> Narrator PoV

The city of Runetap. The largest ‘inn town’ in the Kingdom of Ferseit. It’s located on the crossroads of two major highways, attracting all sorts of merchants, travelers and adventurers. Its streets bustled with activity and life every single day as carts, wagons and people all passed by each other. However, this sprawling hotbed of traffic was not famous for exotic goods or special deals. Granted, such things did happen, but they paled in comparison before Runetap’s overwhelming infamy as the ‘the city where anything can happen.’

Like when a High Dragon was spotted overhead and then ‘mysteriously’ disappeared along with a large portion of the city’s eastern quarter.

Or that time when a 12 meter long snake had infested the city’s sewers, only to choke to death on hundreds of rats that had all ‘mysteriously’ jumped down its throat all at once.

Then there was the incident where the legendary six-legged Arachno-Hog managed to subdue a rogue necromancer by eating all 200 of his zombie ghosts.

Or how about the fact that ‘zombie ghosts’ somehow turned out to be a real thing that not only existed, but were also somehow edible?

Let’s not even mention the first ever Archon being born from the love between two women.

And those aren’t some tales of old or legends spoken about in hushed whispers. All of those things happened in just the last twelve (and a half) months. That last one, for example, took place less than three weeks ago. Bizarre and absurd incidents like these occurred regularly around this place, and those were just the highlights.

Runetap was, for better or for worse, a noisy place that attracted trouble. And the trouble that would visit it today would score seven out of ten on the absurdity scale. That’s pretty impressive considering the giant headless insects that invaded the city from somewhere to the north were rated as a four. Then again, that event happened about twice a year on average, so the people were pretty used to it.

The trouble in question was in the shape of a woman. A woman that, right now, was standing confidently outside the southern gate, sizing up everyone and anyone that passed by her. She was clearly looking down on them, both figuratively and literally. After all, she stood at a height of over two meters, easily towering over most people. She was something this city had only seen twice before, but that was so long ago that there was nobody alive who still remembered the event.

The woman was of a species not native to this continent - a salamander. Her torso appeared to be completely human, with pale skin and significantly larger than average breasts. Her four-fingered hands were tipped with sharp claws and covered in bright-red scales that went up to her elbows. Her feet similarly had four clawed toes, with matching red scales that went up past her knees. On the whole, her forearms and lower legs were two sizes thicker than one would expect, giving off the illusion that she was wearing extremely thick gloves and boots even if she was completely naked.

What set her apart the most was a long lizard-like tail swayed lazily behind her. The scaly appendage blazed with a perpetual bright yellow flame. Although relatively hot, the flames were not powerful enough to burn skin and could only make a person sweat at the most.

Her head, much like her torso, looked almost completely human in appearance. In fact, she could even be called a beauty if her face wasn’t constantly twisted in a pissed-off-looking expression. She had bright yellow eyes and a splatter of red scales around her nose and cheekbones, giving off the impression of freckles. Long fiery-red hair was tied in a loose ponytail which hanged down her back.

It was truly an appearance that even the people of Runetap would find odd. However, the main reason she would be turning heads would be her attire. She had black panties covering her lower half and a matching black leather bra-like ‘armor’ keeping her sizable cleavage in check.

That was it.

Technically she also had orange metal bracers and shin guards covering the scaly parts of her limbs, but nobody really paid any attention to those. It was a risque outfit that left very little to the imagination. It would be very hard to call it anything other than underwear. And she was wearing such clothing outside. In public. During winter. While snow fell on her head and shoulders.

At the very least, she didn’t seem to be cold. The snow melted and evaporated the instant it made contact with her hot skin. The white powder piled up on the ground would melt away whenever she stepped in it. Just standing next to her seemed to give off a pleasant heat that warmed one’s body.

Now if only someone could do something about that shameless attire. Indeed, the words ‘incorrigible pervert’ seemed to flow almost instantly to mind whenever someone looked at her.

