Days passed, and I started to feel like I was one of those characters in an absurd story—but this time, I wasn't just the protagonist stuck in a new world. I was also trapped in a kingdom system that required me to become a "Licensed Adventurer Knight."
"Congratulations, Aria. You're officially a Licensed Adventurer Knight now," said the Commander, flashing a wide grin as if he had just lifted me to the seventh heaven.
I stared at the letter with a blank expression. "Licensed Adventurer Knight? Like... some sort of adventure club card or what?" I raised an eyebrow, then glanced at the commander like I had just been handed a "National Hero" certificate just because I made it to work without falling.
The commander looked serious, but honestly, I was more interested in the chili sauce they served for lunch than all these titles. "This is a big opportunity, Aria. You can travel to other kingdoms, help people, find artifacts, or... solve kingdom problems. Are you ready?"
"Ready? So, not only do I get to be a cave-dwelling human stuck here for weeks, but now I can go out and look for other kingdom problems? Why not? Sounds like extra work for a lazy person—eh, I mean, ready to work hard!" I said those words with a half-frozen smile, trying to keep up the confident appearance while occasionally hoping for something more exciting.
I knew, I knew. I should probably feel honored, but... seriously? There was still a part of me that felt like this was more like a government employee job with a little swordplay and a lot more problems.
But yeah, I just said, "Okay, thank you, Commander. So, can I start my adventure now, or is there some form to fill out first?"
The commander laughed, not understanding the sarcasm. "No forms, Aria. Just enthusiasm and courage."
Enthusiasm and courage? Ah, that's so cliché.
"Enthusiasm and courage, huh? Okay, so if I boldly run to the neighboring kingdom and flee from problems, that counts as success, right?" I said with a fake smile.
They still didn't get it.
"Alright, here's your adventurer card. Whenever you need permission to leave, show this card to the gatekeeper."
I looked at the card. It was just a piece of paper with the kingdom's seal and the words "Licensed Adventurer Knight" written in big letters. I glanced at the card, then looked back at them, as if contemplating something bigger. "So, this is what you call an adventurer? This is more like a library card that can be used to go out and cause trouble."
I took the card and stuffed it into my pocket, my expression showing just how thrilled I was about this "adventure.""So, if I go out and suddenly encounter monsters or problems, I just show this and say, 'I'm a licensed adventurer, yeah, I'm the one allowed to go looking for trouble.' Cool, huh?"
They just smiled proudly. I couldn't stop laughing inside.
"Licensed adventurer..." I muttered again, almost feeling like I was preparing for an adventure in a world full of absurdities, with a storyline full of traps.
***
I'm officially a "Licensed Adventurer Knight." It's only slightly different from an office job where you have to fill out forms and show up on time—the difference is, I have to use a sword more often and hope I don't die halfway through.
After the trainer finished explaining how valuable this title was, I just stood there with a blank expression, trying to process what had just happened. "Valuable?" Is this a title or more like a train ticket that can be used anywhere, but with no guarantee of actually arriving safely?
"Really, Aria," the trainer continued, "You can help the kingdom, travel to other territories, and find legendary artifacts that can strengthen our kingdom."
I almost laughed hearing that. "Legendary artifacts?" I didn't even know how to use a sword properly, and they want me to search for artifacts that might be anywhere. This is like handing a kid a sharp toy and saying, "Go ahead and play!" I tried to hold it back.
"Okay, so my main job is to be the person who goes around the kingdom, finds problems that need solving, and says, 'Don't worry, I'm a Licensed Adventurer Knight,'"I said, half mocking, half curious."Pretty cool, huh?"
The trainer just nodded enthusiastically, as if he thought I was taking it very seriously. "Exactly. This is an important task, Aria. The world needs heroes like you."
A hero? A hero in a world like this? I could imagine myself walking around with a big sword, just to complain about how hard the job is. A hero who spends more time in the heat and rain than surviving battles.
"Wait, so if I suddenly get attacked by a huge monster, I have to show this card and say, 'Hey, this is my adventurer card! Don't mess with me!'" I snorted and glanced at the card the trainer had given me. The card looked like an old movie ticket, with the kingdom's seal, which for some reason felt more official than an office ID card.
"Exactly, but remember, Aria, you're still part of the kingdom. If you complete your mission well, you'll get recognition and rewards. Doesn't that sound exciting?" The trainer looked at me, expecting me to be impressed.
I stared at him, then glanced at the card again, as if searching for something I could read behind the kingdom's seal. "Rewards, huh? Maybe the reward could be a vacation somewhere with no monsters or rain."
"Of course, you could also choose to get stronger, to help build the future of the kingdom," the trainer added, now sounding like he was giving me wise advice.
I held my breath and said with clear sarcasm, "Oh, yeah, sure. The future of the kingdom. Awesome. So, if I pass this mission, will I get a beach villa or more endless tasks? Maybe a tent for comfort."
The trainer laughed awkwardly, not quite sure if I was joking or serious. "Well, let's see how you develop."
I rolled my eyes and finally gave in. "Yeah, yeah, let's see. A hero who's looking for trouble."
And that's where my adventure began. Not with heroic steps or dramatic moments, but with a little sarcasm and a lot of realism about what I was about to face. Because we all know, life isn't as pretty as the stories in history books. This is the life of an adventurer, one that might end with the question, "Wait, why do I have to deal with all this?"