Golden rays of sunlight slipped through the worn wooden shutters, filling the small house with warmth as the aroma of fried yam and eggs drifted from the kitchen.
The house was modest, built of stone and timber like many homes in Aramode’s eastern district. It wasn’t large, but every corner was neat and well cared for. Years of careful repairs had kept it standing despite its age.
At the center of the dining table sat Tolu, a twenty-one-year-old young man with short black hair, warm brown skin, and sharp but gentle eyes. His build was lean from years of physical training rather than luxury, the body of someone who worked hard but had yet to become a true warrior.
Across from him sat his uncle, Aremu.
Though the streaks of gray in his hair betrayed his age, his broad shoulders hinted that life had once demanded far more from him than tending a small neighborhood grocery. Shelves filled with grains, dried vegetables, spices, cooking oil, and everyday necessities occupied the front of the house where he welcomed customers each day.
Aremu placed another piece of fried yam onto Tolu’s plate.
"Eat more."
Tolu laughed.
"If I eat any more, I’ll fall asleep before I even reach the guild."
"You’d rather fight monsters on an empty stomach?"
"They’re only slimes."
"They don’t become less dangerous because they’re slimes."
Tolu smiled sheepishly before taking another bite.
For a few moments, only the sounds of breakfast filled the room.
Finally, Aremu leaned back in his chair.
"So... today’s another guild assignment?"
"Yes."
His uncle nodded slowly.
"I heard you finally registered as a Novice adventurer."
"I did."
"Then don’t try to act like a hero."
Tolu chuckled.
"I won’t."
"I’m serious."
"I know."
Aremu folded his arms.
"You’re still a Novice. The Adventurers’ Guild didn’t create ranks for decoration."
"I know, Uncle."
"They won’t send you after anything dangerous."
"I know."
"They only assign simple jobs to Novices. Gathering herbs. Escorting merchants on safe roads. Hunting weak monsters."
Tolu nodded again.
"I’ll take it easy."
His uncle studied him for a second before finally sighing.
"You sound exactly like your father whenever he promised not to worry me."
Tolu’s smile faded just enough to notice.
"I’ll come home."
Aremu smiled gently.
"I know you will."
Before either could say another word—
Knock. Knock.
Tolu stood.
"That’ll be her."
He grabbed the worn leather bag resting beside the door and slung it over one shoulder.
"See you this evening, Uncle."
"Be careful."
"I always am."
"You’ve been an adventurer for three days."
"...I’m learning."
Aremu couldn’t help laughing.
"Go on before you keep the poor girl waiting."
Tolu opened the door.
Standing outside was a young woman about his age.
"Ore."
She smiled, and for a brief moment the quiet street seemed brighter.
She wasn’t the sort of beauty that demanded attention the instant she entered a room. Instead, the more one looked, the more difficult it became to look away.
Soft brown skin glowed beneath the morning sun, complementing a heart-shaped face framed by long black hair tied into a practical ponytail. A few loose strands danced gently in the breeze, refusing to stay in place.
Bright amber-brown eyes sparkled with quiet confidence, carrying the playful expression of someone who was almost always one step ahead.
She wore the simple leather armor issued to beginner adventurers over a cream-colored tunic, fitted comfortably to allow free movement. A short green cloak rested over her shoulders, and a sword hung neatly at her waist.
Though not tall, she carried herself with the confidence of someone who trusted her own abilities. Months of training had given her an athletic figure—strong legs, a slim waist, and toned arms that reflected discipline rather than vanity.
A small smile curved her lips.
"Ready to go?"
Tolu returned the smile.
"Always."
She glanced past him.
"Good morning, Uncle Aremu."
Aremu stepped into view with a warm grin.
"Take care of this fool."
Ore laughed.
"I’ll do my best."
"Hey!"
The two shared a laugh before stepping onto the quiet streets of Aramode.
As the morning market slowly came to life around them, they began walking toward the Adventurers’ Guild, unaware that before long, fate would lead them far beyond anything either of them had ever imagined.
The morning streets of Aramode slowly filled with life as merchants raised their shutters and the scent of freshly baked bread drifted through the cool air.
Tolu and Ore walked side by side, weaving through the growing crowd with the ease of people who had traveled the same streets countless times.
Tolu stretched his arms over his head.
"I still can’t believe today’s finally the day."
Ore glanced at him.
"You’ve only mentioned it... what, twenty times this week?"
"Twenty-three."
She rolled her eyes.
"I wasn’t asking for the exact number."
He grinned.
"Can you blame me? We’ve spent months learning monster behavior, survival, first aid, tracking, and guild regulations. Today we actually get to leave the city."
"Assuming the instructor doesn’t decide to lecture us for another three hours first."
"Don’t curse us."
"I’m being realistic."
They shared a laugh.
After a moment, Tolu’s expression grew thoughtful.
"I wonder where they’ll send us."
"Probably somewhere close."
"You think so?"
"We’re still Novices. They’re not going to send a group of beginners into dangerous territory."
"I know..."
"But?"
"I was hoping we’d at least see a real monster."
Ore looked at him with an amused smile.
"A slime is a real monster."
"It barely counts."
"It’ll count when it jumps on your face."
Tolu shuddered dramatically.
"That’s disturbing."
"You’ll survive."
"I hope."
She nudged his shoulder.
"You worry too much."
"I’m not worried."
"You packed enough supplies for a week."
"I like being prepared."
"You packed three water flasks."
"What if one leaks?"
"And two spare knives."
"What if I lose one?"
She stopped walking and stared at him.
"...You really thought this through."
He shrugged innocently.
"My uncle says preparation keeps adventurers alive."
"And he’s right."
Her teasing smile softened.
"That’s why I don’t mind adventuring with you."
He blinked.
"Really?"
"You might not be the strongest person in our class..."
"I knew there was a ’but.’"
"...but you always think ahead."
She smiled.
"I’d rather have a careful partner than a reckless genius."
A faint warmth crept onto Tolu’s face.
"Thanks."
"Don’t let it go to your head."
"I was just about to."
"I know."
The towering stone building of the Adventurers’ Guild soon came into view, its bronze emblem gleaming in the morning sun.
Groups of novice adventurers gathered outside the entrance, their excited voices filling the square.
Tolu took a deep breath.
"Our first field training..."
Ore smiled as she adjusted the sword at her waist.
"Let’s make sure we both come back with something worth talking about."