YGGDRASIL GM

Eventually, the map led him to a large, imposing building at the heart of the city. The banner above the entrance bore the emblem of a sword and shield, just as the old man had described. The Adventurers Guild. Kaeltharion paused for a moment, taking in the sight. The building was bustling with activity, adventurers of all kinds coming and going, their armor clinking and weapons gleaming in the sunlight.

Satisfied, he deactivated the map overlay and stepped inside, ready to begin the next phase of his journey. As soon as Kaeltharion entered, the room seemed to pause for a moment. Adventurers of all shapes and sizes turned their heads, their eyes narrowing as they took in the newcomer. His presence was impossible to ignore—his sharp, cat-like yellow eyes, the faint scars marking his face, and the sleek, dark leather armor that hugged his athletic frame. He carried himself with an air of confidence that immediately set him apart from the typical fresh-faced recruits.

Kaeltharion ignored the stares, his expression calm and unreadable as he made his way to the reception desk. The receptionist, a young woman with short-cropped brown hair and a no-nonsense demeanor, looked up as he approached. Her eyes flicked over him briefly before she spoke.

"Welcome to the Adventurers Guild," she said briskly. "Are you here to register, or are you looking for work?"

"Both," Kaeltharion replied, his voice calm and measured. "I'm new to the city, and I'd like to get started right away."

The receptionist nodded, pulling out a form and sliding it across the counter. "Fill this out, and we'll get you sorted. Once you're registered, you can take a look at the quest board and see what's available."

The language was foreign to him, a mix of symbols and script he couldn't decipher.

With a mental command, he activated his system interface. "System, provide me with full knowledge of this world's written and spoken languages," he thought.

[Language Database Updated.]

[All Known Languages of This World: Acquired.]

Instantly, the once indecipherable text became clear. He could now read and understand every word.

Kaeltharion took the form and quickly filled it out, his sharp eyes scanning the questions with ease. When he handed it back, the receptionist glanced it over before reaching under the counter and producing a small copper badge. She handed it to him along with a brief explanation.

"You'll start at the lowest rank—copper. The ranks go copper, iron, silver, gold, platinum, mythril, orichalcum, and adamantite. Complete quests, gain experience, and you'll move up. For now, you can only take on copper-ranked missions."

Kaeltharion took the badge, his expression unreadable as he glanced at the small, unassuming piece of metal. He pocketed the badge and turned his attention to the quest board, his sharp eyes scanning the various notices pinned to it.

Kealtharion turned his attention to the quest board, his sharp eyes scanning the various notices pinned to it.

One quest in particular caught his eye—a request to eliminate a settlement of goblins and ogres that had been terrorizing a nearby village. The difficulty rating was high for a copper-ranked adventurer, and the notice specified that at least 42 copper-ranked adventurers were recommended for the task.

Just as he reached out to take the quest notice, three men approached him. Their gear marked them as higher-ranked adventurers. The one in the middle was bald, with a tattoo running above his left eye. The other two had brown hair and carried themselves with the confidence of seasoned fighters. All three seemed to be in their 30's, their eyes sharp and calculating as they sized up Kaeltharion.

The bald man spoke first, his tone friendly but with an underlying edge. "Hey there, new guy. You planning to take on that goblin and ogre quest all by yourself?"

Kaeltharion raised an eyebrow, his piercing yellow eyes locking onto the man. "I was considering it," he replied, his voice calm but laced with a subtle challenge.

The bald man chuckled, exchanging glances with his companions. "That's a tough one for a Copper rank. Even for us, it's no walk in the park. We took this quest earlier but needed a Copper adventurer to meet the requirement. How about you team up with us? We're Platinums—three of us equal about 41 Coppers. With you, that makes it 42. We'll get the job done faster, and you'll get a taste of how the big leagues operate."

Kaeltharion studied the trio, his sharp instincts picking up on their true intentions. They weren't offering out of kindness—they were testing him, perhaps even planning to use him as bait or steal his share of the reward. But instead of declining, he nodded, a faint smirk playing on his lips.

"Fine," he said. "Let's see how this goes."

The bald man grinned, clearly pleased with himself. "Good choice. Name's Garrick, by the way. This is Rolf and Jarek." He gestured to the two brown-haired men flanking him. Both nodded in greeting, though their expressions were guarded.

"Kael," Kaeltharion replied, using a shortened version of his name.

He didn't miss the way Garrick's eyes lingered on the two blades on his back or the way Rolf and Jarek exchanged knowing looks. They were sizing him up, just as he was sizing them up.

"Alright, Kael," Garrick said, clapping him on the shoulder. "We'll head out at first light tomorrow. Meet us here at dawn, and don't be late. We've got a long trek ahead of us."

Kaeltharion nodded, his smirk widening slightly. "I'll be there." He paused for a moment, glancing at Garrick and his companions. "Is there a place nearby to spend the night? Preferably close to the guild."

