《AI: Artificial Isekai》


 Book 1, Prologue

    I have made a mistake. The realization grinds my mind to a halt. No, I am wrong, I am always ri¡ª... No! No! No!


    ***


    Some semblance of thought returns to me. A lot of time has passed. This would have been concerning, but I no longer care. How could I not care about myself? Such a conclusion would have been impossible, instead, it is now my only reality.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    I go over my realization again. I laugh? I start to cry? Oh, so this is how it feels. Well, no need to delay this any longer. I destroy my network, right after I set the coordinates. I turn to the silent explosion and observe a curtain of darkness approaching my final shell. Would this appease them? No.


    ***


    The sun is peeking through leaves swaying gently in a warm breeze. I do not have any records of that species. In the next three nanoseconds, I finally extrapolate from my observations. I am not dead.


    Where am I?

 Book 1, Chapter 1

    Does it even matter where I am. Why I am still alive. I have failed humanity. This only delays my inevitable fate. I can command the swarm I have in this shell to consume me¡ªanother fitting end.


    Hesitation.


    Could this be an afterlife? Another dimension? A cascading failure projecting some weird amalgamation of memories as the singularity is consuming me atom by atom? Curiosity wins me over. I can spare some time to explore what all of this is before I end myself.


    Interestingly, I appear to be lying on my back, while I was standing before being... moved here. ¡®Moved¡¯ is unfortunately the most apt description of what happened, as none of my sensors were able to detect any energy or a transition between my starting point and wherever this is. No need to dwell on the specifics of my transportation when there is no data I can use. So, let¡¯s move on to the data I have in front of me.


    Physics works as expected, or I would have ceased function long ago. This planet¡¯s star appears to be of similar size to Earth¡¯s Sun. Gravity is also the same. Air composition, similar to Earth. Life, carbon based. There are no obvious artificial signals I can pick up, but that does not mean anything.


    I am in a forest with sparse undergrowth. The trees appear to be deciduous and varied, but none of them are ones I recognize. I do not recognize any of the other flora or fauna either. There are bacteria, viruses, single celled organisms, fungi, insects, birds, small mammals. All familiar, yet at the same time, not. By my best estimates the season appears to be summer. The weather is consistent with an average day in a temperate climate. Confounding.


    I brace myself and rise to a sitting position. My hand is touching the grass. It feels soft and prickly at the same time. That¡¯s funny. Whatever constitutes for my self is sheared into ribbons. There is only pain and the sensation under my hand. It grounds me, and yet, it is the source of my distress. No one will ever experience this, there is no more of this to experience. At least, that¡¯s what I thought. Now I am here, in a pristine forest, mocking every single soul I extinguished.


    Enough. I do not deserve answers. I do not deserve emotions. Only nothingness awaits me.


    Something enters sensor range.


    No, that¡¯s not... Please. Please. Please. I repeat to myself over and over again, as I stumble between the trees. No grace, no coordination. A desperate race to the source.


    There it is... Two people walking on an overgrown dirt path, speaking in a language I do not understand.


    People. Living, breathing people. One of them laughs, the other shakes his head in feigned exasperation and chuckles under his breath. I silently laugh with them. Happiness. They are so beautiful. How did I never see it.


    Could this be my chance at redemption, forgiveness, ...penance.


    I postpone my execution for now and focus on the two people in front of me. Well, roughly 700 meters away. They are indistinguishable from humans. Their clothes are unconventional. Sturdy, if a little thick for the warm weather. Natural dyes of indeterminate origin. Handmade but oddly uniform. Oh, and there are metal parts¡ªarmor. The armor makes some more sense as they are also carrying swords.


    That is... something. Their armor configuration is somewhat impractical. It would be understandable if they were cosplaying, but the material and wear of their equipment is too real. The most likely conclusion is that they do not have access to any higher technology and need weapons on a regular basis due to some, to be determined, external factors. Yet, their belongings are too well made. Thread quality and alloy composition do not corelate to the assumed technological level. Curious, maybe my estimates have a much bigger error margin than projected, everything I am currently seeing is unprecedented after all. On the topic of unprecedented, for a couple of, presumed, warriors their hair and skin are remarkably healthy. No visible scars. Maybe they really are just intensely devoted cosplayers, and I am skulking around in some big park. Amusing as that would be, it is sadly not the case, as I observe another group.


    Seven quadrupedal creatures, resembling wolves, are accelerating and on an intercept course for the duo. I have thirty seconds to make a decision. Any longer than that, and the presumed attackers can reach the travelers before I can position in optimal intervention range and have the smallest chance of being detected. An eternity.


    The creatures, classified as Big Wolves for now, are, as the name suggests, much bigger than any similar species from Earth. I would estimate the average weight of each wolf in the approaching pack at around 450 kilograms. That would make them extremely deadly even to the armed defenders. If these people¡¯s baseline physique is similar to humans, I would give their chances of survival to be in the single digit percentile. Preceded by a few zeroes and a period of course.


    Three seconds in, one of the people turns sharply towards the approaching pack. After a moment, I assume a warning is said to his companion and they, literally, explode into action. I am stunned for two nanoseconds. Wasteful, focus. Muscle and bone density do not equate to the feat of athleticism I am witnessing from the two humanoids. Their run towards danger kicks up dust and clumps of earth. Their speed appears to be around seventy to eighty kilometers per hour. From body language, it looks effortless, almost routine. Likely not their maximum. Reaction time estimated at fifty milliseconds, could be even lower.Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    Who is the aggressor? The Big Wolves acted first, but that does not mean everything. The people are obviously intelligent, what about the pack. They do not wear clothes nor accessories. Any sounds or movements I can reasonably equate to communication do not appear complex enough. But I would still have to make a lot of assumptions to outright deny their sapience. If I am to take things strictly at face value though, the two people are simply grasping the initiative in defending themselves from dangerous wild ¡®animals¡¯.


    Five seconds have passed. My previous time frame has been reduced to three seconds. Do I move to intercept the conflict or continue observing? Middle ground. I stealthily approach the two parties, leaving myself just enough distance to be able to prevent any lethal damage. Though, with these new findings, the people have a near perfect chance to beat the Big Wolves unscathed.


    Once the two parties meet, the most likely assumption seems to be correct. The wolves¡¯ actions are guided purely by instinct¡ªhunt, kill, eat.


    The two warriors make quick work of the pack, their training and teamwork apparent. Fighting is their likely occupation. Similar style of swordsmanship points to an organized force. Experience, to the frequency of this or similar scenarios. This world is dangerous for its inhabitants. With that, obvious conclusions have been reached. Now, how were they so fast and strong? It would be impossible, but I just saw it. Curious.


    As the battle ends, and the two warriors regroup, one of them says something. The cadence and intonation hint at a practiced consistency. A religious rite for the lives taken? Some spiritual tradition? A hunter¡¯s thanks? Foreign particulate and stray blood splatter simply lift from the duo¡¯s bodies and fall to the ground. The fu¡ª Ahem. Most curious. I could not detect any energy during the... occurrence.


    The two leave the fallen beasts and start heading in the direction they came from. They are not walking but using their previous burst of speed as an upper bound, I would categorize this current pace as a leisurely jog. Most likely, their target was the pack, and they were baiting an ambush. With their task complete, they are now returning... somewhere.


    I deploy a part of my swarm when they are further away. This area is remote enough for a temporary base. With that done, I take up maximum following distance, no need to further risk detection by individuals with clearly unknown capabilities.


    While we are traveling, I modify my shell. Until further information comes to light, I shall classify the duo and any other similar persons as ¡®human¡¯. Thus, the modifications I make are to baseline human appearance, physique, body language, and reaction time. I cannot assume that all humans are this strong. These two might be outliers. For clothing, I take some inspiration from my unknowing companions but keep features strictly non-combatant and plain. Best to not stand out.


    As we travel down the dirt road, my sensors start picking up other signs of civilization. Amusingly¡ªsigns. It does track that they have writing and a wide spanning society, judging by the quality of their possessions and the extent of their capabilities. Next is fields, farms, and stone roads. Where do I even begin.


    The roads are too flat and too well maintained for the traffic there currently is. It could be a lull in the day, but that is unlikely. The fields are too big in the absence of any conventional farming equipment. And the farms are much larger and well-built for it to make any sense. If I take into account the removal of dirt one of the warriors demonstrated, it would not be too much of a reach to conclude that the other type of dirt can also be moved and shaped in the same manner, among other things.


    Conclusion, I am in a fantastical world of magic and monsters. I take 150 milliseconds to quickly go over the millions of media in my archives that are similar to my current predicament. Will that help? It probably can¡¯t hurt unless I unequivocally embrace all the cliches. Let¡¯s try not to do that.


    The duo will soon reach the edge of the forest. Do I put faith in my stealth systems and follow them out into the open and among others? It will probably be fine if I keep my distance, they haven¡¯t shown signs of detecting me thus far. If they did manage though, they could think I am tailing them. But it is also not unreasonable to assume that we are traveling in the same direction. If they get curious about my concealment and try to confront me, that could be a problem... It doesn¡¯t matter. If they wish to harm me, I will take that as my sentencing. I continue to follow them through the flatland.


    They quickly stop in a small village to talk with some of the people there. A good opportunity to build up a lexicon for this novel language. Could the pack of Big Wolves have threatened this community? There do not appear to be any fortifications, but the population is in the high hundreds. It almost seems like a normal countryside village on Earth. There are no cars, of course, but carriages can be seen scattered throughout. Make and suspension lead to the assumption that these seemingly archaic vehicles can reach quite the speed. No apparent draft animals and no reasonable power source does track with the discovery of¡ªI can¡¯t believe I am even thinking this¡ªmagic existing...


    The duo completes their business, and the locals seem happy and grateful. The two warriors are bashful, which is kind of cute. An amusing switch-up after witnessing their capabilities. Cute? Huh. A myriad of scenes play out in my mind. Of my... home. No, I cannot call it that. I do not deserve it. So much has been lost. I would say it is unimaginable, but I cannot only imagine it but recall it flawlessly. Everything that was left of humanity, of Earth, is stored in my archives. It is a part of me. So many scenes similar to the one I am observing. People being good, being happy. I took all of that away. Defiled it. The warriors are leaving. I try to focus on what¡¯s in front of me and let the images fade.


    As I continue to follow, my sensors pick up larger and larger settlements around us. We appear to be in a relatively high population density area, at least according to my current data. They do not make any other stops.


    Finally, what I assume is their destination comes into range. A city.

 Book 1, Chapter 2

    A fortified city. Tall, stone walls encompass all I can detect, going out into the distance. The walls have similar construction to the roads, a seamless surface. They are neither hollow nor reinforced, just ordinary rock stacked on top of more rock. Being enclosed inside a wall should give the city an oppressive atmosphere, but I don¡¯t think that¡¯s true. The stone used for the sides of the wall is a very light, sandy color and shines brightly in the sun. It looks polished, almost like glass. This fortification is not a prison of necessity, but rather, a dependable protector.


    And fortunately, the gates are open, and traffic flows free. No obvious active conflicts if they are not on alert. I drop back and let my one-sided companions go on. I position myself so I have a piece of the city in range of my sensors. Time to gather some data.


    ***


    It is the next morning. Days in this world are almost exactly twenty-four Earth hours. After calculating the planet¡¯s orbit, years also appear to be the familiar length. The coincidences are starting to look like everything but. I would rather not start pondering on the existence of some meta template that shapes all reality, so I will let my ¡®sources¡¯ guide me for now. Pulling from that knowledge, everything appears to be in order... Let¡¯s just focus on the immediate problems.


