As Gray and Vanisa stepped into the guild hall, the scent of old wood and burning candles greeted them. The air was filled with the murmurs of adventurers sharing stories of their quests, the clinking of armor, and the occasional clatter of mugs. The building itself had an aura of history, with banners from old guilds hanging on the stone walls, each telling its own tale of victory or defeat.
The reception desk stood at the far end of the room, where a young woman with a kind face was busy sorting through documents. As they approached, the receptionist glanced up and smiled warmly. "Welcome, adventurers," she greeted them in a friendly tone, but her eyes lingered for a moment longer on Gray and Vanisa. She tilted her head slightly and then muttered, "Hmm… looks like a couple, maybe."
Before Gray could respond, he heard soft chuckles from the nearby tables. A group of adventurers sitting at one of the larger tables, rugged and battle-worn, seemed to have overheard the receptionist's remark. They exchanged glances and let out low laughter, their eyes on Gray.
Gray's eyebrow twitched, but instead of letting the taunts get to him, he straightened his posture and raised his voice confidently, "Laugh all you want, but I'm here to slay orcs."
The room went silent.
The laughter stopped immediately as the other adventurers stared at him in disbelief. Their earlier amusement had vanished, replaced with a mixture of surprise and skepticism. One of them, a burly man with a thick beard, stood up from his seat. His arms were crossed, and his gaze was sharp as he looked Gray up and down. "Are you kidding me?" he said, his voice full of doubt.
Vanisa, sensing the tension, tightened her grip on Gray's arm. Her green eyes glanced nervously between him and the others. She pressed herself closer to his side, her warmth a comforting reminder of her presence. Despite the hostile stares around them, Vanisa's trust in Gray remained unshaken. She smiled softly, giving him silent encouragement.
The receptionist, seeing the situation escalate, quickly intervened. She stepped forward, raising her hands in a calming gesture. "Now, now," she said, her voice firm but gentle. "Let's not start any unnecessary fights here. We are all adventurers, and we must not be hasty." Her gaze moved between Gray and the other adventurers, trying to diffuse the growing tension.
Gray clenched his fists but kept his expression calm. He wasn't looking for a fight with the people here; he had bigger plans, and getting into an argument wasn't going to help. His eyes softened slightly as he glanced at Vanisa, who was still hugging his arm, her body warm and reassuring against his.
The adventurers exchanged looks once more, their skepticism still evident, but they didn't press the matter further. The burly man grumbled something under his breath before sitting back down, though his eyes remained fixed on Gray for a moment longer.
The atmosphere in the guild hall slowly returned to its usual hum of conversation. Gray released a small sigh of relief, his shoulders relaxing a bit. Vanisa loosened her grip but remained close, her smile returning as the tension dissipated.
The receptionist, now more composed, smiled warmly again. "If you're serious about taking on orcs," she said, pulling out a large book from under the desk and flipping through the pages, "we can find a quest suitable for you. But just be careful, those creatures are no joke."
Gray nodded, his determination unwavering. "I'm ready."
The receptionist handed him a sheet of parchment detailing the quest. As Gray took it, Vanisa leaned in closer to read over his shoulder, her curiosity piqued. The task was clear: they needed to venture into the forest beyond the village, where a group of orcs had been terrorizing nearby settlements.
As Gray gripped the quest parchment, ready to leave, the receptionist's voice cut through the guild's hum. "Not so fast," she said, her tone serious. "First, let's gauge your power."
Gray turned back, surprised. "Gauge my power?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
The receptionist reached beneath her desk and pulled out a long, polished stick with intricate carvings. "This is a magical rod," she explained, placing it on the wide wooden table in front of her. "Hold it, and we'll measure your potential."
Gray stared at the stick, a mix of confusion and curiosity in his eyes. "Magical… what?" he muttered, stepping forward.
The guild had grown quieter now, with the other adventurers watching intently, some leaning back in their chairs with amused smirks. Vanisa stayed close by Gray's side, her hand lightly touching his arm, silently encouraging him.
Gray hesitated for a moment before wrapping his fingers around the magical rod. Almost immediately, it began to glow—first with an intense, vibrant red light that filled the entire room. Gasps echoed around the guild hall, and the adventurers sat up straight in their seats, eyes wide with shock.
"Red… that's Demon Lord grade!" someone whispered from the back, disbelief in their voice.
For a brief second, Gray felt a surge of power coursing through him as the red light radiated from the rod. But then, just as quickly as it had appeared, the color began to shift. The light dimmed from red to orange, then faded into yellow, then brown, and finally settled into a dull white glow.
The room erupted in laughter.
