Part 4:
Lucian walked through the dense forest, having completed the quest assigned by the guild. Yet, instead of heading back immediately, he decided to explore further. He observed the forest's creatures and monsters in their natural habitat but was more intrigued by testing his own strength. With no prior combat experience and only a dull sword in hand, Lucian set out to face whatever challenges the forest held.
He encountered a group of goblins, dispatching them with ease. Feeling confident, he made a bold decision to hunt down the goblin boss, a hobgoblin, a feat practically impossible for a rookie. Yet, Lucian did not hesitate. Through instinct and an uncanny ability to modify and refine the swordsmanship and magic he'd learned, Lucian faced the hobgoblin head-on. The battle, which should have overwhelmed someone with his lack of experience, ended in his victory. The forest seemed to challenge him, sending wave after wave of hobgoblins, but he killed them all with precision and agility. Finally, he faced a mighty wolf, a boss-level creature known as Fangrend. Lucian's adaptability and limitless potential shone through as he bested the beast.
But after so many battles, his sword finally shattered into pieces, leaving him with no weapon. With no choice but to return to the guild, he realized something strange: every time he killed a monster, the magic core, mana, and even the life force of the creature were automatically absorbed into his body. He pondered this phenomenon. "Absorbing mana and magic cores is one thing," he thought, "but life force... that is a mystery." While he could sense the influx of energy and mana, the life force was different — something more elusive, more profound.
After three to four hours, Lucian returned to the guild. The familiar sight of the receptionist greeted him. She looked stressed, as though waiting for someone, yet her exterior remained calm and professional. When she saw Lucian, she sighed with relief and waved him over. He handed her the medical herbs he'd gathered, earning himself a modest reward of 100 crowns. However, she quickly noticed the absence of his sword.
"Where's your weapon?" she asked, concern tinging her voice.
"It broke," Lucian replied flatly. "Had to escape some monsters."
She sighed again, giving him a look that said she considered him a troublemaker. "Wait here for five minutes," she instructed, before disappearing into the back as the evening light faded into twilight. The sun was almost set, leaving only a thin streak of light across the horizon. Lucian waited, indifferent to the passage of time, until the receptionist returned, this time with her purse in hand. It seemed the end of her shift had come.
"Follow me," she said, and Lucian, silent as ever, obeyed. They walked through the town, stopping at a shop that sold both weapons and clothes. Lucian paused at the entrance, intending only to accompany her, but she grabbed his hand and pulled him inside. She selected a variety of clothes and weapons, then dragged him to the dressing room, where he tried on outfit after outfit. For Lucian, this process felt tedious and unnecessary, but he complied without complaint. After what felt like an eternity, she finally made her choices, bought the clothes, and led him back outside.
Lucian, sensing her generosity, reached into his pocket and offered her his 100 crowns. "I know this isn't enough, but—"
Before he could finish, she burst out laughing. "Do you really think I did all this for money?"
"Then why?" he asked, genuinely curious.
Her laughter faded, and after a moment, she spoke. "I had a younger brother. He was your age… but three years ago, he died of an illness. I don't usually talk about it, and I'm sorry for bringing it up." She forced a smile, but her eyes betrayed her sadness. "There's no point in dwelling on the past."
Lucian stopped in his tracks. "I'm sorry," he said, his voice devoid of emotion.
Surprised, she looked at him. "Why are you apologizing?"
"For reminding you of a painful memory," he replied calmly, his tone as cold as ever, yet somehow sincere.
Tears welled up in her eyes. Unable to hold them back, she threw her arms around Lucian, hugging him tightly as she cried into his shoulder. Lucian stood there, motionless, allowing her to grieve.
To be continued~
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RANKING SYSTEM OF THE WORLD 'Atheron'
1. Nil Rank (Beginner/Novice)
Description: The starting rank, similar to the Bronze Rank. "Nil" symbolizes the beginning or base level, where adventurers are just starting out.
Quests: Basic tasks like gathering herbs, defeating small, weak monsters, and assisting townspeople.
Advancement: Adventurers must complete several basic quests to move up.
