- Shari -
"What?!!" (Jacob)
"Was I too vague? You are going to help us register in the guild!" (Shari)
"No? Yes? Are you insane? You can't just go there and get registered! I mean did you even consider the risks? There are far too many other persons with enough experience to be a threat to your disguise. And you want to involve us in your mad game?" (Jacob)
"Not all of you. I can positively refrain from Chris’ participation. Also, it shouldn't be this risky. Both of us have the powder applied and as long there is no full body examination we should be fine. And do you really think that anyone in that building would be able to see through the situation when we come? That would require quite some imagination. And I really think the status of an adventurer would be helpful for traveling." (Shari)
"Urgh, you are set on this, or?" (Jacob)
"I already gave it some thought and made my decision." (Shari)
"This is certainly one of the most outrageous things I've ever heard. Damn, at this point, if you get caught we'll be in trouble too. The guards let you enter the town because of us! Fine, I'll come with you but Myra stays here. She's too nervous in your presence and I don't want to involve the two of them more than necessary." (Jacob)
"You are a good guy, Jacob. One of the reasons why I'm not going to forcefully squeeze my money out of you. Or far more terrifying, won't ask Liqu to do it." (Shari)
I think I've at least made him wince.
That's enough to compensate me for now.
"And you are sure that you are no monster? By times you can be really scary." (Jacob)
"Funny, my parents told me the same before that happened when I had to deal with the other kids in my village." (Shari)
"Nothing I need to hear about. Just let us get over with this." (Jacob)
"By the way, are there any requirements?" (Shari)
"Not for the lowest F-Rank. Those are simple gathering quests and thus no one is interested if you fail or die on the job. As long as you pay your dues, they're content. For the ranks above it's possible to apply for a promotion after you completed some tasks and by doing so proved that you are not directly going to die out there. Those who finished training at one of the guild-managed training facilities might directly receive an intermediate rank, like D or even C depending on their performance. Mages naturally too, since they're handy to have out there, but it isn't common to start above D. Also, you can ask for a mock battle, to prove that you have the fighting skills for dealing with greater threats than the usual small fry. I don't need to tell you why this might be a bad idea for you, right?" (Jacob)
"At this point, I should inform you that I had to kill two people this night. Before you say something, it seems our friend Cid is not the type to let things pass and sent them directly into our room. I tell this for your sake because, as I see the situation, your group is also at risk. Is that alright?" (Shari)
"You shouldn't talk about such things in front of the door. It's not like I'm not used to this. Even I killed on escort missions. But was it absolutely necessary? Are there any problems going to rise from that?" (Jacob)
"The guard already dealt with it and we are clearly the victims who acted in self-defense. And to your other question, they practically jumped into Liqu’s arms and made her angry. It was either on me or letting them die one of the most horrible deaths you can imagine. I consider myself rather merciful in this way." (Shari)
That comment made him look at the person in question.
And Liqu perceives such things.
"They kicked my Shari. And no one's touching her with ill will. I was just going to take their skin and see how long they would be able to survive without it." (Liqu)
"Have I ever mentioned that she has a monstrous background?" (Shari)
Urgh, shivers.
"Maybe we should try to keep her in the background." (Shari)
Jacob seems to be understandably uneasy and has this "what I've got myself in here" look.
"Would be for the best. Also, despite one's personal rank, it's the group's rank that matters if you are applying for jobs. In this respect, it isn't necessary to strive for more. I could fetch the better-paid ones for you. In terms of subjugation, you have quite the proficiency." (Jacob)
As long as Liqu leaves anything for proof that is.
"So then we should get going. I mean it's only one step away." (Shari)
"Before I help you here, you aren't going to ask for a room in the barracks, right?" (Jacob)
I can see the cold sweat flooding out of him at this thought.
"I think it might be a bit too crowded here, so rather not." (Shari)
He looks as if the weight of the whole world was lifted from his shoulders.
"Fine I just inform the others and then we head out. Sigh. How shall I explain this?" (Jacob)
He goes back in and shortly after this noise comes out.
"What?!!" (Chris/Myra)
I'm somewhat happy that it's not on me to explain this.
He soon comes back out with a complicated expression.
After this, we head to the guild.
As I said before it's a spacious building.
Clearly, it was built with utility and not showing-off in mind, to allow to accommodate the respective numbers of adventurers this whole town has to offer and allocate the jobs among them.
My greatest concern is naturally that Liqu does something stupid here.
I won't even pretend to know what goes on in this head of hers.
I am fairly certain that even high-ranked adventurers would get huge problems fighting her inside a building with narrow possibilities to escape.
I mean that form of hers that reminds me of a snail would cover a huge part of the whole hall here.
But it might be better not to concern me with this for now.
My destination is the reception.
I just hope that this mask of mine won't raise too many suspicions regarding my persona.
However, the chance to be registered as an adventurer means having a certificate to my identity which is just perfect in terms of giving my background if asked and that in all towns with a guild.
It is also a way to have an income and even a safe one, where I can stay most of the time out of crowded towns.
These are extreme advantages that are making this gamble worthwhile.
And to add to this, I have the unique advantage that Jacob will vouch for me.
I simply cannot let this chance pass.
Especially as I have money problems right now.
So I approach the counter and find in front me a woman in a uniform with a black skirt, white shirt, and grey vest.
"Good day, mi-...miss. What can I do for you?" (receptionist)
The woman at the counter was obviously a little bit taken aback by my appearance.
For sure she had problems determining my gender.
And like I already stated, any comments on this are forbidden.
I'm female!
Yet, a favorable approach is preferable here.
"I'm sorry, I only wear this mask because of a problem with my "skin" (I have none), I hope this is no problem. I'm here because I would like to register me and my friend as adventurers." (Shari)
"Oh! I am sorry to hear this. I hope it is nothing too serious miss." (receptionist)
"Shari! My name is Shari and this is Liqu. And sadly I need to say it is. For both of us. Yet, it's at least not deadly." (Shari)
If you don't count being utterly threatened by every single person in your environment.