"Hahaha! A fluke after all!" one of the adventurers bellowed, slapping the table in amusement.
Gray, still holding the now-plain stick, frowned in confusion. "What does this mean?" he asked, turning to the receptionist.
She sighed, her earlier enthusiasm gone. "It means…" She pointed to the colored chart hanging behind her desk. "Purple is Calamity grade, Red is Demon Lord grade, Orange is Hero grade, Yellow is Wizard grade, Brown is Warrior grade… and White," she paused, giving him a sympathetic look, "means Powerless Adventurer."
The laughter from the other adventurers grew louder, filling the room with mockery. They pointed at Gray, some nearly doubling over in their seats from how hard they were laughing.
"Powerless adventurer, huh?" one of them jeered, standing up and approaching Gray with a mocking grin. "And you said you'd slay orcs?" He shook his head, his smirk widening. "What a joke. You're dreaming, kid."
Another adventurer chimed in, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Yeah, maybe stick to picking herbs or chasing chickens, huh? Slaying orcs? You'll be lucky if you don't get eaten by one on your first day out."
Vanisa, her smile still warm, held onto Gray's arm tighter, her eyes soft but confident. Even with the laughter ringing around them, she never wavered, not for a second.
But the taunts didn't stop there.
One of the more grizzled adventurers, a tall man with scars lining his face, eyed Vanisa with a smirk. "Tell you what," he said, his voice low and malicious, "why don't you hand over the girl to us? No point in dragging her into your foolish quest. We'll take good care of her while you go chase your dreams of slaying orcs."
Gray's face darkened at the man's words, his fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white. The laughter around him faded into the background as anger bubbled up inside. "No," Gray said, his voice low and dangerous. "You can't take any woman you want. I'll protect her with my life." His eyes burned with determination as he stood firm, his gaze locking onto the man who had spoken.
The adventurer smirked, unfazed by Gray's words. "Good luck with that," he sneered, stepping back with a chuckle. "Don't come crying to us when the orcs take her for themselves. You won't stand a chance."
The mocking laughter resumed, but Gray remained unmoved. He stood tall, his face hardened with resolve. Vanisa glanced up at him, her eyes full of understanding. She smiled gently, resting her head against his arm. "It's okay, Gray," she whispered, her voice soft but filled with trust.
Gray, refusing to let the words of the other adventurers get to him, turned to leave, his heart pounding in his chest. The mocking words echoed in his mind, but Vanisa's touch, her quiet support, kept him grounded.
The receptionist, sensing the tension in the room, called out after them, her voice concerned. "Please be careful out there. Don't risk your life."
Gray paused, casting one final glance over his shoulder. A smirk tugged at his lips, though it didn't reach his eyes. "I won't," he said quietly before walking out of the guild with Vanisa by his side, leaving the jeers and laughter behind.
As Gray and Vanisa walked through the village streets, the faint noise of the bustling town slowly fading behind them, the system's voice suddenly echoed in Gray's mind.
「Player Gray, be careful.」
Gray's heart skipped a beat as a translucent display appeared before his eyes, only visible to him.
(Player Status)
Name: Gray
Level: 2
Skills: None
Passive Skills: Survival Instinct, Women's Grace
Weapons: Spear
Grade: White
The system's voice continued, flat and unemotional. 「You're too weak. You don't have much to offer.」
Gray's brow furrowed as he looked at the status floating before him. The cold, clinical assessment of his abilities hit him hard. But instead of backing down, a surge of determination welled up inside him. He wasn't going to let that define him. He was no hero—no demon lord—but he had something to fight for.
His fingers twitched, and almost instinctively, he raised his hand. In an instant, a spear materialized, appearing from thin air as if summoned from his very soul. Its gleaming metal shone in the light, the weight of it familiar in his grasp.
"I don't care what the system says," he thought, gripping the spear tighter. "I'll win. I have to."
Beside him, Vanisa's eyes widened in surprise as she noticed the spear in his hand. "Gray… I thought you didn't have magic," she said, her voice filled with curiosity. "Where did you get that spear?"
Gray turned to her, his usual playful smile crossing his lips. "It's complicated," he said, trying to downplay the mystery. "You'll get it soon enough."
Vanisa smiled back, her face softening with trust. "I'm sure I will," she said gently, her belief in him unwavering.
The two walked on, the weight of the spear in Gray's hand a reminder of the battles to come. Though doubt lingered in the back of his mind, Vanisa's presence gave him strength. She believed in him, even when he had no magic, even when the system told him he was weak.
Outside, the streets of the village were bathed in the soft glow of the morning sun. The air felt fresh, but heavy with the weight of what lay ahead. Gray took a deep breath, steadying himself as he and Vanisa made their way.
