Today, he had to prove his existence in this world.
After a few minutes' walk, they arrived at a large rectangular building, constructed of white stone. A gilded metal sign read:
RILLMONT ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE – CITIZENS AND TRAVELERS REGISTER.
Inside, the atmosphere was radically different from that of the streets.
Silence, order, rigor.
Seats in neat rows, numbered counters, and several employees frantically writing in ledgers.
Each person entering the building received a number and had to wait their turn.
Arlan's took a place in a short line and, after a brief exchange with an assistant, they were directed to a small, secluded office behind a partition.
Even though no one meant them any harm, Arlan's noticed that Venti was tense.
Arlan's: "Don't worry, it'll only take five minutes."
Inside the office, a man in his fifties was already waiting for them.
Hair pulled back, round glasses perched on his nose, impeccable navy blue jacket.
He looked up from his papers.
Rasmolt: "Come closer."
"Are you the young man without identification?"
Venti swallowed slightly.
Venti: "Yes, sir."
The man studied him for a long time, as if trying to gauge his worth just by his attire, an outfit that, obviously, didn't go unnoticed.
Rasmolt: "Strange attire..."
He murmured before continuing in a professional tone.
Rasmolt: "Very well. Let's begin."
"Your first and last name?"
Venti: "Venti."
He raised an eyebrow.
Rasmolt: "Just Venti?"
Venti: "...Yes."
The scribe noted something, the expression unreadable.
Rasmolt: "Age?"
Venti hesitated.
He had no idea how old this body was.
A few seconds passed before Arlan's gently intervened.
Venti: "I think he must be sixteen or seventeen."
The man nodded and wrote down
Rasmolt: "16-17 (to be confirmed)."
He continued
Rasmolt: "Origin?"
Silence.
The scribe looked up, meeting Venti's gaze.
Venti had no idea where he came from, nor how he ended up in the middle of a meadow.
Rasmolt: "I... I don't know."
Venti confessed.
Rasmolt: "I don't remember anything before yesterday morning."
This time, the scribe paused.
He put down his quill.
Rasmolt: "Amnesia."
"Hm..."
"It's rare, but it happens, very well."
"We'll classify you as an unregistered traveler until proven otherwise."
He then pulled a blank document from a drawer.
Rasmolt: "Here's the application form for a temporary identification card."
"You must sign it at the bottom."
"And write your name here."
He slipped the blank sheet of paper in front of Venti, along with a quill and a small inkwell.
Venti took the quill... and was surprised by the sensation.
As if his hand knew exactly how to form beautiful letters, despite his lack of memories.
His handwriting was fine, elegant, almost artistic.
Perhaps in his past, he wrote poems.
The scribe observed him, visibly impressed.
Rasmol: "Beautiful calligraphy for someone who claims to remember nothing."
He remarked.
Venti lowered his eyes, a little embarrassed.
Venti: "I... I don't know how I did it."
Rasmolt shrugged, then placed a red seal on the form.
Rasmolt: "Very well."
"Your card will be ready in a few minutes."
"Wait here."
He stood up with the document and disappeared into an adjoining room.
Venti turned to Arlan's and Leona.
Venti: "It... went rather well, didn't it?"
He asked, still a little nervous.
Arlan's nodded.
Arlan's: "Yes, it could have been worse."
"At least they didn't keep you for a full interrogation."
Leona gently tugged on Venti's sleeve.
Leona: " "That means that now... you truly exist in this city!"
Venti: "I suppose so."
He replied with a smile.
A few minutes later, the scribe returned and placed a small, stiff card on the table.
A portrait of Venti, quickly but precisely drawn, was affixed to it.
Rasmolt: "Here you are, a temporary identity card, valid for thirty days."
"During this time, you will have to prove yourself and regularize your situation."
"But for now, you can move freely within Rillmont."
Venti took the card.
It felt light in his hand... but heavy with meaning.
Venti: "Thank you very much."
He said, bowing slightly.
Rasmolt simply nodded.
Rasmolt: "Welcome to Rillmont, Venti."
"Don't give us any reason to regret our leniency." "
A few minutes later:
As Venti stepped out of the building, a mixture of relief and excitement washed over him.
He existed.
Venti: "Now there's only one thing left for me to do."
Arlan and Leona exchanged a knowing smile, knowing exactly what Venti was talking about.
Arlan: "You're right."
"Let's go to the Adventurers' Guild."
On the path leading to the Adventurers' Guild, Arlan and Venti walked side by side, Leona a few steps behind them, observing the alleyways still bustling with the morning activity.
The sun was beginning to rise, making the roof tiles and the banners hanging from the facades gleam.
Venti, as always, observed everything with an almost childlike curiosity, while Arlan's, familiar with these streets, maintained a sure and calm stride.
Arlan's turned his head toward Venti, who was walking and looking at the shops that had just opened.
Arlan's: "So, now that you're getting an identity card, you'll finally be able to officially register as an Adventurer."
"Have you thought about what kind of mission you'd like to undertake?"
Venti looked up at the clear sky.
