บท 6: CH : 06 Mark The Black

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E-Rantel, the fortress city, held little interest for me. It was strategic, yes, but dull compared to the promise of the capital. A sprawling metropolis teeming with life, intrigue, and opportunities. There, I could gather information, assess the state of the Adventurers Guild, and perhaps uncover more clues about this fractured timeline.

With that, my direction was set, though the uncertainty of what lay ahead only added to the weight on my mind.

The adventurers guild, in particular, intrigued me. It was a place where heroes and mercenaries gathered, a hub of knowledge and power. If he could infiltrate it, I might uncover valuable information.

I flew for three days until I reached the outskirts of the capital. The city's towering walls and bustling streets stretched out before him, a testament to the grandeur and complexity of human civilization in this magical fantasy world. The sight stirred a sense of curiosity and anticipation within him.

To avoid drawing too much attention, I had swapped my magic caster robes for a jet-black body armor. It was far less conspicuous than my more powerful, menacing armor, which resembled the cruel design of Touch Me's battle gear. The simpler armor allowed me to blend in while still maintaining an air of mystery and intimidation.

As I approached the city gates, I observed the bustling activity around him. Merchants haggled over prices, children played in the streets, and travelers of all sorts moved in and out of the city. The air was filled with the sounds of a thriving metropolis.

I moved confidently toward the city guards. My presence immediately drew attention, with citizens stopping to stare at the imposing figure in the unusual armor after all I tall as fuck with such armor. As I passed, the murmurs of the townspeople reached my ears.

"Who is that?"

"Look at his armor... never seen anything like it."

"A Dark Warrior, they say."

I allowed a small, satisfied smile to grace my skeletal face beneath the helmet. The title suited my current persona and added to the mystique I aimed to cultivate.

I felt a wave of disappointment wash over me as he surveyed the capital. The roads were unpaved and filthy, a stark contrast to the grandeur I had envisioned. I approached a young man selling vegetables at a roadside stall, hoping for some directions.

"Excuse Me, Mr., can you tell me the direction to the adventurers guild?" I asked, my voice deep and resonant.

"Of-of course, sir!" the young man stammered, clearly taken aback by my impressive armor. To him, the dark warrior's gear looked incredibly expensive, suggesting nobility. However, unlike many nobles of the Kingdom, this warrior didn't carry himself with an air of arrogance. The young man respectfully provided the directions to the adventurers' guild.

I nodded my thanks and set off. I walked with purpose, ignoring the surprised stares and murmurs from the townspeople. My imposing presence and the mysterious allure of my armor drew many curious glances, but no one dared to approach me directly.

Upon reaching the adventurers guild, I pushed open the heavy wooden doors and stepped inside. The lively atmosphere immediately enveloped me. The first thing I noticed was the welcoming smiles of the three guild receptionists, who were busy greeting adventurers as they entered.

Scanning the room, I observed a diverse group of individuals. There were warriors in full plate armor, their weapons gleaming under the indoor lighting. Nimble fellows in light armor, likely rogues or rangers, bore bows and daggers. A few people dressed in priests' garb, adorned with various holy symbols, chatted quietly amongst themselves. Robed arcane magic casters with their staves stood in small groups, discussing spells and strategies.

The adventurers guild was a bustling hub of activity, a microcosm of the adventuring world. It was precisely what I had hoped for—a place where I could gather information.

I moved forward to the counter, feeling the weight of countless eyes on me. The stares of the adventurers around me were piercing, and I felt a flicker of annoyance. Ignoring the onlookers, I focused on the receptionist.

"Hello, I would like to apply as an adventurer," I said, my voice calm but firm.

The receptionist, a young woman with a professional demeanor, smiled warmly at me. "Of course. What is your name?"

"My name is Mark," I replied, choosing my alias as my original name.

"Mh, and how old are you?" she asked, jotting down notes.

"22 years old," I replied smoothly, though I thought to myself, 'Well, I'm actually much older, but whatever.'