Vanisa looked up at him, her smile reassuring as always. "I believe in you, Gray."
Gray smiled back, though his heart was heavy. "Thanks, Vanisa. Let's show them what we're capable of."
They passed through the village gates, the path ahead leading into the dense forest where monsters awaited. Gray tightened his grip on the spear, determination burning in his chest. No matter what, he was going to protect her.
With Vanisa by his side and the world against him, Gray knew one thing for certain: He would keep fighting.
The forest loomed thick around Gray and Vanisa as they quietly made their way toward the cave. Each step was cautious, their feet barely making a sound as they slipped through the underbrush. The air was dense with the scent of damp earth and moss, the occasional rustling of leaves and distant calls of wildlife the only sounds that broke the silence. Shadows danced between the trees as the sun began to set, casting an eerie glow over the forest.
Suddenly, Gray's heart jolted as he caught sight of movement up ahead. Three orcs, lumbering beasts with coarse green skin and brutish faces, sniffed the air, their beady eyes scanning the surroundings. He grabbed Vanisa's arm gently and whispered, "Hide." He pointed toward a large boulder nearby, and they quickly ducked behind it, crouching low to the ground.
Vanisa's face was tense, her breathing shallow as she pressed herself against the rock, her body close to Gray's. "Gray," she whispered, her voice barely audible, "this is too dangerous… what if they find us?"
Gray glanced at her, his brow furrowed in concern. "I won't let them," he reassured, though his own heart pounded against his chest. He peeked over the rock, watching the orcs sniffing the air, their large nostrils flaring as they grunted in a language he couldn't understand.
The first orc, slightly larger than the others, growled in a guttural tone, "Raka riko huro ka!" Its words sounded like harsh grunts and snarls, completely incomprehensible to Gray.
"What are they talking about?" Gray muttered, more to himself than anyone else.
Suddenly, the familiar, detached voice of the system rang in his mind. 「Would you like to translate their language? I can provide you that.」
Gray blinked, surprised. "Yes," he whispered, "translate it."
A soft hum filled his ears as the system activated the translation mode, and the next words the orc spoke came through clearly. "I smell something. Like there's a human hiding nearby," the first orc said, its voice low and suspicious.
The second orc huffed, waving a hand dismissively. "You're imagining things. Humans wouldn't be dumb enough to come here."
But the first orc shook its head, sniffing the air more intently. "No, I'm sure of it. The scent is strong. They're close by… hiding or camping."
The third orc grunted, his heavy club resting on his shoulder as he scanned the area with narrowed eyes. "Humans? Where?"
Gray's stomach dropped as the meaning of the conversation sank in. They were on the hunt, and they were getting closer. His eyes darted toward Vanisa, who was clinging to his shoulder, her body trembling slightly. Her grip on his arm tightened, and Gray could feel her fear in the way she pressed against him.
"This is bad," he thought, his mind racing. "Vanisa is here with me… I can't let them find her."
Vanisa whispered, her voice shaky, "Gray… what do we do?"
Gray swallowed hard, trying to keep his nerves in check. He placed a reassuring hand on hers. "Stay close," he whispered, his voice steady despite the panic rising in his chest. "I'll think of something… I promise I won't let them get to you."
The orcs were getting closer, their massive forms moving through the forest with heavy footsteps that shook the ground. Gray's heart pounded as he tightened his grip on his spear, his mind scrambling for a plan. He couldn't risk fighting them head-on, not with Vanisa so close.
The forest around them seemed to close in, the once peaceful sounds now drowned out by the heavy breathing of the orcs and the tense beating of Gray's heart. He felt the weight of Vanisa's trust on his shoulders, knowing that her safety depended entirely on his next move.
The wind rustled the leaves above them, a small breeze sweeping through the trees, and for a brief moment, Gray closed his eyes, listening. He needed to be smart, to outmaneuver the orcs without drawing their attention.
"I have to protect her," he thought again, the thought burning in his mind like a fire.
As the orcs continued their search, Gray made a decision. "I need to create a distraction," he whispered to Vanisa, his voice calm but firm. "Stay hidden here. Don't move until I come back."
Vanisa's eyes widened, fear flashing across her face. "Gray, no… it's too dangerous!"
But Gray shook his head, giving her a small, reassuring smile. "Trust me. I'll be fine." He gently brushed a strand of her hair behind her ear, his touch lingering for a moment longer than usual. "Stay safe."
With that, Gray slowly began to creep away from the rock, his heart pounding as he prepared to make his move.
