The hero now had new clothes, a light set of armor, a sword, and a bit of stolen money.


    But none of it changed the truth—his body was weakening, the pain was returning, and he had to find a place to rest before it got worse.


    Even at night, the city was noisy and filthy.


    He walked past corpses, sick beggars groaning in the alleys, and shady men watching him from the shadows.


    He kept his head down.


    He was sick.


    He was lost.


    And worst of all…


    He was a killer.


    ---


    Then, he saw it.


    A flickering wooden sign swinging in the wind.


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    "Adventurers’ Guild"


    His heart almost leapt out of his chest.


    “Finally!” he shouted out loud, too relieved to stop himself.


    People nearby stared.


    Embarrassed, he rushed toward the door—but his breath failed him halfway.


    He coughed violently, blood touching his lips again.


    Still, he forced himself inside.


    ---


    The guild hall was dimly lit and nearly empty.


    Just a few adventurers sat drinking and chatting.


    He walked to the counter and saw the receptionist:


    A girl with cat ears… and a metal collar around her neck.


    (A slave… just like in the rest of this cruel world.)


    She looked exhausted—dark circles under her eyes, her body frail like she hadn’t eaten in days.


    Yet, she gave him a tired smile.


    “Welcome to the Adventurers’ Guild. How may I help you?”


    He hesitated.


    “…I want to register.”


    She pulled out a form and handed it to him.


    “Please write your name, combat style, and the religion you belong to. Then, sign it with your blood—just a small cut on your finger will do.”


    “Religion?” he blinked.


    He remembered the church. That name…


    He wrote: Obscurus


    Then pricked his finger and marked the paper.


    The girl took it, muttered a spell, and handed him a guild card.


    It glowed faintly with his name, class, and chosen faith.


    But—


    “…There’s no rank?” he asked.


    The girl replied quietly:


    “Ranks were abolished long ago.


    When Emperor Xeus came to power, he erased the entire ranking system.


    Now, anyone can fight whatever they choose.”


    There was a flicker of passion in her voice—but only for a second.


    Then, she returned to her lifeless expression.


    “…What about registration fees?” he asked.


    She replied without emotion.


    “Also abolished. Emperor Xeus wanted everyone to have the freedom to follow their dreams.”


    (Freedom, huh…)


    He took his card and walked away, pulling out a chair near the corner.


    With a whisper, he prayed:


    “Please… let the pain stay away tonight.”


    And he placed his head on the table, falling asleep before the candle could even burn halfway down.