<<Previous Chapter | Carefree Journey of the Fugitive Sage Candidates | Next Chapter>>
Translator: Barnnn
The next morning, the duo lingered a while in the comfort of their inn before setting out for the Adventurers’ Guild.
They had already confirmed they were eligible to register as adventurers, but now came the official process. More importantly, they sought knowledge — information about as many combat skills as they could find.
“I haven’t found any general combat skill that made me go ‘this is the one,’ you know,” Hal said. “I mean, I’m not all that interested in getting close and personal anyway, so it’s no big deal…”
“So you’re leaning toward magic instead of relying on physical strength? Not that I want to see you become a musclehead or anything, but getting too enchanted by magic can be its own kind of trap.”
“What do you mean, enchanted by magic? Don’t lump all magic users into that stereotype. Besides, it’s a bit harsh to label martial artists as ‘muscleheads’ just like that, don’t you think?”
Ize shrugged. “True, it might be a little unfair. But I was only talking about you, Hal, not the entire world.”
“That’s even worse!” Hal protested, though a grin tugged at the corner of his mouth.
Despite their banter implying uncertainty, they had all but agreed by now that they would ask the Goddess for magical combat skills.
It all came down to the issue of safety — magical abilities would allow them to engage enemies from a distance, sparing them the need for direct, close-range conflict.
Hal, in particular, understood his own limitations. He wasn’t as small as Ize, but in this world, his stature was on the petite side. No amount of combat training, a discipline he’d never even dabbled in back on Earth, would change that simple fact. The prospect of being overpowered in a physical contest wasn’t just a fear — it was a likely reality.
And though neither he nor Ize spoke it out loud, there was an understanding that keeping their distance from their enemies also meant sparing themselves the emotional burden of causing direct harm. While conflict was an inevitability they had to come to terms with sooner or later, at this moment — while still at the stage of choosing their skills — there was no need to invite that inner turmoil.
For Ize, on the other hand, the decision was not quite so straightforward. Hal intended to take his time, weighing their experiences carefully before advising her. He favored fighting alone and wanted her to specialize in support or healing skills, roles that would complement his. But Ize had made her stance clear — there was no way she would sit on the sidelines and let Hal face danger alone.
As such, the specifics of the matter remained unresolved. They would have to sit down and talk it out before Hal’s Coming-of-Age Ceremony.
[At the end of the day, the final choice is mine to make during my ceremony!] Ize thought to herself.
[At the end of the day, there’s nothing stopping either of us from choosing whatever we want during the ceremony…] Hal thought to himself.
Which of their desires would ultimately prevail? It was a question only the Gods could answer.
********************************************
“Now then, here are your Adventurer Registration Cards, Hal and Ize. Make sure to keep them on your person at all times if possible.”
The registration process had been unexpectedly swift — with neither cliched pledges nor entrance exams to mark the occasion.
The titles of “adventurer” had been bestowed, but for now, they were merely apprentices.
For all adventurers, the earliest steps began at the age of twelve, when they could officially register and take on small tasks. Yet, until they reached fifteen — the age of adulthood — they were bound by a series of restrictions. Apprentices like Ize were permitted to accept quests up to two ranks above their current level, but they were forbidden from undertaking more dangerous jobs that involved crossing city borders.
Hal, having just registered, was bound by the same limitations, but not for long. With enough quests completed within the span of six months, he could rise to F-rank, the threshold that marked the beginning of a true adventurer’s career.
From there, the hierarchy stretched upward: E, D, C, B, and A. Then there was the coveted S-rank, only occupied by those who possessed unimaginable power — what would be called living legends — or so Hal had heard in passing somewhere.
Additionally, there were no official tests up to D-rank. For now, Hal’s advancement would depend entirely on how well he completed the tasks he chose to accept.
“…But from C-rank onward, first you’ll need a good track record, and then either pass examinations or receive recommendations from the Guild officials themselves. So please, set your sights high, and aim for C-rank as your first major goal.”
Ize’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “Miss, miss! Can we become C-rank right away if we work really hard?”
