Yakeru, Kenji, and Fuyumi sat in the lobby, spectating a couple of intoxicated rangers nearby one up each other. However, it was difficult to take their extreme claims seriously with their slurred speech. Yakeru and Kenji found it rather amusing while Fuyumi rested her chin in her hand, hoping she'd get called to the front desk soon. As if on cue, the receptionist waved them over and without wasting a second, she made her way over, followed by the other two newbies.

"I've been informed that you three recently completed your examination. Here are your rank identifications. They also double as licenses."

She handed them their ID cards, all stating their rank, names, and their specialties.

"Congratulations! Feel free to browse the mission board. If you three intend on forming a party, keep in mind, since one of you is an E-rank, you can't accept missions that are C-rank or higher."

"Does that mean rangers can only take missions that are one rank above theirs, at most?" Yakeru wondered.

"Correct. Of course, you could take lower-ranking missions but typically, rangers would prefer to take missions around their own rank. The higher the mission's rank, the better the salary."

"I see."

Kenji was too busy marveling at his brand new ID. Yakeru glanced back at Fuyumi slipping hers into her back pocket as she silently approached the mission board. He didn't mind tackling D-rank or even E-rank missions with his conjurer buddy to get his feet wet but he doubted a ranger of her caliber would be interested. He turned to scan the opposite side of the lobby.

'I guess we'll have to find someone el-'

He was startled out of his thought when Fuyumi slammed a mission sheet down on the front desk. To his surprise, it was D-rank.

"We'll take this one."

Even Kenji was wrenched out of his trance. Yakeru stared at her blankly before mustering a "Sorry, what?"

She turned to him, annoyance written all over her face.

"Do I really have to spell it out for you?"

Stunned, the two boys looked at each then back at Fuyumi. The receptionist glanced at the sheet.

[Mission Type: Escort]

D-rank

Location: Inner rim

"Ah, an escort mission. Sure, just as long as the missions aren't two or more ranks above your own. I'd wish you all luck but considering you'll have a B-rank accompanying you I'm sure you won't need it."

Yakeru nodded slowly, still partially in denial from the unimaginable scenario he found himself in. Not only was he about to go on his first mission, he'd also be accompanied by a high ranking ranger.

"Right...okay I guess we're off then."

Fuyumi rolled up the mission sheet and then slipped it into her pocket.

"Come on."

Yakeru followed her out the door as Kenji scrambled to shove his new ID in his pocket to catch up. Once outside, she led them down the busy road while Kenji questioned her.

"So where is this place?"

"A farm in the eastern part of the inner rim. We're gonna pick up a few supplies beforehand."

"Probably a good idea."

After walking for a few minutes they came across numerous shops and vendors. Eventually, they stopped at a local goods vendor. On display were freshly picked red apples that glinted in the sun's light. A tinge of juice oozed from orange slices and grapes filled the bowls on the side. The merchant perked up at the sight of new customers.

Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.

"Hi there, could I interest you in anything?"

They took a little of everything before paying and walking off.

"Come again!"

They made their way to the coordinates stated on the mission sheet. Kenji glanced at the aloof young woman who was already ahead of them, eager to escape the crowded streets. Something tugged at the corner of his mind ever since they'd departed from the guild.

"So Fuyumi...may I ask why you're staying with us? I mean I'm grateful that you are but you could've joined someone else's party to take on higher ranked missions."

She stopped dead in her tracks to look over her shoulder with that same icy glare that froze a veteran ranger in place not too long ago. The two came to a halt behind her and, despite the warm weather, they felt a suffocating chill run across their body.

"Let me make one thing clear: We are not friends. The only reason I'm here is because I can tolerate you two."

"O-Oh, I see."

The boys concluded that if monsters didn't kill them on their travels, her frost-like aura would. The moment she took her eyes off them they let out a heavy exhale, unaware that they were holding their breaths. Kenji took note of the subtle glances guys were giving her as they continued walking by. It didn't take a genius to figure out she wasn't exactly the social type. However, she naturally garnered quite a lot of attention which he could understand would get old to someone like her after a while so her reasoning seemed plausible enough.

