The System Archivist

Snake Calendar, Year 2025

13th Day of August, Saturday Early Morning

The Outside City of Nova Asta, Adventurer's Outpost

The rising sun painted the sky in hues of gold and crimson as Accel Winchester stood before the imposing gates of Nova Asta. This was the first step in a journey he had long desired—a step beyond the city's protective walls and into the unpredictable wilderness. Yet, it had not been an easy decision, nor one easily granted by his parents.

Elaine and Thomas Winchester, his mother and father, had been reluctant, to say the least. Accel's initial plea to venture outside the safety of Nova Asta had been met with immediate resistance. Elaine's voice, a mix of worry and maternal instinct, echoed in his mind. "Accel, do you even understand how dangerous it is out there? The Last Line of Defense is not a playground. People have lost their lives beyond those walls."

Thomas, his father, though quieter, shared similar concerns. "She's right, son. Even if the monsters near the perimeter are considered low-rank, they are still a threat. Your safety is not something we can gamble with."

But Accel's determination was unshakable. He argued passionately, emphasizing the necessity of experience and growth for someone with his system. "I've trained for this, Mom, Dad. I have my skills, and I'm not going out there unprepared. If I don't take this step now, how can I ever achieve anything?"

It took hours of discussion, persistence, and heartfelt promises before his parents finally relented. They allowed him to leave, but only under strict conditions: Accel had to promise to stay safe, avoid unnecessary risks, and report back regularly.

Now, standing at the Adventurer's Outpost just outside the city, Accel felt both the weight of their trust and the exhilaration of newfound freedom. The outpost was bustling with activity. Adventurers of all ranks moved about, discussing quests, trading equipment, or simply resting before their next venture. The air was filled with the hum of conversations and the occasional clink of armor or weapons.

Accel's attire was modest but functional. He wore a complete set of leather armor—a helmet, chest plate, arm guards, and leggings—each piece contributing to his defense. His Neural Command skill had provided detailed insights into their properties:

4-Piece Leather Armor Set:

2pcs (Defense): +50

4pcs (Set Bonus): Temporarily increases Vitality by +5 when all pieces are worn together.

While the gear wasn't top-tier, it was sufficient for a beginner venturing into relatively safe zones. His system interface confirmed his preparation, as he approached the outpost's main building, a receptionist greeted him with a professional smile. She was a tall woman in her late twenties, wearing a uniform that indicated her role as a coordinator for new adventurers.
"Welcome to the Adventurer's Outpost," she said, handing him a form. "Please fill this out to complete your registration. We'll need basic details: your name, age, gender, and system type."

Accel nodded and took a seat at a nearby table. He carefully filled in the form, writing down:

Name: Accel Winchester

Age: 19

Gender: Male

System Type: Support Type

Once completed, he handed the form back to the receptionist. She reviewed it before stamping it with an official seal. "Congratulations, Accel Winchester. You are now registered as a Newbie Adventurer. This is the first rank in our system. As you complete quests and gain experience, you'll progress to higher ranks. Good luck out there."

She handed him a small badge engraved with the outpost's emblem—a shield encircled by a wreath. It marked him as an official member of the adventurer's guild, granting him access to resources and missions.

Accel's first task came from the bulletin board near the outpost's entrance. The board was covered in quest notices, ranging from simple gathering missions to high-stakes hunts for dangerous monsters. He selected a quest suited to his rank:

Quest: Slime HuntObjective: Eliminate 5 slimes and collect their cores as proof of completion.

Reward: 5 Copper Marks

The currency system of Nova Asta intrigued Accel. According to his research, it was tiered as follows:

1. Copper Marks – The most common currency for small transactions.

2. Silver Sigils – Used for moderate purchases, such as better equipment or supplies.

3. Gold Crowns – Reserved for significant trade or high-value items.

4. Platinum Orbs – Rare and valuable, often used in large-scale transactions or between wealthy merchants.

5. Diamond Crystals – The highest currency, typically representing immense wealth or used in international trade.

The reward for his first quest was modest, but it was a start. More importantly, it was an opportunity to test his abilities and begin his journey as an adventurer.

With the quest notice in hand, Accel made his way to the supply station to prepare for the task ahead. He purchased basic provisions: a water flask, a map of the surrounding area, and a small pouch for storing the slime cores. Though he felt confident, he couldn't ignore the nervous energy bubbling within him.

"Remember what you promised," he muttered to himself, recalling his parents' worried faces. "Stay safe. Don't take unnecessary risks."

As the morning sun climbed higher, Accel took a deep breath and stepped toward the gate leading to the Last Line of Defense. His heart raced with anticipation. The real journey was about to begin, and though the path ahead was uncertain, one thing was clear: Accel Winchester was ready to face whatever challenges awaited him.