I Got Cheat Skills By Leveling

The moment Renji stepped back into the Erandel Guild, the warm air and noisy chatter greeted him like a storm.

Adventurers gathered in groups, laughing, drinking, bragging about hunts. The clinking of weapons and mugs echoed throughout the stone hall. But as Renji walked in — clothes torn, scratches across his sleeves, a blood-stained dagger at his side — a few heads subtly turned.

"Hey... isn't that the rookie from yesterday?"

"No way he's back already… Alone?"

"He must've given up and came back empty-handed."

Renji ignored the murmurs and walked straight to the front counter. The same blonde receptionist looked up from her stack of papers and raised a brow.

"You're back already?"

Without a word, Renji placed a quest form and three charred black fangs on the counter. The receptionist's eyes widened slightly.

"…Shadow Wolves? All three?"

Renji gave a nod.

"One burned. Two by blade."

She leaned forward, inspecting the fangs carefully, then stamped the form.

[Quest Complete: Shadow Wolf Subjugation – Confirmed] [Reward Granted: 50 Silver]

She handed over a small pouch of coins and nodded slightly, this time with a hint of respect.

"You're more capable than I thought. That mission's considered risky for F-rankers. I'll update your record."

"Thanks."

Renji turned to leave, slipping the pouch into his coat.

But before he could take a step—

Clack.

Heavy boots echoed across the stone floor.

A man leaned lazily against one of the support pillars nearby, arms crossed and one leg up, his dark leather armor worn and scratched. A long, jagged sword rested on his back.

The guild suddenly grew quieter.

"Well, well. So you're the kid who took down three Shadow Wolves, huh?"

Renji turned his head slowly, sizing him up.

The man pushed off the pillar with a grin that didn't reach his eyes.

"Not bad for someone who looked like he couldn't even swing a butter knife yesterday."

"…And you are?"

The man walked closer, his presence somehow darker than his attire.

"Sorry for my rudeness. My name is Kaine!"

"D-rank adventurer!"

Some nearby adventurers looked away.

"Tehh..He is aiming the next newbie again.."

Renji heard it and didn't flinch.

"So..what do you have to do with me?"

Kaine let out a small laugh.

"Listen, rookie. I've got a job for you. Or rather… a favor."

He pulled a folded parchment from his jacket and slid it across the counter.

Renji glanced down.

[Subjugation Request: Forest Howler – D-Rank Boss]

Location: Eastern Ridge Reward: 200 Silver Danger Level: High

"…A D-rank boss?"

Renji asked, frowning.

"Why are you giving this to me?"

Kaine shrugged.

"Me and my party can't beat this boss by ourself..So I want you to team up with me.."

"Don't worry about the reward."

"We'll share half"

He smirked.

Renji's eyes narrowed.

"Sorry I'm not interesting in it"

A few nearby adventurers pretended not to hear. The receptionist frowned but said nothing.

Kaine's grin faded for a second.

Renji stared him and thought.

*Hughh..If I heard it right..He will be following me even if I reject.*

Renji smirked and said-

"…Then let's challenge!"

He looked Kaine in the eye, voice calm but sharp.

" Whoever kills the boss first — wins."

Kaine paused. Then laughed, loud and slow.

"Now that's interesting. Then I'll go with my party and you are?"

Renji camly said-

"I'll go solo."

Kaine paused.

"Are you sure? That boss is too dangerous to kill it solo"

Renji smirked.

"What ?scared to accept my challenge?"

Kaine looks excited.And laughed.

"You're the interesting guy..!!!"

"Fine..!! I'll accept the challenge."

Kaine smiled and said-

"Are you sure about this?"

Renji turned toward the exit, his footsteps slow and steady.

"I won't say it twice!"

Kaine smirked behind him, whispering under his breath.

"This kid's going to be fun…"