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Chapter 182: Guild

After leaving the inn, Valeria found herself walking beside Lucavion through the crowded streets of Andelheim. The city was still buzzing with activity, the hum of excitement from the tournament mixing with the vibrant atmosphere of vendors calling out their wares, musicians playing in the corners, and people milling about with purpose.

Valeria hadn't really planned for this part of the day. With so much time left until the evening, and nothing particularly pressing on her agenda, she felt strangely unanchored. She glanced sideways at Lucavion, who seemed perfectly at ease, moving through the throng of people with that same carefree stride he always had.

He wasn't in a rush, and there was no clear direction to his wandering, but somehow, he managed to blend in with the flow of the crowd effortlessly.

"Do you always wander around aimlessly like this?" Valeria asked, her voice cutting through the noise around them.

Lucavion chuckled, glancing at her out of the corner of his eye. "Aimlessly? Nah, I'm just... taking in the sights. Enjoying the city."

Valeria frowned slightly, unsure of what to do with herself. She wasn't used to having this much free time, especially in a place like Andelheim. Back at home, her schedule had always been structured—training, meetings, and duties for her family. There was never time for aimless wandering. But now, here she was, with nothing but hours ahead of her and no particular task in mind.

They passed by street vendors selling brightly colored fabrics and jewelry, the scent of grilled meats and spices wafting through the air. The lively energy of the city was undeniable, but Valeria's mind wasn't fully there. She was still thinking about the tournament, her family's legacy, and the expectations that loomed over her.

Lucavion seemed to sense her inner turmoil. "You know, you don't have to think so hard all the time," he said casually, his eyes flicking over to a nearby stall selling sweets. "Sometimes, you just... enjoy the moment."

Valeria gave him a sidelong glance, feeling a bit defensive. "I don't think too hard."

Lucavion raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Sure you don't. That's why you're walking around looking like you're trying to solve some life-or-death riddle."

She let out a small huff but didn't respond. He wasn't wrong—her mind was always working, always thinking. It was part of who she was, a necessity born from years of training and the weight of her responsibilities. But she couldn't deny the small, nagging voice inside her that wondered if maybe, just for a little while, she could let go of that constant vigilance.

Lucavion stopped suddenly, pulling her attention back to him. He had paused in front of a stall filled with trinkets and small wooden carvings, picking up a piece and turning it over in his hand. "Look at this," he said, holding it up for her to see. "Isn't this a masterpiece?"

Valeria glanced at the object—a roughly carved figure of some kind of creature, its features uneven and exaggerated. She raised an eyebrow. "A masterpiece? That thing looks like it was made in five minutes."

Lucavion grinned. "Ah, but that's the beauty of it! It's rough, unpolished... kinda like me."

Valeria rolled her eyes but couldn't help the small smile that tugged at her lips. "So you admit it then, you're unpolished."

"Hey, I didn't say that," Lucavion replied with mock indignation. "I'm a masterpiece in progress."

"Progress," Valeria repeated with a dry laugh. "Right."

As they continued to walk, Valeria started to relax a bit, letting herself drift along with Lucavion's wandering. She wasn't used to this kind of aimless freedom, but for once, she didn't feel the overwhelming pressure to be productive every second of the day. Maybe it wasn't so bad to just... be, for a little while.

The streets were still bustling as they passed through different parts of the city. Valeria noticed small groups of travelers and warriors like themselves, some clearly competitors for the tournament, others just enjoying the festivities. Everywhere she looked, there was life and energy.

"So," Lucavion said, breaking the comfortable silence between them, "got any big plans for the afternoon, or are you just going to follow me around?"

Valeria stopped in her tracks, her body suddenly still as the sound of Lucavion's question faded into the background noise of Andelheim. The city around them continued to buzz with life, but in that moment, it felt distant, almost irrelevant.

Why had she stopped? Was she really just walking around aimlessly with Lucavion as if this was normal? A subtle discomfort twisted in her chest as she considered the ease with which she seemed to fall into step with him, into these casual conversations. There was no real structure, no plan, no clear direction—just the two of them, moving through the city like companions.

But we're not companions, she reminded herself, frowning as she stared ahead at nothing in particular. Or were they? Lucavion had a way of pulling her into his rhythm, his pace, his world where nothing seemed to matter quite as much. It was infuriating, and yet, she kept walking beside him. Doesn't that mean I don't mind it?

