Chapter 11: Adventure's Guild

ARTHUR LEYWIN'S POV:"Kyaaaaaa!"I unleashed the {Static Void}, and color flooded back into the world. The queen appeared to be the first to notice Sebastian, letting out a scream of horror. It was as if everyone else also realized Sebastian's condition at the same time, as he lay unconscious on the ground with one leg bent inward. Their faces went pale as panic ensued. Mom, Aunt Tabitha, and Queen Priscilla covered the kids' eyes.After some time, the king regained his composure and ordered the guards to take Sebastian to the nearby healers. He then excused himself and his family. As for us, along with Twin Horns and Helstea's family, we also returned home. Dad and Uncle Vincent stayed to deal with the matter.Later that night, after the unexpected incident, a representative arrived on behalf of the king to apologize for the disruption and offer compensation. Despite initial reluctance from my father, I accepted the compensation to prevent further escalation of the situation. We ultimately resolved the matter amicably.According to my mother, the Twin Horns were waiting at a nearby Inn. My father told me that we'd head out there tomorrow for breakfast, and would discuss me being an adventurer with them. I nodded at this and went back into my room. My birthday was in less than two weeks. I'd finally be able to make my first mark here in this world.As I sunk back down in my bed, I stared at the palms of my hands, idly thinking about the events from earlier. This was the first time I'd used Sylvia's Draconic Will. These past years that I had spent studying Sylvie's will, before assimilating it into my body and practicing it for four months, had caused me to sigh in wonder at just how powerful Sylvia was.I was just tapping into the ocean that was Sylvia's powers. Unlike Grandpa Virion, who could only get a speed boost and blend into his surroundings, being a legacy tamer allowed me to access a lot more of Sylvia's powers at stage one.Returning to my room, I unwrapped the package that Vincent had left beside my bed, only to see a completely white mask that was able to cover my entire face. It was a simple mask, with two sharp eye slits that curved upwards; it reminded me of a fox's eyes. There was no nose or mouth hole; just a singular blue streak that ran straight down the left side of the mask, through the left eye slit.I tried the mask on, which somehow stuck to my face without the need for a strap. I also tried on the midnight blue coat, which turned out to be a little long. After strapping on the coat, it suddenly shrunk to fit my body perfectly.I couldn't help but be embarrassed; I felt like some sort of wannabe assassin or vigilante."Ahh, ahh. Testing. Testing. " The tone of my voice surprised me. It sounded completely different. My immature, high-pitched voice had become a rich, baritone."Kuu?" Sylvie just looked at me curiously, causing me to laugh and take off my getup."Aren't you excited? Don't you want to get a little bit of action as well, Sylv?" I patted her head, as my head swam with images of being an adventurer._________________________________________________________________________________My Birthday came, Uncle Vincent wanted to have a big celebration with guests invited, but I refused I didn't want a large party but rather a small one with only my family and friends. So He decided to have a luxurious all-out party with just family members.Everyone enjoyed the party and Twins Horns took turns sharing stories of their adventure, Adam was trying to humiliate everyone by sharing their embarrassing stories when unexpectedly Jasmine coolly told how Adam was taking a piss in a dungeon when a horned mole snuck up on him and Adam ended up peeing on himself like a fountain. This made everyone laugh even I ended up spitting the food in my mouth.All in all, everyone was having a great time. Ellie chimed in eager to tell all of us about her adventures in learning how to read and write, trying to be a part of the grown-up conversations as well, while Lilia just giggled and agreed.After dinner, everyone migrated to the living room where the fire had just been lit and the area filled with a smoky fragrance."Happy Birthday again, Son. This present is from your mother and I, and of course, Ellie as well. " My father handed me a package wrapped in cloth while Mother was holding back Ellie, whose fidgeting fingers were eager to unwrap the present.Opening it, I saw a fingerless glove meant only for my left hand. It was black and simple but embedded on the top of the glove were 3 white stones."Your father hunted the material for the glove and I imbued my healing spells unto those three white stones. Each of the stones carries a single-use spell. I'm sure it'll be useful to have some safety measures while you go out on missions. " My mother looked at me with a sad smile. I could tell she still wasn't ready to send me off."Thanks, Mom, Dad, Ellie, I love it. This will be really useful for me. " I gave each of my family members a big hug. Putting on the glove, I could tell how sturdy the material was, not to mention that the three healing spells would be extremely useful in a tight situation."Ahem! Next is us!" Vincent pulled out a small box. He dramatically got down on one knee and opened the box, revealing two silver rings, one plain, and one with a small clear gem."