Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. This story is not affiliated with any institutions mentioned in the chapters. Please be advised that this story contains mature themes such as violence and strong language that are not suitable for very young audiences. Read at your own risk.   ***   A grand adventure was about to unfold to a young swordsman from a humble village called Frostwood. He had come of age. And it was his most awaited day in his whole eighteen years of existence.   Galloping on a horse was a young man named Arth. His ocean-blue eyes were gently kissed by the afternoon sun rays, making his eye color more pure and vibrant. T

  "Eeeek!"  The shrieking scream of a wild boar echoed throughout the dark forest as it got slashed by Arth’s blade, sharp and deadly. Dark and warm blood burst out of the beast’s wounded belly. Arth, who was standing in front, raised his Blackwinter sword with its sharp point aiming down towards the head of the boar. Without any hesitation, he landed a quick and direct thrust on its neck. It was a seamless plunge on the soft flesh. The boar died a few seconds after and a white, small sphere slowly appeared from its mouth. Arth took the white core and placed it on his jar. He grimaced, shaking his head in disappointment, looking at his jar that only contained white cores. ‘Where the hell can I find those B-class beasts?’ Arth thought. ‘Seriously, it's been almost two hours already and all I have collected are white cores from C-class. Damn it.’ Arth let out a huge breath. "We have to work

  "This … this is madness! I've done nothing wrong!" A filthy peasant agonized, kneeling on the ground with his hands chained. His dirty clothes have been torn as his dry skin revealed painful marks from intense torture. Along with him were two, dreadful bodies—no heads, lying while blood spurted and flowed on the stone floor. He was the last one to be executed on the underground dungeon of the castle. "The court has already proven you guilty. I’ve no pity to those who defy the laws," Kael Denvorn replied in a cold voice as he stood high in front of the foul prisoner. The silver-armored knight beside Kael handed over a long and sharp sword. "How did I end up to this madness? It was that damn noble who drugged and tortured my family to death! Where the hell is justice in that? That monster should be the one to be punished!" the man cried out with tears falling down from his bloodshot eyes. “You’re all rotting demons… all of you…”

  Warm air welcomed them upon stepping inside. An open space at the center had long couches and a low table. The blazing fireplace gave warmth and light to the entire living room. The floor was finished with wood and the glass windows had dark curtains covering it. Arth was walking around when he got a bitter and burned scent in the air. "What's that smell?" he asked. Robert looked up and sniffed, then his eyes widened in surprise. "Oh dammit … Alice!" he grunted, storming through the hall. Arth wanted to know where the scent was coming from, so he followed Robert. The hall had two doorways on each side. The first one Arth had passed by was the dining area, and the second one was the kitchen. At the end of the hall was a staircase leading to the second floor. "What on Earthos are you doing?!" Robert's loud voice thundered from the second doorway ahead. As Arth entered the kitchen, the smell of the burning food got stronger. Robert

  “What?” Arth whispered to Robert, taken aback. "I have already thought of that … Arth, can you do it?" Lucas raised an eyebrow. Janshai snorted, breaking the short silence in the room. "Bet this amateur won't last," he said, staring at Arth with a dead-serious look. "First missions have high mortality rate." Arth looked down, clenching his fists. "He'll be fine," Luna told Janshai. "Mortality rate is only high when you're alone." Janshai shrugged, then looked away. "This is a dangerous mission, Arth,” Lucas said. “You'll be raiding the main hideout of bandits … and it’ll only be the two of you. One mistake could be lethal. But don't worry. Believe in Luna's skills. She'll cover you.” Luna turned to Arth. "You hear that? Trust me, I’m a master archer." Arth nodded at her. "I'll do my best, boss.” "Very well," Lucas said. "Luna, Arth, your mission is to wipe out the bandits attacking Whiteground Vil