"Good," the receptionist continued, "Now here is your copper plate. At the moment, there are no available jobs for a copper plate rank, so you can go and hunt monsters in the forest. Bring back their ears or other identifiable body parts as proof of your kills, and you will be rewarded."

"I see, thank you," I responded, taking the copper plate from her.

As he examined the plate, he mused, 'So if I bring back many monster parts, I might raise my rank to iron or silver... But why body parts, though? It feels primitive. And a very easy way to cheat' I shrugged off the thought and turned to leave, aware that this was a system I would have to navigate for now.

As I walked out of the guild, the murmurs of the adventurers followed me. They were clearly curious about the enigmatic dark warrior. Ignoring the buzz of whispers, I made my way toward the forest, my mind already planning my next steps.

The path to higher ranks seemed straightforward—kill monsters, collect their parts, and bring them back for rewards. It was a task I was more than capable of handling.

As I approached the edge of the forest, my thoughts were interrupted by the rustling of leaves and the distant calls of wildlife.

It didn't take long before I spotted a horde of goblins in the forest. They were armed with swords, bows, and axes, accompanied by five hulking ogres wielding massive clubs. Their aggressive demeanor and coordinated movement suggested they were preparing to attack a nearby village.

I stepped out in front of them, my presence commanding attention. The goblins' eyes widened in surprise at the sight of the dark warrior. To them, I mustlooked like a formidable monster, but their initial shock quickly turned into confidence. They believed their numbers, bolstered by the five ogres, would ensure their victory. After all, the warrior was alone, and they had strength in numbers.

The goblins advanced towards me with malicious grins, while others began to shoot arrows at me. I remained still, allowing the arrows to hit my armor. The projectiles bounced off harmlessly, not even scratching the surface.

Seeing no reason to prolong the encounter, I drew my two greatswords. With swift, precise movements, I began decapitating the goblins nearest to me. The goblins who had been shooting arrows tried to flee, but they were too slow. They barely registered their deaths as my blades cut them down effortlessly.

In a matter of moments, I reached the ogres. Each swing of my greatswords cleaved through their thick hides and heavy muscles, splitting them in half with ease. The ogres, despite their size and strength, stood no chance. The battle was over in less than 30 seconds, leaving a scene of utter devastation in its wake.

I calmly surveyed the battlefield, the bodies of goblins and ogres strewn about. Satisfied, I reached into my inventory and pulled out a bag. This bag was a magic item, capable of holding a vast number of objects without appearing full—much like my own inventory.

I methodically began to collect the proof of my kills. I severed ears, hands, and other identifiable body parts from the fallen goblins and ogres, placing them into the bag. The task was grim, but necessary for his goals. As I worked, I mused on the primitive nature of the adventurers guild's system, yet I understood the practicality behind it. Proof of kills ensured rewards and advancements.

While I was collecting the body parts of the goblins and ogres, I heard heavy footsteps approaching from behind. I turned my head to see who was coming, my skeletal face hidden behind my dark helmet.

"My lucky day," I murmured to myself.

Standing before me were ten giant creatures, each more hideous than the last. They had long noses, elongated ears, and grotesque features that made them look like nightmares given form. One of them, however, stood out from the rest. This creature was a towering, muscular figure clad in clothes made from animal skins and wielding a magical greatsword.

'That guy is a War Troll, so he must be their commander,' " I thought, analyzing the situation with my new highly increased intellect.

The War Troll stepped forward, my presence imposing, and spoke in a deep, gravelly voice. "Who are you that dares to come into my territory and kill my subordinates?"

I , under the guise of the dark warrior Mark, replied confidently, "I am Mark."

The War Troll snorted, a mocking grin spreading across his grotesque face. "Hoo, so you don't have a cowardly name like many humans do."

I was momentarily confused. "You mean people with long names are cowards?"

"That's right," the War Troll declared proudly. "I, Zugo, the King of this forest, have a strong name. Those who have long names are cowards and weak."