2. Un Rank (Apprentice)
Description: Adventurers here have gained some basic experience and can take on more challenging tasks. "Un" indicates their first step above the novice level.
Quests: Small combat quests, such as hunting slightly stronger monsters (like goblins or boars) or aiding in low-risk missions.
Advancement: To move up, adventurers must show basic competence in combat and strategy.
3. Bi Rank (Intermediate)
Description: "Bi" represents the second level, where adventurers are now able to handle mid-level threats. They are no longer beginners but have much to learn.
Quests: Moderate challenges, such as defeating mid-tier monsters (like hobgoblins or wolves) and assisting in larger defensive operations.
Advancement: Adventurers must prove their ability to handle combat with more dangerous creatures.
4. Tri Rank (Advanced)
Description: At this stage, adventurers are skilled fighters or mages with significant experience. They are trusted with more complex and dangerous tasks. "Tri" symbolizes a notable step up in danger and responsibility.
Quests: High-level quests involving powerful monsters or dangerous regions.
Advancement: To progress, adventurers must show leadership skills, tactical knowledge, and exceptional combat ability.
5. Quad Rank (Expert)
Description: "Quad" refers to adventurers who have reached an expert level in their craft. They are seasoned veterans capable of facing even more dangerous threats.
Quests: Involves high-risk missions, such as leading teams against boss-level monsters or participating in large-scale defenses.
Advancement: Requires completing multiple high-risk quests and being recognized by the guild for exceptional feats.
6. Pent Rank (Elite)
Description: At this level, adventurers are among the elite, taking on the most dangerous and high-stakes missions. "Pent" represents a major level of prestige and trust.
Quests: Reserved for the most dangerous threats, like defending entire regions or confronting legendary monsters.
Advancement: To move beyond this, an adventurer must complete a legendary-level quest and gain recognition for a heroic deed.
7. Hex Rank (Master)
Description: The "Hex" rank represents mastery of adventuring. Adventurers at this level are few and far between, often seen as legends in their own right.
Quests: Only world-threatening quests are available at this level, like stopping natural calamities or legendary monsters.
Advancement: Requires completion of a world-saving mission or something equally remarkable.
8. Hept Rank (Grandmaster)
Description: Only the most legendary adventurers ever reach the "Hept" rank. They are seen as heroes who have performed incredible feats that shape history.
Quests: Quests at this level are global in scope, like stopping wars, averting apocalyptic disasters, or battling godlike beings.
Advancement: There is rarely advancement from here, as only those with the ability to change the course of history achieve this rank.
9. Oct Rank (Champion)
Description: The highest achievable rank. "Oct" is for adventurers who are not just legends but immortalized in the world's stories. These adventurers have saved kingdoms, defeated gods, or changed the world.
Quests: Threats to entire continents or even the world. These adventurers are often called upon only in times of great peril.
Advancement: There is no advancement from here—this is the pinnacle of adventurer status.
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Quest Ranking System
1. Nil-Level Quests: Basic tasks like gathering herbs, scouting, or fighting weak creatures.
2. Un-Level Quests: Slightly more dangerous missions, such as hunting goblins or boars.
3. Bi-Level Quests: Intermediate missions, hunting mid-tier monsters like wolves or hobgoblins.
4. Tri-Level Quests: High-risk missions, requiring teams to take on powerful monsters or explore dangerous territories.
5. Quad-Level Quests: Dangerous missions with elite-level enemies or objectives that require significant expertise.
6. Pent-Level Quests: Very high-stakes missions involving boss-level monsters or critical operations for a kingdom.
7. Hex-Level Quests: World-threatening missions, requiring master-level adventurers to save cities or nations.
8. Hept-Level Quests: Global or apocalyptic-level missions that only the most powerful and legendary adventurers can handle.
9. Oct-Level Quests: Near-mythical quests that could involve fighting gods, ancient evils, or averting the end of the world.
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In Lucian's case, he would likely start at Nil Rank (or perhaps Un Rank given his unique talents), and quickly rise through the ranks due to his immense potential, possibly bypassing typical promotion standards due to his ability to adapt and excel in combat.