Chapter 1

Everyday is the same. That's just how it is at the start of an adventurer's career. I want to be recognised. I want to go outside and for people to go 'wow! That's Keshin!'

Oh, that's right. My name is Keshin. I'm an 18 year old graduate of the school Knight Cross Academy- to which I was granted three different occupations to choose from. I chose to become an adventurer.

At the guild hall, starting adventurers can post party requests on the bulletin board, and after that- we just have to wait. Unfortunately, I haven't gotten any luck in three days. Being a DPS, not many parties are looking for one. Especially a starting one.

"Hey, are you Keshin?"

"Yes! Ah- I mean... that would be me. Did you need something?"

I got a bit too excited there. Looking over to the sudden voice, I was greeted to a male with blonde hair. He certainly seemed friendly.

"We were looking for a DPS player who's roughly at the same level as us. We were hoping to know what level you are."

The blonde ask. He seemed nervous, twiddling his fingers as he talked to me. Swiping down and opening my menu, I opened up the information screen and showed off my level.

"L-level..."

Sigh.

"... level one."

I felt despair as the words came out of his mouth.

"Alright! Is it alright if you join us?"

"No, I understand. Have a good day- now what did you say?"

"I asked if you could join us. Finding DPS players is extremely hard since they're always taken by some other party. So we'd be happy to have you!"

Is this guy being for real? He's kidding right? Someone actually wants to accept me?

"Wait, you're being serious?"

"Uh... if you don't want to join, then I understand."

"No-no! I do! I just thought you'd be another party to decline me!"

I must've been pulling the stupidest look or the most exciting look- he certainly did seem a bit uncomfortable but that turned into a smile.

"So you'll join?"

"Y-yeah! Of course! My name is Keshin, how about you?"

I stood up from my chair, approached him to reach for a handshake. I could tell that this is going to be a long lasting friendship.

"I'm Hyouketsu. Call me Hyou."

And just like that, my adventure begins with Hyou and his party. Sending me a party invite, I was quick to accepting. I almost crapped myself looking at the list of names that suddenly appeared below my name towards the top right of my eyesight. 4 other people- it was almost a full party.

"Okay! I guess we should get you acquainted with the others. Then we can go ahead and do some combat training for you."

Combat training? I just graduated from the academy- do I need combat training?

Moments later, we left the guild hall and began to make a turn through the town. It was a large one with several houses with timber frames. The streets and paths were filled with cobblestone and tend to be very clean. The town is very popular, well known to be the Town of Beginnings.

Walking down the path with this guy, we eventually came to a building. It was a nearby inn where a lot of beginning adventurers would stay. Could he also be a beginner? But at the same time, he didn't seem too enthusiastic about me being level one.

"My party members are in a room we rented for the night. Wait out here and I'll go fetch them."

Hyou said, walking into the building after I nodded in confirmation that I won't go running off. Not like I'm a rabid animal.

Well I can't complain at all, I finally get the chance to head out with a party of 5 other people! Being excited is an understatement!

Though I do want to act more composed- that way they can have better opinions about me.

Several moments pass by and after waiting for about ten minutes, they finally came. I was greeted to several other players- I couldn't have been more eager to meet them.

"H-Hello everyone! I'm Keshin, it's so nice to meet you all!"

Ah. I couldn't have been more rude- but I seriously can't help it. It's always been my dream to become an adventurer and here I am- accomplishing those dreams.

The one with brun hair came forward and greeted me first, she was certainly friendly and had a sweet voice. She was just about shorter than me- but practically the same height.

"Hello Keshin, I'm Nino, it's nice to meet you. I'm this group's mage. While I use diverse magic, I mainly use fire magic."

The next one was the just-about taller, blonde one. She seemed to be a lot more developed compared to the rest in certain areas, but she seemed to be a noble person in the way she spoke.

"I am Effie. My class is of the Knight, and as you would've assumed- I am the defensive front-line fighter of this group."

The next one had black hair- as black as mine. She seemed to be somewhat quiet, and just about the same height as the mage.