"The registration for beginners is in general possible for anyone who agrees to sign the contract and is able to pay the fee. Is there any reason, why you are applying now?" (receptionist)
"Truth be told, it just came to (a slime abducted me!). We both are used to traveling, but would like to be able to take official requests." (Shari)
"You are aware that the appointment in the guild requires you to engage in combat, often with monsters? And like this, it is mandatory for applicants to have some fighting capabilities. Do you have these?" (receptionist)
"Both of us are fairly certain that we could face almost any threat out there. Jacob here would vouch for that to be the case." (Shari)
"Is that so? Jacob, as a veteran of the C-Rank your word has some weight. Can you confirm their statements?" (receptionist)
"I... can confirm that they are rather dangerous and that I really don't want to fight them." (Jacob)
"So you are vouching for them? You know, you will be held responsible if they fail their given tasks and have to face the consequences. From a penalty fee to supplementary actions against you and your group or even a downgrade of your rank." (receptionist)
The poor guy is right now sweating buckets.
"You know… They are able to do the work and I am certain that they have no criminal record. Is that enough?" (Jacob)
Well, there might be some bounty posters for Liqu hanging out at this very place, but those are certainly not about her breaking any human laws.
"It should suffice. Under those circumstances, I can offer you to register as a beginning D-Rank. The ranks are starting from the lowest F-rank, followed by E, D, C, B, A, and S-rank. Yet the latter shouldn't be relevant to you. They are bound to time, number, and assessed difficulty level of your taken assignments, as well as your abilities, and the general perception of your group. I am required to ask you once again for confirmation that you are confident to be capable of fulfilling the requests you would have to take at your rank." (receptionist)
"I don't think that there are any monsters out there we would have to shy away from." (Shari)
"Uh, I am not good with dragons." (Liqu)
Spontaneously I want to slap my face, but get hindered by the mask.
It might surely be a fairly interesting story, regarding what Liqu has to do with legendary entities of unrivaled power that are so rare that many think of them as mere legends nowadays.
But surely not now!
"Pardon me?" (receptionist)
"Sorry, she's joking. What she meant to say was that she thinks that as long as we don't encounter any legendary creatures of calamity we should be fine." (Shari)
"Fine. I take that as it is. Yet before registration, we have to take care of the details of your application. At this point, I have to inform you that the fee to subscribe for an upper rank like yours is one silver per person. Can you afford that?" (receptionist)
To show my sincerity I pay directly and am internally grateful to have been paid by Tamarah, as this wouldn't have been possible otherwise.
"If you would follow me please." (receptionist)
We follow the woman into a room behind the counter.
Jacob isn't allowed.
We can sit at a table and she takes some paperwork.
"I need to record your personal information and details to your respective profession. Also, I need to see your appearance at least one time for reasons of logistics, intelligence, and security. That means... without the masks." (receptionist)
"This is inconvenient, but I need to say we have applied powder under those masks. It is not possible that we will also remove that." (Shari)
"It should be acceptable, taking your problems in regard." (receptionist)
"That relieves me a great deal." (Shari)
I've got a pocket filled with some of the powder for emergency applications.
When I remove the mask I make sure to coat another layer to stay sure.
After all, this mask was still in contact with my face and it is unclear if it rubbed somehow.
Liqu didn't wear her mask until now.
I made her simply keep her head under the cloak all the time.
So both of us have to show off a grey-white powdered face.
"Hmm, it's a shame. Your facial features are quite nice. Quite unfortunate that you need to hide your face like this." (receptionist)
"I would as well wish for them to be in a better condition, but nonetheless have to deal with it." (Shari)
"Now I need to write down your personal information, regarding age, background, abilities, and if present magic. These will be available for other guild members to view, to decide if they want to form a group with you, especially when the need for a larger troop arises." (receptionist)
I need to answer this fast before Liqu is ruining it.
"Alright, I'm seventeen and Liqu is... sixteen years old." (Shari)
Please stupid slime, don't speak now and tell that woman that you are ten.
"You are rather young for skilled fighters. Jacob said you know how to fight, might you tell me what means you are utilizing?" (receptionist)
She is scrutinizing us a bit, yet I believe it is still at the level of mere curiosity.
"I am pretty good with the dagger and aside from this both of us use... substances with special effects which we can produce on our own." (Shari)
And that inside our bodies.
As if I would tell her that!
"Foreign substances? You mean you are alchemists? You use poison?" (receptionist)
"Ehm, no. More like... acid." (Shari)
"Acid?!" (receptionist)
She is looking at us with an examining gaze and something akin to understanding seems to light up in her eyes.
I guess she thinks the skin problem is linked to our usage of acid.
Honestly, that isn't even completely wrong.
"Do you have a sample to verify your testimony?" (receptionist)
"I-it is a bit hard to bring along. The production is more... on the fly." (Shari)
"I've got some!" (Liqu)
Which part of "hold back" are you unable to understand, you stupid slime?
Oh no!
She isn't going to...
Yes sure, she does.
Liqu removes one glove, while her arm, fortunately, remains hidden inside the sleeve, and dumps a small blob on the table which immediately burns through the wooden frame.
It isn't clear since I didn't confirm it, but I guess the ground is as well affected.
"Liqu you stupid s... Stupid Liqu! I am terribly sorry for my... acquaintance. She is quite often lacking common sense." (Shari)
"It seems your mixture is rather... potent. That has to be noted, yet I'm afraid, I need to ask you to pay for the damage." (receptionist)
"Yes, I've feared so." (Shari)
"It is just a small part and the table was anyway old, so thirty copper should suffice." (receptionist)
Without saying another word I pay.
"Fine. What else?" (Shari)
"Do you have any other skill you would like to promote? Remember, this is primarily to show to other members of the guild, who decide based on your abilities if they want to invite you, so it should hold true. If there is any damage due to false declaration you will be held responsible." (receptionist)
"Well, I can quite good navigate in the wilds and also verify a number of plants and how they are used, yet I would like to inform myself here in the guild about the noteworthy plants and where they grow in the area if such a service exists." (Shari)
"This is possible, yet you are required to read the book inside the building, under surveillance, and any damage has to be paid. It would be a large sum considering the worth of books. So I will note herbalist and navigation. The second is of lesser interest since all existing groups already have such a person if they want to survive. With your knowledge about plants, is that including healing treatment?" (receptionist)
"Hmm, I know that the healing abilities of clearsprout are concentrated in the edge of the leaves and how they are applied, that coratis-grass is great against many kinds of venom, how to use purpleberries against nausea, that darkleaves help with a stomach ache and you can use waterveils to treat burns. Yet I have none of these with me at the moment." (Shari)
"That is enough, so I can note herbal healer as a secondary there. That is wanted. Then Liqu, do you have any other skills?" (receptionist)
"I don't really understand." (Liqu)
Please stupid slime, don’t ruin it.
