On Duskrice 2, 1850 AC (Arbiter Calendar), I deceived my two older sisters and my mother by pretending that I didn't realize the significance of the worn-out learning book I had bought. To make my lie more convincing, I acted dumbfounded and said, "A friend told me that buying a worn-out book could help find something important, so I purchased it, but I don't fully understand it since some of the meanings are hard to grasp." After I said this, my sisters and mother exchanged glances and accepted my explanation.
"Alistair, you've acquired something very important. This learning book, in simple terms, allows an aura user in the Aura Transformation Realm and Aura Empowerment Realm to enhance their physical capabilities by utilizing their own aura capacity. However, since you are not in a position to use it yet—you're still far from accessing this ability, as the recommended starting point is the Aura Transformation Realm—Ismeria, Lyra, and I will be the ones using this ability. In return, ask for something different, and I will grant it to you, my son." Alistair's mother smiled and gently patted him on the head.
After dinner, Alistair went to bed, pondering how to give the Gauntlet to his older sister, Lyra. He wanted to practice using his sword, which he gained the ability to wield through the Imperial Aura Sword Art yesterday. Unsure of how to present the Gauntlet, he decided to ask the system for advice: "System, do you have any ideas on how I should give the Gauntlet to my sister, Lyra?"
The system replied immediately, "How about taking a solo mission related to treasure hunting? There's no penalty if you can't find any treasure, so use that to your advantage."
Alistair thought about the suggestion and felt it sparked a good idea. "Thank you, System. I now have a plan for how to handle this." With that, Alistair settled into bed to rest for the night.
On Duskrice 3, 1850 AC (Arbiter Calendar), Alistair woke up and went downstairs to ask his mother for permission to start his very first day of hunting missions. "Mother, may I begin my hunting missions?" he asked. Everyone turned to look at him as Astrid replied, "My son, why do you want to start hunting missions? It's still too early for you."
Alistair responded, "Mother, I want to experience what it feels like to go on hunting missions, especially solo. I promise I won't take any missions that could hurt me; I can focus on gathering or treasure hunting missions instead."
Astrid glanced at Ismeria and Lyra, who nodded in agreement. "Alright, son. You may go, but if I see any scratches or signs of danger from the missions you take, you will be banned from hunting for a year. Do you understand?"
Alistair replied confidently, "Yes, mother. Don't worry about it." Despite his reassurance, Astrid, Ismeria, and Lyra couldn't help but feel concerned, even though they trusted Alistair's word.
After finishing his breakfast, Alistair began preparing for the day. Ismeria and Lyra waited outside to guide their younger brother to the Hunting Branch Guild. The three siblings walked down the hill and headed to the village. As they approached the guild, Alistair noticed the entrance was bustling with hunters wearing armor, refining their weapons, or preparing to set off on missions.
Upon entering the guild, Alistair felt the eyes of many hunters upon him. "Can you guys stop staring at my brother? Do you want me to beat all of you up again?" Ismeria, who usually had a gentle smile, now wore a fierce expression that made everyone avert their gaze. Alistair started to understand a bit more about his older sister Ismeria.
She then introduced Alistair to the receptionist to have his identification created for his hunting official badge, which was a requirement he needed to fulfill. "Alistair, show your bronze hunter badge. It's one of the important requirements to obtain your official status as a hunter. I will pay for my brother's official status. Here are 5 Silver Talers," Ismeria said. The receptionist nodded and began preparing Alistair's official identity for his hunting missions.
When Alistair glanced behind him, he noticed that Ismeria and Lyra were giving off an aura that made everyone in the guild uncomfortable. He assumed it was because his older sisters were well-known in the village, and many hunters were intimidated by them. From what he heard, they usually took on solo or duo missions.
After a moment of silence, the receptionist handed Alistair his official hunter identity. It included his name, a Bronze hunter rank, starting merit points of 0, and an untitled status. "What does this untitled status mean?" Alistair asked.
Ismeria replied, "That status occurs when your fame is being discussed. Without any title, you will simply be called a Hunter, or by your name. Some may refer to you as 'random,' which is a term used by those who are rude and indifferent."
She pointed to the mission board. "That is the mission board where you can find quests. Make sure to select only gathering or treasure quests. If you choose anything outside of what I mentioned, we will have to stop this, Alistair."
Nodding in understanding, Alistair approached the mission board and picked up a treasure hunting mission. The goal was to find any random treasure near Leaf Village. He presented the mission to the receptionist, noting that he had half a day to complete it. The reward for finding treasure was 10 Silver Talers, but if he couldn't find anything, it wouldn't be considered a failure. Instead, he would receive 10 Bronze Scales.
Before leaving the guild, Ismeria and Lyra guided Alistair to the armory, where he purchased a copper sword and leather armor for his safety. They watched him leave the guild with a worried face. Upon arriving at the main entrance of Leaf Village, Alistair showed his official hunter identity to the Village Guard, who nodded and opened the door for him. Alistair was ready to begin executing the plan he had in mind the day before. Before he proceeded, he asked, "System, what random gifts do I have today?" The system responded with a thumbs up and began to display the three random gifts.