Chapter 12: Landing a job is hard (part 3)

Hmm, we can leave his affair for later. Here is the rule book, and here is the proof of being a Bronze rank adventurer. (Yasnia)

Yasnai handed Lemon a small bundle of paper stitched with black thread and the four bronze plates. First picking up the paper bundle aptly titled "Rulebook for Adventurers", he started to flip through it, seeing if there were any illustrations.

"We usually do not give out this as it is made of precious paper and most people can't utilise it, but as your group seems educated, it will be more useful than coming here every time you need to ask something, of course, you can also decline it as it does charge extra," Yasnia informed Lemon with the fluency of a saleswoman, and it was working for the Yellow-haired man.

After flipping through the ten pages, he put it down disappointedly in the lack of illustrations. Then picking up the bronze plates, he examined it and was mildly surprised at finding out it was just regular plates with names etched into them.

"Hmm, No tracking spell, no recognition spell. How would the guild even recognise if the right person is holding it with this thing? I even doubt its function as an identifier." Lemon put down the ordinary item after inspecting it. He then looks to the receptionist and, with a serious voice asks a question he was thinking over.

"I wanted to ask if there is a process where we can skip the lower ranks and start from, say, gold or even higher rank." Lemon wanted to skip the useless low-level quest that can only serve them as time killers.

Their main goal was to become famous, spread their names, gain connections to influential people from the empire and, to some extent, act as bait. And starting from the bottom will take too long.

"Hmm, well... It's not like there isn't....." Seeing hope in the receptionist's words, Lemon pushed forward.

As you can see, we are highly skilled as fighters, and if we are stuck taking low-level quests, it would be a waste of precious human resources. I am sure we are not the first newbie advantages that did not fit into the typical mould of categorisation. (L)

Lemon's forceful attack slowly chipped the reluctance of Yasnia, but for some reason, she still made a complicated face, which grinds on Lemon's patience. When understanding this method was not working, he opted for another one, The method every middle to late age person pulls out to show their dissatisfaction.

'I really didn't want to use this card, but to achieve our goal, I have to become the thing I cringe in my previous life. Gods, give me strength.'

Hardening his resolve, Lemon harshly struck the counter, and cracked it, as expected from someone with level 100 stats (even if the build is not combat focus). Yasnia stood up in surprise at the sudden violence and looked at his beautiful face -now scrunched up into something ugly- with fright.

See, here, miss. I have already said we are qualified to get a higher rank, and you even said there is a way to skip up, so tell us how, or is the guild such a parsimonious organisation that they don't want new stars to be born? Haa, miss. (L)

Sania was completely stunned by shock and terror. Her legs were shaking like a fawn at the pressure emitted by the man in front of her, who just a minute ago seemed as amiable as early dawn but now was giving off the presence of a creature of the night. She wanted to run away, to escape from this terror, but as if caught in a trap, her eyes couldn't look away from his crimson gazes.

'Hmm, Why is she acting so scared? I have not done anything that physically endangers her ...., shit, my passive skill, [Terror I] is active, why, no first deactivate now... dame, if she accidentally died, it won't be a laughing matter, what kind of luck am I carrying, for it to suddenly activate at this timing, was it because it is a passive skill? Dame it and its RPG logic, now the *haha* moment will become *AaaAaa* moment. I haven't even said the line yet...well, now or never.'

I can't talk to you if you stand there like some cat that saw a cucumber from behind. Go, call your Manager. I want to speak to the Manager. (L)

Behind Lemon, the three beauties look towards him with various complicated faces. One was looking at the unfolding scene with amusement. Another, with shock at her master's heartless act, and the last, she was outright holding her stomach.

Yasnia, as if liberated from some existential chains, dashed toward the inside room. Seeing this, Lemon palmed his forehead at his misfortune and regretted the whole idea.

*********************

Yasnia ran into the back office and opened the door with such force that almost all the staff members' hearts jumped out (they were also tense from the incident in the morning). Their eyes turned with a fiery complaint to the rude woman who had just given them a heart attack, but seeing the state she was in -slumping down the cold floor- many of them quickly cooled down, some even approaching the sweating Yasnia worriedly.