"Something that would help a team to perform on a mission. For example to support them during a fight or to help with disassembling, maybe?" (receptionist)
"Hmm. Ahh! I am very good with the bodies of most living beings! I can perfectly tell which part is where and what it does there." (Liqu)
Figures; she literally dissected all her victims by dissolving every part of them.
"Anatomical knowledge? So you can also point at weak points and find the organs?" (receptionist)
"Yes, sure." (Liqu)
"If you have nothing to add, this concludes this part of the interview. However, I have to remind you that a false testimony might lead to severe repercussions. Especially if the guild's reputation gets damaged. In the worst case, if you stay unable to pay the resulting fines you might get sold as debt slaves. Is that clear?" (receptionist)
"Yes. I promise that we didn't tell a single lie." (Shari)
Maybe we omitted some facts but if these get uncovered I guess a fine will be one of the lesser problems.
"Alright. At last, we just have to test your magical aptitude." (receptionist)
"Magical aptitude? Wait! We aren't mages!" (Shari)
"This is a standard procedure. The guild wants to keep track of this for all its members for different reasons. For example, there were cases, when the applicant didn’t know he was a mage and never trained their given abilities. There are wind mages who simply like to be outdoors or earth mages who feel calmer when lying on the ground." (receptionist)
"Isn't this still a bit unusual for such a course of action?" (Shari)
"The most important reason is that it shows how much magic lies in the body of a person. While the flesh is very limited in the amount of magic it can contain, you should know that all living beings have a bit inside them. The church refers to it as the "spark of life". The common difference between a normal person and a mage would be that the latter have in usually twice or even thrice the amount, crammed up inside by their natural affinity and training. Also, there are even cases of people without affinity who have more energy in them and are able to perform slightly better than the average person in terms of speed and strength. This might be limited since the human body can only contain it a certain amount, but the important part is as follows. Some monsters can note the difference in energy and are more prone to target the ones with more energy as they have more value for them to get their fill. Because of that, a group has to know who they should look out for. Understood?" (receptionist)
This was quite much, but I think I understand.
"So people are different in the amount of magic they can hold and you need to keep track of that." (Shari)
"Precisely! As I said, mages tend to have more. Not excessively but it's normal for them to two times the energy of the average person, while five times should be the absolute limit." (receptionist)
"So that's why some taste better." (Liqu)
I stare in utter shock at the certifiable insane slime next to me.
"What was that?" (receptionist)
"Ah! Well, she means in this case we have to pay attention to that. You know, when monsters are going to attack the better targets. That is very interesting information. Thank you." (Shari)
"O-okay, we will then proceed with the measuring." (receptionist)
"And what do we have to do?" (Shari)
"You only need to hold your hand over that orb there in the corner." (receptionist)
She points there at an obsidian round object in a metallic holder.
"I'm sorry, but I can't remove the gloves." (Shari)
"You don't need to. It will suffice if you just hold your hand above it. The orb will react to the change in magical energy in the environment and begin to glow in accordance." (receptionist)
Alright, there shouldn't be a problem.
I just need to extend my hand.
"Good, but I really am no mage." (Shari)
I hold my hand out to the orb and as the woman said, it starts to glow white from the inside.
The light is rather bright, considering the stone was almost black before, if not for a little glim.
Maybe that was because of the bit of energy in the air?
But why does the receptionist look like this?
"Is something wrong?" (Shari)
"Your... your measurements are breaking the scale! It shouldn't shine like this! Even if you are a mage, it is simply not possible that a normal body is going to contain this much magic. How?" (receptionist)
"Now me!" (Liqu)
Liqu is forcing herself through and holds her hand to the orb.
It shines as it did for me, but stronger.
Now I get it.
How could I forget?
This body isn't human.
Monsters are magical.
And my density is greater.
When they dissolve slimes drain every bit of energy out of the consumed stuff and leave the rest as dead matter.
I am sucking energy the whole time.
Naturally, I have an abundance of it.
Not being aware of this was stupid.
How do I get out of this?
"How is this possible? Such intensity!" (receptionist)
Alright, for now, I'll just deny any knowledge about these matters.
"Oh my! How could it be like this? I don't understand how this could happen!" (Shari)
"Y-you see, I'm a water mage. Look, this is the reaction it has to me!" (receptionist)
She uses the orb and it glows.
But this little glim isn't even close to our reactions.
"So, our reactions aren't normal!? What do we do about this?" (Shari)
"I-I don't know. I had my suspicions when I saw your eyes, but this is absolutely unexpected." (receptionist)
She looks troubled but manages to catch herself.
"See. Any monster that has at least a basic sense for magic will be after you. There aren't that many in the area. The common ones use smell or their eyes to find their prey. And among humanoid monsters, like goblins, only the shamans have any proficiency in magic. Nonetheless, it might draw some of the nasty kinds. For example, we had reports of a winged insect species which aims to draw blood exclusively from mages and even a vine flower that concentrates on ensnaring and draining them. You might bait such things to you and your team!" (receptionist)
"Oh, that one is nasty." (Liqu)
I smack Liqu's torso as hard as my body allows me to without causing weird-looking reactions.
This slime shall shut up!
"She meant this sounds truly dangerous." (Shari)
"Uhh, what was the meaning of that?" (Liqu)
"It meant, keep quiet and let the adults talk." (Shari)
"I already said I am..." (Liqu)
"Too inexperienced to have an idea what trouble you cause for me with every word you utter. So let me speak!" (Shari)
"Fine." (Liqu)
"I'm sorry, my comrade can be very problematic." (Shari)
Urgh! And now Liqu's eyes light up at the word "comrade".
"Ehm, right. But how does that add up? You say you both are no mages, but then you have this much magic. And those eyes. Did never any idea occur to you?" (receptionist)
This starts to turn out bad.
I'm asking myself if I should abandon this disguise and scare her, but this would surely not work.
She is stationed here to keep the ruffians in check.
Such a job affords mental fortitude.
And an open approach seems just too risky, considering where I am here.
So I'll proceed with denial.
"How would I know? I never used magic in my life! This might be a mere coincidence. You said yourself that there are also normal people with more magic than others." (Shari)
"But this isn't making sense! Both of you, the same coincidence? And at such a level?" (receptionist)
"I don't know what you want to hear from me. I cannot use magic." (Shari)
She looks intently at me.
"Look, it is not necessary to hide things like this. The information is confidential if you wish so." (receptionist)
Yes, sure.
I totally cannot imagine you rushing out into the hall, screaming: "Kill the monster! Kill it!"
I stay unwavering and hope she gives up to inquire any further about our circumstances.
Although she looks rather displeased at this.