Garrick gestured toward the door with a grin. "Right next door, actually. There's a bar that offers rooms. It's not the fanciest, but it'll do for a night. Just don't expect too much luxury."

Kaeltharion gave a curt nod. "Thanks." Without another word, he turned and left the guild, stepping into the dimly lit street. The bar was indeed right next to the guild, its sign creaking softly in the evening breeze. He pushed the door open and stepped inside, the warm, smoky air hitting him immediately.

Behind the counter stood the bartender, a brown-skinned man with black-brownish hair and a tired non-friendly expression.

"A one-night room for one person is three copper coins. Meals are extra—breakfast is one copper, dinner's two. If you want—"

"Just a room," Kaeltharion interrupted, his voice calm but firm.

The bartender paused, his eyes narrowing as they flicked to the copper badge on Kaeltharion's chest. His expression shifted, a mix of disdain and amusement creeping onto his face. "This place isn't for coppers," he said bluntly, crossing his arms. "You're better off finding a cheaper spot down the street."

Kaeltharion met the man's gaze, his sharp yellow eyes unwavering. "I just signed up today," he replied, his tone even but carrying a subtle edge. "I'll take the room."

The bartender shrugged and said, "Fine. But it'll cost you five coppers." He leaned forward, his tone challenging, as if daring Kaeltharion to argue.

Kaeltharion didn't flinch. Instead, he closed his right fist, activating his system interface. With a thought, he created five copper coins, their weight materializing in his palm. He opened his hand and placed the coins on the counter, the metallic clink drawing the bartender's attention.

The bartender scooped up the coins and nodded toward the stairs. "Room's on the second floor, middle door on the right. Key's already in the lock."

Kaeltharion gave a curt nod and made his way to the stairs, his boots echoing softly against the wooden floor. The second floor was quieter, the noise from the bar below muffled. He found his room easily, the middle door on the right, just as the bartender had said. The key turned with a soft click, and he stepped inside.

The room was small but functional—a narrow bed, a wooden chair, and a small table with a flickering oil lamp. A single window looked out over the street, the faint glow of lanterns casting long shadows. Kaeltharion closed the door behind him and sat on the edge of the bed, his mind already racing with questions. He decided to consult the system, hoping for some clarity about his situation.

"System," he began, his voice low. "Where am I?"

[Answer: You are in the city E-Rantel, located in the central region of the continent.]

A map materialized before him, glowing faintly in the dim room. Kaeltharion studied it, his brows furrowing. The landscape—rolling plains, scattered cities, and winding rivers—looked somewhat familiar, but something about its borders felt incomplete. Several names stood out: Re-Estize Kingdom, Baharuth Empire, Slane Theocracy, Roble Holy Kingdom, Argland Council State, and the Dragon Kingdom, etc.

A red mark pulsed faintly over a location within the Re-Estize Kingdom, indicating his current position.

"Is that all?" he muttered. "This can't be the entire world. And why does it look like the Middle East?"

[Answer: Negative. This is the official map used by human civilizations.]

At his request, the system expanded the map, revealing an enormous landmass beyond the known territories. His breath hitched at the sheer scale—endless forests, towering mountains, and vast shadowed regions devoid of any kingdom markings.

"Why don't they expand into these areas?" he asked.

[Answer: The number of monsters far exceeds that of humans. All unclaimed territories are ruled by wild monsters, dragons, or unknown entities beyond human control.]

Kaeltharion sat in silence for a moment before speaking again.

"System, who summoned me to this world?"

[Answer: A powerful dragon performed a ritual in the distant past using a unique type of magic exclusive to dragons, known as 'Wild Magic' This ritual summons a random number of players who remained logged into the game until the servers shut down. The ritual occurs once every hundred years.]

Kaeltharion raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Why did this dragon summon us? And how many other players are still alive in this world?"

[Answer: Humanity was in a dire state, facing extinction at the hands of other species. The dragon sought to summon powerful individuals to aid in their survival. As for the number of surviving players, there are currently two in this world, including you.]

Kaeltharion leaned back, processing the information. Two players. That meant there was one other person out there who shared his origins. He was about to ask more—who the other player was, what had happened to the others—but then he stopped himself. Where was the fun in knowing everything upfront? Half the thrill was in the discovery. Still, one final, ridiculous question popped into his head.

"Can you revive the players who died?" he asked, half-expecting the system to dismiss the idea.

[Answer: Reviving deceased individuals usually requires locating their body or a part of it. However, due to the system's connection to the game—and by extension, the players—it is possible to revive them under special circumstances, even if they died in other worlds to this world in their game avatar.]

Kaeltharion's eyes widened, and he nearly fell off the bed. "WHAAAAAAT?!" he exclaimed, his deep voice echoing in the small room. The idea that he can bring back his old guildmates—or even other players—was staggering. But he quickly shook his head, deciding not to dwell on it for now. That was something for another time.

