Triple S plus, what the F**k?!

I was jolted awake by a series of soft knocks on the door, my stomach grumbling like a disgruntled beast. The smell of breakfast wafted in from the hallway, stirring my senses more than the sounds around me. I pulled myself from the comfort of the bed and opened the door to reveal a sweet old lady with warm, wrinkled hands holding a steaming plate of food.

"Good morning, dear! Would you like some breakfast?" she asked with a kind smile that lit up her face as brightly as the sun spilling through the window.

"Yes, please!" I replied, my stomach echoing its agreement. As I sat at the small desk positioned by the window, the town beyond sparked with life. The vibrant banners fluttered like colorful birds at the top of each building, and flowers nestled in window boxes painted the street in joyful hues. Birds flitted through the air, while bees danced around the blossoms outside my window. I couldn't help but smile.

My plate filled with food: I dug in, savoring the homemade flavors. A little while after I finished eating I was enjoying myself in a moment of bliss, there came another knock at the door. I stood up, half-expecting another wave of delicious breakfast, but it was the same old lady again.

"I've heard how you saved my granddaughter yesterday," she said, her eyes twinkling with pride. "You're free to stay here or at any of the wolf den locations at any time. I've sent messages to each location. You can visit them anytime!"

I was touched by her generosity, especially because Dehya—the granddaughter she referred to—was indeed the only one who knew my name or the details of what transpired yesterday so it had to be her that told her. "Thank you," I said, bowing my head in gratitude.

The old lady continued, "Oh, and she's left you a special outfit to wear today!" She handed me a package and took my old clothes, assuring me they would be washed and ready by the time I returned.

Once the door clicked shut, I stared in confusion at the protective bag she'd left. "Wait…she's an elf's grandmother, but she doesn't have elf ears?" Something felt amiss, but I decided it was best to ask Dehya later. I tore open the bag, revealing a unique outfit: a white suit with a teal tie adorned with vibrant flowers, a corresponding pocket square, and white slacks complete with teal shoes that burst with floral designs.

"What the—what is this?" I exclaimed, baffled. This is not my style. Yet I'd feel odd refusing to wear the lovely, albeit flamboyant, garment. With a sigh of resignation, I got dressed.

As I walked to the bathroom, I caught my reflection in the mirror. To my surprise, I looked sharper—handsome even. The scar that once marked my cheek was gone. My teal hair flowed wildly, but I felt a surge of confidence. "Hell yeah," I muttered, reaching for a jar of hair paste. After slicking my hair back, I thought, *Time to go break some hearts.*

I chuckled at myself, inwardly rolling my eyes at how cliché my thinking was.

*I sound just like a grandmother.*

Leaving my room, I said goodbye to the new man standing at the front desk and made my way toward the fountain in the town center. There stood Dehya, radiating charm in a flowing yellow dress embroidered with dancing flowers. Her vibrant purple eyes sparkled, drawing me in like a moth to flame. I was oblivious to the way her cheeks flushed as I approached.

"Hey, Dehya!" I called out. She spun around, the playful sparkle in her expression contagious with the sincere gratitude in her eyes.

"Oh, the freeloader!" she teased, referencing how she'd set up my room for me the previous night.

"Hey! You wouldn't be here if it weren't for me!" I shot back, a smirk dancing on my lips.

Dehya's smile broadened and she shifted the topic with ease. "I've got appointments lined up for us to meet with Versailles. She can help you regain your memory."

Panic bubbled in my chest. *If I try to get my memory back, she might uncover who I truly am. Then think I'm some weird psychopath. She would never believe I'm from some other world.*

Before my mind could spiral, I quick-wittedly replied, "Actually, I've had some thoughts this morning. I don't think I want to regain my memory just yet. I'm enjoying getting to experienc all this with you again. It's like living a second life. I'd rather rediscover my past organically."

As the words left my mouth, I saw Dehya's cheeks bloom crimson. Part of me meant it; * genuinely enjoyed my time with her—not necessarily in a romantic way, but the connection was undeniable.*

As if sensing my hesitation, Orion, my spirit cat, still inside my earring thought to himself, *This boy doesn't even realize—he's attracted to her. He needs to learn how to cut our mental link. Usually this is just reserved for battle so I can act upon his subconscious. Naw, I'll hold off on telling him for now, this is quite fun. I've been stuck in that spirit world for far too long.*

oblivious to the cat's cunning observations, focused on Dehya, who was now looking shy yet pleased. "So, where to next?" I asked, willing to follow her lead.

"We need to visit the Adventure Hall. You'll need a new adventure card," she explained as she took my hand, guiding me through the bustling streets.

Upon arriving, a chubby lady behind the counter wearing panda ears greeted us. Wait, they weren't an accessory; they moved in sync with her emotions, twitching as she spoke, making me wonder about the variety of species in this vibrant world.

*If there's elf's, I'm not surprised by there being more species than that.*

Dehya stepped forward confidently, "Zain needs a new card. He lost his."

The panda lady nodded, rummaging through papers as she infused a sprinkle of magic. With a flick of her wrist, a black card appeared, glimmering with gold details.

"Hold it tightly, speak your name, and let it read your mana," Dehya instructed, her excitement palpable. I hesitated, feeling the weight of the moment pressing down on me. With a deep breath, I took the card and uttered, "Zain Drago." In an instant, letters formed on the card: SSS+.

Panic surged through me.

*Oh, no. This can't be happening. A number like this would draw eyes, and not just the admiring kind.*

I shoved the card deep into my pocket, heart pounding with embarrassment.* I don't even have the skills to match that rank. As per that board right there, that's the highest rank possible. I'll deal with this later.*

Dehya's brow furrowed slightly, but she quickly shifted gears. "What about lunch? I'm starving!" Her smile was infectious.

I chuckled nervously; relief washed over me. "Right! Let's grab a bite." As we stepped back into the bustling streets, Orion appeared and leaped down, twining at my ankles. As long as I had them at my side, maybe I wouldn't have to face my rank just yet. Adventure awaited—food first, peril later.