Chapter Thirty: Official

The city of Zexestra’s Adventurer building was the central hub for the country’s adventurers, and as such it was a massive complex. In point of fact, it was the second largest building on the city’s fourth terrace. The first largest being the mercantile guild hall.

The highest reaches of the building stood easily six stories tall and the entire perimeter spanned several acres. Although that was just the constructed portions. There were two large trees on either end that climbed high into the sky with stairways and outposts grown into them.

There were even wide branches that served as battle arenas, with vine nets woven beneath them to prevent injuries from falling.

Despite multiple expansions, the core foundation was marked as one of the oldest structures in the city. While most of this could be observed, I didn’t get all of this information just by looking. After leaving the recruit testing field and entering the main building I was pleasantly surprised to find that I had been assigned a personal tour guide.

The one designated to be my guide was a buxom rabbit girl named Fylia. She could have been pulled straight from an anime with dark brown hair with blonde highlights.

It got my otaku-soul stirring, and I tried to ignore the heat warming my body. Since being granted my second life I had been so preoccupied that I had barely given a spare thought to physical intimacy.

Not that you ever thought about it much before you came to demon land. My inner voice had a point. Even before I died I had spent almost my entire adult life alone. I had a lot of bad luck with women that had me borderline paranoid to get too close to them.

Part of wishing for a new life did include the hope that I would have better experiences a second time around, but being given sinister powers and told to take over the world had diminished that hope greatly.

Not to say I didn’t at least notice the women around me. There had been a few cute Threlnistari in Shangrior, but there was a three-fold disinterest there.

First, I had just arrived and my thoughts were definitely not on finding a potential mate. Second, I was crowned king. That made me feel icky in all sorts of ways. It would feel too much like taking advantage of my power. Next, I couldn’t get over the fact that just until recently they were howling skeletal beasts.

The next closest thing I had to an attraction was Faerwyn, but even after getting more comfortable with the fact that she was a succubus, it still seemed weird to me now that we had fought and traveled together. Velixen was pretty, but she was into girls.

So this made the perky, bouncy, bunny girl the first attractive woman I had seen without any external conditions pushing me to quell my thoughts. Fortunately, there was plenty to distract me with as she instructed me about the key locations of the guild.

“To your right is the request hall. That’s where we put up all the quests that come in. They are ranked by both difficulty and reward value. They are broken up into tiers just like everything else is,” Fylia explained.

“I’m sorry, not to interrupt, but why are you telling me this? Don’t I have one more test first?” My question seemed to catch her off guard as her entire posture straightened, including her rabbit ears, as she turned to answer my question.

“Technically, yes. In a lot of ways, it’s just a formality though. If you pass the first test, it’s unlikely you will fail the second.”

“How many people pass the first test?” I chuckled thinking about all of the people Graulem had sent flying.

“More than you would guess. More than one would expect. Just because you lose to his hammer, doesn’t mean you fail. It’s often how you fail against him that matters the most.”

I nodded, this made a lot of sense. They wouldn’t set up no-win scenarios for recruits if they wanted people to join. Even in our sparring match, I could tell that Graulem was holding back as much as I had been, if not more, considering his level was higher.

We approached an intersection and down both sides, I could see rows of doors, each marked.

“These halls are our adventurer's dorms. It’s often cheaper to stay here than hotels or other places in the city. With nicer accommodations and security as opposed to some of those on the lower terraces. Just before us are the administrator's offices. That’s where you will be interviewed for your final examination!” Fylia said as she proceeded to lead me forward.

Here we go, Leo. One last test and you will fulfill the “first step” of every great isekai adventure. Are you ready? I took a calming breath as Fylia led me to a door and knocked three times.

“Lieutenant Drentana! The first candidate has arrived!” My guide announced.

“Very well, Thank you Fylia,” called a voice from the other side of the door. Fylia turned to face me as she motioned to the door. I thanked her and opened the door stepping into the room.

I had been expecting something more utilitarian, and minimalistic, or perhaps some sort of classroom-type chamber. Instead, the area I entered was a room of both luxury and chaos.

The office itself was spacious, easily forty feet both wide and across. The ceiling was easily thirty feet above us which was good as the stone walls were lined with shelves filled with ledgers and books that ran from floor to ceiling, except for the wall opposite the door which was made entirely of a stained glass window, and one section that was clearly some sort of fireplace.

Interestingly enough it contained no fire. Dwelling within the recess was a large red stone that released a comfortable amount of heat. Enough to stay dry and warm, but not enough to be overbearing.

Filling the office were a few smaller desks across the sides that had documents strewn across them. Along the far side was one large desk, with stacks of neatly arranged papers and a few books. Sitting in a throne-like chair, at said desk, facing me was a large demon that looked vaguely similar to a werewolf from some cheap horror movie.