Instead, he decided to indulge himself. After all, he didn't need to use the bathroom no matter how much he ate or drank, so why not enjoy the perks of his new existence? "System," he said, a grin spreading across his face, "give me some fancy food, drinks, and shakes from all over my previous world. I want to spend the rest of the night enjoying myself."

[Compiling list…]

The system promptly displayed a list of exotic and luxurious dishes, drinks, and shakes, each more extravagant than the last. A moment later, the air shimmered as an opulent feast materialized before Kaeltharion, the table quickly filling with plates and glasses brimming with indulgent delights.

Food:

Truffle-Infused Wagyu Steak

Golden Ossetra Caviar

Lobster Thermidor

Saffron Risotto with Porcini Mushrooms

Molten Chocolate Soufflé

Drinks:

Dom Pérignon Vintage Champagne

Macallan M Whisky

Espresso Martini

Mojito Royale

Matcha Latte

Shakes:

Salted Caramel Pretzel Shake

Cookies and Cream Dream

Peanut Butter Banana Bliss

Strawberry Cheesecake Shake

Mint Chocolate Chip Avalanche

(Author's Note: Don't ask why I listed the food like a bunch of skills—I have no idea either. Maybe I was just hungry)

Kaeltharion's eyes widened as he took in the sight of the feast before him. In his previous life, such luxuries were beyond his wildest dreams. He had spent most of his days surviving on cheap instant noodles and energy drinks, barely scraping by. Now, here he was, surrounded by dishes that would make even the wealthiest of kings envious. A slow, satisfied smile spread across his face as he leaned back in his chair.

"Thank God," he muttered under his breath, his voice tinged with genuine gratitude.

He wasted no time diving into the meal. The Truffle-Infused Wagyu Steak melted in his mouth, its rich, buttery flavor unlike anything he had ever tasted. The Golden Ossetra Caviar was a revelation, each delicate pearl bursting with a briny, luxurious taste. The Lobster Thermidor was creamy and indulgent, the Saffron Risotto earthy and aromatic, and the Molten Chocolate Soufflé was pure decadence, its gooey center paired perfectly with the cool vanilla bean ice cream.

Between bites, he sipped on the Dom Pérignon Vintage Champagne, the bubbles dancing on his tongue, and alternated with the Macallan M Whisky, its smooth, complex flavors warming him from the inside out. The shakes were a delightful indulgence, each one a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The Salted Caramel Pretzel Shake was his favorite, the sweet and salty combination hitting all the right notes.

Kaeltharion ate and drank with abandon, savoring every bite and sip. He didn't stop until the first rays of dawn began to peek through the window, casting a soft golden light over the remnants of his feast. He leaned back in his chair, patting his stomach with a satisfied sigh.

"Alright," he said, his voice firm and resolute. "Time to start my first adventure. Let's go kill some retards who think they can trick me."

He stood, stretching his limbs and feeling the energy of the night's indulgence coursing through him. After a quick check of his gear, he made his way to the guild, arriving just as the sun fully crested the horizon. Garrick, Rolf, and Jarek were already there, looking impatient but ready. The receptionist handed them the quest confirmation, and the group set off toward the goblin and ogre settlement.

As they passed through the kingdom's main gate and ventured into the open fields, the three silver-ranked adventurers began to regale Kaeltharion with their "heroic" tales. Garrick, the bald one, boasted about how he had single-handedly taken down a pack of dire wolves. Rolf and Jarek chimed in with their own exaggerated stories, each one trying to outdo the other. Their conversation soon turned to their conquests—not just in battle, but in the bedroom. They laughed about the women they had seduced, and in some cases, forced themselves upon, their words filled with arrogance and cruelty.

Kaeltharion listened in silence, his face an unreadable mask. Inside, he was disgusted, his disdain for these men growing with every word. But he kept his emotions in check, knowing that their true colors would only make what he had planned for them more satisfying.

Eventually, they turned their attention to him. "So, Kael," Garrick said, his tone dripping with false camaraderie, "that armor of yours looks expensive. How much did it set you back?"

Kaeltharion smiled, a faint, almost predatory glint in his yellow eyes. "The armor alone cost me 20 gold coins," he said casually. "And each of these swords?" He gestured to the two swords on his back. "7 gold coins apiece."

The three men stopped in their tracks, their eyes widening in shock. They exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of disbelief and greed. "Twenty gold for the armor? And seven for each sword?" Rolf repeated, his voice tinged with awe. "That's… that's more than most adventurers make in 10 years!"

Kaeltharion shrugged, his smile unwavering. "Quality comes at a price," he said simply before continuing down the path, the three men following closely behind.

"And why carry two swords if each is so powerful? From the price alone, one should be more than enough," Rolf asked, his brow furrowed as he voiced the thought lingering in all their minds.

Kaeltharion chuckled, the gleam in his eyes hinting at a deeper purpose. "Powerful, yes. But each has its purpose—each is crafted to end a different kind of prey." His tone was casual, but the weight behind his words sent a shiver through the air, a subtle promise of things yet to come.