Declan gestured to the chairs opposite his desk.
"Sit, sit, we have some things to talk about."
"Is this about my Rank?"
The Branch Head's smile widened. "You've always been sharp. Must get it from your mother.
Yes, this is about your Rank. Specifically, about what you want to do, as far as security goes."
"What do you mean, security?" Nickel had never heard about the guild providing security for an adventurer. The idea sounded ridiculous. It was supposed to be up to the adventurer in question to protect themselves.
"Let's not beat around the bush. You're a Hex, and as a Hex, you are the most valuable resource to any guild. It's up to you whether you want it or not." Declan paused. "If you decide to, we can register your Rank as requiring higher clearance to view, or as a lower rank altogether."
Nickel frowned, his brows furrowed. "Wouldn't registering it as classified be the same as just saying I'm a hex?"
"No, actually. A lot of nobles choose to register their kids as classified. It costs them a bit, though it'll be free to you, don't worry."
Nickel's frown deepened.
"That sounds a lot like bribery, Uncle Declan…"
Declan's eyes widened, a look of surprise on his face.
"No, No, it's not bribery. Don't say that," Declan said quickly. "You'll get me in trouble. It's entirely within the Guilds by-laws to do so. Hexes are the only ones allowed to have false ranks, of course."
"Uh-huh…" Nickel wasn't sure if he believed him. Declan was a greater fighter, a family friend, and generally morally upstanding. But he was still a rogue.
Declan let out another sigh, an exasperated look on his face. "You are so much like your father… So what'll it be? Classified or lower Rank?"
Nickel thought a moment before answering. "Classified."
A smile returned to the Branch Head. "Smart choice. Now, there are a few things I need to inform you of."
First, if your rank is registered with a large enough organization that doesn't allow you to hide it, be it an academy, a nationally controlled group, or some other, our system will automatically update to show your true Rank."
Declan tilted his head. "Have you registered with any such groups?"
"I, uh… I'm going to be attending Alyn once the next semester starts." Nickel said, scratching the back of his head.
"How'd you swing that?" Declan looked surprised.
"I don't know." Nickel answered honestly.
"Alright, well, once that new semester officially begins, the first day of class, probably, your profile will automatically update."
Until then, the only people able to see your true Rank without your direct permission will be the Grandmaster and the Branch Heads, although we'll still need the Grandmaster's permission."
"Great."
"Anything else you need, kid?" Declan asked as he stood up.
Nickel responded immediately. "Can I get a list of the nearest F-Rank dungeons?"
Declan smiled. He should have known.
"Of course," He and Nickel shook hands. "Pick it up from Emma with your guild card."
As Nickel opened the door to exit the office, Declan called out to him.
"Good luck, Nickel. Make your parents proud."
—
Nickel made his way back down to Emma's service counter.
The rabbit-girl's eyes briefly widened in surprise upon seeing him, but she quickly schooled her face back into a professional look. If, perhaps, a bit of a robotic one.
'This is the most serious she's ever acted towards me.' Nickel thought.
"Hello, Mr. Silver. What can I help you with?" Emma's voice was monotone.
Nickel side eyed her. "It's still me, Emma. I'm not gonna explode on you."
Emma responded, still monotone. "I'm simply treating you with the appropriate respect."
Nickel smiled wryly at her. "Alright. Can I get my guild card? There should be a list of dungeons with it."
"Certainly."
Emma tapped at her tablet, then pressed a button on the side of it. A small card formed of black metal popped out of a slot on the counter.
This was a Guild card. An F-Rank one.
In Sherash, communication, banking, identification, and Arcomnet access were all contained within these cards.
Guild cards were carried by adventurers, but there were also civilian cards, as well as several other types depending on the organization one belonged to.
Nickel had been using a civilian card before. But now that he had a guild card…
"Here is your new card, Mr Silver. The list of dungeons is already within." Emma was smiling, but it looked rather forced. "Do you need me to walk you through the upgrade process?"
"Go ahead."
"Certainly. If you would take out your civilian card, and place it under your Guild card." Emma waited for him to do so. "Now, simply imprint your mana signature on your new Guild card. Your civilian card should be absorbed into it."
Nickel did as instructed. The process of imprinting his mana wasn't new to him, he had some practice binding and unbinding artifacts.
He placed his index finger in the center of the guild card, letting his mana slowly flow into it. Once the card was fully imbued with his mana, he forced it to solidify, forging the connection.
As he did, the two cards fused, moving over the contents of the civilian card, leaving only the guild card.
"Congratulations, Mr Silver. You are now an F-Rank adventurer!" Emma said "Please know that, while your profile will update your Circle in real time, in order to raise your adventurer rank, you will need to return to the guild to be assessed for rank-up."
Do you have any questions?"
"No, thank you Emma." Nickel said with a pained smile.
"Of course. If you need anything, please return here. And congratulations once again on registering as an adventurer!"
Business at the guild finished, Nickel left the building, taking the auto-carriage back to the estate.
As he rode home, he had only one thought on his mind.
'Emma never lost that monotone voice… is this how everyone's gonna be once they find out I'm a Hex?'