The Renmei Guild's mission board was divided into five neat columns:
S (Legendary), A (Elite), B (Skilled), C (Capable), and F (…Please don't die).
Kazuki's name wasn't even on the board yet.
"Sorry, since your Class still reads as triple-question-mark, the system hasn't approved you for proper missions," Saya explained while lazily stirring her tea. "But you can run errands! Or gather herbs. Or chase chickens."
"Chickens."
"Vicious ones. The local breed breathes smoke."
Kazuki blinked. "…And here I was thinking chickens were the safe option."
She handed him a beginner's quest scroll anyway.
[QUEST: Jungle Herb Collection – Rank F]
Client: Hinokura Apothecary
Location: Amayu Edgewood Reward: 20 silver + minor potion + 'probably not death'
"Sounds relaxing," Kazuki muttered.
Tala screehed in skeptical agreement as they set off.
✦
The jungle edge was strangely beautiful.
Vines sparkled with dew. Mana-moss pulsed beneath their feet. Insects buzzed like tiny harp strings.
Kazuki tiptoed between thorny shrubs, carefully clipping glowing leaves into a satchel. He'd almost forgotten how his day began: with faceplants and monster roars.
"This isn't so bad," he said, turning to Tala. "See? No screaming. No explosions. No—"
HISSSSSS.
"…Oh no."
A slithering shadow glided out from beneath the roots of a glowing tree. It was sleek, elegant, and utterly terrifying. A giant black cobra, its eyes glimmering with a strange, molten gold light.
Tala flapped her wings, rising just enough to say you're on your own with this one, buddy.
The cobra raised its hood, scales shimmering like polished obsidian. It didn't strike.
It just stared.
A soft chime rang out.
[Potential Companion Detected: "Oro" – Jungle King]
Mana Affinity: Earth + Venom
Accept challenge to bond?
Conditions: Do not flee. Do not flinch. Do not blink.
Kazuki stared back.
"No blinking? Are you serious?"
The cobra hissed.
Kazuki tried.
Five seconds. Ten. The wind blew dust in his eyes. His nose itched. One leaf floated by in slow, mocking motion.
Tears welled.
Then—sneeze.
"ACHOO!"
He flinched.
Oro struck.
Kazuki yelped and threw up his arms—only to find the cobra coiled gently around him like a sentient scarf. It rested its head on his shoulder. Regal. Amused.
[Companion Bonded: Oro – Jungle King] – New Trait Gained: "Serpentine Grace" – Your balance when falling is now 4% better – Aura of accidental coolness: +3 style
"…Did I just win a snake by sneezing?"
Oro flicked his tongue smugly.
Tala made an unimpressed caw. Jealous, maybe?
Kazuki sighed. "I guess this makes me the Overpowered Beast Magnet now."
A rustle in the jungle cut his sarcasm short. Something was watching them. Something big.
Aurelis stepped into the clearing.
His cape fluttered. His sword glowed. His jaw was clenched in a way that screamed: I am taking this WAY too seriously.
"I tracked a Class-A monster here," he said, drawing his blade. "Step aside, novice. This is too dangerous for someone like—"
CHOMP.
A coconut fell on Aurelis's head.
He dropped instantly.
Kazuki blinked. Tala cawed in laughter. Oro slithered around the unconscious hero with mild interest.
A small message popped up:
[Kazuki Haruto – Reputation +1]
You did literally nothing. Somehow, you're now considered a "mysterious expert" by local scouts.
Back in town, Kazuki turned in his herbs and received a confused but grateful nod from the apothecary.
"You completed that fast," she said. "Did you meet any danger?"
"…Define danger."
That night, as he sprawled across his futon with Tala on the windowsill and Oro curled like a heated pillow, Kazuki stared at the ceiling.
"Okay. So far: mud, monsters, eagle, snake, rival. Not dead."
His mana screen dinged.
[LEVEL UP: 4 ➝ 5]
New Title: Slither Whisperer
Bonus Skill: "Dumb Luck – Tier I"
He grinned.
"Let's see how far my faceplants can take me."