"Sigh! Fine. It's not like I can decline your application because you don't want to relay all your skills. It would just have made things easier." (receptionist)
Welcome to the club!
Because my life is certainly not easy.
"Alright, I will simply note "abundance of magic" in your respective sheets." (receptionist)
"Are we done now?" (Shari)
"Would you like to give further personal intel? About your life or education?" (receptionist)
She states the question as if she's not really expecting me to answer.
"There isn't much to say. I come from a village between here and Siras. I would point at it on a map, but doubt it would show up on it. And Liqu was... a refugee. Constantly moving since youngest age." (Shari)
Fortunately, my silent pleas that this stupid slime may stay quiet are received and she says nothing about her life before she got me.
"Anything else? Like where you learned your profession?" (receptionist)
In a dark cave filled with slime.
"Sorry, but this is confidential. The place is not allowed to be revealed." (Shari)
For your sake!
"If you say so. Alright. The formalities are done then. You just have to subscribe or if you can't, write a symbol you could use for confirmation. But before you do so, are you aware of the appointed tasks you will have to fulfill?" (receptionist)
"Appointed tasks?" (Liqu)
Shit! That's a problem!
I can't even reprimand this stupid slime for speaking up.
The issue is that the following answer might become extremely awkward.
Especially for Liqu.
I forgot that the guild has to handle the tasks given by the kingdom that allows it to build its bases and operate here.
Like this they can, as long it is not for conflicts use the members as resources.
And there is one particular standing order that could become a problem.
"You have to do them, to retain your status as guild members. Otherwise, you need to face penalties. There is no way around this! There are some, like hunting goblins or defending against orcs. However, at the moment it is mostly one simple thing. If they don't do the more dangerous ones or are applied to tasks of higher priority, each member has to destroy at least one slime in two months and bring the core as proof. If you neglect that, you will be forced to take a penalty mission or pay a considerable sum for leniency." (receptionist)
Slime subjugation.
The irony!
"It really isn't much, right? And given how common they are no one should have problems getting this done. You could even do it on the way. But there are still some who try to shirk their duties. Did you know that there are even some members who sell broken cores at high prices to other members? And they pay! Just so they can avoid it? Do you believe this?!" (receptionist)
I look unsure at Liqu.
"Good! This shouldn't be a problem. They are slow." (Liqu)
Is she for real?!
They are basically her kind!
Is she really going to kill them just like this?
This slime can be extremely frightening at times.
What am I saying?
She is frightening!
I simply forget about it sometimes.
But since nothing is keeping us, I sign on the parchment.
Yet it is quite difficult without having any sense of feel through the glove.
Like this, it comes out more crude than I would have liked.
The receptionist is apparently used to this.
Still, I get an inquisitive look on my gloves, which asks why I'm so insistent on keeping them on.
Liqu is next.
But then she freezes, looking flustered.
Then she draws a picture that seems to resemble a drop with two attachments in form of swirls symmetrically extending on each side to the top.
"I like that one! I will use this!" (Liqu)
I should have considered that.
She cannot write!
How should she have learned this?
Maybe I should educate her on this in the future.
It can't hurt to teach her when there is time.
To be honest, every little bit of knowledge to counter her stupidity would be an improvement, considering how inept she is.
Damn, I'm getting too attached.
"That's it! With this, you two are officially members of the guild." (receptionist)
"Was that really okay? I mean that drop symbol?" (Shari)
"There are other illiterate members. The common associates are often not educated. So personal symbols are commonly accepted." (receptionist)
This whole procedure was so full of ridiculousness that it gets hard to maintain a straight face.
So I put the mask back on.
I mean they seriously just accepted two monsters as a part of the group that professionally hunts them.
Talk about lousy control measures.
Yet I won't complain.
This all works out fine for me.
Nonetheless, I should deepen my knowledge about this work since I have no idea what encompasses as a whole.
"What ways to work are there right now, we could take?" (Shari)
"The guild offers access to the blackboard. There are three kinds of assignments. Open assignments, which in general are about the delivery of certain objects, essential to certain businesses or the town's supply. Contracted assignments, where the one who wants to work under the described conditions applies for it and meets the contractor for further intel. Those are open as soon the guild opens and in general it is "first comes first served". And then there are special assignments, where the member is directly contacted, as the contractor feels safer with this particular partner." (receptionist)
So you either have relations or have to take what is there before the others.
"The open ones are the most common. At those, you will be rewarded as soon you bring the object and the contractor has no interest in your persona. Yet it is risky if only a certain amount is requested and the offer gets taken down before you hand in yours. This is more or less likely to happen, depending on the subject. Also, the town offers subjugation assignments regarding certain creatures, yet it is not advised to concentrate on the killing alone, as you won't be able to make your fill with killing low-key creatures." (receptionist)
I am rather sure Liqu gets her "fill" through killing.
But here begins the interesting part about what is worth how much.
"Jacob told me he brought a rager down. Was it possible to submit that one?" (Shari)
"It came very surprising and will be beneficial for his reputation. These kinds of subjugations are assigned as the extermination of severe threats and he was rewarded with fifteen silver. Yet, the town will only accept the subjugation if they truly brought down a threat, and thus not any proof will lead to a reward." (receptionist)
"And what are the requirements to have it accepted?" (Shari)
"Usually it's the left ear for confirmation, which has to be fresh enough to make it believable that the fight was close enough to the town to have any securing impact. It might be usually the left ear yet for creatures that don't have ears, it is the most distinguishing feature, like for scorpions it's the stinger. And it should be on the open list in the hall. There you will also find the rules regarding bringing proof." (receptionist)
This much is understandable.
There is simply no reason to pay for something without reaping any benefit.
It would be crazy to grant a reward because someone brought in the remains of a stuffed animal that died long ago or to voluntarily pay for the sake of other towns.
"So are we done now?" (Shari)
"Almost. Here are your cards to confirm your identity. The necessary information is inscribed on them, to introduce you for example to other members. The information will be in time distributed to the other branches of the guild. The detailed information will be listed there for confirmation in the register. Your status will be like this become known and get updated to give you a base for negotiations. So you can confirm that you are a reasonable partner for a commission. This is in fact the greatest benefit of being a member of the guild. You are official contractors! If you have any further questions about the services the guild provides or any assignments to partake in, you just need to come back to the counter." (receptionist)
So she hands us those cards which just from the look are nothing fancy.
It seems we can leave now.
This way two slimes officially became adventurers with legally confirmed status.
If the headquarters would know about this.