"Hello. I'm Sniper. I'm the archer of the group."

She held her arm, looking towards her other friend who was just about to introduce himself. He certainly had the cleric look down- and his hair was the same shade of brown as the mage.

"And I'm Santos, I heal the others when they're in need!"

A solid team for sure. I then turned to the blonde who seemed like he was about to speak.

"We already know each other- but I should reintroduce anyways. I'm Hyouketsu, and I'm the offensive support character in this group."

Now, it's my turn.

"You all seem like strong people. I'm Keshin, and I'm a swordsman. My role is to play offensive."

"Ah, you use a sword huh? Do you compliment it with a shield?"

"Or do you use a sword and dagger?"

Nino and Santos came up front and close to my face- seemingly more keen about the weapons I use. Well, actually, just weapon.

"Well no. I stick to a single-handed sword type. Using a shield doesn't really work for my speed style."

Nino in particular seemed disappointed, but Santos clearly found it more interesting.

"Well, anyway..."

Suddenly, both Santos and Nino were dragged back by a pair of hands, both owned by Hyou who walked up front to me.

"Let's do some quick evaluation to know where you're at in terms of skills. You know how to perform a 'Sword Art' right?"

I nodded in response. I only knew basic sword arts, but I'm sure they would be impressed by the variety that I do know.

"Want me to demonstrate?"

"Yeah, go for it!"

Taking steps away from the inn, Hyou and the others watched from a distance so I could safely use my sword arts without issue.

Summoning my sword, I proceeded to focus so I could use one. I also had to be wary of my mana which only allowed me to use around 6 sword arts before running out.

Shifting my body, I placed the sword over my right shoulder. Rested, I could feel the power beginning to surge through my body and into the sword. It began to make a sharp sound- and as the sound began to reach it's peak, it suddenly halted to which the blade began to glow green.

"Sword Art, Arc!"

I yelled, the sword tracing an arc as I let loose the energy. In a sword art, the actions are always set. This was the very basic sword art at the very beginning of the skill tree.

After the countless particles dispersed from the light of my blade- I heard the others clapping. Though I have more to show.

"Sword Art..."

I then lowered my blade along with my body, and as soon as I felt the power flowing.

"Vertical!"

The sword carried me into the air after a large slice upwards. It's a work in progress, but I was trying to combine Arc and Verticle together to see if I could create a two-hit combo.

"Woah, two sword arts at level one? Now that's impressive."

Hyou walked over to me after I sheathed my sword, folding my arms and grinning after he boasted my confidence a little.

"You think so?"

"Yeah, that's actually an incredible start. Now do you know any Sacred Arts?"

Sacred arts is something one uses to conjure magic as you would imagine. And as you saw just now, a Sword Art is something that imbues weapons with power to unleash stronger attacks.

"I do know one. Sacred Art, cure."

Raising my hand, I placed it onto Hyou who should've felt a swift surge of energy. Not too much energy- but cure should accelerate his healing powers. It was clear he recieved that power from the silent green energy he emitted.

"Ah, I see. That's certainly useful. If only I had a good start like that."

Hyou looked away towards the others- who all looked towards the ground in disappointment. I just chose a basic set- I didn't expect reactions like these.

Hyou:

"A-anyway, it seems you're a lot better than I had imagined. But we really should see you perform on the field."

Nino:

"I think he performed well."

Santos:

"Well is an understatement."

Effie:

"You know the drill Nino and Santos, we have to evaluate new party members as a regulation."

My attention was really on the quiet girl. Her name was Sniper, right? Certainly an odd one- but it's not like my name is any better, seeing as mine means Blade.

Hyou:

"Alright! Let's get going!"

Everyone:

"Hoorah!"

Keshin:

"Wha- in sync?"

That was impressive. Though Sniper's as quiet as I made her out to be. I wonder if she's got any speech impediments or something. I probably shouldn't ask anything too private.

Hyou began to take off, and looking at my mana- I should be able to regenerate completely in about two minutes.