Chapter 28: Chapter 28 : The Adventurer Association

Now on the streets, Greg turned to Ralf. “You really got that old fox riled up. Were you being for real?”

“Huh, you thought I would do it for the laughs?”

Greg rubbed his beard. “The cut of your jib makes me uncertain. So, you were serious. That’s even more surprising. I told you about his reputation. He's been undefeated for a reason. He’s not just a big fish in a small bowl, he’s just a big fish.”

Ralf shrugged. “No matter how big the fish, to the fisherman, they're ultimately food.”

“So you’re the fisherman mmm.”

Ralf shook his head as he sensed the scepticism in the other’s voice. “Then, should I give you a taste of my abilities?”

“Oh, go ahead.”

Ralf nodded then walked up the stand and asked, “How much?”

“10 Drads.”

Ralf paid then returned to Greg with a newspaper.

“A newspaper?”

“Yeah, give me a second.”

He spread it wide. Then, seconds later, he scrunched it back up and pointed it Greg’s way.

“Here.”

Greg took it. “This?”

“Follow along and check for errors.” Saying this, Ralf shut his eyes. A clear still image displayed itself in his mind. From that, he read.

“Verity. Darling of Saures, the Lightning Princess heads for the Hunter Academy. The move comes as no surprise. Since the late queen's death three years ago in the now-infamous Bloody Hill assassination attempt, there have been many rumours about the royal family's fractured state. Violet Astor’s decision to enrol in the Hunter Academy has caused a great stir around the world. Many factions have beg-"

“Wait wait wait, you’re joking right,” Greg's eyes widened to their limits as he understood what Ralf was doing.

Ralf shrugged. “I’m not. Think I've already read this and took the time to memorize this passage just for this moment? Well, that’s the first few lines, so it's possible. But that’s not what happened. I just memorized it.”

Greg was left flabbergasted. His brain couldn’t readily process the reality he was experiencing.

“That’s why you were so confident back there…”

“Yeah.”

“Ah, excellent!” Greg jolted with energy. “Hahahaha, then you can beat him, excellent excellent.” His large hands thumped Ralf’s shoulder in excitement. He glanced up. “ I see, I misread the heavens' intent. You were sent to show me victory, not serve as a lucky charm. Good, I look forward to tomorrow. Ah yes, I mentioned we’d go to find people interested in your ideas.”

“Oh, there’s no need for that anymore. I need money, but that’s not going to be a problem after tomorrow.”

“Yeah, you’ll be living like a king haha. What are you going to do now? I’m heading to Golden Jug, a bar. Want to join me? You can prepare for tomorrow's match there."

Ralf appreciated the offer, but rejected it, saying, “I’m good. I need to stop by the Adventure Association. Then, I plan to hit the library.”

“Mmm, a pity. By the way, how are you getting back to Lagner?”

“A person named Joel offered to take me back at 5. I rode here on his carriage, and will head back with him after my trip to the library.”

“Oh, Joel, he’s a good guy. Okay, Ralf, I’ll see you tomorrow. Let's meet at noon sharp, at the fountain, okay?”

“Sounds good.”

Greg and Ralf soon parted, but Greg being who he was didn’t fail to sweeten the interaction.

***

[[He’s a swell guy.]]

These words sounded through Ralf’s head as he stepped out of the carriage.

It was unlike Rei to acknowledge, let alone compliment others, but Greg had managed to earn it with his actions.

The carriage ride was courtesy of Greg, who paid the driver to send Ralf to his destination.

[[Sure is,]] responding to his other self, Ralf thanked the driver before striding forward.

‘Adventurer Association.’

Reading the plague, Ralf’s blood began racing. It was not his first time entering an Adventurer Association branch, he had done so many times when he was younger, even made it a habit. Still, the excitement remained. The dream to be an Adventurer, to explore the world and experience all its wonders, stirred within him anew.