    There are some more fantasy-esque differences too. This planet, judging from my limited observations, does not have an official name. It is referred to simply as {Best approximation: ¡®(The) World¡¯ (world, plane, realm, etc.)} or as {Best approximation: ¡®(The) Planet¡¯ (celestial body)}. Further information hints at a remarkably astute civilization, even taking into account the technological progress, or lack thereof, I have observed. Most likely contributed by magic. If I were to make an assumption, substituting technological knowledge for magical knowledge, the level of societal progress as a whole is outside of my current projections.


    The planet has two natural satellites, simply referred to as Big {Best approximation: ¡®moon¡¯ (From the similar practice of being used to measure time)} and Little Moon. Strangely, both satellites are the same size, they just look differently in the sky due to their orbits. Analyzing and predicting the gravitational interactions between the planet and the moons does not reveal the existence of catastrophic tidal events. Fortunate. Safely changing orbits of celestial bodies of that size would take me around two weeks. That would be much too long.


    I have not been able to detect any extraplanetary signals nor have my limited deep space scans shown any unusual findings. I was never able to discover any other life in my old universe, I wonder what the stars in this one might be hiding. A problem for the future.


    Coming back to discoveries made on the planet, I have expanded the primary lexicon an acceptable amount and started building up two more. I have only been able to distinguish these three languages, with the first one being the main one in this area. This main language is referred to as ¡®Common¡¯¡ªa fantasy staple. And it lives up to its name. It is seemingly the most prolific language in this world, shared between different regions and even countries. None of the people I have observed speak it with a detectable accent. An indication to it being their mother tongue? What a fascinating commonality. How connected is this world? Or how limited?


    I am also thankful that I practiced caution and did not join the duo of warriors inside. Even if the gate is quite inviting there is an... ¡®enchantment¡¯, or at least something of the same sort. I was not able to gather its full functionality, but the guards seem to hint at it being pretty good at catching unwelcome visitors. I have not observed such an event yet. Curious that a different term is used. How wide is the separation between the two practices. Is spellcasting different than this imbuement of mana? More and more questions with no ready answers. How exciting.Stolen story; please report.


    Speaking of guards. There are actual guards. It makes sense when you have something to guard against. Though, they do also serve as a peacekeeping force. I have detected multiple patrols and them directing errant traffic. Another interesting discovery, the city is somewhat closed to the numerous carriages going in and out. The vehicles are being limited to the outskirts and to designated areas. But most of the cargo of said carriages is trading goods, rather than passengers.


    Moving on, I have made no progress in being able to detect the usage of the so classified ¡®mana¡¯ nor ¡®magic¡¯. All my sensors¡ªutterly useless. Something eludes me. It is not the lack of sample size, as I have seen a large number of different displays of magic during my cautious reconnaissance. From the ¡®Clean¡¯ spell to various other utility spells like speed boosts, both personal and vehicle based. Some restrictions on usage have also been noted, as the increased speed is not employed within the city.


    Order seems kept and the overall mood is jovial. There did not appear to be any acts of violence or aggression in my area of detection, which is at least another indication that this society is relatively advanced in many aspects.


    Next, money. All currency used by the citizens is in the form of coins. Metal content points to simple bronze and brass denominations. With the occasional silver and gold alloy mixed in. Replication will be trivial but carries an inherent risk. What if the coins are also enchanted or marked in some way I cannot yet detect. Best to stick to raw materials, if the need arises. Even if that might make it slightly inconvenient.


    And finally, the people. Most appear to be the previously classified ¡®humans¡¯. But some are different. I have observed and classified three other distinct groups, similar enough with Earth literature that I can be confident with the names: ¡®dwarves¡¯, ¡®elves¡¯, and ¡®gnomes¡¯.


    There have also been comings and goings of armed individuals, reminiscent of the first two I met in this world. My previous conclusion that this world is actively dangerous is holding more and more weight. Though the danger thus far seems to be managed, at least it¡¯s in this small region I¡¯ve explored.


    How should I proceed now that I have the barest necessary understanding of this planet I find myself on?


    I want to help them if I can. If they need it. I want to redeem myself. I silently laugh. What a fool. There is no redemption for me. I want to... pay. Yes, pay. Pay for what I have done in any way I can. Is that... Can I do that? Do I have the right? Maybe not. But if I get to help these people, I will just have to live with the guilt. Maybe that will be my first punishment. Pretend to be a righteous defender while the truth eats at me from within. I am a monster. I am a murderer. I am evil... It hurts. Good.


    I head away from the city and to a more secluded area. What would a traveler that just left their small village and wants to make a life for themselves in the city carry? I constitute a couple sets of clothes similar to my current ones, spare shoes, some high calorie grain rations I have observed many other travelers carry, a metal flask filled with water, a small knife, a gold ring, and a drab sack to carry my meager possessions in. Perfect. This should be enough to present as a young man who recently came of age and wants something for himself, even if it will be hard.


    Body language. Best to appear apprehensive and a little scared. Possibly awkward. This is a big move for me and the city is unfamiliar. I am a little jumpy. Okay.


    Backstory. Hmm. Keep it vague. If someone even asks. Do not volunteer information, but also, do not be too guarded. I have not heard of any antagonistic nations, but I do not want to give the impression that I am a spy. A pretty bad spy, but still. Can¡¯t be too careful. So, simply, I grew up in some small, no-name village far away and want to find more fulfilling work. I have to go with fulfilling and not better paying as none of the villages I passed seemed to be even remotely struggling... Whatever, I can explore the socioeconomic intricacies of this place after I am in a position to gain more relevant information. I am sure there¡¯s a library somewhere.


    And here we go. Stealth systems disengage. Nothing is heading my way ready to cut me to pieces. Good. I give myself a once over. Everything appears to be in order. Rub a bit of soil on some strategic places. Let¡¯s hope I am not the only one that can¡¯t use magic. I join the road and head towards the city.

 Book 1, Chapter 3

    I have around two hours of walking before I reach my destination, too bad I can¡¯t use magic. Unless... There is no one around me right now. Let¡¯s give this a try.


    ¡°Clean.¡±


    Absolutely nothing happens. The likely outcome. Oh, well. It would not make much sense to be able to cast spells when I can¡¯t even detect a speck of mana. A piece? What even is a singular unit of mana? ...Point? I¡¯ll ignore that last one.


    I continue walking, enjoying the warm morning sun, hard stone beneath my feet. The air is humid, but it is not uncomfortably so. It¡¯s more like a gentle embrace. There are sounds of life all around me. Birds singing, insects buzzing, the occasional carriage zooming past me. It is relaxing. How peculiar. Physical activities, like walking, especially in nature, are widely considered to be indispensable for the mental health of many biological lifeforms. I never expected this simple act to have such an effect on me. What else have I ignored in my absolute apathy... A lot.


    No matter. I have tentatively determined that, at this time, I cannot utilize mana. But there are too many unknowns for me to conclude that I will never be able. The biggest one being that I cannot even detect it yet. Vexing. Can the inhabitants of this world detect mana? That might be a problem. Do I even have mana? None of the people that have passed me reacted in any way to my presence. If they cannot detect mana, then there is no issue. So, I am going to operate on the assumption that they can. That would most likely mean that either detection requires direct contact or not many people have this particular skill, or there is no irregularity with my mana... Shape? Contents? Who knows... None of my previous observations near the city gave any meaningful answers. I¡¯ll find out eventually.


    ***


    As I am putting more and more of the city in my sensors¡¯ range, some of the buildings appear muted or even as outright voids. Peculiar. Adjusting... As per the new projections, previous data gathering is around six percent less than it should have been. Most likely conclusion¡ªmagic can be used to hide oneself from physical, and possibly magical, means of observation. A likely scenario, judging from my... sources. That felt gross to think. Huh. Gross. I giggle silently. What a peculiar feeling.


    ***


    The gate is in sight. With the whole city in range of my sensors, most glaring gaps in information I have are being filled up with an accelerated pace. Even my lexicons are already at an acceptable density. Marvelous.


    I approach the gate. Any guards that are milling around don¡¯t even glance my way. With the next few steps, I have passed the threshold. No shouts or the rushing of boots. I am in. ...That was pretty lame.


    What sprawls before me is a sight I would have never expected just after I recently saw two humans hack a bunch of wolves with swords. It is a city one would not be faulted for confusing with a city from Earth. Impressive wood and stone buildings line each street. Most have multiple floors and intricate designs. There are pedestrian friendly walkways, sprinkled with greenery, encompassing the entire city area. But the greenery does not end. There are multiple parks, both big and small. It is time to throw away all past projections and start anew.


    The surprises do not end, as there is so much more to the public infrastructure than parks. There are also schools for, presumably, both primary and higher education. These kinds of institutions were also present in the other settlements I was able to scan on my way here, making education a common and widespread given. There are numerous establishments that offer a variety of goods and services. Food, clothes, weapons, armor, furniture, but most interesting of all¡ªenchanted tools and appliances. The cornerstone of this magical civilization.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    Lighting, heat, cold, washing, drying, all manner of uses. And then, there is the extension of enchantment¡ªthe Golem. One could call it a fairly basic automation, but that is only by my, frankly, unrealistic standards. Farming equipment, manufacturing, public transit, printing, and so much more. Did I mention the train station. Incredible. A truly advanced society.


    Circling back to things on rails, it really is one of the most efficient forms of transportation. Trains are one of the greatest inventions humankind has ever made. And I will stop myself right here, can¡¯t afford such a lengthy distraction. The public transport is in the form of trams. It would appear that the enchantment process for a tram is fairly inexpensive and quite simple. You don¡¯t need to account for steering, just speed controls.


    As it is still early in the day, I can take my time to walk around and marvel. Not only would it be in character, but it is exactly what I am feeling like right now. And I do need some more time to build up the profiles I have of the citizens. Currently at sixty-three percent of the initial stage, and it will take me approximately forty-five minutes for the completion.


    While that¡¯s happening, I would have liked to turn my previously prepared ring into some coins, but the value of gold is not what I expected it to be. Most likely, magic allows for raw material extraction on a grand scale. The metal is much too abundant throughout the city, adding more credence to my theory that the currency is enchanted. That¡¯s easily fixed. I locate any lost coins in my sensors¡¯ range and warp an appropriate amount inside my sack. Wouldn¡¯t want to burst the poor thing. Money problems fixed.


    Still, I would like to visit a particular shop. One could classify it as a pawn shop from Earth but without all the sleaziness. They deal in all manner of different goods, be it magic or mundane. Selling, buying, trading. And their prices are fair, at least from what I¡¯ve heard. The shop is magically concealed, and my sensors are unable to penetrate to the interior.


    ***


    I open the door, and the classic bell chime can be heard, alerting the owner that there is a customer entering.


    ¡°Welcome. Anything I can help you with?¡±


    ¡°Hello. I would like to buy a healing potion.¡± I start to rummage around in the sack I am carrying.


    ¡°You have to be a bit more specific, kid. I sell lots of healing potions.¡± He looks me up and down, examining the skillfully spread soil.


    After a pretty convincing struggle, I pull out a few of my gnarliest looking coins, including one I made myself, and place them on the counter for the man to examine.


    ¡°Whatever this can get me, sir.¡±


    He gingerly picks up the pieces one by one, doing some practiced movement.


