I woke up the next day, alone…
Then what was the point of that fuss he made about sleeping next to me? How am I supposed to push him off the bed for revenge if he isn’t here? He may be some ridiculously old god, but I’m just a normal teenage girl who will panic when a boy sneaks into my bed!
As I think of the devil, I mean death god, the door opens.
(Nox) “I got some breakfast for us. It's nothing special, just oatmeal, but it's better than nothing… and it's free since we don't have any money. Why are you looking at me like that?”
I’ll just ignore that last part.
Right, almost forgot about money… I don't even know what kind of currency they use here…
(Stella) (Thanks, let’s eat. Then, find quest.)
(Nox) “You know that you need to learn to talk normally at some point, right?”
(Stella) (Says, the guy, responding, to a mute… )
I wonder how other people will react to this conversation. Will they think of him as insane for having a one-sided conversation, or will they notice that I’m actually responding?
(Nox) “Come on, let’s eat then go take those tests. If we don't start early, who knows what kinds of quests will be left for us.”
So we finish eating quickly before leaving the rest room and going to the receptionist to find Layla.
(Layla) “Morning guys, all set?”
(Nox) “We’re ready for the test.”
(Layla) “Don't look so tense, it's just a standard test, not the end of the world.”
(Nox) “Ahahahaha…”
He said as he scratched his head… I just realized this but Nox seems like a protagonist from a light novel… does this mean we have to go through the cliche where some crude adventurer challenges him for looking young?
(Layla) “Then, please come this way.”
Layla led us up a staircase, down a hall, and to the left, until we finally stopped in front of a strange row of doors… all right next to each other… so close that their frames are connected together…
Ok, it's not the strangest thing I’ve seen in the last couple of weeks…
(Layla) “Here we are. Don't be fooled by its appearance, the guild leader asked a friend of his who is a space mage to build this for us. Normally a guild has one large room dedicated to testing, but this guild mimics the guilds in countries capitals, or other prosperous cities, and uses space magic so that many can get their testing done at once. The reason they were all full yesterday is that a C-rank league was here to update all its members after a long quest.”
(Nox) “League?”
(Layla) “Yes, when parties reach more than 10 members they need to register as a league. This is so we can keep track of everyone. Parties need to register as well, however, it's not nearly as troublesome. This is because some quests require more people than a party has and it's easier to work with those you’re already familiar with.”
(Stella) (Seems, more like, a mercenary.)
(Nox) “Isn’t that kind of work more like what a mercenary would do?”
Yay, I don't have to learn sign language with this guy around!
(Layla) “Mercenaries usually fight against humans. If an outbreak of forest wolves raids a town, you would call adventurers. Generally, mercenaries work for nobles as protectors or warmongers. Although a mercenary may be an adventurer, an adventurer would never be a mercenary.”
(Nox) “Thank you for the explanation.”
(Layla) “No problem. Besides, I would need to explain mercenaries to you at some point. They love to cause trouble for newbies, so you need to watch your backs. They are easy to spot as they tend to have buff bodies riddled with scars, but stay alert as not all of them do and even those that are obviously troublemakers may try to force you somewhere with fewer people.”
(Stella) (Are scars strange amongst adventurers?)
(Nox) “Is getting scars strange?”
(Layla) “Worried about your girlfriend? Well don't, as long as you take your jobs seriously, it's rare for someone to get hurt. That said, some people do overestimate themselves and get killed when they are new. Those that are cautious tend to come back without a scratch.”
That’s a bit exaggerated… but she has a point. Anyone new may know they can't kill a dragon, but how many think they can kill a goblin without ever seeing one?
(Layla) “If there’s nothing else, just pick a door and go inside. When you’re done, come see me to get your guild card and have that bracelet removed. After that, I’ll explain some guild things and you can take your first quest or go back and sleep.”
After saying all that she just turned around and left.
Nox and I look at each other for a moment.
(Nox) “Ladies first.”
(Stella) (Does it matter?)
So, I open a door and walk right in.
Unlike my last experience with space magic, I didn't feel anything happen. I just stepped through a door.
That was anticlimactic… I was still expecting something.