- Shari -
"What?!!" (Jacob)
"Was I too vague? You are going to help us register in the guild!" (Shari)
"No? Yes? Are you insane? You can't just go there and get registered! I mean did you even consider the risks? There are far too many other persons with enough experience to be a threat to your disguise. And you want to involve us in your mad game?" (Jacob)
"Not all of you. I can positively refrain from Chris’ participation. Also, it shouldn't be this risky. Both of us have the powder applied and as long there is no full body examination we should be fine. And do you really think that anyone in that building would be able to see through the situation when we come? That would require quite some imagination. And I really think the status of an adventurer would be helpful for traveling." (Shari)
"Urgh, you are set on this, or?" (Jacob)
"I already gave it some thought and made my decision." (Shari)
"This is certainly one of the most outrageous things I've ever heard. Damn, at this point, if you get caught we'll be in trouble too. The guards let you enter the town because of us! Fine, I'll come with you but Myra stays here. She's too nervous in your presence and I don't want to involve the two of them more than necessary." (Jacob)
"You are a good guy, Jacob. One of the reasons why I'm not going to forcefully squeeze my money out of you. Or far more terrifying, won't ask Liqu to do it." (Shari)
I think I've at least made him wince.
That's enough to compensate me for now.
"And you are sure that you are no monster? By times you can be really scary." (Jacob)
"Funny, my parents told me the same before that happened when I had to deal with the other kids in my village." (Shari)
"Nothing I need to hear about. Just let us get over with this." (Jacob)
"By the way, are there any requirements?" (Shari)
"Not for the lowest F-Rank. Those are simple gathering quests and thus no one is interested if you fail or die on the job. As long as you pay your dues, they're content. For the ranks above it's possible to apply for a promotion after you completed some tasks and by doing so proved that you are not directly going to die out there. Those who finished training at one of the guild-managed training facilities might directly receive an intermediate rank, like D or even C depending on their performance. Mages naturally too, since they're handy to have out there, but it isn't common to start above D. Also, you can ask for a mock battle, to prove that you have the fighting skills for dealing with greater threats than the usual small fry. I don't need to tell you why this might be a bad idea for you, right?" (Jacob)
"At this point, I should inform you that I had to kill two people this night. Before you say something, it seems our friend Cid is not the type to let things pass and sent them directly into our room. I tell this for your sake because, as I see the situation, your group is also at risk. Is that alright?" (Shari)
"You shouldn't talk about such things in front of the door. It's not like I'm not used to this. Even I killed on escort missions. But was it absolutely necessary? Are there any problems going to rise from that?" (Jacob)
"The guard already dealt with it and we are clearly the victims who acted in self-defense. And to your other question, they practically jumped into Liqu’s arms and made her angry. It was either on me or letting them die one of the most horrible deaths you can imagine. I consider myself rather merciful in this way." (Shari)
That comment made him look at the person in question.
And Liqu perceives such things.
"They kicked my Shari. And no one's touching her with ill will. I was just going to take their skin and see how long they would be able to survive without it." (Liqu)
"Have I ever mentioned that she has a monstrous background?" (Shari)
Urgh, shivers.
"Maybe we should try to keep her in the background." (Shari)
Jacob seems to be understandably uneasy and has this "what I've got myself in here" look.
"Would be for the best. Also, despite one's personal rank, it's the group's rank that matters if you are applying for jobs. In this respect, it isn't necessary to strive for more. I could fetch the better-paid ones for you. In terms of subjugation, you have quite the proficiency." (Jacob)
As long as Liqu leaves anything for proof that is.
"So then we should get going. I mean it's only one step away." (Shari)
"Before I help you here, you aren't going to ask for a room in the barracks, right?" (Jacob)
I can see the cold sweat flooding out of him at this thought.
"I think it might be a bit too crowded here, so rather not." (Shari)
He looks as if the weight of the whole world was lifted from his shoulders.
"Fine I just inform the others and then we head out. Sigh. How shall I explain this?" (Jacob)
He goes back in and shortly after this noise comes out.
"What?!!" (Chris/Myra)
I'm somewhat happy that it's not on me to explain this.
He soon comes back out with a complicated expression.
After this, we head to the guild.
As I said before it's a spacious building.
Clearly, it was built with utility and not showing-off in mind, to allow to accommodate the respective numbers of adventurers this whole town has to offer and allocate the jobs among them.
My greatest concern is naturally that Liqu does something stupid here.
I won't even pretend to know what goes on in this head of hers.
I am fairly certain that even high-ranked adventurers would get huge problems fighting her inside a building with narrow possibilities to escape.
I mean that form of hers that reminds me of a snail would cover a huge part of the whole hall here.
But it might be better not to concern me with this for now.
My destination is the reception.
I just hope that this mask of mine won't raise too many suspicions regarding my persona.
However, the chance to be registered as an adventurer means having a certificate to my identity which is just perfect in terms of giving my background if asked and that in all towns with a guild.
It is also a way to have an income and even a safe one, where I can stay most of the time out of crowded towns.
These are extreme advantages that are making this gamble worthwhile.
And to add to this, I have the unique advantage that Jacob will vouch for me.
I simply cannot let this chance pass.
Especially as I have money problems right now.
So I approach the counter and find in front me a woman in a uniform with a black skirt, white shirt, and grey vest.
"Good day, mi-...miss. What can I do for you?" (receptionist)
The woman at the counter was obviously a little bit taken aback by my appearance.
For sure she had problems determining my gender.
And like I already stated, any comments on this are forbidden.
I'm female!
Yet, a favorable approach is preferable here.
"I'm sorry, I only wear this mask because of a problem with my "skin" (I have none), I hope this is no problem. I'm here because I would like to register me and my friend as adventurers." (Shari)
"Oh! I am sorry to hear this. I hope it is nothing too serious miss." (receptionist)
"Shari! My name is Shari and this is Liqu. And sadly I need to say it is. For both of us. Yet, it's at least not deadly." (Shari)
If you don't count being utterly threatened by every single person in your environment.
