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Spoiler :

*Still only finished editing the old chapter 7 Part 2, about halfway. I couldn't muster up the power .... So many errors... As i wanted to start writing down something new. Here is the first part of going more serious. It's still kind of lighthearthed. Part 2 will finally start somestuff. Part 3 will hit later then. I need to make it in parts. Or i will get crazy. I tried to edit 40 pages at once (Chapter 7 [part 2] +Chapter 8 [part 1] together .... felt not good.), that wasn't positive.*

Chapter 8: Business merits~

After waking up with some back pain on the still warm wooden floor. Too my surprising, no one was touching anywhere weird. Kids are still Kids, even if that one is a bit too kinky. Ha ….

Old Sister: “Oh, you're awake now~ Breakfast will be ready soon. Just hold out until then.”

Jacky: “Ah yes, thank you. Uhm … I think I didn't get your name ….”

Old Sister: “Oh …. we all had so much fun, I completely forgot. I am Klera Pebblewood, just Klera is fine.”

Jacky: “Nice to meet you Klera~ I will be Evena for when I am around here. Just call me that.”

Nodding Klera went to prepare the breakfast in the kitchen. From the sound and smell of food, the kids slowly began to wake up. After finally gaining my freedom of movement again. I settled down my aching back on a wooden chair. There was bread, stir-fried vegetables and some soup from yesterday. Rather healthy …. I would have loved some sweet stuff. All in all it was a good time I had spent here, knowing that there are [Humans] worthy to fight for. I somehow felt more motivated, to actually try harder ….

I wondered how these kids winded up here …. the world is a much harsher place. Then what is acted out in the palace interiors ….

Jacky: “Bye~ Till next time. Sister will surely visit more often!”

Sara: “Bye~”

Ari: “ ….. bye …”

Hmm, Ari don't get too attached to strange kids. They assaulted us literally yesterday! But I can really recognize that …. it was a kind warmth.

Jacky: “Let's go back!”

Sara: “Right~”

Ari: “Yes! We need to wash you master!”

Don't say it like I stink. Have some decency. I lightly pulled on Ari's ears. She struggles so cute~

Ari: “W-why!”

Jacky: “Just because~”

Ari: “ ….”

Sara: “Haha!”

Moving along the main street we were back to the palace guard's house. After seeing us, he winked us trough. With an pained expression.

Jacky: “Shouldn't he like check our permission, papers or something?”

Sara: “Now that you say it ….”

Ari: “?”

We separated on the inner palace area. The two of them went to get some hot water and towels for bathing time. I myself went to see Olward.

Jacky: “I wonder what's up on today’s schedule. I am a bit late ….”

After reaching Olward's study. Before even knocking. He came running out of it. While looking all flustered. Ignoring my presence and nearly running into me ….

Jacky: “Watch were you're going Old Man.”

Olward: “ …. you …. do you know what you did?!!?!!”

Jacky: “Eh …. stay out?”

Olward: “ …. you don't remember ….”

Jacky: “I do remember staying out, sleeping somewhere secure and safe. Should I have contacted you or something like that?”

Are you my father …. really, my father would react like that. When my sister was out late and not coming back. He would go into a frenzy. / I need to protect my little girl/ or / Bastard don't you dare lay a hand on her/ , where yelled into the night then. Our poor neighbors …. and the poor boyfriends of my sister.

Olward: “ …. can't you think of anything you have done?!”

Jacky: “Uhm …. “

Olward: “How about a refreshing one of your memorys. It was something with fire.”

Jacky: “ ….”

Oh, that. Yes, I clearly remember now. Did it startle the queen more then I thought~

Olward: “You know …. we had search party’s looking for you. As the royalty and the ministers were guarded in a safe place. Stuck together … in a small area. FOR HOURS!!”

Jacky: “I-i am sorry?”

Olward: “Don't you / I AM SORRY/ me!!”

Okay … I went to far maybe. A little bit. But I can clearly imagine that ….

Olward: “I need not explain! How agitated everyone was. To not show the state of it, invisibility spells were fired up on the palace grounds! Barriers lifted! Entrance to the city stopped! Even the wyrm knights were sortied!”

Jacky: “ …. it was just some flashy …. flames.”

Olward: “JUST!! JUSSSSTTTTTTTTTT!! The queen pissed herself!”

Ohh, that I wanted to see …. That annoying old hag, with an shocked expression. In a small room, full of old men. Oh, wait …. Gustav was there too. I may need to really apologize to him, he's not that bad ….