Gray moved cautiously, his body low as he darted from rock to rock, keeping his presence hidden from the orcs who were still sniffing around. His heart raced, every beat louder than the last as he planned his next move. The air was thick with tension, and the faint rustling of leaves and snapping of twigs underfoot seemed deafening in the otherwise quiet forest. He could see the orcs from the corner of his eye, still prowling, still searching for their prey.
Vanisa, crouched behind the large boulder, peeked out toward Gray, her face pale with fear. Her eyes locked onto him, wide with worry. She whispered his name, her voice barely audible, "Gray…"
Gray looked back at her from his hiding spot, giving her a firm nod. His eyes were filled with determination, silently telling her not to worry. He mouthed, "I've got this." His fingers wrapped tightly around a small pebble he had picked up earlier. Taking a deep breath, he threw it in the opposite direction, towards the cave entrance.
The pebble struck the rocks near the mouth of the cave, creating a soft clinking sound that echoed through the forest. The orcs immediately perked up, their heads turning toward the sound.
The largest orc grunted, "What is that?" Its deep voice was filled with suspicion.
The second orc waved it off dismissively. "It's probably just the wind. You're too jumpy."
But the third orc, its eyes narrowing, focused on the cave entrance, gripping its club tightly. "We should check it out."
As they turned their attention to the cave, Gray saw his opportunity. His heart pounded in his chest as he quietly crept out from behind the rock, spear in hand. His movements were fluid, his senses heightened as adrenaline surged through his veins. Every step was careful, deliberate. The orcs had no idea he was there.
Vanisa, still hidden, watched in horror as Gray moved closer to the unsuspecting orcs. Her heart raced, her hands clenched tightly into fists as she whispered a silent prayer.
Gray positioned himself behind the largest orc, the one who had spoken first. His grip tightened around the spear, his knuckles white with the strain. "Now or never," he thought, steeling himself.
With a surge of energy, Gray leaped from his position, thrusting his spear into the orc's neck with a battle cry. "Haaaa!" he shouted, the sound of his voice cutting through the stillness of the forest.
The spear plunged deep into the orc's flesh, and a spray of green blood erupted from the wound. The orc let out a guttural scream of pain, "Arrrggghhhh!" It staggered forward, its massive hands clawing at the wound as its blood poured freely onto the forest floor. With a heavy thud, the orc collapsed face-first onto the ground, dead.
Gray quickly yanked his spear from the orc's neck, his chest heaving from the exertion. The system's voice echoed in his mind, cold and mechanical. 「Player Gray, level up to level 5.」
A warm glow enveloped Gray's body, the surge of power coursing through him making his muscles feel stronger, his senses sharper. He felt an undeniable rush, a sense of invigoration, as his body adjusted to its newfound strength. "So this is what it feels like…" he whispered to himself, feeling the difference immediately.
But there was no time to relish in the moment. The other two orcs had witnessed the death of their companion. The third orc, the smaller one, screamed in rage, its voice trembling with grief, "Big brother!"
The second orc's face twisted into a snarl, its eyes glowing with fury. "I'll kill you!" it bellowed, gripping its weapon tightly as it advanced toward Gray, its muscles bulging with anger.
Gray stood his ground, his grip on the spear tightening. His breathing was heavy, but his mind was focused. The forest seemed to close in around him, the trees swaying in the breeze, their shadows casting eerie shapes on the ground. The sounds of the birds and insects faded away, replaced by the heavy footsteps of the advancing orc.
Vanisa, still hiding, watched in terror. Her heart was pounding in her chest, and she wanted to call out to him, to warn him, but the words caught in her throat. She knew that Gray needed to focus, to stay sharp if he had any hope of surviving the fight.
The second orc charged at Gray, its massive club swinging through the air with a force that could crush bone. Gray barely dodged the first strike, the wind from the blow whipping past his face. He rolled to the side, his spear at the ready as the orc raised its club for another strike.
"I have to time this perfectly," Gray thought, his mind racing. He could feel the ground trembling beneath his feet as the orc prepared to swing again.
In a flash, Gray lunged forward, driving his spear toward the orc's chest. The orc swung its club down at the same moment, the force of the blow sending shockwaves through the ground. Gray's spear connected first, piercing the orc's skin with a sickening squelch. The orc let out a deafening roar of pain, its club falling from its grasp as it staggered backward, clutching at the wound in its chest.
Gray didn't let up. With a swift motion, he pulled his spear free and delivered a second, fatal strike to the orc's heart. The beast collapsed to the ground, lifeless.
