Komi City

“Time to wake up, Master~” Kuroki Nao gently knocked on Tang Wenxu’s door.

Scarcely three seconds after her knock, the door swung open, revealing someone already prepared for the day. His face, however, was drawn and haggard, making him resemble a panda with dark circles under his eyes.

“You didn’t sleep a wink last night, did you?” Nao saw right through him.

“No, I’m perfectly fine right now,” he insisted.

“Too excited?”

“Uh…”

“Honestly, Master, you’re just too adorable, like a primary schooler heading out for a field trip,” Kuroki Nao chuckled softly. “Perhaps you should rest today. At this rate, you’ll collapse from exhaustion.”

“Not only will I not die, but I feel my lifespan increasing,” Tang Wenxu countered.

“Don’t push yourself too hard,” Nao warned.

Ding-a-ling, ding-a-ling.

Mia, having prepared breakfast, rang the bell.

“Thank you, Mia,” Tang Wenxu expressed his gratitude to the girl, who always gave selflessly without seeking anything in return.

Kuroki Nao also nodded to her in thanks.

After breakfast, they began their preparations for departure.

Observing Tang Wenxu retrieve a sword from Father Kant’s armory, Kuroki Nao inquired, “Master, why are you bringing a sword? You’re not planning to become an adventurer or take up some other dangerous profession, are you?”

“Of course not. This is merely an ornament. Don’t worry, I won’t do anything dangerous. Thank you for your concern,” Tang Wenxu said, patting Kuroki Nao’s head.

“Is that so? Nao will be very upset if you do anything dangerous, you know.”

“Rest assured.”

‘How suspicious,’ Kuroki Nao thought. She cupped Tang Wenxu’s face, staring directly into his eyes. “Alright, I’ll believe you for now. Let’s go.”

“Goodbye, Sister Kuroki! Oh, and the freeloader can go slowly too!” the children called out.

“Hey, am I just ‘and the freeloader’? These kids aren’t cute at all!” Tang Wenxu grumbled to Nao. “Ah, it’s great to be a beautiful girl. Beautiful girls are always popular with children.”

“You could always crossdress. I guarantee the children would adore you then.”

“I’ll pass on that… I’d rather continue to be disliked,” he sighed.

“Actually, Master, the children don’t dislike you,” Nao said seriously.

“Don’t try to comfort me. I’m not an idiot,” Tang Wenxu sighed again.

“You’re not an idiot, but you are a bit slow. If they truly disliked you, they wouldn’t tease you. They’d ignore you—treat you like air.”

“…”

Tang Wenxu realized Kuroki Nao had a point. Perhaps he should bring the children some gifts when he returned home today. He pondered this, a knowing smile gracing his lips.

After walking along the forest path for about an hour, they finally caught sight of Komi City.

Komi City, the second-largest city and economic hub of the pitifully small Zephyr Kingdom, was largely the reason this territory could even be called a kingdom. It boasted a diverse array of architecture: magnificent cathedrals, bustling commercial streets, and the guilds for mages and alchemists.

It was hailed as the heart of the Zephyr Kingdom.

Several dragons soared in the sky, but there was no need for alarm. They weren’t invading monsters, but merely mounts for certain nobles or powerful individuals.

Nor was there any cause to fear the fierce-looking, bearded soldiers. The city’s military discipline was renowned across the continent; the last soldier executed, seventy years prior, had merely touched a shepherdess’s backside.

Numerous squads of heavily armored soldiers constantly patrolled the city walls, as if warning the Empire against any ill intentions. Indeed, this vigilance was warranted, for the Empire had suffered a crushing defeat at Komi City twenty years ago.

“Master, why are you spacing out? Let’s go.”

“Oh, I’m just a little awestruck.” This was his first time truly experiencing the grandeur of an otherworldly city. To be precise, it wasn’t his very first; he’d felt something similar watching a game playthrough called Someone Else’s World.

“Don’t be nervous. It’s fine.”

“I’m not nervous! I’m not some sheltered child who’s never seen the world!”

“Of course not, Master isn’t a sheltered child. Master is the most amazing!” Nao said, her eyes twinkling as she watched Tang Wenxu’s constantly trembling legs.

The two made their way towards the city center.

Passing a resplendent clothing store that resembled a palace, Kuroki Nao remarked, “Master, this is where I’ll be working. Please make sure you find a good job too. And again, let me reiterate: you are forbidden from taking on any dangerous professions.”

“Yes, don’t worry. I’ll find a safe job. You do your best, too.”

This was Kuroki Nao’s workplace. Through the glass, an array of high-end gowns was visible. How high-end? The number of zeros on the price tags told the story. Every garment exuded a fragrant, decadent capitalist aura, making it clear that this shop catered exclusively to the elite.

Tang Wenxu mused that even if she were alone in the future, she would surely live a happy life.

He scanned his surroundings, finally spotting a massive building emblazoned with a ‘sword and gauntlet’ crest. It was noticeably larger than the other structures, clearly the Adventurers’ Guild Father Kant had mentioned.

‘Wow, I’m still so nervous,’ he thought. ‘What should I say when I go in? Will everyone look at me strangely?’ Tang Wenxu hesitated.

Just then, a team of adventurers seemed to return from a quest, and the surge of people inadvertently pushed him into the Adventurers’ Guild, catching him off guard.

“Sir, is this your first time here? Are you here to register as an adventurer or to post a quest?” A polite young woman at the front desk, clearly trained in noble etiquette, inquired gracefully.

“Um, I… I want to become an adventurer,” Tang Wenxu stammered.

After handing her his amethyst—the kingdom’s identity crystal—and completing a series of procedures, the front desk maiden gave him a bronze plaque. “This badge is an important item that proves your adventurer status. Please be sure not to lose it.”

The maiden then explained various matters regarding the Adventurers’ Guild, such as adventurers being allowed to accept civilian quests but forbidden from interfering in affairs between nations. She also detailed the adventurer ranking system: Bronze, Iron, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Mithril, and Adamantite. The higher the rank, the higher the level of quests one could accept.

In essence, the setup was almost identical to RPG games and novels—a feeling of being a righteous hero. This was precisely what attracted Tang Wenxu; after all, who hadn’t had a phase of youthful chuunibyou delusions?

She pointed to a man at the tavern bar and said, “Mr. Tang, if you have any further questions, you can consult Mr. Dals over there.”

“Alright, thank you.”

He felt the pitifully few silver coins in his pocket (his remaining funds from before) and, imitating other adventurers, sat on a high stool at the bar, feigning expertise.

“What can I get you?” Dals asked.

“A beer, please.”