TBAGM Vol. 1 Prologue

Prologue

“Advisor”—a unique profession I created myself.

Unlike standard appraisers, who merely offer identification, an Advisor analyzed appraisal results and provided instruction and guidance accordingly.

“How’s everything going lately? It’s been a week since you switched to spears, hasn’t it?”

“It’s going incredibly well! It doesn’t even compare to when I was using a bow!”

Beside me, the young man named Bram spoke with a bright, eager smile.

He had been a bow user for five years; ever since becoming an adventurer.

“You really are amazing, Mr. Lloyd! I had no idea I had a knack for the spear. I would have never realized it on my own!”

That’s right. He had far more aptitude with the spear than the bow.

To my eyes—eyes enhanced by the 【Appraisal】 and 【Insight】 skills—it had been clear as day.

Identifying a person’s true talent and determining the optimal path for their growth through my skills.

That was the role of an Advisor.

“Sorry to drag you out shopping with me today.”

“Not at all! Happy to help anytime. Feel free to put me to work as much as you want!”

I, Lloyd, worked as an Advisor for the adventurer guild Incarnation of the Sun, overseeing a team known as the First Unit. Today, I had brought Bram along to visit the blacksmith guild One-Eyed Workshop.

As the captain of the First Unit, I wanted to ensure my team wielded quality weapons. That’s why we’d come to stock up.

“Bram, where do you think Incarnation of the Sun is headed from here?”

“I think it’s going to become the top guild in the kingdom! With Mr. Kyros’s brilliance and your discerning eye, the guild’s rise can’t be stopped!”

Kyros was the guildmaster of Incarnation of the Sun.

Bram’s voice held not the slightest hint of doubt or hesitation, and his unwavering trust always moved me.

“I see. Then I’d better live up to that.”

“I’ll follow you for life, Mr. Lloyd! You’re absolutely essential to this guild!”

Bram spoke with a soft, sincere expression.

With companions like him, the dream of becoming the best guild in the nation no longer seemed far-fetched.

To make that dream reality, I had to keep guiding Incarnation of the Sun as its Advisor.

“All right, let’s get this equipment and hea—hm?”

As we browsed the gear, a girl passed nearby.

For some reason, I found myself drawn to her, unable to look away.

She had lustrous golden hair and a delicate, charming face; an uncommon sight in a place like a blacksmith guild.

“Is that…”

Her eyes lacked light: listless and hollow.

As if she’d lost all purpose in life.

I had a rough idea why. Even from afar, it was clear this place didn’t suit her.

“Bram, could you handle purchasing twenty sets of this equipment?”

“Understood. Where are you going, Mr. Lloyd?”

“There’s someone I’d like to speak with. I’ll be right back.”

Saying that, I followed after her.

Her attire made it clear she was a newcomer, doing grunt work at the blacksmith guild.

From behind, I used Appraisal on her discreetly.

“Just as I thought… not even a hint of talent for smithing.”

The result left no room for doubt. Not only that, she lacked any ambition toward the craft itself.

I called out to her.

“Excuse me, do you have a moment?”

“M-Me?”

“Yes. There’s just one thing I’d like to ask…”

An Advisor could illuminate the future even for someone standing in darkness.

Even if it’s seen as meddling, it’s something that would absolutely benefit the person in the end.

“Do you like Water Ball?”

And so, today once again—I offer my advice.