Within his first month as a C - Class adventurer, he proved his worth.
Matthew is what many would call a genius, at only the 1st circle he managed to gain control over 4 puppets at once.
But he knew that to actually get a whole lot stronger, he needed to face more powerful opponents. This along with finally unlocking his second mana circle.
To safely fight stronger opponents and to challenge himself as a "Leader" Matthew and the ego Francis have both come to terms with it. They have decided to finally find a party member.
Gathering allies, comes easy for those who have proven themselves as powerful. The problem with Matthew is the fact that he is picky when it comes down to it.
Finding another C -Class in need of a party is hard mostly because there are already well-established parties looking for members. So it's easy to choose the larger group.
"Any C - Class applicants this time Ms. Tabitha?"
"None, there are a few serviceable D-Class ones that are willing to try though."
"Can you give me the papers? I'll read through them and see"
What Matthew is looking for are one of two things, the first one is a Hunter/Archer class. While there are puppets that fight in a similar manner refilling their cartridges and maintaining them is a drag. There's also the fact that these classes have good vision and can make for good scouts.
The second thing he is looking for is a healer. Anyone with healing capabilities because healing magic in this world only comes from certain classes.
"So it's a swordsman, a warrior and an elemental summoner"
"Why the hell not, Ms. Tabitha can they go for evaluation by 3'oclock today?"
"Ohh I can actually get them here within the next 20 minutes if you're willing to wait."
"Yeah, sure."
Today is one of Matthew's off days. Resting for a single day once every 2 weeks is key for helping him manage his stress levels.
But with Francis as the main ego active, the so called rest day turned into one filled with physical exercise and tests for the newer puppets that he collected.
He also looks a bit different now, dressed in an all leather set of clothes. His cape costs 20 silver, it can help him during the winter and serves as great protection against the sun during hot days.
Most of the time, on his back is a portable puppet. The "Arachne Blades" it can turn into a makeshift armor, or be manipulated to turn into retractable and detachable metal blades. Instead of his old short sword, he now carries two daggers on his waist.
Along with his new attire is a black mask, now this mask isn't exactly used for aesthetic reasons. It's a special mask where there is a built in night-vision lens on the eyes that can be turned on and off.
He came to like it though, since it was a distinguishable feature and people have gotten used to his new appearance.
"This is Rokhan the warrior, he has been a mercenary for close to 2 years now. He entered our association just a few days ago, currently evaluated at D - Class. "
Rokhan stands at roughly 6 feet tall. His frame is large. He carries a Halberd and has a sword holstered on his waist. He wears a heavy set of plate armor, a big helmet covered his head.
"This is Casclesh a swordsman, Inexperienced in live combat but he shows promise."
Casclesh stands at a similar height to Matthew if not slightly shorter, he carries a rapier.
Lastly a girl who looks to be around his age. She carries a large staff and wears a blue robe. Her short wavy hair blocked of her eyes, she also appears to be wearing round glasses.
"Bella, she's an Elemental Summoner. Joined the association after she graduated from a nearby magic academy."
"All right, come follow me to the training grounds in the back. We will be conducting a few small tests before I let you join."
Tabitha the clerk followed them to ensure that the new "talents" she acquired wouldn't get too banged up.
While the guild didn't care for the common fodder, these were people that she handpicked herself so keeping them safe is part of her priorities.
"Mr. Casclesh, please step into the arena. The goal is to showoff your skills, if you manage to beat the puppet then you're guaranteed a spot."
Casclesh is a blond man with a clean-shaven face, he seems to be adept with the usage of his sword. Up against him is the Knight puppet, one of Matthew's favorites.
Most people from other professions, have next to no knowledge on puppeteers. Most of the time puppeteers work alone or are under an apprenticeship which is why encountering them and actually fighting them is a rare sight to see and experience.
Casclesh took out his rapier and prepared to fight.
"Whatever it is, I am likely more adept than it in combat."
An assumption based on his minuscule prior knowledge about puppeteers. "They win by numbers, a single puppet should be easy"
This is one of the many reasons why the D - Class have had no passers. They always underestimate the control he has over the puppets.
"Begin!"
Without skipping a beat the puppet disappeared from right in front of the swordsman. Reappearing in his left bashing his sword-wielding hand with the shield before slashing at his torso.
"Wh-"
Before he could even retaliate the puppet had already overwhelmed him with a series of blows. Which eventually led to him being disarmed.
"Next, Mr. Rokhan."
Rokhan seemed to be a bit more composed, those with a background as a mercenary often know their place in the world.
He took out his halberd and the fight began.
Warriors are known to use any and all sorts of weapons, Rokhan prefers to use a polearm.
Rokhan, contrary to his large exterior showed that he could control the space around him to keep the rook puppet at bay.
"Next, Bella the-"
"Excuse me, Miss Tabitha" Matthew cut her off.
"Yes?"
"Can you fetch me her profile again, ohh so water spirits. Do they have the ability to heal?"
"It is rare for them to have this ability, as far as I know Miss Bella has none"
"I've heard everything I needed to hear then, I'll be giving you my answer by tonight Miss Tabitha. Thank you as always."
Matthew and Francis debated on who to take, it was obvious that Rokhan and his Halberd would serve as a good party member. Compared to the applicants for the last few weeks he has been the most talented, there were 3 others in his waiting list.
"I guess these two will do just fine then."