..."Uhh.... Where was he going with this?"Honey! Stop teasing the boy!" Tabitha smacked Vincent's shoulder while he held in his laughter."Okay, okay! Arthur, this is more of a present for your family than you but I'm sure you'll appreciate it as well. ""This ring," Vincent pulled out the plain ring, "Is what you will be wearing, while this ring," he handed the gemmed ring to my mother, "Is what your mother will be wearing. "Tabitha continued for him, "Alice, while Arthur is wearing the ring, you'll be able to tell whether he's okay or not. The plain ring is able to keep tabs on the mana circulation that naturally flows in a mage's body. If the natural mana flow stops, the ring you're holding, Alice, will glow red and emit a high-pitched sound. ""We thought really hard about what Arthur may need during his time as an adventurer, but Lilia was actually the one that brought up the possibility of giving a present that'll help him and his family. Unfortunately, the rings can't do much more than that but I thought this would bring you some peace of mind Alice, and Rey. " Vincent shrugged his shoulders.My mother teared up while clutching onto the ring. "Oh Tabitha, Lilia, thank you!" She hugged the both of them in a tight embrace. "Thank you, Vincent. " She gave Vincent a deep bow while he shook his hands, saying how this was nothing much.I couldn't help but smile, looking at my mother.If this ring could free my family from constantly worrying about me, then this was the best gift I could ask for. But I couldn't help but become concerned at the psychological presence wearing the ring would have on my mother; she might end up checking it religiously."Well, how are we going to beat that, guys?" Adam chimed in. My guardian angel Durden walked towards me, handing me a roll of parchment."You see, we also thought along the same lines as the Helstea family. We couldn't really think of what to give the little monster so we decided on this!" Adam waved his arm in a dramatic manner."Those two scrolls are sound transmission scrolls! I'm not going to elaborate on how expensive these were, because they were extremely expen—ouch!" Jasmine smacked Adam on the head."Cough! Anyways! With this, you now have a one-time source of communication. Just infuse mana into the scroll, Arthur, and you'll be able to send a message to the other scroll. After the holder of the other scroll receives it, Mama Leywin can then send the reply! After the reply is sent and the other person listens to it, the parchment will then turn to ashes! TADA! You're welcome!" Adam gave a dramatic bow.The members of the Twin Horns were all taking turns talking smack about Adam's egotistical performance, but they gave my family a warm smile.I could tell my mother and father's moods had turned a whole lot better after knowing that they wouldn't be sending their son off to who knows where without knowing how he was doing and what would become of him.I gave each of the Twin Horns and the Helstea family a hug, thanking them for the presents. Lilia turned beet red while Tabitha just giggled at her.Honestly, I already had what I needed, but the ring and scroll would be an invaluable source of comfort for my family, which I was worried about the most.Soon after, my parents' ex-party members all left to go back to their inn. The Helstea family went back upstairs when Lilia started dozing off, tired from the long day, leaving me with just my parents. Ellie was asleep while cuddling the snoring Sylvie. I was already all packed up, prepared to leave tomorrow morning and meet up with Jasmine in front of the house. Tonight would be the last chance to have a real talk before I left."Tomorrow is the big day, Son. Are you excited?" My father clasped my shoulders. My father's eyes were lined red I could see him holding back some tears.My mother had given up on holding back her emotions and kneeled down to give me a big, bear hug, her face buried in my chest as she sniffled."I'll be fine Mom, Dad. I promise I'll try to be back home every chance I get. If anything happens, you'll be able to know. "After talking about my life and the dangers of being an adventurer, my parents ushered me back into my room. I plopped into bed and stared at the ceiling, Sylvie asleep next to me. I had a family and now, I had people who loved me. I had people that cared about me for who I was, not for the position I had. It was a nice feeling that I would never want to give up. I'd fight for it and make sure to treasure this emotion that I was devoid of in my previous world. For that, I needed to better myself. More so than when I had been a king._________________________________________________________________________________"Crying won't work! Shouldn't you be used to water by now, Sylv?""Kyuuuuu..." Sylvie finally escaped from my grasp and scurried out of the shower, still dripping."Haa..." I shook my head as I finished washing up by myself.Wearing nothing but a simple t-shirt and pants, I took one last look at the room I had been living in for the past few months, imprinting the image. I put on my glove and ring, packing the coat and mask along with a few other necessities into my bag. I strapped both Dawn's Ballad and my short sword to my waist before walking out."Trust in Jasmine when things get rough. She may be the youngest but don't doubt her strength and experience as an adventurer," my father advised as he pulled me into one last—firm—hug."Why are Brother and Sylviee leaving? No! Stay here!" My sister was now struck with the realization that I wouldn't be home for a while. She was clutching my waist and refused to let go as she used the weight of her body to anchor me down."Honey, your brother will be