I couldn't help but smirk under my helmet. "Being a coward does not mean being weak. Even that egg brain of yours should understand that."

Zugo's eyes flashed with anger, but he forced a smile. "I'll pretend I didn't hear that. Human, I, Zugo, will let you go only if you give me your greatswords."

I chuckled, the sound echoing eerily through the forest. "And what makes you think I would agree to such a ridiculous demand?"

"Because if you don't, I'll rip you apart and take them myself," Zugo growled, baring his sharp teeth in a menacing grin.

"I refuse," I said firmly, his voice carrying through the clearing.

"Then die, human scum! — Guoooohhh!"

Zugo raised his magical sword, intending to strike down the dark warrior. Despite his speed for a troll, Zugo's movements were sluggish compared to my reflexes. In the split second before the blade would have connected, I deftly countered the attack with my greatsword.

Zugo's eyes widened in disbelief as he felt his arm fall to the ground, severed by my swift and precise strike.

"GAAAAAAAHH!" Zugo screamed in agony, clutching his bleeding stump.

"You bark so much, yet you're nothing but a weakling," I remarked with annoyance, my tone dripping with disdain.

"How-how did you do it?" Zugo asked, his voice trembling with pain and shock.

"Isn't it obvious? You're no match for me," I replied coldly.

"BA-BASTARD, I WILL EAT YOU ALIVE!" Zugo roared in fury, his remaining arm swinging wildly.

But I was already moving, anticipating Zugo's attack. With a fluid motion, I dodged the erratic punch and swiftly brought down my greatsword, cleaving through Zugo's neck and ending the War Troll's life with a single decisive strike.

The other trolls, witnessing the death of their leader and the ease with which the dark warrior dispatched him, were frozen in fear. They knew they stood no chance against such a formidable opponent and wanted nothing more than to flee.

"How boring," I muttered, surveying the scene of carnage around me.

Activating my Despair Aura at level 5, I cast a powerful magical effect that sent waves of overwhelming despair through the remaining trolls. Unable to withstand the crushing weight of despair, they collapsed to the ground like puppets with their strings cut, completely defeated.

"This does not feel like an adventure," I remarked to himself, his expression hidden behind his helmet. "Oh well, I suppose this will suffice for today."

I collected the head of Zugo and the ears of the other trolls, stowing them in my magic bag. With my grisly trophies in tow, I turned and made my way back to the city, leaving behind the defeated trolls and the forest of despair.

As I entered the bustling city, my towering figure draped in jet-black armor drew the attention of every passerby. My skeletal face, adorned with a regal expression, remained impassive despite the surprised faces of the citizens. It was a common occurrence for me—my presence often invoked a mixture of fear, awe, and curiosity among the people.

Making my way through the crowded streets, I finally arrived at the Adventurers Guild, its sturdy doors swinging open with a creak as he pushed them aside. Inside, the atmosphere was lively, filled with the chatter of adventurers exchanging stories and seeking new quests.

***

Among the adventurers were two distinct figures—Gagaran and Evileye of the renowned adamantite team Blue Rose. Gagaran, a muscular woman with a mane of blonde hair and piercing blue eyes, exuded strength and confidence. Beside her stood Evileye, a short and mysterious figure cloaked in a reddish robe, her face hidden behind a mask.

The moment Ainz stepped in, the attention of the guild members shifted towards him. Whispers and murmurs filled the air as they tried to discern the identity of the armored figure.

"Hey, shorty," Gagaran's boisterous voice rang out, breaking the silence, "that armor of yours looks incredible! What do you think he's carrying in that bag?"

Evileye, ever observant, narrowed her eyes as she took in Ainz's appearance. "I'm not sure, Gagaran," she replied in a hushed tone, "but there's a distinct scent of blood emanating from that bag. It's... unsettling."

The armored warrior approached the receptionist, his presence commanding attention as he brought the bag to the counter and opened it without hesitation.