The receptionist chuckled softly. “Well, Ize, if you stay dedicated and complete plenty of requests while earning recognition along the way, you could reach C-rank in about five years. Even for those who are cautious or take their time, it wouldn’t take longer than ten years.”
“Five years? That’s still quite a long way off!” Ize exclaimed, though her voice held no trace of discouragement. “But I’ll do my best — I’ll need to work extra hard!”
“Just make sure you don’t overdo it,” the receptionist advised kindly. “Many adventurers aim for C-rank, so it’s quite competitive. In fact, it’s also when your career stabilizes — that’s why most of the active members of the Guild are at that rank.”
“That’s good to know,” Hal replied, nodding in gratitude. Then, he asked politely, “If it’s not too much trouble, could you answer a few questions we have?”
The receptionist’s smile widened, clearly pleased by his respectful inquiry. “Of course! It’s rare for people to ask even one question after registering, but I can see that you two are quite serious. I truly hope you’ll continue with this path for a long time.”
“Thank you. We’ll give it our best shot. Now, first off…”
Through their persistent but friendly conversation with the receptionist, the duo gleaned an impressive range of information — though the quality varied just as greatly. Along with details about combat skills and quests, they learned about the best dessert cafés throughout the capital, and even a curious rumor about the deputy guild master of the Merchants’ Guild wearing a suspiciously convincing wig.
On their way out, Hal couldn’t help but laugh to himself. “We learned a lot today, but I must admit… that receptionist was more formidable than I expected.”
“Formidable? You mean… she’s got some kind of negotiation-type skill?”
“Actually, no — it’s more like a resistance-type.”
“So, like, she resisted your Art of Negotiation?”
“Not quite. Her skill weakens the effectiveness of other people’s powers when they target her.”
“Oh! So if I hid her presence with my Stealth skill, she’d still be easier to spot than she should?”
“Yeah, I think. Man, there are so many kinds of skills, it’s hard to keep track of them all…” Hal said with a sigh, shaking his head in mild exasperation.
Ize giggled. “It’s almost like something out of a novel, especially ones taking place in games, you know. You see all these strange and unexpected skills and think, ‘how did they even come up with this?’ or ‘no way this would exist in an actual game!'”
“Heh, sounds like we’ll have to be ready for whatever the world throws at us.”
After departing from the Adventurers’ Guild, they stopped briefly at a restaurant for a light lunch, after which they set their sights on the Crafters’ District near their inn.
Now that they were registered adventurers, they had to acquire essential gear. As mere apprentices on the cusp of adulthood, they were barred from purchasing high-end items, so they focused on practical clothing that would serve them well during their upcoming travels.
Their current outfits, which they had ‘acquired’ during their stay at the royal castle, were far too fine for the streets. More than once, they had noticed the curious glances of townsfolk, as if they suspected the pair of being the hidden children of some noble family or wealthy merchants.
Hal had concocted a backstory to explain their refined appearance: their mother had recently passed away, and in her absence, they had sold their family home and most of their belongings. Now, they were setting out on a journey to reunite with their estranged father, who was said to be working in a shop in the Tajellia Kingdom.
The story was enough to quell any further inquiries, giving a reasonable explanation for why two children were out traveling. It also added a touch of tragedy that made people less likely to pry into the delicate details of their lives.
As they walked, Hal allowed himself a brief, self-deprecating smile. He mused that, given how easily the lies had slipped from his tongue, he could probably make a living as a con artist. Yet at the same time, he couldn’t help but doubt how convincing it actually was to others’ ears.
********************************************
As Ize and Hal entered their usual shop, the shopkeeper greeted them with a warm, motherly smile.
“Welcome, welcome! Oh, if it isn’t Ize! And you’ve brought your older brother along today — how lovely to see the two of you together!”
“Good afternoon, Miss Angeena!” Ize responded brightly, pulling out her Adventurer Card. “We’ve just come from the Adventurers’ Guild — we’re officially registered! Look, I’m an adventurer now!”