back, okay?" My mother attempted to console her."Nonononono! Stay!" my sister demanded. She had refused to listen to excuses and began shouting with tear-filled eyes.Kneeling down, I wrapped Ellie in my arms as I patted her back. "I know you're a big girl now. Can you protect Mom and Dad while I'm gone for a bit, Ellie?""UUuuu...hic...I can protect them..." she replied in a muffled voice, burying her head into my shoulder.Letting go of her, I studied my baby sister's face, wiping the tears streaming down her cheeks."Atta girl. Your big brother is going to be gone for a little bit but I'll be back. I feel a lot better that we have someone strong like my little sister here to protect the house. ""Yes!" she seconded eagerly, her eyes filled with a newfound determination.Patting her head, I gave Mother and Father one last hug."We'll miss you. Don't forget to keep the ring on your finger, okay?" My mother squeezed me tightly."Stay safe and know your limits, Arthur. " Father placed a hand on my shoulder and stared at me, waiting for a response.Know my limits, I repeated to myself, giving my father a firm nod.After the partings were finished, I made my way down the front stairs to where Jasmine had been waiting.I waved them one last goodbye, gesturing to my sister, who was waving both her hands as she bit her lips to keep from crying, to cheer up."Let's go, Jasmine," I declared while putting on the mask and coat.She replied with a terse nod as we began heading downtown to the Adventurer's Guild Hall.The Guild Hall was not what I had expected it to be. A vivid image of a place filled with thugs seated around wooden tables downing beer was what I envisioned. Instead, it was a building filled with prestige and luxury. A marble structure towered over us like a sacred museum. Once inside, it was clear the amount of work that had been put into the intricately designed interior. There were tables made from metal where I could see other adventurers giving us a passing glance. The whole place had an ambiance of extravagance that didn't suit me, much less some of the barbarian-looking adventurers here, but I simply continued my stride."Welcome! How may I help the two of you?" The female receptionist's rehearsed smile gleamed a pearly white.Before I had the chance to reply, Jasmine slid a piece of parchment towards the woman."I would like to sponsor him for a rank examination. " Her face remained expressionless as she said curtly."Y-Yes! I understand," the receptionist answered, nodding her head fervently as she handed back the piece of paper. "Please, come over this way. "Getting up from her seat, the women opened the door beside us from the other side. As we entered, I couldn't help but notice the hushed murmurs around us."Oy, there's someone taking a rank examination," someone whispered."It's just a girl and some masked midget, though," another hoarse voice mocked blatantly.I held in any questions I had and simply followed the clerk in silence. Passing through the door, we were led past the row of seats behind the glass counter where the receptionists were stationed and into a small room. The office was minimally decorated with two leather couches positioned to face each other. On the far end of the room was a dark, wooden desk facing the door; a slender man was seated behind the pile of neatly stacked papers, jotting down something with a quilted pen.Roused by the sound of his office door being opened, the man looked up to reveal a sharp and angular face. The head of black hair I had been staring at was parted down the center and reached just past his thin neck. Behind his rimless and thick glasses were a pair of sharp eyes that regarded us intently."A-Class Adventurer, Jasmine Flamesworth has requested this..." the clerk's voice trailed off as she eyed me cautiously . " . . . gentleman to be taken in for a rank examination. ""Yes, I'm quite aware of who Miss Flamesworth is. You may wait outside, Mary. " The slender man waved her away as he stood up from his seat. "Miss Flamesworth, how are you these days? I met with your father not too long ago. "Jasmine simply gave a terse nod, that barely resembled a bow, as the man approached us. Her expression had gotten sharper since coming into this room, but at the mention of her father, Jasmine's hands clenched into fists."Anyway, it is a pleasure to meet you. " The man shifted his attention to me, finally acknowledging my presence. "My name is Kaspian Bladeheart, and I am in charge of this branch. I take it that you must have some sort of close relationship with Miss Flamesworth. Is there a name I can address you by?" His gaze darted up and down as he quickly assessed me."Kuu!" Sylvie answered in my stead.I had made Sylvie transform back into her original form during my time as an adventurer so her horns protruded and her red spikes were visible."I go by Note," I answered gruffly. The name didn't mean much and was made fairly mindlessly based on the blue streak that went through the left eye slit; it reminded me of a single half note.Kaspian's eyes widened in surprise but he quickly recovered, responding with a casual smile. Other than that, seeing a mana beast didn't seem to surprise him, which I assumed was because of his line of work. "Yes! Well... Mr . Note, we will proceed with Miss Flamesworth here as your sponsor. Do you know how this will work?"Shaking my head, I let him explain. "An Adventurer of B-class or higher has the right to sponsor a new adventurer for an examination. Depending on how well you do, this exam will give