Krystrasium Hotel

Artis woke up the next morning at 6:00 AM and went on to do his daily routine. Yesterday's event was still in his mind. The talk with Merlin was still weighing heavily in his mind as he recalled the details of the talk and what happened after that.

He was still confused about whether all the talk was either a dream or whether he was hallucinating at the park. But, he could still remember some details about his sister and the Obsidian Castle. 

"Hmm? Obsidian Castle? No, I've never heard of any place like that. Why are you asking that?" 

He was jogging along with Ray, whom he met along the way. 

"...Nothing much really. Was just curious about that place..." 

"...I see. Anyways, are you going to do some more missions today or ask Professor for more assignments?" 

Artis thought for a while before answering, "Perhaps I'll focus on doing more missions so that I can earn some money. Well, I would prefer some missions where I can use my abilities to get stronger and more Proficient. But, I can only do so much..." 

"Well, you can always join the Training Centre for that, y'know!" 

Artis turned his head towards Ray, "Training Centre?" 

"Yeah...The place where you challenge other Adventurers and people for a battle. The Ranking battle? I talked to you about that right?" 

Artis remembered what he was talking about, "...Yeah, I remember. The one at the lab...right?" 

"Yeah, that one! So, wanna join so you can practice whatever you want? It's a pretty great place to grow stronger and fight various Adventurers." 

"I'll think about it." said Artis as he fell into a deep thought, "Well, here's my stop. See you around!" 

...

'If I remember it correctly, wasn't the place called BattleGrounds? Dammit, I really don't like that place, But...If I have to grow stronger quickly, I have to have more fights and battles. Yesterday's mission told me everything I wanted to know. 

'Perhaps I should check out that place out either way, Maybe I can record some other skills that way.' 

Making up his mind, Artis returned to his room and took a short nap before waking up and getting ready for his job. 

"Sigh, it's only my second day and I am already getting tired." 

...

East Ferrous Laboratories, Main Hall 

Artis checked out the mission board and was stumped about what mission to choose this time around.

He noticed that easy missions had a meager amount of pay compared to the missions that contained some fights had a higher pay but he couldn't do those missions just yet since he was a rookie Adventurer. 

He checked the F and E rank missions he could do. 

[Find an item- Reward 20 Grands] 

[Collect rare herbs in the forest - Reward 30 Grands, 10 Oranges]

[Deliver a package to a nearby town - Reward 40 Grands, Healing Potion]

[Patrolling in the night- Reward 25 Grands] 

Artis sighed as he scanned the mission board, realizing the pay for beginner missions wasn't much. "I need to find something that can help me grow stronger," he muttered under his breath.

"Out of all these missions, [Patrolling in the night] is more rewarding. Should I take it?" Artis fell into deep thought as he compared the pros and cons of this mission, "Screw it, I'm taking it." 

He took the mission from the board and went to Maya to register it. 

"Patrolling at night, huh?" Maya said, scanning the details. "It's not the most glamorous mission, but it's got its perks. Are you sure you're up for it?"

Artis nodded confidently. "I need the experience. Besides, it's a good way to test my skills and get used to being on alert."

Maya smirked, "Well, sure I will register this mission under your name. Alright, name entered, time entered and details also entered. Perfect!

"It's done, Artis! Now you need to meet the leader of the Patrol team and inform them you will be Patrolling tonight." 

Artis nodded, "Sure. So where do I have to go?" 

"Lemme check," said Maya as she checked on her computer, "Aha! The team is currently staying near the Krystrasium Hotel. You can go there and inform them yourself." 

Artis thanked Maya and put the location on his X-Transceiver and checked the map. To his surprise, the place was pretty far away from where he was currently. 

It took him almost half an hour of continuous walking to reach the hotel and he was marveled at the sight of luxurious decorations that were done to the hotel.

As Artis stepped through the revolving glass doors, he was immediately struck by the hotel's lavish interior. The lobby was an expansive space with high ceilings adorned with chandeliers that cast a warm, golden glow. Polished marble floors reflected light, leading guests towards a central seating area furnished with plush, velvet sofas and intricately designed coffee tables.