Breathing heavily, Gray looked up at the remaining orc, its face twisted in shock and rage. It let out a feral growl and charged at Gray with reckless abandon, its fists raised to strike. Gray braced himself, ready for the next battle, his mind focused on one thing: protecting Vanisa.
The last orc, towering and filled with rage, let out a feral growl as it raised its massive fist to strike. Its heavy breath clouded the air, eyes burning with fury and pain from the death of its comrades. In one swift motion, it swung its fist toward Gray with all its might, aiming to crush him.
But Gray was ready. He had anticipated the orc's move, his body instinctively shifting into a fighting stance, legs spread and spear poised for the counterattack. As the orc's fist came barreling toward him, Gray darted to the side, his movements fluid and precise. His spear gleamed in the faint sunlight breaking through the trees as he slashed at the orc's arm, cutting it with deadly accuracy.
The orc roared in agony, "Urggghh!" its voice shaking the ground as dark green blood spurted from the wound. Furious and desperate, the orc swung its massive club with its remaining arm, but Gray was already on the move. He ducked low, evading the crushing blow with swift agility. The club slammed into the ground, sending dirt and debris flying, but Gray had already slipped behind the orc.
In one decisive motion, he thrust his spear into the orc's back, the tip piercing through thick muscle and bone. The orc let out a final, gut-wrenching scream, "Brotherrrr!" Its voice echoed through the forest, filled with grief and fury. The spear sank deep, and as Gray twisted the weapon, the orc's body convulsed before collapsing face-first into the dirt. Green blood gushed from the wound, soaking the earth beneath it.
Gray yanked the spear from the orc's body, breathing heavily, his heart still racing. The system's familiar voice chimed in his mind: 「Player Gray, level up by 8.」
A radiant glow enveloped his body once again, the power surging through him, invigorating him with newfound strength. He flexed his fingers, feeling the energy coursing through his veins. "Hoooh," he exhaled, a small smirk forming on his lips. "That was easier than I thought."
Before he could even catch his breath, Vanisa came running toward him, her voice filled with both relief and worry. "Graaaaay!" she cried out, throwing herself into his arms. She hugged him tightly, pressing her face against his chest, tears streaming down her cheeks. Gray stood still for a moment, taken aback by her sudden embrace.
"Careful, Vanisa," Gray said softly, his voice warm despite the battle. "You'll get dirty from all this…" He glanced down at his clothes, stained with the orc's green blood. His armor and tunic were soaked, the pungent smell clinging to him.
But Vanisa didn't care. She hugged him tighter, her small body trembling against his. "Don't worry about it," she whispered through her tears, her voice muffled as she nuzzled into his chest. Her tears fell freely, soaking his tunic. She didn't pull away, didn't care about the grime or the blood. She just held him, her grip firm and desperate, as if letting go would mean losing him.
Gray's heart softened at the sight of her, a gentle smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer, feeling the warmth of her body against his. He could feel the tension in her slowly ebb away as her crying subsided, her breathing returning to a steady rhythm. "It's okay," he whispered, stroking her hair. "I'm here. We're both okay."
As Vanisa's tears dried, something unusual happened. Three glowing orbs floated from the fallen orcs' bodies, shimmering softly in the air. The light was mesmerizing, casting a soft glow on the darkened forest floor. The orbs drifted toward Gray, hovering above his open hand.
Gray stared at them, bewildered. "What… what is this?" he asked, watching as the orbs gently floated in his palm. They pulsed with a faint light, almost as if they were alive.
Vanisa pulled back slightly, wiping the last of her tears from her cheeks as she looked at the orbs. Her expression shifted from sadness to curiosity, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I've heard about these," she said softly. "They're proof… proof that you've defeated the orcs. The bigger the crystal, the stronger the orc."
Gray's eyes widened in realization. "So, it's a victory then," he murmured, the weight of his accomplishment sinking in.
Vanisa nodded, her smile bright and genuine. "Yeah, it is." She looked up at him, her eyes filled with admiration. "You did it, Gray."
Gray chuckled softly, still gazing at the glowing orbs in his hand. "We did it," he corrected, his voice filled with warmth as he looked at her. "I couldn't have done this without you."
Vanisa blushed, looking away bashfully, but her smile never faded. She leaned back into his chest, the tension of the battle finally leaving her body. The forest around them was quiet now, the danger gone, replaced by a serene calm. The trees swayed gently in the breeze, their leaves rustling softly above them. The distant sound of birds chirping returned, signaling the end of the fight and the peace that now surrounded them.
As they stood there, bathed in the soft glow of the floating orbs, Gray couldn't help but feel a deep sense of accomplishment. The journey ahead was still long, and there were more challenges to face. But for now, they had won. And that was enough.