Within the Adventurers Guild, Adventurers were divided into ranks. These ranks were determined by how strong one was and by how much experience they had obtained. Their rankings could be represented as:
S: Some can be considered like superhumans. Its possible their magic might look like something crafted by the gods. Or they are just insanely talented to the point it appears superhuman. Mythical beings of untold power or assignments that dont seem to exist within the realm of possibility to be able to complete are on this level.
A: Some can be considered somewhat superhuman or close to it. Their magic may also be fantastic and supreme. They are also often very talented as well. Tasks that seem outright heroic or have impossible odds for normal people are here, such as slaying minor dragons or Wyverns.
B: They have exceeded, if only barely, human limits. They may also possess excellent magic. Their talents can pull of fantastic stunts. Quests that really feel like it would push people to the absolute limits of their peak growth are wtihin this level.
C: They are at the peak of human ability, have top notch magic ability, or are just so talented that it seems that way. This is the level where you are considered on par with higher ranked species, such as Orcs that have lived long enough to grow and evolve. This is where most adventurers end up reaching their limits. It takes the average person a decade to reach C-Rank normally.
D: They are of excellent ability and/or are very talented. Their magic may also be good. This is the level where you can fight basic orcs, Velocaptors, and can take bandit subjugation requests.
E: They are showing a good deal of promise. This is where adventurers are really seen as regular forces. Promotion Exams get progressively more challenging at this point, so the gap between E and F rank is slightly greater then F to G, and E to D is somewhat greater then that as well. You can take quests to subjugate things like Evolved Goblins, lead training expeditions for lower ranked adventurers, or go on scouting missions for less dangerous areas.
F: The upper tier of the beginner ranks. At this rank, you can start taking quests to subjugate goblins.
G: The middle tier of beginner ranks. This is when they can start taking combat jobs, although its mainly minor small fry that are bugs or such, easily subjugatable provided you have some combat experience, but still dangerous if caught off guard or face too many of them at once, or have zero combat experience.
H: The lowest of beginner ranks. This could be said to be a trainee rank. You really just do things around the city, or take training sessions.
That said, not everyone is always best represented by their rank. Some have a large amount of ability, but may lack in other areas, like socializing, leadership, things that are necessary for upper ranked adventurers. However, those instances are very rare.
And among the rare cases, Ciel might just be about the rarest. The young boy who was only about ten years old, but was already a D-Rank Adventurer. He always wore that cloak of his, he barely spoke much, but he used powerful magic. His specialty was space magic, specifically gravity based attacks, but he seemed to be decently skilled at time magic also. In fact he can use a wide range of magic, but those are his specialties. He particularly uses gravity based attacks to deal with anyone who messes with him, although some wonder if he sometimes goes too far.
Not only that, but Ciel tended to use actions rather then words, and had no mercy towards his enemies. Even antagonizing him could get you in serious trouble, and if anyone ever messes with his coffee, that was a serious issue. He had trouble socializing with other kids his age, and people weren't always sure if he was really thinking before he acted. His expression is rumored to never really soften, his face never really expressive, and his heart never really open. Although some people have claimed that he is drawn to tasty food, and claimed once he saw the look of delight on his face when he ate some really tasty meat.
So basically, he stood out a whole lot. However, while he stood out, there were still plenty who didn't know his name or his skill or power. Fights were picked with him constantly, and even people he defeated sometimes refused to believe it, thinking someone else did it in secret.
But Ciel woke up perfectly fine this morning, not worried about any of that. He woke up in his nice and cozy bed, wrapped in just a blanket as the heat began to pour in. He was a bit of a sleepyhead though when he woke up normally, as with no danger being sensed, his body judged it was okay to take it slow. His hair was an absolute mess, his clothes and underwear neatly folded on the table next to him, as well as a second set, and next to them was a basic one piece tunic. There was a bit of a smudge on the outside of the window, but otherwise everything else about the room was nice.
He got up, and produced what appeared to be a checklist out of magic.
Wake Up Steps:
1: Get out of bed. And for the sake of the gods, make sure you deal with your bed hair!
2: Do morning stretches. Dont overexert yourself, let it come naturally.