Inside is a spacious room with a crystal ball on a pedestal in the center… there is literally nothing else here. It just looks like a grey room made of concrete or something. How is there light in here? The room’s bright but I don't see any lamp or even a candle, no windows either.
Oh, there's a door on the other side of the pedestal…
I walk up to the crystal ball… Do I just touch it? Ok?
I touch it and it shines white for a bit. When it stops shining I remove my hand… That’s it?
I walk through to the next door. Same room, but no pedestal… then I feel a weight pulling me down. It slowly becomes stronger and stronger until I can’t stand anymore. When my knees touch the ground it suddenly stopped.
I rest for a bit before going through the next door. This test stuff is harder than I thought.
This room is much longer and has an hourglass in the center… Speedrun, I guess.
The sand started falling as I began running… I wonder how that works?
At the end I just enter the new room… this room has strange slits in the walls and a small circle in the center. I hope this isn't about defense but knowing my luck it probably is…
When I step into the center of the room, a frisbee-like thing came out of the wall in front. I hit it when it gets close… It's a habit to hit things that come flying at me… The barrage continues for a while and when I get hit a few times it just stops. That’s it? This part of the test seems done, so I go through the next door.
After a few more doors I finally came out. FREEDOM!!!
I’m tired, no wonder she said we might want to go back to sleep after this… too bad we need money...
Nox came out of the door next to mine after a few minutes, while I was resting.
(Nox) “That was… worse than I expected. This really is only about the bodies condition, must have been hard to come up with a way to quantify things like speed and reaction times. Weapon skills must be tested somewhere else, or you maybe you need to ask for those tests. This is a good place to train though.”
Not the thought I had… maybe I’m not cut out for adventuring? Or is it just exercise that I want to avoid?
(Stella) (Now what?)
(Nox) “I guess we should go to the reception counter.”
Down the hall again, turn here, and down the stairs. Oh, looks like Layla’s waiting for us.
(Layla) “All done? Well, I guess that's a given. Here are your guild cards, would you like the explanation now?”
She says as she hands us 2 blank cards… This is the guild card?
(Nox) “Then, please give us an explanation.”
Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.
(Layla) “No need to be polite, this is a part of my job.”
So she says, but she is smiling at Nox like he made a joke… well, a god is acting polite, but she doesn't know that. Is this an inside joke? It can't be that, so why is she smiling?
(Layla) “Then, let’s relocate to somewhere more comfortable… Unless you like standing in people's way at the bottom of the stairs?”
(Nox) “We have no complaints about going somewhere to rest.”
I guess he is tired too.
Layla leads us back to the rest room where we sit on the beds and begin ‘the talk’.
(Layla) “Then, I’ll start with the ranking system. Unlike the skill system, the ranking system uses letters to classify the body's basic physical and magical capabilities. We use letters since there is no sure way to quantify things like strength and accuracy, as many things can affect them, such as rest - or a lack of it.
The letters range from G to A for most adventurers, and S through Ex for people we can't classify at this branch. However, there is a huge difference between each level so it's usually easy to tell them apart when they fight. There is even a special testing facility for them in each nation's capital.
Each guild card is private to the person it's created for, you don't need to show anything to anyone if you don't want to. That said, you will need to prove your abilities to be able to accept certain quests and showing your guild card is the fastest and most reliable way to both the guild and the quest giver. Your rank is normally shown as the average of your tested abilities but may be shown as lower, but only a few people do this. It is however, recommended to do this if you have one ability raising your rank average as your rank may no longer be accurate.
The card itself can be retracted into your body, just wrap your mana around it and draw it in, so you don't need to worry about carrying it everywhere.”
I immediately try it and it works! This looks cool, it even has a shimmering special effect. I’m made of mana so if I couldn't do this much I’d be in trouble.
Then I look at Nox and see he is unfazed… Right, I'm the only one here from a world without magic.
(Layla) “You likely haven't joined a skill guild yet, I suggest doing so as soon as possible. They can help you learn new skills or record the ones you already have on your guild card. As for taking quests, the bulletin board has plenty to choose from. However, please take ones matching your rank. Depending on how you feel about your abilities, you can take a quest one rank above or below you. This is not a rule, but a courtesy; we don't want an A rank taking C rank quests as there might not be enough for the C rankers while A ranked quests may never be done. Now, any questions?”
