A peaceful sunlit morning. I lazily get up and take a look at my scarce belongings I've packed yesterday.

- The big day is finally here, huh?

That's right, my week at the palace came to a close. Vale's case was swept under the rug, it was surprising how easily people accepted it. I grab my shoulder bag and move out towards the exit, saying my goodbyes to the servants I meet on the way. Oh, you seem to have woken up early today, your majesty. Too bad for you~ Yoink! Whistling a merry tune I wave to the gatekeeper and step out into my new life.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Two figures were observing from the top floor's window.

- Andrea, is this really okay? We'll just let him off the hook like that without even setting up surveillance?

- Need I remind you what happened when Vale got overzealous acted on his own discretion? We wouldn't have even known he was killed if not for the two broken ribs giving it away. Could've been a perfect "accident" if I didn't know of his toughness firsthand. Twisting his neck? Improbably, but possible. Breaking bones that were alchemically tampered with by falling off the stairs? No way. Don't complicate matters further, Joshua.

- But!

- Just leave it. You may cut the snake's head off, but what's the point if you get bitten in the process? For one, we don't even know anything about him or his abilities; questioning the children about his past also didn't result in success. He wants to leave? Let him leave. Less hassle that way.

- Your call, boss.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Now let's check what we've got. Some shoddy hand-me-down clothes and boots unsuitable for travel, a nifty knife of unknown origin, an identification orb, a meh quality shoulder bag that will surely be a killer on the shoulders if worn long enough, and forty silver coins. Not that much, all things considered. Time to make some war funds, fast.

Although I never before walked around this city, proper preparations have been made beforehand. I march straight for the slums to get the proper tools. It didn't take long to find a suitable target with Pickpocket skill. Bless your soul, I hope you wouldn't get murdered instantly next time you try to stick your fingers into someone else's pocket and fail miserably to do so.

Returning back to central district to do a job without proper practice would be dangerous, so I train on some local drunks first, then gradually progress my way to other thieves and finally to some rugged looking gang members. Good, I'm ready to relieve some civilians of their burdened wallets.

...I might have gone too far. Next two hours were spent by me being in a daze, enjoying the stealing spree. My shoulder bag and pockets are bulging gloriously, about to rip and spill all the copper and silver coins on the pavement; time to go and exchange them all for gold.

It's midday now, I'm currently raiding shops and buying proper equipment to replace the current setup. Spare clothes, a barbaric looking armor made of leather and sewed in iron plates to protect the vitals, sturdy water flask, flint and tinder, a short sword to keep up appearances of a common mercenary, a hunting knife, a compass with a crude map, a durable bag, some dried jerky and a hooded cape for both sleeping on the ground and keeping my face hidden (no such need now though).

It is gradually getting darker, I decide to spend a night in the inn after finishing my business.

Final and most important was securing an identity for myself. Apparently, there is a toll to enter any major city which can be either cut down a notch if you have papers proving you are a merchant or completely ignored if you possess adventurer guild's membership card. I asked myself why wouldn't every single traveler get one of those and couldn't find an answer. Seems like there are no downsides to having one, apart from the one time payment for issuing it.

I'm not sure what I was expecting when I went to the guild. Actually, I do: a quiet place with a grim atmosphere where professionals receive a job and immediately leave or report mission's completion and go spend their earnings elsewhere. I sure as hell weren't suspecting it would be a place choke full of noisy smelly drunks squatting at the tables all day long. Wow, mercenaries of this world are a disgrace.

Slightly disheartened, I modify my status screen accordingly.

Name

Kain

Age

27

Classes

Mercenary lvl.18, Warrior lvl.14, Fighter lvl. 16

Skills (active)

Swordsmanship, Martial arts, Heavy blow

Skills (passive)

Strong body

Titles

-

Compared to the others present, this seems to be of the respectable above average ~ good level of skill. Nobody should question why I'm travelling alone, no one would look down on me and I wouldn't stand out too much like a sore thumb either. A textbook example of a golden mean, if I ever seen any. As for the name, it came to me naturally when I thought about my idiotic elder brother and my urges to cave his head in resurfaced.