Having had enough of glaring aggressively at random people for no good reason - a condition commonly referred to as ‘stink-eye’ - she made her way towards the guards at the southern gate. Although there was technically a line, people voluntarily got out of her way when they noticed her expression. Just her intense glare seemed to whisper ‘Wanna die?’ to them. Thus, she made it to the front of the line in very little time.

The guard saw this, but he didn’t care. What happened here was still technically outside the city, so it wasn’t his job to meddle in such petty affairs like cutting in line. Besides, those people got out of her way on their own, so there really was no reason to do anything. Thus, he simply carried out his job.

“Hello and welcome to Runetap. Identification, please.” (Guard)

The salamander reached into her cleavage and pulled out a small white rectangle that had a green sheen to it. She silently handed it to the guard, who seemed entirely unimpressed at her icy stare and aggressive behavior. He took the slightly warm adventurer’s card from her scaly hand. It turned blood red almost instantly.

A legitimate adventurer’s card would only remain white in the hands of its rightful owner. That slightly creepy shift in color was sufficient evidence that the person in front of the guard was also the one whose name was on the document.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Name: Yuri Teleila

Titles: Berserker

Team:

Position: Vanguard

Rank: D

Status: Suspended until 20/05/1438

--------------------------------------------------------------

The gate guard felt a small headache coming. [Berserker] was a title given to people who had trouble differentiating friend from foe on the battlefield. Rather than a badge of honor like most titles, this one was a mark of shame. That sort of behavior was probably the reason why she was suspended and wouldn’t be able to accept commissions for the next month and a half.

He turned around and walked into a small shed-like structure. He checked a list on the wall, then recorded her name along with the date and the time of her arrival in a ledger. After less than a minute he walked back to the female salamander.

“Thank you. Enjoy your stay in Runetap.” (Guard)

She took the document from his outstretched hand and immediately stuffed it back in her cleavage. She walked off into the city without saying a single word and throwing everyone she came across a vicious sneer like she was looking at garbage. The level of stink-eye on this one was truly impressive.

The guard? He didn’t care. So what if that person was an obvious troublemaker? She wasn’t on the ‘Wanted’ list and had proper ID. That’s all that mattered. His colleagues inside the walls would surely handle her when she inevitably caused an incident. Quickly putting the odd fire-lizard-lady out of his mind, he turned his attention to the next person in line.

“Hello and welcome to Runetap. Identification, please.” (Guard)

> Yuri PoV

Everyone in line was so nice! They politely let me pass simply because I was a lady! Ah, but that guard kept frowning whenever he looked at me. Well, I’m rather ugly so I’m always getting stares like that…

Ah! I completely forgot to ask for directions! I was just too nervous to even speak up!

It’s okay Yuri. Calm down. You can do this. Look, there’s a perfectly reasonable human just standing there, right? Let’s kindly ask for directions.

I put on my best smile and lean in a bit so our eye levels match. A smile and eye contact are both important communication tools, after all!

“Hey there. Mind keeping me company for a bit?” (Yuri)

“Ugeh! No, I’m good! I have to go!” (Man)

Ah… he ran off. Must have really been in a hurry. Alright, let’s try someone else! Oh, that fuzzy-looking guy should do! Wolf ears, claws, wide chest, covered in gray fur, bushy tail, canine snout - yep, that’s a werewolf! Just like the information I had said! I wonder why the advisory said to steer clear of them though, he looks perfectly friendly! I’m sure he’s actually a really nice guy!

Also, he’s sitting down on the ground and leaning lazily against the wall, so he clearly has nowhere to be. He’s perfect! I walk over to him and put on my extra-wide smile.

“Yo. I need to have a word with you.” (Yuri)

“Haah? You got something to say to me, scaleface?!” (Werewolf)

He looks up at me with a hard to read face. As expected, I can’t tell what sort of expression that muzzle is supposed to be making. Well, he’s showing me his clenched teeth so he’s probably smiling too. I knew he was going to be nice!

“Yeah, that’s right. I want me and you to have a little... chat.” (Yuri)

Ah, I almost fumbled my words! I guess I’m still a bit nervous.