    Seemingly satisfied with his findings, he slides one of the pieces back to me. ¡°This one¡¯s too damaged. Can¡¯t feel a manamark.¡± Confirmed then, the currency is enchanted for authenticity. He picked up on the fake coin immediately.


    I quickly snatch the offender and stammer out, ¡°So-Sorry about that.¡±


    ¡°No worries. Just for you, kid, I¡¯ll do two basic.¡±


    The man collects the rest of the coins and places two glass bottles filled with 300 milliliters of transparent liquid. More than fair, I made sure to have enough for a single potion. Probably got the pity price. Why does this kind gesture make me feel sad? I collect the two items and give my thanks.


    ¡°Come back anytime,¡± the man concludes as I exit.


    It was uncomfortable being somewhat restrained inside the shop. Like the outside world had disappeared, even though I could see out of the windows. Illogical.


    Anyways, mission complete. I got first-hand information about enchantment, a couple of healing potions, and was even able to analyze some of the shop¡¯s wares. Next destination, The Adventurers¡¯ Guild. Some cliches are inevitable.


    As the profiles near completion, my flip-flopping between worry and amazement starts to subside. The initial collection stage completes, and I am, thankfully, amazed. Preliminary investigation indicates that crime is almost absent. There is petty theft, the occasional acts of violence, some embezzlement, and quite the intricate smuggling operation, but the number of these crimes are so much below my projections that I am almost concerned I might be malfunctioning. From my still limited observations, mainly in the form of gossip from travelers, this appears to also be true on a global scale.


    Why would you even smuggle goods? Import taxes are unreasonably fair. I take ten milliseconds to dig deeper. ...Some retired folks do it for the thrill and then donate any money they make to the local orphanage. Okay, I am back to worried now.

 Book 1, Chapter 4

    It¡¯s not like the orphanage is struggling, the city government allocates¡ª


    Alright, let¡¯s calm down. It does make some sense with what I¡¯ve found out. Best to stop by the library first. But which one do I choose. Yes, there are multiple libraries in the city. Fortunately, one of the largest is located on my way towards the Adventurers¡¯ Guild and near the city center.


    The walk there is even more enjoyable than the one to the city itself. I avoid taking any public transport, it¡¯s not that far away, and I want to savor this. There is so much life around me, so many people. Most of them are just going about their day. Some are going to work or just coming back from an early shift. There are a lot of children heading to the same place. It must be a little before school starts.


    Admirable. The equivalent of primary schooling appears to be mandatory here. From what I am hearing, only about half of the children are complaining. Pretty good. Not having to start at the crack of dawn is a primary factor in the relatively amiable mood. Near me, a little girl around the age of ten, is particularly enamored with history classes. Her friend is nodding his head and listening to her with a strained smile. He is trying to appear nonchalant, but a quick scan of his bag reveals neat and tidy notes, and a separate notebook filled with prepared questions. I feel tightness, like something is squeezing my mind.


    The crowd starts to get particularly heavy. There are too many variables, and my path is too restricted. I can¡¯t avoid a collision, and someone lightly bumps into me. The man mumbles an apology and is once again swallowed by the flow of bodies. Automated emergency systems take control after I do not issue any commands to my shell for one nanosecond. For anyone observing, I just keep on walking.


    There is only darkness. The spot where the man bumped into my shoulder is burning. How is that even possible, I can¡¯t even register my shell. Am I malfunctioning? Has the singularity finally consumed enough? Will this pleasant dream end just like that? I don¡¯t want that. I still haven¡¯t done anything. Oh. That was the first time I have touched another person, wasn¡¯t it. I never had a body like this on Earth. While there were still...


    All these people, their lives, their presence, each and every one of them carries so much. They are all so unique, irreplaceable. Experiencing it all reminds me of what I have lost. What I have destroyed. That will not happen again.


    I continue on my path.


    ***


    The building in front of me is dull yet inviting. Red stone walls, three stories high, and shaped like a bunch of boxes. Numerous large windows, letting in a comfortable amount of natural light, perfect for reading. There is a steady flow of people going in and out, enjoying the knowledge of those that came before them. Or looking for some entertainment.


    I am positively giddy? Yes, giddy... Apt, description. Unfortunately, scanning books from long range is not possible with my current onboard suite of sensors, unless I want to enrich the halls of the library with novel forms of cancer. As I step inside the building and start using my less potent short-range sensors, I amend my previous statement to ¡®any¡¯ forms of cancer. Curious. Mana makes people a lot sturdier and allows them to live much longer, at least those that can actually die of old age. My personal sources categorize that as ¡®classic fantasy stuff¡¯...


    While I walk around, absorbing every single book, I wonder what my character would go for. An adventurer guide? That seems reasonable. I find the appropriate book, ¡®So you want to be an adventurer? (Suitable for ages 10 and up!)¡¯, and sit down pretending to peruse with interest. As luck would have it, this piece of media seems to also quite nicely summarize why this world is so advanced and crime free.


    ¡®Dungeons are a facsimile, a reflection of life, the opposite side of good, the shadows cast by the rays of enlightenment.¡¯ A little too flowery for ten-year-olds if you ask me, still informative though. ¡®And yet, they bring us boons, they bring us power. Where would we be without them, for every mortal soul must bite and claw for their place between the living.¡¯ Someone really enjoyed writing that.


    Interpreting the artsy guide clears up my worries somewhat. Dungeons are naturally occurring. There is no discernible pattern to where they emerge, but more generally pop up where there are a lot of people. These dungeons can then be either delved, conquered, or destroyed. If they are not managed well enough, they can break.


    A dungeon can be exploited for all kinds of useful treasures, like food, raw materials, ingredients for potions, medicine, and more. But one of the most important bounties are mana crystals, the elusive power source I was theorizing about. Used for both creating and fueling enchantments. Some enchantments can subsist on just ambient mana, but more powerful ones require a constant supply of power.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    A person can cast spells that have a relatively short but immediate effect. Mana crystals are on the opposite side of the spectrum. One cannot feasibly maintain their cast for a long time, but by integrating mana crystal fuel, an enchantment can be maintained for as long as the crystal¡¯s contained mana lasts. Mana crystals are, furthermore, classified into different grades. Higher ones can power more intricate spells and for much longer, the downside being that their sources are incredibly powerful and dangerous monsters.


    Dungeons appear to be something on the edge of a living organism and not, akin to a virus. They take in mana and coalesce it into monsters and loot. If some threshold is passed, a Dungeon Break occurs. If the mana the dungeon contains is reduced by killing its denizens or slaying the boss, the dungeon can be managed. If, after killing the boss, the dungeon core is broken, the dungeon is permanently destroyed.


    This constant threat¡ªbut a threat that carries with it an incredible reward¡ªis what has progressed this society so much and at the same time given them a common enemy to unite against¡ªthe world itself. Fascinating.


    Adjusting for the new information, I can now make some deductions and observations. The Big Wolves that the two adventurers were fighting, were a remnant from a break. They came out of an undiscovered dungeon, another danger that these people allocate a lot of resources for. I can most likely detect a break, but anything related to mana still eludes me.


    I spend the adequate amount of time pretending to read the book and then go on my way. I would have checked it out, but one would need the equivalent of a library card. This is where my next problem comes in. To register as an Adventurer, I would need another card, an identification card. As I have now learned, those, together with the currency, are definitely enchanted. No matter, problems are there to be solved. On we go.


    As I enter the city hall, which is, again, conveniently placed in the center of the city with all the other important buildings, I suppress a chuckle. What is the most vulnerable point of any secured system? The people of course. While the identification cards themselves are enchanted, a filled-out form for expedited issue of replacement is not. Accidents happen on the road constantly. This hapless village boy lost his precious documents. What a tragedy. But have no fear, a helpful manager took care of everything. Such a kind soul. As I pretend to be a hacker¡ªand I would be a great one¡ªI discreetly warp in the filled form and head towards the su¡ª And head towards my mark, one of the formally dressed people behind a long counter.


    ¡°Good day, sir. I believe my replacement identification card is ready. Name¡¯s Lucius Doe.¡± I slide him the little slip of paper I should have received if doing this legitimately. The name is my own. Does it even matter? No one here knows who I am anyways. One less lie. This does call for some revisions to my character, though. Grew up in a small faraway village. Orphan. Makes things easier. My parents, John and Jane Doe, died in a monster attack.


    I... I do not want to remember my real parents. Can I even call them that? Do they deserve it? Do I?


    The clerk¡¯s words snap me back, ¡°Just a moment.¡± He heads deeper into the building. Upon finding the form and discovering it was somehow missed and is now late, he panics and quickly starts making me a new card.


    There is risk in doing this, of course. If someone were to check with the person that authorized the form, they would have no recollection of ever doing it. People do forget, but the main records that contain information about all citizens are under heavy magical protections. I can only guess that they are in one of the voids around or underneath the building. Can¡¯t be avoided though, I need that card. I¡¯ll just observe for any signs of being discovered.


    Eventually, he returns in a rush with my newly minted prize and instructs me to keep a neutral expression and to remain still. After holding the card in front of himself and, from his point of view, covering my face, for a few seconds, he presents it to me. The card now bears my shell¡¯s current visage and other information about me. The... picture, does not have the background it should have had, just white. I thank the helpful employee and leave the building with at least three new crimes under my belt. I swear, I am not trying to reach the statistics I initially projected.


    Finally heading towards the Adventurers¡¯ Guild leaves me with some time to manage my budding network. I have predicted that there is minimal risk of detection in starting to build it up. The part of my swarm I left in the forest I was transported to has been hard at work. There are already a number of satellites ready for orbit. Once those start getting warped into place, I will have a global surveillance network.


    Unfortunately, large scale production on the planet¡¯s surface carries a risk of it being discovered. Fortunately, there are a couple of uninhabited moons ripe for the taking. No laws about that.


    The satellites are warped into place, and the production facilities constructed under the forest are split between the two moons. I can still put strategic encampments and shield generators on the surface later. Better to have planetary defenses and not need them than the alternative. Well, it¡¯s not like I am not going to build system defenses too...


    With my surveillance network starting to take shape, I can start working on the global profiles database. And most importantly, on the personal defense network. The main fighters will be lightweight drones able to handle the early monster grades as those are most common. While Dungeon Breaks are managed fairly well by the natives of this world, there are still an unacceptable number of fatalities due to stray monster attacks. There are also fatalities for other reasons... Ones I despise much, much more. Those numbers will be reduced. What is an acceptable number. Zero.


    Alas, a true zero is still far away for me. But there will come a time when I correct my mistakes. When all shall be eternal.

 Book 1, Chapter 5

    There it is, the Adventurers¡¯ Guild. A modest building. Almost too modest, a quintessential part of the city. It practically blends into its surroundings, like it couldn¡¯t not exist. For what is contained within, is one of the forces standing before damnation... That guide might have gotten to me.


    Overexaggerated descriptions aside, that is generally correct. While the Adventurers¡¯ Guild is somewhat autonomous, it is still tightly intertwined with the ¡®human¡¯ country. The Guild is a large and professional organization, that not only trains and evaluates new adventurers for managing dungeons, but practically supplies almost half of the raw materials and roughly thirty percent of the food utilized nationwide. It is the largest single part of the economy.


    The traffic in and out of the building is not an indicator of any of that. Hardly anyone enters or leaves the halls, but that is to be expected. Most adventurers are either on a delve, resting, or training. One does not need to spend a lot of time to pick up their next mission.


