Chapter 35: Chapter 34
"Lady Lamonia, it is a pleasure to see you again,"
"And you as well,"
On our next free day, I took Ellis to the capital's adventurer's guild. I have used this guild a few times now since my grandfather cut me off. It is larger than the guild back home, but the receptionist was just as friendly.
"Have you finally started working in a party?" The receptionist asks curiously, looking at Ellis.
"She's a friend from school who wants to sign up as an adventurer,"
"Okay then, I will be happy to help her through the process," The receptionist smiles, taking out a form and a quill. As she prepares the ink, the receptionist asks. "Do you know how to read and write?"
"Yes," Ellis nods.
"Good, many adventurers can't and those who are able to read and write have the leg up on the others. Now I just need you to fill out this form," It is a simple form with just a handful of questions about a person's experience and skills. "While you do, allow me to explain the ranking system and guild rules."
The ranking system is simple. Adventurers start out at F Rank and can move all the way up to S Rank. The higher the rank, the more powerful monsters you are allowed to take on. But most people only make it to becoming a C Rank adventurer. The strongest adventurers in any guild are either only B or, in some rare cases, A Rank. Only a handful of people have become S Ranked adventurers like me.
As for the guild rules, there are only three. First. Don't take quests not approved by the guild. This protects adventurers from any shady deals that would put them on the wrong side of the law. Second. You can only accept one quest at a time. This rule was implemented because, at some point, people would take on too many quests and never finish them all. The final rule is, Disputes among adventurers are to be sorted out by themselves. The guild will step in if things go too far, but for the most part, we have to sort out our own problems.
"Everything looks good," The receptionist nods. "Please wait a moment while I prepare your guild card."
Ellis fidgeted nervously as she waited for her guild card to be prepared. She glanced around the bustling room and tried to take in as much as possible.
"I remember being in your shoes a few years ago, waiting for my card. It feels incredible, doesn't it?"
"It sure does. But I'm still so nervous. What should I expect?"
"It'll be tough at first. Once you get your guild card, you can only take F Ranked quests, but it shouldn't take long to rank up," I tell her. "But F Rank is mainly for children, so people over fifteen usually have to complete only three or four quests to rank up. You should reach C Rank in a few months. It is only after that that raising rank becomes a challenge."
"So I will be doing boring gathering quests first, then?"
"There's fishing, deliveries and sometimes part-time work in restaurants and stores as well as the gathering quests,"
"Sorry for the wait, but your card is ready now,"
The receptionist returns with Ellis's card. They are simple things. A simple white card with Ellis's name and rank on it. But the back of the card has a magic seal that will only show up when Ellis holds it. An anti-theft measure.
<0>
"This isn't what I was expecting..."
I can't fault Ellis for being disappointed, but this isn't so bad. The weather is nice, and this spot in the river is quiet, with few other people in sight.
"I thought you were joking when you said fishing would be a quest... I was hoping for something more..."
"When you rank up, you can take on more interesting quests,"
"I hope I can rank up soon then. I'm sorry to drag you into this... you would probably be doing something way more interesting and fun than fishing if it wasn't for me,"
"It's fine. I'm not in desperate need of money, and I haven't had a chance to fish like this in a long time,"
"So you used to fish like this?"
"Yes, I was an F rank myself in the beginning,"
We had been fishing for almost an hour and only caught three fish. We have until the end of the day to catch eight.
"You know, I heard there's goblin trouble just outside the city. I heard they've been attacking people and animals,"
"Yeah, I heard about it too. Several knights and soldiers will be joining the group of adventurers in eliminating them,"
"I think it'd be nice to check it out," Ellis smiles. "Think about it. Two friends battling goblins, slaying the evil that lurks in the woods. How heroic would that be?"
"I don't know about heroic, but I could be exciting,"
The weather is so nice today. Warm but not too hot. A gentle breeze that isn't too cold. It is just the perfect weather for fishing. It isn't long before we catch our next two fishes, bringing our total to five. We should have this quest finished within an hour or two.
"Helping out the rookies today?"
And he had to ruin it. A stupid Rank adventurer with a big mouth and short temper. I think his name is Alex, but I really can't remember. Alex is a short guy with the top of his head barely reaching my chest and has a weak body. He is just someone who is struggling to remain a C Ranked adventurer but thinks he is an S Rank like me.
"You know Angelina? My offer still stands, and I am willing to grant you the honour of accompanying me on quests. I will be of far more use than the rookie over there, especially now that you have lost your place at the prince's side. I could give you the pleasure of my hand in marriage,"
"I'm fine without you,"
I have been running into him a lot recently. I swear he hangs around the guild, just waiting for me to show up. He was there today as well. I spotted Alex watching Ellis and me from across the room when Ellis received her guild card.
"Come on, don't be like that girl," As usual, he isn't taking my first rejection seriously. "I will be a far better partner to take quests with than that rookie and a better husband than the prince."
"I'm not interested in taking quests with you or getting married," It looks like he isn't even listening. "No, please leave us alone to complete our current assignment."