(Nox) “What's this about skill guilds?”
(Layla) “Most guilds are affiliated with the Adventurers Guild as there are many things this guild does for them. In return, the skill guilds guide and records the skills affiliated with them. For example, the Warriors’ Guild who teach close combat, or the Mages’ Guild who teach magic.”
I don't think that’s what he was asking… is it because it's common knowledge? He was asking about what a skill guild is, but I guess that explanation works too.
(Nox) “I meant that I’ve never been to a skill guild. Can you tell me where they are and what to do when I get there?”
(Layla) “That depends on which guild you want to go to. If it's the Warriors Guild then it's right next door. They teach and test close combat skills and weapon skills. Some skills, regardless of guild, require your guild status to be at a certain level. For example, without the requisite strength, it's pointless to try to learn heavy weapon skills like hammers or greatswords.
It's also pointless to go to the mage guild, which is directly across the street, to learn large spells, like blizzard, if you don't have the mana or the ability to control it. Even a simple frostbolt requires a certain amount of control over ice.
On this street, other than those 2, we have the beast tamers guild next door to the left, the alchemist and craftsmen guild's are to the right of the mage guild, and to the left is the bards guild… on the other side of the warriors guild is the largest pub and inn in town. Because most guilds became sub-guilds of the main guilds you can find anything you need at these guilds. The only exception is the psychic guild, they are only located in each countries capitals due to the rarity of psychics users.”
(Stella) (Bard’s Guild?)
(Nox) “I can understand why you mentioned the alchemy and craftsman guilds, but why is a bard's guild in this area?”
(Layla) “You’ve never seen a bard fight? They mix magic into their music to heal their allies, among other things. You can think of them as extremely useful support. The main reason they are on this street is that most bards like to travel everywhere they can so they need to learn to protect themselves. Most learn magic at the mage guild but some go to the warrior or tamer guilds as well.”
(Nox) “Stella, what do you want to be?”
… You expect me to answer? Still, being a mage sounds fun, so does being a beast tamer. I always wanted a pet, well ever since I saw the cute pets in the god world. I never learned any instruments but that sounds like fun too. As for the warriors guild… No way, can't do it. I can't hurt a fly without feeling bad about it, how can I cut or stab something?
(Layla) “W-well, you don't need to decide now. Everything costs money after all, we need funds to operate. Both learning new skills and the affiliated practice rooms cost quite a bit.”
See, even she thinks it's strange that you asked.
(Nox) “Lessons I can understand, but practice rooms?”
(Layla) “If you go to a special practice room, then yes. I suggest that, if you have the money, you use the practice rooms. You can ask each guild what's so special about them when you have money. Make sure you bring at least 10 silver coins with you as the cheapest rooms are about 1 silver per hour.”
Oh, currency! I didn't think that it would be in dollars, but coins? I wonder what they look like... Wait, that’s not the point! When we got food from Zack yesterday, he used coins? All I saw was a card… AH the guild card!
(Stella) (Nox, ask if, store money, in guild card.)
(Nox) “Do we store money in the guild card?”
(Layla) “Did Zack not show you?”
(Nox) “No, but I didn't see him use any coins.”
(Layla) “Yes, you can think of the guild card as a money pouch, however each rank lets you hold a different amount. G rank can hold 10 coins while F rank can hold 100, and so on. The coin itself doesn't matter, so you could have 1 gold or 1 copper and still only take up one slot. Coins can be exchanged anywhere and the guild can hold anything you can't carry.
(Nox) “Why, isn't it more convenient to be able hold more money?”
(Layla) “We did this because of some children who got robbed from for having gathered a small sum of copper coins, among other similar events. Like this, it's unlikely for new members to be robbed as they either have almost no money or they are rich, and with bodyguards, to start with.”
Well, we still don't know the currency system, but they probably don't use 10s to move up. If they did, the kids would have silver not copper and the limitation would be useless.
(Stella) (Any more questions?)
(Nox) “I think that's everything I want to know for now. Thank you for your help.”
Ah, she smiled.
(Layla) “As I said, this is part of my job, so no need for thanks. What do you plan to do now? Will you take a quest or…”
(Nox) “We need money, so we will have to take a quest.”
