A Bug In Fate

A few minutes later, Alden finally arrived at the front entrance.

If something like this had happened back on Earth, his friends would’ve told him to leave the universe and start a new life.

"...Let’s pretend that never happened."

He raised his head.

Mounted above the entrance was a massive wooden sign carved with bold golden letters.

**Adventurers’ Guild**

Alden’s gaze shifted to the building itself.

Built from enormous blocks of dark gray stone, the four-story structure dominated the district. Thick stone pillars framed its broad entrance, while colorful banners bearing the guild’s emblem fluttered gently from the upper floors.

The walls were covered in countless scratches, chipped corners, and shallow dents, silent reminders of the countless adventurers who had passed through its doors. Rather than diminishing its appearance, they gave the building an air of history and unwavering strength.

"This..."

Alden couldn’t help but smile.

Buildings just as large existed back on Earth.

But seeing one that belonged to an Adventurers’ Guild...

In another world...

That was an entirely different feeling.

Taking a deep breath, he stepped inside.

The moment the heavy doors closed behind him, a wave of noise washed over him.

Laughter echoed throughout the enormous hall as mugs clinked together. Heated arguments broke out in one corner while cheers erupted from another, creating a chaotic yet strangely welcoming atmosphere.

Dozens of adventurers filled the guild. Some relaxed around long wooden tables with food and ale in hand. Others crowded before an enormous quest board covered with hundreds of notices, carefully searching for suitable missions.

Fragments of conversation drifted into Alden’s ears.

"Did you hear? Henry and his gang were wiped out yesterday."

"Serves those bastards right."

"I heard the guards didn’t even get involved."

"Hah! As if they ever do."

Alden silently noted the conversation before another nearby caught his attention.

"Mina reached Gold Rank today."

"What? Already?"

"That’s what people are saying. A hundred Silver-rank missions in just two months."

"There’s no way she cleared all of those alone."

"I heard her older sister helped her."

"That would explain it."

*Gold Rank...*

*So adventurers are ranked too.*

The news of Henry’s death had already spread throughout the city.

Looking ahead, Alden noticed several reception counters.

Behind one stood a chubby young man busily stamping documents while answering one question after another. Two young women at the neighboring counters were equally occupied, efficiently registering missions, receiving reports, and assisting adventurers.

Alden joined the shortest queue.

Fortunately, despite the crowded hall, the line wasn’t very long. Most adventurers seemed far more interested in chatting, drinking, or choosing missions than standing at the reception.

*This place feels less like a guild... and more like a tavern.*

Several minutes later, the adventurer in front of him stepped aside.

It was finally his turn.

"How may I help you?"

The chubby young man greeted him with a wide grin.

His cheerful smile was infectious, radiating enthusiasm. Yet despite his round figure, Alden could sense a faint pressure emanating from him.

*He’s stronger than he looks.*

"I’d like to register as an adventurer."

"Excellent choice, brother!"

The man’s eyes lit up.

"I guarantee you won’t regret it. I’d have become an adventurer myself if I wasn’t stuck behind this counter."

His smile faltered for the briefest moment before returning just as brightly.

"Haha, enough about me. Let’s get you registered."

He picked up a pen.

"Name?"

"Alden."

"Alden... nice name."

The receptionist scribbled it onto a form before extending his hand.

"That’ll be four gold coins."

"...Huh?"

"Four gold coins."

"I heard you the first time."

"Then don’t tell me you don’t have it."

The young man clicked his tongue dramatically.

"Please don’t waste my time."

"I have the money."

Alden shook his head.

"I’m just surprised that’s all you need. Only my name?"

"That’s right."

The receptionist nodded matter-of-factly.

"We don’t ask for your family, background, cultivation, or anything else."

Alden raised an eyebrow.

"Really?"

"Really."

The young man leaned back in his chair.

"The Adventurers’ Guild isn’t a kingdom, and it certainly isn’t a charity. We don’t care where you came from or who your parents are."

"We’re simply a bridge."

He pointed toward the bustling hall behind Alden.

"People post requests. Adventurers complete them. We make sure both sides keep their promises. That’s all."

Alden considered his words for a moment.

"What if a powerful cultivator joins? Do they still have to start from the lowest rank?"

"They do."

The receptionist nodded without hesitation.

"Everyone starts at Bronze. Your rank reflects your experience as an adventurer, not your cultivation."

He smiled.

"A Peak Ascendant might be able to kill monsters with a flick of a finger, but that doesn’t mean they’ll make a good escort, tracker, or investigator."

"Our ranks are earned through completed missions and proven reliability."

*That... actually makes sense.*

Alden had assumed the guild would judge people by strength alone.

Apparently, experience mattered just as much.

"I understand."

Without another word, he reached into his pouch and placed four gold coins onto the counter.

"Here."

The receptionist swept the coins away with a practiced motion before flashing another grin.

"Welcome to the Adventurers’ Guild, Alden."

The receptionist reached beneath the counter and opened a small wooden drawer.

After rummaging through it for a moment, he pulled out a bronze-colored emblem and placed it gently on the counter.

It was roughly the size of Alden’s palm, forged from a dull bronze alloy that had clearly been made to endure years of use. Around its edge ran an intricate pattern of intertwining vines and swords, while at its center was the Adventurers’ Guild’s insignia—a shield crossed by a sword.

Beneath the emblem, a single word was engraved in bold capital letters.

**BRONZE**

Though simple in appearance, the craftsmanship was remarkable. Every line and engraving had been carved with such precision that it almost looked like a work of art rather than an identification badge.

"This is your guild emblem," the receptionist explained. "Keep it safe. It serves as proof of your identity as an adventurer. You’ll need it whenever you accept or report a mission."

Alden picked it up, turning it over between his fingers.

It was surprisingly heavy for its size.

Without saying anything further, he slipped it into his pocket.

"So, how many missions do I need before I reach Silver Rank?"

The receptionist leaned back in his chair.

"Fifty Bronze-rank missions will earn you a promotion to Silver. Complete one hundred Silver-rank missions, and you’ll reach Gold. After that, you’ll need one hundred and eighty Gold-rank missions to become Platinum."

Alden let out a slow whistle.

"That’s... quite a lot."

"I don’t even want to imagine how many it’d take to reach the highest rank."

The receptionist chuckled.

"Heh."

"If you think it’s only about numbers..."

He wore a knowing smile.

"...you’re in for a big surprise."

Alden raised an eyebrow, but before he could ask another question, the receptionist casually pointed past him.

"Now move along."

"You’ve got a line behind you."

Only then did Alden notice several impatient adventurers waiting their turn.

"...Right."

Giving an apologetic nod, he stepped aside and made his way toward the enormous quest board standing at the center of the guild hall.

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