Alex really needs to learn to listen to others and get the message when he isn't welcome. For instance, he takes a step closer instead of walking away from me. I can see Bozzair on a nearby tree branch creeping closer. He probably won't do anything, but I should wrap things up with Alex before anything happens to him Bozzair still hadn't forgiven him after Alex pulled his tail a few weeks ago.
"Still don't think you are good enough for me. I told you before that, well, few are capable of measuring up to my greatness. You are one of the few who can. We can make such a good team and couple,"
"I told you I'm not interested. Now leave now before my little friend up there," I point to Bozzair. "Decides to set your hair on fire again. Only this time, I won't be the one to put it out."
It was what he deserved, according to Bozzair. A few weeks ago, after having a similar conversation to the one we are having, Alex grabbed Bozzair by the tail when I tried to walk away. In return, Bozzair set his hair on fire. Alex wasn't hurt since I managed to put it out in time, but even now, I can see hints of the bold patch Bozzair caused as Alex's hair slowly recovers.
"I still haven't forgiven you for your pet's actions, you know. How about you make it up to me,"
"Leave. Now,"
I put more strength behind my words as Alex starts to get too close for my liking. Why can't this guy just leave me alone?
"Angelina, just let this happen already. We both know you are already mine,"
"She told you to leave her alone,"
Before I could do anything, Ellis was there, stepping between us and pushing Alex away with a fire burning in her eyes.
"So a rookie thinks they can tell me what to do? How about you show your superiors some respect and leave us alone to talk,"
"We have nothing to talk about,"
"Come on, Angelina, you know you want to do this,"
"No, I don't want anything to do with you,"
"You should leave now," Ellis warns him. "She doesn't want anything to do with you."
"I told you to shut up!"
"Hey!"
He tried to slap Ellis with the back of his hand, but I quickly caught his wrist. Alex struggles against me, but I am far too strong for him to break free. I squeeze a little harder making him wince in pain.
"I suggest you leave now," I warn him as I let go of his arm.
"You think you can get away with this? All I have done was be friendly, and you assaulted me! Don't think I will let you get away with this! When I tell the guild master, he will..."
"Good idea," I smile, stopping him in his tracks. "Let's go talk to the guild master. Bozzair, please ensure Alex here doesn't get lost along the way."
"Hey! Let go of me!"
Bozzair grabs Alex by the back of his shirt, and despite not being as strong as he used to be, Bozzair is still strong enough to drag Alex along. I help Ellis pack up before we join them. Although the guild has a rule about not interfering in fights among adventurers, they make exceptions for those of us with A Rank and higher. If I left Alex to go and report this himself, nothing would happen, but since an S Rank like me is making a report, I might finally be able to solve my problem with Alex.
<0>
"So you approached Lady Angelina while she was assisting Miss Ellis on her first quest, refused to leave when they asked you to, tried to hit Miss Ellis and threatened to report them to the guild after Lady Angelina rejected your advances. Is that correct?"
The guild master rubs his temple and shakes his head. He isn't in a good mood after we walked in on his lunch break with this problem. Even Alex looks like he finally regrets not walking away when the guild master stares at him.
"T... that's not true! I just talked to them, and she assaulted me!"
"But by your own admission, that only happened because you tried to assault Miss Ellis,"
"I was only teaching her to respect her superiors,"
"That doesn't mean you had to hit her,"
"Lady Angelina, please stay out of this until I ask for your input. But she does have a point. You didn't need to resort to violence,"
"But she got between me and..."
"And someone who wanted you to walk away. As far as I can tell, Miss Ellis was only trying to protect her friend,"
Alex finally looks like he is about to give up. His head drops, and he takes a step back, but Alex suddenly turns towards Ellis and glares at her.
"You don't belong by her side," He growls. "Someone like you will only hold her back."
"Alex! That's enough. But I think I know of a way to solve this problem. Miss Ellis, Alex, you two will dual each other. If Miss Ellis wins, Alex can no longer approach Lady Angelina. However, if she loses, Miss Ellis will not be permitted to take on quests with Lady Angelina."
"Perfect, I will see you out front and show you that you don't deserve to be by her side,"
"But I..."
Alex storms out of the room before Ellis can even utter a few words leaving her looking both scared and worried. The guild master just chuckles.
"Relax, that kid is all bark and no bite. You will definitely win, and I can use this as an excuse to promote you to a more fitting rank. It's about time that kid has someone put him in his place,"
The guild master leaves next, leaving Ellis and I alone as he prepares everything. He tells us to meet him outside in front of the guild building in ten minutes.
"Can I really beat him?" Ellis looks at me nervously.
"If you keep your distance, then yes, Alex uses only a small axe and can't use magic,"
<0>
This is bigger than I expected. It looks like most of the guild staff and adventurers who happened to be in the guild at the time have gathered outside the guild to witness the dual. Alex has gotten a new axe since I last saw him wielding a weapon. Before, it was only a steel axe, but now it looks like he upgraded to a mithral axe.
"So you two are the ones causing such a scene,"
We both turn to find Miss Sara, our practical teacher, behind us. She would be a scary assassin. I didn't even notice her until she was right behind me. But at least Sara's appearance seemed to have replaced Ellis's nervousness with a shocked expression. Sara looks like a scary barbarian when she works for the guild. She has a tough fur-lined leather jacket, leather pants and a giant magical great sword on her back that is almost twice the size of her body.
