My first riding experience was... embarrassing! I literally had to hold tight to another man in his mid thirties in order not to fall from the horse, for fifteen minutes straight. Trust me, I counted!

However, because of this interesting (to say in the least) experience, I swore to myself to learn equitation one of these days here.

The horse rapidly took us towards the imposing stone wall and right under the tall tower I've recognized as the first human building I've laid eyes on Ahnur. I immediately noticed the iron made door in front of us, carefully guarded by two fully armed soldiers. They were literally one weapon away from being a store that deals in such products... Could they move properly?

When we arrived and the soldiers looked suspiciously at me, probably due to the fact that I was staring at them, Ronald explained to them the situation briefly and asked one of them to go and 'notify the commander to join as fast as possible at the general's headquarters'.

When we passed through the gate and under the wall (which sounds so damn good when saying), we reached the outskirts of a city that was located downhill of our current position. It literally was a city in a valley.

We left the horse to a guard to handle and guide back to the stables that were only a hundred meters away from the gate, after which it was explained to me that they are used only when traveling outside the wall, for military purposes. That was a freaking war horse he wanted me to ride on my own!

[Now Corbett, welcome to our city of Rubies!] (Ronald)

I stared in a daze at the marvelous sight to which this guard pointed at. Like I mentioned previously, it looked as if we were currently on a hill of sorts and that the city was at its base below.

However, the picture painted by the soon to be setting sun bathing a port-city and its nearby lake into a red color, was purely breath taking. I now understood why the name was the City of Rubies.

[The general keeps telling us to use horses to return to the city when we change shifts, but since that happens early in the morning or late at dusk, there isn't any sane guard that would miss this beautiful view. How is it?] (Ronald)

"Absolutely perfect! I haven't seen a more beautiful picture in a really long time."

When was the last time I saw such a beautiful place? Mount Ararat? Or maybe Kinabalu? Such a superb natural light that photographers from Earth would kill each other over a chance at a single frame. Who thought that this world could be so beautiful?

[To have seen a comparable view you must've traveled this world quite far, haven't you? I must admit to being a little jealous.] (Ronald)

"I have traveled a bit back home, but I am being honest when saying that this comes second to none of the others I've seen."

[I am glad to hear that. This city is our pride and joy! That's why we tried so hard to get rid of the Goblins in the forest, even at the expense of a huge number of lives...yet we still failed. We need to take back that forest no matter what!] (Ronald)

"Since I am quite unaware of the situation here, can you please explain while we walk?"

[That forest holds herbs that are vital to the well being of our city. Not only medicinal herbs, but ones used by the Alchemist Guild as well in creating all sort of concoctions and pills. Our stock is almost dry and we were planning a full scale army attack on the forest prepared for even heavier losses as a last resort, in order to take back the territory. Our city's economy is based on three industries you can see from here: fishing since we are a port city, land and sea commerce and finally, the Alchemy Guild which was our main provider.

Since our people are highly skilled in alchemy, the quality of the potions we're selling to other cities is better than anywhere else on this continent. However, we found ourselves short of those required ingredients, since no adventurer would willingly go inside the forest to procure them. That's how we reached the current impasse.] (Ronald)

"There it was...I was certain of its existence since the useless God mentioned it in our conversation as 'other places you can get information and common knowledge from'. Guilds... and even adventurers for that. I can't say that I am disappointed though... It does sound fun."

"I see. That's why a punitive force that already knows the destination will have better results and fewer losses, since it's able to plan it out in greater detail and can chose quality over quantity."

[Exactly. That's also why the general put in a request available for all adventurers, in order to find location of the Goblin village, but no one dared take it off the board. There were few that accepted it in the beginning, but were soon discouraged by their peers which held information regarding the losses incurred by the army when we gave it a shot. No one could really blame them for putting their families lives and their own first since most of the adventurers are the sole source of income in their families. Oh, we're here! Follow me inside but please wait at the entrance. I apologize but I can't bring you in unannounced. I hope you understand.] (Ronald)

"Don't worry about it."

The building in front of me was a three story building with a big logo-like board above the door of two crossed swords, obviously ripped off from a game or something. Upon entering, the smell of cooked food reached me and I looked around confused . Ronald saw that expression and chuckled lightly.

[This is the Adventurer's Guild. The first floor is split in two: one half serves as a tavern and the other as a reception desk for adventurers. As you can see the space is pretty big, so there are no inconveniences... except when some of them get drunk and fight it off inside. Hahaha!] (Ronald)

That sounds so cliche that I won't even address it...

"How about the other two floors?"

[The second floor is the staff quarters and the third is where we'll go eventually. On the third floor is the headquarter of our city army. Right, right! You'll have to go and give the receptionist over there your identification papers so she can register you for the reward the general posted.] (Ronald)

"I am truly sorry but I lost everything I had on me except my clothes, inside the forest a while back. What can I do about it?"

I tried looking as distressed and panicked as possible, which made even myself feel bad. Of course, same with my rather naive friend here as well...

[Really!? That's quite unfortunate... Just tell the receptionist that Ron sent you to register as an adventurer AND get new identification papers as well. It sounds important but is nothing more than a tag that you wear around your neck, which is wood by the way and not paper. Hahahhaha!] (Ronald)

After another round of boisterous laughter and hitting my back with his right palm making me cough and swear in my mind, I decided not to stab him with the Goblin's shortsword since he was nice and honest so far. I mean...he really told me a lot of stuff...