After elbowing through the sea of pedestrians, they'd finally reached the capital's enormous gates with a couple of law enforcers standing guard. Leaving the city, Fuyumi continued making periodic glances at the coordinates stated on the mission sheet. Before long the paved road gradually gave way to a dirt path and the massive concrete walls protecting its inhabitants behind them shrunk the further out they went.

They roamed the outskirts for about an hour before arriving at a desolate farm sitting peacefully on a hilltop. Carrots, potatoes, and such protruded from the soil beyond a plain wooden fence while a one-story house stood beside it.

"This is it?" Yakeru asked.

"Yes."

Before they thought to give the front door a knock, a young man with a bowl cut in overalls strolled out of the farmhouse, noticing the armed strangers on his property right away.

"Can I help you?"

Fuyumi held out the mission sheet in front of her, dissipating his confusion.

"Oh! You're here for my mission. I'm Kaneki and this is my farm."

"I'm Yakeru, a C-rank swordsman."

"I'm Kenji, an E-rank conjurer."

Kaneki looked toward their last member, awaiting her introduction. An awkward silence filled the air between them before she let out a relenting sigh.

"Fuyumi."

Judging from her delayed intro, he gathered she wasn't much of a talker. He gestured for them to come inside to discuss the route they'd be taking. Once inside, they were welcomed with the sight of a well-kept home. Though the floors were wooden, they didn't so much as creak and the walls were painted a creamy white. He guided them to a round dining table which presented organized silverware.

"Please take a seat. Can I get you guys anything to drink?"

Yakeru waved a dismissive hand as the group sat around the dining table.

"No, I'm fine, thank you."

"I'm okay as well," Kenji added.

Fuyumi simply shook her head.

"Okay then, let's get straight to it."

He took a seat across from them and laid out an old, yellow map. At the center was what they assumed was the capital, indicated by the ring-like structure forming a perimeter around the buildings inside. Around the capital were three regions separated by two black inked borders. The map appeared unfinished because the furthest region from the city barely had any landmark illustrations. He pointed at a particular spot in the first region just outside the capital.

"We're here. As you know, the inner rim is a relatively safe area. A scarce amount of monsters roam these parts from time to time though they're pretty weak, ranging from E to D-tier."

He pointed at a picture of what looked like huts and small buildings in a clearing surrounded by a dense forest.

"We'll be traveling here, Hanataru village," he then traced his finger along a squiggly line that cut through said forest. "And this is the path we'd be taking. The strongest monsters we'd see along the way are D-tier."

With this, Yakeru was confident they'd complete this mission with little to no hiccups, especially since they had a powerful ally tagging along. He jutted a thumb in Fuyumi's direction.

"I'm sure we can handle this with her in our corner."

"Oh, I see." Kaneki relaxed, turning to her. "Then I guess it's safe to assume you're fairly strong if others are vouching for you."

Kenji reviewed the map, realizing how far the village is relative to them.

"And how long will this journey take?"

"The trip is about three hours. We could take a shorter route through the mid rim but we'd run the risk of encountering stronger monsters."

"I see."

Kaneki rolled up the map.

"Well, that's all I got for you guys. Would you all mind waiting outside? I need to get the supplies ready for transport then we'll be good to head out."

They nodded and made their way out the door. They were greeted by a light breeze as they stepped outside, waiting near the farm. Yakeru radiated with excitement and, assuming this wasn't a dream, it would all go smoothly with a high ranking ranger tagging along.

"This is crazy. I'm going on my first mission!"

Fuyumi rolled her eyes as Kenji had trouble containing himself as well.

'Finally being able to participate in missions is pretty exciting!...Wait till you see me now old man.'

Kaneki stepped out of the farmhouse, the wooden steps creaking under the weight of his large backpack.

"You guys ready?"

Yakeru nodded firmly.

"Ready."

"Alright, let's go."

With everything in order, they set off towards a forest on the horizon.