"Good afternoon, Miss Sara,"
"G... good afternoon,"
"So what did you brats do to draw such a crowd,"
"Nothing. Alex started a fight, and the guild master turned it into a dual,"
It was hardly our fault. Alex should have walked away when we told him to, and the guild master arranged this event. It wasn't our fault at all.
"So the brat is finally going to get what is coming to him," Sara chuckles. "Ellis, don't hold back. Hit him with all your might, and maybe you can knock some sense into him."
"Y... yes, ma'am..."
Ellis was so shocked to see Sara that she nearly missed her cue to step forward for the dual. Sara had to push her forward.
"You better be ready to lose,"
Alex was already there waiting for her swinging his axe around as he warmed up. He looks like he has already won. The poor fool has no idea who he is up against.
"So that's the new girl... it looks like Alex is in for an easy win,"
"Don't count her out yet. She knows the dragon slayer,"
"Really?!"
"Yeah, and the giant slayer was just talking to her too,"
"She knows both of them?!"
It didn't take long for people to start making comments. There is even someone going around collecting bets. Another poor fool. He had Ellis down as a long shot to win, and it looks like he regrets it after hearing the peanut gallery. Judging by how pale his face looks, I think it is safe to say he will be losing a lot of money today.
"Fighters! Ready!" Both Ellis and Alex nod their heads. "Begin!"
"Hope you are dead to die!" Alex makes the first move rushing towards Ellis and leaping into the air with his axe held high. "I won't be holding back... ah!"
But Ellis sends him flying with the spell air barrier. The air barrier is a spell that surrounds the caster in a ball of high-speed wind that sends arrows and attackers flying back the way they come. Alex got to experience that first-hand. Alex lands hard on his back, bounces and flips before landing on his stomach and finally, after one more bounce and flip, Alex is on his back once again, skidding across the road. His axe flew even further, landing out of reach.
"How dare you?! Why didn't you let me hit you?!" But Alex quickly gets back on his feet and again charges towards Ellis. "Why won't you give up already? I am clearly the strong.... gha!"
Once again, Alex attacks, this time trying to punch Ellis, and her air barrier spell send him flying. This time he hits the crowd knocking multiple spectators over. But Alex stands right back up. His ability to take a hit is praiseworthy, but he is starting to look unsteady on his feet.
"Fine, if you are going to keep hiding behind that spell, then I will use this!" Alex pulls out a yell staff. A lightning rod. "Let's see that barrier stop this!"
While it is true that the air barrier spell can only block physical attacks and is weak against magic but that won't be a problem for Ellis. When the arced of lightning shots towards Ellis, she drops her air barrier and uses the spell earth wall to protect herself. The electric attack is stopped in its tracks, and Ellis counterattacks. She shatters the wall with the earth-break spell sending countless stones towards Alex, who was mercilessly pelted by the onslaught.
"Cheater..."
But Alex still isn't done yet. Coughing up blood and covered in bruises and cuts, Alex can barely stand up. Yet he staggers towards Ellis.
"Coward... using magic... instead of fighting me..."
He tries to punch Ellis, but instead of using magic, Ellis dodges before punching Alex in return, sending him flying backwards. She must have used body strengthening to hit him that hard. Alex flies at least a meter back before landing hard on the ground. This time Alex doesn't get back up.
"Miss Ellis is the winner!"
As the guild master declares Ellis the winner, the crowd cheers, and the people taking bets start to cry as they pay out. It was their own fault for underestimating her. They had Ellis winning at just one in fifty. They probably lost twice as much money today than they would have earned if Alex had one.
"Congratulations," I approach Ellis with Sara as healers start to tend to Alex's wounds.
"Good job today," But Sara is already coming up with something scary. I can see the gears working in her head. "Now I know I can push you twice as hard as I have been at school. Well, enjoy your victory."
Ellis looks a lot paler when Sara walks away. If she starts to push Ellis as hard as she has been pushing me, I doubt Ellis would be able to handle it.
"W... wait... I... I'm not... done... yet..."
"The match is over,"
Alex still doesn't know when to give up. Even when he is being carried away on a stretcher, he still wants to continue the dual. I hope he will keep up his end of the bargain and learn to leave me alone after he accepts his loss.
"B... but... sh... she cheated! She... cheated! I... I... I couldn't have... lost!"
But I feel like the day he accepts his defeat is still a long way into the future. We watch as Alex is taken away, and the guild master approaches us.
"Congratulations Miss Ellis, you are to be promoted to C Rank. Come by after a few days when the paperwork has been taken care of, and we will make it official,"
<0>
"This last one just won't bite,"
Ellis sighs as she rests her head on my shoulder. After everyone calmed down at the guild, we returned to the river to complete our fishing quest. As Ellis just mentioned, we were having trouble with the last one. For nearly an hour now, we have been waiting for one of our lines to catch it but not even a nibble.
"That is just how it is. I'm sure we will catch one soon,"
But this is nice. Just sitting here as the sun starts to set, talking. It has been a long time since I could relax like this.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone