I’ve never really had any friends in school. And even if I had, someone often ends up harass me to the point Hayate has to save me. So I made a wish that I will make a friend in [Isekai Online] that even Hayate approves of. I never expected that of all players I've met, Azel would the one that became my very first true friend. Sure, we haven't met outside the game, but it's close enough.

So right now, we're hanging out in their guild's crafting hall since the city might be too dangerous for us to go back because of the paparazzi. I'm just there fixing my staff alongside Azel until they raise an interesting topic during our chat together.

"[Adventurers]? You mean the roles we took at the start of the game, right?" I ask.

"Yeah. I’ve been wondering about it ever since I started playing alongside Dad. I visited the library to learn more and I found a book regarding that occupation."

"Couldn't you just search it through the game's wiki?"

"I would, but it's no fun if I read it through an out-of-character resource to do that. You see, I love tabletop role-playing games and I want to try immersing myself into the constructed world that my cousins made for some campaigns."

I gasp as I hear a familiar word from them. "Tabletop? I also played some campaigns with Wind and his friends before the game launched. It's the second-best thing next to fantasy novels."

"I know, right?! Not only do you get to read through the adventure, but you'll also get to be part of it as any character you want! In fact, my [Isekai] character is based on one of the characters I played in a fantasy campaign involving an evil cult. Besides, the main attraction of the game is the discoveries and achievements you make by yourself."

Guess they got me there considering Wind and I are here for the same reasons as Azel. "So what about [Adventurers] that made you interested in them?"

"Well, according to the official site, players can assume the roles not only as [Adventurers], but also nobles, merchants, and even, researchers to . But I became curious about the former regarding its role in the world. Like how do they get paid and what are the benefits of becoming one?” Just as I turn around to see them, I gasp in shock as I watch them take out several books from their inventory. "Of course, I have kinda gone overboard and borrowed too many books about it."

Overboard might be a bit understatement. How in the world did that librarian approve them to borrow that many books anyway?! Even I feel like that's a bit too much. Thankfully, I finished fixing on my staff as soon as they walk over by my side. "So what do you found in the books?"

"I bookmarked some of the important chapters for some future reads, so you can read them by yourself if you like," Azel says as they give one of the books to me. "That one introduces what [Adventurers] are and the guild behind the official ones."

Official ones? That part makes me more curious than before. So I open up the said chapter and start reading through the bookmarked page.

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[Adventurers]

[Known as an explorer or a seeker of discoveries, [Adventurers] are known to be free-spirited and seek either glory, riches, and the thrill of danger and exploration into the unknown. They are sometimes mistaken as mercenaries due to their independent nature along with their mixed goals. Because of this, most monarchies except the are wary of hiring Adventurers.

While many can become Adventurer, most can apply at the [Adventurer's Guild] for an official license called the [Adventurer's Passport]. If they become an official member of the guild, they are allowed to accept jobs or quests from the Guild.]

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"Whoa..." That's all I can say before I quickly take out my [Adventurer's Passport] and take a closer look at it. "So at the start of the game, we automatically became licensed [Adventurers], huh? I wish we can try to play out how we even managed to get them in the first place."

"Same. But I doubt it since it's practically the first step towards greatness in this virtual world. According to this book, some [Adventurers] became famous and even became royal magicians and soldiers."

If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

I widen my eyes when he mentions that part. Just hearing that makes me wonder if Wind and I might make our mark in soon. "Well, did it say anything else about the guild?"

"Just that it made many laws regarding their roles as licensed [Adventurers] such as accepting official [Quests] from the guild and over abusing their powers from their rank. If anyone tries to violate either of them, they might strip you of your passport and your job."

Even if it sounds a bit harsh, I'm okay with this as long as I make some right decisions on interacting with some of the NPCs here. I flip a few pages on Azel's book and found a page on the said ranks.

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[Adventurer Rank]

[When new Adventurers first pass the license exams, they start at the [Peridot Rank]. Depending on their performance and how many [Quests] and jobs they take, they are qualified for a promotion exam that lets them advance to the next rank. The highest they can achieve is the [Diamond Rank].

[Peridot Rank] - The starting rank Adventurers gained upon registration. They can accept F and E-Rank jobs and 1 to 2-star [Quests].

[Topaz Rank] - This rank allows them to accept D-Rank jobs and 2 to 3-star Quests. It also proves that they are ready to undertake some of the more dangerous jobs Quests available such as dungeon-crawling and hunting Quests.

[Alexandrite Rank] - This rank allows them to accept C-Rank jobs and 3 to 4-star Quests. They also have the benefit of being personally called by the [Guild Master] to a special Quest or job. Because of this, this was regarded as their first step to riches and glory to many Adventurers.

[Sapphire Rank] - This rank allows them to accept B-Rank jobs and 4 to 5-star Quests. They also have the benefit of being personally called by the Guild Master to a special Quest or job assigned by the military.

[Emerald Rank] - This rank allows them to accept A-Rank jobs. It also allows them to travel to other countries and kingdoms in some of the diplomatic Quests.

[Ruby Rank] - This rank allows them to accept S-Rank jobs and has the benefit of being assigned to a Quest from the monarchy of that said branch.

[Diamond Rank] - The highest rank of the guild, they can accept the Black Star Quests. Other than the Guild Master themselves, only 5 Diamond Adventurers are currently active. Due to this, many Adventurers aimed to become Diamond Rank.]

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From Peridot to Diamond... Sounds like a lofty goal to many players if they learn more about the [Adventurer's Guild]. But I can't help but hum in thought as I turn to Azel. "What do you think? Are you aiming for the [Diamond Rank]?"

As expected, they also hum and read through the pages about it. "Not exactly. Sure, I want to take some high-level [Quests]. But I'm happy discovering the game's lore and stuff than to aim high with strength."

I chuckle at their answer and sigh. "Me, too. Heck, if it's possible, I might try to make my name as the greatest magician or wizard of all . If you ask me, Wind might take a crack on becoming a [Diamond-Ranked Adventurer]."

"I highly doubt it." I gasp as I turn to see Wind climbing up the stairs and walk up to us with a smile. "I haven't decided on my future after high school, so deciding my goals here in [Isekai] is more conflicting than picking a college after graduation."

I quickly give the book back to Azel as I greet my brother. "Hey, Wind. Are you done with your weapons' maintenance already?"

"Yeah. I heard most of it about [Adventurers], so I decided to join in the chat. Besides, the only goal I have in mind right now is to keep an eye on you and your antics."

I sheepishly chuckle when he mentions that. With the track record of my [Magecrafting] antics and adventures outside , I can't defend myself from his comments. "Still, talking about [Guild Masters] and such makes me wish we have our own [Guild] like Alton's." As soon as I said that, I gasp in realization. "Azel, do your books say anything about them?"

"Well..." They rummage through the pile of books he made until they found a green book and flipped through some pages of it. "It says that the [Guilds] like the [Force Blade] are like subsidiaries to the [Adventurer Guild]. No matter what kind of goals you pursue, whether if you're conquering dungeons or a [Guild] focusing more on crafting, it will always connected to the main one. Because of it, you have to go to one of the guild halls to register and create one."

"Makes sense. Though I'm guessing the whole responsibility of managing one might be another reason for the heavy requirements of creating one, correct?"

"That's right, Wind. I'm just surprised how Alton managed to turn [Force Blade] into one of the well-known ones in the game so far. Even my Dad was impressed when we first joined it."

"All the more reason we have to work hard to earn enough to get ourselves a [Guild]. Isn't that right, Wind?" Despite my excitement for it, I'm also worried about making our dream [Guild] a reality. I'm not much of a leader-type and I don't know if my older brother has enough time to manage it.

"That depends. As long we can balance our real-life and [Isekai] schedule, there is a chance we might do that. Who knows? We might get one after your birthday." My birthday? That... might be possible. "Just don't take my words a bit too seriously. Even I'm not sure if we can have one so soon in the game."

I chuckle again. With how we progress in [Isekai] so far, I have a feeling the game might say otherwise.