"The registration for beginners is in general possible for anyone who agrees to sign the contract and is able to pay the fee. Is there any reason, why you are applying now?" (receptionist)
"Truth be told, it just came to (a slime abducted me!). We both are used to traveling, but would like to be able to take official requests." (Shari)
"You are aware that the appointment in the guild requires you to engage in combat, often with monsters? And like this, it is mandatory for applicants to have some fighting capabilities. Do you have these?" (receptionist)
"Both of us are fairly certain that we could face almost any threat out there. Jacob here would vouch for that to be the case." (Shari)
"Is that so? Jacob, as a veteran of the C-Rank your word has some weight. Can you confirm their statements?" (receptionist)
"I... can confirm that they are rather dangerous and that I really don't want to fight them." (Jacob)
"So you are vouching for them? You know, you will be held responsible if they fail their given tasks and have to face the consequences. From a penalty fee to supplementary actions against you and your group or even a downgrade of your rank." (receptionist)
The poor guy is right now sweating buckets.
"You know… They are able to do the work and I am certain that they have no criminal record. Is that enough?" (Jacob)
Well, there might be some bounty posters for Liqu hanging out at this very place, but those are certainly not about her breaking any human laws.
"It should suffice. Under those circumstances, I can offer you to register as a beginning D-Rank. The ranks are starting from the lowest F-rank, followed by E, D, C, B, A, and S-rank. Yet the latter shouldn't be relevant to you. They are bound to time, number, and assessed difficulty level of your taken assignments, as well as your abilities, and the general perception of your group. I am required to ask you once again for confirmation that you are confident to be capable of fulfilling the requests you would have to take at your rank." (receptionist)
"I don't think that there are any monsters out there we would have to shy away from." (Shari)
"Uh, I am not good with dragons." (Liqu)
Spontaneously I want to slap my face, but get hindered by the mask.
It might surely be a fairly interesting story, regarding what Liqu has to do with legendary entities of unrivaled power that are so rare that many think of them as mere legends nowadays.
But surely not now!
"Pardon me?" (receptionist)
"Sorry, she's joking. What she meant to say was that she thinks that as long as we don't encounter any legendary creatures of calamity we should be fine." (Shari)
"Fine. I take that as it is. Yet before registration, we have to take care of the details of your application. At this point, I have to inform you that the fee to subscribe for an upper rank like yours is one silver per person. Can you afford that?" (receptionist)
To show my sincerity I pay directly and am internally grateful to have been paid by Tamarah, as this wouldn't have been possible otherwise.
"If you would follow me please." (receptionist)
We follow the woman into a room behind the counter.
Jacob isn't allowed.
We can sit at a table and she takes some paperwork.
"I need to record your personal information and details to your respective profession. Also, I need to see your appearance at least one time for reasons of logistics, intelligence, and security. That means... without the masks." (receptionist)
"This is inconvenient, but I need to say we have applied powder under those masks. It is not possible that we will also remove that." (Shari)
"It should be acceptable, taking your problems in regard." (receptionist)
"That relieves me a great deal." (Shari)
I've got a pocket filled with some of the powder for emergency applications.
When I remove the mask I make sure to coat another layer to stay sure.
After all, this mask was still in contact with my face and it is unclear if it rubbed somehow.
Liqu didn't wear her mask until now.
I made her simply keep her head under the cloak all the time.
So both of us have to show off a grey-white powdered face.
"Hmm, it's a shame. Your facial features are quite nice. Quite unfortunate that you need to hide your face like this." (receptionist)
"I would as well wish for them to be in a better condition, but nonetheless have to deal with it." (Shari)
"Now I need to write down your personal information, regarding age, background, abilities, and if present magic. These will be available for other guild members to view, to decide if they want to form a group with you, especially when the need for a larger troop arises." (receptionist)
I need to answer this fast before Liqu is ruining it.
"Alright, I'm seventeen and Liqu is... sixteen years old." (Shari)
Please stupid slime, don't speak now and tell that woman that you are ten.
"You are rather young for skilled fighters. Jacob said you know how to fight, might you tell me what means you are utilizing?" (receptionist)
She is scrutinizing us a bit, yet I believe it is still at the level of mere curiosity.
"I am pretty good with the dagger and aside from this both of us use... substances with special effects which we can produce on our own." (Shari)
And that inside our bodies.
As if I would tell her that!
"Foreign substances? You mean you are alchemists? You use poison?" (receptionist)
"Ehm, no. More like... acid." (Shari)
"Acid?!" (receptionist)
She is looking at us with an examining gaze and something akin to understanding seems to light up in her eyes.
I guess she thinks the skin problem is linked to our usage of acid.
Honestly, that isn't even completely wrong.
"Do you have a sample to verify your testimony?" (receptionist)
"I-it is a bit hard to bring along. The production is more... on the fly." (Shari)
"I've got some!" (Liqu)
Which part of "hold back" are you unable to understand, you stupid slime?
Oh no!
She isn't going to...
Yes sure, she does.
Liqu removes one glove, while her arm, fortunately, remains hidden inside the sleeve, and dumps a small blob on the table which immediately burns through the wooden frame.
It isn't clear since I didn't confirm it, but I guess the ground is as well affected.
"Liqu you stupid s... Stupid Liqu! I am terribly sorry for my... acquaintance. She is quite often lacking common sense." (Shari)
"It seems your mixture is rather... potent. That has to be noted, yet I'm afraid, I need to ask you to pay for the damage." (receptionist)
"Yes, I've feared so." (Shari)
"It is just a small part and the table was anyway old, so thirty copper should suffice." (receptionist)
Without saying another word I pay.
"Fine. What else?" (Shari)
"Do you have any other skill you would like to promote? Remember, this is primarily to show to other members of the guild, who decide based on your abilities if they want to invite you, so it should hold true. If there is any damage due to false declaration you will be held responsible." (receptionist)
"Well, I can quite good navigate in the wilds and also verify a number of plants and how they are used, yet I would like to inform myself here in the guild about the noteworthy plants and where they grow in the area if such a service exists." (Shari)
"This is possible, yet you are required to read the book inside the building, under surveillance, and any damage has to be paid. It would be a large sum considering the worth of books. So I will note herbalist and navigation. The second is of lesser interest since all existing groups already have such a person if they want to survive. With your knowledge about plants, is that including healing treatment?" (receptionist)
"Hmm, I know that the healing abilities of clearsprout are concentrated in the edge of the leaves and how they are applied, that coratis-grass is great against many kinds of venom, how to use purpleberries against nausea, that darkleaves help with a stomach ache and you can use waterveils to treat burns. Yet I have none of these with me at the moment." (Shari)
"That is enough, so I can note herbal healer as a secondary there. That is wanted. Then Liqu, do you have any other skills?" (receptionist)
"I don't really understand." (Liqu)
Please stupid slime, don’t ruin it.
