Chapter 8: Registration
Leo went around the house, gathering his equipment, a water bottle and a self sewed backpack.
Sam whistled, impressed this small Dwarf had already his weapon of choice and adventuring necessities.
"Nice weapon, what is this?"
Leo, clearly proud, said:
"A warpick. I concluded that this suited me best. This backpack I did the same day, using some leftovers and sewing them together."
"A multi-function weapon, huh. Good choice, but replace that backpack soon. After all you need more things in the future, like dishes, camping equipment and maintenance tools."
He gave good insights. Leo thought so, too. But for the beginning it is enough. Then they left through the front door, bidding farewell, and Leo waved one last time to Thomas and Bron.
He grew to really like them, especially Thomas.
'I will come back, even if it's just for a visit. But also to repay you more.' He vowed.
Together, Leo and Sam were on the way, along the now familiar dirt road Leo walked along tens of time in the past week.
'It's going to happen, for real. Being an Adventurer, exploring new places, meeting different people and slaying all kinds of creatures.'
He practically jumped from one foot to each other, not being able to contain his excitement.
"I understand that you are excited. Independence is always thrilling, and the prospect of adventures is a dream for many."
Sam said, but he stopped on his tracks, in the middle of the road. Leo nearly bumped into him, confused why he stopped.
Sam then took his wrist, dragged him to the side.
He placed both hands on Leo's shoulder, looked him in his brown-red eyes. Leo swallowed some salvia, expecting the serious advice from Sam.
"But be warned! While fun at some times, adventuring is dangerous. Even if you just gather herbs or are doing a seemingly easy mission. There is some danger, always. Be it a stray group of monsters, a understatement of the mission difficulty or other, unknown factors."
His eyes unfocused for a moment, as if he remembered some previous time. A traumatizing time.
Leo felt a light shudder from the hands on his shoulders.
He got aware, this kind and helpful person experienced more than he expected.
Sam succeeded in bringing down his enthusiasm. Leo got serious, and Sam saw it in his eyes, as well from his posture.
"I won't get into detail any more. Just remember: Be careful out there, don't trust anyone lightly. Always thinks twice and run if you have to. There is no honor in death."
With this said, he released his grip, letting Leo stand alone with a complicated feeling.
"Again, thank you for your advice. I guess I saw it not as clear as expected."
Leo said honestly. He knew that Sam really looked after him.
'I will return this favor ten times over.' He swore.
Sam nodded, and showed him a brotherly smile.
"Honor my advice, and we will meet again, maybe next week, or in some years.
Also, for new adventurers the Guild provides free lodging in the first time, till you gathered enough funds to sustain yourself."
"Why do they do this? Isn't that a losing trade?"
"Not really," Sam refuted," After all does that strengthen the bond between the two parties. Additionally the Guild trains the newcomers, keeping them alive. So they will be able to hunt more, doing more work for the Guild and its clients."
Leo understood.
'Like a two sided dependant contract, you help me and vice versa.'
"The Guild helps you in cases of death, too, like informing relatives or friends.",
Sam added.
Continuing, they past the Inns, shops and stalls, arriving before the beautiful exterior of the Guild, with the simplistic charm of a medieval hall.
As it was still early in the morning, not as many people as expected were there. No bard stood on the stage, but some tables were filled, and the counters were all staffed.
"In about two to three hours will be the main hour of business. Many recover from missions or hangovers. Good for us, no long line to wait at."
They walked to the furthest right counter, waiting behind two other Humans. A maybe 16 year old guy with thick clothing to protect him, some layers of metal imbued into it. At the front a girl of 16 years received a card from a female employee, leaving a drop of blood on it.
The card shone ever so lightly.
The girl wore short pants, hold in place by braces. A tight fitting shirt covered her upper body, protecting her heart, lungs and abdomen with angled, processed leather. The gloves had multiple layers, to ensure retaining mobility. On her hips were a shortsword and a buckler made of leather and wood.
The hair was dark green, reaching her shoulders and kept out her face with a hair circlet.
The two waited for about ten minutes, and finally their turn came up.
The female employee with glasses and a slightly round face greeted them.
"Welcome, I'm in charge of registration and handing in requests. How can I help?
Oh, hi Sam, nearly didn't realized it was you."
"Hi Mary. Since when did you work here? I thought you have a job in that one Inn, what was it's name..., beehive."
"I had, but they employed a pretty girl, and she is more popular, so the owner decided to fire me and give her my job.
Lucky for me Guildmaster took me in, else I would end up on the street."
"You know I would never let that happen." Sam flirted.
He showed clearly his interest in that girl, so much even Leo noticed.
She blushed, but remained professional and spoke:
"I know Sam, you are always my knight who comes to safe me. So, what can I do for you, little one.
It was Sam's turn to get red. He coughed slightly, holding his palm on Leo's back and took over to explain.
"We are here to register Leo as a novice Adventurer."