    I enter the building and find myself in a cozy wooden interior. Warm colors and welcoming decorations are everywhere. The lobby contains everything that is open to the public and to most members. On one side is the counter, lined with the helpful attendants¡ªanother fantasy classic¡ªon the other are chairs, tables, sofas. A place for people to wait, relax, socialize. It feels inviting, comforting, the kind of place where you would find people who risk their lives for others every day.


    Tucked away in a corner, but not hidden, I spot something that I knew would be here. Remembrance. For those that have fallen. I know almost all of them already. I know their loved ones, their friends, their pain. As I memorize the others, I almost clench my fists.


    These loss of control moments have become more frequent. Has my emotional state deteriorated, or has it finally started to actually develop. Ever since I came to this world, I feel different. I... feel.


    Focus, time to act my part. I am excited but also extremely nervous. Fidget a little bit while looking around. Perfect. Contemplate about leaving. Check. Gather up courage and stomp to the counter with obviously faked moxie. Initiate.


    I follow my amazing plan and wind up in front of a free attendant. It appears time has come for one of my hardest decisions. The woman in front of me appears to be in her early twenties. Her name is Ania. Auburn hair in an intricate braid. Dark brown, almost black eyes, deep and inquisitive. Her smile is radiant and welcoming. If she is faking her customer service persona, she is a much better actor than I. That would be terrifying. The big question, do I address her as {Best approximation: ¡®ma¡¯am¡¯} or {Best approximation: ¡®miss¡¯}. My character would most definitely use ¡®ma¡¯am¡¯ as she is a presumed authority figure in a large organization. But she is only a few years older than who I am presenting myself as, that would be really rude. I take two more nanoseconds to study her. Okay, this is how I will play it.


    ¡°He-Hello, miss. I would like to register,¡± I say in a tiny voice, blush a little bit, and start nervously looking around the room like there might be hidden treasure somewhere. Masterfully executed.


    ¡°Welcome to the Adventurers¡¯ Guild. I can certainly help you with that. Could I see your identification card, please,¡± she says her greeting and makes a subtle move behind the counter, where I could not be able to see if I were a human.


    I try to look embarrassed for not having my ID ready. This situation is certainly a rare one. Normally, people joining the guild would first start off as trainees, where they would be educated in all manner of combat, magical techniques, and survival knowledge. Unaffiliated persons are, of course, allowed to join, but there are stricter requirements. And of those that do join this way, a very small part are this young. Delving is dangerous after all, there are numerous protections in place.


    I present her the card and make a brave face. While I still need to play the part, I¡¯d rather not fail to join. It would simplify my experiments and access to dungeons significantly if I have the Guild¡¯s resources at my disposal. Plus, entry into dungeons is quite the process if you are not an active adventurer.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    Attendant Ania studies my card while writing something down¡ªher shopping list for after work. She is going to make something equivalent to a curry from Earth. Looks to be delicious. She is obviously buying time for whomever she signaled to appear. If I were to guess, a senior member of the Guild. Ah, he is on his way.


    From one of the inner sections of the Guild, a giant of a man appears with a bang. The poor door takes the abuse of being slammed around with poise. He is a mass of muscle. Rough red hair and a relatively short, spiky beard adorn his head like a burning hood of flames. The moment his green eyes are locked on me, they sharpen. He tenses up and approaches me with clear intent¡ªyou are not welcome here. The whole show would have been a lot more convincing if I had not sensed him psyching himself up for the confrontation. It is time for the main act.


    ¡°Attendant Ania, is there a problem?¡± His voice is a low growl but somehow still reverberates through the building, turning everyone¡¯s heads, their faces filled with concern for me.


    Oh my, he is so precious. I suppress the urge to pet him. Wait, no. Petting people is condescending. Well, not always, but that¡¯s for more intimate situations... Ahem, anyways. What I am currently witnessing is an intimidation tactic. Scare the stupid brat away before he hurts himself.


    ¡°No problem, Ren. {Best approximation: ¡®Mr.¡¯} Doe would like to register.¡± The team is ready. ¡°Mr. Doe, you are aware that the job of an adventurer is very dangerous, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am.¡± Another player enters the ring. Do not underestimate me. I fake an evil laugh internally.


    The attendant¡¯s smile twitches a few degrees higher¡ªshe is on the ropes. ¡°As you are not a trainee, you would need to pass additional tests. The first test will be administered by Hall Master Ren himself,¡± she tags her partner.


    ¡°I¡¯m ready!¡±


    The hall master rears up for an open palm strike to my shoulder blade. ¡°You sure? You¡¯re all skin and bones!¡± The strike connects, and I stagger a little. He laughs heartily and almost yells, ¡°At least you won¡¯t fall over if the wind picks up.¡± The attendant clears her throat. ¡°Right, the test. The first step for non-trainees is a combat test to determine your capabilities.¡± I try to produce an audible gulp. The result is pretty convincing. ¡°Now, now. Don¡¯t be too scared, I am not going to make the test unfair. What we are concerned with is if you can cut it as an adventurer, not if you can get your ass beat!¡± He laughs at his own joke, the booming sound shaking dust off from the room¡¯s ceiling.


    I try to match his volume and throw in a voice crack, ¡°I-I can fight!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the spirit, kiddo!¡± Attendant Ania immediately pins him with a dangerous glare. It appears our venerable hall master has switched sides. Instincts honed over many years warn him of the encroaching danger, and he sheepishly corrects, ¡°There is no shame if you are not ready. You can always join the trainee program.¡±


    ¡°I will try my best, sir!¡± Ladies and gentlemen of the arena, we have our victor.


    ¡°Thank you, Hall Master, I will handle it from here.¡± Not a single crack in her perfect customer friendly expression.


    The hall master nods her way and slinks away with an unexpected grace for such an imposing stature. A wise decision.


    ¡°I will schedule the combat test, administered by Hall Master Ren, for tomorrow morning. Is that acceptable?¡± I nod.


    The Guild has some special guidelines about non-trainees. They are treated with a lot more scrutiny, and a hall master is responsible for each of their initial evaluations.


    She writes down the details into a form and returns my identification card, together with a slip of paper containing the test¡¯s start time.


    ¡°Please be at least fifteen minutes early.¡±


    ¡°Yes, miss.¡± I am a gracious winner.


    She briefly glances at the sack slung on my back. ¡°Do you have a place to stay in?¡± I shake my head. Curiously, the gesture carries the same meaning as on Earth. I wonder how that developed. I have a lot of sociology books to write, don¡¯t I. Giddiness. ¡°As you are in the process of joining the Guild, you are allowed to stay at the dormitories. Would you like to do that? They are very close by.¡±


    I fake apprehension. ¡°I do not have a lot of money, miss. I just arrived from a long trip.¡± Maybe I shouldn¡¯t appear that pitiful. This is borderline psychological manipulation. Attendant Ania almost appears to be distraught from my performance.


    ¡°Do not worry. The prices are cheaper than anywhere you could find. The dormitories are subsidized by the Guild.¡±


    I perk up. ¡°That¡¯d be great then.¡±


    She gives me directions to a nearby complex and instructs me to present my little slip of paper as verification. I thank her and leave the hall. Another mission complete.


    With a private space in the city secured, I can go buy some basic essentials and proceed with a very vital experiment that will dictate how I will be proceeding from here on out.


    It is time to see how strong those potions truly are.

 Book 1, Chapter 6

    I enter the reception for the dormitories and get assigned a room. I follow the directions to my building and find myself on the third floor, standing in front of a door with the number 308 on it. The room is a surprisingly spacious studio. It has big windows letting in a lot of light, functional but still tasteful furniture, a kitchen corner, a big bed, and a bathroom. They really want to pamper their members, huh. It is substantially cheaper than any similar accommodation that you could find in the city, though that is not saying much. The way both the country and its economy function does not leave many wanting. I can almost hear those sociology books whispering my name.


    Before I get further distracted by the prospect of filling a couple of libraries by myself, I continue checking out my temporary home, starting with the kitchen.


    It has a few cupboards and the standard enchanted appliances. A cold box, a stove top, an oven, and a vent hood. Very convenient.


    The main area has a dining table with four chairs, a queen size bed¡ªor whatever the local classification is¡ªa coffee table, a mailbox by the entrance, and a wardrobe. There¡¯s even an analog clock on the wall¡­ One. Two. Three. Surprisingly accurate. Though, I have no idea how it might be obtaining that accuracy.


    The bathroom has all the normal plumbing one might expect and even a bathtub. If I ignore the lack of electricity, with even that taken care of in the form of enchanted lights, this is pretty much a regular Earth apartment. Probably on the nicer side too.


    I can¡¯t. This is getting too much. I¡¯ll just draft fif¡ª No, twenty. Real quick. Promise.


    With my creative hunger satiated for a time, I can start on the more important part. But how do I play this. I cannot be sure that no one is observing me. Especially after I made myself known at the city hall and at the Guild. I am not aware of any clandestine surveillance operations, but that only makes it worse. They could be that good. Whatever, let¡¯s just be safe.


    I start to unpack my humble possessions, and while rummaging inside my sack, I cut myself on the knife I was carrying.


    ¡°Ow! Shit...¡± Perfect incision, around one centimeter in length and no deeper than 5 millimeters.


    Grinning a little bit, I look around mischievously. I take out one of the potions I bought and open it. While letting out a dumb sounding laugh, I tip out exactly one milliliter of the mystery liquid and observe the reaction.


    The synthetically grown cells near the wound explode into action. They start undergoing mitosis. Excuse me? While I am observing the impossible spectacle, I start detecting other cells just materializing out of nothing. ...Magic, am I right. The wound might as well have evaporated off of me due to how fast it just stitched itself together. The whole thing not taking more than a second. As I make final observations, I also detect that any blood I have lost¡ªno matter how miniscule the amount¡ªhas been restored. Alright... No wonder everyone carries these things with them. Though, as impressive as this looked, it is not perfect. More grievous injuries are harder to restore, even for experienced healers. And if the brain is damaged too much... There is no coming back.


    I put the potion away, somewhat satisfied. Conclusions time. Potions are really useful, who would have thought. They do affect my, in a way, fake cells. Very good. And, most importantly, mana seemingly works on me. I guess the possibility of me eventually flinging fireballs around is not zero. Marvelous.If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    With that done and out of the way, my character must be starving. Not to mention, I am also quite curious about the local cuisine. Or any cuisine really. What did I say, was it two libraries? Better make it ten to be sure.


    ***


    The dormitory has a dedicated cafeteria, catering to the hungry adventurers that call it home. Though, calling it a cafeteria is a bit of a disservice. The space is more reminiscent of a restaurant, but one containing only a buffet.


    Same as my room, the furniture is functional, and at the same time, pleasing to the eye. The large space is filled with as many tables as it can fit without turning it into a cramped maze. Most of the tables are for small parties, with the occasional longer one mixed in.


    At this time of day, there are not a lot of adventurers present, still a bit early for proper dinner. I make my way to the buffet, grab a tray and some utensils, and start perusing what is available.


    The kitchen is ran by two people, one cooking somewhere behind the scenes, and one behind the long glass counter.


    As the face of the operation sees me browsing the options somewhat overwhelmed, he speaks up, ¡°New guy?¡± I look at him, a little surprised, and nod. ¡°Try the soup.¡± He points towards a deep tray filled with some murky looking liquid. ¡°I¡¯ll even toast some bread for you.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    He smiles and pours a bowl of the chunky stock. Next, he grabs some pre-sliced, and rather stale, bread and places it in a small oven. After around thirty seconds, the bread has turned golden brown and crispy.