“Hah. Is that so!? Alrighty then!” (Gray Werewolf)

He climbs to his feet. He certainly seems agreeable enough. I got lucky, didn’t I?!

“And here’s my *hic* my opening statement!” (Gray Werewolf)

*Swish*

Waaah! Why’d he slash at me with his claws?! Why do I have to suddenly be dodging attacks?! What’s going on!?

*Swish*

Uwah, another one! I need to tell him to stop this! Violence is bad!

*Swish*

I know, let’s call him something cute to lessen the tension! Maybe compliment his technique while I’m at it? It could use some work, but he’s not bad!

“Nice try, furball!” (Yuri)

“Stop moving around you nosey cunt!” (Gray Werewolf)

*Swish Swish Swish Swish*

Noo! Why are you attacking me even more now?!

*Swish*

*Slash*

Ack! My arm! That hurt!

*WHAM*

“GYAAAA!” (Gray Werewolf)

Hmm? Oh no! I turned around too fast and hit him with my tail by accident! I hope he’s not too hurt! He’s down on the ground… he’s not moving, but definitely breathing! Seems he’s just out cold, thank goodness!

That was close. I honestly didn’t mean to do that! He just startled me is all. The scratch he gave me is already closing up so that tail strike really was uncalled for.

“Huh? Joe? Hey Joe! Hang in there, man!” (Black Werewolf)

Oh good! One of his friends is here! He crouched down on the ground to check on his friend, how reliable! There’s two others with him, looks like they’ll take good care of their buddy, so I don’t have to worry about him.

“You! You did this, didn’t you!” (Black Werewolf)

Right, I need to admit it was an accident and apologize. It’s the right thing to do.

“Yeah! It was me! I-” (Yuri)

“You bitch!” (Black Werewolf)

*Swish*

Waah! Not again!

* * *

“Yeah! I know where it is! I’ll show you the way, boss!” (Joe)

Joe really is a nice guy after all! I had to lightly slap his friends when they got frisky, but then they all woke up soon after and offered to guide me around when I asked nicely. It seems we simply got off on the wrong foot. I’m so glad!

“Right this way, boss!” (Joe)

I follow the gray-haired werewolf down the road. I keep looking around, there really are a lot of people, huh? I keep smiling at random pedestrians as we pass by them, but they just avert their gaze from my face. I mean, I already know I’m not that pleasant to look at, but it still hurts a little when they avoid looking at my face like their lives depended on it...

“Here, this is the place.” (Joe)

After about ten minutes, Joe stops me at some iron gates. There’s a huge four-story building with a bunch of people going in and out of it! It’s almost like a mansion! Is he sure about this? No, the sign ‘Runetap General Academy’ is clearly visible above the gate, so this is definitely the place!

“Good job. Stick around, I’ll need you later.” (Yuri)

I still don’t know where to find a good inn, after all. I hope he doesn’t mind guiding me around a bit after I sign up.

“Gotcha boss. Me and the boys will lay low in the nearby alley, just yell for us and we’ll come out in a flash!” (Joe)

My, how reliable! I give him a smile and wave goodbye to him. Huh? Why did he leap back with a small yelp? Maybe he stepped in something weird? Oh well, no point thinking about it. I have to go check the place out!

I pass through the open gate and walk up to the building. I was told this place was perfect for newbie adventurers like myself who struggle with the job. I mean, I even joined a team and everything, but those guys were acting a bit strange around me and eventually kicked me out. Probably couldn’t stand to look at my face…

I’m still grateful to them for looking after me for that short while. Even if they hated looking at me, they still let me tag along with them and hunt monsters. I even rose to Rank D thanks to those guys! I really don’t understand why I got suspended for two months though. All I did was high-five them after a successful hunt, was that a bad thing to do? I have no idea, the culture around here is too weird.

Still, if the Guild decided it was necessary then there was probably a good reason. I’m sure they don’t bully foreigners just for being different… At least, I hope that’s not the case...

