Chapter 163: Promotion!

I exit the dungeon. The two guards are staring at us. Looks like they have a question.

"What is it? Do you have a question for us?"

"No, you two went inside just 20 minutes ago. And you are already leaving. Most adventurers just conquer the dungeon and leave as this dungeon has only one floor. Did you two fail?"

It was neither mockery nor ridicule in his voice. He was just asking out of pure curiosity.

"We just conquered it. That's all. A single oni with a bunch of goblins, orcs, skeletons and zombies are no match for us."

But he was a bit confused.

"Did you say skeletons and zombies? This dungeon only has goblins and orcs. It doesn't have any undead type monsters."

"But what we clearly defeated included undeads. We burnt those. They didn't leave anything behind."

Is that irregular? I told them that I will report it to the guild. And we both teleport back to the guild. After entering the hall, everyone gives us a brief look as usual.

Ms. Maria is standing at her desk with a smile.

"I knew that you would be back soon. How did it go?" (Maria)

"We conquered the dungeon no problem. But according to the guards at the gate, that dungeon doesn't have any undead type monsters. However we clearly fought a few skeletons and zombies. Is that odd?"

Ms. Maria looks at me seriously. Then she points to the special waiting room. We both go go to the waiting room and she followed us.

After taking our seats she asked us.

"You are saying that you found skeletons and zombies in that dungeon." (Maria)

"Yes. At first, we found nothing. But after entering the boss room, every monster jumped on us. Goblins, orcs, skeletons and zombies attacked us in unison. A black skinned oni was commanding them."

"No problems with that. However skeletons and zombies should not be there. How did those get there?" (Maria)

So it really is unusual. I didn't think too much it. By the way, Steven fell into a pitfall and died. But we didn't encounter any traps.

"Ms. Maria, were there any traps in that dungeon?"

"No. No traps were detected in that dungeon. Did you encounter any traps?" (Maria)

"No. But our investigation indicates that Steven fell into a pitfall and was killed by the oni."

Ms. Maria closes her eyes and reopens them.

"We will thoroughly investigate this matter. Thank you for reporting. And Mr. Belmont, I have a good news for you." (Maria)

"What can it be?"

"You have been promoted to S rank. You are the 19th S rank adventurer on this continent. I hope you will keep being an adventurer." (Maria)

She hands me a parchment and a gold plate with my name on it. I look at it. It says 'Clive Belmont- S rank.'

So I am officially an S rank adventurer.

"But is it really okay? I just became an adventurer and suddenly you make me an S rank at that."

"Guild master has been working really hard to get this approved. And it happened today. Being the 19th S rank adventurer is a big deal. You won't have to take jobs daily. But special missions would be given to you from time to time." (Maria)

"That doesn't bother me. And thank Guild master Christopher for me."

We leave after saying that. The others were gossiping as usual. I have put away my gold plate in my storage. It would be weird to show it off. Or should I flex?

Some people do enjoy flexing their privileges. I am an S rank. One of the highest ranking adventurers and one of only 19. It means that there are only 18 others except me on this entire continent.

But while I was thinking all that, I had long left the guild. I should probably celebrate it. And when I was about to start planning how to celebrate, my dad contacted me.

I opened the portal to the house so they arrive there first.

"Tiana, we should go shopping. This calls for a celebration."

"Understood, father. What should we do?" (Tiana)

"I'll just go to Ms. Pablo and ask for her help."

I have understood one thing. I can ask for Ms. Pablo's help on virtually anything. She will probably help me.

After entering her shop, I find her. As always she welcomed me with a warm smile.

"Mr. Belmont, what can I do for you today?" (Montana)

"I have been promoted to S rank today. So I was thinking of celebrating it with everyone."

"Congratulations. An S rank adventurer at your. You must incredibly talented." (Montana)

"No, it wasn't anything like that. I heard that guild master Christopher put in a lot of work into this. How should I celebrate this occasion?"

"You probably don't like big gatherings. So I would say a normal lunch party would be better. I will send the ingredients to Fiona. Today is her day off. She told me yesterday." (Montana)

"Thank you for always helping me. The bill?"

"How about one gold?" (Montana)

"Isn't that a bit cheap?"

"No, it's perfectly fine. Think of it as a gift from me. It's your big celebration. By the way, how many people are attending?" (Montana)

I do a head count in my mind. There should be at least 15 people and more if they decide to join.

"At most 20 people."

"I see. Then I will send ingredients for 20 people." (Montana)

I pay her the one gold and leave with Tiana. I have contacted Hazel and explained it to her. Fiona shouldn't be caught off guard with this. I hope nothing too much will happen. It is a celebration after all. Next up is our road trip to the academy town.