Olward: “I KNOW! It was you from the start. But no one wanted to listen! Even now they think it was an act of aggression from the [Demons]!”

Jacky: “So I am save from punishment?”

Olward: “ …. …. ….”

Jacky: “I'm really sorry …. but I don't want to get blamed for their stupidity. So please spare me that sermon.”

Olward: “ARGH!!! ….”

Making exaggerated gestures with his hands and arms while going on and on about what I did wrong. What happened. And how much [Mana] was wasted on that accident …. Olward finally calmed down.

Jacky: “Is it okay now?”

Olward: “ …. ha …. at least nothing serious happened. And it seems …. you're getting used to [fire magic] in a neck breaking speed. Don't overexert yourself with untested magic …. it won't end with just one arm.”

Jacky: “ …. yes, I truly regret not thinking that through.”

Olward sighed heavily and pointed at the door.

Olward: “Let's go in and talk. It will be a short one. I still need to check the [Mana] Storage devices …. and get updates on the court magicians activity.”

Jacky: “Okay.”

I sat down on a new comfy cushioned chair. It was richly decorated with dragons out of wood. Olward sat down on the same kind. They were overly big, so it was more like a sofa or semi-throne.

Olward: “Let's make this quick. For the time being I won't have any time to teach you soul magic. You're hereby forbidden in doing experiments on your own. I don't want something like that happening again, ever!”

Jacky: “U-understood …. sorry.”

Olward: “If you do it's fine …. Next is, as we can't have the [Hero] sitting around doing nothing, again and again. You will enter the life of an Adventurer for now. If you go to the armory, you will be staffed out with the necessary equipment. And some pocket change too. With your current skills, it shouldn't pose any life endangering situations. As long as you keep clear from dungeon levels deeper then the 5th.”

Jacky: “Adventuring?”

Olward: “I am not finished. The last would be, that this will be done without you revealing yourself as the [Hero]. So the equipment wont be the best and you won't gain any helping hand from me. Form a party or whatever, you will get information’s and help at the guild. Ari and Sara are forbidden from helping!”

Jacky: “ …. isn't this more punishment, then training ….”

Olward: “Oh you want punishment? How about I stuff you into a small room, filled with old men and a nagging ugly hag that pisses herself and others?!”

Jacky: “ …. when do I start adventuring.”

Olward: “You started already. Get going to the armory, it's  

direction can be asked from any maids or servants. No hold ups!”

Jacky: “Yes ….”

Oh, I really got myself into a situation now. Without Ari …. for a day at least. Wait ….

Jacky: “H-how long?”

Olward: “Till I cleaned up this mess. At least 1 week. So get going to it!”

Jacky: “That!”

Olward: “I will get someone to take you back, when it's time!”

Okay, okay. I get it don't stare at me while destroying your chairs fluffy cushions with your hands. I am sorry ….

Olward: “See you in a week. I will tell them, so go now!”

I resigned myself to the punishment of not being able to see Ari for a week. And went out to search for the Armory. The Armory was filled with all kinds of equipments. It had the flavor of an real fantasy world. Shiny swords, glimmering armor and  sporadic there were some staffs with gems hung up on the walls.

Male Outfitter: “Oh, it's the [Hero]. I heard from Olward, so you wanna challenge the adventurer life. And just with some basic equipment. I respect that~”

With an short nod he sealed my fate. Yes, please. A cardboard shield. Some paper roll staff with glitter and these invisible panties please …. Is what came to my mind. I could already see me like that.

Jacky: “Please be so kind and help me search something out. Preferably with fire resistance …. and maybe a staff of some kind.”

Male Outfitter: “Hmm, we will see. I think elemental resistance is a bit much. For basics gear. First let me take your measurements~”

Jacky: “Don't touch anywhere weird. Or I might end burning you on the shock.”

Male Outfitter: “So not cute~”  

Perverts and Idiots …. ha ….

After getting my measurements taken, I won't tell anyone! I was handed some reinforced leather trousers, an similar crude locking leather jacket, an really sad looking wooden staff with an pebble like gemstone. And one single ring with an red gemstone.

Male Outfitter: “This is more then I should give you. See this ring, it will enhance your clothes a bit. So they don’t burn 'that' easily. Still won't help with higher [flame magic] but a few sparks and a bit of heat. Will just be absorbed~”

Jacky: “ … thank you. Really.”

After getting the stack of staple beginner stuff like equipment. I wanted to ask where to change and looked around.

Male Outfitter: “Just change here~”

Jacky: “ …. where can I change? -Please kind sir~”

Male Outfitter: “Haha, okay. I will tell you. Just next doors is the looker. Pick the right side and change~”

Jacky: “Thanks.”

After going into the /locker room look alike/ where everything was out of wood. I found out that gender mixed changing room concept, seems to have been abolished. The middle of the room had remains of an wall. About as much height as up to my navel …. There were gaps in the wall to walk through to the other side. And the sides were marked with wooden signs. Why bother with sexual harassment …. if you can make it sexual mass embarrassment ….

I quickly changed into my new outfit and folded up my previous one neatly.

Jacky: “HEY can I get an bag or something!?”

Outfitter: “Don't shout I can hear and see you clearly~”

Coming from above, the voice of the male Outfitter was the culprit. I felt a gaze on me while changing, so I used my jacket to hide my body with it.

Jacky: “ ….”

*Rggzzrgrrzzz*

A flame stake stuck down neatly were I suspected his crotch to be. I just jumbled up some flame and it became pretty decent. Immediately the male Outfitter landed beside me.

Male Outfitter: “WHAT ARE YOU DOING!! YOU NEARLY SKEWERED ME!!”

Jacky: “Oh did I? Sorry, I thought I saw a cockroach up there on that scaffold like wooden beam. My bad~”

I missed him and had just punctured his baggy trousers. I couldn't see were to aim and just gave the flame stake a thought command of 'Pierce between his legs'. So …. inaccurate commands will lead to inaccurate results. Lucky bastard ….

Male Outfitter: “ ….”

Jacky: “If you don't want me to mistake that as a no. Get me my bag. I think I see an insect somewhere here …..”

The male Outfitter became a bit pale. And hurried of to get me an bag. I got a decent looking leather backpack out of it at least. It was filled with pure nothingness. Even empty it was kind of heavy, and reached over my head when equipped ….

I won't complain. This is probably rather decent. Enough space for some food, clothes and a set of sleeping utensils. Probably won't camp out. But one can never know.

Shooting off two flame stakes close to his feets, I showed him my back and waved /goodbye/.

Jacky: “Don't ever mess with me.”

Male Outfitter: “ ….”

These are rather useful. Way more exact and less dangerous for the surrounding, like that razor like magic. I should probably improve it a bit, could I compress the tip? Or make it hollow? Hmm …..

This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

Thinking these elaborated thoughts of simple destruction, that I would unleash onto monsters. I wandered through the halls, to get some directions from a maid. It shouldn't be that hard, if Olward said so …. I hope.

At the Adventurer Guild, around 11 am.

The Adventurer Guild was located just 40 Minutes away from the palace. It was situated north, in an area I didn't explore with Ari and Sara. The building itself was quite the looker. Heavily decorated with statue pillars on the outside. Which resembled all kinds of adventurers. Being made up mostly of marble like stone. Fancy stuff~

With an golden Signboard, what most likely sayd /Adventurer Guild, yes! We're fucking rich!/ the entrance was just as gaudy ….

Jacky: “ …. what's up with this ….”

It didn't fit my image of an Adventurer Guild. Not in the least …. Around the Guild Building, a mass of Adventurer themed shops were located. Mostly bars and inns, but many weapon shops with sword signs could be seen. Poster girls were running around in risky uniforms, praising food or drinks in all their glory. They seemed to even hand out a kind of token.

Random Postergirl: “Here take one~ You will like it, come by~ There will be a discount when you hand it in~”

A young looking cat girl gave me an token shaped like an cat face. While I stood there being perplexed of the scenery. It didn't take long … and I had 11 tokens. Shaped in all forms. From muscle spiced arms to flower petals. The poster girls were all demihuman slaves. One was wearing a male butler uniform, another had just a string like outfit on her …. One had an marital arts styled uniform …. gosh her abs. I really needed some fitness …. I just stared at them when they handed me the tokens. I couldn't even laugh.

Jacky: “ …. this is surreal …. I want my fantasy fantasies back ….”

Finally regaining my calmness again. I made my way to the entrance of the Adventurer Guild. A mass of people were streaming out and inn. No one seemed to be tense, injured or even in a moody state. Entering the building I could see an luxury interior. In the mid was a wide staircase with something like a star handle. People placed down their hand on a metal platform, as they went through it.

Jacky: “ … a shopping mall?”