Angeena glanced over the card. She chuckled before teasing her, “Oh my… But you’re not supposed to register until you’re twelve, if I remember correctly. Are you sure they’ve actually signed you up, Ize?”
“I’m telling you, I’m already fourteen!”
Angeena had come to know the duo well over their past visits. Ever since she had heard their story — the fabricated tale of loss and the upcoming journey — she had been especially kind to them, her heartstrings no doubt tugged by their supposed circumstances.
“So, what brings you two here today?” Angeena asked. “Looking for some new clothes, Ize?”
“I’m still growing into these!” Ize replied, gesturing to her current outfit. “Once I get a bit taller, they’ll fit just right.”
“Hmm… let’s hope that’s true.”
“It will be!”
Hal stepped forward then, and proceeded to get to business. “As you already know, Miss Angeena, we’ll be leaving soon — we’re looking for clothing suited for travel. A few sets for autumn and winter, plus some overcoats. They don’t need to be anything fancy, really.”
“Yes, something less noticeable,” Ize added. “I’ve been told we shouldn’t stand out too much.”
Angeena nodded. “That makes sense. It’s always better to travel in simple, sturdy clothes — you won’t be too worried about getting them dirty along the way.”
With a practiced eye, Angeena began selecting items from the shelves. She had already measured the two of them on a previous visit, so she knew exactly what would fit their frames.
Neither Ize nor Hal was particularly concerned with fashion, and they had little knowledge of the trends that swirled around this world. They were content to leave the decisions in Angeena’s hands.
“So, now that you’re adventurers, I imagine you’ll be paying a visit to Mister Latten next?” Angeena asked.
“Yes,” Hal confirmed with a nod. “The Adventurers’ Guild even recommended him. I didn’t realize his place had such a strong reputation!”
“Latten’s known for smaller weapons, so you should find something your size, Ize.”
“I can handle big weapons just fine, thank you very much!”
Hal chuckled at Ize’s fiery retort, but without waiting for more, he gently tugged her along by the sleeve.
They made their way to Latten’s weapon shop, where they were greeted by walls lined with an impressive array of knives — from harvesting and hunting knives, simple enough for even a newly registered child adventurer — to finely wrought daggers and short swords.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Hal explained that they would be leaving town soon. Latten nodded thoughtfully, considering their needs as he listened.
“When you take a long-distance horsebus, it’ll usually have some guards or adventurers hired by trading companies. When it’s your turn to fight, it’ll be because all those guys have already been wiped out.”
Wasting no time, Latten presented a selection of gathering knives and hidden daggers to them.
They purchased what he suggested without a moment’s hesitation, and even had chest armor adjusted to fit their frames, to be worn beneath their overcoats.
“You know…” Latten remarked, pausing for a moment as he examined Ize, “…you’re too short. And too skinny. You shouldn’t be thinking about taking up a frontline job. If you do, the rear’ll get wiped out the moment you go down.”
“What the–” Ize’s mouth fell open, the truth bomb landing a critical hit. “I’M NOT SHORT! Hal, tell him!”
“Haha…” It took Hal all his effort not to burst out laughing. “D-don’t worry, Mister Latten. I’ll take the front, and my little bro here will stay in the back. It’s all good.”
“Actually, you don’t exactly look built for the front lines either. Scrawny like that, you’re better off somewhere in the middle — that is, if you find a tougher fighter to join you.”
“Fair enough, I guess. We probably won’t find any party members during our travels, though… maybe when we have a stopover somewhere.”
“The sooner, the better,” Latten nodded.
As Latten busied himself with his work, he continued offering them sound advice for the journey ahead.
Ize, though appreciative of his thoroughness, couldn’t help but feel the sting of his blunt words.
Hal, sensing her mood, tried to comfort her — only for his attempt to fail spectacularly when she caught his face twitching with suppressed laughter.
In retribution, she forced him to carry every single one of their heavy bags. They proceeded to wrap up their shopping for the day and head back to their inn.
<<Previous Chapter | Carefree Journey of the Fugitive Sage Candidates | Next Chapter>>