"Him?" She spoke out loud, clearly shocked. "Is he not too young to register? You need a guardians permission for that, and I thought you only had one brother."
"The thing is, he is currently without family or relatives, and he chose to become an adventurer.
I act as his guardian, and if you have more concerns, just send a letter to Mr. Rugs."
She looked down to Leo, questioning him about said.
"Is that true? Can you explain some more in detail, Leo, I guess?
He nodded, quickly explaining how he met Sam and friends, Mr. Rugs and also that he accepts Sam as his guardian.
"I may be young, but I have the means to defend myself. I do only simple jobs in the beginning, and move on when I have enough combat experience."
"I bail for that. In case of death, disappearance or mutilation I will be the person of reliance."
Mary sighed, putting index and middle finger on her temple.
"As much as i'm against it, when you decided for yourself, there is not much to do against.
Wait a moment please, I get a new card from the back."
Mary said, leaving the counter.
When she turned, Leo managed to see that Sam looked at her butt, even if just for a moment.
"Your girlfriend?" Leo asked with hidden intentions.
"I wish. Childhood friend, and was my emotional support back in time," came the cool response.
"But I guess she is not really interested in me, after all I asked her out once, but her answer was not that positive."
"What did she say?" Leo asked, nervously looking to the door, inspecting if Mary would already come back.
"She likes me, too. But to ensure her families wellbeing she want a man with more wealth. And he needs to have a stable job, not an adventurer."
"You still have a chance. Keep going and conquer her. I noticed that she very much likes you, too."
"You sure don't sound like a 13 year old, you know." He looked dreamy to the door, murmuring:
"I get that I have to fight for you. Wait for me Mary. Please."
Leo couldn't hear the last part, and as he wanted to talk further, Mary came back from the backroom.
She placed a white wooden card on the counter. The surface was reflecting the light, and invoke a illusion as if it was moving.
"This card will be used to identify yourself. Let your blood drop on it, and basic information will be displayed."
"What exactly for info's." Leo asked curious.
"Your age, race, elemental affinity and blood type."
Concerned about the element part, Leo inquired about that.
"Worry not. Even if you haven't reached that age yet, the affinity is in your blood, and can be found out like this, even before the age of awakening."
And then, she took out another card from under the counter. That one hadn't that smooth surface of the first card. Mary began to explain:
"This is the second part of your ID. The staff writes down some of your other information, like your name, or a cover name if preferred, rank and weapon choice. Also birthplace and maybe your insignia.
This card will be updated by us, or any other branch of the Adventurer Guild."
She took a breather, thinking a moment before continuing:
"You rank start at H, the lowest. After completing missions, you get a notice from the requester, or bring us proofs of subjugation.
But if you hunt regular and show us proof, we can accept that as conditions for you ranking up."
"What happens if I can't complete a quest?"
"Depends what kind of request. If you fail a subjugation quest, you have to pay reparations.
Nothing happens if not enough herbs were gathered. The biggest punishment though is your death."
Leo shuddered. He still can't get over it how easy it is to die in this world.
'Have to be careful. Do not over do it, Leo. Take it slow.' He reminded himself.
"So, that would be it. Let's first fill out the second part."
"Oh, okay. Hmmmm..., name is Leonardo, but I would like the name of Caesar as a cover."
'That is great. I always loved the genius of the inventor Emperor Gaius Julius Caesar. To be able to travel known as him is just awesome.'
"Weapon of choice is a warpick with shield. I don't know my birthplace, so can we set it up as Naoka?"
"No problem." Mary ensured. "And I guess no insignia?"
Leo shook his head. He had something in mind, but was not sure if he would be allowed to have it as an insignia.
"How can I get one?"
Sam helped out here, showing his smart side to Mary.
"You can design one yourself, and if you have made a name for yourself, or are of nobility, you can use that sign as identification. It will be registrated in the palace archive and protected by the royal crown.
Many insignias have long, deep history, and are used to sign most important documents and can represent even the king."
'So I can have one, need to be famous or nobility though.'
"Done." exclaimed Mary. "For the first part of the ID card, I need a drop of your blood. Don't worry, I will look away when the information appear, as some details should only be known by the owner."
She put a needle and the white card on the desk, turning around and looking the opposite way.
Sam was about to do the same, but Leo stopped him.
"Nothing to hide, not for my benefactor and friend."
Sam knew to treasure his show of trust. Thus he remained standing beside him.
Leo took the needle, pocked his thumb and dropped a bit of dark red blood on the card.
The next moment, the card changed.
The edges turned to a brow-red tone, and weird symbols appeared.
'Ah right, I can't read this language.'
He turned his head towards Sam. He does not know if he can, either.
"Although not perfect, these information cards are essential for adventurers. So everyone can read at least these." He said, and Leo felt like a stone fell from his heart.
"Then, please." Leo asked, and handed him the card.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone