Julian and I climb up the stairs pass three floors to the floor where the Guildmaster is.

The last floor where the Guildmaster is has several rooms.

One room is the Guildmaster's office while the rest are storage rooms keeping various important documents.

Neither Julian nor I care that much though.

Even though some of those documents are records about us.

Within moments, we stand before the door to his office.

"Let's go."

I said to Julian.

Julian replied with a nod and I opened the door.

Light shone through several windows towards a room filled with the scent of old books.

This is similar to a library.

The Guildmaster is well-known to be a bookworm so he's filled the room with books.

Inside the room were numerous book shelves filled to the brim with books.

There was a map of the kingdom as well as surrounding nations plastered on the wall.

There were a few tables and chairs as well.

It was a rather spacious room similar to that of a library.

I'm quite fond of this atmosphere and this scent...

I love reading books after all.

But that is neither here nor there.

In the center of the room was a large rectangular table where an aged scholar was reading a blue book.

He wore rimmed glasses that complimented his wrinkled face.

An aging man whose years are finally catching up.

His finely sculpted figures as well as his face shows the cruelty of time.

He was Ascrein Armida.

The Guildmaster of the Adventurer Guild in the city.

"Hm... So, only two of you? The other two did not come? Well, I suppose it's good that cheeky brat didn't come here."

He said.

"Yes. I respected their decision and allowed them to go."

Ascrein stared at me with deep eyes.

Does he think lesser of me for doing so?

I wonder.

"I see. If that's their choice then it can't be helped. Despite their flaws, they are indeed good people. I only wish they know better manners. Regardless, I suppose this conversation would proceed on a pleasant note."

He nodded.

"Still, for them to allow you to come here with only you two means that either they don't care or that they trust your character."

He closed the book he was reading.

"Given your character, I believe it's the latter case. That brat does have a good head on his shoulders after all. He wouldn't trust you blindly."

He spoke approvingly.

I smiled in relief.

"I'm grateful for you praise."

Julian merely watched on.

Though he did seemed slightly pleased as well.

I suppose it's his rigid nature as a knight that they can't intervene when their superiors speak.

"Now then, let's cut to the chase. You and your party wish to become a A Ranked Adventure Party. Correct?"

He asked.

I nodded.

"Then you are surely aware of the procedures before being approved. You applied to be an A-Rank Party two weeks earlier, correct?"

I nodded again.

"Following the procedures, 'Any party that wishes to apply to be promoted as an A Rank party must complete a quest befitting that difficulty. The quest shall be given two - several weeks later', I will now brief you on your quest."

He spoke solemnly.

I listened attentively while Julian did the same.

"In a certain village west of here, there is a village known as Riverdale Village. It is a rather large village housing over 3000 residents. It's basically a small city by now but without proper walls. Yet. There were various issues why it couldn’t be promoted to the level of a town but when those issues were fixed, it gained the necessary qualifications to be a city."

He paused.

When people gather in an area and build a community starting from simple huts, they are formally known as a village. If they grow and fulfill the requirements starting with walls, safety, population and other matters, the kingdom formally considers them a town then a city.

He stands up and takes the map off the wall and spreads it in the table.

"The village mayor intends to raise up walls and formally promote the community as a city. There is an inspector there who came and after some thorough investigations, they've been granted approval. However, trouble soon came."

He points to a certain area.

"This is Riverdale Village."

He points to an area in the map.

"The area is mainly a forest but there are a few farmlands located near there. There is a group of bandits located near the area but they are merely a medium sized group."

He looked up and said.

"As you can see, this might seem like an ordinary village going to be promoted to a town soon but... Certain events happened here that sent the town into panic."

Julian and I listened intently.

"One day, the villagers discovered that all living things in the forest were dead as dried corpses. The bandits survived somehow though. The village chief was alerted and he sent a report at once. Guards were soon dispatched and they arrived two days later. But then... The incident has already escalated despite the safety measures the chief employed."

He took a deep breath.

"Of the 3000 villagers, more than 700 had died due to a strange disease. Furthermore, 400 people had disappeared. The guards decided to stay and made some investigations while sending out messengers to report the incident. This was merely 3 days ago... As of now, the guards are dead. They were investigating the forest but were murdered and the perpetrators are still unknown. Though it's likely done by bandits."

Julian and I looked at each other.

"So, the situation is continuously getting worse?"

I asked.

The Guildmaster looked grim as he nodded.

"As of present, various major forces have taken notice of this incident and suspect that foul play is involved... Demons, another county or some organization... The scale is growing larger as the incident escalates."

He took a deep breath then said.

"Your task is to investigate the situation. Gather as much information as you can and deliver it here alive. Also... Take care. This might even grow to be an S-Rank mission."

He warned me with a grim face.

"So, will you accept this mission?"

I began thinking seriously.

This mission is definitely complicated. It might really turn out as something we might not be able to handle but the rewards here are definitely great. Should I...?

But there's a very serious chance of death here.

"Can I ask a question?"

Julian spoke which disrupted my thoughts.

"Speak."

The Guildmaster replied curtly.

"Why did you decide to make such an important quest our test?"

He asked.

True, this mission is far too dangerous and might exceed A-Rank.

He smiled.

"Very simple. I know your parents well... They were truly trash. However, you two are different. Basically, while your parents were trash they're children weren't. You've proven that quite well before but it's unfortunate that your parents ruined your futures. I value competence and ability. While some nobles are trash like your parents, there are some who are quite capable. I can't tell you much, but there are dark times ahead of us. We need all the capable men available. I'm simply giving capable people the opportunity to take back their rightful place. In other words, regain your former statuses."

Both Julian and I widened our eyes.

"Regain our status as nobility...? That's unheard of!"

The Guildmaster, Ascrein, merely smiled.

"It is but it's not like it's impossible. The king himself is interested in this incident and certain interests are depending on it. Simply put, this is something very vital to the kingdom. Right now, an army is being prepared to investigate the issue."

I began to think once more...

After thinking it through, I decided to accept.

"Fine. We'll accept the mission."

Julia seemed to want to say something but decided against it.

"Excellent choice. The army will arrive within two weeks. Stay alive and gather as much intel as possible. Your rewards and whether or not you pass depends on the intel you gather."

He took another deep breath.

"Also... This era of peace is soon coming to an end. This incident won't be the last of things... We need capable leaders to lead the others... Jules, you're a capable mage and you're quite cautious. Julian, you're a stalwart knight. You're abilities are best suited for combat and would serve the kingdom well in the dark days to come..."

I immediately began thinking...

What does those words mean...?

How is this incident related to the future of the kingdom?

Many questions but this is surely an opportunity for me as well.

The Guildmaster stared at me then...

He gave me a smile and held out his hand.

I shook it.

"Stay alive and I hope to see you promoted to A-Rank."

Proceed to 010