The thought left her unsettled. It wasn't that she liked it exactly—she didn't need anyone to slow her down or drag her into distractions. And yet, every time she was with him, there was a strange ease, as if she could let go just a little, enough to breathe. Why does it feel like I'm not fighting against his presence anymore?

She glanced sideways at him. He was still there, waiting for her answer, his eyes curious but not demanding. He hadn't pushed her when she stopped. He hadn't demanded anything at all. Lucavion just was, and somehow, she had allowed herself to be swept along by that.

"What are you thinking so hard about now?" he asked, his voice teasing, but without the sharp edge it sometimes carried. There was something softer in his tone, a hint of genuine curiosity beneath the playful words. "How handsome I am?"

Valeria rolled her eyes, her lips pressing into a thin line as she shook her head. This guy… Of course, this bastard would ruin the moment by turning it into a joke. His teasing, as usual, was light but somehow always managed to find the exact way to get under her skin.

She could never quite tell if he did it on purpose or if this was just his way of dealing with everything—carefree, nonchalant, and always with that ridiculous grin.

"Not even close," she replied flatly, the exasperation clear in her voice. "But nice try."

Lucavion laughed softly, the sound casual and easy, like he hadn't a care in the world. He didn't seem the least bit offended by her lack of amusement, if anything, he appeared pleased that he'd gotten a reaction out of her.

"Well," he said, shifting his weight slightly as they continued to walk through the lively streets, "if you're done with your deep thinking, and you don't have anything planned, how about accompanying me to the Adventurers Guild?"

Valeria arched an eyebrow, curious despite herself. "The Adventurers Guild?"

"Yeah." He flashed her a grin, clearly enjoying her interest. "Figured it's time I get my adventurer's license. Could be fun."

Valeria regarded him for a moment, unsure if he was serious or just looking for another distraction. Knowing Lucavion, it was probably a bit of both. Still, she found herself intrigued. She had never spent much time in adventurers' guilds—her duties as a knight kept her in more formal circles—but the idea of wandering into one with him felt oddly appealing.

Maybe it was because she had no real plans, or maybe it was just because…..

"And why exactly would you want an adventurer's license?" she asked, her tone skeptical but not dismissive.

Lucavion shrugged, his grin not fading. "Why not? Wandering around the world and having fun while making some money? Isn't it how life is supposed to be?"

Valeria's gaze hardened slightly as she listened to his answer. "Life isn't about wandering around aimlessly and having fun," she said, her tone sharp with the weight of her convictions. "It's about fulfilling your purpose. Carrying out your duties. That's what gives it meaning."

Lucavion, as usual, didn't seem fazed. He simply gave a casual shrug, his grin unwavering. "And what if someone's purpose is to have fun?" His eyes gleamed with amusement, but there was something thoughtful behind them too. "What if living your life freely, doing what makes you happy, is the purpose you're meant to fulfill? Can you really judge that?

It's not like you have the moral high ground just because you chose duty over enjoyment."

His words cut through the air with an unexpected sharpness, and for a moment, Valeria found herself at a loss. She opened her mouth to respond but nothing came out. What could she say? She had always believed in duty—honor, responsibility, the weight of her family's legacy. That was how she defined herself. But Lucavion's carefree philosophy challenged her in a way that left her feeling unsettled.

What if he was right, at least in his own way?

The silence between them lingered, heavy with unspoken thoughts. Valeria's jaw clenched, her mind searching for a rebuttal, but no matter how hard she tried, the words wouldn't come. What if she couldn't judge him? What if both paths—the life of duty and the life of freedom—were equally valid?

Lucavion must have sensed her inner turmoil, because he leaned in slightly, his voice softer now, almost gentle. "See? You're always thinking too hard about everything. Maybe you don't have to figure it out right now."

Valeria remained silent, her eyes forward, not meeting his gaze. She wasn't ready to admit that his words had struck a chord. Not yet.

Chapter 183: Guild (2)

Lucavion turned his head to the side, scanning the bustling street for a moment. His expression shifted from playful to thoughtful as his eyes settled on a nearby vendor.