The three-story-tall building occupied a large plot of land. Unlike the grey stony aesthetic the surrounding buildings gave off, the Adventurer Association building had a grainy woody feel. It gave the building a sense of life. The woody smell that entered one’s nostrils invigorated one's senses and stirred one’s spirit of adventure out of its slumber.

*Step*

Passing through the doorway, Ralf’s eyes roamed about.

The first thing to catch his eye was the large open section to his left. It was an in-house restaurant of sorts. Dozens of people were seated around the tables, chatting it up while enjoying their food and beverages.

[[These outfits, it's like they're cosplaying.]]

People in leather armour, people in capes, people wearing masks, people in skimpy outfits, people armed with strange weapons, people…it was a strange sight for Rei’s eyes.

Ralf, a resident of this world, explained. [[It's not that strange over here. The acquisition of psionic power has brought about many strange phenomena. No more obvious is it than in people’s choice of fashion. While there’s no hundred percent method to know who’s a psionic or not, at least since William of Raven Tail's passing, clothing and appearance are a pretty reliable method.]]

After a pause, Ralf continued.

[[If you see someone dressing up like a chunni, it's almost certain that they have psionic powers. The stranger and more flamboyant the outfit, the stronger. That's the general rule. Non-psionics have caught onto this, and a lot of them actually purposely dress strangely as a bluff. The end result is a very eccentrically dressed society. Though, places like Adventurer Association branches will definitely have a higher concentration of this than other places.]]

While giving his explanation, Ralf headed to the reception desk. Six people manned the long arcing wooden table. At the moment, all stations were free, allowing Ralf to choose whichever option he so desired.

In the end, he went far left.

Approaching the counter, he sized up the receptionist.

She appeared to be in her late forties, easily the oldest of the lot. She exuded a friendly and competent aura about her. Her clothes were without a single wrinkle and her blonde hair, fashioned into a bob was neat and tidy.

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“Good afternoon young man, what can I help you with?" The receptionist, Genise asked with an amiable face.

Ralf’s face mirrored her friendliness as he replied, “Good day to you as well. The name’s Ralf, I’m here to register as a new Adventurer.”

Hearing his request, Genise eyes moved over him. "You seem a bit too youthful. How old are you exactly Ralf?"

"I just turned eighteen not even a month ago."

"Hmm, you're definitely skirting the line. I'll need some proof of your age or a signed approval from a legal guardian or caretaker just to be at ease."

"Understandable. I'll do the latter, was going to go that route anyway."

Genise was slightly confused by his words but chose not to inquire further. She opened a drawer and retrieved a document before placing it on the desk. "There you go. Return with this filled in. You don't have to turn this in at our branch, any Adventurer Association branch will do. Also, no dishonesty, we'll find out. Once you hand the document in, the Adventurer Association will go about verifying the identity of the person listed, so making up someone or lying will do you no good."

"That won't be a problem. My mom is already registered in the database...my dad too."

"Oh, that will make the process easier."

Ralf nodded. As someone who had wanted to be an Adventurer, he had acquainted himself with all the requisite knowledge to be one. This made him sound impressive, but in reality, there wasn't much to learn. Unlike becoming a Hunter or Guardian, becoming an Adventurer was something pretty much anybody could do.

Genise continued. "After you bring that back and everything checks out, you'll be allowed to take the Adventurer entrance test. The Adventurer Association has an E-S ranking system to label its Adventurers. Each rank has a specific examination that needs to be cleared to achieve the rank. The entrance test is the E-Rank test. If you pass it, you will be allowed to be an Adventurer. You'll need to fill in some basic details as well as a 500 Drad registration fee though. Also, while the first Adventurer test is free, every subsequent time you try will set you back 500 Drad. Is there anything you want me to repeat?"

"No, I got it all, thanks."

"I see, good. Then, when can I expect your next visit?"

"Tomorrow, at the latest."

"An eager one, aren't you," Genise's smiled.

Ralf nodded. "Of course, this has been my dream for a long time."

At the words, Genise's smile faltered and her mature face quickly filled with sternness. "Young man, you said your name was Ralf, right."