The demon was fully armored and somehow looked natural sitting at the desk. Before the desk was a large chair for retrieving guests, and to one side was a giant sofa. In the center of the room were two more couches facing each other with a small coffee table in between.

I studied the demon and had to subdue a flinch in fear as I saw her attributes.

Drentana Beshvazi Level: 63 Race: Eldenbarguest Class: Feral Enforcer Affinity: Neutral

Despite my attempt at containing my flash of fear, I could tell she sensed it as she released a growling chuckle.

“Very good. Not many who enter automatically assess my strength. There is more to power than levels, as I am sure you are already aware. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have made it here already.”

“Graulem is an…. intimidating opponent.” I concurred, and that only caused the demon to snort.

“I was not speaking about Graulem. You reek of death, recently too. I would say a week or so ago you bathed in it.”

Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

Drentana’s declaration chilled me. If her nose was powerful enough to pick up my battle with Derzeri, I may be in trouble.

“I am no stranger to struggles.” I shrugged as I stepped forward into the room, and closed the door behind me. I made sure my eyes didn’t leave hers as I tried to maintain my composure.

“No, you aren’t. Please, take a seat.” Dentana had said this casually enough but there was an intent in her words that gave me pause. I could tell this test had begun from the second I opened the door.

Fylia had told me this was only a formality, but was that true? The obvious place to sit would be the chair immediately across from her, but the way her canine gaze focused on me made me reluctant. Fylia had also told me that it wasn’t that you failed, but how you failed that was important.

I decided to make up my mind and boldly strode forward. As I neared the chair, Drentana grinned a sharp, feral grin. I quickly turned and made my way to the large sofa before sprawling across it casually.

“Thanks, I was in the mood to relax after that sparring match.” I drawled, stretching a bit. The demon stared at me for a few minutes before she finally released a barking laugh.

“Oh, I can see why you managed to be the first one here. Someone like you would be a good match for the handicap Graulem gives himself during recruit testing.” the eldenbarguest chuckled.

So that guy WAS holding back!

“Oh, he was still a challenge.” I acknowledged. Drentana released another barking laugh before turning her chair to face me, leaning forward. I had expected some sort of acrid wet dog smell to permeate her proximity, but instead, I could smell the sweet scents of jungle citrus, and maybe some sort of flower. It had to be a perfume or shampoo she used. It smelled soothing though.

“No doubt, so tell me, why did you sit there of all places?”

“It looked like the comfiest seat still available in the room. While I respect your authority and your level, I am not an adventurer, so sitting in front of you would be indicating that I view myself as subservient. And if I sat at one of the couches offering you to sit in the other that would imply we are equals.”

“In this manner, you indicate you are better than me?” She inquired. I shook my head and extended a hand to her slowly and wobbled it back and forth.

“Maybe, but not really. I could be someday, but not now. Until I am an adventurer though I claim the right to sit here.”

“And if I were to tell you that you were now registered, would you move?”

“Hmmmm. Nope. This is comfy and I like it here.”

“Very interesting.” She replied with a throaty giggle. “You act entitled, but that’s not the case. You smell of fear and bravado. But that’s just fine. Tell me, what do you think the first prerequisite is for an adventurer?”

That made me pause to think. What did I think the first requirement was? I didn’t think the answer was something lofty like honor or courage. If that was the case then I doubted most of the people who had their registration would lose it.

What do all the adventurers I met have in common? It didn’t take too long before I had my answer.

“Ambition. The desire to better one’s station in life.”

“You said that confidently enough, What is your reasoning?” As Drentana asked the question she rose from her chair and made her way over to the fireplace. She placed a hand on a brick and pushed until I heard a click and a stone palen swung open revealing a large bottle.

She walked back to the table with it and poured two drinks, offering me one. I took it grateful and took a sip. It burned my throat for several seconds but soon the taste grew on me and I sighed.

“Because it doesn’t matter what an adventurer does. Any assignment could be the last. When you’re getting paid to do anything and everything, the only thing you have is your ambition. You can have honor or loyalty. In the end, though it all boils down to what it is you want, and what you are willing to do for it. Everyone here has an ambition they are striving for.”

“And what is it you are striving for Leo?” The question was nonchalant and friendly, but her eyes narrowed at me intently.

“Freedom,” I answered her. Before either of us could speak more a loud series of knocks came at the door. Two knocks, a pause, and then three more pounds on the thick wood.

“Come in!” Drentana shouted, sharply. Not even a second passed and a large ram-like demon barged into the office and took a knee.

