“So the Adventurer exams are happening today, huh?”

“Yeah, I guess… I feel a little nervous though. I guess no matter which world I am the feeling of nervousness before the exams is still the same.”

“You don’t have to worry about that. You’ve been preparing yourself the whole time, after all. Tenryu’s training is way harder than what they usually give.”

“If you mean training my body to the point I nearly died in those circumstances. Tenryu doesn’t really know how to hold back…or even be considerate why I chose a supposedly safe-looking job in the first place.”

“Now, now, he’s got your best interests at heart. Even though, I do question his methods also. He kind of reminds me of that guy…”

Benny was sitting cross-legged by a low table with Emrys, his so self-proclaimed family guardian spirit, sitting right across him.

Of course, this was obviously a dream.

They’ve been having these interactions occasionally for a good while now. Whenever, they have dream interactions, the dream would appear at an old place from Benny’s past. Right now it was amidst a familiar old picnic grounds that Benny use to come to when he was younger.

“Well, I’ve been observing things. As far as I can see there won’t be a problem in the upcoming exams.”

“And why would there be a problem in the exams?”

“You know by now that things happen. And on that note be extra cautious of examinees who like to take out their stress on what they perceive as weak. Kinda like those runts you’ve dealt with.”

“I sure hope I don’t run into them.”

“Due to making the good call of keep yourself hidden they have no idea who stopped them. But there are more of them so best to be on your guard. As for the exam itself, I won’t give you the exact details but I can give you a bit of advice: just do average in the Qualification Exam. It’s the Skills and Abilities Exam that you have to do your best…at least within reason.

“…within reason?”

“I know you are now capable of using Magic that can make veteran Magic Users and Adventurers have a run for their money. That’s precisely why you shouldn’t overdo it. The examiners may put some unnecessary expectations on you. You might but conscripted to go on designated requests by the Magisters, Royal Army and to some extent Nobles who hear from the grapevine. You can’t refuse those easily unfortunately.”

“Blistering Blazes, so it’s the same trope!”

“Um…Benny…your vocal tic…”

When Emrys pointed it out, Benny slammed his head on the table, though it was to no avail as he can’t feel pain in this dimension.

“Emrys…how do you stop this?”

“There are some things that not even Magic can fix.”

Even Emrys has dashed his hopes in that regards.

“Well, going back. Just be careful. I’ve said this before but try not stand out so much. Why do you think your friends attempted the Blood Oath in the first place? It’ll be poor consideration of their feelings at that time if you do something out of the line.”

Benny kept his head down and still felt that guilt that everyone nearly did something dangerous for him.

“Just show that you have the makings of an Adventurer. That’s the whole point of the exam.”

“Thanks for the advice. How far should I go then?”

“Obviously, don’t use the Impossible 13 Magic Spells you’ve made. Don’t using your Conjurer Ability to cast Spells nor should you showcase your abilities of Aura Sight or the other one. It would cause uproar if anyone finds out you can do any of those.”

“That’s true….”

“And if you are using elemental-based Magic, limit yourself to one element or at most another from the same Elemental Triad. Though it’s not exactly rare but it is uncommon for one to be able to use more than two and even more if it’s not from the same triad.”

“I see… I already have the Spells in mind though. But what are your suggestions?”

“Just use mid to high-ranking Spells but always with the Staff. Grand Cross will be fine. Those Enchantments and Defensive Magic you were practicing would be alright too for the Classes you are applying for.”

“Thanks.”

Thanks to Emrys, Benny was at least able to make some boundaries on what needs to be done.

“Also…look out for the Beastman kid you helped out.”

“Eh? Why?”

“He is feverishly looking for the one who saved him at that time. And because he’s someone who-”

Bam!

***

Benny woke up with a start.

A pile of books had collapsed on him.

It would seem that that due to Tenryu’s bad sleeping habits, that he had rolled out of his futon and into the low table where Benny had piled the books he borrowed. And with Benny’s head directly near the table, the result ended with the books toppling down and smacked Benny awake.

Though he was seriously cranky that Tenryu unknowingly woke him up in his sleep and thus cutting off his conversation with Emrys at an important poing, Benny quickly let it slide.

The sun wasn’t up yet and upon checking the time display on his phone, it was still 4:03 in the morning.

Tenryu usually wakes up at 4:30 and drags Benny out for training. And he always does this so Benny can expect him to wake up soon.

