City of FriedCow.A strange city with strange name.The city is placed at the south east of Realm gate.It's population is near 4000,way too below Realmgate which has 50000 citizen,with low stone walls as fortification.City is not even as big as Pale city.But it's fame is on par with Realmgate.Reason?Origin of it's name.

FriedCow name comes from the family name of current mayor and the older generations.This land was an village at past.Village was famous for it's dishes and an exquisite special,Fried Cow.They hold the recipe hidden,but everyone knows that main ingredient is fried cow meats.

Because of the dishes,it's filled to the brim with adventurers coming back from the fire hell and western deserts at the west,death plains of necromancer of southwest and last one,southern lands.These lands are filled with mysteries and dungeons,trial places built by old gods and ancestors of the other races and nests of powerful monsters or magical beings.

Among these places,the most dangerous of them are Fire Hell.Home to a Lava Dragon Knobkaf and Phoenix Mariam,an old follower of Celeste.They are slumbering most of the time,waiting for an old legend to come true to make a move.But they are awakening from their slumber once in a 50 year to check the place they live.The do not care about kill or be killed situation among their kind and other races.But if other races cross the line and trigger an extinction,or a situation near to it,they pay a 'Visit'.

As this is a known matter among adventurers,there is a 1 year rest time for every 10 years to protect balance.As the attendant was explaining the things to the boy in front of him,she was also curious.There were some really young adventurers,true.But most of them were not only knew the things before hand,they were also from great families who was sent to gain experience. Even if there were some exceptions,they were also talented.

But this boy in front of her was clearly a 9th rank or a normal people.He can only hunt some wolves or with a bit risk big bears to gain a living which is way too hard to make a living.So she stated them before he was accepted to guild but he was a determined boy,so she just left it to be.She was thinking about asking some of the mid ranked adventurers to take this guy in their party.

''Well,after these let me tell you some basic ranks and quests then you can start.''She said and continued.''We don't have any requirements on any quests unless someone classifies it as a certain rank,so you can pick any diffuclty but we do not reccomend picking something above your rank.Ranks start from the lowest,Bronze and goes up like...''

Bronze-E and D ranked quests

Iron-D,C and B ranked quests

Silver-C and B ranked quests

Gold-B ranked quests

Mithril-A ranked quests

Diamond-S ranked quests

Crystal-Legendary ranked quests

''As one goes from bottom to up,difficulties are not that great from E to B,but from that it increases in tremendous amounts.From B to A one must be 4th for the former and 3rd rank warrior for the latter.S ranked quests are generally taken by experienced 3rd rank parties with 20 men parties.Or the other option is 2-3 2nd ranked warriors.For the Legendary ranked quests,there has been only 1 quest since 40 years,and no 2nd ranked warrior accomplished it.

Some central figures like Magic God's prophet,4 presidents of academies in Realmgate and last chosen members of Western desert tribes with Dryflame family's head.Most of these people are known to be tried this quest but couldn't succed it.''

''I know i talked much but the reason to tell is,there is some fool child's or prideful man trying their so called 'Luck' to succed,then die like an idiot.So,even if you are 1 rank higher than the quest needs,you need to be careful.''She talked this long because she saw many person die for worthless things or wasting their efforts,which didn't feel good even in the slightest,so she was worried.Especially when this boy in front of him was both weak and young.

''I understand big sis.Thanks for your explanation.I will start from some cave exploring then''Boy said and pointed towards a D ranked quest.Quest was about finding some herbs near a cave at south,east of this place filled with some wolves.''Nice start!Then let me a second-''

She said and took the quest paper from the wall and put it in the table.She pressed her both palms and chanted a short thing,after that a light ball of light got out of the paper and letters on the paper disappeared. She took the light ball and put it in the bronze card at the counter,which absorbed the ball and started to show a little bright spot at it's right half.These spots were showing the quests person took and how much it was there.One can only take 4 missions at the same time,and they must be related to each other.If not they had to be completed in 30 days or quest sign would disappear and guild make them pay a little fee for compensation.

