Edward's intense gaze bore into Adam. "What do you intend to do with your powers in this world? Understand this: your abilities can easily shatter the delicate balance we've forged. Anyone who discovers your nature will try to exploit you, use you for their own gain. You'll become a threat, one way or another. So, I ask again: wouldn't it be better to end this now, before you cause more issues to the current balance of the world?"
Adam held Edward's stare, his mind racing. Then, a thought struck him. "Your old friend," Adam began, his voice steady, "the otherworlder you spoke of... did he cause disaster? Did he kill people?"
Edward was momentarily taken aback. "No," he said, his voice softening, "he was a hero. He protected lives, including my own. I am deeply indebted to him."
"Then you know," Adam continued, his voice resonating with conviction, "that not all otherworlders are threats. In my world, most of humanity yearns for peace. I, too, desire peace in this land. Even as an otherworlder, I value the lives of people, regardless of where I came from."
A genuine smile finally touched Edward's lips. "I'm glad to hear that, Adam. You speak exactly like my old friend." He leaned back, a flicker of relief in his eyes. "Don't worry about your registration. I will repay the favor I never got to do for him. You'll be registered as an adventurer in our guild."
Edward's expression turned serious once more. "However, you must keep this knowledge to yourself. The law in this kingdom mandates that all otherworlders be brought before the king. He decides their fate—whether they're used for war or executed. By not reporting you, I am now harboring a fugitive. But as long as no one discovers your true nature, you can blend in."
A New Identity
Edward summoned the flustered receptionist. "There seems to have been a malfunction with the crystal ball," he announced, his voice carrying through the guild hall. "Our new adventurer, Adam, is in fact Level 10 and possesses an affinity for Fire magic."
The receptionist, relieved, immediately echoed the announcement. The murmurs of confusion and disbelief quickly turned to acceptance. A Level 10 fire mage, while not extraordinary, was certainly within normal parameters for a new adventurer.
As Adam watched, accepting his new, false identity, a shadow detached itself from the deeper recesses of the guild hall. A human figure, observing the entire exchange from the darkness, slipped silently away, vanishing from sight.
An unforeseen danger, already set in motion, now lurked in Adam's immediate future.