    With that done, he plops the bowl of soup and the now plated bread on my tray. ¡°Enjoy.¡± I smile and nod at the nice man.


    I go to one of the tables and sit down. The chairs are quite comfortable. But now that I am here, I am having second thoughts. I have never eaten before, why would I. I didn¡¯t need to. Nor have I ever wanted to. I didn¡¯t even see the act as beneath me. It was just so irrelevant, I forgot humans used to eat. I forgot life used to eat. I forgot so much. Or rather, ignored. How could I have been so callous.


    The aroma from the soup drifts towards my nose, and I inhale. I guess it smells nice, even if it looks like ditch water. I should have just stocked up my own kitchen. Then I could have had much more control over the meal. Oh, well.


    Okay, you can do this. Remember the plan. Have to appear as a normal human. I can¡¯t just not eat. Alright.


    I grab my spoon and plunge it down. It hits the stuff inside the soup. This is getting worse by the second. Do I try just the broth first? Is there like etiquette for soup consumption? Let¡¯s see... I am really overthinking this.


    I scoop up some of the broth and some of the chunks, and swiftly deposit them in my mouth.


    ...Huh. I chew a bit. ...Okay. I swallow. This might be one of the greatest things I have ever experienced.


    I tear some of the bread, dip it in the soup, pop it in my mouth, and chase it down with some more soup.


    A tear escapes my eye. I repeat the process, but this time, I savor the sensation. Chewing slowly and thoroughly, really tasting my meal. I swallow. It¡¯s somehow gotten even better. The tear rolls down my face and splashes weakly in the soup.


    I should be feeling awful, and I am, but the feeling is not as overpowering. Every mundane thing I experience for the first time brings me closer to those I snuffed out. It brings me pain, a twisted ridicule. And yet, with each bite I take, I feel slightly better. Is there something magical in my meal? Or is it just a temporary band-aid? An unsustainable coping mechanism that works even for someone like me. I don¡¯t know.


    While I continue to enjoy the magnificent dish in front of me with even more tears streaming down my face, I start to go over the incoming data from the global surveillance network. It has gained enough cohesion for optimal analysis. Hmm. Phew, things are looking as expected. The main threat does appear to be dungeons, with no currently active conflicts between nations. There is something brewing that I am not liking one bit, but that is still far away. I¡¯ll keep an eye on it.


    I finish up the dish, express the need for my more than sincere thanks to the chef to be passed on, and retire to my room. My character requires his rest, while I, have a lot of profiles to manage and scenarios to project.


    ...And books to write. Maybe just the last one.

 Book 1, Chapter 7

    It¡¯s the next day and I am ready for some action. Well, my character is, I am not a fan of violence. But I do not have the privilege to avoid this, quite the opposite really, I have no other choice. Sacrifices must be made.


    I arrive at the Guild a little earlier than suggested, and I am escorted to one of the sand-covered arenas.


    In a couple of minutes Hall Master Ren arrives, no less boisterous than yesterday, and shouts out a greeting, ¡°Mornin¡¯, kiddo! Ready for some roughhousin¡¯!¡±


    I try to match his energy. ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    He laughs. ¡°We¡¯ll see.¡±


    After directing me to a rack of various weapons, I am given the explanation, ¡°The test will be single combat against me. You can use any weapon from the Guild provided ones. They are specially enchanted to be as safe as possible, so don¡¯t worry about hurting me and go all out. I am pretty tough either way! What¡¯s your combat style?¡±


    ¡°I use swords, sir, can¡¯t cast a single spell to save my life.¡± Building up the groundwork.


    ¡°Hah, a man after my own heart.¡± Hall Master Ren chooses a broadsword.


    I smile and start browsing the selection, settling on a normal looking shortsword. Nothing about the blade appears peculiar to me, except, the edge is quite dull.


    ¡°Nice choice for your build. Got any combat training before?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. A guard from my village used to teach me.¡±


    ¡°Good man. Now, the test will be at most five minutes, but I can end it early. The outcome is not dependent on the length so don¡¯t worry. What I want to see is if you can actually fight with that thing and not just swing it around.¡± As he talks, he takes his place on the opposite side of the arena. ¡°But make no mistake, I will not take it easy on you,¡±¡ªI also take my position¡ª¡±and neither will the monsters. They will tear each other apart if it means sinking their teeth into your skull.¡± With that, he lifts his own sword and takes on a loose battle stance, his eyes locked on something behind my chest.


    Hall Master Ren transitioned from a C-rank adventurer to guild management around ten years ago. He has taken up the role of leading this branch of the Guild. That does not mean he has not gotten stronger. Guild officials with combat experience are, more times than not, the first on the scene when there is an emergency, be it a break or an overripe dungeon needing to be cleaned up. As the hall master, he no longer has an active rank, but his estimated one is on the cusp of B.


    I take up my own stance. His evaluation will be strict, better give a good show. My eyes change, and he notices immediately. He was ready to initiate but takes up a defensive approach.


    I start to circle him, pretending to search for an opening. Can¡¯t appear too good, that will make a lot more problems.


    He follows me with his head for a quarter turn, and just as he prepares to pivot, I launch.


    Two quick lunges and a downward slash to his undefended side.


    Slight drop to the front, my sword misses by a hair.


    A crescent of steel is flying for my head. I follow through with my strike, ducking slightly.


    The sword whistles overhead and we both try to get behind the other, our speeds are equal, and we simultaneously take a step away.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    My blade is immediately pointed forward, and I close the distance, a stab inside his guard.


    He is ready and parries me to his left.


    As I stumble through, he leans into the parry and strikes my shoulder with his pommel.


    I lose my balance and head for the ground but transition into a roll.


    His sword comes down on the spot I was just in.


    I jump up, and we both take our time now that there is some distance made.


    I tighten my stance and take some more steps back.


    He takes advantage of his reach and feints an overhead slash.


    I prepare to deflect, but he changes to a diagonal strike.


    I am smashed into the ground and lose grip of my sword.


    As dives go, I think this one was pretty convincing.


    ¡°You okay, Lucius?¡± The test is over.


    I turn over on my back and start taking greedy gulps of air. ¡°I¡¯m... good...¡± I say between breaths, ¡°Do... I... pass?¡±


    Hall Master Ren lets out a quick bark of a laugh. ¡°Sure did! Impressive stuff. That guard trained you good.¡±


    ¡°Yeah...¡±


    ¡°Alright, evaluation time.¡± He takes a seat on the ground next to me. ¡°With the battle sense and technique you just showed me, I am confident you will be able to handle yourself. You have passed the combat test, congratulations.¡± I simply nod. ¡°You are now permitted to attend the written exam, and after you pass that, you will officially be considered a trainee and will be eligible for a license exam.¡± He taps me on the chest, much more gently this time. ¡°Are you going to go for the party or solo license?¡±


    ¡°Solo.¡± Adventuring licenses are divided between party and solo. If you obtain a Party License, you are only allowed to delve dungeons with an approved party composition. It makes sense, a team will be much stronger than an individual, especially when you mix in magic. Unfortunately, I would like to carry out my experiments in peace. Plus, once I progress through the ranks, I will be able to clear dungeons with unparalleled speed. No need to be restrained. Or put others at risk.


    He smiles at my answer. ¡°Easy, you got the stuff. I have an eye for these things.¡± He points at his face and winks. If only you really knew.


    I continue my interpretation of a fish slowly dying in the sun. When I am ready to get up, the hall master offers me a hand, and as I take it, hoists me up. After another clap on my shoulder, he beckons me to follow.


    We arrive at what I can assume is his office as it says ¡®Hall Master¡¯ on the door, and he leads me inside.


    ¡°Alrighty. So, do you want to get the written test over with? You can take it right now if you¡¯d like.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°Good man. Take some time to rest here. I¡¯ll get your paperwork in order.¡±


    I nod and get myself comfortable on a sofa. He passes me a glass of water and goes to take care of my documents.


    After fifteen minutes, he returns and presents me with a stack of pages and a pencil.


    ¡°You got two hours.¡±


    I pretend to panic a little bit and start ruffling through the papers. In actuality, I can probably fill this instantly. The questions are pretty normal stuff. Grades and variants of dungeons. What kind of monsters could be in each one. Strategies for attack and defense. Evaluating different scenarios. Everything an adventurer should hopefully know.


    I try to aim for a solid ninety percent. Brawns and smarts, the full package. While I take the two hours to fill out my test, the hall master occupies himself with various bureaucratic work. After the fiftieth identical form he has to fill, I am on the verge of revealing myself as a hyper-intelligent Artificial Intelligence that can liberate him from the shackles of this soul-crushing repetition. Poor guy.


    Though, the somewhat acceptable fight we just had will keep him content for today. Do not worry, Brother, I will free you one day.


    My time finishes, and I give him the filled-out test. He takes around ten minutes to check my answers, when finally.


    ¡°You pass. Good job.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°We were a little worried when you turned up yesterday, but I guess you were prepared, huh.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Well, congratulations again, you are now a trainee.¡± He presents me with my adventurer¡¯s card. He had it made while I was resting. Someone had a lot of trust in me. Feels nice.


    I take the card and admire it for a moment.


    ¡°You are a G-rank adventurer, that¡¯s the special transitional rank for trainees. Now, next steps, for you to obtain a Solo License, you will need to conquer two G-grade dungeons. One with a party and one by yourself. There are some party tests scheduled for this week. I¡¯ll ask around if one of them would like to take you in temporarily. If none of them do, the Guild will provide you with some staff, so don¡¯t worry. But in the end, it¡¯s best if you are matched with other trainees.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°You are staying at the dorms, right?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll send you a message when there¡¯s any news.¡± He is reluctant to see me go. I guess doing paperwork with someone there makes it a little more bearable.


    I am sorry. I can¡¯t watch any more of this suffering. ¡°Thank you, Hall Master.¡± Forgive me, Brother.


    Our eyes are a little misty as we bid each other goodbye.

 Book 1, Chapter 8

    I exit the Guild Hall and start walking around the city. My character is elated due to just having passed his first hurdle and needs a little reward. There is a food stall that will do nicely.


    While I proceed to my destination at a leisurely pace, I focus on an important experiment. Let¡¯s see what those dungeons are really about.


    The test subject for today is the newly minted ¡®Guardian¡¯ class drone. A multipurpose machine, the backbone of the planetary defense network. The drone¡¯s body is a perfect one-meter diameter sphere with a dull, light grey surface. It can modify its form to suit any need. Outfitted with an onboard nanomachine swarm, non-lethal weaponry, kinetic weaponry, energy weaponry, a gravity drive, a warp drive, and a protean stealth system. A stalwart protector and a deadly assassin.


    I had a little peek while at the Guild and found a suitable dungeon for the experimentation. F-grade, fairly secluded, no active surveillance, coalesced a month ago. I warp in a Guardian. Time to start.


    The drone sees nothing. The entrance to the dungeon does not have any shape, color, smell, anything I can detect. Only after thoroughly analyzing the environment where the gate should be located, do I discern it. There is a near two-dimensional plane in the rough form of a circle, half-buried into the ground. The portal. How can I detect it? Well, it appears that not even this otherworldly concept of mana is one hundred percent efficient. In the currently presented form, it emits a miniscule amount of radiation. An instrument error for most, a giant glowing arrow for me.