''And,it's done!Here take your card and don't lose it,or you need to pay a fee to take another one.Now,take care of yourself outside''She said with a smile.''Thank you big sis,take care too''Boy said and got out of the building.After he got out,one of the adventurers waiting at the counter said with a bit pain''Hey,Demi why you didn't hit him when he called you big sis?'''

Attendant,who was named Demi,Snorted and looked at him witch scron while saying''Of course because he is just a child.And when you came,you knew my identity so why are you complaining?Are you hungry for a beating?''As Grim was not focused on her,he didn't discovered her slit like eyes,which was one of the traits of a Dragon.

''Alright,alright don't beat me little sister!''Said adventurer and sprinted,at the same time Demi shouted at him''I'M 4000 YEARS OLD YOU LITTLE BRAT!''And slammed the table in front of her,blowing it to smithreens.When the sound of explosion reached 2nd floor,a beatiful girl with wavy long blonde hair came downstairs and tried to calm the Demi.Some of the adventurers were laughing while some of them were already used to it so just looked at their business.

...

Not a bad start or i guess so.My travel was smooth from Realm gate to here.I just hired a horse and took as little break as i can because i feared my brother may change his idea and come after me.But it didn't happen and i safely arrived here.It's a interesting city i must say.I tasted the fried thing ,what was that called i don't even remember,and stayed for a night in a cheap inn.

Honestly,with the money Deroc gave me,i could stay at a tavern at noble's class for 1 year,but i shouldn't waste it.I'm not here to just live in luxury after all.The inn i'm staying is Bee's wings.I was curious so asked the owner,Brian,when i first came.He said it was because of his passed daughter,who was the person named it.I felt bad for asking it but he just reassured that he was used to it since 10 years passed.

Brian looks like a decent person with considerable strenght,5th rank.Most of the 100 man commanders of armies are 5th rank after all.If he want,he could earn much more than inn from adventuring but he said he didn't like it.The other reason was he loved watching people laughing while drinking and laughing from their heart,or seeing middle aged mans who already lost their last bits of child like emotions dancing like toddlers while her wife plays music.

I'm gonna stay in this town until i become an 6th rank.I thought it would take me 1 month to reach 7th while near to 10 months to 6th rank.So i was already preparing my route,but i discovered that i advance at least 2-3 times faster than normal.7th rank is about forming your mana to the affinity you belong,or suits you.So it's not that hard even for a man like myself.The hard part was going from 7th to 6th rank but it's already solved,so i have no worry.I will select water because of my affinity,but before that i need to ask Lord Arihan.

Oh?is this the place?Before knowing,i already arrived at the cave.It was not that long but had a very wide enterance.It's enterance was near a little mountain fiiled with trees.It's not hard to find it but troublesome to arrive because of the terrain.I come near the enterance and peek a little bit.Looks like wolves are sleeping,as they lay down while making a sound like grumbling.

I sneak in and advance a little bit.Even though i can't see clearly,i identified the plant i was looking,Meat trap.A little flower which can release a smell like meat,attracting other monsters or animals.The other use is to plant them near a butchery or warehouse of meats to keep them fresh.Though both uses needs big amounts of them.

After confirming by smelling it,I pick them up slowly without making any noise.After picking all of the stalks i got out then directly rush towards the bottom,ignoring the grumbling noises of the wolves.The reason they were staying at that place was because of the flowers after all.They are like desserts to them,which also releases a little pleasent air.So of course they are angry.

Hey,it's not like i fear them.I can still beat them to pulp if i were to be serious.But,i never killed any creature,let alone human.So it would be hard for me.For these simple quests,i just do what i need to and get out.No unneccesary killing or action,right?Anyway,i reached the bottom and directly hopped onto my dear hore i bought from Realmgate,then rush towards the north west,where city is.

After an hour,i reached the city and took the path towards the Guild building.I swiped some dust on my leather clothes and get in.I slightly lower my head to not get any attention and go towards the counter.The same big sister is waiting at there,smiling.I get in front of the table and she looks at me.