"Something that would help a team to perform on a mission. For example to support them during a fight or to help with disassembling, maybe?" (receptionist)
"Hmm. Ahh! I am very good with the bodies of most living beings! I can perfectly tell which part is where and what it does there." (Liqu)
Figures; she literally dissected all her victims by dissolving every part of them.
"Anatomical knowledge? So you can also point at weak points and find the organs?" (receptionist)
"Yes, sure." (Liqu)
"If you have nothing to add, this concludes this part of the interview. However, I have to remind you that a false testimony might lead to severe repercussions. Especially if the guild's reputation gets damaged. In the worst case, if you stay unable to pay the resulting fines you might get sold as debt slaves. Is that clear?" (receptionist)
"Yes. I promise that we didn't tell a single lie." (Shari)
Maybe we omitted some facts but if these get uncovered I guess a fine will be one of the lesser problems.
"Alright. At last, we just have to test your magical aptitude." (receptionist)
"Magical aptitude? Wait! We aren't mages!" (Shari)
"This is a standard procedure. The guild wants to keep track of this for all its members for different reasons. For example, there were cases, when the applicant didn’t know he was a mage and never trained their given abilities. There are wind mages who simply like to be outdoors or earth mages who feel calmer when lying on the ground." (receptionist)
"Isn't this still a bit unusual for such a course of action?" (Shari)
"The most important reason is that it shows how much magic lies in the body of a person. While the flesh is very limited in the amount of magic it can contain, you should know that all living beings have a bit inside them. The church refers to it as the "spark of life". The common difference between a normal person and a mage would be that the latter have in usually twice or even thrice the amount, crammed up inside by their natural affinity and training. Also, there are even cases of people without affinity who have more energy in them and are able to perform slightly better than the average person in terms of speed and strength. This might be limited since the human body can only contain it a certain amount, but the important part is as follows. Some monsters can note the difference in energy and are more prone to target the ones with more energy as they have more value for them to get their fill. Because of that, a group has to know who they should look out for. Understood?" (receptionist)
This was quite much, but I think I understand.
"So people are different in the amount of magic they can hold and you need to keep track of that." (Shari)
"Precisely! As I said, mages tend to have more. Not excessively but it's normal for them to two times the energy of the average person, while five times should be the absolute limit." (receptionist)
"So that's why some taste better." (Liqu)
I stare in utter shock at the certifiable insane slime next to me.
"What was that?" (receptionist)
"Ah! Well, she means in this case we have to pay attention to that. You know, when monsters are going to attack the better targets. That is very interesting information. Thank you." (Shari)
"O-okay, we will then proceed with the measuring." (receptionist)
"And what do we have to do?" (Shari)
"You only need to hold your hand over that orb there in the corner." (receptionist)
She points there at an obsidian round object in a metallic holder.
"I'm sorry, but I can't remove the gloves." (Shari)
"You don't need to. It will suffice if you just hold your hand above it. The orb will react to the change in magical energy in the environment and begin to glow in accordance." (receptionist)
Alright, there shouldn't be a problem.
I just need to extend my hand.
"Good, but I really am no mage." (Shari)
I hold my hand out to the orb and as the woman said, it starts to glow white from the inside.
The light is rather bright, considering the stone was almost black before, if not for a little glim.
Maybe that was because of the bit of energy in the air?
But why does the receptionist look like this?
"Is something wrong?" (Shari)
"Your... your measurements are breaking the scale! It shouldn't shine like this! Even if you are a mage, it is simply not possible that a normal body is going to contain this much magic. How?" (receptionist)
"Now me!" (Liqu)
Liqu is forcing herself through and holds her hand to the orb.
It shines as it did for me, but stronger.
Now I get it.
How could I forget?
This body isn't human.
Monsters are magical.
And my density is greater.
When they dissolve slimes drain every bit of energy out of the consumed stuff and leave the rest as dead matter.
I am sucking energy the whole time.
Naturally, I have an abundance of it.
Not being aware of this was stupid.
How do I get out of this?
"How is this possible? Such intensity!" (receptionist)
Alright, for now, I'll just deny any knowledge about these matters.
"Oh my! How could it be like this? I don't understand how this could happen!" (Shari)
"Y-you see, I'm a water mage. Look, this is the reaction it has to me!" (receptionist)
She uses the orb and it glows.
But this little glim isn't even close to our reactions.
"So, our reactions aren't normal!? What do we do about this?" (Shari)
"I-I don't know. I had my suspicions when I saw your eyes, but this is absolutely unexpected." (receptionist)
She looks troubled but manages to catch herself.
"See. Any monster that has at least a basic sense for magic will be after you. There aren't that many in the area. The common ones use smell or their eyes to find their prey. And among humanoid monsters, like goblins, only the shamans have any proficiency in magic. Nonetheless, it might draw some of the nasty kinds. For example, we had reports of a winged insect species which aims to draw blood exclusively from mages and even a vine flower that concentrates on ensnaring and draining them. You might bait such things to you and your team!" (receptionist)
"Oh, that one is nasty." (Liqu)
I smack Liqu's torso as hard as my body allows me to without causing weird-looking reactions.
This slime shall shut up!
"She meant this sounds truly dangerous." (Shari)
"Uhh, what was the meaning of that?" (Liqu)
"It meant, keep quiet and let the adults talk." (Shari)
"I already said I am..." (Liqu)
"Too inexperienced to have an idea what trouble you cause for me with every word you utter. So let me speak!" (Shari)
"Fine." (Liqu)
"I'm sorry, my comrade can be very problematic." (Shari)
Urgh! And now Liqu's eyes light up at the word "comrade".
"Ehm, right. But how does that add up? You say you both are no mages, but then you have this much magic. And those eyes. Did never any idea occur to you?" (receptionist)
This starts to turn out bad.
I'm asking myself if I should abandon this disguise and scare her, but this would surely not work.
She is stationed here to keep the ruffians in check.
Such a job affords mental fortitude.
And an open approach seems just too risky, considering where I am here.
So I'll proceed with denial.
"How would I know? I never used magic in my life! This might be a mere coincidence. You said yourself that there are also normal people with more magic than others." (Shari)
"But this isn't making sense! Both of you, the same coincidence? And at such a level?" (receptionist)
"I don't know what you want to hear from me. I cannot use magic." (Shari)
She looks intently at me.
"Look, it is not necessary to hide things like this. The information is confidential if you wish so." (receptionist)
Yes, sure.
I totally cannot imagine you rushing out into the hall, screaming: "Kill the monster! Kill it!"
I stay unwavering and hope she gives up to inquire any further about our circumstances.
Although she looks rather displeased at this.