"Uh, yes that’s right."

"I see, nice to meet you, Ralf, my name is Genise Felps. I've been a receptionist at the Adventurer Association for nearly twenty years now. I've seen many things and heard even more things. I'd like to share a few words with you. Care to listen?"

Ralf adjusted to the rising seriousness. "I do, please go ahead."

An approving look flashed through Genise's eyes at the young man's words. Taking a breath, she then unloaded her words.“Young man, the life of an Adventurer is a dangerous one. While it is the most popular profession, it also has the highest mortality rate. Every day, countless Adventurers die horrible deaths, suffering unimaginable pain and cursing their past selves in their final moments. Make no mistake, the path of an Adventurer is a thorny one. You need to be strong, in every sense of the word.”

Pausing, Genise tapped the document.

“Use the time it takes to return the document to ponder my words. I’ve been a receptionist for a very long time. Unfortunately, I know too many stories where overeager youngsters, doped up on rosy stories, jump the gun and end up dead. The stories that reach my ears are horrific.” her face scrunched up as unpleasant memories flashed through her head.

She went silent for a few seconds. After another breath, she turned to Ralf and said, “I want to make sure you know what you’re walking into, Ralf.”

[[She’s not bad too.]]

Ralf wholeheartedly agreed with Rei’s comment. It was a morbid, mood-dampening speech. Yet, Ralf couldn’t help but respect Genise for giving it. Her show of honesty and integrity won her points in his heart.

“Thanks for your concern. The world would do well with more people like you in it, Genise Felps," he said with a gentle smile on his face.

"Ah oh, thanks." Genise was momentarily short-circuited by his sincere words.

Ralf plucked up the document. "Rest assured Genise, I’m aware of the dangers of the Adventurer lifestyle. My father was one himself and lost his life to monsters. I know it's a dangerous path, but I’m resolved to walk it.”

The resolve Ralf spoke of in his words was clearly displayed by the look in his eyes.

Seeing it, Genise knew that his mind was made up. She mentally sighed. Her lectures had never swayed anyone.

“You’re a determined one, Ralf. But more than determination is required to be an Adventurer. A word of warning, the E-Rank test isn’t something anyone can pass," her expression twisted up as she remembered an unpleasant fact. “While there are many branches that lower their standards so they can collect registration fees, this place is not one of them. This branch follows the original guidelines to the letter. So even making E-Rank isn't a sure thing."

Ralf rolled his shoulders. "I don't think that will be an issue, well, I'll show you tomorrow." He folded up the document and placed it in his bag. "Genise, it's been good talking to you. Hopefully, I’ll return this tomorrow. See you.”

“Oh, it was nice meeting you too, Ralf. Goodbye.”

With a last wave and smile, Ralf made his exit.

[[Now, to the library.]]

[[Ralf, you’re on your own for that. I’m going to start on the engine.]]

[[Fine, good luck with that.]]

[[You too.]]

At these words, the Mental Link was severed.

‘Okay, let's get cracking.’ With these words and a slap on each cheek, Ralf moved to his destination.

For the next few hours, he would be at the library, recording book after book, all the while, garnering strange looks from all those present. And then at five, he arrived at the agreed-upon spot and boarded Joel’s carriage.

Now on the way back, he appreciated the scenery while humming a light tune to himself.

“You seem much better now, lad.”

Joel broke the silence with this comment. “Your shoulders are a bit more relaxed. Did you find what you were looking for in Ganurg?”

“I sure did mister. Even better than what I was looking for, actually.”

“Oh, that’s good to hear.”

Ralf eyed the crates of fruit that surrounded him. Comparing it to his memory from earlier, he could tell that not much of it had been sold. ‘This is no good,’ he thought.

“Joel, tomorrow I’m going to win big, very big. I’m thinking of having a giant fruit salad in celebration. I’ll pay you a visit, make you have some fruit in stock for me, okay."

“Hahaha, sure sure. I’ll save some.”

With jovial banter, the ride reached its destination.

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