Chapter 19- Preparing for the future

Three years. In three years, volume two of the novel begins.

Lucious began recounting events from the novel.

It was already too late to do anything about the events of the first volume.

But the second volume takes place three years later.

In the events of the second novel, Lucious recalled that the first invasion would begin.

The Rennin empire had secretly built their strength on another continent and planned to reclaim what was lost.

During this invasion, the Hozia Empire suffered the most from the invasion with five counties being taken.

As for the Nihlat Dynasty, their lands remain intact, but they lose three archmages. There's only five in the Nihlat Dynasty and two of which are Liara's parents.

The Zenak Empire didn't suffer any major losses as they are bordered by the Dynasty and Hozia. But many demons lose their lives on the frontlines.

While devastating, Lucious primary concern is the events of volume three and four.

A year after the human invasion comes the invasion of the Queen of monsters. If the script is the same, then nine of the twelve continents will fall to her armies.

If Lucious was to survive what's to come in three years, he needed to use his new system to the full extent of its capabilities.

Not just make himself stronger, but to make those around him strong enough to survive.

I can't protect everyone... but I can at least prevent them from destroying this continent.

Until the invasions, Lucious wanted to get Liara used to fighting so that she could contend with the stronger monsters.

To achieve that end, Lucious had come to the adventurer's guild with her in tow.

The inside of the guild looked similar to a tavern.

Several tables could be seen with adventurers eating and drinking to the left.

Over to the right, was a large board that covered half the wall and papers containing quests were covering the board.

Towards the back, were four reception desks and a set of stairs.

Lucious and Liara were attracting a lot of attention, but they made their way to the reception desk.

"That elf is a real beauty"

"I wouldn't mind taking her home"

"Do you think they're together?"

"The kitsune doesn't look half bad either"

Liara was blushing at the comments, still unused to being the centre of attention while Lucious ignored them.

Behind the desk, a demon woman stood with a smile. She had pale skin and purple hair and eyes.

If not for the bat-like wings and sharp teeth, and horns, she would look human.

"Welcome to the adventurers guild. My name is Adrianna. How can I be of service today?" Though her tone was friendly, Lucious's intuition told him she could defeat him if he offended her.

She's strong, why is she wasting her talent as a receptionist? He thought to himself as he felt her gaze on him.

"Nice to meet you, we are here to register as adventurers." He said with a respectful voice.

Adrianna nodded her head and reached for some papers.

"Come this way." She said while beckoning them towards a door behind the counter.

Inside the room was a single crystal ball on a raised platform.

Adrianna then instructed Lucious to put his hand on it.

When he did, it glowed purple. Then it changed to red, then again to dark blue.

"Impressive. You have three elements and already formed your elemental aura core. Not bad kid."

Lucious knew this information would be exposed sooner or later, but he was hoping to keep it secret for a little longer.

"I trust you'll keep this information between yourself and your superiors as per the guild discretion policy?"

"Yeah, yeah, you've nothing to worry about, Lucious."

Lucious wasn't surprised she knew him. There weren't many kitsunes in the Hozia Empire, and even fewer that had red fur.

It wasn't too hard to piece it together when she thought about it. Though she was surprised to learn he had three elements which was rare.

It seems my mana core somehow remained undetected. This would give him an edge if news about his strength as a warrior was leaked.

"OK elf, you're up. Just put your hand on it and it will do the rest."

Liara hesitantly put her hand on it. From her perspective, Lucious put his hand on it and Adrianna learned everything about him.

"Hmm. Two elements, and a first stage mana core." She said while writing down their information.

Liara let out a quiet sigh of relief that it didn't expose her and gave her name.

"I'll be back in a moment with your adventurer ID. Please find a seat and wait for me." She led them back out the room and disappeared into another room.

The duo waited less than a minute before she returned with two cards with their name and guild branch

It's interesting how this world is pretty advanced in some areas and stuck in the medieval like setting within others. The only other detail on the card was the letter G on both cards.

"It seems you know the rules, but I have to tell you them for liability reasons."

Adrianna then told them that they had to complete ten different quests to rank up.

This remains the same until they reach D rank. To reach C rank and above, they need to take a combat, written and a practical examination.

If they fail the examinations, then they can retake them as many times as they want but will have to wait one month.

If they form a party of at least four adventurers of equal level, the guild will allow them to complete quests of one rank higher.

But the guild will charge them a fee for failing any quests.

They will also have full access to the library within any adventurers guild as well as any dungeons under the guild's jurisdiction.

In order, the ranks are G > F > E > D > C > B > A > S > SS > SSS. For a total of ten guild ranks.

With every quest completed, their earnings will go straight into an account.

Adventurers can use their account, which functions similar to a bank. They can store or withdraw funds at any guild branch but will need their guild card for verification.

And finally, if they break the law or are accused of such, the guild will not aid them unless they are at least rank C.

"Did you get all that?" Adrianna asked while looking at Liara.

"Yes, I understand." She replied, eager to start her first quest.

With her job done, Adrianna returned to her desk to deal with other adventurers.

"Now that we are official adventurers, lets complete our first quest."