(vii.)

Disregarding the misguided suitors, Lazarus strode up to the counter with as much confidence as he could muster. First impressions were critically important and he feared that his act of self defense hadn't won him any friends.

“Greetings, my lady. Our mutual friend brought me here from the ruins above. Alas, due to circumstances outside of my control it seems I'm stranded in this area. Would I be able to register as an adventurer with your fine guild so that I may earn some coin for my eventual return?

“I would be happy to assist you with your registration,” the woman replied with a bright smile. “My name is Linda. Please, allow me to apologize on behalf of my brother you disciplined so well.”

The woman bowed her head at him slightly.

“Lazarus. That won't be a problem, I hope?” he asked, arranging his bones into a poor semblance of a grin under his helm.

“No, sir. I witnessed the whole thing. You are very much within your rights to defend yourself when being blatantly attacked.” She bowed her head at Lazarus again.

A practical sort of woman. I like that.

“It was, ah, not the warmest welcome I've ever received. I take it Sara is very popular with the boys here in this guild...”

Linda raised a delicate hand to mask her giggle.

“You are very right! She's like the mascot of our branch; all the young men are trying to court her.”

“You don't say! Though I'm afraid none of them have a chance; she seems oblivious to their immature charms,” he remarked. “Can you tell me more about the guild?”

“You don't already know about the adventurer's guild? I'm surprised with that armor and sword you have not been hired as an adventurer before.”

“No, never. I'm afraid Sara may have been misled by my armor. I assure you, it was not my intention to lead the young lady on. I'm no one special. Just due to special circumstances I find myself in this country. It is my intention to travel to the country that has been overrun with monsters to see what I might be able to do but I'll need money and supplies before I can make that journey.”

Linda smiled. “You should have no problem doing that here. Once you are registered with the guild your papers will serve as your personal identification documents. These can be used for crossing borders or entering cities more closed off than this one. Are you familiar with the adventurer ranking system?”

Lazarus shook his head.

“Hm, not to worry, It's very simple once you understand how it works The first level, as I'm sure you've heard from Sara is 'Quartz'. This rank is reserved for new adventurers who still need to prove their strength,” she began.

“Naturally. It would be foolish to send a neophyte into the wilds and expect greatness.”

“Right you are,” she replied. “The next rank is 'Ruby'. In order to be promoted to this rank an adventurer will need to either complete five hundred quests or prove that they have the power to defend themselves against a Ruby level threat.”

“Five hundred quests,” Lazarus mused out loud. “That seems like a rather large number.”

“It is,” she acknowledged. “However, it's in the adventurer's best interest. Most of the Quartz level quests are simple fetch quests and there are few dangers in the Saint Theocracy. An adventurer may move up in just under two years if they are diligent.”

The lich nodded to himself. After all, what was a couple of years out of a whole lifetime? Not very much, at all.

“And the next rank?” he prompted.

“The next rank is 'Emerald'. An Emerald-ranked adventurer will have completed one thousand quests or show they have the power to defeat an Emerald level threat.”

“I see. Are there additional ranks beyond Emerald? Fifteen hundred quests sound like no small feat.”

“Yes, three more. Sapphire, Diamond, and Black Diamond,” she confirmed. “A Sapphire level adventurer is a veteran who has completed a service to the guild or the townspeople over time.”

“You don't say,” he replied, tapping a gauntleted finger on the counter. “So there is no longer a quest completion requirement?”

“Yes, you're absolutely correct. While you may encounter one from time to time, the Diamond and Black Diamond ranks are the best of the best. Diamond adventurers generally form elite parties together to take on the most dangerous combat missions for the guild. Black Diamond ranked adventurers, on the other hand, are the truly elite. These adventurers generally run solo, taking on any threat or quest.”

Linda smiled again and said, “Most new adventurers just apply for a Quartz card from the start but, if you'd like, you may submit yourself for an evaluation. If you do so you can actually start at a higher rank. However, please be aware it is much harder to skip rank in this way. But the fee is smaller if you do submit to the test.”

Lazarus thought about his options.

With the small amount of money I have, the test sounds like a good way to test my limits and at the same time have them evaluate my current strength.

“Are weapons and armor allowed during the test?” He wouldn't dare reveal himself fully at this tenuous juncture.

Linda responded, “Yes, for the tests that require them. There are five stages to the testing: The first stage is a simple status evaluation to confirm you have no crimes. The second is a demonstration of magic power, if you have any. Third is a test against an Emerald-ranked monster or lower. Fourth is a test of your battle strength against other adventurers. Fifth is an interview with the staff to confirm your results.

“Otherwise, you can just pay the fee and start taking Quartz level quests until you reach Ruby.”

“I see. And the fees associated with the test?”

“The Test will cost 3 silver and 5 copper. Alternatively, to start at Quartz will cost 5 silver without the test. All information is kept confidential-- shared with guild staff only.”

Lazarus grinned to himself.

So it was never really a choice at all.

“I'll take the test, then.”

“Perfect.”