Ilene and Mr. Enzo.

I wake up to the noise of the birds. I can't help but feel relieved that I had an excellent night of rest without any haunting nightmares. After rubbing my eyes and stretching my arms and legs, feeling the warmth of the blankets wrapped around me, I prepare to get out of bed.

When I leave my room, the first thing I see is my mother preparing breakfast.

Sometimes seeing my mother, Ilene, preparing breakfast in such a casual way makes me forget that she is actually a former adventurer who once belonged to one of the big 3 guilds. Alongside her friends Alice and another of her friends, they formed a trio known as the Dragonets, a name that still carries weight in the capital to this day from what I have heard.

Despite her impressive accomplishments, my mother never had a long career as an adventurer. She chose to retire and settle down in our small village after becoming pregnant with me when she was still relatively young. As a result, she's only in her early thirties now. My mother is tall with smooth white skin, long black hair, and slightly intimidating black eyes. It is no surprise that she is often described as a natural beauty by the people of the village. Besides, I can see how the men in the town see her from afar since my mother is quite imposing. Some men have tried to propose to her, but she remains uninterested in any romantic relationships.

''Good morning, Darx! Get ready and sit down to eat.'' My mother said with a smile.

It seems that my mother is in a good mood this morning. I sit at the table and see that today's breakfast is eggs and bread. My mother may not be very good at cooking, but I don't complain; at least I have something to eat.

''Are you going out today with Amelia and Oliver?'' My mother said as she sat across from me to have breakfast with me.

''Yes, we are going to start training in the forest again.''

''Make sure to be careful. Lately, higher-level monsters have come closer than they should to the village. Something strange must be happening deep in the forest.''

''Like the goblins from yesterday?'' I asked.

''Yeah, they are a good example. Goblins are not strong on their own, but they can be dangerous in packs. In addition to the fact that they have the habit of setting traps. Despite their reputation as savage and mindless creatures, goblins are actually quite intelligent. They have the ability to learn and adapt quickly, making them a dangerous threat, so it is best to get rid of them as soon as possible,'' My mother said as she continued eating, ''It's not often that goblins venture so close to a village, which is a relief. However, if you ever come across a lone goblin, it's important to remain vigilant since there may be more lurking nearby.

As I sit and listen to her, I am constantly amazed by the wealth of knowledge she possesses. It's not only strength that she has but also a lot of knowledge about all kinds of things. She is still quite a strong adventurer—a B-Rank Warrior.

To put it in perspective, my mother once told me that of all the people who seek an awakening, at least 50% don't succeed. And since the ritual can only be taken once, it is a large number of people who fail to become adventurers. Of those that succeed, around 20% are comprised of ''E-Ranks'' and ''D-Ranks'', which are the lower ranks. Then 15% of ''C-Ranks'', and only 10% of ''B-Ranks like my mother''. That means that only around 5% of all the adventures are stronger than she is, those being of rank ''A-Ranks''and the few ''S-Ranks'' that exist, which are so few that among all the races, they can be counted with the fingers of the hands. S-Ranks are so famous that even someone like me, who lives far away from everything, knows about them. They are usually guild masters or have another important position.

''Before you go, please do me a favor, Darx.'' My mother told me after finishing breakfast.

''Sure''

My mother took an envelope from the drawer and gave it to me, "Take this envelope with money to Mr. Enzo. It's our share of the funds for the festival.''

Mr.Enzo is the village chief, and he is also the owner of the mine. Every year a festival is held on the day the mine was inaugurated. The mine is out of service now, but the festival tradition continues. It is one day a year that we all look forward to as it is a day of celebration with food, music, and drinks. All the inhabitants of the village cooperate with money which we give to Mr.Enzo, who is in charge of all the preparations; besides that, he also puts in a more significant portion of the money.

As I prepare to leave, I take the envelope and my things and head toward the house of my neighbor and friend, Amelia. At this time, she should be ready, and more likely, she wants to join me on my errand.

''I'm leaving! I'll try not to come back too late.'' I said before leaving the house.

''Be careful!''

Once outside, to my surprise, I see Amelia a few steps away from reaching my house.

''AH!? Good morning, Darx! I was worried that you overslept and was coming to wake you up.'' Amelia told me with a big smile.

''Good morning! I've been awake for a while now, and I was on my way to look for you too.''

''That's weird! Did something happen?'' Amelia said, looking at me with a worried face as she asked.

''Nothing serious. My mom asked me to take an envelope to Mr. Enzo, and I was looking for you in case you wanted to join me.''

''Fiuu... for a moment, I thought something bad had happened,'' Amelia said while exhaling.

''...Is it really that strange that I was looking for you early in the morning?''

''Yes!''

That resounding 'yes' makes me realize that I have a terrible reputation...

''Are you perhaps going to hand over the money for the festival!?'' Amelia asked.

''Yes. If I remember correctly, tomorrow is the deadline.''

''In that case, let's get going,'' Amelia said as she hugged my hand to walk next to me.

It took us about ten minutes to reach our destination—Mr. Enzo's house, or rather a mansion. The mansion of Mr. Enzo stood tall, looming over the other humble homes in the village. It was clear that this was no ordinary home but rather a grand mansion fit for a noble. As we approached the entrance, I couldn't help but marvel at the elegant facade that greeted us. The intricate details and ornate design spoke of wealth and luxury, starkly contrasting the simpler dwellings surrounding it.

I know at the door, and a maid opened the door for us. She was dressed impeccably in a black and white uniform.

"Can I see Mr. Enzo? I come to give our cooperation for the festival on behalf of my family.'' I said.

''Follow me, please.'' The maid replied.

Many maids work at Mr. Enzo's mansion. I would say that more than ten and all are quite beautiful.

Stepping inside, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the place's grandeur. The foyer was spacious and adorned with expensive art and furnishings. It was clear that no expense had been spared in creating this wealthy home—decorations on all sides and large steps in the center leading to the second floor. As we followed the maid through the halls, I couldn't help but wonder what other treasures lay hidden within the walls of this magnificent mansion. Rich people really live differently.

Upon arriving at his office, the maid knocks lightly on the door, and we hear, ''Come in.'' from inside.

Amelia and I entered the office and were greeted by Mr.Enzo, who smiled as soon as he saw us.

''Darx, Amelia! I haven't seen you in a long time. How've you been?'' Mr. Enzo cheerfully welcomed us.

He smiles at us like a grandfather looking at his grandchildren after a long time. I have not spent much time with him, but the few experiences I remember have been positive. He is a slightly overweight older man and is always in a good mood.

''We have been well! and what about you, how have you been, Mr.Enzo?'' Amelia responds with her typical smile that calms even the most stressed heart.

''I'm glad to hear that. In my case, the ailments of age don't leave me alone. Hahahaha!" Mr.Enzo answered from behind his desk, "But tell me, what brings you here?''

''My mother sent me to hand over the money for the festival,'' I replied while giving him the envelope.

''Ilene is never late! It makes me happy that someone like her lives here. Also, thank her on my behalf for the help with the goblins. Jax told me about it.''

''I will make sure to pass the message.''

''One more thing. If you have time, could you do me a favor?" Mr. Enzo asked while relaxing in his chair and continued talking, "I have yet to receive money from two houses, and tomorrow is the deadline. Could you collect the money for me? Normally I would do it myself, but my legs are not what they used to be.''

''I think we can. We have enough time before we meet Oliver, right, Darx!?'' Amelia answered without much thought.

''I agree. We can take care of it.''