“Lieutenant! Sorry to interrupt. There has been a happening in the town. The guard is out of their depth and they have hired us to assist. With the highest priority!”

“What’s happened, Rlofgreyn?” Drentana barked, completely ignoring my presence.

“Thefts. Almost every home and business from the first terrace to the fourth. With more emphasis on those that belonged to the nobility or the wealthier individuals,” the demon, Rlofgreyn, said.

“What in all the hells has happened?”

“We are unsure, but a robbery this massive is unprecedented.”

“Of course it is! Go, send out the word. Anyone who takes on the assignment will get a bonus upon completion as long as our guild solves it!” The lieutenant commanded, and the ram saluted before rushing out of the room. She turned to me next and I had to try very hard to keep my expression and emotions under control as I tried to feign ignorance and confusion.

“Congratulations, recruit. You have been approved for registration. You have the right attitude to be an adventurer. All that’s left is getting your guild badge formed. If you leave my office and turn left head down the hall and enter the third door on the right.”

I took her words as dismissal and instantly rose from the very comfortable sofa that had me wanting to take a nap.

***

The next room I entered was clearly some sort of wizard's laboratory. It had vials, grimoires, and boiling cauldrons. I looked around as the pungent odors nearly floored me hoping to find anyone who could speed me on my way.

The gangs have done their job! Now they just have to make it through the night and we should be ready for the next step in the plan.

Soon a small robed imp strolled out from behind a desk and glared at me. I opened my mouth to speak, but he shook his head and raised a finger to his lips. I let my words die in my throat and followed when he motioned to me to do so and led me to the back of the room.

He pointed at a rickety wooden chair, and I took a seat on it. Unlike the sofa, this chair was completely uncomfortable and almost made me want to just lie down on the floor. The imp stood in front of me and held up two fingers, drawing my gaze to them. He pointed at his eyes and then raised the fingers up.

He wants me to look up! So I did, and a sharp pain erupted in my leg. I managed not to yell, but I looked down and saw that he had stabbed me with a blade, and hot blood was now flowing down my leg.

I was surprised he managed to puncture my raiment so easily, but when I tried to investigate him all I got were rows of question marks.

Oh, so this guy is scary. Got it.

The imp carried the blood over to a vial filled with a golden liquid and dipped it in, polluting the vial with my blood. The imp sniffed at the vial for a moment and then to my surprise drank half of its contents.

The small demon’s eyes glowed bright gold for a moment as he peered at me. His eyes felt like they could pierce my soul, and I suddenly understood why I had to raise my camouflage so high. This was the one who would be able to tell my class when he made my registration badge.

The light dimmed from his eyes and the wizard nodded. He spat into the vial and then swirled it around until the juices began to shine with a pale white light.

The mysterious demon scuttled over to a wall where there hung a wall filled with what looked like bronze dog tags. Removing one of the tags from the wall the imp scurried back to where I was sitting and placed the tag on my bare forearm.

I raised an eyebrow at him, wondering what the demon was up to when he poured the remainder of the vial on my arm. A burning sensation caused me to grimace, but I somehow managed to remain silent.

A few seconds later the burning was done and ink revealed itself on my arm before fading. The tag was now a dark black with golden lettering. I was astonished by what it read.

Leodon Walvin Adventurer Rank: D Combat Type: Vangurd Class Type: Support Specialist Attribute Type: All-Purpose

I didn’t know what to say. I was finally an adventurer. It was official. My heart warmed inside of my chest. I also noted that my badge was unique. Most badges were a solid metallic color and also included the name of the class. As well as dominant attributes. My friends had warned me that this could potentially happen.

If the wizard making the badge couldn’t accurately verify the class or attributes he instead gauged the power of the person and the specialty of the true class. Many people had ways of obscuring their true identities. While there was no rule prohibiting this, as no skill or perk was completely unique after all, it could cause a unique badge to form.

It was a credit to the imps skill that my identity alteration didn’t completely work on him, but it also meant I would stand out as my badge wasn’t typical. It couldn’t be helped, so I bowed to the imp before making my way out of the strange room.

The imp followed me out, closing the door behind me and I just shook my head in amusement as Fylia came bounding toward me.

“Good! I knew you would pass! Please, all hands on deck for this one!!” She shouted. as she grabbed my hand and began pulling me down the hall.

“What?”

“No time to explain!” She cried, and soon I was in a room filled with random demons with Drentana standing at the head.

“Listen up everyone! Last night…” She declared but I was already tuning her out. I couldn’t tell if this was a good development or a bad one. I had wanted to raise the state of alarm with the thefts, but I hadn’t expected the adventurers to get dragged in so soon.

So my first official quest is solving my own crime. This should be fun.