"So what is it do you want to talk about?" Brad asked as he realized the solemn faces of the four. He already was so fluent in the common tongue that they couldn't tell if he was someone who talked funny the days before.
"Well here's the thing Brad, since we might stay here longer than we expected, we decided to help teach you of many things. Now we are going to tell you how we identify strength from our hometowns. As well as the value of things like what you currently have." Ashea worded her words carefully as she tries to forget the elegant demeanor Brad had shown yesterday.
"That's right Brad, you saved our lives so it is our duty to teach you of things that you might be taking for granted. You might not know it but you could very well be a very strong warrior even in our kingdoms. But you have no prior knowledge so we want you to be wary of any ill intended person that might swindle you in the future. That includes us in any case we fall into further temptation." Kent was quite honest and direct of their purpose.
"Okay, then what should I know then?" Brad was listening intently as he too agreed that he might get cheated later on if he wanted to travel in the lands of these people. He listed as the four started to tell him of the general way people rank items and strength, mostly in military terms to make it more easier to explain.
It started in the Copper rank, weakest and mostly the same level of normal humans.
Bronze rank is equivalent to trained soldiers like militias and the like.
Iron rank is considered the experienced soldiers that could use a weapon of choice skillfully.
Silver rank are considered elites of the soldiers and are quite tasked in leading a squad of Iron rank soldiers.
Gold Rank are the cream of the crop of the soldiers as they are have years of experience in the field they are in.
Platinum are for those with specialties that could do complicated task that the Gold rank couldn't do. This rank is quite vague as there are professions that are Platinum ranked but could only have Gold rank strength but what put's them apart are the special skills like Ashea's talent in Healing and Rhean's Blessings.
After Platinum is the Orichalcum Rank that could already considered as rare to come by but still could be seen in general public. They are more stronger in their own field than the Platinum ranked adventurers and could fight warriors the same rank even with a support role. Some could get a nobility title with this much strength in their Kingdoms or positions with equal influence.
But the last two rank are special as they are considered so rare in the General public as they are mostly trump cards of countries and kingdoms. One is the Mithril rank that only a few were known to exist and they have mostly nobility titles already due to their strength and influence. Some are Dukes, Princes or princesses of the country who had already spent years in developing, while not all Young masters and young misses had that much strength yet. Many still show potential to reach that level.
Last one are so rare that some people grow old not being able to see one, the Adamantine rank. They could be considered a strategic resource that countries and Kingdoms wouldn't blatantly show outside. These people could already at least give trouble to the Beast Lords should they fight and every country or organization has at least one team of Adamantine rank specialist to deal with national disasters.
Only known Adamantine rank were Kings and leaders of various factions. The others are either retired or hid themselves from the world to spend time alone by themselves. They also talked about the value of things Brad had owned and hoe he should not show these easily to others including them. Brad smiled as he too lessened his guard towards these four, he liked their straightforwardness and honesty.
They also showed him the circulating currency which Brad found was very simple.
One copper coin
ten copper coins=one bronze coin
ten bronze coin=silver coin
ten silver coin=one gold coin
ten gold coin=one large gold coin
ten large gold coin=one platinum coin/ two white gold coin
White gold coins are alloys made from platinum and gold, some coins are differently shaped but there is an agreed upon weight that is being followed by banks of various kingdoms. Some places don't follow these and made their own currency so their exchange rate is quite confusing. Brad was shown various coins that had different patterns and faces on their sides.
Brad listened carefully as he etched this information deep within his brain. He wasn't sure when he could get to travel but this would be very useful in the future. He was thankful he got to save some good nature people and not opportunistic ones. He learned of many things as well as basic understanding of herbs from Rhean, some explanation about various cultures that were general knowledge in the Harken Continent and Rainfall continent.
After they had that lengthy conversation in Breakfast, Brad asked if he could borrow the storage bags of the four. cause it was almost noon. Not that there were any sunlight inside as only the Glow worms are present in the cave. But their light intensity does change during the day which Brad realized and remembered so he could tell the time with the glowing bugs.
"You want to borrow the bags? What are you gonna use it for?" Brendel asked.
"To carry some metal nuggets." Brad said as he felt it was okay to take them past the waterwheel and show them the tunnels.
"Okay, can I come with you?" Rhean readily accepted in behalf of her teammates as she felt an opportunity has shown itself.
"Sure, just arm yourselves as I am not sure if we would encounter any underground creatures in the way." Brad agreed as he felt it was better to have support and all.
"We'll come too!" Ashea then ran back to their room to get dressed followed by the excited priestess.
"We want to gear up as well, but there seems to be no one to take care of your place should we leave." kent asked as he too wanted to follow.
"Oh it's okay, I leave my house from time to time yet there seems to be no intruder. I still block the cave entrance with a large stone door I made. It's the only one I've made so far but I would make some more for the entrance on the cliff side." brad reassured the two.
"So we could follow you in the tunnels?" Brendel asked hopefully.
"Yes, you could follow. I already left markers on the explored area and I would only go there for metal anyways." Brad then pulled out a large leather bag full of stone tools.