"Excuse me," he called out, waving a hand at the vendor. "You wouldn't happen to know where the Adventurer's Guild is, would you?"

The vendor, a burly man with a thick beard, looked up from his stand, eyeing Lucavion with mild curiosity. "Adventurer's Guild? Aye, it's just a few streets over. Head down this way," he gestured toward the narrow alley to their left, "then take a right at the third corner. Can't miss it. Big building with a sign out front."

Lucavion grinned, giving the man a quick nod of thanks. "Much appreciated." He turned back to Valeria, his usual carefree attitude firmly back in place. "Shall we?"

Valeria sighed, feeling a mix of resignation and curiosity tugging at her. She wasn't entirely sure why she was still following along, but with nothing pressing to do, she found herself giving in. "Lead the way," she said, her voice laced with mild reluctance.

They wove through the crowd together, the sounds of the city fading into the background as they ventured down the alley the vendor had mentioned. The streets were narrower here, less crowded.

Lucavion glanced over at her as they neared the third corner, a light smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "You look deep in thought again."

Valeria shook her head slightly, brushing it off. "I'm just wondering what this guild is going to be like. I've never been to one before."

"Oh, you're in for a treat," Lucavion said with a wink, his pace picking up as they rounded the corner and approached the large building that could only be the Adventurer's Guild.

The sign above the entrance was simple, but the large wooden doors and the steady stream of people going in and out told her all she needed to know—this place was busy, filled with people of all kinds, most likely mercenaries and adventurers seeking contracts, bounties, or simple tasks to earn a living.

As they stepped into the Adventurer's Guild, the atmosphere immediately shifted. The noise hit them first—a mixture of rowdy laughter raised voices, and the constant hum of conversation. The hall was massive, with high ceilings supported by thick wooden beams, giving the place an almost tavern-like feel.

Tables were scattered throughout, each one occupied by adventurers discussing contracts, planning expeditions, or boasting about recent conquests.

Valeria's eyes scanned the room, taking in the chaotic energy. There were all sorts of people here—mercenaries in battered armor, mages in simple robes, and a handful of rangers with bows slung across their backs. Some sat at the bar along the far wall, downing drinks and swapping stories. Others huddled around notice boards where quests were pinned up, each one offering coin in exchange for a task.

It was a world apart from the structured, disciplined environment she was used to in her knightly duties. Here, everything felt… unpredictable.

Lucavion, on the other hand, seemed perfectly at ease. He stepped forward with his usual relaxed stride, weaving through the crowd without a second thought. "Lively, isn't it?" he said, glancing back at Valeria with a grin. "Feels like the kind of place where anything can happen."

Valeria's gaze lingered on a nearby group of adventurers who were arguing loudly over the spoils of a recent job. She frowned. "It's… chaotic," she remarked, her tone disapproving. "No order. No structure."

That was something that she could not get used to.

Her frown deepened as she observed the chaotic scene. The Adventurer's Guild was packed to the brim, and though she was still getting used to this disordered environment, she suddenly realized why it was so overwhelming. The tournament, she thought.

That had to be the reason for the unusual crowd. Even though Andelheim was a prosperous city, it didn't usually draw this much attention.

But with the tournament around the corner, adventurers, mercenaries, and travelers from across the region had all flocked here, seeking work, fame, or simply a chance to witness the spectacle.

Her mind pieced the situation together. "Of course," she muttered to herself. The influx of people made sense now. This was an unusual time for the city, and that explained why the guild hall was overflowing with rowdy adventurers.

Before she could dwell on the thought any longer, Lucavion moved forward, cutting through the crowd with his usual confident stride.

She followed close behind, watching as he made his way to the reception desk. Her eyes caught a glimpse of the receptionist—a strikingly beautiful woman with flowing blonde hair, her expression calm despite the flurry of activity around her.

She looked as though she was used to dealing with this sort of crowd, maintaining an air of professionalism even as a group of adventurers lingered nearby, trying to flirt with her.

Lucavion, however, seemed completely unfazed by the scene. Without even glancing at the men who were attempting to charm the receptionist, he stepped forward, offering her a bright smile as if he had all the time in the world.

The group of men shot him irritated looks, but Lucavion ignored them, his attention entirely focused on the task at hand.