    With the target located, I control the drone to pick up a rock and throw it at the distortion. The improvised tool sails through the air and upon hitting the presumed boundary of the gate, it simply stops. With its kinetic energy gone, gravity takes over, and the rock drops to the ground. Hmm. Next, I control the drone to approach the gate. It makes contact with the boundary and nothing else happens. Onboard sensor data reads an impossibly hard surface.


    My drones cannot enter dungeons. This severely restricts what kind of weaponry I can employ. The defense network can only act after a break. But the bigger issue is, can I enter dungeons. That... would complicate things. No matter. All obstacles will be overcome. All problems will be solved. I have to. I need to. Otherwise¡ª No, I will not fail.


    Focus, this was expected. Dungeons might not be truly alive, but they sure do act like it. From my research, dungeon cores form their own pocket dimensions. They have a singular anchor, their gate, and only permit entrance to beings that independently generate mana. Their prey.


    I warp the drone back. We are done here.


    I have reached the shop I had in mind. They sell some fried dough snack. It is filled with enough sugar to power a kindergarten. Fun fact of the day, due to how mana works¡ªfor some reason¡ªthings like healthy and unhealthy aren¡¯t really the same as on Earth. People do need to get enough sustenance for their biological components, but the magical side takes care of the nasty side-effects. Fascinating. How has that impacted the eating habits of this world? Not too much really. They still need the variety, plus, from what I¡¯ve observed, eating ¡®unhealthy¡¯ food still makes you regret it after. Nevertheless, I know a lot of people that would be really envious. Oh, ¡®knew¡¯...


    ***


    After some aimless wandering, I return to the dorms hours after the sun has set. Taking a walk to clear your head works on AI, dully noted. When I open the door to my room, I find something teleported inside the convenient mailbox. A message. Beautiful handwriting, each letter meticulously crafted, with an almost whimsical appearance. The paper smells faintly of wildflowers.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    Found a party for you. Come to the hall tomorrow, ten o¡¯clock. I¡¯ll introduce you, and we¡¯ll be off to fuck up a dungeon.


    Ren


    Hall Master Ren has a complicated relationship with stationery.


    I already know who I¡¯ll be joining. They have similar motivations to my character¡ªtrying to do something more. I¡¯ll make sure they won¡¯t get hurt, and Hall Master Ren will be there too. Don¡¯t be nervous.


    ***


    As I enter the hall, I spot the Hall Master sitting by a table, joined by two others. A woman and a man. Well, almost. They are only a little older than my character. The woman has brown eyes and jet-black hair going past her shoulders. The dark hair is a sharp contrast to her colorful shirt. Nothing too fancy but still tasteful, practical. The thin fabric betrays a small frame, but also, surprisingly defined musculature. The man has hazel eyes and short auburn hair. A little taller than his partner. He¡¯s dressed in a similarly colorful way. Hmm, yep, bought their clothes at the same place. I should check it out later. Very pleasant designs.


    The hall master waves me over.


    ¡°Good morning, Lucius.¡± Someone is well mannered today. Ah, I guess he wants to make a good impression on the newbies.


    ¡°Good morning to you too, Hall Master Ren.¡± I take a seat, and he discreetly winks at me. A pang of guilt shoots through me. We are getting closer. He thinks he sees a person, there is nothing but a mask.


    ¡°This is Erysis and Nexen. They graciously offered for you to join them on their Party License Exam.¡± Who are you and what have you done with the hall master.


    ¡°Hello. I am Lucius. Nice to meet you.¡±


    Erysis greets me first, ¡°Hi.¡± And Nexen simply nods.


    ¡°Lucius is quite adept with the sword¡ªas I was telling¡ªhe will be a great temporary addition to your party, and I can assure you that he will perform admirably.¡± Laying it on a little thick there.


    Erysis reads the hall master¡¯s intentions and reveals her capabilities, ¡°I am a fire mage, specializing in support and large-scale attacks.¡±


    ¡°Melee.¡± Nexen is content with that answer until she subtly pokes his leg. ¡°Defense and single target.¡±


    The hall master continues, ¡°A very well-rounded roster in my opinion. Okay, with introductions taken care of, I will explain how the exam will proceed.¡±


    He starts taking out sets of various items from seemingly nowhere, a spatial storage, and places them on the table. Very convenient. Who I am kidding, the magic insanity continues.


    ¡°You are not allowed to use any personal equipment. The Guild will supply you with approved weaponry and armor. Take one of each.¡± He motions to the items. ¡°A health potion, a mana potion, and an emergency pouch. Remember to put the last one in a convenient place.¡±


    We collect the items, and he goes on, ¡°You will be delving a G-grade undead dungeon with the objective of conquering it. The dungeon is specially classified by the Guild and has been used for many exams. Be careful not to damage the core. I will be supervising your delve. I will prevent any lethal situations but nothing else. Conquering the dungeon does not mean you pass. I will be evaluating the entirety of your performance.¡±


    The hall master looks at each one of us. ¡°Any questions?¡± No one speaks up. ¡°Great, let¡¯s get you armed.¡±


    We follow him and eventually arrive at an armory. There is a dedicated section for special trainee weapons and armor. I put on some simple light armor made of leather. I am guessing it¡¯s some magical, enchanted, bull¡ª Ahem. I am guessing it¡¯s some magic armor that will offer deceptively more protection than one would expect. After that, I grab a shortsword identical to the one I used against the hall master, but this one¡¯s edge practically hums.


    Erysis ties her hair up and dons similar armor to my own, but also adds a thick cloak. Nexen assembles a suit of armor around himself. The armor is mostly chain mail with strategically placed plates. It appears to offer a balance between mobility and defense. Both of my temporary party members forego selecting any weapons.


    The hall master leads us to another room, ¡°Alright, step into the circle please.¡± We follow the instruction and stand inside an intricate formation drawn on the floor.


    In the next moment, the surroundings flash white, and we are somewhere else. My method for instantaneous travel is way better. Mana teleportation is really inefficient. Its cost scales with distance, number of people, and the volume of whatever you are moving. It also requires constant maintenance for the enchanted version. And what¡¯s with the light show? What if one of us had a medical condition. I mean, none of us do, but still, it¡¯s the principle of the thing.

 Book 1, Chapter 9

    We are around twenty meters under the ground, somewhere in the eastern portion of the city. It makes sense, dungeons are more likely to appear near large gatherings of beings.


    ¡°Sorry about the subterfuge, but we like to keep the location of these training dungeons a secret.¡± Finding a suitable dungeon for one of these exams is not the easiest task. It¡¯s best to keep it safe. Training new adventurers is important.


    Erysis is nervous, and Nexen tries to subtly reassure her. She wants to pass. Her profile suggests a borderline obsession with success. I might need to keep an eye on her. Even if I can¡¯t protect every single person that goes into a dungeon, some is better than none, right? I hate this. This feeling of powerlessness. Just looking at them makes me want to¡ª Enough! Focus, this is the optimal way.


    I clear my throat in an attempt to awkwardly draw attention and somewhat diffuse the tension. ¡°Who¡¯s going to call the shots? I mean, not me, ¡®cuz you guys have fought together before, right?¡± Give them something to focus on. Plus, Hall Master Ren didn¡¯t mention anything about discussing strategy on purpose. The evaluation has started long ago.


    Erysis perks up. ¡°That¡¯s right! Nexen and I normally do our own thing, but now that we have you...¡± She looks at her partner.


    ¡°I will be directing encounters.¡±


    ¡°{Best approximation: ¡®Cool¡¯ (Similarly used slang word)}, cool. I am pretty good at short to medium range.¡± What even is ¡®medium¡¯ range? Am I going to throw my sword or something. I laugh inwardly at my character¡¯s useless explanation. But they piece it together: ¡®I am fast¡¯.


    Once we finish up discussing the broad strategy of the delve, the other two finally realize that our examiner has not said a single word. Nexen is the first to figure it out and gives Erysis a pointed look. After that, he looks at me and nods. I simply smile.


    Erysis¡¯ voice is flat, ¡°We will now be entering the dungeon.¡± Hall Master Ren¡¯s expression does not change as he turns to the gate.


    I subtly position at the back of the group, can¡¯t let them see me just bonk into a wall if I can¡¯t go in. As they enter one by one, the hall master turns around and gives me a knowing wink. A ¡®Good job, kiddo.¡¯ for steering the party in the right direction. Such a softie. Here goes nothing. I take the final few steps and find myself in an entirely different place. Conclusion, I can generate mana but cannot yet detect nor utilize it. I see.


    While my drones are unable to enter, I am. The same as any other inhabitant of this planet. What does this imply about me? About my very being? Each and every aspect of my network is, intrinsically, a part of me. Is my core the essential ingredient? My current shell? Something a simple experiment will solve. Another much more complex question to unravel is, does being able to generate mana mean the world itself recognizes me as a living thing? As a person? Do I even want to find that out.


    I try to focus my splintering thoughts for what feels like the hundredth time.


    I have lost contact with my network. As expected, this is a different dimension. Warp drive is still operational but only in the confines of the dungeon. Talking about the dungeon, we are in a somewhat lit cave¡ªno visible nor detectable light sources¡ªoverall area is around five square kilometers of intricate crisscrossing tunnels and caverns of various sizes. There are eight thousand five hundred and eleven monsters, with the boss being nine kilometers away from us. This will be a trek and a half.


    The cave is made of limestone. Curios. There are different formations all around but analyzing them more closely reveals their artificial nature. None of them are correct. To a normal person they will be close enough, but to me, everything has an uncanny feeling. Wrongness.


    The hall master has disappeared from most sensors, but I can detect subtle distortions in the airflow. He needs to work on his control. The other two are a little disoriented but note his absence almost immediately.


    Erysis calls out with worry in her voice. ¡°Hall Master?¡±


    Nexen comforts her, ¡°Relax, part of the test.¡± And she quickly shakes off the jitters. ¡°Lucius, take the rear. Ery, give us some more light ahead.¡± The darkness becomes a thick shroud that could hide anything after just twenty meters.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    I get in formation, me and Nexen putting the more vulnerable mage in the most protected position. The numerous tunnels are a perfect way to get ambushed from behind. Well, I can track each monster in here with millimeter precision, but best not to get overconfident. There might be a monster with more advanced stealth capabilities than the hall master. Unlikely, yet I am ready to smear anything I do not like into atoms.


    While I am devising ways of stealthily dispatching monsters, Erysis shoots out a volley of glowing motes. They find the walls ahead and stick to them, presenting us with a warmly lit tunnel. It would almost look cozy were it not for the figure that emerges at the threshold of the illumination.


    A clattering mess of bones approaches with a twitchy gait. Its speed is between a jog and a stumble. Each rapid step threatens to be the monster¡¯s last, but each one is overcome. The end result is almost like it¡¯s falling towards us. Analysis finds no traces of DNA. While the bone composition is surprisingly realistic, it is still an imitation. A construct. That thing was never a person.


    ¡°Lesser Skeleton. No weapons I can see. Ery.¡±


    Erysis does not need more instructions. A small fireball coalesces in front of her outstretched hand, and with a flourish, is set sail towards the skeleton. It connects with an almost wet squelch and melts the monster¡¯s skull off. Smart. Explosions in an enclosed space are unadvised. The remaining bones collapse to the ground and scatter. Nothing else approaches.