I couldn't feel the smallest bit of excitement. It was a shopping mall. The mid most likely was the entrance to the dungeon. Some people with blood on them came back through it. But as they carried huge bags and looked cheerful …. doesn't seem to be their blood. Around the Staircase billboards were set up. Most likely for quests and party requests and such …. On the rest of the space. Luxurious bars, shops and some massage parlors and stuff. Even more Poster girls were running around in here.

Jacky: “I don't want ….”

Some poster girl that was maybe just about the age of Maya from the orphanage. Wanted to hand me another token. As I spoke to her, tears started to come up in her eyes.

Jacky: “ …. please give me 3 ….”

Little Postergirl: “YES!”

They were free …. so it's not like it would hurt me. As I looked at the tokens. They were in the shape of a pair of hands, there was a massage parlor with the same sign. Not far from me.

Jacky: “ ….”

Luckily no one working there seemed underage ….. They were using cute looking poster girls to gain more attention. Crafty business style ….

Jacky: “Hey you, were can I register as Adventurer here?”

Little Postergirl: “Uhmm, it's upstairs. There.”

Jacky: “Ah thanks~ Here take this.”

Little Postergirl: “Wah candy!”

I just gave her some sweets that I had plundered, while being forced to leave the palace grounds. Luckily my way outside was along the kitchen~ Still … don't just take candy from some stranger. I wanted to tell her, but she happily already chewed on the candied apple piece. I left her standing there, and waved my hand at her. She waved back~

Jacky: “At least one good thing ….”

Making my way to the small stairs that were on an edged corner. Which just had enough space to allow two people simultaneously walking up or down. I found myself in the upper level. Rows of adventurers were standing in queue lines. Others were sitting at picnic table like wood furniture, chatting wildly about something. At the end of each queue line, was a receptionist lady.

Jacky: “So that's more Adventurer like ….”

Whoever runs this, must be rather good with his brains. Put the boring stuff above. And the stuff of dreams below. Everyone who wants to do something official, now then needs to move through the selling area …. I felt already sick from this well thought out layout.

Jacky: “Hello sir, might I ask you a question?”

Male Adventurer: “Who? Me?”

…. I am looking at you. Talking with you, no that invisible guy before you was meant ….

Jacky: “Yes, could you kindly show or tell me the way how to register as Adventurer here?”

Male Adventurer: “ …. are you sure about that. You look really scrawny there.”

Jacky: “ …. yes. And I am quite strong, so don't worry.”

Male Adventurer: “Ah! An mage. Haha, my bad. Didn't see the staffs crytal.”

…. so it does look more like a wandering stick …. I am going to grill that male Outfitter. And then serve him to whatever monsters are living down there. With a scary smile I looked at the male Adventurer.

Male Adventurer: “Haha~ No need to be mad. See, it's there. Sign says 'Registration'.”

Jacky: “Ah, thanks. And sorry, that wasn't meant for you. The one who gave me this staff, will soon which to be as kind as you sir~”

Male Adventurer: “Have fun adventuring~”

Have fun. Really, is everyone so laid back here? This better not be some amusement park ….

Walking to the registration booth, I queued up in the line before it. Just 4 people were in it, so it should get done rather fast. After half an hour I was finally next to go.

Female Receptionist: “Name please.”

Jacky: “Uhmm, it's Jacky. Nice to meet you.”

Female Receptionist: “Job Please.”

Jacky: “ …. mage.”

Female Receptionist: “Birth place please.”

…. Yes, it felt like talking with an robot. The whole procedure took around 10 minutes. After getting all my personal info. I was handed an badge made out of an metal alloy.

Female Receptionist: “This will show your current Level as an Adventurer, as your Rank. This will work as payment system in the shops located in here and around here.”

Jacky: “ …. Level?”

Female Receptionist: “Furthermore. This badge is only temporary. If you don't partake and complete a Level 1 quest in a week. It will be forfeit and needs to returned. If you find an badge while on a quest or just hunting, bring it back. There’s a bounty on lost or dead found ones.”

Jacky: “Ah, excuse me young madame. What about Levels?”

Female Receptionist: “Please pay your registration fees of 10 silver on the cashier counter, situated there. Have a nice day. NEXT PLEAES!”

Jacky: “ ….”

Getting it done so fast. I never had gotten any information on what Levels was. Olward never mentioned it …. Getting shoved aside by a young male wannabe adventurer. I could hear the receptionist begin anew. As I further went away, sound seemed to be blocked out.

Jacky: “Oh …. that's why I didn't hear her before.”