To his left, an elegant lounge was offered as a tranquil retreat for guests. Deep, comfortable armchairs were arranged in intimate clusters, perfect for quiet conversations or enjoying a book. A grand piano in the corner suggested evening performances that would fill the space with live music.

Artis felt a bit uncomfortable by entering here, 'Damn, it's basically a palace for the rich people. Is this the place we will be patrolling tonight?' 

Having some questions, he headed to the lobby where an attendant wearing a black lavishing suit with a turban on his head greeted him. 

"Hello, and Good day to you Sir. What can I help you with?" The man asked Artis with a pleasant tone. 

"Oh, it's nothing. I actually came here to respond to a mission and the receptionist there told me I had to come here. Can you help me with that?" 

"Sure thing. Can I check your ID?" 

Artis handed over his to the attendant as he read the ID, but he noticed as the attendant continued to stare at the ID, his face kept going from a happy expression to an expression of displeasure and disgust. 

"Hoh, it seems this place has become a land of peasants as of lately. I have no intention of entertaining you, peasant. Get out of my face this instant!" 

The attendant's voice was filled with venom and disgust as he directed Artis to get out. Artis was confused by this behavior and responded in a rough tone, "Excuse me? I just came here asking for help for my mission since I was told to be here! What's up with that?" 

"Tch!" the attendant clicked his tongue, "Don't you understand what this place is? This is one of the top hotels in the world owned by the Higates! You don't belong here! Only Grandmasters and other business families are allowed here. Now, do you understand or should I tell you in other languages..." 

"What is up with the people around here!?" muttered Artis slowly as he was frustrated with this behavior and attitude, "Listen here old man, I came here to follow a mission. A Patrolling mission, you understand me? I'll never return to this place ever again, but just tell me where do I have to go!" 

"...Fine. I'll tell you. If it's a Patrolling mission, then I'm sure it's Sarina's mission that you accepted." His expression changed to pity this time, "Oh, you poor peasant, I really do pity you for choosing that mission..." 

"What's that supposed to mean?" asked Artis in confusion and frustration evident in his voice. 

"It means...You'll be working under me tonight!" A rough but beautiful voice came behind Artis as he felt a heavy hand over his shoulders and turned his head to look at the person who called him out. 

A lady who seemed to be in her 20s, taller than Artis, having fair skin but rough facial features, brown hair tied in a bun with some bangs covering her forehead, a strange tattoo covering her entire right arm as she wore a simple white t-shirt and short brown shorts. 

Artis turned to face the woman who had spoken, feeling the weight of her hand still on his shoulder. She had an air of authority about her, one that commanded respect and perhaps a little bit of fear.

"And here comes the Gangster Plebian!" said the attendant displeased, "Why do you always have to come here?" 

"Oh, Robby," said Sarina with a smile, "How can you insult us by calling us gangsters? We're the ones who risk our lives and protect the street but you can't even take out a minute for us? This isn't fair right?" 

The attendant named Robby cowered back and said, "...Alright, take him." 

"Glad we came to an understanding! Don't forget your payment next week!" said Sarina in a serious tone as she faced Artis and examined him, "...Hmm, your face looks good but I guess that's the only thing you got going right now. 

"Since you already accepted the mission, I can't tell you to reject it after what just happened. So, what's your name? Name's Sarina. Your leader for tonight." she said as she extended her hand. 

"I...I'm Artis. A pleasure to work with you." he stuttered a little as he accepted the handshake. 

"Well then, I'll tell you the details right now. Then you are free to do whatever you want during this time. The patrol hours starts from 8 PM-midnight up to 5 AM. So, I prefer you go home and take a nap and meet me and the rest of the team near the lighthouse. Understood?" 

Artis listened to her attentively as he nodded, "Got it." 

She patted his shoulders again, "Alright then, don't be late. Come meet me at the lighthouse." she said as she left quickly. 

Artis watched her go as he began thinking, 'What did I get myself into...'