"Adventure Rank: Full-Fledged Adventurer I"

Rat Calendar, Year 2026

3rd Day of March

The Outside City of Nova Asta

One of the Main Branches of the Adventure Outpost

After months of venturing across the Western Continent and participating in the Second Expedition, Accel finally set foot in Nova Asta again. The familiar sights of the city, the lively streets, and the bustling markets brought a sense of nostalgia. His first stop upon arrival was home, where he reunited with his family. He brought souvenirs from the Western Continent, distributing them to his younger siblings and his parents, who welcomed him back with warm smiles.

His father, a businessman, examined one of the finely crafted accessories Accel had brought. "Western craftsmanship is truly something else," he remarked. "You've been through a lot, haven't you?"

Accel nodded, keeping the more complicated details to himself. After spending quality time with his family, he quickly shifted his focus back to his next goal: advancing his adventurer rank.

As an Apprentice Adventurer, he had reached the point where he needed a rank promotion to take on higher-level quests. The Full-Fledged Adventurer rank would grant him access to better rewards, more dangerous missions, and, most importantly, the credibility required for future endeavors. With this in mind, he set off for the Adventure Outpost, one of the main branches in Nova Asta.

Upon entering the Adventure Outpost, Accel was met with the usual scene of adventurers gathering around the mission boards, discussing their latest exploits, and negotiating commissions with quest-givers. He approached the reception counter and noticed a glowing notification on the magical display behind the receptionist's desk:

"ANNOUNCEMENT: FULL-FLEDGED ADVENTURER PROMOTION TEST – REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!"

The timing couldn't have been better.

"Good day, sir. How can I assist you?" the receptionist, a young woman clad in the standard outpost uniform, greeted him.

"I'd like to sign up for the Full-Fledged Adventurer promotion test," Accel replied.

She nodded and handed him a registration form. "Please fill this out. The test will begin in three days, on the 6th of March. Be sure to prepare well. The test isn't difficult, but it does require endurance."

Accel scanned the form and quickly signed it. "What are the conditions for passing?"

"All participants must hunt 100 monsters within three days in the Inner Zone," she explained. "There's no competition among participants, meaning teamwork isn't restricted, but each adventurer must individually reach the quota. Even if you defeat 99 monsters, it won't count unless you complete the full requirement. If you fail, you'll need to retake the test during the next cycle."

Accel nodded in understanding. The Inner Zone was a controlled hunting ground designed for apprentice adventurers looking to gain experience before heading into more dangerous territories. Though the creatures there weren't overwhelmingly strong, reaching the quota within the time limit would require consistent effort and stamina.

After finalizing the registration, Accel left the outpost and began preparing for the upcoming challenge. Though he was confident in his ability to clear the test, he still took the time to polish his equipment, restock his supplies, and strategize how best to optimize his hunting route.

6th Day of March – The Promotion Test Begins

The morning of the test arrived, and Accel stood alongside other apprentice adventurers at the designated starting point of the Inner Zone. Around him, some participants were stretching and mentally preparing themselves, while others nervously exchanged words of encouragement. The officials overseeing the test gave final instructions before activating the enchantments on the entrance gate.

"The test will last three days. You must reach the quota of 100 monsters to pass. No outside assistance is allowed, and healing or restocking supplies must be done within designated rest zones. Exceeding the time limit will result in immediate failure. Do you all understand?"

A collective response echoed through the crowd: "Yes, sir!"

"Then let the test begin!"

With that, the adventurers surged into the Inner Zone, and the hunt was officially underway. Accel moved with practiced efficiency, swiftly scanning the surroundings and mapping out a route in his mind.

The Inner Zone was divided into different hunting areas, each populated by various creatures suited for adventurers of this rank. Goblins, dire wolves, and lesser golems roamed the land, providing ample targets for the participants.

Accel wasted no time. He drew his weapon, Aetherium & Voidbringer, and engaged his first target—a group of three goblins lurking near a rocky outcrop. With fluid precision, he dispatched them using a combination of swift swordplay and calculated movement, ensuring he conserved as much energy as possible. As each goblin fell, a notification rang in his system interface:

[Goblin Defeated – 3/100]

Without delay, he proceeded to the next group of monsters. Unlike many of the other participants who had to pace themselves due to limited stamina and combat efficiency, Accel honed his skills through extensive battles in the Western Continent. He maintained a relentless yet steady pace, making sure he neither overexerted himself nor wasted unnecessary time.

By midday, his tally had already reached 35 monsters, putting him ahead of the general pace. He made use of natural chokepoints, luring creatures into narrow passages where he could efficiently cut them down. Each swing of his sword was precise, every movement calculated.

As night fell, many participants opted to rest at the designated safe zones, but Accel continued, reducing his pace but maintaining a steady hunt. By the time the first day ended, his total count had reached 55 monsters, over halfway through the required quota.

The test would continue for another two days, but at this rate, Accel was well on his way to finishing early.