3: If you did not wash up yesterday, make sure to wash your body this morning. Don't forget! Hygiene is important!
4: Dry off, and make sure you air dry a bit, AND THEN get dressed IN CLEAN CLOTHES. I don't want to hear any complaining because your underwear is slightly damp because you didn't let yourself dry properly! Even if you didn't wash up, you may have sweat in your sleep!
5: Get some breakfast. No skipping! You cannot start a day if you are not properly fueled up! Don't just drink coffee, proper food! Eggs, bacon, juice, the works!
6: Make sure all of your supplies for the day is set! You don't want to forget something you might need! Even if its unlikely you will need it, take it anyways to be safe!
7: Make sure you pack or get a snack for later. If you don't think you will be getting lunch, pack a lunch as well! Do not miss snack or lunch, especially just as some excuse to eat more of my cooking!
8: Start the day with a smile, and remember that there are good people out there waiting to become your friends!
The list was written quite nicely, but for some reason, the last one was crossed out several times. Ciel didn't mind it, and he didn't fix his bed hair yet either. Instead, he went straight to number 2, and began to stretch. Once he was done, he put on the basic tunic and headed down the stairs and out the back. There was a well out there, and it was connected to a wooden basin in the back. By operating a lever, one could divert water from the standard outflow into the basin.
Plumbing didn't exist in a state that was easily accessible in this world, so this was how people washed up and took baths. That, or in rivers, streams, ponds, lakes, canals, or other such things. The rich were able to install some limited plumbing of course, and had baths and toilets even. But that was just for the wealthy that could afford such major luxuries, and were even able to have their entire homes remodeled to accommodate such extravagant luxuries.
Swimsuits of course didn't exist either. It was a fantasy world that was similar to the 1500s. Naturally, such things were not invented or considered necessary. Once he took off the tunic, he proceeded to use the soap provided and washed up in the back. He made sure to wash all over, and once it was done, he put the tunic back on, and headed back up to his room. He took off the tunic and let it dry, and let himself dry out a bit more before he put on his clothes. Once that was done, he went downstairs and ordered some breakfast.
"Ciel, there you are! I need you!"
"...mhm. Good morning Felix".
Ciel greeted the boy who appeared to roughly be about the same age as him. He was an orange fox Beastkin, with the tail and ears to show for it. Felix just looked at him, and sighed.
"Seriously? Its been daylight for at least two hours now! You are just having breakfast!?"
Ciel shook his head at Felix. Even though he wasn't dressed yet, Ciel was not phased at all by Felix barging into his room.
"Morning routine important. Also, killed orcs yesterday. Bloody. Needed bath".
"Didn't you kill them at range like normal?! You never let anything get close to you normally, and especially are never in danger enough to get blood on you".
"Orc Charger".
"Hmmmm.....innkeeper, I will have what he is having!"
"Already being prepared!"
"Thanks!
Despite Ciel's reputation, Felix was good friends with Ciel all the same. They shared meals and baths together all the time, and even beds sometimes. In this world, monsters, bandits, criminal organizations, slavers, and such existed. While plenty of people could go their whole lives normally without issue, the war with the Demon King 90 years ago taught how friends could be fleeting, so people were more prone to being closer with their friends as a result.
As the two were eating, Felix had a determined look on his face.
"Today is the day I become an adventurer for sure!"
"Mhm. Felix ready. Ready for awhile now".
"Yeah! You will make sure to talk to him right?"
"Mhm".
"I hope that is enough. Dad can be so overprotective, I hope he doesn't get in the way again".
"Mhm. Established nominated quest to make sure took bath".
"After that, you are teaching a class at the school right?"
"Mhm. Will teach teamwork against strong foe".
"Ouch. I feel sorry for them already".
Felix understood his friend all too well. He was a bit of a battle maniac, who enjoyed fighting tough enemies. He was also a complete and total money hoarder, who Felix had to convince to move into a higher class inn for security reasons since people might try to steal it and possibly succeed, and someone who had suffered a great tragedy which closed off his heart.
Hmmm? That list he left out...
Ciel noticed where Felix was looking, and quickly made the list fly away with magic. Felix however jumped up and snagged it, and looked at it in detail.
