Erik's footsteps echoed against the polished floor as he approached the clerk's desk. As the twins moved out of the way, it was his turn to speak with the woman.
"Excuse me! I have a question," Erik called out politely, a forced smile tugging at the corners of his lips. The clerk paused her work, lifting her gaze to meet his.
"I went to the holographic screen to take a quest, but I couldn't avoid noticing I can't take 'real ones,' but only training-related ones. I received private tutoring at Nokisi Point, and I'm fairly strong. Is there a way to take a higher-ranked quest?" the young man asked.
"Can you tell me your name?" the woman asked.
"Erik Kay," the young man replied.
"Just give me a second. I need to check your profile."
The woman typed something on the holographic screen. His information flashed up on the device before her, the dull glow of the holographic light painting her face in shades of green and blue. She scanned his profile, her lips pressing into a thin line.
"From here, I can see you are a Novice Ranked Mercenary. I'm sorry, but since you are only at this rank, I can't give you other quests besides the ones you saw in your account," she told him, her tone holding a touch of finality.
Erik's heart sank. He knew it would take much work to persuade the guild to let him take on higher-level quests so soon. But he wasn't the type to give up easily.
"Couldn't you make an exception, given my skills?" He asked.
"Unfortunately not," the woman replied. "The Novice Rank is a critical one. It is designed to give you time to learn how to fight, critical thinking, and the guild values and rules. You must do everything as it should inside this rank, or your untimely death would only have higher chances."
"But!"
The clerk shook her head, her gaze fixed. "There won't be exceptions," she stated firmly. Erik could tell by her tone that there was no room for negotiation.
Part of him was disappointed, but he understood the logic behind the rules. It was all about ensuring the mercenaries' safety, and the guild couldn't risk novices trying to overachieve and getting hurt or worse in the process.
Erik thanked the clerk for her time and walked away, a wave of disappointment washing over him. He returned to the holographic screen, his eyes scanning the quests.
"Fuck all these training and learning quests!" he exclaimed angrily. However, because he couldn't do anything else, he decided to embark on a sword-training quest.
Since he used a Flyssa, a sword, the best thing to do was to take on a quest that taught him how to use sword-type weapons more effectively.
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<Quest: Sword Training.>
<Duration: 1 month.>
<Rewards: Learning a basic sword style; Accommodation for a month in the mercenary guild barracks, two meals a day.>
<Rank: Novice.>
<Difficulty: Easy.>
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He took a deep breath, steeling himself before making his decision. It wasn't what he had hoped for but a start. And with each quest he completed, he got closer to his goal.
Erik then looked for something else on the holographic screen. Information on the mercenary ranks. According to what he was reading, there were ten ranks:
1) Novice
2) Pupil
3) Seeker
4) Warden
5) Brawler
6) Gallant
7) Myrmidon
8) Paragon
9) Titan
10) Legend
Erik scanned the list, his fingers hovering over the screen as he read the details. Each rank was clearly defined, with the point requirements and trials for rank advancement detailed below. It appeared simple, but he could tell it was a system designed to test the full range of a mercenary's abilities.
All newcomers started at the Novice rank, the rank he currently held. The tasks at this level were simple, but the trials were numerous. Erik wasn't too concerned about him having to prove himself in combat. He had already fought and killed many Thaids, including people who had gone to the Red Palace. There was no reason to be concerned from this point of view.
A knowledge-related trial, on the other hand, posed a more significant challenge for the general population. They would have to demonstrate their knowledge of the world, its creatures, and its numerous dangers.
However, even for this trial, Erik did not need to be concerned because he could simply use the system to inject the required information. He already had information on Frantian Thaids; all he needed to do was inject the ones related to Etrium.
The problem-solving trial came next. This would put his ability to think on his feet, react quickly to unexpected situations, and make sound decisions under pressure to the test. Erik was confident in this aspect of the trials. His experiences in the wilderness, where quick thinking was often the difference between life and death, had honed this ability. Besides, he had Hais's Brain crystal power, so he wasn't that concerned.
After that, there was a trial based on the guild's standards. It was a verbal examination to determine his familiarity with the guild's guiding principles and his capacity to uphold those principles.
In all honesty, it would be more of a test of character. Regarding this topic, Erik could not help but feel uneasy. He had spent a significant portion of his life looking out for himself, and when it became necessary for him to do so, he broke the rules. Despite having some, he did not understand the importance of adhering scrupulously to strict moral guidelines.
At long last, there was a proper trial to undertake. After the results of the earlier tests had been disclosed, the examiners were supposed to decide. A fake rescue operation was usually required to earn high scores.
He needed to do well on these examinations to advance in level and be eligible for more challenging and rewarding quests. As he reviewed the list again, Erik took a long, deep breath and stooped his shoulders.
He knew he had a long journey ahead of him but was ready to face the challenges he would face along the way. He shifted his gaze away from the screen as his mind raced with different strategies and plans for his upcoming challenges.
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