NAMES

In this time Ivan learned quite a few things. One of them being the adventurer's trade secret of hiding stats and skills. Apparently, this hidden function was already a part of the status plate, pretty convenient for people looking to prevent the wrong people from accessing their information.

Other than that there was the matter of his name. While he wasn't arrogant enough to think that his name had spread across the nation for the world to hear, there was always the chance someone would remember it. It wasn't a secret that one of the heroes had died after all. So that left him in an awkward position, how could he change the name displayed on his status plate?

Unfortunately, there were no admins he could contact in this world. But he did start thinking about something else, would Yue's old name show up on the status plate once she connected to one? Most likely it would. Though, he felt no harm in trying. He went around the adventurer's guild again, looking for someone who might've known how to hide or change the display name. After some time he realized no one would be willing to come forth, at least not under Catherine's (the guild receptionist) watchful eyes.

He had no doubt his actions were very suspicious to her but right now he needed to find out the secret quickly, according to her the next caravan to Fuhren would happen in the next two days. And only adventurers willing to defend would be allowed to tag along. Though having to hitch a ride just to get somewhere was a pain, these past few days he already made his schematics for a better way of transportation.

In a rush, he took his business to the streets of Brooke. There was always the chance of finding some info broker that'd be willing to divulge the info for a large sum of currency. And after three hours of searching, he found just the right man. Staring at the cloaked figure, Ivan shook his head as he was no better with his outfit.

"Twenty thousand Luta," the broker said. Ivan sighed as he took out some bags from his backpack, making it seem as though it was very painful for him to take out that amount of cash. He knew what he was getting into though. What he asked for was a secret that would typically be used for people on the run. As such, who was he to complain about prices?

The broker nodded in satisfaction as he inspected the contents of the sacks. That's when Ivan finally got the info he was searching for. Apparently, the matter of status plate names changing was already one looked into. It was a topic that brought a lot of discussions a long time ago after a slave owner noticed the name of his slave change on a status plate. Whether it was related or not, the owner was very kind to his slave, even giving her a new name upon taking her in.

At first, the name on the status plate remained her old one, but it was after she and the slave owner spent more time together that the name changed. Scholars and other researchers guessed it had something to do with the slave girl accepting the name as her own within her heart. As there were many attempts to replicate this effect using other slaves but they never did get successful results, maybe because the slaves never opened up their hearts as they knew their owners were only being kind for an experiment.

Anyways, it was a very interesting topic for Ivan as well. It made him wonder if all it took to change his name on the status plate was to do away with his old one. A point the broker brought up as very difficult. Something only very few criminals or warriors were able to do, as to throw away one's given name was to throw away their former self.

Ivan wondered if Yue was able to do it– no, he was sure she did it. After all, it was the day he saved her that she clung to the name he gave her. Hell, it was likely she threw away her old name in the time she spent locked up. Ivan thanked the broker for his info, leaving behind a tip for his services.

He mulled over his thoughts as he headed back towards the inn where Yue was waiting, he had two days to erase his old name. Though it's not like he held much sentimental value to his current name, it might be a bit disrespectful to throw it away as it was given to him by his mother but he was sure she'd even approve if she knew the situation. To him right now the most important thing was surviving.

"I'm home!"

"...Welcome back." Yue didn't resist as Ivan ruffled her hair. "Get any results today?"

"Yup, though it seems the way of changing my name is a lot more complicated than I thought it would be. Here I was hoping for some underground business that specializes in that stuff or something." Ivan explained to her everything he had gotten from the broker as she nodded in turn.

"Well, no matter the name… you are the one I love." It was a bit embarrassing for Ivan to listen to such an upfront declaration but it made him happy nonetheless. With that, he was resolute in his change.

He sat on the bed, legs crossed as Yue took her position in his lap. She wasn't worried in the slightest it'd distract him as she was confident in his will. For hours he remained in that position, the only sounds permeating the room were of his and Yue's breath. Even as the sun fell and the moon rose the two of them remained in that position.