"Ciel".
Felix's voice grew cold and angry.
"...you are imagining things".
"No, I am absolutely sure. Number 8 has one more cross out then last time I saw it".
"No. Had that many".
Felix grabbed the ear lobe of his friend, pulling it.
"Ciel. Tell me what happened".
"Nothing".
Felix looked his friend in the eyes, but Ciel averted his eyes instantly. Felix then went and tickled the back of his neck, which was a ticklish spot for Ciel.
"...meanie. Thats off limits".
"I am your friend, we have been friends since we were five. Now talk".
"Nothing happened".
"Ciel, you might not be expressive to others, but I know very well how to read you. You feel guilty about not telling me, but you don't want to involve me right? Well let me make a point to you..."
Felix proceeded to slap Ciel in the face, and then pecked a kiss on his lips, before backing up.
"You are like a brother to me. So talk now, or should I bring up forcibly making you stay at my house from now on?"
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"Can live alone just fine".
"Ciel, you only ever add a cross to number eight when someone hurts you dearly. Not just some random stranger with a comment. Someone you thought you could trust, but then betrayed you...hold on. Orc Blood, late at night to return. You would never be so careless, unless...you got ditched by a party you went with, used as bait and abandoned while they escaped! And if you actually agreed to work with them, the one you were chatting with lately...Cedric!"
"Tsk".
"Ciel! Thats a serious breach of the Adventurer's Code! You think I wouldn't hear about it or learn of it? This is something you have to report!"
"My fault. Shouldn't have trusted him. Thought he was nice guy, but was all manipulation. Wanted to use me. Possibly even hired by Ex-Step-Mother to kill me. Shouldn't be so careless".
Felix slapped Ciel again, and then hugged him while crying.
"No you idiot! You absolute moron! I dont have many friends either, so I don't want to lose you! But never, ever, blame yourself because of scum like that! Not your ex-step mother, nor Cedric, or anyone like him! Idiot! Moron! Meanie!"
"...public place. Felix making a scene".
"Idiot! Then don't say something like that!"
Ciel looked away. Felix continued to sob for awhile, before he finally calmed down. Even Ciel felt bad now.
"...sorry for making you cry".
"Lets get going and go show Cedric how you are not dead, and give him a piece of our minds".
"Mhm!"
Ciel was fired up now, his voice having just a bit more energy.
I always feel bad for making him cry, but...I cant cry myself anymore, so it feels nice for someone to cry for me.
After all that, they got dressed and headed towards the Guild. As Felix passed the innkeeper, she gave him a nod.
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Once they arrived at the guild, they could hear the voice of a young man arrive.
"Anyways, we need to send out a force to purge the orcs! We cant let Ciel die for nothing!"
Hearing that voice, Felix felt quite irritated. He grabbed Ciel's hand, and the two charged right into the guild. However, Felix's charge was halted when he saw the receptionist that was on duty, talking to Cedric. He had blonde hair and piercing green eyes, and a bit of hair standing up weirdly that refused to acknowledge the exist of gravity or a comb. But what was most noticeable was his smile.
Ahhhhhhh shit. This is going to be good.
Felix recognized that face instantly, as well as the atmosphere. Felix looked around, and saw a familiar face.
"Yo, Bastion!"
"Felix! And Ciel as well!"
"Mhm. Not dead, despite their...best? Moderate? Somewhat pathetic? Somewhat pathetic attempts".
"Well yeah, you really should be a B-Ranker, or maybe an A-Ranker depending on the circumstances".
"Generous. Bastion way stronger. Can't hope to defeat in duel".
"You get close though sometimes, and you beat me a few times out of ten now right?"
"You win more overall".
They looked back at Cedric, and his party. He was the only male in a party of four, with the other three tough and strong using women. However, if Ciel was to make a guess, even though Cedric the C-Ranker should be the leader, the other three women with him, all newly arrived from out of town a few weeks ago, and also C-Rankers, felt like they might be using him more then actually going with him.
Felix got the same feeling, and even Bastion could tell something was up.
"So, how was the fight? You enjoy fighting all those Orcs solo when your rank would normally not allow that?"