"Good afternoon," he greeted, leaning casually against the counter. "I'd like to register for an adventurer's license."

The receptionist, to her credit, barely reacted to the flirtatious group that had been pestering her. She met Lucavion's eyes with a polite but professional smile, clearly appreciative of his straightforwardness.

Of course," she said smoothly, her voice calm and composed. "Please fill out this form."

As the receptionist handed Lucavion the form, her gaze lingered on him a moment longer than usual. Something about him made her pause. It wasn't his relaxed demeanor or the easy smile that barely left his face—she had seen plenty of adventurers like that. No, it was something else, a feeling she couldn't quite place.

"Do you have a recommendation letter?" she asked suddenly, her tone still professional but tinged with curiosity. It was not that of a standard procedure to ask but she felt like this young man would have it.

Lucavion's smile didn't falter. If anything, it seemed to widen ever so slightly, as if he had been expecting the question. "Of course," he said smoothly, reaching into his coat. "I wouldn't want to cause any trouble."

With a practiced motion, he pulled out a folded letter sealed with an ornate wax stamp, as well as his identification card. He handed both over to her with the same effortless grace he carried in everything he did.

The receptionist took them, her eyes flickering over the letter first. She noted the seal with raised eyebrows, clearly recognizing it, though she didn't comment. Her expression remained neutral as she moved on to his ID, holding it up to the light to inspect it. She nodded slowly, clearly satisfied, but that odd feeling in her gut persisted.

There was something about this young man that seemed to ripple beneath the surface, something she couldn't quite read.

Before she could hand the papers back, one of the adventurers who had been flirting with her earlier suddenly stepped forward, clearly annoyed that Lucavion had so easily taken over the conversation.

"Hey," the man said, his voice rough as he shoved his way closer to the counter. He was tall, with a muscular build and a scar running across his jaw. "Who do you think you are, just barging in here like that?"

Lucavion, still smiling, turned his head slightly to face the man. "I was not even barging in. I calmly came here and simply asked for a registration process."

The man's eyes narrowed, his expression darkening. "You think you're real clever, don't you?"

Lucavion shook his head, still wearing that easy, almost amused smile. "Clever? No, I wouldn't say that." His tone was calm, and casual, as if they were having a friendly chat rather than a confrontation. "There are plenty of people far smarter than me, believe me."

It was the lack of concern in Lucavion's voice, the way he didn't rise to the bait, that seemed to irritate the man even more. His face darkened, and he stepped closer, looming over Lucavion. The sheer difference in their sizes became clear as the man straightened, his broad shoulders casting a shadow over Lucavion. The tension in the air thickened as he leaned in, his voice low and dangerous.

"You might want to be careful, newbie," the man growled, his breath hot with barely concealed aggression. "Things happen to people around here. Especially fresh meat who don't know when to shut their mouth. It's better to stay in line and keep your head down, or you might find yourself in more trouble than you can handle."

Lucavion's smile never wavered. He met the man's gaze with an almost lazy confidence as if the threat barely registered. "I'll keep that in mind," he said lightly, his tone so unaffected that it felt like a dismissal more than anything else.

The man's jaw tightened in frustration, clearly annoyed that Lucavion wasn't taking him seriously. His eyes flicked over to Valeria, and a sly grin spread across his face. He gave her a once-over, his tone shifting to something he probably thought was charming, though it came across as anything but.

"And who's this?" he asked, his voice dripping with forced charm. "You with him, sweetheart? If you're looking for someone who can show you a good time, I'd say you're wasting your time with this guy. You want someone who knows how to handle things."

Valeria's eyes flashed with irritation as she felt his leering gaze settle on her. His attempt at flirting was not only pathetic but infuriatingly transparent. She could feel the urge to shut him down rising, but before she could say a word, Lucavion spoke up again.

"She's with me," Lucavion said casually, his tone still light, but there was an edge beneath it now. "And she's not interested in whatever it is you think you're offering." He didn't even look at the man, focusing instead on adjusting his coat as if this conversation barely warranted his attention.

"Oh? I don't think you have the capability to keep her, though. Or at least, you will not have."

–SWOOSH!

Following that, a quick jab followed.

