"Haha. We both tried to kill each other so how about we call it even." He laughed loudly as he walked to his shirt on the ground and picked it up. He swung it over his shoulder and motioned for me to follow him. When we walked out of the training ground through the door, there were a few of the of the adventurers who were previously kicked out. It seemed they had been trying to peep or listen in on the battle. 'How useless.' Even before my battle with the guild master begun I noticed a transparent water expand and cover the whole place. It was probably something to isolate the place. I wondered if it was Brand that asked her to do that. I looked at the secretary who was following behind to which she smiled politely.
Without giving them any look, we made our way to his office. It was a very simple set up with a table and a chair for his use, two chairs behind his table for visitors and a few weapons hanging on his wall behind him. There was a stack of a papers on his table which by the way surprised me greatly. He did not look to be the type to take his work seriously, or even understand or like to do paperwork at all.
"How rude." As if reading my thoughts from my shocked expression, he let out a shout. He walked to his seat with his secretary standing beside him. "Well, with your level of strength you can easily be at the level of an S rank or even SS rank, but I doubt you would want something like that right?" He looked at me knowingly. He really did not fit the muscle-head group. It was probably a way to dupe his opponents as well.
"S?" I asked, not particularly in confusion, but to know the ranks of the world I currently was in. Every adventurer in these types of worlds had their own way of grading their adventurers.
"Yes. Adventurers are grouped mainly into seven ranks depending on their skills. Starting from the first time they apply. They are Copper, Bronze, Iron, silver, gold, Platinum and Adamantite rank. There are however three more ranks that are not made known to the public. It is only disclosed when one reaches a certain threshold. They are S, SS and SSS. Once one reaches this threshold they are no longer ranked as metals, but with letters." The cute secretary explained something that was completely out of expectation. Of the worlds I had visited this was probably the only one whose system was this way.
'Well, I spent most of my time in movie and anime worlds, so I don't really know all their systems.' The three lettered ranks were either the last thirty ranks of the seven metal ranks or they were a demarcation of ranks of the hundred level and past it. I had visited worlds where seventy was the major cap. Getting past seventy was as difficult as a god trying to breakthrough to the next level. Whichever way it was, quite frankly, I did not really care.
That aside, I could not help looking at Brand, the muscle-head looking guild master in a new light. I knew from our little dance that the bald man was far stronger than he let on. He was probably already in the S or SS rank. I would not be surprised if he had already broken into the SSS rank. "What? Have you finally seen how awesome I am? Hahaha. I would not hold the position of guild master for more that forty years if I was not at least that powerful." As if he could read my mind he suddenly broke into a mad laugh. How annoying. I rolled my eyes at him. 'Tsk'.
"So, what do you say? Want it?" He turned serious and asked. He had both elbows on the table with his hands together, looking at me as if he already knew the answer. Seriousness did not suit him. He was better with his goofy and muscle-head expressions.
"Of course not. Too boring. Too troublesome." The secretary by Brand's side opened her mouth in a 'o' shape, shocked someone would consider being ranked as in the S, as being troublesome and boring. The S rank that came with wealth, power and fame was too boring and troublesome. Just who was this young man before her?
The number of S level adventurers in Lorks could literally be counted with one hand, and those were the old monsters that had lived for a long time except for Brand the Guild master. Even he was considered a great genius. Yet, how old was the person before her? 24, 25? Yet he already possessed such strength?
Brand burst into laughter amused by my words. "Alright then. How about Platinum. That should be high enough to get interesting missions and allow you the full benefits of a platinum level adventure." After thinking for a while, I agreed with him. I was not interested in the least with having some weird letter slapped on my chest, especially when I knew that those who were already there would have problems with me being given that level at my pretend age. I did not even know how old I was going to say I was.
"I have a few questions. That hero out there." Brand raised his eyebrow. Even without me finishing my statement, he already knew what I meant. He gave a sigh befitting a tired old man.
"You've noticed huh?" Well, I noticed the moment I laid eyes on him, but don't let that stop you from repeating what I already know. "Things have changed. I'd like very much to believe it is the work of the demon lord. I really do." He tired silent as the pain was visible on his face.
"That being said. I have a favor to ask." I did not like where the conversation was heading.
"You mean a mission?" I narrowed my eyes at him.
"I mean a favor" Brand has used shameless smile.
"Am I gonna get paid?" Riggs has used counter: Sneer.
"Money. Is that all you youngsters think about these days? Brand pitifully tries to use shame.
Riggs has sneered wider. The shame tactic has failed.
"Fine, brat. You will get access to special platinum level missions, and I throw in some adamantite level missions. Happy?". I finally smiled. Yes. Very much. As long as I get paid. Although quite frankly I would like to be sleeping on my ultra-soft bed back at home. I did not like working or cultivating, but I loved money. Granted, I could not use it in the divine realm, but I didn't care. I wanted it. Who didn't want money even if it was money from another place? I could easily swindle…cough…exchange them with a few sucke…noble vintage collectors back home.