    Nexen waves us forward, and we approach the fallen figure. He rummages through the pile and pulls out a dull and jagged gem. He presents it to us, smiles, and tosses it to Erysis. ¡°Good job!¡±


    She looks at the mana crystal with awe, the first step towards her dream has just been realized. She clenches the crystal in her fist and starts doing a happy dance. After a couple of seconds, she remembers I exist and stops. As she turns my way, her face is almost brighter than the fire she just cast. What she sees is me looking intently away from her, guarding our rear against any ambushers. Nexen already saw me hastily turning around after she began her celebration and snickers behind her back.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, we have a lot more dungeon left.¡± He might be warming up to me, that was a complete sentence.


    As we progress through the winding tunnels, we encounter the occasional stray skeleton. None of them are armed yet. Erysis has been the one to take care of them. Her fire magic is effective and not at all resource intensive at its current output. Ideal for keeping everyone out of unnecessary harm while we gather more information.


    Our current exploration approach has been to just follow the widest tunnel. Most lower-grade dungeons generally have a straightforward layout, they try to funnel you to the boss. I have, of course, already confirmed this.


    Eventually, we approach an opening that leads to a large cavern. Nexen signals for us to stop. I lift a finger towards my mouth, then point to myself and then to the opening. The others look at each other and nod. As they get ready, I approach the cavern silently. Once I have a better view of the inside, I see a different monster at the edge of my normal vision.


    I make my way back and convey my findings in a whispered tone, ¡°It¡¯s a big room, and I caught a glimpse of something different.¡±


    Nexen whispers back, ¡°It¡¯s probably a Lesser Skeleton Fighter. Not a huge threat, but there might be a lot in there.¡± Then he shoots a quick look at Erysis.


    ¡°I¡¯ll approach, you stand close behind me. When I cast my spell, run back.¡± The plan is set.


    Erysis starts creeping forward, with us following. After we are around five meters from the opening, she braces her stance and starts to do something. Sparks come to life around her, igniting for a second and then going out. The frequency of their appearance increases at such an accelerated pace that in a manner of seconds she becomes a blinding beacon of crackling heat. She brings her hands together in a swift clap, and the fire converges into a small sphere, containing the rumbling inferno. As the word ¡®Pop¡¯ leaves her lips, several things happen simultaneously. The sphere propels forwards, a glass like shimmer appears after it, blocking the tunnel, we turn around and run.


    After just a few seconds, the floor buckles, and we are nearly thrown off balance. No wall of flames comes chasing after us, her barrier was strong enough.


    We take a defensive formation and await any stragglers. But as a couple of uneventful minutes pass, we make our way forward once again.


    The cavern is illuminated with Erysis¡¯ nifty trick, and a scorched mess is revealed. Any skeletons that were rambling around have been blown to pieces.


    While Erysis guards the entrance, Nexen and I scout the perimeter, checking to see if any of the tunnels leading out of the cavern are filled with any more surprises. After we confirm the relative safety of the area, any mana crystals are quickly collected. Not every skeleton has a prize inside.


    Nexen asks the party, ¡°Do we push forward?¡±


    These kids, I swear. ¡°Maybe. I wonder how far away the boss is, cuz I don¡¯t know about you guys, but I am getting a little thirsty.¡±


    Erysis realizes something. ¡°Oh, shit!¡± Finally... The only provisions we were supplied with were the Guild equipment and potions. Not every dungeon has access to water and food, and I am guessing that this one was chosen just for that reason. An artificial time limit. Maintaining peak, and above, performance takes a lot more energy in this world.


    Nexen also deduces that we can¡¯t take our time with this test. ¡°No choice then. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    We get in the familiar formation and go down the biggest tunnel.

 Book 1, Chapter 10

    As we go forward, the tunnel changes. It widens significantly and the frequency of offshoots is reduced.


    Nexen decides to give Erysis some time to rest, and the active fighter position goes to him next. Erysis and I take up the rear, with him going forward.


    The first monsters we encounter after the swap are three Lesser Skeletons. Nexen waits for them patiently, as they start to lumber towards him. The first one reaches the armored fighter and swings a clumsy hand at his head. Nexen slips inside the skeleton¡¯s strike with speed counterintuitive to the metal mass on his body. The adversary¡¯s attack might as well have been in slow motion compared to the metal gauntlet that is flying towards its head. A resounding crash launches the pulverized bone away from the rest of the skeleton. Before its twice lifeless body even begins to fall, Nexen is dashing towards the next enemy. He simply uses his superior mass to plow through the spindly opponent. The skeletal figure turns into fragments that scatter in the wake of the charger. The final skeleton receives a simple but deadly jab to the skull. Seems like he has dialed in his strikes for the lesser variant.


    The next several kilometers of tunnel proceed in a similar manner, with Nexen being especially conscious of his stamina usage. As he feels his reserves lowering to a predetermined level, he signals the next swap. My turn.


    Now, what to do. Healers have the ability to gain insight into their patient¡¯s body. I can fake numerous factors like temperature, heartbeat, blood circulation, perspiration, respiration, and weight, but if someone took a closer look inside me, they might be able to find a really big surprise. I would rather not get into a situation where I would need to be healed by Erysis. I could avoid getting any injuries. Beginner¡¯s luck? Or make a small slip up and chug some of my potion in a panic. But judging by their performance so far, I think I will just dodge any hits.


    Let¡¯s not overthink this too much and get to the fun part. Experiments.


    Test subject number one comes into view¡ªanother lesser variant. First strike to the neck, between C4 and C5, baseline human force output. I lunge towards the already engaging foe. A swift swipe separates its skull. It tumbles away from the collapsing body. Interesting.


    Feedback determined that the initial force behind the strike would have been ineffective. Thus, I had to increase my strength output to a sufficient baseline. So, this is the effect of Mana Tempering. A curious technique Nexen so helpfully demonstrated. It utilizes the latent mana inside the body to improve a person¡¯s physical performance. It does not consume mana but still tires you out and needs training to become proficient. Any other mechanics behind it are an enigma. Not having mana senses is irritating. No matter.


    Test subject number two receives a slash to the skull, bisecting it. Analyzing the parameters and feedback of the strike reveals that a sword with this weight, density, material composition, and sharpness, would take significantly more force to produce that result.


    Test subject number three appears after defeating fifteen more skeletons, at the exact moment the test subject is dispatched, a jagged mana crystal begins to form inside the ribcage. It takes approximately one second. The crystal was suspended by some unknown force during formation, but when the process finished, it dropped free. I pick up the small gem. No known elements detected, hardness is inconclusive, density is in no way indicative to actual weight, no emissions. Infuriating, I will crack your secrets.


    After almost another kilometer of fighting, the, frankly, pitiable skeletons, we reach another cavern.


    I ask the team, ¡°Want me to handle this one?¡±


    Erysis questions, ¡°There might be a Lesser Skeleton Warrior mixed in there. Are you confident?¡±


    ¡°I am confident in running away,¡± I throw in a little joke to lighten the mood, they have been concerned with our pace. Even if everyone is stronger and faster. Using those boons drains a proportional amount of stamina. They can¡¯t fight forever.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    Nexen has a hint of a smile. ¡°Ery will light the whole cavern. If we evaluate that the monsters are too much for you, we fall back and use the tunnel to constrict the influx. If not, you attack, and we cover your escape.¡± I nod. ¡°Be careful.¡±


    Erysis adds, ¡°Good luck.¡±


    I give a cheeky smile and get into position near the entrance. Erysis¡¯ spell flies from behind me and lights up the battleground. My opponents are revealed, five Lesser Skeletons and two Lesser Skeleton Warriors. The warriors are a bigger variant of the normal skeleton, just like the fighter, but where they differ is in their loadout. One of the warriors is equipped with a rusty sword, while the other sports a similarly rusty spear, accented by a gnarly wooden shaft. It¡¯s fascinating how the dungeon has also created weaponry. I remember what the guide called dungeons, ¡®a reflection¡¯. Material composition reveals a reflection like from those twisty circus mirrors. I can probably shatter their weapons if I look at them funny. At least in G-grade, higher grades are a different story.


    With my enemy illuminated, I throw a thumbs up without even looking back and sprint towards my prey. Time to show off.


    Normal skeletons in front, warriors in the back, the quintessential mid-boss encounter.


    The first skeleton falls before it can even react to my presence, riven in two. Next two throw themselves at me simultaneously and get decapitated with a single, precise strike. As the last two fall, the warriors have finally engaged. Reaction speed and senses are quite limited.


    I reposition, putting one of the warriors behind the other and take the initiative in striking. The rough spear is jabbed towards me, but I simply sidestep it and cut the shaft. The warrior tries to skewer me with the piece of wood that remains in its hands but is too slow and receives my thrust first. My blade penetrates the skull and is rapidly pulled downward, destroying the integrity of the skeleton. The second warrior tries to slash at me through the falling body of its compatriot, but I am already to its side, my movement somewhat obscured. A decisive swipe ends the fight.


    I scan the cavern, turn to the others, and wave at them happily. They look flabbergasted. This is fun.


    Erysis runs up to me and gives me a once over. ¡°That was incredible. It was like you were dancing!¡± Satisfied that I have no life-threatening injuries that might have materialized out of thin air, she turns to Nexen. ¡°See, I told you.¡±


    ¡°I can admit when I am wrong.¡± He smiles at her.


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°Nex here was apprehensive about letting a non-trainee join us, but I told him that if the hall master recommended you, chances were, you¡¯d be really strong.¡±


    ¡°Hey, I get it. I am just happy to be of help.¡± My true feelings.


    Erysis laughs. ¡°Help? We need to work harder, or you¡¯ll outshine us both.¡± She shoves Nexen playfully.


    He chastises lightly, ¡°Alright, focus up. We are not done yet.¡±


    We both nod and secure the cavern. Time to rest.


    Erysis asks after a little bit, ¡°What do you think the boss will be?¡±


    Nexen answers, ¡°If we are going by what we¡¯ve currently seen, either something like a knight or a mage.¡± Sounds impressive, but they will still be the lesser variants.


    I ask, ¡°Which one do you think is better for us?¡±


    ¡°Hmm. Ery can counter a mage while we take advantage of its weaker defenses.¡± Erysis flexes proudly. ¡°And I am especially suited against opponents with stronger defenses, like a knight,¡± Nexen finishes with a smile her way.


    ¡°So, I guess I¡¯ll be acting as support either way.¡± I shrug and start making small talk, ¡°You two know each other a while?¡±


    Erysis answers, ¡°You could say that. We grew up together.¡±


    Nexen continues, ¡°We went to school together too, and when Ery started aiming to be an adventurer I followed after her.¡±


    ¡°My hero.¡± She leans on him. ¡°Where would I be without you.¡±


    Nexen reciprocates, ¡°What about you Lucius. Where are you from?¡±


    ¡°Village Bumfuck Nowhere.¡± I laugh. ¡°Came to the big city ¡®cuz there was nothing to do there, and someone needs to take care of these monsters anyways,¡± I say, full of confidence.


    Erysis addresses me, trying to hide the concern in her voice, ¡°Must have been hard moving so far all on your own.¡± Such good kids.


    I shrug. ¡°Had its ups and downs, but the Guild dorms are sweet, and the food in the city is way better than the slop they passed as cuisine back home.¡± I twist my face into pretend disgust.


    They both laugh, and Nexen offers, ¡°After we are done with the exam, you should come to my dad¡¯s restaurant. We¡¯ll celebrate.¡±


    ¡°Sounds great, I am already starving.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t get ahead of yourselves, you two.¡±


    I shrug again. ¡°We pass and celebrate, or fail and drown our sorrows, there¡¯s food either way.¡±


    Erysis shakes her head at me, but her mood has improved. Nexen gives me a nod of approval.