"Mhm. Was fun. Orc Chargers were difficult, and bloody. Had to take bath this morning with extra soap. But good fight. Kinda want to go again".
"Well, it was a horrible thing to go through I am sure, but at least you had fun right?"
"Mhm".
"Ciel says 'thank you for asking and caring'".
Felix interpreted his friends minimal responses, and then looked over at Cedric's group.
"So, how long as he been at this?"
"Well, if its any consolation Ciel, he said you died heroically in a blaze of glory".
"Mhm. Can I crush him now?"
"Eh, let him give the Guildmaster a little more rope to hang him from first".
Ciel drank some coffee he picked up on the way, while Felix ate a Creamgel. Most didn't notice it, but Felix was familiar with when the Guildmaster was angry, he saw it plenty of times when he hanged out around the Guild, and was subject to that very same expression he had on a few times.
Without a doubt, he was pissed. And getting more pissed with every word. The only thing that caused a reduction was when Ciel came in.
"What do you think the charges will be? Ciel is pretty sure someone might have hired them to kill him".
"Cedric? I could see him being a coward, or wanting Ciel's firepower, but an assassination quest? Leaving aside how illegal those things are, I dont see tthat happening. He is just an idiot".
"Maybe...lets ask him forcefully".
"Oi oi Ciel. Don't crush him or anything. Its not like you have any evidence you know?"
"Ciel, we don't know there is a connection. Sure its possible, but if you act rashly, she wins".
Hearing that, Ciel calmed down. Felix sighed with relief.
"By the way, Cedric never has met the Guildmaster right?"
"Yeah, not officially at least. Pretty sure he thinks he is an F-Rank adventurer right now".
"So the Wynn identity? He does love using that one to work as a receptionist".
"That curse of his sure is useful sometimes".
As they were talking, the Guildmaster looked over at Ciel, Felix, and Bastion. It was for a second, but he did, before looking back at Cedric and his party.
"Ah, looks like we are up. Ready to scare them so bad they pee themselves, Ciel?"
"Mhm!"
With Ciel motivated, the trio headed up towards the counter. They passed by Cedric, and Ciel proceeded to hand the completed quest documents to the Guildmaster.
"D-Rank. Ciel. Quest complete".
"What...but...how are you..."
"Orcs were fun to fight. Also, Guild knows whole story already".
"As A-Rank Bastion, I have confirmation about Ciel's events, and can personally confirm them".
"Wh...what are..."
"Cedric is weak. Especially spine".
Felix looked at the three women and smirked.
"Don't think anyone is getting out of being punished. Right dad?"
"Right" the Guildmaster said, jumping over the counter. "Ah right, we never formally met yet have we? Yuma Ruzzo, S-Rank and Guildmaster of this Adventurer's Guild branch".
"What...no way, that's a lie! You twerp! And you, you cant be stronger then me! You are only D-Rank! You had someone lying in wait secretly didn't you? You planned on betraying me!"
Oh, that was a mistake.
The moment Cedric said that, Ciel's magic came into full effect. Cedric found himself slammed into the ceiling suddenly, before then being slammed right back into the floor.
"Would never betray anyone" Ciel said, as he stepped somewhere that was very unpleasant for Cedric. His foot, all the way up to his knee, which was visible as Ciel was wearing shorts like Felix since it was so warm, started to glow with magic.
Fear spread through Cedric, and he passed out from fear. Ciel quickly retracted his foot, as the spot where he used to have his shoe suddenly became wet.
He then looked back at the Guildmaster.
"Sorry for the mess".
Wynn however just hugged Ciel.
"I am glad you are okay".
"Mhm".
"And also, the answer is no".
"Mhm?!"
Wynn let go of Ciel and leaned his back against the counter.
"You are going to once again give recommendation for me to change my mind and let Felix register as an adventurer".
"Mhm. Is ready".
"No! He is my son! I may have only adopted him when he was young, but I care deeply for him. He is basically my blood already. What if a dragon comes around and sits on him?! I had it once happen to me, its possible!"
"Unreasonable argument. Exceedingly unlikely events. And you would kill before even got close to city to have chance".
