4 Farewell?
"So, miss Noel, what do you say?" The Guild Master talked to me about the incident in the test room. We talked about my magical aptitude on how I have one of the best aptitudes for learning magic! I was told that in a few years If I studied and worked hard enough I can stand toe to toe with an Arch-mage. Of course, I'll most likely lose, because those old bones have a lot more knowledge and experience than I do.
"So you're saying... That, I have what it takes to be an Arch-mage and you're giving me the rank of Silver?"
"Yes, you're correct! The branch here has a Library that isn't open to the public, only a select few can enter it. And since you're one of the people whom I've seen with great talent. I permit you to enter the Library, so you can learn the spells of the books stored in there."
"Wait, there's a library? Why didn't I see it?"
"Hahaha! Yes, there's a library, the reason why you didn't see it, is that it's located underground. A way to hide precious books from people with malicious intent."
"I see... But can't just people teach others to learn spells?"
"They can, but the spell books we have aren't your typical standard ones. The spells written on those books are more efficient and take less magical power, though not by a huge margin."
"Hmm... So that means the spell books that you people have in store are better than the ones being commonly sold?" The Guild Master nods.
"Yes, you are indeed correct. Anyway, I'll be giving you your silver rank, and equipment suitable for a mage. You just have to sign this contract, which states that you are now hereby a member of the Adventurers Guild and is given the title of Magic Apprentice and the rank of Silver."
"Uhh, how do I sign it?" I asked, with a shy expression.
"You just have to hold it and place a finger on the red marking. Then the contract will automatically be valid."
I took the contract and placed my index finger on the red marking at the bottom. The contract suddenly glowed and became transparent then disappeared entirely.
"Huh? Where did it go?"
"The contract is now inside of the Guild Vault. Don't you worry, it's safe there. Also, you are now a member of the Adventurers Guild, congratulations!"
"Ahhh how convenient, and thank you!"
"I'll now leave you in this room for I still have matters to attend to, the lady who was with you earlier will arrive shortly and will hand you your mage equipment and your rank badge. I wish you good luck, miss Noel."
The Guild Master closed the door as he left the room. Libera sat on the couch I am sitting and went closer to me.
"Noel! You're now a member of the Adventurers Guild! And to think that you have a higher rank than me... Fuuuu! It's not fair! But I guess it's because of what happened earlier in the examination room that you got silver rank! And also mage equipment too! You'll soon be a mage, Noel!" Libera praised me on how I got Silver rank so fast, and that I'll be becoming a mage soon enough. Sigh... I didn't want to become one though! I wanted to be a sword-wielding Hero! But I guess being a mage isn't so bad.
The door suddenly opens as a lady carrying a purple robe and a spellbook came in. It's that lady who examined my magical aptitude.
"Hello there, miss Noel. I assume you already received information from the Guild Master?" I nod at her.
"Yes, Guild Master Tuciel told me that someone would arrive and give me my Mage equipment and rank."
"Good. Here is the apprentice mage robes that the guild will provide for you, and a basic spellbook. The Guild doesn't do this type of treatment to new members, but it seems like the Guild Master found something in you." Yeah. Of course, he does! He did say I'm one of the people he has seen that has high compatibility with magic!
"Ah, thank you. By the way, I haven't got to learn your name yet."
"Oh! How can I forget? My name is Mirilia, at your service. And before I leave, here is your Silver badge, your name is already engraved on it. Also, please don't lose it, it serves as your identity when inside one of the branches of the Adventurers Guild. If you have any questions later, you can always approach me at the Guildhall."
"Oh, alright. I'll keep that in mind. Also, thank you for delivering this stuff." I smiled at her genuinely for I feel like that she's a kind person. Mirilia leaves the room as the heads back to the Guildhall.
--Mirilia POV--
T-that smile of hers! It's too beautiful and innocent! Huh? Why is my heart beating so fast? No... No! I-I don't swing that way! Definitely not! ... Unless it's her, maybe...
Huff! Huff!
No! No! Snap out of it Mirilia! Let's just forget about it and head back to work!
--POV End--
Inside the room where the Guild Master spoke to me. I examined the new things given to me by Mirilia. I picked up the first Item that I was given. It is a long purple robe trimmed with black and gold. As I touched the robe for a while, the trims of the robe shined and glowed with a blue hue. The moment the robe glowed, my mental state felt like it's a lot sharper and clearer. So it's actually an enchanted robe! Lucky me! I placed the purple robe to the side as I picked up a purple-colored book. The book cover looks plain with only text written on it. The book is called Arcane Bolt for Dummies, quite a name if I do say so myself.
The book teaches you the basics of casting an Arcane Bolt. An Arcane Bolt is basically a form of pure mana molded into crystal form. I'll study this later. For now, let's check the missions board.
Libera and I went back to the guildhall that looks like a giant bar. To the side of the receptionists is a giant board filled with requests which look to be mission contracts. I glance at the requests and found a mission suitable for me.
[]Slay 10 Wild Boars, then bring back the carcass.[]
The mission looks simple enough, I think... Oh boy, I hope I won't regret this.
I took the contract and went outside of the Guild, heading to the central plaza. There, we met uncle Hubert who has been waiting for us the entire time. He doesn't look bothered though, as he's munching a bunch of sweet rolls...
"Ah, you guys are finally back. It seems like you're better than I thought, already at Silver rank without even starting your first mission eh?"
"You won't believe what happened Old Man! Noel and I went inside the aptitude testing room, then Noel placed her hands on the stone, then magic starts popping out of nowhere! It went from Swoosh! to Boom! and then..."
"Alright alright, I've heard enough! So, Noel, you have the means to become a mage? That's good! Hahaha! Here, something you can use." uncle Hubert picks something up from his pocket. He hands me a ring that's radiating magical energy within. Is... Is this what I think it is!?
"This is a storage ring, it's the only one I have but I never used it. It's a lot more useful to you since you're going to start your career from here on. Also here's a token, if you ever found yourself inside the capital and you need help. Just present this to One of the guards and they'll know what to do." uncle Hubert hands me a metallic badge that's shaped like a kite. The badge is engraved with an image of a Rose with thorns.
"Well, we'll be going to the capital now. If you ever find yourself in trouble, you know what to do. I wish you luck, Libera, let's go." Libera leaves my side and joins uncle Hubert. Libera turns around as she looks at me with tears. She runs back to me and gives me a tight hug.
"Sniff... Hic!... We'll meet again, right? You'll soon come to the capital, right? Please, promise me!" I look at Libera and those sad eyes of hers, I couldn't help but feel in pain inside my heart as I saw her gaze. Sigh... Why are sad cute girls just irresistible? (AN: Sniff! Where the heck are my tissues..)
"Of course we'll meet again! I promise."
"G-Good! I-I'll be going now..." Libera ran to uncle Hubert, but she suddenly stops and looks at me one more time. She waves her hand at me then turned around to join uncle Hubert. I gazed at their departing backs for a long time until I can no longer see their silhouettes.
Inhales... Exhales...
"Hoo... Let's start!"