"I see. Sorry to trouble you like this."

[Is fine, is fine! Go on then! I'll go and let the general know of the situation and I'll come pick you up from the reception. Tell them that you'd like a 'swift registration'. Those exact words, got it?] (Ronald)

"Understood."

It seemed like a code or something and I was a bit troubled to be honest, but there wasn't any ill intent behind his words from what I could tell, therefore I decided to go with the flow and follow his advice. What's the worse that coul... Alright, maybe let's not finish that sentence this time!

I walked to the receptionist desk he pointed at previously and I noticed that the entire first floor was silent and staring at me. It took me a couple of seconds to realize that I wasn't exactly fashionable in this world with the clothes I wore, or the fact that I probably smelled because I was covered in Goblin blood and viscera. Either way I pretended not to sweat profusely and reached the registration desk after some big, robotic strides.

Behind a wooden counter an old man stood quietly and looked my way, as if appraising me.

"I wonder if that's how others would feel if I would use my Identify skill on them."

"Good evening. My name is Michael Corbett and I was directed here by Mr. Ronald for a 'swift registration'. I lost my identification papers and he wants me to register as an adventurer. Please take care of me since I lack the common knowledge of this area."

[Hohoho! What a polite young man. Helen, the stupid one sent us another hush job! You take care of it!] (Receptionist)

[Geez grandpa! Can't you be nicer with your grand-kids!? Hello, my name is Helen and I work here as a receptionist. Did Ronald sent you to us?] (Helen)

Well, the quirky geezer aside, a pretty face emerged from behind a door and scolded the old man, after which turned to me with the most radiant business smile I've seen in 25 years of life. She wasn't a stunning beauty, but her lean body made me think of that cliche setting in which the receptionist girl is usually an overpowered adventurer... yet I didn't want to appraise her since it might give away that I can do that, which again, I'm not sure if common or not around here, in which case I'll set off some landmines that I'd rather avoid if possible.

"Yes. I lost my identification papers and I am supposed to register as an adventurer. He also told me to mention the words 'swift registration', however I don't exactly know what that implies."

[I see...well, those words pretty much mean to register you silently and away from prying eyes. He must have his reasons for it. Here you go! This is a form where you must input your name, age and place of birth. Also if you have an occupation please write it down as well.] (Helen)

"Is the place of birth mandatory?"

[No, but is recommended. There are no bad relationships between our city and others across the continent, however it would make you look suspicious if you didn't put it down. Also, since adventurers might die in the line of work, we need to know whom and where to notify about their demise.] (Helen)

"I understand. Unfortunately I have my reasons for being unable to do so. That's why at the moment, like I mentioned to Mr. Ronald as well, I don't belong to any country."

I handed over the form with a pleading puppy-eyes look which seems to have worked as the old man coughed to wake her up from Reaper-knows whatever she was just imagining...

[Ahem...Is alright, really! Is not that uncommon between adventurers to have a secret or two. Thank you! Here we go... Michael Corbett, 25 and as an occupation 'Scout'. Impressive! To have an occupation at such a young age is amazing. Now then, if you'd please place your right hand on this crystal orb and it will register your status page for us. By using that we'll create a tag for you to be identified with.] (Helen)

"Understood. Is this alright?"

A flash of light flooded the room briefly, but the other people around weren't surprised, meaning that the heralding of a new hero being born didn't happen. Disappointing... What did happen though, was my status page that was visible inside the said shining globe.

[Yes... Eh!? G-G-Grandpa! Come over fast!] (Helen)

[Hmm? What's wrong?] (Receptionist)

[I think it might be broken. Look!] (Helen)

She pointed repeatedly at the orb asking the old man if it's broken and complaining about the cost for a new one. The geezer however looked at it and then at me again. He let out a sigh and calmed down the young woman.

[Huuuh... I see now why that fool wanted to keep this quiet. Level 8 at such a young age is unheard of.] (Receptionist)

"Really? I was a level one until two days ago though..."

[What!? Lad, is that true?] (Receptionist)

"Yes..."

[Enough of this for the moment grandfather. The general must meet this man right away.] (Ronald)

A hand was placed on my shoulder as the guard from before returned. Thank Reaper, since this was getting out of hand. I need to reiterate that I'd like to avoid stepping on landmines, but I know so little about this place that is more like praying for it not to happen... Maybe I should just nod my head in response from now on...

[I don't really care about that Ron, however if this guy knows a way to raise levels as fast as he did, it would be a great help to our country, nay, our continent's situation. After all, reaching level 8 in only two days from level 1 is completely unheard of.] (Receptionist)

[Corbett, is that true!?] (Ronald)

"...yes... I told you early didn't I? It all happened in the forest."

[You did!? Eh...I see... Let's go and meet the general! This is kind of above my pay grade and understanding for that matter. He will be surely pleased to hear this though.] (Ronald)

[Pass by again lad! I am curious to hear your story. Hohohoho!] (Receptionist)

I felt like face-palming was the only thing that could explain my feelings best without the use of words, but I abstained from it. I imagined that useless game God sitting on that sofa of his while sipping tea and laughing at my current missfortune!

"That self serving ... UGHHHH!!! I don't wanna end up affecting the common knowledge of this world because of lack of it in my case!"