He hadn't thought about it, but he knew he was skilled at archery and that he could control a kind of elemental energy that resembled the wind.
Venti: "Hm… I suppose I could try a little bit of everything." "
"Exploration, gathering herbs, and with a bit of luck, I might even face one of the monsters."
"This world seems to have so much to offer!"
He paused, looking thoughtful.
Arlan's: "But I'm mostly curious to discover the dangers and mysteries you told me about last night."
Arlan's smiled slightly.
Arlan's: "There are more than you can imagine."
"Even the simplest exploration quests can take you to forgotten ruins, deep forests, and mountains teeming with wild beasts."
"But if you progress well... you can even attempt high-ranking commissions."
"The ones where you have to face truly dangerous monsters or escort important convoys."
Venti: "Sounds exciting!"
Exclaimed Venti.
Venti: "And what about the other Adventurers?"
Arlan's: "Very varied."
"Some are combat experts, others are good scouts or excellent trackers."
"There are also alchemists, healers, and even bards who provide support on expeditions."
Arlan's gave him an amused look.
Arlan's: "Besides, if you buy yourself a lyre... you could certainly charm more than one."
Venti chuckled softly.
Venti: "Perhaps."
Arlan's was surprised to see Venti underestimate himself so much; the day before, he had seen this young boy eliminate three bandits, but he didn't ask any further questions.
Arlan's: "In any case, with your abilities, even though I've only seen a glimpse, I think you'll have no problem rising through the ranks."
"Provided you don't mess up."
Venti: "Oh, you hurt my feelings."
Venti sighed dramatically.
Venti: "Me?"
"Meddle?"
"Never."
"I am the very definition of wisdom and responsibility!"
It was a lie. In reality, Venti planned to make as many mistakes as possible during the missions assigned to him.
Leona, behind him, sighed and shook her head.
Leona: "That's what those who make the most mistakes usually say..."
Venti: "HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!"
Venti burst out laughing at Leona's comment, which drew a few amused glances from passersby.
Arlan's continued, this time more seriously:
Arlan's: "To start, I recommend some easy missions."
"They're the simplest."
"Collecting herbs, dealing with small groups of blobs, delivering packages over short distances."
"Something to familiarize you with the work without unnecessary risks."
Venti: "Hm, yes, I understand."
Venti nodded.
Venti: "And what are you doing at the moment?"
Arlan's: "I should point out that I'm a merchant and I'll soon have to resume my journey, which unfortunately means that our paths may diverge in a few days."
Venti smiled broadly, delighted even though he was a little disappointed.
Venti: "Thank you anyway for being honest with me."
A few minutes later:
In the distance, the Guild's tall building appeared, adorned with an eight-pointed star, banners, and notice boards covered in quest announcements.
The entrance was bustling:
- Armed adventurers.
- Groups in light armor.
- Mages carrying bags filled with ingredients.
A vibrant place, full of energy.
Arlan's pointed to the door.
Arlan's: "Here you are, Venti."
"This is where your adventure truly begins."
Venti took a deep breath, as if savoring the moment.
Venti: "Perfect."
"Then let's go, I can't wait to get started!"
And they crossed the threshold of the Adventurers' Guild, ready for what was to come.
Upon entering the guild, Venti was immediately struck by the bustle:
Boots clattered on the stone floor.
Loud laughter echoed between the beams.
Weapons clanged as adventurers returned from missions.
Despite the commotion, he walked confidently toward the counter, a slight smile on his lips.
The receptionist, a young woman with her hair pulled back in a ponytail and wearing the guild's green uniform, looked up as he approached.
Venti: "Hello."
Venti said, clasping his hands behind his back.
Venti: "Hello, my name is Venti, and I would like to become an adventurer."
.........
He didn't even have time to finish his sentence before several adventurers, seated at nearby tables or leaning against the walls, turned toward him.
A silence filled with anticipation fell, then laughter erupted.
Adventurer #1: "What?"
"That kid?"
Said one adventurer.
Adventurer #2: "He wants to be an adventurer dressed as a bard."
Sneered another, a swordswoman looking him up and down.
Adventurer #3: "Hey kid, got lost on the way to a tavern?"
A third one added, wiping away a tear of laughter.
It should be mentioned that Venti looked more like a bard dressed entirely in green than a seasoned adventurer.
Besides, he wasn't very tall and didn't look particularly muscular either.
Venti remained impassive, simply smiling politely, as if the mockery rolled off him like the notes of a light melody.
Arlan, behind them, frowned, observing the scene, while Leona crossed her arms, ready to intervene if one of the adventurers went too far.
Although, honestly, an eight-year-old girl couldn't possibly get involved in an argument between adults.
The receptionist, however, wasn't laughing at all.
She glared at the mockers before turning her attention back to Venti.
The receptionist: "Don't pay any attention to them."
She said calmly.
The receptionist: "Here, it's not clothes or appearance that count."
"It's skills."
She picked up a form, smoothed the page, and continued:
The receptionist: "If you wish to become an adventurer, young man, all you have to do is take the entrance assessment."
