E-Rank

I proudly show the guard my guild card.

"Look, look! I'm rank E! Nyahaha. Not bad for a former recluse!"

The guard blinks and takes a step back. His eyes focus on my card now that it's no longer right in his face. He gives me a bright, but awkward, smile. "Er, yeah. Good job!" He gives me a thumbs up to show his enthusiasm.

I'll just ignore the slight pity in his eyes. I know that E rank isn't anything special, but still! This is just my first step, the first step! Before he knows it, I'll be S-rank!

The guard continues, "Anyways, now that I've seen your identification you are free to explore the city. Oh, and for future reference, the entry fee to enter the city is ten copper. I'll let it slide this time to congratulate you on becoming an E-rank adventurer." He gives me a wink.

I can feel myself letting out a quiet purr. "Ah, thanks. Oh! Do you know of any decent inns around here? After I finish up my registration I was hoping to eat and rest."

From nearly getting killed by a bunnicorn, to killing a racist, to fighting a couple of experienced adventurers. This has been an exhausting day. Not to mention that I spent the majority of the day even getting here!

The guard rubs his chin as he considers a recommendation. "Well, you could try the Hen-dsome Lad if you aren't wanting for coin." He directs a quick glance at my feet. "...For those in need of coin, the Laughing Barrel isn't too shabby. They've been known to let people work for a bed and meal if they're down on their luck. You can tell them I sent you."

He gives me a nod before turning away, but pauses. "Oh yeah. There's also the Lady's Boutique if you want a woman only inn. Can't tell you the price or how nice the inside is since, you know, ladies only." He shrugs.

"Anyways, I hope to see you around!" With a wave, he's gone. Heading back to the gate to finish up his duty for the day.

"What a nice guy, I hope the city doesn't get attacked while he's on duty. That would suck." Having just raised a flag for the guard, I head back inside to finish my registration.

"Hello there Seka. I assume you've sent the guard back?" I'm greeted by the receptionist as I return to the booths.

I nod. "Yep. Even got a couple of inn recommendations for when we're done here. The Laughing Barrel and the Lady's Boutique."

The receptionist taps a finger to her chin as she looks up in thought. "Yes, those two would appeal to someone in your situation. The first as a newbie adventurer, and the other as a woman." She glances down at my feet. "Though without knowing your price range, I would suggest the Laughing Barrel."

My cheeks puff out as I pout. Why does everybody assume that just because I'm barefoot, I'm also broke! I mean, I understand why, and normally I would be, but still!

"As long as I can get a room and eat for sixty copper I'll be fine." I mutter quietly. Though it seems that miss receptionist still heard me.

"Ah, then if that's the case, then the Laughing Barrel is within your price range. A room with a meal costs a half-copper. As such, I would suggest staying the night there."

I perk up. Sure, an inn of women that I can ogle would be better, but it's good to know that I'll be able to afford an inn. Especially without having to work for it.

While I'm lost in my fantasies Receptionist clears her throat. Once my attention is back on her, she continues. "Anyways, please finish filling out this form while I explain the duties of an E-rank."

I nod and take it, along with a pen. Cool, I was expecting them to use quills. Glad I don't have to though, they seem like they would be a pain to use properly.

The form is just basic stuff. Name, age, where I was born, etc. Since I have only a broad view of the kingdom, I just BS most of it in a way that it doesn't conflict with what I've already said. Instead, I focus on Receptionist's explanation.

"As an E-rank adventurer, you are determined to be able to fight with at least a modicum of skill. As such, you are permitted to take combat based missions, as opposed to F-ranks who generally do herb gathering and town based missions."

I interrupt as she takes a breath. "What exactly do you mean by "town based" missions?"

She takes my interruption in stride. "Well, town based missions are generally missions that take place in town with practically no danger present. This can range from helping out with construction, making deliveries, or cleaning. So long as there is no implication that they will see combat, F-ranks generally do any kind of job people can think of."

I consider that for a moment. "...So to F-ranks, the adventurer's guild is basically a job employment agency?"

Receptionist coughs and her cheeks turn pink. "...While that is technically correct, there is definitely more to it than that." She clears her throat. "Moving on." Seems like it's a bit of a sore spot for the guild.

"At E-rank, missions such as hunting monsters, guarding merchants, and bandit subjugation are available. Though each mission is carefully separated by rank based on how difficult the guild believes it will be. And, of course, the guild highly recommends that people group together in order to try and prevent any deaths among yourselves."

She tilts her head to the side and taps her cheek. "Anything else... Ah yes. In order to graduate from E-rank, you will need to complete at least twenty missions of your rank. Once this is completed, the guild will hold a combat test to ensure you have the necessary skills to advance.

In addition, the guild will assign you a mission they believe is able to be completed by an individual average adventurer of the aspiring rank. A guild employee will accompany you to ensure that it will be completed to both client, and guild satisfaction. Any questions,"

I've been nodding along as she explains. It makes sense if F-ranks are basically just people looking for jobs in town. I don't really have any questions about what she's said, but there is a question on the form that makes my blood run cold and my heart hammer.

I read it over a few times just to be sure, but it doesn't change. There's no choice. I HAVE to know about it.

I clear my throat. "Yes, actually. This question right here." I point to the alarming question. "What exactly does it mean by, "Are you a transmigrator"?