"I might be busy then! No no, its safer in the city for my adorable little boy!"
"I am almost taller then you!"
"No! I cant have you do something so dangerous!"
As he said that, he suddenly flicked his fingers. The three women who tried to sneak out of the guild that were with Cedric were suddenly bound.
"Hold on, I am not done with you lot yet. This is a serious issue. At the very least, all of you will have to pay a fee. And frankly, some of your sources are a bit strange. As such, until I run a thorough investigation, I have placed you on a city arrest. You wont be allowed to leave the city until I can run a better background check on where you came from".
"Hey! It was all his idea!"
"Yeah! We just were following him!"
"He seemed like a decent guy at first, but honestly after yesterday, we were thinking of leaving him".
"Be that as it may, I wont change my mind. Adventurers are free, that is our creed. Adventurers go on Adventures, that is our motto. But Adventurers are not allowed to screw over other adventurers, and frankly, you three are just as suspicious and guilty".
The three looked annoyed, but he released the bonds.
"I already marked your cards, and told the guards of your appearances for extra measure. You will just have to wait in the meantime".
The three stormed off, furious, as Ciel looked back at Felix.
"See, there are far too many adventurers like that. You should wait until adulthood...no, you should wait until you are twenty at least before you become an adventurer!"
"You were already an adventurer when you were my age!"
"Mhm. Idiot parent syndrome".
"No! I am not budging on this!"
"That is so unfair! Dad, I hate you! I am not backing down from this! Not this time! You cant stop me!"
Those words seemed to send Wynn into shock, as he collapsed a bit and life left his eyes.
"...he said he hates me...my life is over...but must hold ground...wont let him get hurt".
At that moment, Wynn was suddenly grabbed by the all mighty claw of Serafyna, who hoisted his body into the air by one hand. Wynn's head looked like it was under a lot of pressure and pain.
"Master. Its time".
"No! He is my adorable son!"
"Master, Adventurers are free. Also, you have no legal basis to stop him from registering".
"I could fire the receptionist that tries to!"
Suddenly, Serafyna applied pressure.
"He isn't backing down from your threats this time. You have to let him".
"But...but..."
"Perhaps I should show him my collection~"
Suddenly, Serafyna was the one with her head in a claw.
"Thats going too far".
"S-sorry!"
"...but fine, fine...you can become an adventurer!"
"Yay! I love you dad!"
And just like that, Wynn looked like he made a full recovery. it was like those words were a God Tier Elixer that removed all negative effects and restored one to full health immediately.
And just like that, the registration was finally allowed.
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Later that night, as Felix was walking home looking all smug and happy at his new Guild ID, three people stalked him from the shadows.
"Hey, little boy" a woman said in a voice that could turn the heads of anyone in a room and make them look at her. As he looked up, he noticed he had been surrounded by those three women from the guild, the three C-Rankers that had previously been with Cedric but tried to run away.
They were incredibly suspicious, so Felix did exactly what his father told him to do. Ignore suspicious people and keep on going home or to a very public area. Do not engage with them, and definitely don't follow them.
So Felix kept walking, but then they blocked his way.
"I don't think so. See, your friend back there is going to cause us quite a bit of issues. Butt, if he is so busy worrying about you, I reckon he wont have time for us...so we are going to have to seriously mess with you here. In a variety of ways, just to make sure he gets distracted".
"You shouldn't do bad things" Felix objected.
"Shut up and get bloodied! You only have your family to blame! Him and that shitty brat who claims to be D-Rank!"
One of them drew their swords. In this dark night, in this lonely alley, no one would be around to witness. She attacked with the full force of a C-Rank adventurer against a nine year old boy.
Felix was able to dodge it by stepping backwards, but when their eyes met, all she saw was rage.
"Dont you dare insult Ciel! Fine, if you wont let me pass, tthen I guess I will follow my dad's suggestion. If you cant ignore them, if they are stronger then you, run away!"
The other two women attacked with swords from behind, with one unleashing a fireball. However, Felix dodged all of those with a backflip, landing deftly and without making a single sound onto the ground nearby.
"...and if they are weaker, then beat them up".
