The System Archivist

Snake Calendar, Year 2025

13th Day of August, Saturday Afternoon

The Outside City of Nova Asta, Main Adventurer's Outpost

The sun hung high in the sky as Accel Winchester returned to the Last Line of Defense, his leather armor slightly tarnished and his breath steady but tired. He held a small satchel containing the cores of five slain slimes in his hand—proof of his completed quest. Despite the simplicity of the task, the effort it took to battle even low-level monsters without proper offensive skills had pushed him to his limits. The acidic residue from the slimes had left minor marks on his gear, a clear reminder of the risks even the weakest creatures could pose.

As Accel crossed the protective rune barrier marking the boundary of the Last Line of Defense, his Archivist System chimed, accompanied by a familiar blue notification window:

Archivist System Notification:

Auto-Adaptation Skill Unlocked!

Skill Name: Archive Collection

Description: An encyclopedia skill that automatically compiles and organizes information, items, and abilities the user encounters. Current entries include:

1. Store

2. Scan

3. Kindle Spark

4. Knowledge Analysis

5. Runes

Accel's lips curled into a satisfied smile. "Archive Collection," he muttered, testing the name aloud. It was a skill he hadn't anticipated, but one that perfectly suited his role as an Archivist. "So it's like my library," he thought, scanning the details. The mention of runes intrigued him further. His earlier encounter with the rune barrier had sparked a curiosity he couldn't ignore. Now, with the Archive Collection, every detail about runes—or anything else he encountered—would be recorded for study.

He returned to the Main Base of the Adventurer's Outpost, a bustling hub filled with adventurers of all ranks. Groups of seasoned warriors shared stories over tankards of ale, while novices like Accel stood in line to report their quests. The receptionist greeted him with a professional nod, her fingers poised over a glowing crystal console.

"Quest completion?" she asked.

Accel handed over the satchel containing the slime cores. "Five slimes eliminated, as requested," he confirmed.

The receptionist inspected the cores and nodded. "Well done, Mr. Winchester. Here's your reward." She handed him a small pouch containing 5 Copper Marks, the lowest denomination of Nova Asta's currency system.

Archivist System Notification:

Currency Added: 5 Copper Marks.

The notification reminded him of the importance of efficiency. If he wanted to progress, he'd need to take on more challenging quests—and better gear was essential for that. His current leather armor, though functional, had taken damage during the encounter with the slimes. Acidic burns marred its surface, reducing its protective capabilities.

After claiming his reward, Accel decided to visit the nearby blacksmith. The clang of metal against metal echoed through the air as burly workers hammered weapons into shape. Behind the counter stood a grizzled man with a thick beard and arms as solid as tree trunks.

"I need a weapon," Accel said, scanning the rows of blades, axes, and hammers displayed behind the counter.

The blacksmith raised an eyebrow. "First-timer, eh? Here." He reached under the counter and handed Accel a Wooden Sword.

"No charge," the blacksmith said gruffly. "Consider it a starting gift. You'll need something sturdier soon enough."

Accel thanked the man and used his Scan skill on the weapon:

Scanning Result:

Name: Wooden Sword

Level: (1/10)

Durability: (100/100)

Slash Damage: 10 HP Inflicted

Another notification followed:

Archivist System Notification:

Wooden Sword has been included in the Archive Collection.

Accel gripped the weapon experimentally, testing its weight. It wasn't much, but it was better than nothing.

Next, he visited the armorsmith. Unlike the noisy blacksmith's workshop, this establishment was quieter, with racks of polished armor pieces lining the walls.

"My leather armor needs repairs," Accel said, placing the pieces on the counter.

The armorsmith, a middle-aged woman with sharp eyes, examined the damage. "Acid burns. Slimes, I take it?"

Accel nodded.

"Two Copper Marks for the repairs. It'll take an hour."

Accel handed over the coins, leaving him with 3 Copper Marks. While waiting, he browsed through the shop, noting various armor pieces that promised better protection. A set of reinforced leather armor caught his eye, but its price—10 Silver Shards—was far beyond his current means.

By the time he returned home, the sun was beginning to set. The sky was painted in shades of orange and purple, casting a warm glow over the quiet streets of Nova Asta. As he entered the house, he braced himself for a barrage of questions from his parents, but to his surprise, they greeted him calmly.

Elaine, his mother, looked him over carefully. "No wounds," she observed, her tone a mix of relief and approval.

Thomas, his father, nodded. "You've proven yourself today, Accel. But don't let success make you careless. The outside world is dangerous, even for seasoned adventurers."

"I understand," Accel said, bowing his head respectfully.

After a hearty dinner, Accel retreated to his room. His thoughts were already on the next day. He needed to reach Archivist System Level 10 to unlock more skills and abilities. The wooden sword and repaired leather armor would suffice for now, but he knew he had to work hard to improve.

As he lay on his bed, staring at the wooden ceiling, a single thought crossed his mind: "This is just the beginning."

Tomorrow, he would return to the Adventurer's Outpost, ready to take on greater challenges and further his journey as an Archivist.

Archivist System Update:

Currency Remaining: 3 Copper Marks

Skills in Archive Collection: Updated with "Wooden Sword."

Next Level Target: Archivist System Level 10

With renewed resolve, Accel drifted into a deep sleep, dreaming of the adventures that awaited him beyond the city walls.