Chapter 184: Guild (3)

The man's fist shot forward with brutal speed, a quick jab aimed directly at Lucavion's face. The motion was sudden and precise, powered by the kind of brute strength that had likely won him more than a few bar brawls. Valeria's eyes widened in shock. She hadn't expected the adventurer to escalate things so quickly, and she instinctively reached for her sword, ready to intervene.

But Lucavion… he didn't move. He didn't even flinch.

He sat there, completely still, his calm demeanor unchanged, as if the fist flying toward him was of no consequence at all. Valeria's heart leaped into her throat as she prepared for the impact, her body tense, ready to spring into action.

What is he doing? she thought, disbelief washing over her. Was he seriously going to let this brute hit him?

But then—just as the punch was about to land—the man's fist came to a sudden, jarring stop. The knuckles hovered less than an inch from Lucavion's face, trembling slightly, the raw force behind the punch dissipating as if something had yanked the strength out of it.

Valeria blinked, her hand still gripping the hilt of her sword, unsure of what had just happened.

The adventurer's fist trembled in the air, just inches from Lucavion's face, his muscles taut as if straining against an invisible force. But Valeria could see now—there was no magic stopping the punch, no external barrier. The man had pulled it back himself at the very last second, though why he had stopped, she couldn't quite say.

Lucavion's smirk widened as he glanced up at the man. "No balls?" he said, his tone light and mocking, as if the whole situation amused him.

The adventurer's face flushed a deep red, his entire body rigid with anger. His eyes blazed with frustration, but something else flickered there, too—something like doubt. He glared down at Lucavion, his fists still clenched tight at his sides, but he didn't move to strike again.

Valeria, her hand still resting on her sword's hilt, felt a strange sense of understanding wash over her. The man hadn't been stopped by fear or by some external force. He had stopped himself. She didn't know why—perhaps something in Lucavion's unwavering calm, in his complete lack of concern, had unnerved the adventurer.

Maybe, on some instinctual level, the man had realized that throwing that punch would have been a mistake.

The receptionist, who had been watching the scene unfold with growing tension, let out a quiet sigh of relief. She shot a quick glance at the adventurer, her expression shifting from concern to subtle disdain, though she said nothing.

The adventurer's jaw tightened as Lucavion's words sank in. His teeth ground together audibly, and his fists clenched harder, knuckles white. But something in him had changed. Lucavion's mocking tone, the smirk, the absolute certainty with which he carried himself—it had shaken the man's resolve. For all his brute strength, for all his bluster, he wasn't willing to follow through.

With a sharp huff, the adventurer stepped back, glaring daggers at Lucavion. "This isn't over," he growled, his voice thick with barely controlled rage. His eyes flicked briefly to Valeria as if gauging whether she would intervene, but seeing the steady confidence in her stance only seemed to harden his decision to leave.

With one last seething glare, he turned on his heel and stormed out of the guild hall, his heavy boots echoing through the now-silent room. The crowd parted for him as he left, whispers rippling through the adventurers who had witnessed the scene, though no one dared to say anything aloud.

Valeria's grip on her sword finally loosened, but her eyes remained on Lucavion. "You really know how to get under people's skin," she said quietly, more a statement than a question.

Lucavion chuckled, brushing a speck of dust off his coat as if nothing had happened. "It's a gift," he replied with a wink, then glanced back at the receptionist. "Now, where were we?"

The receptionist, visibly relieved that the situation hadn't escalated further, cleared her throat and offered him a professional smile. "I will prepare the documents, please wait a little bit."

"Thank you," Lucavion said with a nod, his usual carefree demeanor firmly back in place.

As the receptionist disappeared behind the counter to prepare Lucavion's documents, Valeria turned her attention to him, her brow furrowing slightly. The confrontation from moments earlier still lingered in her mind, but one question nagged at her more than anything else.

"Why did you think he wouldn't hit you?" she asked, her voice low but direct. "How could you be so sure he'd stop the punch at the last second?"

Lucavion's smirk returned, that familiar glint of amusement flashing in his eyes. He didn't answer right away. Instead, he gestured subtly around the guild hall, his hand sweeping over the crowded room filled with hardened adventurers, mercenaries, and bounty hunters. Some were still glancing in their direction, though most had returned to their business after the brief disturbance.