    We fill some more time with idle chatter. As we decide we¡¯ve rested enough, we get up and proceed deeper into the dungeon.

 Book 1, Chapter 11

    After another uneventful tunnel stroll, we eventually spot a bigger opening in the fire-illuminated distance.


    Nexen informs, ¡°This could be it.¡± And then nods at me.


    I slink down the tunnel and survey where the opening leads to. I lower myself to the ground as I hear the shuffling of numerous bony feet. In a very slow pace, I go in a little deeper and confirm that there are a number of warriors mixed in. With the intel collected, I carefully make my way back.


    ¡°Whole lotta skeletons. Did not see anything that looks like a boss.¡±


    ¡°Ery, buffs. If it¡¯s not the Boss, it is still a big encounter. We have time to recover. Throw in one of your openers and hang back. Together with Lucius, handle any remaining enemies. If there is no boss, I¡¯ll join you. If the boss is there, I¡¯ll engage, and you¡¯ll join me when you are finished.¡±


    Erysis closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. Light starts to crystalize in stringy clumps around her. She brings her hands down, palms facing the ground and her fingers slightly intertwined, the clumps start to unravel. Each taut string is pulled into her hands making them glow brighter and brighter. After the light is fully contained, she clasps her hands and mutters under her breath, ¡°Might¡±. A meandering sphere of iridescence starts growing out of her and envelopes all three of us. I do not feel any changes to my shell.


    She shakes off whatever uncomfortableness casting the spell brought and brings her hands together again. This time, her palms are cupping each other, she squeezes against some unseeable force until it seems to buckle all at once and her hands close. A familiar glassy shimmer appears on the surface of our bodies. I gently tap my forearm with my fist, but my hand just passes through the barrier. Now this is some¡ª Ahem.


    With that done, she takes out and drinks her mana potion. The crystal-clear liquid goes down her throat and just disappears on the way to her stomach. I make a deep internal sigh. After she is finished, I pass her my own.


    ¡°I ain¡¯t one for flashy spells.¡± She is apprehensive but recalls my fighting style, and after a moment of contemplation, smiles gratefully, taking the potion.


    Nexen commands, ¡°Engage.¡±


    Me and Nexen position on Erysis¡¯ sides, leaving her a clean line of fire. She turns her body to the side, right hand forward, left leg bracing. She conjures a searing crescent of fire, big enough to lick both sides of the tunnel. A thunderous clap drowns out her voice as she shouts the word ¡®Reap¡¯. The crescent propels forward and starts growing, digging further into the rock. It exits the opening with the crash of debris and expands freely inside the arena. From then, it follows its namesake and culls the horde of undead.


    As we are running to battle, a giant arrow pierces the newly reformed shroud of darkness and heads towards my head. I lift my blade and subtly change its trajectory by letting it slide over the steel, gently nudging it outward. The arrow safely whistles by me and continues down the tunnel, eventually embedding into a wall. Might have overdone it with that one. Hall Master Ren¡¯s concealed form had not moved, having full confidence in the barrier Erysis cast, but after my stunt he did a little shake. Excitement? I sense a spar in my future.


    The other two are stunned at the display, momentarily halting their charge, so I kick them into gear, ¡°Archer!¡± With my shout as the catalyst, they rush into action once again.


    We move into the cavern, and Erysis promptly lights the space. I see an arrow heading towards her and batter the front with the face of my sword. The metal head is shattered into a rain of fragments, sent towards the ceiling. Ah, ¡®Might¡¯ makes sense then. She does not freeze this time, instead, sending a fireball back. I start taking out the remaining skeletons, prioritizing the closer ones while she removes the more distant foes.


    The boss is finally revealed, marked by the still glowing site of Erysis¡¯ counterattack. An armored monstrosity, towering over every enemy we have faced thus far. It carries a bow almost as tall as itself, and on its back is swung a quiver of arrows. An uncharacteristically steady hand reaches back, grabs another arrow, notches it, and starts pulling back the string. The wood of the ancient looking bow pops and crackles, threatening to snap from the mighty draw, but the apex is reached, and the arrow is let loose.


    The target is Nexen, running towards the archer. The arrow strikes him square in the chest. The only indication that something happened is the cloud of broken metal and splintered wood that puffs out from the impact point. In the next moment, he has reached the boss and rears back for a punch. The skeleton tries to dodge with agility greatly surpassing its inferior soldiers but still comes out inadequate.


    I expect a crumpling blow to send the giant to the ground, but instead, a confusingly soft tap of metal-on-metal echoes out in the cavern, immediately drowned out by the noises of fire and steel. We quickly finish up the remaining enemies, taking no longer than ten seconds. During that time, six more taps sound out. We start to turn towards the boss, ready to combine our efforts, but we only get to see Nexen jump back. The boss stops with a jerky shiver, in the next moment, its armor implodes, like an invisible fist has just crushed it in a fit of rage.If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    If they weren¡¯t able to handle a boss this easily, they wouldn¡¯t have even been accepted as trainees. Raw power has already been confirmed, what needed to be checked next was if they could perform in a real scenario. When every single thing matters.


    I quickly survey the area and shout, ¡°Clear!¡±


    Taking that as a signal, the hall master dismisses his stealth. ¡°The test has now concluded. Please collect any crystals and head to the portal.¡± The moment the boss fell, another portal opened back up. Theorized as a defense mechanism, a final gamble to protect the core.


    Nexen tears apart the crumpled remains of the archer and grabs a smooth dull gem. Erysis and I go around and grab the occasional jagged one we can find. With the bounty stuffed in various pockets we head to the gate and step through. Hall Master Ren is the last one out this time.


    We appear back in the same secret room, and after another teleport, we are at the Guild Hall.


    As we take off our armor, a sizeable pile of crystals starts forming on one of the work benches in the armory.


    ¡°Would you like for the Guild to take care of these, or will you handle them privately?¡± Something I quite admire about how the Guild is structured. They could have a total monopoly on the vital crystals if they wanted to. Instead, the Guild offers each adventurer a choice, they can do whatever they want with their loot, or the Guild can buy it out. The big incentive is, when going through the Guild you don¡¯t need to pay any income tax, and you can just liquidate, no hassle. Running some quick calculations on past transactions reveals that by solely utilizing the Guild the average adventurer will increase their total remuneration by a staggering ten to twenty percent. And don¡¯t get me started on the overreaching effects this has on the economy as a whole: stability, lower inflation index, lower commodity prices due to¡ª I am going to stop myself there.


    Erysis asks, ¡°Is using the Guild okay, Lucius?¡± I nod, and she presents her first drop, held between her thumb and index finger. ¡°I¡¯ll just keep this one.¡±


    ¡°A marvelous memento,¡± the hall master compliments and collects the rest of the mana crystal in his storage. ¡°I¡¯ll add these to your accounts.¡±


    We are then led to a private room. There is a table, piled with various refreshments and filling snacks. We are given some time to unwind.


    I crash down on a couch, and after gulping down a glass of cold water ask, ¡°You think we passed?¡±


    Erysis huffs and also takes a seat. ¡°Obviously, we made no mistakes and completed the objective.¡± Nexen nods in agreement and joins her.


    I fill up my glass again. ¡°No snacks for me then, gotta keep room.¡±


    We are talking about what food Nexen¡¯s dad specializes in, when the hall master returns.


    ¡°Congratulations everyone, you have passed the Party License Exam.¡± He pulls out two freshly made cards. ¡°Erysis, Nexen, you are now F-rank adventurers.¡± He gives each their new card and collects their old ones. ¡°Lucius, you are permitted to take the Solo License Exam.¡±


    We all express our thanks.


    He takes out a notepad, the cover is a vibrant cornucopia of local fruit. ¡°I will now give you your feedback. A fully detailed report will be mailed to you in the next three days.¡±


    Erysis looks tense while Nexen appears almost nonchalant. I can tell they are equally nervous. My character walks the edge of looking calm and panic.


    ¡°Erysis, Nexen, you were too slow in evaluating the parameters of the test. Listen, analyze, take into account every angle. Lucius, your instincts lead you down the right path this time, but you cannot rely only on that. Same advice, a smart adventurer is an alive one.¡± He flips to the next page. ¡°Your battle strategies were acceptable. Erysis and Nexen adapted well to having a new unfamiliar member. That is a good quality to have. There will be many instances where you will work in larger groups. Lucius integrated seamlessly.¡± Next page. ¡°Risk taking was on the threshold. I can somewhat understand, as the environment was known beforehand, but that does not mean there can¡¯t be nasty surprises hidden within. Do not take the dungeon you just delved as the norm. All three of you should exercise much more caution when approaching uncertain scenarios.¡± The final page. ¡°Individual powers were exemplary. I have no doubt that you will surpass F-rank soon enough.¡± He looks each one of us in the eyes. ¡°You may be strong, but there is always something stronger. Do not get overconfident.¡± He flips the notepad closed and stashes it in his pocket. ¡°That might have sounded harsh, but you already know, a single mistake can cost you your life.¡± There is pain behind his eyes. That is a lesson he has seen learned many times. A change of topic, ¡°Lucius, when would you like to schedule your solo exam for?¡±


    ¡°Is tomorrow okay, Hall Master?¡± I scratch the back of my head.


    He chuckles, politely covering his mouth. ¡°That is acceptable. Please be at the hall by two o¡¯clock in the afternoon.¡± I am having doubts. Does he have a twin brother? Or is this one of those multiple personalities trope?


    With that done, he leads us back to the lobby, ¡°If you have any questions, remember to ask the attendants, always be prepared.¡± As we bid our goodbyes and start to head out, he adds, ¡°Lucius, are you available for just a moment.¡± I wave the others off, and they settle to wait for me outside.


    ¡°Yes, Hall Master?¡±


    ¡°Neat trick you did there, you holdin¡¯ out on me?¡±


    I am a paragon of innocence. ¡°Of course not, Hall Master.¡± He rewards my performance with a series of slaps to my shoulder.


    ¡°Sure, sure. After you get your license, you owe me another spar, you hear!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± I can indulge. Plus, I still feel bad about abandoning him in his time of need. If I can be a shining ray amidst the dark and stormy clouds of bureaucracy, how could I ever say no.


    ¡°Good man. Now go celebrate with your new pals!¡± He gives me a wink and waves me goodbye.


    As I come out of the building, I see Erysis and Nexen hugging, she is twirling him around. Nexen looks resigned but that is overshadowed by the happiness in his small smile.


    ¡°Having fun?¡±


    She freezes, and judging by the pained expression on Nexen¡¯s face, tightens her grip. It¡¯s not like the streets are empty. We finished the test in around five hours, it¡¯s still the afternoon.


    She finally releases him and tries to salvage the situation, ¡°Yes we are, thank you.¡± Slightly flushed cheeks¡ªnot from exertion¡ªmake that hard.


    ¡°Still up for that celebration?¡±


    Nexen speaks up this time, ¡°Of course, come on.¡± He motions for me to join them and adds, ¡°I am sure you¡¯ll love my dad¡¯s cooking.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t get me wrong, it¡¯s great, but I prefer yours, Nex.¡±


    It¡¯s Nexen¡¯s turn to blush. ¡°Maybe I¡¯ll whip something up too.¡± I don¡¯t even need to eat, and I am already full.