(Layla) “Alright, please follow me.”
We follow her out the room, into the lobby, and to a gigantic builbord.
(Layla) “Did I explain enough on quests? Anyway, choose a quest according to your rank then go to the counter to register it. You may take as many quests as you want, but all quests must be finished by their deadline or you will be fined and the quest considered a failure. I recommend this one for your first quest as what you get is entirely dependent on how much you find and there’s no time limit.”
She picked a paper from the board. It said,
Medical Herbs Wanted: More Means Better
Rank: - (F)
Location: Glow Forest
Type: Collection
Amount: Only more not less
Pay: 10 copper per bundle of 50
Time Limit: None
I can't read it… Is this the language in this world? Maybe Nox knows… or not, otherwise why couldn't he read english?
(Nox) “Stella, what do you think?”
What? Oh, you're asking me about the quest. Wait, how am I supposed to answer, we don't know anything about it and you want me to decide?
I nod. You take care of it, I’m just a mute who can't ask questions… Should I find out if this world has something like sign language after all?
(Nox) “We’ll take it. Do you have a map of the area? Also, some information about the dangers around here?”
(Layla) “I almost forgot that you're new here. Follow me to my desk and I will get what you need.”
Back to following… at least it didn't take long to get across the room. After she got to her desk she got out a book, a map, and a small stack of papers.
(Layla) “Hand me your guild card and I will add the information. This book has pictures and descriptions of all the medical plants in the area, chapter 5 is about Glow forest. Use it to bring back a little extra and you can sell it to the guild. It won't be as much as a quest but it's something. This is the map you wanted, nomaly this costs money but if you don't take it with you there won't be a problem. Lastly, this is a copy of the monthly report of Glow Forest.”
How thorough. I take the report and… I can't read this, but luckily Nox is some almighty god… nevermind, he can't even read english. When will I learn that most gods are useless?
I tugged on Layla’s sleeve then pointed to the paper when she looked at me.
(Layla) “You can't read?”
I shook my head… This is humiliating. I can read, I’m just from another world. It's impressive enough that I can understand you… Well, it still sounds like english to me.
(Nox) “No one was willing to teach her.”
Did he just throw me under a bus! You can't read ether you know! Ah, he looked away with a guilty face. Layla didn't notice though…
(Layla) “I-I’ll teach you when you get back, for now… this quest is about getting medical herbs, you need this one but can also find this and this, just dig them out from the roots. Then, also be careful of goblins and run if you see an ork. Also, a large pack of wolves was seen recently in the area. Also, also...”
She explained it to me in a way I could understand… at least I know what quest we’re doing and she even pointed out the herb in the book and what to look out for in the forest, and how to read a map… and to ask for directions if I get lost…….. I’ve had enough! I’m not some pitiful kid who needs to be taken care of!!! And NOX! Stop looking at me like you’re enjoying this!
(Stella) (STOP LAUGHING!!!)
(Nox) “Pfft…” (I-I can't, BAHAHA, she's totally treating you like a lost kid, HAHAHA- OUCH!)
Revenge feels sweet.
(Layla) “Is something wrong?”
(Nox) “N-no, i-it's just that we need to do the quest or we won't have money for dinner, or even an inn.”
(Layla) “Sorry, for taking up so much time, but do you have any weapons or armor? Even if Glow Forest it only an F-rank forest, it still has goblins and wolves, and sometimes a wild orc wanders in. You will also need a bag to carry everything.”
Even though you just explained it to me… is Nox considered an adult taking care of a child here?
(Nox) “We don’t have any money. We can still run if we see a goblin or something so you don't need to worry so much, as for the bag… we still have no money.”
(Layla) “You can borrow from the guild if you need a bag, as for weapons, go to the warriors guild and they will let you borrow something. Let's see, here it is. This bag has 1 cubic meter of space, it should be plenty for herb gathering or bringing back anything unexpected.”
She took out a small brown pouch… space magic. I have my necklace but… let’s assume god made items are rare and tell no one. And ‘meter’? Is it the auto translate?
(Nox) “Stella, lets go. If we can find a lot, we can eat something delicious when we get back.”
I am waiting for you by the door. Let’s go, I can't wait for my first real foo- I mean adventure.
I can't wait.