Fragile Phantasy

Part 11

KC nodded, impressed by the scope of the manor region's political and economic landscape. "And who is the Capital emperor?" he asked.

"Maximus Magnus," Kristel replied with a smile. "He's the one who makes all the rules, and the territory leaders just enforce them."

Kristel continued her explanation with a tone that was both confident and reassuring. "You can fight them all, once you have increased your rank," she added. "You'll know your rank on the tower rankings in the center of the city. And lastly, when you succeed in beating the capital emperor, you'll be entrusted with one of the five gems awarded as a symbol of leadership in the continent. There is only one stone in each region."

KC suddenly stood up, his eyes widening with shock. "This is what I need!" he exclaimed, barely able to contain his excitement. He couldn't believe that he had seen the same gem that Doc used in the portal. He had no intention of becoming a capital emperor, but the gems would be the key to his return home.

KC sat there, stunned, as he tried to process the information that Kristel had just given him. As Kristel finished her explanation and asked KC to take his first mission, he couldn't help but feel excited.

He quickly scanned the missions posted on the wall and can't choose one. "Can you give me the easiest mission?" he asked Kristel, hoping to start small.

Kristel's face broke into a smile. "This wild boar, but I'm reminding you that this mission is difficult for a magicless," she said.

KC's eyes narrowed. Was she belittling him? he thought, feeling a surge of anger rising in his chest.

But Kristel seemed to know exactly what he was thinking. "I'm not belittling you," she said softly. "Many magicless have died taking this mission."

KC felt confused. How did she know what he was thinking? Kristel smiled, as if reading his mind again. "I'm sure you're wondering why I know what you're thinking," she said.

KC felt a shiver run down his spine. Was she a mind reader? he thought, his mind racing.

But Kristel seemed to understand his thoughts once again. "You think I'm a mind reader, don't you?" she said, laughing softly. "That's obvious from your facial expression."

KC felt even more shocked. He had never met anyone like Kristel before, someone who seemed to be able to understand him without him saying a word.

KC shuddered even more, muttering to himself, "Girls really are annoying," before walking away to start his mission.

As KC made his way to the designated dungeon, he saw a group of men ganging up on one person. It was Edgar, the man who adopted many kids. They were pushing him and trying to initiate a fight, but Edgar kept refusing to fight back.

"If you don't want to be beaten, follow our orders, errand boy," one of the muscle-bound men said as he smacked Edgar in the head.

KC didn't want to get involved, but he also couldn't stand to see someone being bullied. "Hey, leave him alone!" he shouted, getting the attention of the men.

"Who the hell do you think you are?" the muscle man threatened, ready to attack KC.

But one of his friends stopped him. "Hey, stop! Boss Kryge ordered us not to touch him."

"You're lucky today, coward," the muscle man sneered before they all left.

"Thank you. If you hadn't come, I might have been beaten to death," Edgar greeted KC. "Seriously, thank you." He smiled humbly.

KC didn't respond and tried to leave, but Edgar chased after him. "You're an adventurer. Can we team up?" he asked hopefully.

"Not interested," KC immediately replied. He was having second thoughts, not wanting to be betrayed like his childhood friends had done to him.

But Edgar wouldn't give up. "Then use this, because you helped me. When you're on a mission and you need help, just use the magic signal. I'll come help you," he promised and handed kc the signal creator, kc known this item because of working on the weapons factory before.

There something bugging on kc's mind he have failed to save two person asking for help before,one from the mafia and the other is the magicless on the cell, so there's right for him to use this item.

With a Heavy heart because of those memories, KC just continued walking, eventually arriving at the weapon shop. He could only afford a rusty spear and shield with his remaining money, and his watch was malfunctioning and still recharging, now the watch recharge much more longer it will took hours to finally be used again.

Finally, KC set out to start his first mission. As he walked towards the dungeon, he couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding. He knew that the mission wouldn't be easy, especially without any magic. But he steeled his resolve and pressed on, determined to succeed.