"What's wrong, Yasnia? Did something happen at the front counter? Are those guys back again." A Pink-haired beauty with droopy yellow eyes walked up to her and held Yasnia's trembling hand. She spoke to her like a mother soothing her child who woke from a nightmare. Her appearance also emphasizes that image with her long skirt that went down her ankle and her loose shirt covered by a brown shawl.

 Seeing Yasnia's trembling not getting better, she wrapped her in an embrace, her head resting on the pink-haired woman's full chest. The comment about being unfair in the background also quickly died.

After a few minutes, Yasnia finally calmed down, her breathing becoming stable. She then hugged the soft body of her friend and gave it a tight squeeze.

Haaa, man, I am jealous of the bastard that will enjoy this anytime he wants. (Yasnia)

"Hehe, it seems you are back to your regular self, Yasnia, we can keep hugging each other if you want, and that way, you can also tell us what's wrong." Said the pink-haired beauty in a playful tone, coating her worry for Yasnia. But contrary (and jealously) to the expectation of the people around, Yasnia shook her head and moved away from her.

Thank you, Rona, but I need to speak to Madam Irona right away, it's urgent. (Yasnia)

Just as Sania stood up, a woman with her black hair tied in a ponytail entered the room.

What happened, Yasnia? did you have a panic attack?..... from what I saw, those adventurers seemed to be just standing there. (Sania)

Nodding her head, Yasnia relayed what happened to her to everybody in the room, making them boil in anger and exasperation. "That's it, now, I need to report this to Madam Irona. Sania-chan can you keep them occupied while I do that? I am sure it won't take that long."

"Ok, go, Haa, What a day this is turning out to be, one trouble after another." Spoke Sania in a tired tone, and seeing Yasnia leave, she also turned to occupy this new problem.

Wait, Sania, I will come too. It might be too dangerous on your own. (Rona)

Thanks, I would appreciate that. Come on. (Sania)

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*Knock Knock*

Maam, It is me, Yasnia. I have brought the guests. (Yasnia)

Come in. (Irona)

As soon as Yasnia opened the door, Lemon was greeted by a citrusy scent wafting from the room. He was feeling a bit queasy from the whole mess he just created, so this scent helped him calm down his bubbling stomach.

Entering the room, he saw a classily decorated room. It gave off a feeling of being owned by a sophisticated elder. In the right of the room, two cinnabar-coloured sofas faced each other, and in between, a small oval tea table sat. Behind it, bookshelves cramped with thick books hug the wall. The left side, however, felt relatively open in comparison, only having a small wall table with an intricately designed tea set. The slightly damp surface also speaks of its regular use. The room also felt well-lit from the light that streamed inside from the two windows, that were on opposite sides of the entrance. All these elements, however, were overshadowed by the captivating and grand design of the wooden desk, elegantly placed in the middle of the room. It gave off the feeling of authority as if all the priceless items inside the room bowed down to its singularity, and behind that sat the owner of this imposing room. She was too old to be called young and too young to be called old, reminding Lemon of an elder wolf coated in her black afternoon dress.

The whole scene overwhelmed Lemon, not by fear or the sense of authority she emanated, but more from awe, awe from witnessing a working person that concretely contributed to society, something he never accomplished even with two lives.

The lady was penning some documents when the group entered, and not even looking up to them, encouraged to take a sit. Lemon's group quietly followed Yasnia, and seeing that all four would not fit, two of them sat down (guess who), and another two opted to stand behind him. When they sat down, they were surprised at the softness of the sofa which was unlike the other furniture they had come across in this new world.

'This whole atmosphere is like being called to the principal office, or is this how it feels when your superior calls you to their office? At least the plants give off a pleasant scent, calming my nerves somewhat.'

Finishing her current task, Yasnia moved towards the tea counter to prepare some tea, and as if waiting for this moment, Irona put down her quill and looked at them. She critically eyed Lemon's group, making him feel somewhat nervous. The other three didn't even flinch.

I heard your party wish to skip the initial levels. Is this correct, Mr. Lemon? (Irona)

"Yes, I believe it will be a great loss of human resources for this guild if we are occupied with bronze-level missions, as our group has the ability to take on even higher-rank quests. Maam, I have heard from Miss Yasnia, that there is a program that aids adventurers with similar circumstances, correct?" Lemon said with a forcefully confident tone as if to hide his nervous heart. The slight whistle that came from the side did not help either.