"This will determine your starting rank, as well as your level."
The laughter around them slowly died away, replaced by a soft murmur of interest.
Some of the adventurers, amused but curious, sat up to get a better look.
Venti tilted his head, still smiling.
Venti: "Oh?"
"A test?"
"Perfect, I love a challenge."
The receptionist nodded and stood up.
The receptionist: "Very well."
"Follow me."
"We're going to the evaluation courtyard."
Venti turned for a moment to Arlan's and Leona.
Arlan's gave him an encouraging nod.
Arlan's: "Show them what you can do."
Venti winked at them before following the receptionist, amidst the skeptical, mocking... and increasingly intrigued glances of the adventurers in the guild.
The atmosphere, initially noisy and cheerful, was already beginning to change: some sensed they might be about to witness something interesting.
A few minutes later:
At the back of the building, the receptionist opened a large wooden door leading to a modest but well-maintained training ground.
A sandy area, a few straw dummies, lines of targets, and a small clearing for duels:
Everything needed to evaluate an aspiring adventurer.
The morning sun bathed the ground in a golden glow, and a light breeze made the guild's green flags snap.
But Venti quickly noticed they weren't alone.
Having heard about a "kid dressed as a bard" who had come to take the test, about ten adventurers had bothered to follow them here.
They positioned themselves around the ground, some with their arms crossed, others leaning on the wooden railing.
Many wore wicked smiles, hoping to see Venti make a fool of himself.
The receptionist: "This is where your evaluation will take place."
The receptionist announced in a professional tone.
She took out a wooden tablet and a sheet of paper to take notes.
The receptionist: "Before we begin, I need to know your main skills."
"Is there a particular type of weapon you're proficient with?"
Venti ran a hand through his hair, considering the simplest way to phrase his answer.
His bow, which had mysteriously appeared during their first encounter, was no mere tool.
He felt its familiarity, the smoothness of the wood beneath his fingers, as if the weapon had always been waiting for him.
He took a shallow breath.
Venti: "Archery."
He replied calmly and clearly.
Venti: "It's what I'm best at."
A murmur immediately rippled through the crowd of adventurers.
" Adventurer #1: "Archery?"
"With those arms?"
One whispered.
Adventurer #2: "He won't even be able to string a bowstring properly."
Another sneered.
Adventurer #3: "This is going to be fun."
The receptionist, unfazed, looked up at him.
The receptionist: "Very well."
"We'll start with an accuracy test."
She pointed to three targets at different distances:
- One about ten meters away.
- The second almost twice as far.
- And the third, positioned at the far end of the field, at the limit of range for an average archer.
The receptionist: "You'll have three arrows."
"One per target. Show me your skill."
Venti nodded.
In truth, he wasn't quite sure how he was going to manage.
His body seemed to act on instinct whenever he held a bow, but he had no recollection of any real training.
Yet… something deep inside him whispered that he had nothing to fear.
As if he had shot thousands of arrows every day of his life.
He stepped forward, his footsteps crunching in the sand beneath his boots.
The adventurers held their breath, some to mock him, others simply to ensure they didn't miss a thing.
And still others were cheering Venti on, thinking he had a chance of succeeding.
The receptionist took a step back.
The receptionist: "When you're ready… begin."
Suddenly, just before he even fired his first arrow, a breeze swept across the field, a current of air so light it might have gone unnoticed… if a bow hadn't appeared in Venti's hand at that very moment.
FFFFFFFFFFFFffffffffffffff
The wood materialized like a gathered mist, the air particles condensing to form an elegant weapon with fine curves.
A murmur of incomprehension rippled through the crowd; everyone who witnessed the scene was astonished to see a bow appear in Venti's hand.
Adventurer #1: "Huh?! Where did he get that?"
Adventurer #2: "He… he just created a bow?!"
Adventurer #3: "What kind of trick is that?"
Even the receptionist, accustomed as she was to the oddities of certain adventurers, stared wide-eyed.
No one was used to seeing a weapon appear out of thin air.
It might have been different if it had been a weapon made of ice.
Venti, however, calmly observed his weapon, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
He felt the connection.
The string responded to the slightest tension in his fingers.
The bowstring vibrated gently, almost impatiently.
Venti raised his hands and aimed at the first target with an arrow that had appeared in his other hand.
He didn't need to think.
His arm rose, the string tightened in a fluid motion… and the arrow flew.
A short, perfect whistle, without hesitation.
THWACK
The arrow planted itself squarely in the center of the target.
Adventurer #1: "............."!
Adventurer #2: "............."!
Adventurer #3: "............."!
Adventurer #4: "............."!
Adventurer #5: "............."!
Adventurer #6: "............."!
Adventurer #7: "............."!
Adventurer #8: "............."!
Adventurer #9: "............."!
Adventurer #10: "............."!
But he didn't know that this was only the beginning.
Venti: "Alright, let's go for the second target."
Chapter 8: Hello, my name is Venti and I would like to become an adventurer.
The End