He said that with a voice that sounded cold, as if they were prey in the eyes of an angry predator.
"I will make you regret abandoning Ciel, trying to kill him, and insulting him just now".
He took out a Mythryl dagger, and charged at them. One of them swung their sword down at him, but he deflected it with his dagger. Not even a metallic clink was made, and the blade ended up going so out of the way the handle twisted out of her grasp.
He then went behind her and kicked her in the back of the head, sending her sprawling. Mana visibly ran through his body.
"...mana enhancement technique, and that bright of mana..."
One of them seemed to understand instinctively, but it was too late. Using the momentum of the kick, he twisted his body around and hammered his other leg down onto her head while in mid air, sending her into the ground. He himself landed on the ground, without a single noise.
The last woman tried to launch several firebolts at him, but he dodged them all, and proceeded to kick her right in the stomach, knocking her into the wall behind her with such force that she was rendered unconscious.
"No one tries to kill Ciel and gets away with it. Now, how about a round two? Or would you rather admit it was that woman who hired you?"
"I think thats enough for you, Felix" a voice from the shadows said. Felix turned to look, and saw what appeared to be a group of street orphans.
"Sparrows...so were you just planning on watching us then?"
"We know all too well how overprotective your father is, and how it gets manifested. As a result, he has trained you personally since you were three years old, he made sure you even inherited his mana control and mana surge techniques. Frankly, if we were to put you into Adventurer terms, you would be B-Rank in terms of ability. Those three are only just barely C-Rank. It might be better to say they are D-Rank, but their skill in assassination cant be overlooked".
The Sparrows came out, and began picking up the unconscious bodies.
"Honestly, its about time you joined the Adventurer's Guild. To call you a civilian is just fraud".
"Yeah, well...like you said, you know how overprotective he can be. I was worried he was going to insist I would be as strong as the hero at least...please no, I don't think I would survive such training".
"Well, you can leave the rest of this to us".
"Yeah, you Sparrows are always so useful for dealing with this kind of thing, and for collecting intelligence".
The Sparrows. Supposedly a group of street orphans, but Felix knew better. If anything, they monitored and even manipulated to some extent the wealth that flowed through this city. They were an intelligence gathering group. No one paid mind to some small orphan child, and they took advantage of that. Most of their members, when they got too old, would become adventurers, and some might even be recruited by the Kingdom's Spy Organizations. Its not like they knew everything, many organizations duked it out within the shadows. But they were a reliable group to get intel from.
"Anyways, congrats on finally registering".
"Thanks. And let me know..."
'If we hear anything about her making a move against Ciel? We consider that a perpetual request".
"Excellent. See you later!"
"Stay safe".
The Sparrows retreated into the shadows, disappearing from sight. Even Felix couldn't sense their pressence anymore.
"The way they do that is uncanny as always" Felix said, as he took out his ID again and smiled as he walked home.
I will always protect Ciel's happiness and innocence.
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At the same time, Ciel was currently looking at his lists. He now had his list for going to bed. Thankfully, it was much shorter then the other one.
1: Make sure you take off all your clothes and fold them up properly. Put them with the dirty ones to be done with laundry, and make sure a clean set is ready and prepared for tomorrow.
2: If its been too long since dinner, make sure you eat something! And no skipping dinner! If you didn't even have that yet, do that before 1. And make sure you prepare a snack in case you get hungry in the middle of the night!
3: Properly make sure the pillow is fluffed. You know how you get with a pillow that wasn't properly fluffed!
4: If its late fall, winter, or early spring, make sure you put on something so you don't get cold while you sleep.
5: Get into bed and make sure your body is properly covered! Avoid any exposed skin below the neck, and make sure you are comfortable!
Ciel had already done 1, 2, and 3, so he put the list away. 4 was unnecessary, so he went to 5 and got into the bed.
"...doing best mom, following your lists every day. Hope you taking good care of dad".
He said that, as he put the lists away. As he dozed off, he began to cry a bit as he remembered his family. However, tthat was when an image of Felix came into his mind...and Ciel smiled.
"Felix...spoil me a bit more~" Ciel said in a sleepy haze, as he wandered off into dreamland.