"Look around," he said, his voice calm and measured. "This place is packed with people who live on the edge of death every day. They're lawless by nature, living for the next fight, the next challenge. And yet…" He paused, letting his words hang in the air for a moment, his gaze shifting to meet hers. "Why do you think this whole place runs so smoothly?"

Valeria blinked, her eyes narrowing as she considered his words. She scanned the room again, this time more thoughtfully. He was right—these adventurers were the type to live by their own rules, yet there was a strange sense of order in the guild. Despite the constant hum of activity, despite the obvious tension between different groups, no one was outright fighting, and no one was causing chaos.

She had assumed the guild itself imposed strict rules, but now… she wasn't so sure.

Lucavion leaned in slightly, his smirk never fading. "Think about it," he continued. "If people like that man aren't daring to act out of line, what does that tell you?"

Valeria remained silent for a moment, turning his question over in her mind. If those adventurers, who were often lawless and dangerous, hesitated to escalate violence in a place like this, then there had to be something they feared. Something—or someone—held them in check.

"They're afraid," Valeria finally said, her voice thoughtful. "Afraid of the consequences."

Lucavion gave a small nod of approval, his eyes glinting with satisfaction. "Exactly." He leaned back slightly, his smirk softening as he continued. "There's a rule," he explained, his voice still carrying that easy confidence, "that prohibits any adventurer from fighting inside guild buildings.

If anyone were to break that rule, their license would be revoked immediately, and they'd be marked as a criminal in the guild's records."

Valeria listened carefully, her mind already piecing together the significance of such a rule.

"For most adventurers," Lucavion continued, gesturing casually around the hall, "that would mean the end of their careers. No more contracts, no more bounties. They'd be blacklisted, unable to take work from any guild across the region. And with the fierce competition out there, being cut off like that would leave them with nothing. No one would risk it—not unless they were really stupid."

Valeria nodded slowly, the full weight of the rule settling in her mind. "So that's why he stopped. Even someone as hot-headed as him wouldn't risk his entire livelihood over a fight."

"Exactly," Lucavion said, his grin widening. "In a place like this, even the most dangerous people know when to hold back. Survival's not just about brute strength or skill—it's about knowing how to play by the rules, even if you don't like them."

Valeria glanced around the room, noticing the quiet but intense focus of the adventurers scattered throughout. They were all competitors in a market that demanded strength and cunning, but also restraint. If someone broke the rules here, they wouldn't just be facing the guild's wrath—they'd be throwing their entire future away.

She looked back at Lucavion, a mix of admiration and frustration flickering across her expression. He had read the situation perfectly, knowing exactly how far things could go without crossing that invisible line.

"And you knew all of this," Valeria said, more a statement than a question. "You were counting on him not wanting to throw his life away."

Lucavion shrugged, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "I had a pretty good hunch." He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping just enough for her to hear, "But, you know, I was also ready to move if things went south."

Valeria huffed, shaking her head. "You…..you are a gambler."

Lucavion's face showed a brief grimace as Valeria called him a gambler. His usual smirk wavered as he turned to her, eyes narrowing slightly, his tone taking on a sharper edge. "And how, exactly, did you come to that conclusion?" he asked, almost as if challenging her.

Valeria didn't flinch under his gaze. She just shrugged, her lips curving into a knowing smile. "It's how it looks," she said simply, her voice steady, betraying no hint of hesitation.

Lucavion shook his head, his expression a mixture of amusement and exasperation. "Looks can be deceiving," he murmured, his voice regaining its typical playful lilt. "It's better to keep those thoughts in check, Valeria."

Before she could respond, the receptionist returned, the tension in the air dissolving as the woman approached with the documents in hand. "Your papers are ready," she said, her tone polite but businesslike.

Lucavion's attention shifted immediately, the brief flash of tension gone as quickly as it had appeared. He flashed the receptionist his usual grin, his carefree attitude firmly back in place. "Perfect. Let's get this over with, then," he said, reaching out to take the documents.

"Then, please allow me to explain the guild system and ranks."

Chapter 185: Guild (4)

The guild receptionist cleared her throat, preparing to give the necessary details. She placed the stack of documents on the counter and gestured to Lucavion and Valeria, her professional demeanor fully intact.