Tapping her slender finger on the table in a rhythmic manner, Irona looked into Lemon's eyes and, seeing the confidence emanating from him, broked off her sight and leaned backwards, resting her back on the velvet sofa as she thought over, drowning the room in silence. 

After a few minutes, she got up and walked to one of the bookshelfs, while speaking in a much more amicable tone.

"Yes, there is indeed a way to accommodate adventures with your kind of circumstances. However, this is a somewhat flawed system, you see. This rule has been, how shall I say, used to perform some vile actions." (Irona)

On reaching the shelf, her fingers traced through some of the books and, stopping at a specific book, she took it out, but, halfway through this action, she started to push in the book, murmuring -not this one- in a not-so-quite voice.

Anybody would give a small smile at the silly mistake made by this elderly lady. In fact, Yasnia giggled a little as she placed the delicious-smelling tea in front of the guests. Lemon's group, however, did not miss the quiet *click* sound that was made when Irona re-adjusted the book, but as if not noticing anything, she took out another one.

 That sound just now was definitely quiet enough to make most people not hear it, even adding some acoustic masking for good measure. She is sly a lady. Still, did something open? I didn't hear a follow-up sound....hm. Guess that is something to look forward to, and it can also serve as those gods' enternment.

After confirming with his companions that no other sounds followed it, his eyes returned to the older lady coming towards them while flipping through the book, she then placed it in front of them and pointed to one of the lines in the open page.

As Lemon's group silently read, she took the seat opposite them and waited as she quietly drank the tea placed in front of her. After taking a few sips, she spoke up.

"See the line 'If the Adventurer applies for a Rank skipping request, the Guild Master ( or someone appointed by them) has the arbitrary power to meet out any order to the adventurer'. It's because of this forceful, almost autocratic power granted by this rule that most adventurers tend to refrain from taking this program. So, are you still willing to go with it?" Irona asked Lemon in a probing tone, almost as if she was dareing him to take it up.

Lemon felt momentarily conflicted when seeing this rule. He did not feel threatened by her provocative tone or the power behind it. He also believes, no, is certain, that the four of them, if push comes to shuff, can destroy this whole capital and come out of it relatively unscratched, barring some other Player intervening, of course. His concern is the loss of connection and all the hard work they had already put in. He also did not want to make any big moves during this initial period.

Can, I decide after hearing your request? (L)

Smiling, Irona relaxed her shoulders, straightening her back and gave him a nod, making Lemon visibly sigh. The interpretation and the meaning of that sigh were completely contradictory in their minds though.

Before I tell you what my request is, however, I would like to examine you first, and if you do not pass this examination, then this discussion ends there. Picking up the teacup, Irona delivered those decisive words. (Irona)

Lemon, hearing her words, however, panicked the most for that day and, with a shaking voice, spoke up. "W-Wait, a test. Do we all have to take it?" A bead of sweat ran down his face, and on seeing the complete misunderstanding of her words, Irona covered her mouth elegantly with her hands.

A myriad of gazes with different emotions also bore into Lemon's body. Redicule, exasperation, adouration, and even scorn. Irona, however, looked at him with the eyes of an elder looking at a foolish child. She then shook her head, almost making Lemon walk out of the room, but her following words halted that thought.

"No, it's not a written test. So you don't have to worry about that." Seeing the relaxing countenance of the man, Irona once gave a small chuckle.

I didn't think you would have such a reaction just from mentioning a test. From the way you spoke to me earlier, I assumed you were highly educated." (Irona)

 Seeing her inquiring gaze, Lemon can do nothing but give a silly laugh, playing the fool (which he is this time) and ship his tea. The stares stabbing him from his sides and back did not help alleviate the rising embarrassment either.

A knocking sound entered the room as this awkward air cemented itself, and Irona, placing down her cup, allowed the person to enter. A man in his thirties entered through the door. He was an ordinary-looking man, wearing the same liveries as the other staff. The only thing that stands out from the rest is his built body. He looked like he would be more suited to wielding a sword rather than a pen as he diligently worked on his paperwork.

Coming near the table, he placed a rectangular box in front of Irona and, without saying a word, moved towards the back of the room. Irona ignored him and instead, tracing her slightly wrinkled fingers on the box opened it. Inside the box, there was a spectacle with an elaborate design. It has a white, almost transparent frame, with etchings of gold and silver, making the item seem divine.