Because it would be annoying to go back to sleep only to be woken up less than half an hour later Benny slaps his cheeks to get himself back into focus and fully awake. Stretching a bit, he gets up from his futon and returns the books to the table.

Benny approaches the window and opens it wide. The sun was starting to rise from beyond the mountains.

“Today’s the day, huh… Ah, I forgot that there was no training today…”

So Benny could be well rested, Aunt Magma told Tenryu to skip today’s morning training so he can be ready for the exams. This would mean that even if Tenryu woke up, he wouldn’t bother Benny to go out to training and he would’ve gotten a couple of more hours of sleep.

(Ah, well I’m too wide awake to fall back to sleep.)

So Benny decided to sit by the windowsill and watch the sunrise.

(What was Emrys talking about “looking out” for that Beastman kid? He was targeted by those bunches because he had some connections to someone in the exam so by logic that person might be connected or is someone influential. Best not to get his attention and those connected to him.)

Benny turned his gaze down on the windowsill planters.

Previously these planters were barren as Tenryu had no interest in plants. But now several plants were growing in a row. The large round flower buds were starting to appear.

These were sunflowers.

Benny made his Staff appear in its cane form and waved it over the plants. A small cloud was conjured and drizzle some water all over the plants.

Benny personally sowed the seeds into the planter and watered them every day. They were actually from the remaining sunflower seeds that Benny had on as a pocket snack. Although, due to the food processing, he initially thought they wouldn’t grow anymore. Nevertheless, he hoped that some would be able to still sprout.

It turns out all of them were able to sprout.

Could it because of the soil quality? The presence of Manna? Or could it because he was watering them with water he produced with Magic.

“Grow up nice and well.”

Benny muttered to them with a smile.

In a way, these plants were like him. They were something that came from a different world and is taking root in this world and growing to adapt to the new environment.

“I guess I have to as well.”

“Fuwaa~”

A loud yawn had alerted him that Tenryu had woken up.

“Good morning, Tenryu.”

“Eh?! Benny you’re already awake!”

This was a natural reaction as Tenryu usually wakes Benny.

“Yeah, no thanks to you…”

“Huh…?!”

“Nothing. Let’s just have a spot of breakfast and be on our way.”

***

Aunt Magma had prepared a hefty breakfast for all of them. Although Benny tried to help out, Aunt Magma had rejected his offer and told to just concentrate in filling his stomach so he can do well in the exam today.

Tenryu would be accompanying him today on the pretext it for moral support. Initially, Flare was the one who was to accompany him but Tenryu insisted rather childish tantrum way. Benny relented as Tenryu would be in a sour mood for a while.

Well, Tenryu being there for moral support was meaningful to him. After all, he was the one who personally helped Benny train for it.

So after breakfast, Aunt Magma and Flare saw them both off as they headed to the Adventurer’s Association Branch Office.

“Take care of yourselves now dears! And good luck Benny-iho! I’ll prepare a nice celebratory dinner when you get back.”

“Knock ‘em of their feet, Benny! And Tenryu too if he starts being an idiot in public!”

“Oi!”

Benny had to admit, the warm encouragement combined with the comedic jabs had really wiped the nervousness away just for a bit.

***

Adventurer’s Association – 7th District Amber Branch

It was located at the northern tip of Unity Island hence it was directly near the sea. The office comprises of two large buildings built perpendicular to each other. The buildings were connected by a covered bridge and with the main road in-between the two buildings. The general effect made it look like a gateway into Unity Island rather than an office building.

There was a large plaza in front of the Association that was slightly smaller than Milagros Plaza. Directly across the plaza and in line with the main road was a gateway. And beyond that was a bridge leading to a small island of the tip of Unity Island. There seemed to be a derelict fort there. Perhaps it had been used to defend the city from the northern invaders.

This whole area added a sense of charm to the place.

But Benny didn’t have time to enjoy this view as he was immediately being pushed by Tenryu through the main doors.

“You’re gonna be late if you just stand there so get a moving already!”

“I know! I know! Just stop pushing me already!”

Benny entered the offices and what greeted him was the sight he always seen in his Anime shows and Comics. Although he had been here several times already it never stops to impress him.

There were several large billboards with job requests sorted to each corresponding Adventurer Rank. Only those from the appropriate Rank or in parties with such a Rank can partake in jobs from those boards. It is here were Tenryu would pick out a job and bring Benny along. While Tenryu looks for a job, Benny scans the requests and takes note of the many types of jobs an Adventurer does.