"Let me first explain the ranking system within the Adventurer's Guild," she began, her voice clear and steady. "As you may already know, adventurers are classified by rank, starting at Rank F and going up to Rank S. The higher your rank, the more prestigious and dangerous missions you are allowed to undertake."

She glanced briefly at Lucavion, who gave her a nod, signaling his understanding.

"Rank F," she continued, "is typically reserved for beginners—those just starting out in the guild. These adventurers are assigned simple tasks, such as gathering materials, escorting merchants, or helping with small disputes. The pay for Rank F missions is modest, but it provides a good starting point for those wishing to build experience."

Valeria, standing quietly beside Lucavion, listened intently as the receptionist went on. This was the first time she was informed of the details of the adventurer's work.

While she knew the outline of the work like most people, she wanted to know more about the adventurer world itself.

'Let's see.'

"As adventurers progress and prove their skills, they can ascend to Rank E, where the missions become a little more challenging. Here, you might find yourself hunting down weaker monsters or defending villages from minor threats."

"Rank D and Rank C," the receptionist said, picking up the pace, "are where things start getting interesting. Adventurers at these ranks can accept missions involving larger monsters, such as dire wolves or trolls. They may also be tasked with investigating mysterious ruins or handling more complex political situations between towns."

Lucavion, still leaning casually against the counter, raised an eyebrow as she continued. "What about the upper ranks?"

The receptionist's expression shifted slightly, a hint of respect in her eyes. "Rank B is where elite adventurers begin to stand out. Rank B missions often involve eliminating powerful creatures, dealing with dangerous rogue mages, or handling large-scale threats that could endanger entire regions.

At this rank, adventurers also start gaining influence and may even work directly with nobility or royal officials."

Her tone lowered slightly as she spoke about the next ranks. "Rank A adventurers are some of the best in the world. Their missions frequently involve dealing with creatures of immense power, like dragons, or taking on high-stakes political assignments that could alter the fate of entire nations. These adventurers are often sought after by kingdoms and empires alike."

She paused for a moment before continuing. "As for Rank S… they are legendary. Rank S adventurers are rare, and their missions can involve fighting beings from other realms, like demons or even Primordials. Many of them operate with near-total independence and are only called upon in times of crisis."

Lucavion nodded, clearly interested, but his casual demeanor remained. "And what about commissions and payments?"

The receptionist nodded and flipped through a page in the documents she had prepared. "The guild takes a standard commission on every mission completed. For Rank F and E missions, the guild's commission is 20%. As you climb the ranks, the percentage decreases—Rank D and C adventurers only lose 15% to the guild, while Rank B and A adventurers see a 10% deduction."

"Rank S?" Lucavion asked.

"For Rank S adventurers, the commission is negotiable on a per-mission basis. In most cases, they retain almost all of their rewards, as their work is deemed critical to the guild's reputation."

Valeria stood beside Lucavion, watching the receptionist finalize his rank. Her mind churned with thoughts she kept to herself, but the weight of them pressed heavily on her.

Valeria's mind was sharp and focused as she compared the life of a knight to that of an adventurer. Listening to the guild receptionist explain the ranking system, she could see the appeal—the freedom, the variety of challenges, and the thrill of pursuing personal goals rather than those dictated by duty.

Yet, for all its allure, the world of adventurers lacked something fundamental: structure, honor, and a clear path of responsibility.

Knighthood demanded adherence to strict codes of conduct, principles she had been raised on since childhood. Discipline, loyalty, and selflessness were the cornerstones of her identity.

As a knight, her duty wasn't to herself or the rewards of individual glory, but to a greater cause—to th qe kingdom, to justice, and to protecting those who could not protect themselves. While adventurers might face dangerous beasts or venture into the unknown, there was a selfishness in it. They fought for coin, for reputation, or for personal gain.

Her hand brushed the hilt of her sword, a reminder of the weight of her responsibility. The life of an adventurer, with its constant shifting allegiances and willingness to bend or break rules for a reward, would never fit her.

'Adventurers, knights, two different worlds… yet both fight. For what, though? Glory? Gold? Honor? For adventurers, it seems to be whatever goal is closest at hand, nothing more than a paycheck.

But knights—knights fight for something greater. For duty, for a cause that matters beyond the self. So why, why does this path seem so… appealing?'

