Explorers' Guild - prologue part 2

March 25, 3022 – 7:15 AM

Odd was lying in bed, staring at the ceiling with a contemplative look.

He was lost in thought. Despite meeting a member of the Explorers' Guild three days ago, he still hadn't decided what to do.

Most of his competitors would be at the Beginner level—and not just ordinary Beginners, but gifted and experienced ones who had managed to find a Guild member. They might not even be his age; there were many adult Beginners around the world, and naturally, their experience far surpassed that of the Beginner students in Silo.

On the other hand, if he missed this opportunity, there likely wouldn't be a second chance.

"Damn it, what should I do?" Odd ruffled his hair in frustration. He had always been a bit of a coward, but ever since he obtained the Power of Wishes, he had resolved to become braver so he could return to his world.

'Thinking about it… this goal is cowardly too,' Odd thought. Wasn't the desire to escape this world a form of cowardice as well?

The wish to return to his original world, to escape this dangerous one, and to do whatever it took to go back—wasn't that, in itself, an act of cowardice?

Odd tried to shake off this thought when he suddenly heard his aunt calling him.

"Odd, breakfast is ready! I made your favorite dish," Aunt Tia called from the kitchen downstairs.

"I'm coming," Odd replied as he got up and headed downstairs. He saw his aunt in her usual purple apron, preparing food, and immediately noticed his favorite cinnamon pancakes on the table.

Odd sat down and started eating alongside Aunt Tia. As he ate, several thoughts ran through his mind as he glanced at her, and he couldn't help but ask, "Auntie, are you strong?"

"Huh? What kind of random question is that?" Aunt Tia looked surprised by Odd's sudden inquiry.

"Just answer, please," Odd said with a pleading tone. Having raised him for nearly 14 years, Aunt Tia couldn't help but soften when he asked for something.

"Alright then… Compared to you and other students your age, I'd say I'm quite strong. As a senior and experienced Beginner, I can easily defeat ordinary people and lower-level Beginners," Aunt Tia said, taking the opportunity to boast a little.

Most people became Beginners as they grew older. Aunt Tia wasn't a Synchro Soldier—just a regular working citizen—so she lacked the experience of a true Synchro Soldier. Even so, she could easily defeat weak, young Beginners—though Scarlett was probably an exception.

Odd's aunt's words made him think even more about going. Even though he already knew the reality of the situation, hearing it out loud only made him more afraid.

"Then let me ask you another question… Am I a coward?" Odd couldn't help but say in a quiet voice.

Aunt Tia was shocked by his words. "...What makes you think that?"

Odd stared at his cinnamon pancakes, deep in thought, as he spoke. "Well, I've always felt like I run away from the things that scare me… and that sometimes makes me feel like a coward," he said slowly. Maybe the one thing he had never been afraid of was saying this kind of thing to Aunt Tia. He had never feared telling her anything.

For some reason, Aunt Tia looked at Odd—his head lowered—with a puzzled expression. After a few moments, she finally spoke.

"Odd, I don't know what made you say this… but you're not a coward." She gently touched his hand. "A coward is someone who never dares to do anything because of fear. But you… you're a good person who would do anything for the people you love. And I, your aunt, know this better than anyone." She paused, letting her words sink in before continuing.

"I don't know what's making you feel this way, but if there's something you're afraid to do, I'm sure you can overcome that fear and face it."

Odd lifted his head and looked at his aunt, who smiled at him kindly. "Courage doesn't mean not being afraid of anything. It means pushing through even when you're scared. That's true courage."

Odd stared at her in shock, surprised by her words. They were exactly what he needed to hear.

'Aunt Tia is right. Even if going to the Explorers' Guild is dangerous, I have to be brave and go. Besides, the Power of Wishes helps me a lot, and I have enough time to prepare,' Odd thought optimistically. He wanted to return to his world. Whether that was cowardice or bravery didn't matter—he was going to do it, no matter what.

Though Aunt Tia might have changed her words if she knew what Odd was planning.

---

March 29, 3022 – 12:34 PM

At the New Dawn Club Hall

"David, I know tomorrow's a holiday and a perfect chance to train, but I have something important to take care of," Odd said apologetically, looking at David Garcia.

Tomorrow was the only day of the month when students were given a break from classes, so clubs usually used the time for training.

"Eh, no problem, really. It's not like I'm some strict, uptight leader," David said, waving his hands dismissively. "Just make sure to train well afterward so you don't fall behind. Our members are top-tier, you know."

"Of course," Odd chuckled lightly.

---

March 30, 3022 – 4:00 PM

In a dense forest overlooking Silo City, Odd walked through the trees while glancing at his Synchro Network.

"I need to head north now," he muttered, following the location instructions given to him by the Explorers' Guild member.

He had brought along the sword he had been training with at the academy. Students were allowed to take ordinary weapons for practice outside the institution, and the academy officials weren't too concerned about major problems arising—it was just basic weaponry, after all.

'Good thing this is just a regular forest, so there aren't any monsters. But it'd be bad luck if a wild predator spotted me,' Odd thought. He wasn't a Beginner yet, so he couldn't easily defeat animals. 'Imagine if I died before even reaching the destination… what a humiliating way to go.'

Arriving at his destination, the only thing he noticed was an old-looking well. Peering inside, he found it empty.

'Is this a secret entrance? Don't tell me I have to jump in,' Odd thought, annoyed. But he accepted it and jumped down—it wasn't that deep, anyway.

To his left, he spotted a large hole leading downward. It was deep and seemed to go somewhere. 'Looks like this is the way to the test.'

Taking a deep breath, he slapped his cheeks to calm himself and started walking forward. "Alright… here we go."