Some magic was set up to protect privacy. And to needless anger anyone who registers, still to be in the unknown about that unearthly robot woman’s speech. Moving to the cashier, I paid up the cost for the registration. Now my pocket change was just around 47 silver coins. I hope this is enough to get some necessary things. Like potions or stuff. There are potions or?

Jacky: “Umm, excuse me sir. May I ask you where I could get more information on being an Adventurer? Where to buy things cheaply? What Levels are? What the Rank means?”

Male Cashier: “ …. this isn't really my job.”

Jacky: “ …. thanks anyways.”

Male Cashier: “But if you want to sit down somewhere for a drink. I could tell you some bits~”

Yes. I forgot that I could play that card. Puff up my chest, make a blushing face. Go full force cheap girl. As I thought about taking him up on his offer. I already got piercing stares from some female adventurers and cashiers.

Hahaha ….

Jacky: “Just a drink, that would be nice. I am quite thirsty after that monotone registration ….”

Male Cashier: “Yes~ It's quite a hassle right~”

Haha, I feel so cheap. But I don't know how to get that information otherwise. As I am  kind of not interested in running around asking strangers to help me out, all day. I just need to be excused for this one time ….

After sitting down somewhere at an empty picnic table. He pulled out two cups and a leather drinking bag. Well prepared ….

Male Cashier: “Here have one~”

Jacky: “Thanks, so about Levels. What does that mean?”

Male Cashier: “Hmm, it's like how strong you are. You do quests or bring in worthy stuff. Then you get points for that, which will raise your Level.”

Ahh, some kind of scalable ranking through efforts.

Male Cashier: “You need a certain level for certain quests~ Even more importantly, you won't be allowed to go further down then the 5th dungeon level. If your below level 10.”

Jacky: “Couldn't I just grind love level quests. Be still weak and make it to level 10?”

Male Cashier: “Haha~ No, the amount of points needed would make you do 1 level quests for years. Even if you managed that, it alone would amount to the same strength as any other Level 10 Adventurer. Most likely~ Drink up, there’s more to go~”

While drinking cheerfully, he was trying to make me drink. I sniffed on the offered beverage. It clearly was highly alcoholic. So I just pretended to drink from it.

Jacky: “Ha~ This is quite strong. And what is the Rank then?”

Male Cashier: “It's like an bonus for points. If you manage to impress the quest giver, you can earn Ranks. The better your Rank, the more points will be given for the same quest~ And the rewards might be increased too.”

Hmm, like a certificate. If I am high ranked, I will do the quests in a fast manor and with high precision. So quest givers know what to expect from an adventurer on his quest.

Rather good thought out.

Jacky: “Where can I buy good equipment and needed necessity for adventuring?”

Male Cashier: “First drink up and let me refill your cup~”

…. I took the cup to my mouth. As I wanted to really pour it down my throat. A good idea pooped into my mind. The liquid poured into my mouth and was evaporated while I closed my mouth. After faking to swallow it, I let out a steamy burp.

Male Cashier: “Whoa~ Haha, great table manners for a young woman.”

Jacky: “Thanks~ I won awards with it. So back to my question?”

Male Cashier: “Just let me refill yours~ Okay, about buying what you need. The easiest way would be to just buy stuff in the adventurer guild. But if you want cheap and good quality. Go outside and get to the 'rough henry's', it's a bar and a shop of all trades. The one with the muscle arm sign.”

I rummaged in my pockets and pulled out a token.

Jacky: “Is it this one?”

Male Cashier: “Yeah, that's it. But don't go there when it's dark. You just might get abducted, haha~”

Jacky: “Thanks for the warning. But I would worry more for the abductors~”

After putting down the cup I said my farewells. I need to get going, the day wont last forever. Hmm, I should probably look around for an cheap inn. Asking wouldn't do much good, could get messy.

Male Cashier: “Hey, wait. If you want to know. The toilet is just right up there. It's free of charge, one of the few~”

Jacky: “Ahh, thanks but I am good.”

Male Cashier: “I-is that so ….”

…. what did you mix into the drink. Good that I didn't drink that. Gosh, I hope it was just laxative or diuretic. I should probably report him ….

Jacky: „Ha ….“

Uniformed Woman: „If you need to go to the toilet. Go for the one downstairs. That pervert never learns ….“

Jacky: „Ah …. yes.“

While walking to the stairs. A woman with an uniform came up to me. So it was already a ongoing crime …. Looking back, i saw two muscle packed adventurers and another woman with an uniform. Carrying of that man …. oh. I just clapped my hands in my mind and said just for myself. Sorry~