''What happened,Do you have any other questions you didn't ask or something else?''I don't think i made something wrong,but she seems a bit angered.So i just lower my head down a little bit more and take out the stalks of flower at my belt,wrapped in linen cloth.I open it and place them in the counter.

''Wha-?You got 12 stalks?And you did it in 2.5 hours?Boy you need to know,even if you wanted to increase your rank by buying these from market,we could still find your trail,and you can't always get missions like herb gathering.After C it's generally Monster extermination or Dungeon cleaning.''

What?Why is she saying that i'm decieving?I thought she could see my rank at my adventurer card.I take out my adventurer card hurriedly and take a look at it.

[Name:Grim ?????]

[Age:16]

[Card Class:Bronze]

[Warrior Rank:8th level]

I just show her the card,and she takes it from my hands and looks at it.She makes an embrassed face and hands me card back while saying''I'm sorry for accusing you about something irrevelant.I was not careful enough''And bows a little.I feel like i made a bit of a mistake and just say''Big sis don't worry,i didn't even looked at the card for once since you gave me too''She looks at me again,but this time it's like 'What a carefree boy' written on her face.

''Well,the main mission said 4 stalks,so you can get your prize immediaetly.As for the other 8 stalks,we can contact the giver of the mission if they need it,and you can also bargain about the prize,or just sell it to the guild.We can always buy the spare amounts from you.''She says after the awkward conversation.

''I'll just sell it to the guild then''I don't want to spend my time with irrevelant things,especially when i have money,so i'll just get rid of them.When i was giving them to the big sis when a muscular but old man sitting at the side called me and said''Boy,if you always sell them to the guild,you may suffer a loss.They are taking it generally %10 percent lower than main price.''

Big sister looks at me awkwardly while i just shake my head''I won't be staying long so i'm not in the need of money that much.''I say with gratitude that he told me,and big sister just sighs.''Well,it's your decision''Old man said and sit back with his 3 friends and continues to discuss something.I take the little bag sister gives me and look at it.It has 60 brown coins in it.This is low indeed but no problem.

I put the little bag on my belt and thank the big sis,then take my leave.She asks me if i want any other quest to do,but i just say i need to do something and will come tomorrow.She nods and sats a take care then returns her duty.I also leave the guild a bit relaxed.Even if it was way too easy,i accomplished something at least.I'm planning to return and eat some fine dish form Brian's hands then continue practicing.

...

''Hey Demi,this little boy looks talented,isn't he?''The old man who warned Grim asked towards the Demi.When Demi saw this man,she looked at him with a scorn''Laun,just cut the crap.I won't tell his power nor his background.And if i find out anything,i won't spare even a simgle member of your circle.''Laun also smirks and says with arrogance''Even if you are strong,not that strong that you can stand against our boss.And this can be just a junior giving his senior gift,why are you so incensed?''

Demi was getting angry when another man from corner said''Laun,I'm out of my patiance already.''Laun paled a little,but when he thought about his boss who was very powerful in both terms of strength and connections,he relaxed and just said ''Okay,okay I'll drop it''But in his heart,he was cursing this man while swearing he will rob every penny that little boy have.

Laun returned to his friends side and got out with the two of them.The man who spoken earlier just shook his head while Demi was once more angry and blasted the new table staff got.The same blonde girl came and tried to calm her while asking the man what happened.When she heard the matter,she just nodded and said ''I'll take care of it''and got upstairs.

...

Heh!This boy is clearly a bit rich.I don't remember any novice not being bothered about the money they got.Even the simplest inns in here are 60 bronze for a night.I can only think of 2 reasons.A brat from a good family,or just a dumb boy who encountered some good opportunity.

He seems more like the latter,because most of the people from great families knew everything about adventurer guild or it's rules.The other trait of them are they are very prideful.They won't choose such easy tasks as their first mission.They are bunch of idiots who likes to show off so they are recognizable at sight.Even though i admire this boy's steadiness,I also admire to his belongings.