She thought back to Lucavion, his carefree nature and reckless disregard for rules. It was the very essence of what she couldn't stand. And yet… there was something to be said about the independence adventurers had. No titles, no expectations, just raw survival.

Her hand brushed the hilt of her sword again, a familiar comfort in moments of unease. She glanced briefly at Lucavion, who stood as though he didn't have a care in the world, soaking in the guild atmosphere with an amused grin on his face.

'He never takes anything seriously. Not the rules, not the risks. Everything's just a game to him. How can someone like him be trusted in a system that's supposed to have structure? He'll just find another way to twist it to his benefit. How can someone who bends rules for fun… be given more opportunity than those who follow them?'

Her thoughts wandered briefly to Lucavion's earlier confrontation. There had been no loyalty, no higher cause—just a man testing his limits. That irked her. She glanced at him now, standing as though the world were his playground, entirely comfortable bending the rules when they suited him.

Yet, here he was, about to be welcomed into the ranks of adventurers, a path of opportunity clearly laid before him.

The receptionist finished explaining the guild system. Then, with a glance at Lucavion, she added, "Due to the recommendation letter from a knight, you'll start at Rank D." She raised an eyebrow. "Though, should you prove your capabilities, an advancement to a higher rank isn't out of the question."

'A recommendation from a knight. Of course. Even here, connections hold power.'

Valeria couldn't help but be intrigued, even if it bothered her. A recommendation from a knight? Lucavion never mentioned having such connections, and for someone like him—a free spirit with a blatant disregard for structure—it seemed even more unlikely.

Her curiosity piqued, but she kept her thoughts to herself, unwilling to ask directly and give him the satisfaction of knowing he had sparked her interest.

As the receptionist continued explaining the guild's procedures, Lucavion leaned against the counter, as relaxed as ever, absorbing the information with a nonchalant air.

"Now that we've gone over the rankings and commissions," the receptionist said, glancing between them, "let me explain how you'll take on missions."

She reached beneath the counter, pulling out a small, gleaming card. It shimmered faintly with a soft blue glow, the edges intricately carved with arcane symbols that seemed to pulse with latent magic. She handed it to Lucavion, who took it with a raised eyebrow.

"This," the receptionist continued, "is an adventurer's card. It's a recent breakthrough from the Mage Tower—something we're quite proud of. It's a magical artifact that allows you to register for missions through the guild's bulletin board without needing to come in person."

Lucavion turned the card over in his hands, his eyes glinting with interest. "Fancy," he muttered, running a finger along the edge. "How does it work?"

The receptionist smiled, clearly pleased to explain. "Once you receive a mission from the bulletin board, the card will automatically record the details—location, objectives, and even any important conditions related to the mission. You can access that information at any time by channeling a small amount of mana into the card.

It's connected directly to the guild's system, so it updates in real-time."

Valeria watched closely as Lucavion examined the card, her own curiosity quietly growing. She had heard of magical artifacts like this—pieces of technology that bridged the gap between magic and practicality—but seeing one up close was a rare experience.

"You'll also need this to track your progress within the guild," the receptionist added. "All missions you complete will be registered through the card, which will automatically update your rank and records. It's a system that keeps things simple and efficient."

Lucavion nodded, clearly impressed, though he still carried his usual casual demeanor. "Convenient," he said, tucking the card into the inner pocket of his coat. "So, what's next?"

The receptionist smiled and gestured toward a bulletin board at the far end of the room. "You can browse the available missions on the board, or you can use your card to look them up remotely once you've decided on your next move. Keep in mind that some missions are restricted by rank, so you'll only be able to accept those suited to your current level."

Valeria, standing beside him, couldn't help but wonder more about the knight who had given him that recommendation. Who could it be? she thought, glancing briefly at Lucavion, who seemed completely unbothered by the question that lingered in her mind.

Though she didn't ask aloud, her thoughts churned. For someone as unpredictable and reckless as Lucavion to have earned the favor of a knight? It didn't add up. There was more to him than he let on, and it was becoming increasingly clear that his carefree attitude hid layers she had yet to understand.

Lucavion caught her gaze for a brief second, a flicker of amusement in his eyes as if he could sense her silent questions. "Ready to head out?" he asked, his voice light, but there was an unspoken challenge there.

Valeria gave a small nod, pushing the questions aside for now.