Two days later, in the morning, at the northwest entrance.

A trio of hooded individuals was walking towards a young girl in priestess robes. Once she noticed them, she waved at them with a smile. As they reached her and after simple greetings, they restarted their journey.

Adeline: How were your relatives?

Tempest: Very lively!

The trio laughed merrily while Adeline felt left aside. It couldn't be helped. That's what she thought. So, she decided to change the subject and remain positive. As much as she could.

Adeline: So, I found this great pastry shop and...

Five days later, they reached the capital, Fedroli.

At the entrance, they were stopped by a guard as usual. It was a good move to forcefully have identification papers made before since they were being asked by just about everyone.This time, however, the guard asked one more question.

Guard ???: Purpose of visit?

Tempest: Slaughter!

The guard became tense while the wolfman laughed. Shen sighed as he added:

Shen: We plan to become delvers and join the adventurer's guild.

The guard relaxed and advised them to not spew nonsense like this again as it could get them in trouble. Then, they entered the city. And now, this was what a true city should look like. Big, opulent, clean.

Adeline: Woah! Look, look! That's the Everlasting Castle!

They turned towards the monumental palace she was pointing towards. On a giant surelevated hill, a gigantic architecture was standing proud. Twenty towers reaching beyond the clouds and an impressive clock in the very center of the whole thing.

Atem: To think this would still be standing...

Adeline: What?

Shen: Ah. Well, you know, Atem may look young but he is quite old.

Adeline: Sir Atem is?

Atem: Indeed, miss Adeline.

He smiled politely without divulging his real age. It made the feelings of distance inside the young priestess grow even stronger but she did not push further for answers.

The trio stood there in reminescence of a past long forgotten while gazing at the Everlasting Castle. They had been there many times before. In the end, they still had other things to do so they went on the way. Not before Tempest left some usual words of his:

Tempest: I shall bring it down for real this time.

They went straight for the adventurer's guild. It was easy to reach as every passerby knew where the building was. It was a very large one but only had two floors. As they entered, they were impressed by the composed and elegant atmosphere inside.

People wearing beautiful, ornamental outfits and luxurious decorations. The tavern side seemed more like a high-end restaurant with everyone being treated like VIPs and eating inside silverware.

Tempest: What. The. Fuck.

As they remained at the entrance, they were soon approached by an employee. A middle aged man with a business smile wearing a clean red suit. He bowed and introduced himself:

???: Good day to you, My Lady, Sirs. I am Ben, a guild employee, how may i help you today?

The trio stared at each other without even reacting. Only the young priestess did and answered him:

Adeline: Nice to meet you, Ben! We would like to register as adventurers!

Ben: Very good! Pleae, my Lady, Sirs, this way.

He led them towards an area filled with sofas and low tables and had them sit in one facing his own. He asked a passing colleague of his to bring some documents and stared at the quatuor.

Ben: Well then, may i ask to which jobs you are applying towards?

Shen: Delvers.

The eyebrows of the employee twitched upon hearing the answer. His thoughts weren't friendly even though his smile remained. To him, these people were newbies with delusions. Not everyone can be a delver and judging from their appearances, they were too young, too inexperienced...too weak. Still, it was his job to remain amiable to all customers.

Ben: I see. You should then be aware of the procedure to become delvers, i presume?

Shen: No. Please explain it to us.

The thoughts of the employee became more and more uncouth towards the group of idiotic newcomers. Still, he had work ethic.

Ben: You have to register for testing. There are six ranks to an adventurer regardless of the job. In order to become even a rank E delver party, you have to defeat two rank D parties of a different job. We generally use quester parties for these tests. The tests are, of course, not free and prices vary depending on the grade you wish to challenge.

Atem: What is the benefits of higher grades?

"Do you people not even know such basic information?!" were his thoughts.But his answer differed greatly as he took the time to explain.

Ben: The difference is huge. The missions available, the rewards given and all the privileges that come from the fame of being a high ranked delver parties are not to be trifled with. More than anything, the access to the dungeon is solely reserved to Delvers. It brings great glory to be one. But not everyone is capable of such feat.

Shen: Do we have to take the challenge as a 'party' ?

Ben: No. It is possible to take the challenge as an individual. However, we do not recommend it. If a Magus like this Sir here was to be faced with Rogues, he could only blame the gods for his lack of luck.

Atem: I would not be defeated by Rogues though.

Shen: Shut up, Atem. Anyways, we would like to take that exam individually and then as a party. What do you think, miss Adeline?

Adeline: Ah? Uh, I am not sure. As a priest, taking the individual exam is...too hard for me.

Shen: Well, don't worry, we'll take the team exam anyways. If you're fine with registering with us, of course.

Adeline: Ah! Yes! Of course! I would love to!

Shen: Then it is settled. We would like to take the indivual exams for us three and then the party exam for us four as one party.

Ben: Are you certain, My Lady, Sirs? The Delver's exam is not a joke.

Shen: No problem.

Ben: ...Alright. What rank would you like to be evaluated for?

Atem & Shen & Tempest : S.