you the opportunity to be placed into a suitable rank. This way, you can avoid the needless struggles of starting from the very beginning. The rank exam will consist of only a practical portion. Now, judging by your weapons, I can assume that you are either a fighter or augmenter, yes?" He looked quizzically at the black stick tied to my waist below my short sword."Yes. ""Okay! Usually, there would be a quick application along with an inspection of your mana core before the exam but since it is Miss Flamesworth here sponsoring you, I will waive that," he continued as he opened another door at the far end of his office. "Mary, take these two to the examination hall. ""Y-Yes!" The receptionist, who had been waiting outside the room, entered hastily and led us toward the back door. "Please, Mr . Note, Miss Flamesworth, right this way. "I peered at Jasmine through my mask as we made our way down the long corridor. Was this the reason why she wanted to be the one to follow me? The Flamesworth House was mentioned with a fair degree of respect, but what exactly was the Flamesworth House?I was forced to squint as my eyes tried to adjust to the sudden change in brightness as we exited out of the dark passage. As the blinding glow subsided, I was able to make out the details of the hall we were in. The brightly lit area was an indoor, dirt-floored arena with standard theater seats that appeared more like exaggerated stairs. While most of the seats were empty except for the scattered ten or so people, there was a tense atmosphere as everyone's eyes focused on the two people at the center of the arena."Please, follow me to your seats. There are many examinees today so if you would remain seated until the examiner calls your name, it'll really help speed up the process. " The receptionist gave us one last, quick, bow before scurrying back down the rows of stone seats.Placing Sylvie between Jasmine and me, I leaned forward to get a better view of the two fighters about to duel. Jasmine simply leaned back in apathy with her legs crossed.Examinees came and went, but it was the half-elf named Lucas Wykes and the bespectacled boy, Elijah Knight, who truly stood out. Despite their different backgrounds, both were given a B-rank. Lucas displayed remarkable talent in fire magic, but his personality left much to be desired, as he often came across as a spoiled noble brat. On the other hand, while Elijah's magical abilities were still a mystery, his serious demeanor and studious appearance hinted at a reserved and focused nature."Next examinee, Note! Please come down!" The examiner bellowed without looking up as my chance came.Jasmine placed a hand on my shoulder. "Good luck. "Giving a firm nod in response, I walked down the steps, leaving the worried Sylvie in Jasmine's care."It seems you're here to be tested under special conditions, seeing as there isn't any information here written about you. Okay! Let's see what you're made of. " George regarded me with a curious stare, trying to look through my mask's eye slit to see who I was.The examiner smoothly unsheathed his sword, as did I."Begin!" he announced while lunging at me. The thrust was aimed directly at my head, most likely intended to scare me.Instead of dodging back or ducking, I faced the incoming tip of the sword and took a step forward, willing mana into my legs. Tilting my head just enough for the flat of the blade to graze harmlessly past my mask, I brought my sword up in one, swift motion.George's sharp eyes widened by my counter as he desperately retracted in hopes of making it in time to block my swing, but the tip of my sword was already pressed against the man's throat. The examiner immediately stopped, afraid that any sudden movement and my blade might actually embed itself into his neck, regardless of mana reinforcement."Enough," a voice interrupted. "Stand down, George. I'll be the one to test this particular examinee. "Turning my head, I saw the thin, bespectacled man named Kaspian walking toward us from the corridor Jasmine and I had come in from."S-Sir? You will be personally examining this participant?" George backed away from my blade as casually as possible, but a bead of blood rolled down his neck."I apologize if this sounds presumptuous, but is there really a need for an AA class to lower himself to test an examinee? I will be more than enough to assess this applicant!" he continued, quickly wiping the blood off with his hand.Kaspian's gaze lowered to George's neck, silencing the examiner. The man, regardless of what he assumed was a simple blunder on his part, was visibly baffled by the fact that the head of this branch would be the one to test me.It would be a lie to say I wasn't surprised as well. Someone classified as an AA-class adventurer was at a much higher level of strength compared to an A-class. As the class ranks increased, each jump was exponential, meaning that compared to D-class to C-class, the jump from A-class to AA-class was incomparable. Being an AA-class adventurer signified that you had the strength of ten A-class adventurers, and that was just a rough estimate.He should be on a whole other tier of strength compared to other humans. I was curious as to what stage his mana core was, but there was no way for me to see without him finding out."His sponsor has deep ties with me so I feel obligated to test him personally," he chuckled as his right hand reached towards a thin rapier on his waist.Waving away George, the two of us stood at the center of the dirt arena."Let us begin. "