Yue had no idea what was going on in his mind but she guessed he was probably apologizing inwardly to his family for throwing his name. It wouldn't surprise her if this process also meant disconnecting himself from his former acts.

That was when noon arrived the next day. Yue trembled as she felt his chest move differently from the usual breathing. His eyelashes trembled as he looked around sleepily. She shook his body to make him aware of the surroundings, gazing at him worriedly.

He responded with a smile as he took out his status plate, while also activating the hide function.

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Paracelsus Von Hohenheim Age: 17

Male Level: ???

Job: ???

Strength: ???

Vitality: ???

Defense: ???

Agility: ???

Magic: ???

Magic Defense: ???

Skills: ???

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This would be the new name he showed to the outside world. Along with the hidden function, the only things people would be able to discern were his age and mana color. Of course the latter kind of being pointless as his arms carried a different color.

He flashed a smile as he showed Yue, who responded with equal excitement. All that was left to do was register as an adventurer and they could join the mission to Fuhren. Though there was still the matter of Yue not having a status plate as he knew there wouldn't be enough time for her to hide her stats and skills should have one registered. The words 'ancient magic' and the like would surely cause an uproar if they were to be seen.

Both Ivan and Yue headed toward the guild, to meet Catherine who would register Ivan as an adventurer. He had already asked before and Yue was allowed to come along should he accept the mission, even though she wasn't an adventurer.

"Oya~? Well if it ain't the two talks of the town. Welcome back to the adventurers guild. Are you guys here to empty our pockets again with those rare pelts of yours? I'm sorry but you're gonna have to wait till tomorrow when we have more Luta to give." Catherine immediately started chatting up the two the moment they stepped in.

"Hehehe, no problem Catherine. In fact, we're here for something different. I'd like to take you up on that adventurer registry opportunity you offered me when we first got here. I managed to sort out my troubles and am ready to go!" Ivan spoke loudly in an attempt to match her enthusiasm.

"Sure, just leave the Luta on the desk and I'll bring the papers." Catherine entered some back door behind the receptionist's desk as she left those words. Then in what felt like seconds, she returned with three papers in hand, all stapled together nicely.

Ivan marveled at the modern-day invention as he signed each and every paper, he stared at the option for a personal seal before just writing his name. He thought it'd be pretty cool to make a personal seal when he got his operation up and running.

"Now let me see your status plate and we can finish the process." She took the status plate from his hand and she stared at it a moment. Suspicion was visible on her face as she returned it to him. As a professional of the business, she knew better than to pry into someone's secrets. And though his actions were a little suspicious she rather enjoyed her talks with Yue. So as a matter of personal bias she'd just put her faith in the boy and girl that they were good.

"So this is it huh, your last day in Brooke. It's going to be pretty boring not having anyone to talk to. Yue, come here for a moment, take this." Catherine beckoned Yue closer to the desk as she handed her both the mission details for the caravan guard to Fuhren and an envelope marked with a special seal.

"If you two ever get in trouble with the other branches of the Adventurer's Guild then just give them this. I'm sure it could help you two out quite a bit in your travels. Make sure to stay safe and don't forget to visit me every once and a while~!"

Yue graciously accepted the documents and letter with a bow, making her farewells with Catherine as well. Ivan did the same, shaking hands with her so he could thank her for all the help she's given them since arriving.

With that the two exited the guild as Catherine watched their backs disappear, she smiled warmly as she turned to her work. For her, there was always a satisfaction in meeting new and interesting people. And although she didn't know this masked couple for very long she sure had a blast learning more about them.

"Hmph! It's time to get to work!" She yelled aloud, motivating herself for the rest of the day. She had no idea what future guests would walk through those doors, but as far as she was concerned it was her duty to lead them down the right path.

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This one was pretty fun to right. I'm not sure exactly which aspects were fun all I know it that I enjoyed it. In any case I finished a little early today than usual. Tomorrow will detail Fuhren to Ur, as the location of Ur is pretty important in my opinion. Especially for a man like Ivan who likes being near resources.

But hey, thanks you all again for reading, and you better have a great day/night. See you next time!

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