Apart from the billboards there was a series of large counters headed by the Association Office Staff were attending to Adventurers and Clients alike. Each group of the counters had a specific purpose.

Several counters were for accepting and verifying requests.

Other counters were for verifying completion and claiming rewards.

Another for dismantling materials that were either from Jobs or something came across by chance.

Another was for clients filing Job Requests.

Another dealt for complaints against clients.

Another for complaints against Adventurers (Tenryu seems to be always be directed to these counters but it has diminished thanks to Benny’s efforts).

But today the one Benny and Tenryu were heading for was the Counter for Registration.

The singular term is used here for good reason.

“Tenryu, today is the day of the Exam’s right?”

“Yeah, don’t tell me you forgot?”

“No, it’s not that…it’s just…why are there so few applicants?”

The two of them were waiting in line at the counter. Benny had thought that an examination for Adventurer’s would have the office filled to the brim with applicants. But including Benny, there were only less than ten applicants waiting to take the exam.

“It’s always like this here. Usually a lot of people want to register as Adventurers in the Capital or other major Regional Capitals so they can make it big and attract attention.”

“Isn’t Amber City a Regional Capital?”

“In name, but I guess Amber City isn’t on the same status as that of Ruby City, Sapphire City or even Diamond City. The ones who register here are usually the ones who can’t afford the travel or are tied down by some obligations.”

Benny pondered about that. The typical make-it-big-in-the-big-city situation was ever present.

“Good morning! My name is Kyra and I will be assisting you today. Are you here for the regis-eh? Tenryu Fyreroar? Wait…two Tenryu Fyreroars?”

The lady in the counter gave a start when she looked up from the registration papers and saw Benny’s face. Although he should be used to this by now but it was a tad amusing and albeit annoying to have this reaction every time he meets a new person.

Speaking of which this was the first time, Benny directly approached a counter so it shouldn’t come off as surprise.

Benny kept a low profile and made sure nobody noticed him whenever he came to the Association. Usually by putting up his hood or lowering his hat to cover his face so he wouldn’t draw attention. Though that behavior would make him suspicious on Earth but here it seems to be a normal occurrence.

“No, I’m not. This one is Tenryu Fyreroar.”

Tenryu grins.

“As you can see, I’m a completely different guy with a similar face.”

Benny said these well practiced words politely.

This was one of the reasons Benny wanted Tenryu here. It was to dispel any misunderstandings.

“Oh, I’m sorry for my mistake.”

She bowed in apology. Her little outburst however did not escape the notice of the surroundings however. The people here who had finally noticed him for the first time were just as surprised as she was.

To be honest this was embarrassing for Benny to be the center of attention so he decided to get back down to business.

“Anyhow, I’d like to register for the exam?”

“Oh, ah, yes of course. Can I have your details?”

Benny supplied them as she wrote them down on a form.

“Name: Benjamin Estrella…Age: 14 years old…Date of Birth: July 7, 993 A.G.W…Classes Applied for are Sorcerer, Arcanist, Cleric, and Enchanter…”

Benny nods in affirmation.

“Here is your number card and please wait for it to be called in the Examination Hall. It’s down the hall to your right.”

She hands him a card.

“Thanks so much.”

“You have quite a number of Classes you’re applying for. Are you going to be okay? Most people usually apply for just one or two.”

“Thanks for your concern and I’ve prepared myself enough to at least get a passing.”

“Don’t be so blitzing humble Benny! I know you can do better than passing-”

“Thank you, we’ll be going now! Will that be all, Ms. Kyra?” Benny says a little loudly while cutting Tenryu off mid–sentence and takes his hand and pulls him away.

“Um, yes. Good luck!”

“Thank you.”

She stares dumbfounded at the scene of Benny pulling Tenryu away before regaining her senses to continue with the application of the next examinee.

“Okay, so it’s down the hall.”

Benny looks down the hallway.

“Yup! Blistering Blazes, it’s been a while since I’ve last been here. We’ll you better get going.”

“I guess so. Gah! I’m still getting nervous!”

Benny looked a little nervous.

“Hey, you’re going to do great! Trust me! I’ve been training with you this whole time to know there’s no problem. Now get in there show what you can do!”

Tenryu bumps his fist at Benny’s chest. Likewise, Benny does the same, tapping his own fist against Tenryu’s chest.

“Thanks Tenryu. Just you wait! I’ll definately become an Adventurer!”