I subconsicously lick my lips when Oruhan at my side tells me.Karn also says''Let's hope he is not just calm noob who isn't aware of the world''I also agree with him.Oruhan and Karn are 9th ranks.Whie I'm an 8th rank.It's very common among adventurers.Especially in central continent.At southern lands most of the people are 5th rank.And most of the 4th rank parties are near Dead plains.Fiery hell is a common gathering place,where every kind of monster appears,so there is no arranged rank.But 3rd rank parties are always there when it is available.2nd rank parties are so very rare,which amounts to 4.

As we catch the sight of the boy who entered a side alley,we directly rush behind him.Appearent from our footsteps,he turns around and looks at us.He is still calm.I look at him with a bit greed,but also like an aged man with experience.''Hey boy,let's talk a little bit shall we?''

...

Well,this was unexpected.he didn't think they are here for only talk.Acting skills of that 9th ranks are so bad that they can't even hide their greed.Only the old man who helped Grim still looks like a normal person.He doesn't understands it.he stays at a very cheap inn and only done a simple quest to not get any attention.Then why these guys are after him.

''What do you want to talk about sir?''Grim says while ready to take out the weapon from the sheath at his back.Old man's eyes flashes a bit and says''We have a tradition at Adventurers Guild you may not know about it.Older generation fights with youngers and makes a bet.How about it?Are you in?''He says with a innocent smile.

It's not just a simple bet.Grim understood it.If that 2 guys at his side was not here and he was saying this in Guild,he may have believed it.Really!These 2 guys were so bad that they already took out their maces.Old man frowned when he saw it and just dropped the act when Grim took out a simple iron sword from his back.

''Lucky!''Thought Laun at his heart.It was clear that this was just a boy got suddenly rich.No brat from a great family could use a simple weapon like that!He also took out 2 simple daggers from his sleeve and said''Boy just give your money and we will let you off.''Of course he was not going to spare him.Or else even his boss couldn't save him from that damn man and Demi.Even if he had some connections,he was not going to sacrifice them for the sake of a little chess piece like him.

''Well,i only have 40 bronze so you can have it''Said Grim and threw the little bag at one of the guys.Oruhan tried to catch it and the other two looked at him,but this split second was enough.With a step,Grim closed their distance and kicked upwards towards the Laun.''SHİT!''Was the only thing Laun could say before he dropped to his knees,tears in his eyes.

This damned boy crushed his whole balls!Oruhan And Karn were dumbfounded but quickly recovered and threw themselves at Grim.Grim side stepped and evaded Oruhan's attack and stabbed his sword at his leg,pinning him to the ground.Gushing blood from man's legs made him a bit disgusted.But there was still Karn.

When Karn saw what happened,he was angered once more.He swinged his mace towards the head of Grim,trying to crush it.But grim just lowered his body and with a step hugged the waist of Karn and lifted him up.Before Karn could do anything,Grim slammed him towards the still kneeling Laun,making both of them faint,saving Laun from the extreme pain.

After quickly fainting these 2,he took his sword from the leg of man and with a slap to the back of his head,knocked him unconscious.Then took out some herbs and bandage,which he used to treat man's legs a bit.After he was done,he just left the alley speedily.

...

'This boy is quite good.'Thought the woman who appeared right after Grim left the place.She had a red shirt and a long white skirt,a general outfit for Adventurer guild's attendants.She had some long wavy blonde hair with a pure white skin.This was the same girl who tried to calm Demi.

She came here to see on behalf of the Murder Lord.He just wanted her to take care of the boy for a while.She honestly didn't know why this boy got the attention of that man,but still followed.But it was all unneccesary concern on their behalf.This boy handled it quite well,let alone getting a scratch.She also pitied Laun,who's balls got crushed ruthlessly.This boy must be quite used to fighting,which can be seen from his calmness in front of them and his little reaction to the blood.

''Well,you just invited more trouble though''Said the woman,and also left the little alley,leaving 3 pitiful man alone.