Chapter 13.2 – Dragon’s First Guild Job

She looks at me like I'm too stupid to try talking to, then hangs her head in defeat. After a minute, she seems to decide that lecturing me further isn't worth the effort, and she changes topics.

"So, if there's no magic in the world you came from, then what was it like? How did the humans there manage to do anything? What were the other sentient races there like?" (Nina)

I take some time to describe modern Earth to Nina, while she listens intently. I explain that humans are the only sentient race, and that most of the things on Azura are just considered myths. I also tell her about how advanced the humans there are, relatively speaking, and explain cars, trains, planes, computers, and other modern marvels to her.

At first, she is suspicious I am messing with her, but eventually her eyes are wide as she reflects on it. I'm not done, though.

"That's not even the most surprising thing. Using the technology we'd developed, humans of Earth had even visited our own moon and other nearby planets. We also had these powerful weapons called 'nukes'. A few of those could destroy the entire Delmura forest in one coordinated attack." (Mizuki)

"Fufufufu…if what you tell me is true, perhaps I really should be more wary of weaker creatures." (Nina)

Well, that's kind of shocking to hear from her. I don't think that her being more cautious is a bad thing, though. As I'm thinking of that, I realize that I have questions for her that need answering as well.

"Hey, Nina, where do you want to live? This is the last night in this inn that we've paid for, so we'll need to decide quite soon. In general, we could keep staying at this or another inn for now, but this one is probably the only one with baths. I suppose we could try to buy a house. That would be permanent, but since we can teleport, it's not really that big of a restriction." (Mizuki)

Nina looks surprised by the question, like she hadn't really thought about it. After a minute, she shrugs.

"I'm still a dragon, Mizuki, I don't really care where we sleep as long as it's comfortable and we keep getting to do exciting things. So long as that's true, just decide it yourself." (Nina)

Well, that's sweet, but also not very helpful. Buying a house sounds like a lot of hassle right now, and we get 'free' meals and baths here with the room cost. Honestly, I don't really need to worry about day-to-day money anymore. So, I think I'll just stay here for the time being.

"Alright, let's keep this room for a while then. I'll extend our stay tomorrow." (Mizuki)

Nina nods, like I just told her the weather forecast.

"Hmm…what do you say we wrap up this bath, get some food, and go to bed? I want us to take some adventuring jobs tomorrow!" (Mizuki)

Nina smiles softly, then after a moment it transitions to a smirk and raised eyebrow.

"Will we be going to sleep immediately?" (Nina)

I'm going to need to get a spray bottle for her at this point. I wonder if she'll get annoyed if I play dumb.

"Hmm…I mean I'll probably fall right asleep, but I have books that you can read if you're not tired by then?" (Mizuki)

Nina's agitation comes through the connection, loud and clear, and I suppress my laughter.

After that, the rest of the night is relatively uneventful.

¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬

The next morning, Nina and I arrive at the guild early to scour the job boards. I explain to her that we can only take G and F-rank jobs right now, and she is not happy about it.

"Mizuki, this is boring! They want us to collect herbs! Herbs, Mizuki!? All these requests for monsters are also weak, the strongest one is a wolf! Why do we have to do these jobs?" (Nina)

I mean…this seems in character for her, so I'm not too thrown by it.

[I understand how you feel, but this is what they ask us to do to prove that we can be trusted with the fun jobs, you know? Remember, we seem human. How many humans here do you think are dumb enough to take on more than they can handle and get killed? They're just trying to limit how often that happens.] (Mizuki)

I sense Nina's frustration wane slightly, and she sighs deeply.

"Fine. What do we need to do to increase in this 'rank' system of theirs?" (Nina)

I appreciate her being a good sport.

"I know about getting to the next rank, but let's go talk to Melanie about higher ranks. Maybe we can do it more efficiently." (Mizuki)

Nina rolls her eyes, but nods in agreement, and we head over to reception. Melanie sees us coming and her face goes a little stiff. Yeahhh…that's fair after last time.

"H-Hi, Nina and Mizuki! What can I help you with today? Also, I told the guild master about Nina, and he was hoping to meet with you today. Should I go grab him?" (Melanie)

Before she can preemptively go grab the guild master, I quickly address the questions.

"That won't be necessary, but perhaps if he's around when we return this afternoon. We were wondering what the criteria for ranking up would be. You mentioned F-rank promotion to me, but what are the E, D, and C-rank promotion criteria?" (Mizuki)

Melanie looks surprised that I'm asking about so many consecutive levels, but glances at Nina for a moment then nods.

"Sure! E-rank would require any two monster-slaying jobs to be completed, D-rank would require completing two D-rank jobs or obtaining a rare item for the guild, and C-rank would require completing a personal skill assessment by the guild. C-rank is when jobs start to get really dangerous, so the guild insists on the skill assessments." (Melanie)

Melanie glances at me apologetically as she says the last part, like 'so Nina can't help'. That's funny, but I also appreciate the concern.