*But Cain was the elder brother, not the younger. Also his name started with a "C". Also...*

Shush! Everything's fine Mary. No more tears. Papa's here.

*...Master is being a weirdo again.*

- Ummm... Sorry, did you want something?

The receptionist girl is looking at me with unease. Crap, how long have I been daydreaming here?

- Certainly. I'd like to register.

After checking my status she suddenly became much friendlier and enthusiastic, even bumped my rank from G to D. When I asked why, she said it's only natural that such a strong person shouldn't be kept at a low rank when far harder jobs are available. Looks like I've gravely misunderstood the power levels here. Despite having small fry's mentality, the guys around here are actually kind of strong? Or this world's standards are just that low? Not even sure which is worse.

- Now, would you like to hear the guild explanation for the newcomers?

- No need, I have a general idea of your rules and policies.

- Is that so? Wonderful! Then here is a list of available j...

- It's fine, I wouldn't be taking any. Thanks for the ID, bye.

As I grab the guild card and leave stupefied receptionist behind, fully determined to leave the place reeking of sweat and cheap alcohol, I'm being called out by an angry drunken voice.

- Where do ya think yer goin', newbie?!

A towering oaf about twenty centimeter higher than me and his two henchmen block my way out. Are they receptionist's friends? I was unintentionally rude to her, if they ask me to apologize I will properly do so and we'll be on our ways. It's nice to see there are actually some decent folks among these ruffians.

- Ye think yer so tough? Know yer place rookie! As an apology, how about handing all of yer stuff over?

Oh. Should've guessed. You can keep my faith in humanity for yourself, I don't really need it anymore.

Not wanting to painfully drag this out any longer, I approach him with a broad smile, place my hands on his shoulders...

- Whatcha think yer doing?!

...and knee strike him in the balls without any warning.

Congratulations! Dirty fighting (active) skill gained!

As he leans forward with stifled profanities trying to escape his mouth, I calmly grab a wooden mug from a nearby table and swing it downwards at the back of his head with enough force for it to break off, only leaving a handle in my hand. As he falls on all fours, I casually toss it away and soccer kick him in the face, leaving him writhing on the ground, whimpering in pain as a puddle of blood with several teeth in its scattered in it start forming on the floor.

Congratulations! Intimidate (active) skill gained!

Surroundings fall silent. The giggly hyenas that just a moment ago wanted to be entertained by watching a newcomer get the shit beaten out of him realized they've placed a bet on the wrong horse. I send an Intimidation-filled glare to his pals and leave the building. No one tries to stop me.

As I reach the inn and drop my stuff on the floor, I'm struck with a sudden idea: why exactly did I get just one guild card? I grab my hooded cloak and rush out to the shopping district.

Just as the commotion at the guild started to die down, an ominous hooded man with plague doctor mask covering his face entered and went straight to the reception, ignoring everyone else.

- You, answer my questions.

The already riled up adventurers were about to explode at the haughty stranger's tone, but the next words spoken by the man were like cold water pouring over their heads, stopping them in place.

- It seems like my prey stopped here recently. Name is Kain, a merc, somewhat tall, plain face, black hair. You have three seconds to answer.

- Yes, h-he was here today, but left already.

- What did he want?

- He registered at the guild...

- He what?!

- Hiiiii!

- Kukuku... I wonder what he's up to. Fine then. You. Register me too, girl.

As she checked his status, she nearly fainted. An unknown person rivaling the cream of the crop A rank adventurers was standing before her, with a cascade of classes and skills centered on tracking, stealth and assassinations pouring endlessly, a Grim Reaper incarnate. When he headed towards the exit, witnesses could swear that he made no sound - no footsteps, no breathing, no nothing. Some were brave enough to rush out in the alley to see where he was heading, but he simply vanished without a single trace, leaving Hunters and Rangers dumbfounded.

As the rumors about two unknown monsters started spreading, no one gave a second glance towards the humble traveler John, who left the city next morning.