"Here you have body parts of goblins, ogres, trolls, and oh, this is the head of a war troll," the dark warrior announced calmly, displaying the gruesome contents of his bag.

The receptionist and the gathered adventurers were stunned, their expressions a mix of shock and awe. How could someone single-handedly defeat so many formidable monsters in such a short span of time?

"D-Did you just kill them all by yourself?" the receptionist stammered, her voice betraying her disbelief.

The dark warrior nodded, his tone matter-of-fact. "Yeah, I'm new here, so I don't have any friends," he replied casually, as if slaying monsters were a routine occurrence for him.

The murmurs and whispers among the adventurers grew louder, the news of this lone warrior's exploits spreading quickly through the guild. Some were impressed by his strength and skill, while others eyed him warily, wary of the potential threat he posed.

''I-Is that so...''

''Can I have my payment now?'' he continued, his request straightforward and to the point.

The receptionist nodded, still somewhat taken aback by the turn of events. ''Please wait a moment, I will call the guild master,'' she replied before hurrying off to summon the higher authority.

As he waited, Ainz couldn't help but muse to himself, 'So Blue Rose is here and that's a good thing it confromend some of my doubts' He observed the reactions of the other adventurers in the room, noting the mix of curiosity, admiration, and perhaps a hint of wariness in their gazes, while particularly emphasizing Blue Rose without their awareness.

"Oi, shorty," Gagaran's voice cut through the murmurs, addressing Evileye. "That guy looks pretty strong. Killing a war troll and several other trolls alone is not easy. I don't think I would be able to kill them all alone."

Evileye nodded in agreement. "Indeed, he looks really strong," she commented, her eyes lingering on Ainz as if trying to discern more about him and he was doing them without the knowing it.

Just then, the guild master arrived, a woman around 40 years old with an air of authority. "Hello, I am the guild master. Are you sir Mark?" she addressed Ainz directly, her tone respectful yet professional.

"Yes, nice to meet you, ma'am. Is there a problem?" Ainz responded politely, maintaining his composed demeanor.

"I am here to promote you to platinum rank, since you have already proven yourself capable of such achievements," the guild master announced, her words causing a collective gasp of surprise among the gathered adventurers, including members of Blue Rose.

'Nice, it's a free ticket!' Ainz thought to himself, a small sense of satisfaction creeping into his thoughts.

The sudden promotion from copper to platinum rank on his first day as an adventurer was indeed remarkable, and it left many in the room astonished.

"Here is your platinum plate," the guild master began, handing Ainz the prestigious symbol of his newfound rank. "The receptionist will give your payment shortly."

Before Ainz could acknowledge her, the guild's atmosphere shifted abruptly. The heavy doors swung open with a loud bang, revealing a city guard in a state of palpable distress. His breath came in ragged gasps, and his eyes were wide with urgency.

"A frost wyvern is attacking the city! Please, help us!" the guard's voice boomed through the guild hall, sending a ripple of alarm through the gathered adventurers.

Without a moment's hesitation, the guild master sprang into action. "Everyone, let's go!" she commanded, her authoritative voice cutting through the chaos as the adventurers scrambled to respond to the imminent threat.

"S-Sir Mark, we need your help too," the guild master addressed Ainz, her voice tinged with a mix of reverence and urgency, recognizing his newly elevated status and formidable prowess.

"Certainly," Ainz replied calmly, as he was thinking of how fucked up time line was.

As the guild's seasoned adventurers rushed out to confront the wyvern, Ainz, now known as Mark, moved with purpose and determination. Despite the weight and bulk of his jet-black armor, he moved with surprising agility and speed, leaving onlookers in awe of his capabilities.

"How can this man run so fast with all that armor on his body?" murmured one of the onlookers, voicing the collective astonishment that rippled through the guild hall.

The chaos and destruction wrought by the Frost Wyvern sent shockwaves of panic through the city. Ainz watched with a mixture of concern and curiosity as Gagaran, driven by her fierce determination, launched herself into battle against the monstrous creature.

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