Today was an unusual day for Arthur; he even had a restless night, tossing and turning with insomnia.

Staring at the greenish spire of the stone house in front of him, Arthur clenched his fists excitedly, his palms slightly sweaty.

This was the Belrand Continent Mercenary Guild's branch in the city of Hua Ores.

Arthur was not unfamiliar with the Mercenary Guild. He had been here more than once with Tony or Randall to pick up and deliver missions. But this time was different; today was the day Arthur would officially register as a mercenary!

This meant that from today onward, Arthur could earn mission rewards like other mercenaries, instead of relying on the few silver coins Randall gave him each month as pocket money.

This meant that from today onward, the once frail child could now support himself with his own strength!

A pair of large hands gently ruffled Arthur's hair. Keynes had specially accompanied Arthur to register today, understanding the young man's excitement.

Keynes led Arthur straight into the Mercenary Guild branch. As soon as they entered, the person in charge of the branch, Brandon Phil, came over with a smile.

"Blue Temptress" was a rising star in recent years, and in the past two years, it had gradually become the leading mercenary group in Hua Ores City. Brandon naturally wanted to personally receive such an important client.

Arthur's registration process was personally taken care of by Brandon.

In fact, the registration process for new mercenaries was not complicated. As long as one possessed the strength of a Level 1 warrior, belonged to a mercenary group registered with the guild, and took an oath to adhere to the Mercenary Code and defend the honor of mercenaries under the watchful gaze of the statue of the King of Mercenaries, Amy.

After registering Arthur's age, citizenship, warrior level, and affiliated mercenary group in an ancient magical manual, Arthur was officially a mercenary.

This magical manual was the biggest secret of the Continental Mercenary Guild, with each branch possessing one. Once registered in one manual, the same information would appear in all others. Any missions Arthur completed anywhere on the continent would be recorded, serving as proof for his mercenary rank advancement.

"Welcome to the Mercenary Guild. From today, you are a G-level mercenary. Please never forget the creed of the mercenary!" Brandon said with a smile as he handed Arthur a badge.

It was a bronze badge in the shape of a shield, with an embossed design of a crossed long sword and battle axe.

The shield, long sword, and battle axe symbolized the mercenary creed of protection, trust, and courage, respectively!

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Bronze represented the lowest level of mercenaries, corresponding to G-level and E-level mercenaries. Above this were the intermediate silver badges, advanced gold badges, and the top-tier purple-gold badges.

Keynes took the bronze badge from Brandon and pinned it on the left chest of Arthur's leather armor, then patted Arthur's shoulder firmly, "Arthur, welcome to officially joining the Blue Temptress Mercenary Group!"

"Yes, Captain!" Arthur stood at attention, clenched his right fist, and struck his chest, showing a smile that came from the heart.

This was a standard mercenary salute, signifying the protection of life.

Throughout the process, a little girl with flaxen hair had been silently watching Arthur with curious eyes from behind Brandon. The girl's thin face, perky nose, and a few freckles on either side of her nose made her look playful and cute.

When Arthur noticed the girl, she immediately hid her face behind Brandon.

"Kid, I have a gift for you," Keynes said, handing Arthur a delicately crafted box of starwood.

Starwood was an extremely rare and expensive wood, named for the star-like spots on its surface when cut, found only in the Dream Forest within elven territories. Starwood was not only durable, lasting thousands of years without decay, but also prevented the magical elements of magic items placed inside from leaking.

The box alone indicated the value of the gift inside!

Arthur was somewhat surprised, his hands trembling slightly as he received the box. This was the first time he had ever received a gift.

Encouraged by Keynes' gaze, Arthur gently opened the box lid.

The girl behind Brandon also peeked out, curious about what gift was inside, but her face soon showed disappointment.

Inside the box was a hexagram-shaped white pendant. The material of the pendant was unclear, seemingly jade, but if it was jade, it was of the lowest quality, neither glossy nor smooth, and slightly yellowish in the white. It was certain that this was not a magical item, as there was no flow of magical elements.

But Arthur did not show any disappointment. The fact that Captain Keynes gave him a gift was more valuable than the gift itself.

"Wear it. Although it's not very valuable, I've always worn it as a talisman. Now I'm giving it to you, hoping it can protect your mercenary career just the same!"

Arthur carefully wore the pendant close to his chest, still clutching the empty box in his hand.

Seeing this, Keynes smiled, "Arthur, we don't need the box, let's give it to that little girl."

Although Arthur was somewhat reluctant, he was not a stingy person. Since Keynes had said so, he generously handed the box to the girl.

The girl behind Brandon pouted and did not reach out to take it, clearly showing disdain.

The girl did not understand, but Brandon knew the value of the starwood box, smilingly taking it from Arthur's hand, "I thank Captain Keynes on her behalf. This gift is simply too precious!"

"It's just a small thing, and I also want to thank President Brandon. In the future, if there are high-paying commission tasks, please think of us 'Blue Temptress' first."

"Definitely, definitely. The guild also relies on the support of Captain Keynes and the 'Blue Temptress'."

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Brandon personally saw Keynes out of the guild.

Once outside the Mercenary Guild, Arthur immediately became restless.

This change in demeanor did not escape Keynes' notice, "I heard Tony and the others have arranged a celebration ceremony for you at the Nightingale Bar?"

Arthur smiled sheepishly, "Yes, Captain."

"Then you don't need to accompany me back to the mercenary group. Go ahead!"

"Thank you, Captain!" Arthur saluted Keynes and ran off.

Keynes couldn't help but shake his head with a smile, "Even as a mercenary, he's still a kid!"

"Right, tell Tony and the others not to stay out too late. We have a mission early tomorrow!" Keynes suddenly remembered to remind Arthur, shouting towards his retreating figure.

But Arthur was already gone, leaving Keynes shaking his head and smiling bitterly behind...