"Sigh! Fine. It's not like I can decline your application because you don't want to relay all your skills. It would just have made things easier." (receptionist)
Welcome to the club!
Because my life is certainly not easy.
"Alright, I will simply note "abundance of magic" in your respective sheets." (receptionist)
"Are we done now?" (Shari)
"Would you like to give further personal intel? About your life or education?" (receptionist)
She states the question as if she's not really expecting me to answer.
"There isn't much to say. I come from a village between here and Siras. I would point at it on a map, but doubt it would show up on it. And Liqu was... a refugee. Constantly moving since youngest age." (Shari)
Fortunately, my silent pleas that this stupid slime may stay quiet are received and she says nothing about her life before she got me.
"Anything else? Like where you learned your profession?" (receptionist)
In a dark cave filled with slime.
"Sorry, but this is confidential. The place is not allowed to be revealed." (Shari)
For your sake!
"If you say so. Alright. The formalities are done then. You just have to subscribe or if you can't, write a symbol you could use for confirmation. But before you do so, are you aware of the appointed tasks you will have to fulfill?" (receptionist)
"Appointed tasks?" (Liqu)
Shit! That's a problem!
I can't even reprimand this stupid slime for speaking up.
The issue is that the following answer might become extremely awkward.
Especially for Liqu.
I forgot that the guild has to handle the tasks given by the kingdom that allows it to build its bases and operate here.
Like this they can, as long it is not for conflicts use the members as resources.
And there is one particular standing order that could become a problem.
"You have to do them, to retain your status as guild members. Otherwise, you need to face penalties. There is no way around this! There are some, like hunting goblins or defending against orcs. However, at the moment it is mostly one simple thing. If they don't do the more dangerous ones or are applied to tasks of higher priority, each member has to destroy at least one slime in two months and bring the core as proof. If you neglect that, you will be forced to take a penalty mission or pay a considerable sum for leniency." (receptionist)
Slime subjugation.
The irony!
"It really isn't much, right? And given how common they are no one should have problems getting this done. You could even do it on the way. But there are still some who try to shirk their duties. Did you know that there are even some members who sell broken cores at high prices to other members? And they pay! Just so they can avoid it? Do you believe this?!" (receptionist)
I look unsure at Liqu.
"Good! This shouldn't be a problem. They are slow." (Liqu)
Is she for real?!
They are basically her kind!
Is she really going to kill them just like this?
This slime can be extremely frightening at times.
What am I saying?
She is frightening!
I simply forget about it sometimes.
But since nothing is keeping us, I sign on the parchment.
Yet it is quite difficult without having any sense of feel through the glove.
Like this, it comes out more crude than I would have liked.
The receptionist is apparently used to this.
Still, I get an inquisitive look on my gloves, which asks why I'm so insistent on keeping them on.
Liqu is next.
But then she freezes, looking flustered.
Then she draws a picture that seems to resemble a drop with two attachments in form of swirls symmetrically extending on each side to the top.
"I like that one! I will use this!" (Liqu)
I should have considered that.
She cannot write!
How should she have learned this?
Maybe I should educate her on this in the future.
It can't hurt to teach her when there is time.
To be honest, every little bit of knowledge to counter her stupidity would be an improvement, considering how inept she is.
Damn, I'm getting too attached.
"That's it! With this, you two are officially members of the guild." (receptionist)
"Was that really okay? I mean that drop symbol?" (Shari)
"There are other illiterate members. The common associates are often not educated. So personal symbols are commonly accepted." (receptionist)
This whole procedure was so full of ridiculousness that it gets hard to maintain a straight face.
So I put the mask back on.
I mean they seriously just accepted two monsters as a part of the group that professionally hunts them.
Talk about lousy control measures.
Yet I won't complain.
This all works out fine for me.
Nonetheless, I should deepen my knowledge about this work since I have no idea what encompasses as a whole.
"What ways to work are there right now, we could take?" (Shari)
"The guild offers access to the blackboard. There are three kinds of assignments. Open assignments, which in general are about the delivery of certain objects, essential to certain businesses or the town's supply. Contracted assignments, where the one who wants to work under the described conditions applies for it and meets the contractor for further intel. Those are open as soon the guild opens and in general it is "first comes first served". And then there are special assignments, where the member is directly contacted, as the contractor feels safer with this particular partner." (receptionist)
So you either have relations or have to take what is there before the others.
"The open ones are the most common. At those, you will be rewarded as soon you bring the object and the contractor has no interest in your persona. Yet it is risky if only a certain amount is requested and the offer gets taken down before you hand in yours. This is more or less likely to happen, depending on the subject. Also, the town offers subjugation assignments regarding certain creatures, yet it is not advised to concentrate on the killing alone, as you won't be able to make your fill with killing low-key creatures." (receptionist)
I am rather sure Liqu gets her "fill" through killing.
But here begins the interesting part about what is worth how much.
"Jacob told me he brought a rager down. Was it possible to submit that one?" (Shari)
"It came very surprising and will be beneficial for his reputation. These kinds of subjugations are assigned as the extermination of severe threats and he was rewarded with fifteen silver. Yet, the town will only accept the subjugation if they truly brought down a threat, and thus not any proof will lead to a reward." (receptionist)
"And what are the requirements to have it accepted?" (Shari)
"Usually it's the left ear for confirmation, which has to be fresh enough to make it believable that the fight was close enough to the town to have any securing impact. It might be usually the left ear yet for creatures that don't have ears, it is the most distinguishing feature, like for scorpions it's the stinger. And it should be on the open list in the hall. There you will also find the rules regarding bringing proof." (receptionist)
This much is understandable.
There is simply no reason to pay for something without reaping any benefit.
It would be crazy to grant a reward because someone brought in the remains of a stuffed animal that died long ago or to voluntarily pay for the sake of other towns.
"So are we done now?" (Shari)
"Almost. Here are your cards to confirm your identity. The necessary information is inscribed on them, to introduce you for example to other members. The information will be in time distributed to the other branches of the guild. The detailed information will be listed there for confirmation in the register. Your status will be like this become known and get updated to give you a base for negotiations. So you can confirm that you are a reasonable partner for a commission. This is in fact the greatest benefit of being a member of the guild. You are official contractors! If you have any further questions about the services the guild provides or any assignments to partake in, you just need to come back to the counter." (receptionist)
So she hands us those cards which just from the look are nothing fancy.
It seems we can leave now.
This way two slimes officially became adventurers with legally confirmed status.
If the headquarters would know about this.