Hmm? What’s with all the people? They’re crowding around a large bulletin board and buzzing about something. I see, those must be course listings I was told about! I want to check them out, but there really is quite the crowd gathered. This is troubling, I don’t know when the office closes so I don’t want to waste time… I wonder if they’ll let me through if I ask them?

“Out of the way!” (Yuri)

Oh! They immediately made room for me! As expected, a pleasant smile and a few kind words are the best! They even give me plenty of space so as not to disturb me. People really are much more polite in this city than the town I was staying in before!

I get closer to the board and take a good look at the first listing.

Course: Intermediate Alchemy (ALC-2)

Duration: 10 weeks

Instructor(s): Picorio Pepepepepe

Restrictions: Must have passed ALC-1

Classes: Intermediate Mixology, Essence Extraction, Essence Injection, Toxin Neutralization, Basic Transmutation

Notes: Students must bring own Alchemy set, including cauldron. Necessary ingredients and materials will be provided by the RGA.

Oh, they teach Alchemy here?! That’s interesting! I always wondered how potions were made! Ah, but this isn’t why I’m here!

Course: Basic Engineering (ENG-1)

Duration: 6 weeks

Instructor(s): Mellom Rimmel

Restrictions: Non-mages only

Classes: Basic Assembly, Basic Smithing, Basic Tinkering, Mana Manipulation

Notes: Necessary ingredients and materials will be provided by the RGA.

Hmm, seems this place can teach everyone about Mana Manipulation. I always found it weird how only mages could do that sort of thing over here. Everyone could do it properly back home, though.

Course: Formless Flowing Sword Training (FFS)

Duration: Ongoing

Instructor(s): Roel Denka

Restrictions: All applicants must be personally approved by the instructor

Classes: N/A - Individual practice

Notes: The RGA will not be held accountable for any injuries sustained while attending this class.

Hmm? This one’s a bit weird. It’s different from all the rest. I don’t use a sword anyway so it has nothing to do with me.

Course: Intermediate Bard Training (BAR-2)

Duration: 8 weeks

Instructor(s): Leonora Lelander, Leon Lelander

Restrictions: Must have passed BAR-1 or be personally approved by instructor

Classes: Intermediate Storytelling, Intermediate Strumming, Intermediate Tone-Reading

Notes: Students must bring own instruments.

That… No, Yuri! You can’t indulge in your secret dream of being a bard! You have more important things to do! Come on, where’s that- There it is!

Course: Basic Adventurer Training (ADV-1)

Duration: 3 weeks

Instructor(s): Ellie mil Quasse, Ariel Noco

Restrictions: Adventurer Card required

Classes: Basic Monster Hunting, Basic Survival, Basic Teamwork, Critical Thinking

Notes: The RGA will not be held accountable for any injuries - physical or otherwise. Healing will be provided free of charge. SERIOUS APPLICANTS ONLY!!! IF YOU WASTE MY TIME JUST FOR AN AUTOGRAPH I WILL SNAP BOTH ALL OF YOUR ARMS IN HALF!!!

That’s the one! It’s the class taught by two members of the top-ranked adventurer team [Black Flame]! I’d only heard of them, but you don’t get to be the best at something by just bragging about it!

I wonder why that last bit is scribbled on like that? Well, I’m taking my adventurer job seriously, so I should be alright. I’m just not very good at it. The fighting is a bit scary, but it’s easy. I just seem to mess up on all the other parts of the job. Well, that kind old Guild Branch Manager practically begged me to come here and sign up for this class, so I have high hopes!

Right, let’s see. It starts at dawn tomorrow and signs up are on site. Lucky!

Now, I just need to have Joe show me a good place to rest for the night. Maybe I should practice my smiling some more while I wait? It still feels a bit stiff… Hmm? Where did all the people go? This place was crowded until just a little while ago. Did they have classes to attend? Or is there some special event? Must be something like that. But was there any reason to clear out so silently? How bizarre.

Oh well! It’s my loss if I mind it!