Chapter - 18 F-Rank Adventurers
After Cedric went to the next training area for Seris and Lira's test—
"We really lost," Aren said with a light smile.
Lucien replied, "After all, he is the Vice Guild Master."
"Well, you're right," Aren said as he stood up.
"Where are you going?" Lucien asked.
"To watch Lira's test," Aren replied. "Want to come?"
"Okay," Lucien said.
Other Training Ground
Cedric explained the rules to them just like before, but one thing was different.
"If one of you surrenders, that person is out," Cedric said. "And I will fight both of you at the same time."
Seris and Lira didn't say anything at first.
"Okay," they both replied.
They're friends of those little monsters… so they must be strong too, Cedric thought inwardly with a smile.
Lucien and Aren watched from a safe distance.
Cedric stepped forward, sword resting at his side.
"Ready?" he asked calmly.
Seris nodded, eyes sharp.
Lira swallowed, then steadied her breath. "…Yes."
The moment Cedric moved—
Mana erupted.
Seris attacked first, mana shaping around her arm like a blade of light. She slashed forward, tearing through the air.
Cedric dashed sideways.
The mana blade crashed into the ground behind him, exploding into sparks.
At the same time, Lira raised both hands. Mana condensed instantly and fired forward in rapid bursts, forcing Cedric to block.
CLACK—CLACK—CLACK!
Each impact rang against his sword.
"So fast without a staff," Cedric muttered.
As I expected, they're amazing too. Those four… No… this party will rise in the future. I'm sure, he thought while smiling and fighting.
Seris stepped in front of Lira, mana flaring around her body. She reinforced her arms and legs with pure energy and met Cedric head-on.
Their clash shook the ground.
Cedric's sword cut through the mana layer—but slowed.
That was enough.
Lira moved.
She poured mana beneath Cedric's feet, causing the ground to ripple. Cedric lost balance for a split second.
Seris attacked.
A full-powered strike straight at his chest.
Cedric crossed his blade just in time—
BOOM!
He slid back several steps, boots carving lines into the dirt.
"…Good coordination," Cedric said, eyes sharp now.
Then he disappeared.
In a blink, he was already inside their range.
He knocked Seris's attack aside and turned, his blade stopping inches from Lira's neck. At the same time, his foot swept Seris off balance.
Both froze.
One sword. Perfect positioning.
"Surrender," Cedric said quietly.
Seris clenched her fist—then relaxed it.
"…We surrender."
Lira nodded quickly. "Yes."
Cedric stepped back and lowered his sword.
"Well done," he said. "That was a good match."
That was good for a first match against someone experienced, Lucien thought.
"That was amazing, Lira and Seris!" Aren said aloud.
Seris and Lira waved their hands.
Cedric planted his wooden sword into the ground and called Lucien and Aren over.
"Your test is complete," Cedric said. "You've passed. Now go to the Registrar's office for more information."
They were very happy that they had passed, and they went to the registrar's office.
Registrar Office
"First, congratulations on passing the test," said the young lady who had sent them to the training room.
I didn't expect them to pass while the Vice Guild Master was testing them. They must be strong, she thought inwardly.
"Can we get our guild cards?" Lucien asked.
She paused, then replied quickly.
"Yes! Yes! Please wait two minutes."
While waiting, they talked about the fight.
"What did you think of my fight, Lucien?" Lira asked with shining eyes.
"It was good for your first fight," Lucien said with a friendly smile.
"You fought well too, Seris."
Seris blushed slightly and nodded with a smile.
"You guys have improved so much," Aren said.
Lira smiled proudly, hands on her hips. "After all, Sister Seris and I trained very hard."
Seris smiled. "Yes."
It's good that they're opening up to each other freely, Lucien thought.
A Few Minutes Later
The young lady called them forward and handed them their adventurer cards.
Lucien looked at his card.
Name: Lucien
Rank: [Green Color] F-Rank
Class: Swordsman
Party Status: Party
After giving them their cards, she picked up a record book and wrote their names in it.
Then—
"Can you tell me who your party leader is?" she asked.
They all paused.
"Leader?"
Well, in the novel, Aren was the leader… Lucien thought.
"The leader is—" Aren and Lucien said at the same time.
"Lucien," Aren said.
"Aren," Lucien said.
They looked at each other.
"EH? HHHHH?!"
"Hey, you're the leader. " Lucien said.
"Huh? … You're the leader, right, Lira?" Aren asked.
"Well, anything works for me," Lira replied. "After all, you guys are stronger than us, right, Sister Seris?"
Seris nodded. "Yes, you two should decide."
Aren thought for a moment.
"How about rock-paper-scissors? The winner becomes the leader."
Lucien nodded with a smile.
I have no luck in this game… well, whatever, he thought.
"Rock—
Paper—
Scissors!"
Lucien chose scissors.
Aren chose rock.
"As expected… no luck," Lucien thought.
"I WIN!" Aren shouted happily. It was the first time he had beaten Lucien at something.
The young lady cleared her throat.
"If you've decided, please tell me your party leader's name."
Lucien smiled. "Aren. He's the leader."
"Okay. Your party leader is Aren," she confirmed.
After closing her book, she placed a small chart on the counter.
"Let me explain the rank system.
The Adventure Guild ranks adventurers from F to S.
F-Rank is for beginners. You'll handle simple requests—deliveries, gathering herbs, escorting civilians, and controlled monster threats.
E and D-Rank adventurers take on stronger monsters and longer missions.
C-Rank is where adventurers are considered fully capable. From there, missions become dangerous."
Her expression turned serious.
"B and A-Rank adventurers are elites. They handle large-scale threats, dungeon expeditions, and emergencies.
S-Rank… those are legends. The guild rarely issues missions at that level."
She looked at Lucien and the others.
"As F-Rank adventurers, you'll need to complete missions and earn evaluations to rank up. Promotion isn't automatic—the guild observes your performance, teamwork, and survival."
She gave them a gentle smile.
"Do your best."
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END OF CHAPTER – 18
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