This here is a magic item that will help me determine if you can take the program. (Irona)

Can I ask what it does? From the design, it seems almost divine. (L)

Hearing this, Irona scoffs. "No, it's nothing like that. It is nothing like the divine instruments the Theocracy has. Its design is also a bit overblown. You see, the previous Emperor wanted his things on the more extravagant side. Well, I won't, however, deny the thing's usefulness though."

Picking up the item, she looked towards her guests. "This magic item lets any normal person who can control their mana observe the amount of mana another person holds. It was created by our Royal court Wizard: Fluder Paradyne, on the orders of the previous Emperor. He wanted an item that emulated Paradyne-sama's famous [Talant]."

"Hmm, I didn't know two people could have similar [Talant], or it's even possible to copy it to an item." Commented Lemon off-handedly. (L)

"What? Lemon-dono, you know someone like that?" Her response came as a bit of a shock to him as he had assumed Arch was let go despite her [Talant].

But I guess they belong to different organisations, so that's understandable. Maybe this can help her in some way, and It can also serve as my apology for making her talk about those things.

Yes, I met this talented mage called Arch on my way to the capital. It seems she was also part of the court wizard's disciples. Unfortunately for her, her family was dragged into the aftermath of the purge incident. Now, she is working as a Worker after her family has fallen into financial difficulties. (L)

Giving an act of a worried friend he spins a short tale to stir the pity and sense of curiosity towards the young mage.

To my knowledge, she could use magic up to 3rd tier. Shaking his head with a sad expression he expressed his regret that she no longer could expand on her knowledge of magic. (L)

After hearing the recollection of the tragedy that befell the young mage Irona falls silent. Her lips mumbled inaudibly as if to calculate the potential risks and benefits this act of 'kindness' could bring the guild. She looked up briefly after that and giving a natural smile that would fool anyone of her calculating nature spoke.

I see, there was such a victim, that is quite unfortunate. But thank you for telling us this. I don't know what our guild can do for her, but it would be a shame if we lost such a valuable talent. (Irona)

We have digressed quite a bit for our main topic, so let us start with the test. Irona then put on the white glasses, adding to her look as a dignified elder. (Irona) This decision, however, would be the worst decision she have ever made in her long life. 

 Please be sited as I check. Saying that Irona passes mana through the item, activating it. (Irona)

What she witnessed rendered her stupid. Her mind could not process the thing, no, things in front of her. A giant vortex of colour emanates from the being in front of her, as if to cover up the world. She was blinded by its divinity and, as if her head was too high in the presence of a god, a pressure so heavy assaulted her ageing body. This pressure that bore onto her was so immense that she wished she was already dead to escape from it. The only reason for her not falling into insanity was her grit, which came from her experiences as a former adventurer. This was also why she -to her immediate regret- turned to look at the ladies next to her.

It felt like she was being stabbed, pummeled and melted, all at the same time, when witnessing their mana. If Irona had to compare, Lemon's mana was like the sky. It is wide, and unending, but close to harmless if you didn't keep looking at it. The ladies were different, there were monstrous or natural calamities. When seeing Caenis', it felt like she was staring down the eyes of a serpent as it slowly gulps her down. For Solution was like being submerged inside acid, and Irona could feel the erosion of her skin, muscles, organs and even her bones, but Yuri's was the most impactful, not in a visual sense but physically, she felt like she was punched by a mountain and her frail body became just a red splatter on the floor.

Irona experienced all these visions in less than a minute, and as if her body remembered to give a reaction, she screamed, she screamed and screamed. Scampering backwards like a person, who was witnessing the ground crumbling after her, she crawled towards the wall.

No, please, please, I am sorry I will never do that again. I-I hehe, is this yoour way of punishing me, Lilia? Have you sent these monsters, these calamities to destroy this kingdom along with me?*Sob* I don't want to die yet, no, not like this, killed like some animal and eaten alive by these monsters. (Iroan)

Irona rambled incoherently as she quickly backed away, and the sound of her back hitting the bookshelf, finally awakened the people around her just as they tried to run towards her, she suddenly placed her hands above her heart and started to vomit, and as if her body had finally had enough, she keeled over unmoving.