Goal for now: Deliver the mail, figure stuff out after.

Heading down, I saw that the common room was already starting to bustle with activity. Temporary chairs and tables were rolled out to help accommodate the rush of people looking for breakfast. Just as I was about to step out of the inn, a cheerful voice called out to me.

"Hey there, miss! Care for some honey-glazed fritters? They're freshly made and simply irresistible!"

The tempting aroma of the sweet, fried dough wafted through the air. Coupled with the golden coloured honey slowly dripping down the sides caused my mouth to water. However, I knew I didn't have the disposable income to spend on unnecessary expenses. I didn't even have a source of income.

As I stepped out onto the cobblestone streets, the morning sun was just beginning to rise, casting a warm golden glow on the city. Licking off the bits of honey stuck around my mouth, I took a deep breath mourning my wallet before following the directions I had gotten to the Institute of Knowledge building. I was currently in the outer part of the city, with the destination being somewhere in the inner part of the city.

As I made my way through the streets towards the city wall separating the two parts, I noticed that the crowd was growing denser and more diverse.

Finally, I arrived at the towering city gate which connected the inner and outer city. Stationed along the gates were stern looking guard in full metal plate armour. One of them collected the entry fee from an open window. Surprisingly, I didn't need to line up to go through, but I soon found the likely reason for that.

"One silver coin to enter the inner city," the guard said, his voice firm leaving no room for negotiation.

As I entered the inner city, a sense of melancholy washed over me. It was disheartening to part with half of my remaining money, maybe that's why I was paid an additional 3 silver by the magician. Compared to the lively and somewhat chaotic atmosphere in the outer city, the inner city felt different - more refined and sophisticated, with an air of elegance. The architecture also boasted grander and more ornate structures the further in I got.

Well-dressed people strolled along the clean, wide streets, engaged in animated conversations. I even spotted a few mages in their robes, deep in discussion as they walked together.

Thankfully I managed to arrive at my destination without getting lost this time.

The building was massive, with tall, imposing walls, and a grand entrance flanked by marble columns. Carved above the entrance were the words “Institute of Knowledge” along with a quill as their symbol to represent the pursuit of knowledge. The interior was just as impressive as the exterior, with high, vaulted ceilings and rows of bookshelves that seemed to stretch on forever. People, mostly mages it seemed, busied themselves with various activities on each floor. As if to show off the abundance of magical resources at their disposal, hanging from the ceiling was a giant chandelier that used not candles, but crystals charged with mana to illuminate the room.

After handing off the roll of parchment to the receptionist and confirming that was all I needed to do, I left the building and headed back out onto the streets. I had anticipated that delivering the parchment would involve some grand adventure or challenge, but in the end, it had been as straightforward as walking into a building and handing it over. Feeling a bit let down by the simplicity, I decided it was finally time to check out the Adventurers' Guild.

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Just across the intersection was the Adventurers’ Guild building. The Adventurers' Guild building was much more rugged and practical in appearance compared to the Institute of Knowledge. It was a large, sturdy structure with a wooden sign hanging above the entrance, depicting a simplified version of the world map on a shield. I wonder how many times that must've been updated as more of the world was uncovered.

The interior was also vastly different from the quiet, scholarly environment I had just left. The building was filled with adventurers from various races – mostly humans, but there were also elves, flugels, dwarves, and even some with dog or cat-like characteristics. It was a melting pot of diversity, and I couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement as I stepped inside. The first floor was a large, open space with giant posting boards and maps lining the walls, showcasing the numerous quests and jobs available. An inconspicuous set of stairs led to the second floor, likely reserved for private meetings or more specialized services.

“Hello, I’d like to register as an adventurer.”

As I approached one of the free receptionists, she gave me a friendly smile but I could also see a hint of surprise in her eyes. I imagined that I, a young girl in plain clothing, would look quite out of place and unexpected.

"Of course!" The receptionist replied, her surprise quickly replaced by professionalism. "I'll need some basic information from you first, and then we can proceed with the registration."

She pulled out a sheet of parchment and started to read it in a formal, matter-of-fact tone, much like someone would read the terms and conditions of a contract.

"Our ranking starts from unranked, then moving up to Copper, Silver, Gold, Mythril, Orichalcum, and finally, Adamantite. Please note that you cannot take on requests ranked higher than your current rank. The same rule applies to parties – they can only take on requests up to the highest-ranked member's level.”

"To move up in ranks, you'll need to complete a certain number of quests and, after reaching Gold, you'll need a recommendation from a higher-ranked Adventurers' Guild member for further promotion. As for promoting from unranked to Copper, you'll need to pass a basic combat assessment."

“An initial combat assessment is available to determine your ranking, otherwise you'll start from unranked. Also, there's a 5 silver registration fee, it'll automatically be deducted from a portion of future earnings. Now I'll need your name, age, and fingerprint.”

“...”

I provided her with my name and age, and after she jotted down the information onto a thin piece of paper, she had me stamp my fingerprint at the bottom.

Of course, I told her I was 18. It might not be 100% accurate but who cares. What was with that look, I'm an adult.

"Okay, now, we'll just need you to take the combat assessment. Are you ready to take it now?”

I nodded.

"Since you're a magic user, you'll be sparring with our resident magician." the receptionist explained as she led me towards the back of the building.

“He’ll evaluate your skills and determine your rank. Remember, don’t use destructive magic or anything potentially lethal. Also, no protective equipment will be provided, so please be cautious."

We passed through a door that led to an outdoor training space attached to the guild building. The area was a wide, open space with a sandy ground, surrounded by a tall fence. A few adventurers were using the space to practice their own skills. Upon our arrival, the receptionist called out to the resident magician who was instructing a group of adventurers.

“We have a magic user here for the combat assessment.”

The magician, a man in his mid-thirties wearing a simple robe adorned with the guild’s symbol, nodded and turned towards the adventurers.

"Alright, everyone, take a break! Clear the field for the assessment!"

As the adventurers stepped aside, the magician approached me with a kind, yet stern expression.

"I'm the resident magician here. Are you ready for your assessment?"

I nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. "Yes, I'm ready."