Chapter 13 : The Path to Progress

Chapter 13: The Path to Progress

Alan trudged back towards the city of Tallian, the boar's head securely wrapped and slung over his shoulder. His thoughts were on the events of the past day—the hunt, the kill, and the power he felt growing within him. As he neared the city gates, he showed his ID to the guards, who recognized him and let him pass without delay.

Once inside the bustling city, Alan made his way to a vendor to sell the deer meat he had hunted earlier. The vendor, a portly man with a cheerful disposition, inspected the meat and nodded approvingly.

"This is good quality," the vendor said. "I'll give you a fair price for it."

Alan accepted the offer, exchanging the meat for a pouch of coins. He then stopped by another stall and bought some sour candy. He had never been a fan of alcohol, having tried it once and disliked the taste, but he had a weakness for the sharp tang of sour sweets.

"Ahh that's good stuff"

With his purchases made, Alan continued towards the Adventurers' Guild. The entrance was as busy as ever, with adventurers of all shapes and sizes milling about, discussing missions and exchanging stories. Alan walked through the throng, heading straight for the reception desk where Sebastien, the old and sharp-featured guild receptionist, was stationed.

Alan placed the wrapped boar's head on the counter along with the signed mission form from the chief of Harrak village. Sebastien raised an eyebrow at the sight but quickly unwrapped the head and examined it.

"Well, well," Sebastien said, a hint of admiration in his voice. "That's quite a catch. And here's the form, signed by the village chief." He inspected the document carefully before nodding. "Everything seems in order. Good job, Alan."

"Thanks," Alan replied. "What's the reward for this mission?"

Sebastien reached under the counter and produced a small sack of coins. "Here you go. One hundred silver coins, as promised." He handed the sack to Alan, who accepted it with a nod of thanks.

As Alan tucked the coins away, Sebastien leaned forward slightly. "You know, Alan, if you keep completing missions like this, you'll rise through the adventurer ranks in no time."

"Adventurer ranks?" Alan asked, his interest piqued. "How do those work?"

Sebastien smiled, clearly pleased to explain. "The Adventurers' Guild operates on a tier system to categorize and reward its members. There are five levels. Here's how they break down:

Level 1: Novice – These adventurers are just starting out. They take on simple tasks, usually within the city or immediate surroundings. Missions involve things like delivering messages or dealing with minor nuisances.

Level 2: Apprentice – With a bit more experience under their belts, apprentices take on slightly more challenging missions. These might involve escorting caravans or hunting small monsters like the one you just handled.

Level 3: Journeyman – At this level, adventurers are considered capable and reliable. Missions include dealing with larger threats, exploring dangerous areas, and protecting important individuals.

Level 4: Expert – These adventurers are highly skilled and trusted with critical missions. They often lead teams into hazardous territories, confront significant threats, and undertake quests that require advanced combat and strategic abilities.

Level 5: Master – The elite. Masters are the best of the best, often legends in their own right. They take on the most dangerous and high-profile missions, often involving world-changing events or the most formidable of foes.

"To move up a rank," Sebastien continued, "you need to complete a set number of missions and prove your skills. Each level requires more missions and more challenging tasks than the last."

Alan considered this information carefully. "How many missions do I need to complete to move up from Novice?"

"For your current level, you need to successfully complete ten missions of various types," Sebastien explained. "You've already got one under your belt with this boar. Nine more to go."

Alan nodded, feeling a surge of determination. "Thanks, Sebastien. I'll keep that in mind."

Sebastien nodded approvingly. "I've seen many adventurers come through these doors, Alan. You've got the potential to go far. Just remember to stay careful and smart out there."

"I will," Alan promised. "I'll be back soon for my next mission."

With that, Alan turned and left the guild, the weight of the coins in his pocket a satisfying reminder of his success. He made his way back to the market, reflecting on Sebastien's words. The path to becoming a Master Adventurer was clear, but it would require skill, perseverance, and a lot more hunting.

The market was bustling as usual, with vendors shouting their wares and customers haggling for the best prices. Alan weaved through the crowd, thinking about his next steps. The sour candy he'd bought earlier was a pleasant distraction as he popped a piece into his mouth, the sharp flavor invigorating him.

"Tastes really good...mmhhmm" Alan noted to buy and try more candy from that perticular store.

Alan's mind wandered to the various types of missions he might encounter. Escorting caravans could provide good practice for his combat skills, while hunting different monsters would give him more opportunities to absorb life essence and grow stronger. Exploring dangerous areas appealed to his adventurous spirit, promising both risk and reward.

He found himself at a stall selling armor and weapons. Although he was already well-equipped, he knew that better gear could make a significant difference in his future missions. After browsing for a while, he decided to invest in a sturdier pair of boots and a set of reinforced gloves. The vendor, a burly man with a thick beard, assured him that the items were top quality.

As Alan made his way back towards the inn, he felt a sense of purpose settling over him. The path ahead was long and fraught with danger, but it was also filled with potential. Each mission would bring him closer to his goal, each encounter a test of his growing abilities.

Back at the inn, Alan climbed the stairs to his room, feeling the weight of the day's events. He set his new gear aside and lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling. The journey was just beginning, and there was so much more to come.

His thoughts drifted to the villagers of Harrak and the gratitude in their eyes as they thanked him. It wasn't just about the rewards or the ranks; it was about making a difference, protecting those who couldn't protect themselves, and facing challenges head-on.

"I should buy a storage ring or bag."

"But it's really expensive, the pay for the mission is good too." Alan thought to himself.

With a deep breath, Alan closed his eyes, letting the exhaustion of the day wash over him. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, new missions, and new opportunities to prove himself. He was ready for whatever lay ahead, determined to rise through the ranks and become the best adventurer he could be.

As he drifted off to sleep, the sounds of the bustling city outside his window were a comforting reminder that he was no longer alone. He had found a purpose, a path to follow, and nothing would stand in his way.

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