Walking down a wide dirt road, Liam approached the Adventurer Guild. The building was rather grandiose in comparison to the shoddy buildings on either side of it. Not only was it grander, but it was also far taller than the other buildings. It was probably three or four stories tall.

Around the perimeter of the property, there was a stone wall topped with decorative yet intimidating metal spikes. The structure of the building seemed to have been built with granite. Eight Romanesque pillars, four on each side, were spaced at regular intervals along the stone path leading to the entrance. Covering the pillars was wooden lattice overgrown with vines.

While Liam was strolling along underneath the ceiling of vines, a screen popped up right in front of him. Startled, he stopped in his tracks.

“Oh, if it isn't the Masked Meister again...” Liam muttered. Of course, 'Masked Meister' was a title that Liam had coined.

[Hmm? Masked Meister? That's a good nickname. I'll take it.]

What the hell?! He heard me?!

[Ahem. Anyway, Masked Meister here with a little announcement.]

He's rolling with it...

[Yes, yes. I know it has only been a short time since I last made an appearance. Be grateful that you get to see me again so soon. Now, on to the matter at hand. We are patching your status screens since there seem to be some errors. Obviously, many of you noticed that the critical rate attribute had a very blatant error.]

Liam nodded without realizing it. Oh, right, I was trying to remain discreet. Time to act normal.

[Well, we decided to completely remove the critical rate and damage features from your screens. Instead, the “Luck” attribute will take their place. It is broader in function, but still includes critical rate. Critical damage is somewhat irrelevant since this is all real, but different weapons will still affect it. Take care to remember that.]

Good to know. Liam thought while opening the double doors of the Adventurer Guild. Wait, who is 'we'?

[Anyway, that is all for now. I, the Masked Meister, shall leave you all to your own devices. Farewell, and you are welcome for the privilege of seeing me.]

As the screen dissipated, Liam's face went full deadpan. The prideful act was way too obnoxious. If that guy had been one of Liam's recruits, he would have gone through hell. Twice.

Status Screen has been updated.

I'll check it after I get some info about this Adventurer Guild. Liam thought. The room he had just stepped into was very spacious. Two giant pillars stood elegantly on either side of a, well, less elegant reception desk. Grand staircases wrapped around the pillars and led to the second floor. From what he could tell, the second floor was carpeted while the floor he was currently standing on was made of marble. Honestly, Liam had no idea how such a place could be considered a popular tavern.

Moving on, he approached the back of the line leading up to the reception desk. Most of the people in line were staring blankly at their 'screens'. Even though Liam could not see the screens, he knew those idiots were in the same situation as himself. Some of the people were jittering with excitement while others had sour expressions on their faces as they dreaded the danger of their situation. It was the latter group that Liam had more respect for. After all, no one who walked into combat with an expectant grin walked back out with it.

For a good hour, Liam waited patiently in line. Some people had conversations about how exciting the situation was. Others remained silent. New people fell in behind Liam. Eventually, his turn came. He was called up by the middle of three receptionists. The young woman behind the counter had a very proper appearance. However, not only was her hair golden blond, but her eyes were practically the same color. No wonder some people had cringed upon reaching the counter.

“Welcome to the Adventurer's Guild,” The woman said courteously, “My name is Cecilia. What can I do for you today?”

“Cecilia? Hmm... Yeah, I'll just call you Cici.” Liam said.

“Eh?” Cecilia's eyes opened wide and she dropped the quill pen she had been holding.

“My name is Liam, and I would like information on what joining the Adventurer Guild entails.”

“Oh... um... right. So, in order to join, you need a background in fighting monsters. There are two ways to do so.” Cecilia explained after recovering from the slight shock she had just received.

Liam nodded and waited for the end of the explanation.

“One, you need three well-known adventurers to vouch for your strength. Two, you need to prove your strength by killing monsters.”

“I see. A test of sorts.” Liam commented.

“Yes, and you can bring certain parts of the monsters here for verification. You can sell them as well, even without joining. Oh, um, you still should try to join, though.” Cecilia, or rather, Cici said. Then, she whispered to herself, “Ugh... I can't believe I dropped my professionalism...” Liam assumed he was not supposed to hear that, but he did, in fact, hear it.

“So, I can sell monster parts here without joining. What are the perks of joining, then?” Liam inquired.

“If you choose to officially join the Adventurer's Guild, you will be able to take on quests offered by both state and community.”

“The government offers quests here?”

“Yes. The military focuses on conflicts with people while the Adventurer's Guild focuses on conflicts with monsters. We split the tasks.”

“I see. Makes sense.” Liam said, nodding with understanding. He leaned onto the counter, which startled 'Cici', and asked, “Is there a payment system?”

“Oh... uh... yes. You can get rewards for quests, although the guild will receive 10% of the reward as an interim fee.”

“I see...” Liam muttered. So far, this did not sound particularly bad, but something still felt off. “Let me ask you this, do- Hey, what are you making a worried face like that for?”

“N- nothing.”

“Hmm... anyway, do all adventurers make enough to live off of?”

“Um... I would like to say yes, but...” Cecilia trailed off.

“I assume it depends on personal ability in the end. Survival of the fittest.” Liam concluded.

“Survival of what?” Cecilia asked, confused by the strange things this man was saying.

“Well, I'll get to killing things, then. Got any directions, Cici?” Liam asked.

“Eh? Uh... um... there are Woolf dens to the south, but every other direction is very diverse...” Cici muttered.

“Alright. I assume the map on that wall over there is of the city?” Liam asked, pointing at the wall to his left.

“Yes, that is a map of the Aisling district. Crey is at the center.” Cici answered.

I'm just going to assume Crey is the name of the city. Liam thought. Then, he said, “Thanks. See you later, Cici.”

“Eh? Uh... bye?” Cici replied.

Liam gave Cici a wave and walked over to the map. Meanwhile, Cecilia rested her elbows on the counter and massaged her temples.

“So, you got another guy coming on to you?” Cecilia's co-worker asked while leaning over the wall between their reception areas.

“Ugh... no, I don't think so...” Cecilia said.

“But he even gave you a cute nickname~.”

“Yes, but he didn't come across as forward at all...” Cecilia muttered.

“Well, it's always either flirting or disgust when they come to your booth. Why can't I get some flirting over here?”

“Mmm...” Cecilia hummed but did not reply.

Shrugging, Cecilia's co-worker retreated to her own reception area and called out to the next person in line. After one last glance at the guy named Liam she had just spoken to, Cecelia also called out to the next person in line.